Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
Victorian councils have responded angrily to the Baillieu government’s decision to cut funding to municipal libraries, and are mounting a campaign against the move.
The funding cuts, which have not been announced publicly but were revealed in a state government funding agreement that was circulated after most councils had adopted their annual budgets, will remove $5 million annually from Victorian local library budgets over four years and increases for inflation will not be paid.
The Municipal Association of Victoria, the peak body for Victorian councils, has estimated there will be a $130,000 cut this year but without standard indexation increases, the shortfall will be closer to $800,000.
SA Minister backflip on Burnside Council investigation
The South Australian Local Government Minister, Russell Wortley, has announced that an investigation into Burnside Council will be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions if there is evidence of wrongdoing, reversing his decision earlier this month to abandon the $1.3 million investigation by former auditor-general Ken MacPherson.
Perth City Council launches green grants
The Perth City Council has launched the City of Perth Environment Grants and Sponsorship Program for 2011 that will offer grants to non-government and community organisations to help develop community-based environmental services and programs.
New interactive knowledge forum for local government professionals
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government has launched a new interactive forum for local government practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase innovation and provide useful links to resources, research opportunities, collaboration and support.
ALGA welcomes carbon tax discussions
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to discuss and clarify how the proposed carbon tax will affect ratepayers.
Perth classified as regional centre
The Federal Government has announced that Perth will be classified as a regional centre in a bid to streamline overseas recruitment.
New Perth public transport plan released
The Western Australian Government has called for a ‘significant change in the way public transport operates’ if it is to deal with the expected exponential growth in demand over the next 20.
Queensland Government to expedite sustainable infrastructure development assessments
The Queensland Government has released its Green Door policy which will see the Government work with local government and referral agencies to accelerate the development assessment of projects that that demonstrate exemplary sustainability performance.
Health grants for local government
The Federal Government has called for local governments to apply for over $26 million in the latest round of the Healthy Communities Grants.
Water plan for Alice Springs released
The Northern Territory Government has launched a new $15 million plan, Alice Water Smart, for the management of Alice Springs’ water supplies.
Queensland launches regional growth strategy
The Queensland State Government has announced the launch of the Queensland Regionalisation Strategy aimed at controlling growth in the state’s regional areas in the face of increasing regional population growth.
Planned WA Local Government mergers stall
The Western Australian State Government’s plan to reduce the number of local government councils has taken another blow after the City of Nedlands and the City of Subiaco voted to remain independent.
Local government grants for South Australian roads and services brought forward
The South Australian Minister for State/Local Government Relations Russell Wortley has announced Commonwealth approval of more than $36 million in grants to fund road works and other local government services.
WA launches local government planning website
The WA Government has launched an Integrated Planning website to assist local governments as part of the state’s Local Government Reform program.
City of Subiaco receives Sustainable City award
The City of Subiaco has been recognised as Western Australia's most Sustainable City for 2011.
Productivity Commission to benchmark local government regulatory role
The Productivity Commission has commenced a benchmarking study into the role of local government as a regulator, at the request of the Australian Government and with the agreement of COAG's Business Regulation and Competition Working Group.
WALGA calls for review of waste recycling levy
Recent data showing WA as having the lowest recycling rate in the nation could point to ineffective use of funds being collected through the State Government’s landfill levy, according to the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA).
Draft Newcastle Carbon and Water Management Action Plan to be released
The Newcastle Council will place its draft Newcastle 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan on exhibition for a month.
SA Government dumps inquiry into Burnside Council
The South Australian Government has abandoned its investigation into Burnside Council, having spent $1.5 million on it over the past two years.
Billion dollar development in City of Glen Eira
Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy has announced the approval of a planning scheme amendment to allow for the $1 billion Caulfield Village development.