Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - February, 2014
A Northern Territory policy has seen so many students back in regional schools that teachers say they are overwhelmed.
Back-flip ignites anger over coastal mine plan
The approval of a coal mine on the New South Wales central coast has become embroiled in controversy; accusations of corruption and broken promises.
Five high-rises to house thousands in CBD
Melbourne’s skyline will feature several new high-rises in coming years, with the Victorian Government signing off on a record number of residential permits.
Gosford councillors vote for dawn of new day
Gosford City councillors have voted in favour of a major restructure, which will see 17 jobs go and departments slashed
Native title hands back old Army lands
The Federal Court has made a significant native title ruling over land taken for military use in the 1940s.
No end in sight as coal mine burns deep
Both public concern and a possible class action are mounting, as a coal mine fire continues burying a Victorian town in smoke and fumes.
Similar interests over vast distances prompt joint effort
Government and economic leaders from WA, Queensland and the Northern Territory have gathered to make plans for a new age of agriculture in the northern half of Australia.
Some states keen for local say on schools, others hold back
The Northern Territory Government is considering a move to independent public schools at some sites, seeking the same benefits as Queensland and Western Australia have claimed.
Unions turn from Labor to better guard their own
Several public sector unions have reduced their traditional payments to the Labor party, choosing instead to fund a campaign against job cuts.
Coca-Cola to continue funding sugar supply improvement
A surprising allegiance has continued between environmentalists, the Federal Government and Coca-Cola, which is aimed at reducing cane farm chemical run-off into the Great Barrier Reef.
Funding taps opened to break the strain of drought
The Federal Government has announced the details of its long-awaited assistance package for drought-affected farmers in Queensland and NSW.
Narrabri CSG finds itself in fast-lane
The New South Wales Government has fast-tracked approvals for a proposed coal seam gas project at Narrabri.
SA MP asks why the flow of efficiency funds has slowed
A stoush is unfolding in South Australia, where the Opposition has called on the State Government to explain why it has not secured around $100 million for farmers.
Read and write rates take bashing in Tas
Literacy and numeracy levels in Tasmania are around ten per cent lower than the rest of country and continuing to drop.
Council rebuffed in bid for refugee boost
One regional council has written to the Immigration Minister requesting refugees be settled there, but says the offer was rejected.
Health overhaul talk flags new payments, private involvement
The Health Minister may soon end months of speculation over the future of Medicare, but it looks like the changes will not be to everyone’s liking.
Lost funds sought to get regions moving again
The WA Local Government Association says it will be looking for the reinstatement of grants for regional infrastructure projects.
Name game drags on in WA
A regional council just wants to change its name, but the decision keeps getting harder.
Ousted council GM could be just the first
The General Manager of the Armidale-Dumaresq Council has left early, and there are now calls for more heads to roll.
Union-linked workers wait on coming changes
Media stirrings indicate industrial relations changes are imminent, and that new legislation will be announced soon.
Utter silence expected from public sector before election
Tasmanian Liberals want public sector workers to keep their opinions to themselves in the run-up to the state election.