Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

The Australian Local Government Association has lashed out again proposed changes to natural disaster funding arrangements.

Councils unhappy at royalty creep

Queensland councils have put their foot down on the issue of State support for resource impacted regions.

Cuts could show little interest in northern fix

Cuts to the office in charge of developing northern Australia mean remote communities will continue missing out, some say.

Loans won't atone for cost of new boundaries

The West Australian Local Government Association says forced mergers will cost councils from $4.1 to $7.2 million per amalgamation, and the State should step in to help.

Mental pain shouldn't swing on MP's whim

West Australian mental health authorities say politicians should not decide the freedom of mentally impaired people.

Miner's find brings big new supply

An Australian mining firm has come across a vast new water source in the Northern Territory.

New view for fresh eyes on data

A high-tech and visually-stunning software suite will bring a better look at data.

Cartel claims bring Indigenous scrutiny

Authorities are looking into allegations of “cartel conduct” by mining companies and Aboriginal heritage service providers.

Insurance aid for storm-ravaged region

A string of natural disaster has created a new risk in North Queensland, with many going uninsured because their premiums are too high.

Big meet to take long view of Local Government future

There will be plenty of issues to mull over when representatives from across Queensland’s local government sector converge next week.

City lines detailed, councils call for funds

The West Australian Government has finally released details of planned council mergers, but the Local Government Association says it is just the start.

Council phone checks as evidence in wider issue

There is concern over big gaps in government reports on how often Australians' private internet and phone records have been accessed by law-enforcement, and one city council is becoming the poster child.

Bore data becomes internet official

The Bureau of Meteorology has released the Australian Groundwater Explorer - a new online groundwater data tool that gives a comprehensive picture of Australia's groundwater resources.

Green paper on farm money sees need for dams

Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has released a green paper on agricultural competitiveness, listing 27 dams and irrigation projects that may warrant Commonwealth involvement.

New site to spot mine licences online

The Victorian Government has put up an interactive online map for plotting mining and exploration leases.

Site shows coastal risk to inform future planning

New tools will help beach towns get ready for more destructive weather.

Think-tank's bold claims in fight for coal value

The Australia Institute (TAI) has fired another shot at the coal industry, in its quest to turn the Australian public against the old energy industry.

3 Greatest Trans-Pacific Hits

Governments representing about 40 per cent of the global economy are negotiating against the interests of freedom, universal health and human rights – and the private talks on peoples’ future will soon continue in Australia.

By-election incites "independent" rivals

Names have been drawn for what could be the most keenly-watched local government election ever.

Criminal cop claims in SA take-down

Eight police officers have now been arrested over charges of theft and abuse of public office.

Great efforts gathered to show councils' take on poverty

Local governments typically have the greatest power to directly influence lives, and some councils are using that connection to help lift residents out of poverty.