President's column
This week began with a major announcement from the Prime Minister that the 2016-17 Federal budget will now be handed down a week earlier on 3 May 2016. This change to the Federal budget timeline will have little impact on ALGA; our pre-budget submission was lodged in early February and, since that time, I have undertaken numerous meetings with Members of Parliament, Senators and government officials advocating the priorities set out in ALGA's submission.
The submission, titled Investment in an Innovative and Prosperous Future, reflects the role councils play in supporting and stimulating investment and local economic activity. It focuses on support for the priorities and needs of our communities.
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Stronger Communities Programme open for applications
Round 2 of the Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) is open for applications and councils are encouraged to put forward SCP project proposals that could improve local community participation and cohesion, and contribute to vibrant and viable communities.
Grants of between $5,000 and up to a maximum of $20,000 are available for projects that build capacity in communities and applicants are required to confirm matched funding in cash and/or in-kind on at least a dollar-for-dollar basis
Learn from the brains behind Boston at this year's NGA
Although some may assume there aren't many similarities between Australian councils and those in and around the City of Boston in the US, it turns out that that there is a lot that can be learned from Boston, particularly when it comes to generating wealth and improving the lives of citizens through innovation.
Microsoft has released a new report called Accelerating Australia's innovation ecosystem: Lessons from Boston and recommendations for a unique path forward, based on a tour to Boston and nearby Cambridge that was organised late last year.
Latest News
Funding boost creates 17,000 new aged care places
The Government has announced 17,385 new aged care places worth an estimated $910 million
Call out for new and emerging Indigenous filmmakers
Screen Australia's Indigenous Department is calling on new and emerging Indigenous filmmakers from
Australia's newest Tidy Town awardee
The cohesive and innovative community of Triabunna located on Tasmania's east coast took home the
New Clean Energy Innovation Fund
The Australian Government has announced a new $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund to support emerging technologies make the leap from demonstration to commercial deployment
More than rates, roads and rubbish
LG Professionals Australia has launched a paper, Australia in a Century of Transformative Government: A Federation for Communities and Places, stating that local government has
Project requests council case studies on healthy built environments
Academics from the Universities of Sydney and NSW, Dr Jennifer Kent and Dr Susan Thompson, are embarking on a book project about healthy planning in Australia
Cities Agenda a commitment to our quality of life
The Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, the Hon Angus Taylor MP, has outlined the Government's intention to become an active investment partner in infrastructure investments
Funding boost creates 17,000 new aged care places
The Government has announced 17,385 new aged care places worth an estimated $910 million
Call out for new and emerging Indigenous filmmakers
Screen Australia's Indigenous Department is calling on new and emerging Indigenous filmmakers from
Australia's newest Tidy Town awardee
The cohesive and innovative community of Triabunna located on Tasmania's east coast took home the
New Clean Energy Innovation Fund
The Australian Government has announced a new $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund to support emerging technologies make the leap from demonstration to commercial deployment
More than rates, roads and rubbish
LG Professionals Australia has launched a paper, Australia in a Century of Transformative Government: A Federation for Communities and Places, stating that local government has
Project requests council case studies on healthy built environments
Academics from the Universities of Sydney and NSW, Dr Jennifer Kent and Dr Susan Thompson, are embarking on a book project about healthy planning in Australia
Cities Agenda a commitment to our quality of life
The Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, the Hon Angus Taylor MP, has outlined the Government's intention to become an active investment partner in infrastructure investments
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Which local council will be the best blood donors?
Local councils already make a huge difference to our community. Now, here’s your chance to make an even bigger one — by giving blood and saving lives.
Between 1 April and 30 June the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s group donation program, Red 25, is inviting local councils across Australia to join the inaugural Red25 Councils Blood Challenge.
During the challenge, councils will compete to see who can make the most blood donations in their state or territory.
To have your donations count towards your council’s tally, join Red25 and start donating. If your council doesn’t already have a Red25 group, register one!
To join, register a group or learn more visit donateblood.com.au/council or call 1300 886 524. To give blood, call 13 14 95.
2016 NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Partners in an Innovative and Prosperous Australia
The NGA Registration Brochure is now available, download your copy here.
Under the theme Partners in an Innovative and Prosperous Australia, delegates at this year's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will look at the many ways local government is being innovative both here and overseas. As a responsive, pragmatic and dynamic level of government, councils innovate with technology, with their resources and in practical ways within their organisations and communities.
The NGA brings our sector together providing a platform for thought provoking discussion and serious consideration of the development of policies on issues of national significance. This year, the NGA will celebrate and examine the key role of local government in helping to build the economy and sustainable communities of the future. Through the NGA, delegates will be able to learn from the ideas and experiences of other councils and gain valuable ideas for their own councils.
Local government is a pragmatic and hands-on level of government. Our focus is the provision of services, infrastructure, planning and coordination at the local level.
Register your attendance at this year's NGA here.