Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
A survey commissioned by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) shows that the state's councils are leading the country in terms of economic and regional investment.
The survey shows that each Queensland council invested on average $1.14 million a year on economic and regional development compared with a national average of $860,000.
The survey found that southeast Queensland councils invested the most in economic development, with an average of $1.6 million, while councils in resource regions invested less, reflecting the pressures they are under to meet immediate needs such as housing and community services.
MAV calls for emergency rethink
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has called for the State Government to place greater emphasis on supporting community resilience to improve safety outcomes, and more shared regional planning in dealing with natural disasters.
Tasmania moves to increase rates transparency
The Tasmanian Government has tabled legislation before State Parliament that aims to increase transparency and certainty for local government rates in Tasmania.
STCA releases report into Tasmanian local government future
The Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority (STCA) has released a final report into the future options for local government in southern Tasmania.
Victoria calls for more women in local government
The Victorian Government has called for more women to consider nominating themselves for council elections in 2012.
Local Government and Community Engagement in Australia - Working Paper
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government has released a draft working paper, 'Local Government and Community Engagement in Australia', providing a national update on what is taking place across the local government sector in relation to community engagement, and identifies ongoing challenges and questions for councils in engaging communities.
SA establishes urban renewal authority
The South Australian Government has announced the formation of a new urban development authority which will be tasked with overseeing all urban renewal projects from their outset.
City of Sydney Australia's first carbon-neutral council
The City of Sydney has become Australia’s first carbon-neutral council after achieving formal certification from its greenhouse reduction programs.
WA releases new local government Compliance Framework
The Western Australian Government has released a new Compliance Framework for the state's councils.
Victorian bushfire reconstruction assistance extended
The Federal and Victorian governments have announced local governments rebuilding from the effects of the 2009 bushfire will have an additional year to claim funding.
LGSA 'disappointed' by NSW Government electoral decision
The Local Government and Shires Association of NSW (LGSA) has expressed its disappointment over the State Government's decision against extending the decision date by which councils must decide how they are running their elections from 30 November 2011 to 31 March 2012.
Stalled LGA conference sparks call for reform
Inability to deal with the number of motions put before an NSW Local Government Association (LGA) conference has sparked calls for reform for council quorums.
Urban Renewal Authority Victoria established
The Victorian Government has announced the establishment of the Urban Renewal Authority Victoria and the appointment of its board of directors.
Castrilli slams WA local government system
Western Australian Minister for Local Government John Castrilli has slammed the state’s local government system, accusing it of holding back the state’s influence across the country and broader Asian region.
Feedback for Adelaide: One City, Many Futures initiative sought
The Adelaide City Council has called for public input for Picture Adelaide, the next stage of the Adelaide: One City, Many Futures initiative.
Input sought for Perth's Metropolitan Local Government Review
Western Australia’s Department of Local Government is seeking public contribution for discussions on the future of Perth’s metropolitan area as part of the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel’s examination of the local government structure and governance models.
One Library project provider announced for South Australia
A partnership between the South Australian state and local governments has seen global library software provider SirisiDynix selected for the SA's One library Project.
Crean calls for localised federalism
Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean has called on political and community leaders to help embed the Federal Government’s ‘bottom-up’ approach to coopoerative federalism, saying that participation will give regions a greater say in the way Australia is governed.
NSW flags council reform
The New South Wales Government has flagged the possibility of reform in the local government sector after State Minister for Local Government Don Page told the NSW Local Government Association’s annual conference that changes to the sector are necessary.
'Chook raffle' elections spark calls for rethink
Politicians and business groups are calling for reform to local government election laws following the election of two shire presidents through names being drawn from a hat.