Fairness of Victorian property based fire levy questioned
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) submission on the fire services levy has raised concerns about its fairness and argues that a capital improved valuation base would better reflect capacity to pay.
ICAC all clear for Ballina on tower
The Independent Crime Against Corruption (ICAC) has told Ballina Shire Council that they will be taking no further action in respect to Council's management of the recently erected Optus tower in Basalt Court, Lennox Head.
World Town Planning Day at Busselton
World Town Planning Day celebrates and acknowledges the contribution of planners to highlight the importance of town planning in shaping communities and lifestyles both now and into the future.
Track team – tracks and trails
Kingborough, located just south of Hobart, contains some of the most breathtaking country and sea walks in Tasmania. Residents' and visitors' enjoyment of these beautiful areas has been greatly improved with the work of the tracks team from Kingborough Council who have just published the third printing of their acclaimed booklet on the trails of the municipality.
Bid for wireless CCTV
A wireless CCTV camera network may be introduced across Victoria's western region if a funding application through the State Government's 'Public Safety Infrastructure Fund' is successful.
Kogarah takes top honours at Sustainable Cities Awards Night
Kogarah City Council has won the prestigious Overall Sustainable Cities Award at the 2011 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Awards and it then went on to win the national Australian Sustainable Cities Awards for 2011.
Councillor profiles
This month we will profile two councillors from Northern Territory.
Recycling initiatives for Rockhampton region schools
Primary and secondary schools throughout the Rockhampton Region will have the opportunity to significantly reduce recycling service charges by signing up and actively participating in the Central Queensland Local Government Association's (CQLGA) EarthSmart Schools Program.
Sixty-eight ways to participate
The South Australian Local Government Association has invited its member councils to participate in 68 projects as part of the LGA's multi-million dollar two year Local Excellence program along with a range of external partners.
Survey of Social Media in LG
Facebook, Twitter and Linked In are more than computer buzzwords, they are becoming part of a new way to communicate.
Shoalhaven City Council recognised at Aboriginal Network Conference
Shoalhaven City Council joined Shellharbour, Wollongong, Wingecarribee and Kiama Councils in receiving the Council Partnership Award at the recent NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network 2011 Conference held in Dubbo.
ALGA looks for permanent funding for Roads to Recovery
The Australian Local Government Association looks to have gained bi-partisan support for the Roads to Recovery (R2R) Program, but the goal of permanent and increased funding has not been secured.
Editorial
As we approach the end of 2011, it is time to consider where Local Government is heading in 2012.
Shire wins LivCom Award
The Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire has taken out second place in the prestigious LivCom Awards, in the Project Award (socio economic category), for its Plan for the Future.
Consultation on climate change requires positive approaches*
The Australian Climate Change Adaptation Research Network for Settlements and Infrastructure (ACCARNSI) researchs and evaluates of climate change adaptation tools and application processes in Local Government.
Council's risk management at a premium
Risk management is an important part of management in Local Government and Maroondah City Council is leading the way.
The future is green cities*
As national and state governments struggle with major sustainability issues, local governments can take practical action now – and green buildings are one way that councils can make a difference to the environment, the health and wellbeing of their communities, and their council coffers too.
How green is my Moonee Valley?
Moonee Valley City Council's award winning green shopping system has saved Council an estimated $30,000 a year and saved the environment from 400 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year in a single purchase.
Technology 'future proofs' Council
It has taken three years and thousands of dollars but ratepayers in the Etheridge Shire can rest assured their Council could not be more ready for the future.
Financial Service for LG staff*
Notice the difference a NOT FOR PROFIT financial service provider can make to the members of local government, their families and friends.
Living Life Happy and Healthy on the Fraser Coast
Queensland's Fraser Coast is seen as one of the happiest regions in Australia and staff from Fraser Coast Regional Council are keen to keep it that way, especially within their work environment.
Managing assets more effectively and economically*
The public sector has no choice but to stretch resources as far as possible. With revenues shrinking and infrastructure aging, councils need to get maximum value from existing assets.
Praise for Mackay's online City Deals initiative
One of Australia's leading Internet marketers has praised Mackay Regional Council for establishing its "City Deals" initiative, which is a free, community based online discount scheme.
Armidale Dumaresq Council increases productivity
A massive $2.1 million in productivity improvements in Armidale Dumaresq Council's (ADC) operations has been identified and $1.4 million has been implemented and is operational.
Barossa bike path bonanza
Visitors to the Barossa and Gawler regions will soon have the joy of riding, jogging or walking between Tanunda and Gawler, and the intermediate areas of Rowland Flat, Lyndoch and Gawler East, following receipt of a large Federal Government grant by the Barossa Council to construct a 27 kilometre long shared bicycle and walking path.
Local Government Management Solutions*
Local Government Management Solutions works with a large number of councils across NSW to provide them with expertise in Executive Recruitment and HR Management.
Future directions in business efficiency – the impact of NBN
Kiama Municipal Council is in the fortunate position of being the first Council on mainland Australia to be connected to the National Broadband Network (NBN), with rollout to the majority of the Municipality expected by the end of 2012.
Townsville City Council enhances customer service
Citizens and customers of Townsville City Council will soon enjoy better quality and quicker response times to their questions through a deal signed this week between Townsville and IMC Communications to implement livepro®, a cloud-based knowledge management solution.
City of Melville recognised for excellent customer service
The City of Melville has been recognised for its excellent customer service systems by winning the state and national Local Government Customer Service Institute of Australia (CSIA) Service Excellence Awards.
