The University of Sydney’s (UTS) Centre for Local Government and the Australian Centre for Excellence for Local Government have published a series of detailed case studies regarding the implementation of the Australian Business Excellence Framework (BEF) within Local Government.

In consultation with SAI Global and the Local Government Business Excellence Network, UTS and the ACELG studied eight Australian councils that have been historically known for being progressive and innovative in their approach to local government policies. The eight councils represent a cross section in terms of population, geographic size and demographic profiles. They include the Warringah, Port Stephens, Bass Coast Shire, Yarra Ranges and Hobart City Councils, and the Cities of Swan, Melville and Marion.

Each council was asked a number of questions which included:

Another council pulls out of water contract

Redland City Council has become the next Queensland local government body to withdraw from Allconnex Water after the council voted to break from the water retail supplier.

Panel appointed on constitutional recognition of local government

The Federal Government has appointed the members of the independent expert panel that will progress the recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution.

City of Charles Sturt congratulated for water initiative

The first early stage works of the Waterproofing the West project have started with the $58.6 million Stage One project commencing in Adelaide with funding from local, state and Federal governments.

Public sector skills shortage grows

Global recruitment agency Hays has published a research white paper into the skills shortage in Australia, finding that the public sector is suffering the largest shortage in the country.

Victoria launches campaign to secure library funding

The Municipal Association of Victoria has launched its Save Our Libraries – Fairer Funding campaign in response to the recent State funding cuts.

Local Government Week award winners announced

NSW Council initiatives and projects that empower communities through excellence in communication and reporting were recognised last night (Thursday) at the Local Government Week Awards Evening in Sydney at The Deckhouse in Woolwich.

Waste Reduction and Recycling Bill introduced in Queensland

The Queensland State Government has pledged to half the amount of landfill currently being produced while generating ‘thousands of green jobs’ through investing in recycling and resource recovery.

Queensland announces $45 million package for Council infrastructure

The Queensland Government has announced a new $45 million pool of funding to provide essential infrastructure works.

Interim flood report recommends actions for local government

The Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry has published its first interim report, containing a number of recommendations for local governments.

Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Program - Applications Open

The NSW Environmental Trust invites applications to its

Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Program

Grants of $5,000 to $100,000 available to:

Community organisations and non-profit associations (total program $2 million)

State and local government organisations (total program $2 million)

Applications close on 2 September, 2011

Application Forms

Guidelines, application forms and more information is available on the Trust website:

www.environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au or by phoning the Trust on (02) 8837 6093.

Victoria announces sustainability funding recipients

The Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith has announced the recipients of the government's $5.67 million Local Sustainability Accord grants program.

Queensland engineering firm trials soy biodiesel

Shadforths Civil Engineering Contractors on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is trialling B20 soy biodiesel in 20 machines at the Sunshine Coast Council’s new Nambour landfill site.

WA local government road funding tops $145 million

The Western Australian State Government will contribute more than $145 million to local roads in Western Australia in 2011-12, an increase of more than $9 million on the past financial year.

Illawarra/NSW South Coast Climate Report released

The Climate Commission says failure to act against climate change in the next 10 years could lead to major disasters on the New South Wales far south coast.

New Director-General for Queensland Department of Local Government and Planning

The Queensland Government has announced the appointment of Queensland public servant Jack Noye as Director-General of the Department of Local Government and Planning.

Low Carbon Australia and Wagga Wagga City Council announce energy efficiency partnership

Low Carbon Australia and Wagga Wagga City Council are to cooperate on energy efficiency in the first agreement of its kind for regional Australia and the second major agreement for the new agency.

LGMA calls for presenters in multiculturalism conference

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.