Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
The Western Australian Government has called for public submissions to the Metropolitan Local Government Review, which will form the State Government’s approach to Perth’s local government over the next 50 years.
“The panel’s task includes identifying the social, economic and environmental challenges that lie ahead and recommend a local government structure to provide sound governance that takes these critical issues into consideration,” Local Government Minister John Castrilli said.
“We should aspire to have a metropolitan local government structure that can strategically plan to provide services across Perth in the most effective and cost efficient way to provide better governance and servicing with improved connection with our community.”
LGA calls for election review
The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA) has called for a review of exisiting local government election legislation, arguing that online voting is too expensive for council elections.
Sydney announces low-carbon energy network
The City of Sydney has announced it will begin final negotiations with energy provider Cogent Energy to build and operate the country's first low-carbon energy network tasked with powering central Sydney.
Grants for women in Queensland local government announced
The Queensland Government has announced bursary grants of $9000 for women looking to develop their careers in Queensland’s local government sector.
Consult Australia report calls for city planning reform
Consult Australia has launched its latest report, Tomorrow’s Cities Today, calling for ambitious governance reform to position city planning as a national priority.
UWA in research alliance with regions
The University of Western Australia has entered an agreement with six regional councils to form the WA Regional Cities Alliance to research major regional issues including population distribution, infrastructure and services, and employment.
Government publishes 'how-to' guide for public space design
The Federal Government has published the country’s first urban design protocol. Aimed at improving the design of public spaces and city buildings, the plain-English protocol provides a checklist for decision makers and professionals involved in the area of public space design.
Entries open for 2012 local government excellence awards
The Federal Government is inviting nominations for the 2012 National Awards for Local Government.
Government outlines new carbon farming methodology
The Federal Government has announced a new Carbon Farming Initative methodology that will aims to incentivise waste management industry and local governments to reduce emissions.
Queensland opens waste levy and funding assistance
The Queensland Government has announced its $159 million Waste Avoidance and Resource Efficiency Fund has opened. The fund is aimed at assisting businesses to cut waste costs, develop new markets for recycled materials and crack down on illegal dumping and littering.
WA announces local government reform
The Western Australian Government has announced key amendments to the Local Government Act 1995 that aims to address ‘significant’ governance and public administration issues in the sector.
WA appoints MRA board
The Western Australian Government has announced the appointment of the inaugural board of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA), the new body which will be responsible for major redevelopments within the Perth metropolitan area, including the Perth City Link, Perth Waterfront, Riverside and the revitalisation of the Perth Cultural Centre.
New vote counting system for NT local government
The Northern Territory Government has announced changes to the Local Government (Electoral) Regulations to change the vote counting system to the Single Transferable Vote Proportional Representation (STVPR) system.
LGSA holds environment awards
The Local Government and Shires Association of New South Wales (LGSA) has held the 14th annual Local Government Excellence in Environment Awards, recognising the excellent conduct of 49 councils across 12 categories.
Councillor-MP dual roles up for debate
The New South Wales State Government has released a public discussion paper on whether NSW Members of Parliament should be serving concurrently as local councillors or mayors.
Victoria announces flying planning squad
The Victorian Government has announced a $2.8 million Council Planning Flying Squad initiative. The initiative will consist of planning specialists to assist regional and rural councils by providing short-term expertise and assistance to ease the backlog of planning requests.
Government announces Murray-Darling Diversification Project
The Federal Government has announced the formation a new Murray-Darling Basin Diversification Project aimed at promoting economic opportunities for communities affected by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Basin Plan.
SA Ombudsman releases local government complaint report
The South Australian Ombudsman has published a report into the state of complaint handling in South Australian councils.
$40 million push to revitalise Adelaide's heart
The South Australian Government has announced plans to revitilise the state’s capital, focusing on filling laneways and empty buildings in the city’s north.
Local Government ministers meet in Canberra
Australia’s state ministers for Local Government have met in Canberra at the inaugural Local Government Ministers’ Forum.
Federal Government urged to extend funding program for local roads
More than 300 elected representatives and other local government officials from across Australia have united at the National Local Roads and Transport Congress in Mount Gambier to pass a resolution calling on the Federal Government to continue the Roads to Recovery program on a permanent basis and increase funding to recognise a massive shortfall in expenditure.