Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - July, 2013
A conglomerate of some of the country’s highest producing councils are pushing for more control over mine rates.
Government 'pork-barrel' won't fly
An Australian barrister - who has challenged the Federal Government before - says people should be wary of the disproportionate spend on the “Yes” campaign for the upcoming local government referendum.
PM puts lid on spills
Kevin Rudd has announced plans to strip unions of their political power within the Labor party, sending several into crisis-mode.
Residents awake across the border
Council boundaries are more than just lines on a map for some South Australian residents, who have found themselves relocated without moving an inch.
WALGA wedging into State plans
Change could be in the air for local councils in the country’s west, with structural reform reportedly on the way.
Western NSW goes for equal split
A $227,000 Regional Development Australia grant will be spread evenly between all towns in the shire to which it was awarded.
Women in Local Government vote
The Australian Local Government Women’s Association met this week for their National Annual Networking Breakfast, held in conjunction with the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly.
QLD Council pushes for solar utility
The Sunshine Coast Council in Queensland is planning to supply half of its total energy needs from a large solar farm announced this week.
Small town push for big truck rest stop
A New South Wales town is pushing the NSW Government to commit to building a regional transport hub at a site already given the Federal Government’s tick of approval.
ALGA probes dodgy roads
The Australian Local Government Association is preparing its 2013 State of the Assets report, and is calling for input from regional bodies around the country.
Archive embarks on Stolen Generation project
A Federal Government group has been formed to advise the National Archives on a project dealing with the forced adoption and relocation of thousands of Australians from around the country.
Council tees up new water plan
An innovative stormwater harvesting and reuse program is set to save one council millions of litres per year.
New Minister probed on referendum
The Federal Government has appointed Katherine King its new Minister for Local Government.
Perth deals with new degree of debris
The Western Australian Local Government Association says Perth may be drowned in its own rubbish if a waste management body is not appointed; refuse from the rapidly growing population is reportedly getting out of hand.
QLD Councils debrief and debate disasters
Representatives from councils around Queensland have gathered to sort out the state’s disaster management plans.
Tech boost to planning approvals
A new planning permit model for council approvals will spare long delays for many, the new system has been called ‘revolutionary’.
Vic Council in cyber-sleuthing revelation
Residents are outraged at one council’s cyber-snooping of their mobile phone and email data.
Abbott wanes on LG referendum
The Federal Referendum to recognise Local Governments is still on the agenda, but it seems the enthusiasm of some members of the Opposition may be cooling.
City planners call for fewer metro councils
The Federal Government’s key advisory body on infrastructure has put out the call to consolidate local governments in metropolitan areas.
Funding on for better child care
Applications are open for grants from the Child Care Accessibility Fund, which rewards innovative strategies in addressing child care shortages.
Local Governments could look to China for planning tips
A prominent Australian architect has said local governments should have a look at the Chinese infrastructure model to boost projects in their areas.