Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - August, 2012
The Queensland Local Government Minister David Crisafulli has received 19 proposals from communities interested in resurrecting their former Councils.
Mr Crisafulli said the process was a valuable opportunity for residents still hurting from the forced amalgamations in 2008 to gauge the mood of their community.
“I commend the groups which have gone to a great deal of effort to put forward a case to de-amalgamate and we will now assess each of these according to the criteria we set out,” Mr Crisafulli said.
WA announces investment in strategic regional planning activities
The WA Government has announced the investment of $27.24million into the Northern Planning Program (NPP) through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Northern Towns Development fund to develop high priority strategic and statutory planning activities in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid-West and Gascoyne regions.
WA responds to country local government fund review
The Western Australian Government has released its response to the review of the Country Local Government Fund (CLGF) which was undertaken earlier this year by the Western Australian Regional Development Trust.
Federal Government announces review of local government grants
The Federal Minister for Local Government Simon Crean has announced a review into the Local Government Financial Assistance Grants program to be conducted by the Commonwealth Grants Commission.
Queensland moves to de-amalgamate
The Queensland Government has closed submissions for applications by local councils to de-amalgamate and return to previous local government boundries.
Victoria moves to cut open space red tape
The Victorian Government has introduced legislation before State Parliament that aims to cut planning system red tape and increase local councils' ability to provide open space to their communities.
Victorian Planning Framework thwarts wind energy future
Australia’s clean energy goals could be thwarted by recent amendments to the Victorian Planning Framework for wind farm developments, a study by the University of Melbourne Law School has found.
$5.53 million for Victoria's 'living libraries'
The Victorian Government has approved $5.53 million in funding for 22 library projects across the state under the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program 2011-12.
Boroondara passes smoke-free law
The City of Boroondara has introduced new local laws aimed at curtailing smoking in public places.
NSW to rewrite Local Government Act
The New South Wales Government has announced it will rewrite the Local Government Act in a bid to make it simpler and easier for councils to deliver essential services.
MDBA plan inches closer
Federal Minister for Water, Tony Burke, has announced that his office will continue to work closely with the Murray Darling Basin Authority in releasing its final plan following an agreement with all Basin States.
WA announces waste management funding boost
The Western Australian Government has allocated $17 million in funding to the Waste Authority to start improving the state’s recycling and waste diversion record from 30 per cent to in excess of 50 per cent over the next five years.
NSW streamlines workers compensation obligations for councils
The New South Wales Government has announced reform that will make it easier for Government-owned entities, local government and public universities to lodge security deposits to cover workers compensation obligations.
ALGA to develop State of the Local Road Assets Report
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has commissioned Jeff Roorda and Associates (JRA) to develop the first State of the Local Assets Report, which will form the technical base for continued advocacy for increased government funding for local roads int the future.
SA councils sign up for child friendly communities
The South Australian Government and the SA Local Government Association has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalising their mutual commitment to developing child friendly communities.
South Australia launches new climate change action framework
The South Australian Government has launched a new framework to shape the state’s climate change action by Government and the community in the State.
Strategic social media approach key finds ACELG
The Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) has published new research that reveals that councils taking a strategic approach to social media can achieve effective outcomes in engaging with communities.
LGAT hits out at forced amalgamations proposal
"Tasmanians for Reform is calling for meaningful changes to local government that will see improved services, greater capacity and reduced costs," TFR Chairwoman Mary Massina said.
MAV hits out at $24.4 black hole
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has hit at the $24.4 million black hole created following a ‘technical correction’ by the Australian Government’s financial assistance grants.
WALGA backs red tape legislation
The Western Australian Local Government Association has publically backed legislation introduced before State Parliament that will enable two or more Local Government bodies to establish regional subsidiaries.