Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - April, 2011
The Local Government and Shires Associations has launched a new LGSA Planning Network for council staff.
This website has been specially designed for council staff with an interest in planning issues.
The LGSA will be using the site to communicate with members about the latest planning news and events, provide links to interesting items and sites as well as case studies of innovative and interesting council projects and programs in the planning field.
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.
Victoria reviews flood warnings and response
The Victorian Government has called for submissions to its Review of the 2010-11 Flood Warnings and Response, and is continuing a series of public meetings in flood affected towns during April and May.
Queensland invests to prepare mining regions for growth
The Queensland Government is providing funding of $98,000 to assist local governments in the Gladstone, Central and South West regions of Queensland to bid for key infrastructure work to prepare the region for growth in the mining industry.
Councils call for review of funding for emergency services
Councils in the Eastern Riverina region of NSW have reiterated the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) calls to meet with the new NSW Minister for Emergency Services to discuss a review of the funding model for emergency services.
Gold Coast to undertake Industry Government Strategic Skills Audit
Gold Coast City Council has been awarded $135,000 by the Queensland Government to employ a research officer to undertake the Industry Government Strategic Skills Audit.
Compensation sought by NSW councils for the loss of rates from national parks
Councils in the Western Riverina and Murray region of NSW have called for the newly-elected NSW Government to withdraw the non-rateable status of national parks and are seeking a 'rate equivalent' payment for councils for private land that has been purchased for incorporation into national parks.
Queensland councils selected for reconstruction funding
The Queensland Government has identified a further 14 councils that will receive advance funding injections for reconstruction efforts following the floods and Cyclone Yasi. .