Archived News for Professionals in Local Government
The South Australian Government has announced funding of more than $3.7 million for local government to improve public spaces throughout South Australia.
Minister for Urban Development, Planning and the City of Adelaide John Rau said the funding through the Open Space and People for Places grants would support 16 projects from Victor Harbor to Wilmington.
“These grants are sourced from the Planning and Development Fund to help reinvigorate public spaces such as plazas and town squares, public parks and linear trails,” Mr Rau said.
Coalition wavers over local government recognition
Two Federal Coalition parliamentarians have clashed over the constitutional recognition of local government, and as a result the leader, Tony Abbot, has given the proposal ‘in principle’ support only.
Councils take up integrated software solutions
Software solutions company, TechnologyOne, has won the last five major local government software contracts to go to tender in Australia and is attributing its success to the launch of OneCouncil - a new preconfigured, best practice solution for local government.
City of Melbourne to introduce sensor parking technology
The City of Melbourne has voted to introduce state-of-the-art parking technology in the CBD and surrounding suburbs, expected to net it an extra $11.82 million in revenue over the next four years.
Sydney Council knocks back only trigeneration network tender
Sydney Council has knocked back the only tender to build its trigeneration network.
Brisbane City Council asked to make another NBN inquiry submission
Brisbane City Council has "missed the point" of an NBN inquiry and has been asked to make another submission.
WA shires vote for and against amalgamation
Two proposals for council mergers in Western Australia have gone to the vote, with very different outcomes.
LGMA investigates local government staff retention issues
Local Government Managers Australia is conducting a National Workforce Development Research project, examining how councils face the challenge of staff retention.
$1 billion for Victorian rural growth
Rural and regional Victorian communities are set to benefit from a $1 billion growth fund following the passage of the Regional Growth Fund Bill through the Victorian Parliament on April 7.
SEQ Mayors campaign against loss of planning powers
SEQ Mayors have launched a campaign to defend the decision-making powers of local governments in Queensland.
Queensland caps council infrastructure charges to encourage construction
The Queensland Government has announced caps for infrastructure charges by local governments on new developments as part of its push to spark a building revival in Queensland.
Penrith calls for action on Sydney 2036 plan
Penrith City Council has called for action to be taken on the NSW government’s Sydney Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036, which will integrate transport and land use planning across the greater Sydney basin.
O'Farrell moves to return planning powers to NSW local government
The NSW Premier O'Farrell's has announced plans to scrap Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and return local planning powers to local government.
Councils reject findings on water utilities
Councils have strongly rejected the findings on Local Water Utilities (LWU) in the National Water Commission’s recently released Urban Water in Australia: Future Directions 2011 report.
Queensland councils to be responsible for water pricing
The Queensland Government has announced changes to the South-East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) Act 2009.
Councils named as Climate Adaptation Champions
The City of Melbourne and Lake Macquarie City Council have been named among National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility’s (NCCARF) first Climate Adaptation Champions.
Taskforce established to assist councils with new Queensland Coastal Plan
A new highly skilled taskforce will be established to help councils deal with the implications of the Queensland Government's new Coastal Plan.
LGSA launches new Planning Network
The Local Government and Shires Associations has launched a new LGSA Planning Network for council staff.
Report finds governments needs to embrace technology for planning
Fixmystreet is managed by MySociety.org, a project by charity organisation UK Citizens Online Democracy.
Long-term recovery funding provided for Queensland communities
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh have announced a $39 million package to support the recovery and wellbeing of people in Queensland following the recent spate of natural disasters.
National Water Commission calls for overhaul of urban water supply management
The National Water Commission has issued a landmark report urging Australian governments to overhaul the way urban water supplies are managed.