Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - December, 2013
A bill is being considered which will hand more control to Queensland governments for approval of mining leases, but some say it does not go far enough.
New hospital split forming, clinical services kept public
There has been some word on the public-private arrangement planned for the new $1.8 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
Tasmania keeps gunning for NBN pledge fulfillment
A push is on to make sure many Tasmanian residents do not miss out on National Broadband Network connections they had been promised.
Councils call for cash to back duties rolled down from upper levels
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has pushed for state and federal governments to stop dumping new duties on local governments, without the appropriate funding support.
Councils given megaphone for rally against bats
Local councils in Queensland have been given permission to frighten flying foxes into retreat, and possibly to bring out the big guns next year.
Court closing on half returns for failed council investment
Many councils and ratepayers may soon get up to half their money back, after the collapse of merchant bank Lehman Brothers short-changed them to the tune of millions.
Mayor's green interests queried as development bowls ahead
The Mayor of the Gold Coast has rejected allegations he has a conflict of interest in a proposed high-rise development.
Plans to pile food for cyclone protection
One regional community has started a push to boost local food production, hoping to plump the supply of fresh produce for the cyclone season.
Rio ditching Indigenous agreement to dig out of losses
One mining firm has defended its move to close an aluminium refinery in the Northern Territory, but the AWU says it may legally have to keep the doors open.
Teachers vote for pay deal linked to performance
New South Wales teachers have voted strongly in favour of a new performance-based pay deal which will see the most prime pedagogues paid six-figure salaries.
Funding to flood desert mines with irrigation ideas
The Western Australian Government has announced a multi-million dollar plan to investigate novel ways of watering the desert, hoping to propagate a new future for the Pilbara region.
Ground lost in push for workplace engagement
Figures show that there a fewer work opportunities for people with disabilities than there were twenty years ago.
Speed reductions seek safe returns
Two states may adjust their speed limits in the name of road safety, with Victoria planning to extend 40km/h school zones and South Australia looking at bringing down some of its 110km/h highways.
WorkCover city-switch could see hundreds moved
Victorian Premier Denis Napthine says the state’s WorkCover Authority head office will move to Geelong if the Coalition government is re-elected.
Planning paths to budget cuts and better health
Suggestions have been tabled which could see governments hacking away at their health budgets and waistlines – with some better planning practices.
Site to save smartphone mistakes, regret and danger
The number of Australian teens using their smartphones to access the internet has shot up over the last few years, but unfortunately so has the rate at which embarrassing photos and videos are ending up online.
Sydney suburbs' cyber spree brings awards, benefits online
A Sydney suburb has been awarded for its movements toward online business and lifestyles, and celebrated for stepping beyond the traditional boundaries of bricks and mortar.