Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

NSW progresses down the path of voluntary amalgamations
In June last year, Harry Woods, New South Wales Minister for Local Government, invited groups of Councils to submit joint proposals for voluntary amalgamations. Eight initial proposals, involving 24 Councils, were received. In February, the first two amalgamations were officially proclaimed.

Batchelor wins national Tidy Town award
Northern Territory's town of Batchelor defeated an impressive list of finalists to take out the national Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town Award.

Editorial
Over the past decade, all State Governments and the Northern Territory have embarked, in some form or another, along the path of Local Government boundary restructure. Although there have been a few instances of individual Councils being split into smaller units, the majority of restructure processes have aimed to reduce the sum total of Councils in a particular State.

President's comment
Each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Margaret Vigants, Local Government Association Northern Territory.

Raising the profile of Local Government
Once again Queensland Councils are each being encouraged to raise their community's awareness of the value of Local Government during Local Government Awareness Week to be held 19 - 25 June.

Shire of Swan becomes a City
On 1 April, Western Australian Minister for Local Government, Paul Omodei, officially designated the former Shire of Swan a City.

Councils share CEO
After a number of successful sharing arrangements, the neighbouring Western Australian Shires of Tammin and Kellerberrin have embarked on another partnership. This time they will share a Chief Executive Officer.

Gearing up for the New Tax System with TCR 2000
With 1 July rapidly approaching, similar to organisations across the nation, Councils are getting ready for the New Tax System (NTS). Councils need to have an implementation plan in place, including the necessary software to meet their compliance reporting needs.

Burnie: the Online City of the Future
Burnie City Council is continuing to foster opportunities for growth and new job creation in the area of information technology and communications.

GST software unveiled by leading supplier
An enthusiastic reception was given to the new GST version of the popular Practical Computer Services (PCS) software by the 130 delegates attending their recent 14th annual Users Group Conference.

Finance One provides top accounting solution for Councils
Leading accounting software system, Finance One is providing world best practice financial management solutions for Councils across Australia with the product gaining a strong and loyal following among Council users.

Message from the Minister
Once again it is a great pleasure to be in contact with everyone involved in Local Government in Australia through this edition of National Perspective.

Review of Local Government Financial Assistance Grants
The Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government, Senator Ian Macdonald, has announced that the Commonwealth Grants Commission will undertake the review of the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995.

Innovation in Local Government - Are you ready for the National Awards?
Whether you represent a larger municipality or the smallest, remote rural community, the National Office of Local Government wants to hear from you for the year 2000 National Awards for Innovation in Local Government.

Regional Ministers set new priority
Regional Development Ministers from around Australia have agreed to work together to establish a clear framework for cooperation between all levels of government.

Setting the Agenda for our community, for our future...
Senator Robert Hill and Senator Ian Macdonald are working together to assist Local Government in meeting the challenge of implementing ecologically sustainable development at the local level.

GST: Pricing advice by industry associations
Industry associations can assist their members to assess the impact of the GST on prices and how to deal with pricing without breaching the Trade Practices Act. But industry associations face a risk of legal action with the possibility of some serious penalties if they help fix, maintain or control prices, or where they facilitate a meeting of the minds on price setting.

Ipswich on track with winning entry
With the Year 2000 National Awards for Innovation in Local Government looming, it is an ideal time to find out what progress had been made by Ipswich City Council, the 1999 National Award winner.

Economic boost to regions under Rural Plan
The Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government, Senator Ian Macdonald has announced 21 successful Rural Plan grants under Round Two of the programme.

Regional Forest Agreements - Key to a sustainable future for our native forests
Whether the issue is water or waste, salinity or biodiversity, the Federal government is in no doubt as to Local Government's commitment to environmental protection. In the four States where RFAs are in place, Councils have played an important part in forest policy development.

Shortcut to local economic development in the regions
The President of the Australian Local Government Association, Councillor John Ross recently presented the Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government, Senator Ian Macdonald, with a copy of a practical new guide for Councils that want to take a more active role in encouraging local economic development.