Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
The New South Wales Government has released its long awaited Destination 2036 Action Plan, outlining the ‘new direction’ for local government in NSW and setting out how councils will deliver services to their communities in the future.
State Local Government Minister Don Page the Action Plan gives the state’s residents, communities and Councils a clear explanation of how the local government sector will modernise, reform and improve how they function over the coming five, 10 and 26 years.
The initiatives identified in the Action Plan are:
- Efficient and effective service delivery in local government,
- Quality governance and leadership in local government,
- Financial sustainability in local government,
- Appropriate, flexible structural models in local government, and
- Strong relationships within local government
Queensland freight plan launches
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, has attended the unveiling of the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone: 50 Year Freight Infrastructure Plan, an ambitious long-term blueprint aimed at expanding the economic activity within the region almost six-fold to $84 billion within five years.
Queensland simplifies SEQ water employment deals
The Queensland Government has passed legislation that will give council-owned water businesses in the state’s south east the same flexibility to manage staff in the same way as any other employer.
Stonnington loses bid to block development
The City of Stonnington has lost a bid to block the construction of a major new development in Melbourne’s south east after the Victorian Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT) ruled in favour of Lend Lease, granting the permit for construction.
Sydney announces community services spend
The City of Sydney has announced it will boost spending to nearly $370 million this year on vital community services.
Queensland flags council funding reform
Queensland Minister for Local Government David Crisafulli has urged the state’s councils to find new ways to fund community infrastructure and services as the state grapples with its ‘crippling debt.’
Consultations under way for review of NSW local government
What does the future hold for local government in NSW? Can councils play a stronger, more effective role to support local communities? Can they all survive financially? Will they need to change their focus, structures or boundaries to meet the changing needs of their communities?
Government announces next steps in Melbourne's planning
The Victorian Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, has met with local councils to discuss the next phase of consultation on the direction of Melbourne's planning future.
ACELG publishes social media report
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG), in partnership of the University of Canberra, has published a survey into the use of social media in local government in Australia.
Claremont named Waterwise Council
Work in replacing inefficient and gaining irrigation systems and conducting thorough water audits to detect leaks has earned the Western Australian Town of Claremont the title of Waterwise Council.
Government outlines local NBN training initiative
The Federal Government has announced a $15.2 million training initiative for 36 communities across the country to assist in the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) under the Digital Hubs and Digital Enterprises program.
Queensland appoints Boundary Commissioner
The Queensland Government has appointed former Mackay Mayor Colin Meng to assess local councils’ cases for de-amalgamation.
$27.8 million for SA in second round RDAF funding
The Federal Government has announced $27.8 million in funding for seven projects throughout South Australia as part of the second round of the Regional Development Australia Fund.
MAV outlines council rates
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has announced council rates will rise an average $75, or five per cent, this coming financial year to help cover the growing costs of community service demands, hikes in Government levies and the impact of the Federal Government’s carbon pricing scheme.
Latrobe Valley Transition Committee releases report
The Latrobe Valley Transition Committee (LVTC) has released a report that aims to guide the ongoing diversification of Victoria’s Latrobe Valley economy.
Queensland to wind waste levy back
The Queensland Government has announced plans to wind back the state waste levy in a bid to reduce living costs.
Cairns Regional Council CEO to depart
The CEO of Cairns Regional Council, Lyn Russell, has been dismissed and will receive a payout reported to be worth around $500,000, including 12 months’ pay and entitlements.
Auditor General to head public sector research centre advisory board
The Auditor General of Victoria, Des Pearson will chair the Advisory Board for La Trobe University’s Centre for Public Sector Governance, Accountability and Performance (CPSGAP).
ALGA ratchets up recognition push
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has renewed its push for the recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution following last week’s High Court decision over the Williams Case, which calls into question the Federal Government’s ability to provide direct funding.
Local Government review nears completion
Western Australia’s Metropolitan Local Government review Panel is due to conclude its review into the future of local government reform in metropolitan Perth in the coming weeks.
NSW Land and Water Commissioner to oversee CSG exploration
“We acknowledge the many responses to the draft Strategic Regional Land Use policy and will continue to refine the policy over the next few months to ensure NSW has the strongest regulation of mining and gas extraction in Australia, if not the world."