Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - March, 2013
The City of Sydney has announced it has voted to increase the council’s contribution to the South East Sydney light rail project from $180 million to $220 million.
Albanese takes on Local Government portfolio
Anthony Albanese has been announced as the new Minister for Local Government in the wake of last weeks Federal Government leadership spill.
ALGA urges changes to referendum law
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has called on political parties of all persuasion to support proposed amendments to the Referendums (Machinery Provisions) Act that would remove existing constraints on public funding of referendums ahead of the potential referendum on constitutional recognition in September.
Cairns Airport upgrade gets the go ahead
The Queensland Government has announced it has granted planning approval for the $1 billion, 20-year redevelopment plan of the Cairns Airport.
LGAQ releases 10-point Federal Election plan
Better funding for roads, a smart approach to disaster management and a fairer go in the way Queensland determines how Federal funding is spent on local government are among the 10 policies put forward under the Local Government Association of Queensland’s (LGA) 10 Point Federal Election Policy Plan.
Streamlined communications saves SA councils $6 million
A unique 10-year partnership between the South Australian Local Government Association (LGA) and consultancy firm Deloitte has saved an estimated $6 million in electronic communications and file management costs.
Bowen pipeline gets the nod
Queensland’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) has announced it has given environmental approval to the proposed billion dollar Bowen coal seam gas pipeline.
Government introduces asbestos agency legislation
The Federal Government has introduced legislation before Parliament that seeks to establish the new Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
SA to tackle living costs
The South Australian Government has it will move to tackle the rising cost of living in the state, specifically addressing what it calls life-changing events, housing expenses and concessions.
ACELG kicks off social enterprise study
The relationship between social enterprise and local government is being put under the microscope with the release of a new study by The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) and the University of Tasmania.
ACELG program kicks off
Forty-Four of Australia and New Zealand’s top local government leaders have convened in Canberra this week to participate in a unique week-long Excellence in Local Government Leadership Program.
MAV hits out rating guidelines
The current draft differential rating guidelines is pockmarked by serious shortcomings and more must be done to develop ratings strategies, according to the Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) submission to the State Government.
Victoria announces support for climate-resilient communities
The Victorian Government has announced $6 million in local government funding to support communities adapt to climate change.
Logan seeking more information on de-fluoridation
Logan City Council has announced it is continuing to seek more information from SEQwater on the potential costs of de-fluoridating the council’s water supply.
Queensland to conduct body corporate review
Queensland’s Attorney-General, Jarrod Bleijie, has announced he will conduct a full review of the Body Corporate and Community Management Act, forming part of a broader review of property laws after amendments passed Parliament earlier this week.
Victoria releases climate resilience plan
The Victorian Government has tabled its Climate Change Adaptation Plan before State Parliament, with State Minister for Climate Change, Ryan Smith, saying that it will provide for improved climate risk planning, strong leadership and partnerships with local government.
Committee hands down Queensland uranium report
Queensland’s Uranium Mining Implementation Committee has handed down its final report outlining how the uranium industry should be re-established in Queensland.
Victoria green lights Australia 108
Melbourne will be home to the tallest sky-scraper in the Southern Hemisphere after State Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy, officially gave the project his seal of approval.
LGNSW grills minister over early intervention
Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has held an urgent meeting with the Minister of Local Government today and demanded the deferral of the NSW Government’s Early Intervention Bill until all details of the proposed legislation are publicly released.
Melbourne releases Council Plan outline
The City of Melbourne is inviting its residents to contribute to the conversation about the future of the city with the release of an outline of the council Plan.
Independent Local Government Review Panel close to releasing draft report
The Independent Local Government Review Panel has announced it is nearing the end of the second round of consultations with councils and key stakeholders, with the final draft findings due for release in April.