Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

Clr Khal Asfour has been elected as the new Mayor of Bankstown, following the resignation of Clr Tania Mihailuk who stepped down last week to focus on her obligations as the State Member for Bankstown.

In accepting the role at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Council, Mayor Asfour said it was a privilege to have been elected to serve as Mayor of this great City.

"Since being elected to Council, I have worked hard to deliver important infrastructure improvements, encourage business growth and provide support to our community based organisations and service clubs.

SA government introduces new governance approach for Port Augusta

The South Australian Government has announced a new approach to governance in Port Augusta in response to the Lew Owens report, which reviewed service delivery in the region.

Gold Coast releases $920 million 2011-12 budget

Gold Coast City Counciil has handed down a $920 million budget, which Lord Mayor Ron Clarke has described as a 'responsible budget that is a reflection of the times'.

Adelaide City Council releases 2011-12 budget

The Adelaide City Council has published its 2011-12 Business Plan and Budget for the coming financial year, including an announcement of ‘very significant’ infrastructure expenditure.

City of Sydney signs sustainability deal with big business

Victorian council cost pressures outstripping rates

Draft local government budget data collated annually by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) confirms that Victorian council rates are budgeted to rise an average of 5.9 per cent or $82 this year.

Legislation passed to enable NSW councils conduct elections

The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) have applauded the recent passage of the Local Government Amendments (Elections) Bill 2011 in the NSW parliament, which enables councils in NSW to conduct their own elections.

Victorian Government announces new local government initiatives

Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has used this year's Local Government Ministerial and Mayors Forum to detail three initiatives to assist local governments in improving their dealings with the state government and their local communities.

Landmark review of local government boundaries in Perth

A high independent panel has been appointed by the WA Government to recommend appropriate boundaries and governance models for local governments in the Perth metropolitan area.

Attorney-General announces more NSW recovery assistance

Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced Maitland City Council and Great Lakes Shire Council Shires in NSW are now eligible for disaster assistance from the Australian Government following last week’s flooding.

Implications of future tax system review on local government report released

The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) has just published a new Working Paper called The Henry Review of Australia's Future Tax System: The Implications for Local Government.

Digital Local Government program launched

A $17.1 million program has been announced by the Federal Government to help local councils take full advantage of the National Broadband Network (NBN) through the development and upgrade of innovative online service delivery to homes and businesses.

ALGA and NBN Co launch broadband rollout guide

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and the National Broadband Network Co (NBN Co) have co-launched a guide designed to assist councils prepare for the rollout of the NBN throughout the country.

Victoria announces second round of flood repair funding

Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has met with representatives from Buloke, Loddon and Gannawarra shire councils to announce almost $850,000 in grants from Round 2 payments of the Local Government Clean Up Fund.

Coastal infrastructure gets $4.5 million to offset climate change risk

The Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, has announced a funding injection of $4.5 million to ‘support practical approaches’ in managing climate change impacts on crucial coastal infrastructure and critical assets.

Local government needed to foster growth

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has reaffirmed the importance of local government in offsetting the emerging "patchwork economy" in an address to the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly.

Moves to recognise local government in Constitution

Federal Minister for Regional Develoment and Local Government Simon Crean has announced the creation of an expert advisory panel to lead a ‘national discussion’ on a referendum on recognising local government in the Australian Constitution.

Victoria publishes council satisfaction survey

The Victorian Government has published its 2011 Community Satisfaction Survey for Victoria’s local government sector, finding a ‘slight downward movement’ from 79 per cent to 77 per cent of respondents rating their council as ‘excellent’, ‘good’ or ‘adequate’ on performance.