Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
The Productivity Commission has released an issues paper for the study on Business Regulation Benchmarking: Role of Local Government to assist interested parties and citizens in preparing submissions to the Commission.
In undertaking this study, the Productivity Commission has been requested to benchmark the extent to which particular approaches to the exercise of regulatory responsibilities by local government authorities affects costs incurred by business and specifically to:
- identify the scope of local government regulatory responsibilities in each state and territory
- clarify the extent to which the local government role includes implementing policies of national and state/territory governments
- assess whether different responsibilities and the approach taken to their exercise has a material impact on business costs
- identify best practices which have the capacity to reduce unnecessary regulatory costs for business.
The study will develop indicators to benchmark the performance of jurisdictions and facilitate regulatory improvements, and will draw on leading practice approaches both across Australia and overseas.
Consultation period for e-waste recycling scheme starts
The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has launched the four-week consultation period for the Product Stewardship (Televisions and Computers) Regulations exposure draft.
Ombudsman slams government service failure
Poor governmental communication is at fault for the breakdown of good policy, according to Commonwealth Ombudsman Allan Asher.
Round one of Regional Development Australia Fund announced
The Federal Government has announced the first $150 million round of the $1 billion Regional Development Australia Fund.
SA council renewable energy fund opens
The Local Government Association of South Australia has opened applications for funding for community renewable energy projects from the Solar Councils Innovation Fund.
WA announces planning legislation changes
The Western Australian State Government has announced planning legislation changes that will oblige all WA local governments to develop a Strategic Community Plan and corporate Business Plan.
Urban fringe councils join water research group
A collaborative research body aimed at improving sustainability practices of water use in the fringes of Australia's largest cities has been announced.
WA announces new local government appointments
Western Australian Local Government Minister John Castrilli has announced new appointments to the Local Government Advisory Board and the WA Local Government Grants Commission.
Dr Shayne Silcox, CEO of the City of Melville has been appointed as a member of the Local Government Advisory Board
Shire president of Morawa Cr Karen Chappel, Bayswater mayor Terence Kenyon, and CEO of the Shire of Mundaring Jonathan Throssell have been appointed as deputy members.
Four new appointments have also recently been announced to the WA Local Government Grants Commission.
York Shire president Cr Pat Hooper has been appointed as a member. Bayswater mayor Terence Kenyon, Town of Narrogin mayor Don Ennis and Shire of Irwin councillor Ian West have been appointed as deputy members.
The new member and deputies joined the commission on August 1.
“I would like to acknowledge the important contribution made by the outgoing members of the board and the grants commission and thank them for their advice and support,” Mr Castrilli said.
Victoria announces local government electoral changes
Legislative changes to the democratic electoral process for local government has now passed both houses of the Victorian Parliament.
Victorian plan urges local governments to address health issues
The Victorian State Government has released the state's first ever Public Health and Wellbeing Plan which aims to address the state's increasing rates of chronic and preventable diseases.
North Sydney Council to lobby for state smoking ban
Smoking could be prohibited in public areas across NSW as the North Sydney Council vows to lobby the state government for a blanket ban.
Plans to reshape Tasmanian local government released for comment
Plans to reshape local government in Tasmania and deliver efficiencies and cost savings have been released for public comment.
Queensland announces road reconstruction funding for north west
Federal and State Governments have announced $195 million in joint funding for reconstruction of key road infrastructure in Queensland's north west.
WA announces new Royalties for Regions funding round
The Western Australian Government has announced the next round of funding for local communities under the state's Royalties for Regions Grants Scheme (RGS).
Queensland councils disappointed by flood assistance
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has voiced its disappointment over the State Government's decision to reject calls by councils to assist in funding to implement the recommendations issued in the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry.
Victoria passes new wind farm legislation
The Victorian State Government has passed legislation which prohibits the construction of new wind turbines within certain proximity to dwellings and regional centres.
Government calls for comments on Digital Local Government program
The Federal Government has announced it will be calling for comments from stakeholders on the draft program guidelines for the Digital Local Government Program.
WA Government signs renewable energy deal
The Western Australian Water Minister Bill Marmion and Energy Minister Peter Collier have finalised an agreement which will see the Water Corporation purchase the entire output from Australia’s first utility-scale solar farm to be built near Geraldton.
National Litter Index published
Keep Australia Beautiful has published its National Litter Index 2011 report which has found a slight decrease in the national litter rate across the 983 in the 2010/11 period.
WA's Royalties for Regions scheme to be assessed
The Western Australian Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls has announced his intentions to push for an assessment of the Royalties for Regions - the Country Local Government Fund (CLGF) - scheme to ensure community projects are being properly funded and delivered effectively.