Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA), in partnership with the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia inc. with be hosting the "Advancing Multiculturalism" conference on the 17-18 November 2011 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The conference organisers are currently inviting high quality proposals to present papers or conduct workshops around the following areas as related to culturally and linguistically diverse communities:
- Arts and culture
- Disability
- Education
- Health and mental health
- Ageing
- Immigrant and refugee women
- New and emerging communities
- refugee settlement
- rural and regional settlement
- Youth, and
- Emerging issues such as climate change, anti-radicalisation etc.
These presentations or workshops may outline relevant research, initiatives or experiences and may have an academic, community, government, business or policy focus.
Hobart announces new Myer building
The Hobart City Council has accepted plans from property developer Emmanuel Kalis and Myer to redevelop the site of the old Myer building which was consumed by a fire in late 2007.
Council splits from water retailer
The Gold Coast City Council has announced it will cease the use of services from its water retailer after a concerted community campaign against rising water prices.
New Darwin suburb under construction
The Northern Territory Government has announced the go-ahead for the construction of a new housing development area that will deliver 1200 housing lots, including over 300 houses for Defence personnel.
Victorian councils set to fight library funding cuts
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.
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.