President's column
Tomorrow's communities will be shaped by the ambition and drive of their people, and by the investments our governments make in their people, the infrastructure they rely on, and the places they live and work.
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
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Calling for council participation in State of the Assets project
Since 2012, the National State of the Assets (NSoA) project has reported the value, performance and management of local government infrastructure assets across Australia. The project, in which 70% of councils across Australia initially participated, commenced with the collection of roads and bridges data.
The subsequent 2014 NSoA report was formally presented to the Federal government.
In 2015, the report was expanded to include all other key asset groups for which local government is typically responsible.
Reconciliation - Let's take the next steps
Councils across Australia have this week held a range of events and activities celebrating National Reconciliation Week, from 27 May to 3 June and themed "Let's take the next steps".
This year's National Reconciliation Week also coincides with two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the 25th anniversary of the 1992 Mabo High Court.
More than 150 councils also received funding from the Commonwealth to work in partnership with
Latest News
National Freight and Supply Chain Inquiry discussion paper released
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Darren Chester MP, has called for submissions on the discussion paper for the Inquiry into National Freight and Supply Chain Priorities
Tomorrow's Communities - Q&A panel at the NGA
ALGA would like to invite you on behalf of Microsoft to a Tomorrow's Communities Q&A panel, co-hosted with KPMG and their guests from local and regional Australian councils
Funding grants for local government women's leadership development
Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) is administering a national initiative to support the development of female leaders across Australia's local government sector
Commonwealth and NT forge new partnership on cities
The Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments have agreed to work together to create a City Deal. The two governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
Online platform for councils to collaborate on smart city projects
Local councils can now use the Digital Marketplace platform to collaborate on smart city projects. The Digital Transformation Agency has added new functionality to its Digital Marketplace
National Plan for elite sport and participation
All Australians, community groups and the sporting community are invited to play a part in shaping the Australian Government's new National Sport Plan
Australian Standard for Welcoming Cities
The Australian Standard for Welcoming Cities is open for consultation and feedback until 30 June 2017. The Standard aims to enable local councils to
LGAQ leads drone trial for disaster management
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has hosted a live drone trial to investigate the future of drone technology use in disaster management.
National Freight and Supply Chain Inquiry discussion paper released
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Darren Chester MP, has called for submissions on the discussion paper for the Inquiry into National Freight and Supply Chain Priorities
Tomorrow's Communities - Q&A panel at the NGA
ALGA would like to invite you on behalf of Microsoft to a Tomorrow's Communities Q&A panel, co-hosted with KPMG and their guests from local and regional Australian councils
Funding grants for local government women's leadership development
Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) is administering a national initiative to support the development of female leaders across Australia's local government sector
Commonwealth and NT forge new partnership on cities
The Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments have agreed to work together to create a City Deal. The two governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
Online platform for councils to collaborate on smart city projects
Local councils can now use the Digital Marketplace platform to collaborate on smart city projects. The Digital Transformation Agency has added new functionality to its Digital Marketplace
National Plan for elite sport and participation
All Australians, community groups and the sporting community are invited to play a part in shaping the Australian Government's new National Sport Plan
Australian Standard for Welcoming Cities
The Australian Standard for Welcoming Cities is open for consultation and feedback until 30 June 2017. The Standard aims to enable local councils to
LGAQ leads drone trial for disaster management
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has hosted a live drone trial to investigate the future of drone technology use in disaster management.
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What role can local government play in making our cities affordable and liveable?
Local government has been recognised as a critical player in the development of the Federal Government's 'City Deals' with many areas facing the affordability and liveability challenges associated with our growing cities - whether it be housing affordability, transport congestion and increasing travel times, or lack of employment opportunities close to home.
The upcoming AHURI national conference, Affordability and liveability in our cities in Melbourne on Thu 29 June will take an in-depth look at these City Deals - with a keynote address from Federal Assistant Minister for Cities Angus Taylor, a panel discussion focussed on the Western Sydney City Deal and an analysis of what makes a city liveable.
Local government planners, policy makers and front line workers are urged to join us at the national conference as we bring together all levels of government and the private sector for a full day's examination of the affordability and liveability challenges faced by Australian cities.
Find our more or register now at: http://www.ahuri.edu.au/events/affordability-and-liveability-in-our-cities
Test drive the tablet that's working for Councils across Australia
With its 19-hour battery life, proven reliability and the extended coverage of Telstra's 4GX network, Toshiba's Z20t is attracting orders from Councils across Australia.
What CEOs and CFOs like.
- Replace tablets, notebook and desktops with one device.
- The digitizer pen helps staff work more productively.
- Package with Telstra mobile broadband plans to reduce capex.
What operations managers like.
- Rugged, business class build.
- All day battery life.
- The extended reach of Telstra's 4GX network.
What IT teams like.
- Run Windows 10 Pro, Windows 8 or Windows 7.
- Specifically designed for fleet use.
- Three-year enterprise-grade warranty.
What field and office workers like.
- It's easy to hold in one hand.
- The screen is designed for outdoor use.
- Switch between digitizer pen, touch & keyboard input.
To assess the Z20t against your end users' requirements, organise a test drive. Learn more: www.mytoshiba.com.au/testdrive/councils
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.