Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

A representative body for the fast-growing outer suburbs of metropolitan areas say a federal strategy should be developed for managing urban population growth.

Firing-up heater safety measures

A Senate Committee has made some recommendations after taking a look at the safest and cleanest ways to use a wood-fired heater in the home.

Flood and rain effects flow deep

A new report has shown it takes years for small communities to recover from disasters like floods or cyclone, with damages extending beyond the physical.

Golden opportunity sought

One council is looking at innovative ideas for turning the former site of an open-cut gold mine into something useful.

Merger makes millions in system savings

A Council de-merger manager has claimed a $4 million saving with some good choices in IT contracts.

Millions docked at Port Pirie CBD

Residents of one regional city have not let a funding knock-back get them down, re-applying for and now receiving a package worth $5 million.

Not mushroom round here

Five objections have stalled plans for a mushroom plantation in rural Victoria, with councillors called upon to reject the fungus farm.

Parramatta Council on-board for rail study round two

The Parramatta City Council has unveiled its big plan for a city-wide light rail service, mapping out a 31-stop route over thirty kilometres of track.

Persistence reigns in push for fusion

The Narrogin Town Council is seeking to re-enliven its amalgamation talks, which have been stymied since a poll of residents halted previous efforts.

Planning clash questions boundaries

A battle of jurisdictions is unfolding in South Australia, with the state’s Planning Minister looking to prevent local councillors from taking part in planning assessment bodies.

Range of green-change grants expanded

A state government has expanded the range of its program to convince people to leave cities and move to the bush.

Real efforts undertaken to close health gap

A new national centre is being established to allow a deeper level of research into the disparity in health and healthcare for Indigenous Australians.

Roof repairs bring space back Earth

Some maintenance work will soon allow a South Australian telescope to peer into the yawning expanse of space once more.

Transformational turn taken for Perth

The Western Australian Government has redrawn the map of the city of Perth, slashing the number of metropolitan councils by half.

Community committee complications cut

The Victorian Government is set to cut the “unnecessary” red tape surrounding the management of rural public halls and sporting grounds.

Crunch time for wild canines

The Gympie Council will spend $75,000 to employ a contractor to crack down on wild dogs.

MP backs day-care funding push

A child-care group in regional New South Wales was told it had been mistakenly receiving an annual grant intended as a transport subsidy, now the group says funding should continue.

Real funding for facades

More funding has been awarded as part of the Newcastle Now initiative, money is being given out to businesses and building-owners to spruce up their facades.

Rising sea levels in Shire planning

A southern Victorian Shire is considering rising sea levels in its next planning amendments.

Rural businesses still sturdy

New statistics show the strong Australian tradition of bush entrepreneurialism is still alive and kicking.

Some servants may be forced into fresh air

Public servants in Canberra’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) have heard they may have to go rural to keep their jobs, with Government plans to move the agency to a regional area.