Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
A report about the extent of local government collaborative arrangements across NSW and factors that underpin the effectiveness of these arrangements has been released.
The survey of 100 councils shows that the majority of councils embrace collaborative arrangements as a way of building capacity in the sector.
There is evidence of a stronger strategic approach to these arrangements, with councils reporting that the majority of these arrangements are underpinned by robust strategic and business planning.
National Water Commission releases water reform options report
A new report that sets out three reform options to ensure Australia's water sector has been released by the National Water Commission.
Reform for council contributions in Victoria
The Victorian Government has announced a planned ‘overhaul’ of local development contributions with an eye to streamline infrastructure development and construction.
Electoral review for the City of Melbourne
Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has approved a request by the Melbourne City Council (MCC) for the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) to conduct a review of the Council’s electoral structure.
LED street lights could save $50 million a year
The use of LED technology in street lighting could shave $50 million dollars a year and 337,000 tonnes off greenhouse gas emissions, according to an article published by The Sydney Morning Herald.
WA announces development panels
The Western Australian State Government has announced the appointment of 27 specialists to staff 15 development assessment panels across the state.
Growth for Queensland regional centres and mining communities
The recently released Queensland Government population projections to 2031 report has indicated that Queensland’s population is expected to grow by 1 million people to around 5.6 million by 2031 with major South-East Queensland driving growth.
Local government employees' wages safe in NSW
The New South Wales Government has assured council workers in the state that they will be not be affected by the proposed new public sector wage policy.
Merger of NSW Shires' Association and LGA probable
The merger of the New South Wales Shires’ Association and Local Government Association of NSW is likely to go ahead following the election of Cr Ray Donald as President of the Shires Association at the annual Shires Association conference in Sydney earlier this week.
LGSA releases modernising local government report
The Local Government and Shires Association of NSW has released its consultation report on modernising local government, finding that there is considerable enthusiasm for reforms or initiatives that assist councils to continue to improve.
Victorian Government announces bushfire planning funding
The Victorian Government has announced a $1.2 million funding pack for 10 councils to undertake ‘essential planning activities’ that have been recommended by the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission (VBRC).
Public administration professionals to experience employment demand
The Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations has released the Australian Jobs 2011 report into the state of employment in Australia, finding that employment with the public administration and safety sector is set to grow by 5.9%, or 40,900 jobs.
MAV releases pricing index
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has released its pricing increase forecast for the coming year, predicting inflation will push the costs of current local governance up by 3.6%.
Queensland announces council Community Development funding
The Queensland Government has announced the allocation of its $20 million Community Development and Recovery Package, with 17 of the worst affected councils sharing in $9 million of the funding.
Gold Coast pushes for water price capping
Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke has publically voiced his support for capping water price increases to Consumer Price Index (CPI) levels.
New report into options to improve council capacity and services released
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) has released a major report on the options available for local government to increase its capacity and provide improved services.
Employment opportunities for skilled workers to boom
Employment opportunities for skilled workers, particularly electricians and nurses, will rise substantially over the next five years, according to the Australian Jobs Report 2011.
Productivity Commission releases land planning and development assessment report
A report released by the Productivity Commission has identified wide-ranging differences in the ways all levels of government plan and zone land uses and assess development proposals.
Tasmania revaluates municipalities
The Tasmanian Valuer-General Warrick Coverdale has commenced a mail-out to advise of the fresh valuations of nearly 90,000 properties in Derwent Valley, Dorset, Flinders Island, Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Glenorchy, King Island, Launceston, Sorell, Tasman, and Waratah-Wynyard municipalities.
Local Government seminars across South Queensland
Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Paul Lucas said the Department of Local Government and Planning will be running a series of local government seminars in Southern Queensland.