Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - March, 2015
The severe water issues facing Broken Hill are getting worse, and the town is crying out for help.
Point-scoring and pollution at regional dam
A New South Wales water authority says it has detected pollution in one regional dam, kicking up a stoush in several political arenas.
Lack of talk raised while NT plugs gas jobs
The Northern Territory Government has put out new oil and gas exploration licences which cover large amounts of Aboriginal land.
Study seeks to fill e-voting pitfalls
Researchers are looking at potential risks and benefits in the future of mobile e-voting.
Better building sought in SA planning shift
The South Australian Local Government sector continues to lobby for significant changes to the State's planning system, changes it has wanted for years.
Councils happy with new Reef plan
Queensland councils have welcomed the Great Barrier Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan, despite concerns from environmentalists.
Easily-avoided metadata bill continues
The Senate will vote on the Government’s metadata retention bill today, and it appears almost certain to pass with the blessing of the party technically considered the Opposition.
More cuts loom for those already disadvantaged
Deep funding cuts to the Indigenous Advancement Strategy have led one NT mayor to tell federal politicians they “better start listening real fast”.
New carbon-cutting avenues opened
The Federal Government has released new methods for public consultation ahead of the first Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) auction.
Tassie mergers strongly mooted
Hobart's Lord Mayor has said local council amalgamations in Tasmania are "inevitable" after a vote in favour this week.
River money flows to worthy regional projects
The Federal Government has put up $5 million for River Murray economic development projects.
Duo to fight FIFO's dark toll
A new partnership has been formed to stop suicide in the mining and oil and gas industries.
ALGA seeks state of assets
Councils around the country have received a letter this week asking them for input on an important report.
Freight blamed for hefty road bills
Western Australia's Opposition transport spokesperson wants to ease the strain for councils facing big road repair bills.
Harsh words and hand-outs on Close The Gap day
Last Thursday was national Close The Gap day, and while events were on around the country to address Indigenous inequality, the Prime Minister’s top Indigenous advisor had some harsh words for his boss.
Locals say frozen funds will bite
Councils will struggle to cope with the Federal Government freeze on indexation of local government grants.
Push for aged health funding to go further
There are calls for expansion of a NSW State Government program which funds ageing and disability workers in metropolitan and major regional councils.
QLD collects for cyclone-ravaged neighbour
Queensland’s 77 local councils have launched a relief appeal to help the victims of Tropical Cyclone Pam.
Hunter Water may not talk about CSG water find
Hunter Water is consulting with legal experts to find out if it can release the findings of an investigation into coal seam gas sewer contamination.
Station takes bold stance for swampy assistance
A station in the Northern Territory has taken a big step toward supporting local ecology and water supplies.
Council could arm walls against wee
The Gold Coast City Council wants to protect its walls against mass urination.