Archived News for Professionals in Local Government

There have been no fond goodbyes after the former leader of the South Australian Liberals changed sides this week.

Forethought on big council cut questioned

Department officials have been asked to to explain how a $1 billion cut to increases in council payments will affect regional Australia, and some are less-than-happy with the answer.

Mayors' farm-making lands court date

A South Australian mayor is facing three charges of illegal land clearing, after he knocked down a large tract to lease for farming.

Rally for local referendum re-launch

Victorian councils are trying to resuscitate a referendum the Abbott Government says is dead.

Round two in legal rates rights fight

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has lodged its appeal against a Supreme Court decision on the way councils can charge rates.

Rural docs don't want to be bag-man too

Rural doctors say the proposed Medicare co-payment will add an extra weight to their already over-burdened shoulders.

Councils urged to look at tomorrow's water needs now

The man in charge of enhancing the stormwater systems of regional West Australian communities says local councils need to plan for future water needs.

Forest flood marks turning tide for flow control

A huge flood began in Victoria this week but luckily, it was intentional.

Broad benefits expected from bold solar systems

A grassroots group supporting Australian workers and industries has unveiled new products to keep energy costs down for small operations.

Bond rights given to local government for new Chinese trial

China has given its local governments a small power boost, letting them sell and repay their own bonds for the first time.

Concern over council comparisons

Some Victorian Councils are concerned that a new website for comparing rates and other performance measures will make certain regions look bad.

Hope held for turnaround on states' missing billions

The architect of Australia’s significant education funding reforms has lamented their deterioration, just a few years after being put in place.

Merger moves could face legal block for democracy

Some West Australian councils are now considering legal action over their forced merger.

Roadshow to release northern neglected regions

The Federal Government’s inquiry into the economic future of the northern half of Australia has been touring the region, talking to various groups about the path to a successful tomorrow.

Value found in good government buying

As the tough federal budget continues to take a bashing, a new report may show how government businesses can find some more room to move.

Councils' new green light meets disapproval

The Federal Environment Minister has defended his decision to give state governments more power over mining approvals.

Gold mine accused of tarnishing local flows

Community complaints have forced one mining company to check for contaminated water near its Bendigo mine site.

Push to free trees continues amid rejection

The Federal Government says it will review a draft World Heritage Committee decision, which rejects an application to delist some Tasmanian forests.

Teachers' scene change not about the green

Many rue the idea of having to leave the comfort and convenience of urban living for work in regional areas, with many having to be paid considerably more to “go rural”.