Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - December, 2014
The Australian Local Government Association is rallying councils nationwide to provide input on the Commonwealth Government's White Paper on the Reform of the Federation.
Calm called as planning storm brews
South Australian councils are being urged to relax, take a deep breath, and read the state’s new planning proposals for themselves.
Good talk pre-planning revealed in report
Councils across NSW have rated highly in a review of the ways they engage and consult their communities on land use plans.
Jaws closing on bad apples
Former NSW Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid and his disgraced ally Ian Macdonald are back in court today, as the trials of some of the shadiest men in politics continue.
New course could be one step in NT's quest
A new program will see more teachers trained to face the growing shortage in the Northern Territory.
Centre to study critters, creeks and matters of the North
Experts say they are keen to start using newly-announced Federal Government money for research projects across northern Australia.
First funding wave in fight to fix top five
A $1 million funding injection announced this week is aimed at improving the health of the River Torrens.
Flood plan to stop tragic past repeating
Queensland is looking at options to boost flood defences for Ipswich and Brisbane.
Little hope for return revealed in East West deal
The much-awaited business case for Melbourne’s slated $6.8 billion East West Link has been released following a change of government.
Sydney plan to wake old suburbs
New South Wales Government says it will breathe new life into Sydney, with the launch of its new planning strategy.
Cheap power push backed by governments
The Industry Minister says he wants to save households’ some money by making Australia into a cheap energy capital, hoping that smart meters will make it happen.
Groups form new front against gas
Remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory have joined forces to combat threats posed by the oil and gas industry.
Councils want overhaul to cut NSW waste
Far west New South Wales councils the State Government is slow, disconnected and sometimes ineffective in dealing with the needs of those outside big population centres.
Fossil fuel friendship won't wash with some
The Queensland Police Service is feeling some heat from its links with oil and gas giant Santos.
Green funds let councils batten hatches
Councils across New South Wales will be rewarded for their forward-thinking agendas, with Building Resilience to Climate Change Grants totalling $432,500 handed out to worthy projects.
Waste plan pleases WALGA, but it wants to know more
The WA Local Government Association says it is glad to see several of its suggestions included in the early stages of a state-wide waste management review, but wants to make sure councils are kept in the loop and not just paid lip service.
Climate costs high either way, inaction won't help
Floods and fires will leave Australia with a mind-boggling damage bill in coming years, the CSIRO says.
Dredging should be warning for upper Murray users
The Conservation Council of South Australia has backed a $4 million dredging program to keep the mouth of the Murray River open.
City's toxic playgrounds pinned on iron trade
Potentially toxic levels of lead, arsenic, nickel and cadmium have been found on playground equipment at several public parks in Queensland.
UN summoned in QLD gas fight
Traditional owners in Queensland's Channel Country have asked the United Nations to intervene in a battle over oil and gas development.
Call to plot leaks as gas industry wells up
A team of university experts has warned that the risks of coal seam gas mining could play out before governments get around to responding.