President's column
For many of our communities across the country, natural disasters are a constant threat. The recent and continuing effects of the powerful ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie remind us that our communities require appropriate support to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters where possible, as well as timely support to recover as quickly as possible from those impacts that cannot be avoided.
Local government has been a strong supporter of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements
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Call for submissions from the Referendum Council
What do you think about a future referendum being held in Australia to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our Constitution?
The Referendum Council has made a call for submissions on constitutional recognition to continue an open and constructive national conversation about this important issue.
The council has released a discussion paper which sets out some of the different options for change and outlines some of the issues to be taken into account.
New Reconciliation Week funding for councils
Funding is now available for councils under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy Culture and Capability Programme to help communities to celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2017.
This year's NRW is particularly significant as it will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the 25th anniversary of the 1992 Mabo High Court decision.
The funding is an opportunity for councils to work in partnership with a local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community organisation
Around the nation: Financial Assistance Grants indexation freeze impact on Burnie City Council, Tasmania
With Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) remaining at 2014-15 levels following the Government's decision that year of a three-year freeze to the grants' indexation, many councils across the country have felt the pinch.
This week, Mayor Anita Dow from Burnie City Council in Tasmania shared the impact that the Government's decision has had on her council, which relied on the grants for seven per cent of its total operational funding.
Latest News
Local Drug Action Teams rolling out to battle ICE
Community groups across Australia are joining forces under an Australian Government plan to deliver targeted local action to help tackle drug use and addiction
Is your council creating a healthy community?
Applications for the Heart Foundation Local Government Awards are now open, with the Heart Foundation encouraging councils to showcase their work to improve heart health in their communities
Sydney population hits 5 million
Sydney's population has officially reached 5 million, according to figures released by the ABS. ABS Director of Demography, Beidar Cho, said that 5,005,400 people lived
Local community commemorative projects receive a boost
Minister for Veterans' Affairs the Hon Dan Tehan MP has announced that 55 community projects honouring Australia's wartime history will receive more than $145,000 in funding
Renewable energy boost for central west New South Wales
Central west New South Wales will receive a boost in renewable energy, with the development of a $236 million 113 MW wind farm, near Wellington
ACCC to monitor Australia's broadband performance
The Government has announced a new program to provide consumers with greater information on the speeds and experience they can expect from fixed-line broadband services delivered over the NBN
Local Drug Action Teams rolling out to battle ICE
Community groups across Australia are joining forces under an Australian Government plan to deliver targeted local action to help tackle drug use and addiction
Is your council creating a healthy community?
Applications for the Heart Foundation Local Government Awards are now open, with the Heart Foundation encouraging councils to showcase their work to improve heart health in their communities
Sydney population hits 5 million
Sydney's population has officially reached 5 million, according to figures released by the ABS. ABS Director of Demography, Beidar Cho, said that 5,005,400 people lived
Local community commemorative projects receive a boost
Minister for Veterans' Affairs the Hon Dan Tehan MP has announced that 55 community projects honouring Australia's wartime history will receive more than $145,000 in funding
Renewable energy boost for central west New South Wales
Central west New South Wales will receive a boost in renewable energy, with the development of a $236 million 113 MW wind farm, near Wellington
ACCC to monitor Australia's broadband performance
The Government has announced a new program to provide consumers with greater information on the speeds and experience they can expect from fixed-line broadband services delivered over the NBN
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Stage set for the transport industry’s ‘premier event
If you haven’t put it in your diary yet, the 2017 Brisbane Truck Show is coming up fast. The show returns to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 25 to 28 May.
The 50th Anniversary Brisbane Truck Show will feature more trailers than ever before with expanded displays and new exhibitors from all over Australia confirmed.
Brisbane Truck Show Manager, Noelene Bradley said a comprehensive array of exhibitors will help visitors make better informed purchasing decisions.
“This is the industry’s premier event and there is no doubt that all of our exhibitors are going all out to provide visitors with a memorable experience.”
“The show takes up three full floors of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Every corner of the show offers more value and intrigue with exhibitors displaying the latest trucks, trailers, components, equipment, accessories and technology,” Ms Bradley added.
Register for local government’s peak national event
Australia’s councils will play a critical role in shaping tomorrow’s communities, both in our cities and towns and in regional Australia. Making our cities smarter, more efficient, more resilient and stronger is just one part of the role that local government will play.
The theme of this year’s National General Assembly (NGA) ‘Building Tomorrow’s Communities’ goes to the heart of the role of local government in modern Australia.
Key presentations will address how councils, often working in partnership with other levels of government or the private and not-for-profit sectors, are shaping the future and responding appropriately to the challenges that lie ahead.
Join other councils at the NGA to:
- Influence the national agenda
- Engage with federal politicians
- Shape policy and priorities
- Represent your council and community
- Have your say
Register today for early bird prices.
Support ALGA's campaign!
ALGA has launched a campaign to end the freeze and restore indexation to local government financial assistance grants in the federal budget this May.
It is important that your council actively engages in supporting ALGA in this national campaign. ALGA can make the national arguments and make the national representations at the Federal level, but nothing gets the attention of politicians, the party room or party leadership better than local stories from the front line of local community governance - you.
Support ALGA's campaign by contacting your Federal Parliamentary representatives through our online campaign website: endthefreeze.com - it's your community and your call.
The team at ALGA has also prepared a council advocacy kit - available at councils.endthefreeze.com - that includes templates, background information and talking points to assist your campaign at the local level to ensure the Government keeps its promise to restore indexation to FAGs in this year's Federal Budget.