Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

Media reports this week have highlighted fears that a series of ponds containing heavy metals and cyanide at an abandoned mining site could spill into a river that feeds the Murray-Darling Basin.

Safety stakes raised amid mass sacking

Serious concerns have been raised about the health and safety impacts of mining firm BMA’s decision to sack 300 full-time staff in Queensland.

Greens go against renewable plan

The Tasmanian Greens are walking a fine line between two of their major policy areas – announcing their opposition to an experimental renewable energy system in a Wilderness World Heritage Area (WWHA).

Frydenberg heading north for pro-mining talks

Josh Frydenberg, the new Resources and Energy Minister and Minister for Northern Australia, is heading to the top of the country to push for new opportunities.

QLD rallies in reaction to tragic deaths

Queensland councils are uniting to send a powerful message that domestic violence will not be tolerated.

Stats show SA's heavy slug

South Australian councils say they get the least financial support per capita from any State or Territory government in Australia.

Turnbull to launch anti-violence fight

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has declared “real men don't hit women” ahead of a new $41 million domestic violence response package to be unveiled today.

Fluid portfolios making some skittish about flows

Some bizarre claims have been made this week, as South Australian senator Anne Ruston is welcomed to her new role as assistant minister for agriculture and water resources.

Reef report shows run-off falling short of target

The latest Great Barrier Reef marine environment report card says the overall condition of inshore areas is pretty poor.

QLD spends big on anti-ice

The Queensland Government has unveiled $6 million worth of new community health programs aimed at tackling ice addiction.

ALGA welcomes new PM

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the new Prime Minister, who has made move on rural roads in his first week on the job.

Bendigo meeting ended by bellowing bigots

Ignorance flooded Bendigo streets last night, as a tide of anti-Muslim sentiment forced councillors to leave a meeting under police guard.

Councils canvas for Syrian intake

Queensland councils are seeking feedback from their residents as to how many Syrian refugees they can take in.

Course launched for local government women

An exciting new course called 'Empowering Women in Local Government' will be formally launched later this month, with experts hoping it will help councils address gender imbalances.

Indigenous employment boost brings more to Justice

The NSW Department of Justice wants to have 6 per cent of its workforce made up of Indigenous Australians by 2017.

Rates slammed in WA

The WA Local Government Minister has unleashed on the financial management of councils after claims that city councils were imposing rate increases well above inflation.

Councils pushed to build recycled roads

Councils in WA are being officially urged to use recycled construction and demolition materials in new projects.

Disability deals bring great aid for two states

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is helping more states get National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds.

Flower damage placed at tourists' feet

Experts are encouraging anyone thinking of stepping out to enjoy colourful wildflowers popping up around the country to be mindful of the potential damage trampling can have.