Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

The Queensland Government has announced that the state’s councils have applied for nearly $1 billion worth of funding from the $80 million Betterment Fund initiative.

Queensland Government goes to war with flying foxes

The Queensland Government has once again devolved into shrieking, bellicose rhetoric in continuing its self-proclaimed ‘war on green tape’ after State Environment Minister, Andrew Powell, announced changes to the management of flying fox roosts in urban areas.

Queensland receives final audit report

The Queensland Government has published its official response to the impressive 155 recommendations contained within the much awaited Independent Commission of Audit’s Final Report.

Forestry legislation passes Tassie Parliament

The Tasmanian Government has announced the passing of legislation through the State Parliament which delivers protection for 137,000 hectares of forest with high conservation value, including the iconic areas of Tyenna, Hastings, Picton and the Upper Florentine.

Queensland announces drought support

The Queensland Government has declared 13 Local Government Areas drought stricken, which collectively represent a third of the entire state.

Sydney named Australia's densest

Sydney is home to all four of the nation’s most densely populated areas, all surrounding the city’s central business district according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Government extends reef rescue plan

The Federal Government has announced it will provide a further $200 million for the extension of a plan that provides landholders and farmers with funding to stop the flow of chemicals into the Great Barrier Reef.

Victoria releases regional and rural policy tool

The Victorian Government has released a new strategy which it claims will see an increased regional and rural focus of the state’s public servants and policy making.

NSW councils in dire financial straights

A large number of councils in New South Wales are in dire financial straights, with 25 per cent classified as being in a ‘weak’ or ‘very weak’ financial state according to a new report prepared by NSW TCorp for the State Government.

Panel hands down local government review paper

The NSW Independent Local Government Review Panel has handed down its discussion paper into the proposed future directions of the state’s local government sector.

Report details value of local government research

Local government bodies stand to gain significant strategic benefits from establishing an in-house research team, according to a new discussion paper released by the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG).

Report dismisses Port climate fears

Residents around Port Phillip Bay will not have to evacuate in the face of climate change, a new report has conclusively proven.

Tasmania releases climate discussion paper

Tasmanians now have the opportunity to help form the State Government’s climate change following the release of a new issues paper.

Healthier cities healthier people finds UQ

Australians will be happier, healthier and safer if they look after the nature spots in their cities, new research from the University of Queensland (UQ) has found.

Victoria releases buying best practice guidelines

The Victorian Government has promised that rate payers will be getting the ‘best value’ following the release of the Victorian Local Government Best Practice Procurement Guidelines 2013.

Audit outlines councils' funding troubles

A new report from Queensland’s Auditor General has found that the state’s councils are facing heightened financial difficulties as successive State Government policies hit hard.

NSW releases new planning paper

The New South Wales Government has announced the release of a new Planning White Paper, which Premier Barry O’Farrell says will result in the ‘biggest overhaul of the State’s planning system in over 30 years’.

Queensland flood damage tops $2.5 billion

Queensland is looking to foot a $2.5 billion clean up bill for the flood events of 2013, according to State Treasurer Tim Nicholls.

Queensland outlines new building code

The Queensland Government has outlined a new building code which it says will save homeowners up to $2,000 and will streamline the development application process for building over, or near, sewers, water mains and stormwater drains on domestic home sites.

Tasmania postpones elections

The Tasmanian Government has announced it will postpone the state’s local government elections to coincide with major reforms in the sector.

Dividend decision sparks angry response

The Queensland Government’s decision to withdraw water dividends and tax equivalent payments has provoked an angry response from Gladstone Regional Council, who has accused the Government of a $4.19 million per annum grab’.