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

Led by former Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court, the Honourable James Spigelman AC QC, the panel members comprise representatives from a range of backgrounds and areas of expertise.

Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean said the 18-member panel will consult with stakeholder groups and the community on options for recognising local government in the 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.

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.