Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
The City of Mt Gambier Library has been awarded the 2012 Jim Crawford Award for Innovation in Libraries for its engagement of the community in life-long learning.
The two yearly awards celebrate the late Jim Crawford's contribution to the development of public libraries in South Australia. Mr Crawford was a former chairman of the Libraries Board of SA and head of the CMV Automotive Group.
Mr Crawford, who was also Mayor of the former Brighton Council and a Vice-President of the Local Government Association, convinced former Premier Don Dunstan to co-invest with Local Government in a program to develop libraries in every Council area. The program was embraced by Councils and has had the support of all State Governments since its inception.
Local governments funded for NBN uptake
Federal funding totalling $5 million has been announced to help 14 local governments take advantage of the National Broadband Network.
National Assessment Framework to assist councils with financial management
The National Assessment Framework (NAF) on-line Portal is nearing completion and will be available for Councils shortly. The NAF will enable Councils to carry out an assessment of their current asset and financial management processes in line with the nationally consistent measures.
Survey finds problems with Queensland elections
A survey by the Local Government Association of Queensland of the conduct of the 2012 Queensland local government elections has found that the Electoral Commission of Queensland failed to perform adequately in regard to key aspects of the poll.
City of Perth appoints new Planning Director
The City of Perth has appointed Mr Martin Mileham as its new Director of Planning and Development. He will commence work at the City on 3 September.
Mr Mileham is currently with the Western Australian Department of Planning where he is Executive Director of Strategy Policy and Projects. He has experience in Australia, the Middle East, South-East Asia and Europe.
Mr Mileham replaces Peter Monks, who resigned earlier this year to work in Sydney.
Lord Mayors meet in Perth
The City of Perth is hosting a meeting of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM) this week, attended by Lord Mayors from around Australia and the Lord Mayor of Auckland, Len Brown.
Tasmania recommends smaller councils
The Tasmanian Local Government Board has recommended a reduction of councillors at six of the state’s councils.
NT announces sustainable local government move
The Northern Territory Government has announced the formation of a new nine-member taskforce responsible for the implementation of the 32 recommendations outlined in the recently released Deloitte Shire Sustainability Review.
Projecting a big future for Geraldton
The Federal Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government simon Crean has launched a discussion paper that projects a future of strong growth for the Western Australian town of Geraldton.
Research confirms regional SA's economic importance
South Australia’s regions, accounting for 30 per cent of the state’s population, is responsible for over 40 per cent of the state’s exports according to new research released by the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies (SACES).
Victoria announces planning reform
The Victorian Government has announced sweeping reform to the state’s planning zones in a bid to return certainty to councils, residents and the development industry.
ABS examines local government income discrepancies
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has published an article which examines the wage and salary income variations across Local Government Regions, using key data to explore which LGAs enjoy higher wage and salaries and which one’s have a case for improved wage conditions.
NSW releases planning paper
The New South Wales Department of Planning and Infrastructure has outlined the future of the state’s planning framework. The Green Paper – A New Planning System for NSW details the State Government’s objectives for a more transparent, effective and efficient planning system for the state.
Melbourne to fund green retrofitting
Changes to legislation in Victoria is set to allow property trusts to gain access to financing for environmental upgrades, likely to result in significant increases to opportunities for green retrofitting in Melbourne’s city centre.
$300 million for Melbourne's Docklands
Victorian Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy, and Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle have unveiled a plan for $300 million in community infrastructure projects in the Docklands.
IPA urges better city monitoring
Infrastructure Partnerships Australia has called for the Productivity Commission to develop a more accurate method to track performance of Australia’s major cities; and calling on all three levels of government to integrate the way they plan, regulate and operate metropolitan infrastructure.
Pagani announced as Tablelands councillor
Queensland Local Government Minister David Crisafulli has announced he has accepted Marjorie Pagani's nomination to become a Tablelands councillor after nobody nominated for the position before April's Local Government elections.
Government outlines $6 billion infrastructure fund
The Federal Government has released its guidelines for the $6 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund, which it says will unlock investment in communities dealing with the impact of the mining boom.
Victoria releases Latrobe Valley Roadmap
The Victorian Government has unveiled its long-term strategy to help guide the Latrobe Valley through future changes and challenges being imposed by the Federal Government’s carbon tax.
COAG holds first Regional Australia meeting
Commonwealth, State and Territory ministers responsible for regional development have attended the inaugural meeting of the COAG Standing Council on Regional Australia to discuss the ‘ambitious cooperative agenda’ to deliver real and lasting growth across regional Australia.
Federal Government signs RDA MoU with NT
The Federal and Northern Territory governments have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that cements a partnership approach to investment in Regional Development (RDA) NT.