Rate capping claims are "disingenuous"
South Australia’s Minister for Local Government has today used the local daily newspaper to allege that councils “have been gouging ratepayers.”
ALGWA complaint for unfair reporting upheld
The Australian journalist’s union, the Media Entertainment Arts Alliance (MEAA) has found a Melbourne journalist breached the union’s code of ethics in his reporting of events relating to the sexual harassment claims against former Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle.
City ditches recycling as prices surge
Ipswich City Council has announced that from now, all contents from yellow lid recycle bins will be sent to landfill.
The Games are over but the benefits continue to flow
Redland City Council’s advocacy for opportunities with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games has paid off, with a swathe of short and long term benefits already flowing to the region.
Articles
What a mess
Councils around the country are struggling to keep their heads above the growing mountains of recyclable rubbish accumulating in the wake of China’s National Sword policy.
The ashes of democracy
Blacktown City Council held a ceremonial cremation last month of the last development application to be voted on by its councillors.
Antelco launches ReuZitTM*
Antelco a world leading Australian manufacturer of micro irrigation products has launched the ReuZitTM range of products specifically for the domestic and small commercial waste water and non-potable rain water market.
Contact centre rings up national award
The Contact Centre team of Northern Australian Services, in an innovative partnership with Mackay Regional Council, Queensland, has been named Best in its Class in Australia.
Reconciliation plan endorsed
The City of Cockburn, Western Australia (WA), has adopted its third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), progressing its commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to help them achieve equality in all aspects of life.
Improving protection for local women
Randwick City Council will provide financial assistance to a local domestic violence support agency for the next five years.
Ten gigabit Adelaide is here
City of Adelaide has announced the first buildings being connected to Ten Gigabit Adelaide.
Community-led local government*
The 2018 Future of Local Government National Summit will celebrate the local, exploring who is leading the (new) way and how they’re doing it.
Addressing youth unemployment
The City of Ryde, New South Wales, will investigate opportunities to do more to assist young members of the community find more employment opportunities.
A case for partnership*
May and June are important months for all those involved in Local Government.
Taking sugary drinks off the menu
Eight Victorian councils are teaming up with health promotion foundation VicHealth to give sugary drinks the flick and promote water as the drink of choice at local sport and recreation centres.
Making the data work for you*
The City of Monash has chosen the Local Government Software Solutions (LGSS) Corporate Performance Indicator Module (CPI) to help turn their data into usable information for monitoring, reporting and improving performance.
Growers become export ready
Burdekin Shire Council, Queensland, will hold an export forum in Ayr next month aiming to get local growers thinking about opportunities to export their produce into lucrative international markets.
Surf Pro gets green light
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River Council has approved the Gracetown surf break, North Point for the 2018 Margaret River Pro for the third consecutive year.
Not your average carpark
City of Fremantle, Western Australia, is working on what could be Perth’s most environmentally friendly carpark.
Rail bridge will live on
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is working on a project that will determine the viability of the Gundagai Rail Bridge.
Liquip Victoria – helping councils to lower their fuel operational costs*
If you’re not using Self Bunded Tanks (SBTs) to store and dispense your fuel on-site then it’s time you considered the move. Many councils are taking advantage of this approach, delivering them greater workplace efficiencies and fantastic cost savings.
Helping schools wipe out waste
Moonee Valley City Council, Victoria, is offering local schools the chance to reduce their expenses and wipe out waste for good in a brand new program.
Rail under pass link
Orange City Council, New South Wales (NSW) has a new major piece of walking and bike riding infrastructure with the construction of a new rail under-pass tunnel under the Main Western Rail Line in south Orange.
Old tyres become new opportunities*
Old tyres could find a second life in your road surfaces, pavements, as sound barriers and even as fuel.
Girls win grants for upgrades
Gannawarra Shire Council has been successful in receiving three grants from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s 2018/2019 Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Students pitch council on waste innovation
City of Canning’s first ever Pitch It! event indicates a bright future for Western Australia with some of Perth’s smartest students coming together to pitch their waste app ideas.
Reef guard action
Cairns Regional Council will introduce a smart monitoring program for urban stormwater to help protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Pond becomes native sanctuary
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government’s Conservation Research team is providing a new habitat for birds and native fish with the ongoing transformation of Upper Stranger Pond.
On trial
Mornington Peninsula Shire, Victoria, is trialling electric vehicles for potential inclusion in its fleet in an ongoing commitment towards carbon neutrality.
Developing international asset management standards*
By Martin Kerr, CFAM, AMBok Team Member Asset Management Council of Australia representative to the Australian Delegation to ISO/TC251 Committee (continuation of ISO5500x committee)
Lang Lang community and recreation precinct
Cardinia Shire, Victoria, will partner with Lang Lang Community Bank and the Australian Government to deliver a new $10 million recreation precinct for the Lang Lang and surrounding communities, replacing the outdated facilities at the showground.
Cemeteries benefit from upgrades
Snowy Monaro Regional Council, New South Wales, has completed three Stronger Communities Fund (SCF) Major Projects with cemeteries across the region benefiting from recent upgrades.
Corridor plan is grounded in science
Redland City Council, Queensland, has adopted a new Wildlife Connections Plan 2018-2028 providing priority actions for the management, protection and enhancement of a network of core wildlife corridors across the city.
Is your council a member yet?*
Dial Before You Dig is a not for profit organisation that delivers a vital national community service designed to assist in preventing damage and disruption to Australia’s vast infrastructure networks which provide essential services used every day.
Joint effort on road upgrade
Three councils with a shared vision have jointly delivered a $12.52 million upgrade to their local road network on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsular.
Gillies Bridge a treasure
Cessnock City Council will shortly be undertaking works to refurbish Gillies Bridge, Lovedale, to increase the life-span of the unique bridge and improve the safety of road users.
Developing international asset management standards
By Martin Kerr, CFAM, AMBok Team Member Asset Management Council of Australia Representative to the Australian Delegation to ISO/TC251 Committee (continuation of ISO5500x committee)
Water, water, everywhere
Wollondilly Shire Council has officially launched its new water refill stations which have been installed across the Shire.
Root cells protect roads from trees
The City of Canning is the first council in Western Australia to trial the use of root cell technology under a busy road in what is hoped to be a solution for tree root damage to roads.
Parks upgrade reflects community vision
City of Charles Sturt, South Australia, has officially opened Point Malcolm Reserve a newly reinvented $1.2 million recreation destination in Semaphore Park.
Milestone reached
Logan City Council’s new water reservoir being built at Logan Village to cater for the area’s fast-growing population is one step closer to completion.
Watermelon fun in waterpark
Western Downs Regional Council, Queensland, will use ultra-modern water-saving technology when construction begins on the new Chinchilla Botanic Parklands where Australian megafauna, watermelons and the region’s Indigenous history will be the centrepiece.
Council invests in green bonds
Central Coast Council, New South Wales, has voted to include green bonds in their investment portfolio for the first time.
Safe chemical waste disposal*
Thanks to the 357 local government councils who host agricultural and veterinary chemical container sites, Australian property owners have diverted millions of tonnes of agricultural waste from landfill towards recycling projects or safe disposal.
World class facility
City of Parramatta, New South Wales has delivered a highly functional, state-of-the-art sport and recreation park with a transformation costing $11.23 million.