Local Government Manages Australia (LGMA) has published a report into the findings of its Management Challenge Pre-Challenge Task which was held in an attempt to better understand the influences the departure of critical personnel from local government organisations.

105 teams were gathered by LGMA and asked a single central question in attempt to redress the issue:

Councils face cost water blow-out over separation

The latest cost projections issued by the Gold Coast City Council show that the cost of divorcing from its water retailer has soared from an initial estimate of $60 million to around $200 million.

New fund for Victorian metropolitan recycling activities

"The Metropolitan Waste Management Group will work closely with local government to help identify practical projects that will enable councils to tackle waste reduction and improved resource recovery in their communities," he said.

SA libraries get 10 year funding plan

The South Australian Government has announced a 10 year funding agreement for the state’s libraries after Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts John Hill and Local Government Association President Major Kym McHugh signed a co-funding agreement.

Inquiry into future of central western NSW communities

An inquiry into improving the economic and social development in Central Western NSW Communities is being conducted by the State Development Committee of the NSW Legislative Council.

Public Safety Infrastructure grants released for Victorian Local Government

The Victorian Government has announced grants of up to $250,000 for local councils to fund public safety infrastructure projects.

New funding announced for Victorian libraries

The Victorian State Government has announced it will inject $6.5 million into the state’s libraries over the next three years. The funding will also involve a comprehensive review of the state’s library services.

Business excellence in Local Government forum held

The Australian Centre for Excellence for Local Government at the University of Technology Sydney and SAI Global have co-hosted the Australian Business Excellence Framework in Local Government forum to discuss the future of best practice and excellence in local government in Australia.

Local Government excellence framework published

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.

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.