Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - February, 2013
The Tasmanian Government has announced a package of major local government reforms that include new set terms for mayors and full council elections.
LGAQ backs flood rezoning
Queensland Independent MP Peter Wellington has called for the state’s councils to be able to rezone ore downzone land proven to be vulnerable to flooding without fear of having to pay large compensation payouts to developers.
Queensland scraps tanks law
The Queensland Government has introduced new laws which scrap the requirement for new properties to be built with rainwater tanks and energy efficient hot water systems.
Three horse race for MAV presidency
Three candidates are now vying for the presidency of the Municipal Association of Victoria, while five of the twelve board positions already filled after an unopposed election.
ALGA ups pressure on referendum
The President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Felicity-Ann Lewis, will meet with Federal Minister for Local Government, Simon Crean, to lobby the Government on the ‘steps necessary for a referendum on constitutional recognition of local government’ to be held at the same time as the Federal election on 14 September.
Queensland names more Shires to receive support
The Queensland Government has announced a number of new Shires that will receive funding under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
Sustainable environment funding round opens
The Federal Government has announced that community groups around the country can now apply for funding under the second round of the Biodiversity Fund and the first round of Target Area Grants, under the Caring for Our Country program.
'Historic' Murray-Darling legislation passes Parliament
Legislation that locks in the additional 450 gigalitres of environmental flow for the Murray-Darling Basin has passed the Lower House, meaning that the $1.77 billion in additional funding is set to flow through to the river.
Queensland announces de-amalgamation referendum
Queensland residents in the Livingstone, Douglas and Mareeba will be able to vote on de-amalgamation in March, with a simple answer of 'yes' or 'no' on voting forms.
ACELG releases excellence research guide
The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government has released a guide to facilitate a greater role for practitioners in local government research.
Feds to recruit local staff to return Murray to health
The Federal Government has announced a new initiative that will see specialised local staff to work with the community to ‘restore the Murray-Darling Basin to health’.
Local Governments cough up $500 million worth of cost shifting finds LGSA
The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) have called for an end to cost shifting onto NSW councils after their annual survey found councils were out of pocket nearly $500 million in the 2010/11 financial year due to cost shifting by the NSW and Australian Governments.
NBN to double wireless and satellite speeds
The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has announced plans to deliver ‘even faster internet to the bush’ by doubling the speed capacity of its fixed-wireless and satellite services.
Northern Rivers fixed wireless rollout starts
The National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) has announced it has begun outlining plans to roll out its fixed wireless service to a number of small communities and rural residents in the Northern Rivers.
Queensland to issue first reconstruction tenders
The Queensland Government has put industry on notice after it announced the first round of contracts to begin repairs to the state’s road and transport infrastructure are being drawn up for tender later this month.
Committee to hold second recognition hearing
The Joint Select Committee tasked with investigating the likelihood of Australians voting ‘yes’ in a referendum to recognise local government in the constitution has announced it will be holding a second public hearing this month.
Moreton Bay field narrows
The Federal and Queensland Governments have announced that the shortlist for the construction of the Moreton Bay Rail Link has been reduced from four to two.