Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - September, 2011
Western Australia’s first Development Assessment Panel (DAP) has met in Broome.
Planning Minister John Day said the first meeting of the Kimberley Development Assessment Panel was an important milestone in the State Government’s planning reform agenda.
“This is a significant chapter in WA’s development - Development Assessment Panels streamline processes previously hindered by red tape, which can result in costly delays to development,” he said.
Victorian Local Government Ministerial-Mayors Advisory Panel appointed
The Victorian Government has announced the formation of the interim Local Government Ministerial-Mayors Advisory Panel (MMAP) with the appointment of five mayors drawn from the five council groupings in the state.
Call for submissions - Constitutional Recognition for Local Government
A discussion paper on whether local government should be recognised in the Australian Constitution has been released by the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government for public consultation.
Study discovers multiple benefits of green buildings
Bond University’s Institute of Sustainable Development & Architecture - has just completed a study that shows how ‘green buildings’, are not only good for the environment; they’re also good for the people working in them.
Sunshine Coast nets river management prize
A consortium of environmental groups, community groups and government agencies headed by the Sunshine Coast Council has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Australian National Riverprize.
Queensland announces $14.3 million for Charleville flood protection
The Queensland State Government has announced an ambitious $14.3 million project to provide long-term flood protection for Charleville, in the state's south.
Queensland councils to benefit from $8.4 million waterway recovery
The Queensland Government has unveiled an $8.4 million spending package for Natural Resource Management (NRM) groups and local councils across the state to assist in the recovery of flood damaged waterways.
WA's local government questioned over uncontested positions
The Western Australian Government has questioned the growing number of uncontested vacancies within the state’s local government system, finding that 42 of the state’s 138 local governments will not hold an election because of lack of competition, with a further 7 councils having unfilled positions.
Councils take top honours in SA stormwater awards
Four Adelaide councils have taken out the top honours at the prestigious South Australian 2011 Excellence in Stormwater Awards.
MAV argues for simpler planning systems
In a submission to the Underwood Review, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) outlined its argument for a simpler “new generation” planning system with an eye to reduce cost and time consumption.
Boroondara's waste and recycling centre takes out award
Melbourne’s City of Boroondara’s Waste and Recycling Centre has been named Australia’s best at the 2011 National Transfer Stations Excellence Awards.
UN lauds South Australian waste management
The United Nations has lauded South Australia’s waste management systems, describing the state’s efforts as international best practice.
Queensland outlines waste infrastructure spending
The Queensland State Government as announced $13 million in funding for new or upgraded waste management infrastructure for councils in the state.
Tasmania to review councillor numbers
The Tasmanian State Government has announced a review into the number of councillors in two southern councils.
New Queensland floodplain mapping intiative underway
The largest floodplain mapping initiative in Queensland's history – built on the latest technology and supported by both new and historic data - is underway.
Victorian Auditor-General releases capital works and services planning report
Victoria’s Auditor-General has issued a report assessing the effectiveness of councils in business planning and budgeting for major capital works and recurrent services of four major councils.
NSW council census results released
New South Wales’ Division of Local Government has exposed systemic bias in the employment practices in councils across the state.
National Water Commission releases water reform assessment
The National Water Commission has released its assessment of water reform progress in Australia, calling on governments to stay the distance on their reform commitments.
SA releases updated Strategic Plan
The South Australian Government has published a major update to the state’s Strategic Plan.
Productivity Commission releases local government business issues paper
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.
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.