Consultation the focus for ALGA telecommunications submissions
The need to maintain and in some cases strengthen consultation processes was the common link in ALGA's submissions on a raft of proposed changes to telecommunications regulations released for public comment over the past few weeks.
Results of first round of Regional Development Australia Fund announced
The Australian Government will provide $150 million towards 35 community projects worth about $418 million, as part of the first round of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).
National study supports ALGA's calls for bike-friendly infrastructure
The National Cycling Participation Survey released last week shows that 18 per cent or four million Australians of all ages are riding their bikes each week.
Ministerial Conference on Ageing ALGA was represented by Board Member Cr Paul Bell at the Ministerial Conference on Ageing in Melbourne on Wednesday which covered a range of health and ageing issues.
Benchmarking on Planning, Zoning and Development Assessments
Benchmarking on Planning, Zoning and Development Assessments The Productivity Commission's advisory group met in Canberra on Tuesday. The advisory group consists of senior representatives from the Commonwealth, States, Territories and ALGA.
New Illawarra Regional Partnership Agreement
New Illawarra Regional Partnership Agreement The Australian and New South Wales Governments and 17 Illawarra Aboriginal organisations have committed to work together to improve the lives of local Aboriginal people through a Regional Partnership Agreement.
Call for EPBC partnership with councils The Federal Government is keen to work with local government and other agencies to ensure the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) in relation to fire prevention and management
2011 National Events - put these events in your diary!
2011 National Events - put these events in your diary! The 2011 National General Assembly theme next year will be "Growing with our Communities - Place, Position and Partnership".
Road safety community focus reaps results
Road safety community focus reaps results A new study shows safety measures have dramatically reduced the road fatality rate, but there is a need for fresh action now to ensure further reductions in the future.
National Urban Policy Discussion Paper Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese has released for community feedback a discussion paper which will form the basis of Australia's first ever National Urban Policy.
National road specifications using recycled crushed glass
National road specifications using recycled crushed glass Business leaders, state and local government officials, road engineers and academics visited the Alex Fraser Group recycling plant in Laverton, Victoria to see how glass collected through local
Government consults widely on carbon price policy
Government consults widely on carbon price policy ALGA attended the first meeting of the Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Roundtable on Climate Change on Friday 26 November 2010.
Airport Amendment Bill 2010 The Senate Rural Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee has reported on the Airport Amendment Bill 2010. ALGA made a submission to the Inquiry and appeared as a witness.
Super-weeds infest roadsides
Super-weeds infest roadsides Land managers are on high alert with reports that kilometres of Riverina roadsides may be infested with glyphosate resistant annual ryegrass.
Meeting with Minister for Indigenous Employment
Meeting with Minister for Indigenous Employment ALGA's Chief Executive Adrian Beresford-Wylie met with the Minister for Indigenous Employment, Senator Mark Arbib, at his request, on 23 November to discuss Indigenous employment in local government.
Discussion paper on National Water Initiative implementation
Discussion paper on National Water Initiative implementation The National Water Commission continues to work on its assessment of the extent to which actions under the National Water Initiative (NWI) has improved the sustainable management of Australian
Litter prevention award for ACT
Litter prevention award for ACT The ACT's Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water (DECCEW) won two awards - the 'Dame Phyllis Frost' Litter Prevention Award and also the Young Legends Award - at the recent 2010 Keep Australia
Making cities resilient
Making cities resilient The United Nations "Making Cities Resilient Campaign" for local government will be launched in Australia later this month by Margareta Wahlstrom (Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Disaster Risk Reduction).
PM promises local government and Indigenous referendum
PM promises local government and Indigenous referendum Prime Minister Julia Gillard has reiterated her promise of a dual referendum on constitutional recognition for local government and recognition of Indigenous Australians as the nation's first people.
Healthy Spaces and Places wins awards
Healthy Spaces and Places wins awards Healthy Spaces and Places won two awards at the Planning Institute of Australia's ACT Division's Planning awards last Friday night.
Climate Change Committee
Climate Change Committee The Multi-Party Climate Change Committee met in Canberra on Wednesday.
Australia's worst wash-away In early September Alpine Shire experienced heavy rain in the region resulting in floods and road wash-aways.
Wanted - more women to work in local government
Wanted - more women to work in local government In the year of Women in Local Government, the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) are encouraging women to consider careers in local government.
Ministers meet to discuss packaging waste
Ministers meet to discuss packaging waste State and Federal Environment Ministers attended the Environment Protection and Heritage Council which met in Sydney yesterday to progress key issues of national interest.
Australia's Worst Bridge Lithgow City Council has won Australia's Worst Bridge competition.
Recycling program for ACT
Recycling program for ACT Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) will become even more sustainable with a new program which will enable around 7 tonnes of bottles, glass and aluminium cans to be recycled annually.
ALGA President argues for new transport paradigm
ALGA President argues for new transport paradigm ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake addressed the Bus Industry Confederation Conference on Wednesday on the topic of 'strategic alliances and what other organisations think about public transport' with emphasis
Welcome to Country - Indigenous engagement at Bunbury
Welcome to Country - Indigenous engagement at Bunbury The ALGA Board was addressed by local Indigenous elders Eila Bennell and Lera Bennell (pictured with ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake) at its meeting in Bunbury, Western Australia, last Wednesday.
Australia's worst road
Australia's worst road Bathurst Regional Council has won the worst rural road competition judged by delegates at the recent National Local Roads and Transport Congress.
Climate change roundtable
Climate change roundtable ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake has been appointed to a roundtable which is likely to canvass how the government might protect jobs and offer assistance to households as it moves toward a carbon tax.
Regionalism the key to local government engagement
Regionalism the key to local government engagement The federal Member for Fremantle, Melissa Parke, urged councils to 'embrace the regional paradigm' and think collaboratively, regionally and strategically.
Truss cements bridge with local government
Truss cements bridge with local government Warren Truss, leader of the National Party and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, addressed the Roads Congress yesterday and committed a future Coalition government to continuing the Roads to
Senator Ludlam calls for leadership in transport policy
Senator Ludlam calls for leadership in transport policy Transport and local government spokesman Senator Scott Ludlam has reiterated the Greens' support for constitutional recognition for local government.
Worst road and bridge competition A feature of next week's 2010 National Local Road and Transport Congress will be the "Worst Road and Bridge" Competition.
Councils helped by drumMUSTER
Councils helped by drumMUSTER Efforts to control the onslaught of the locust plague are stepping up and AgStewardship Australia's drumMUSTER program is implementing special procedures to help manage the container waste generated.
Murray Darling Basin Authority Guide
Murray Darling Basin Authority Guide The Guide to the proposed Basin Plan will be released today at 4pm (with a media lockup from 1:30). The new water caps will not be set until the Plan is finalised.
Two weeks to the National Local Roads and Transport Congress
Two weeks to the National Local Roads and Transport Congress It is now less than two weeks to the eleventh National Local Roads and Transport Congress at Bunbury, WA.
Councils urged to get people moving
Councils urged to get people moving After recently receiving over $1 million funding from the Federal Government, Australian Diabetes Council has announced it will expand its Beat It Physical Activity and Lifestyle program nationally with a focus on
Regional round of health and hospitals fund
Regional round of health and hospitals fund Applications for the Regional Priority Round of the Health and Hospitals Fund are now open.
Safety upgrades for remote aerodromes and airstrips
Safety upgrades for remote aerodromes and airstrips The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, has announced funding for vital aerodrome and airstrip safety upgrades in 37 remote communities across the nation.
Cigarette butts top litter index
Cigarette butts top litter index Keep Australia Beautiful's most comprehensive litter report released today shows many Australians are still littering, despite increased awareness about the need to protect our environment.
Drowning deaths rise
Drowning deaths rise The Royal Life Saving 2010 National Drowning Report was released this week, with figures showing the numbers of drowning deaths are the highest they've been at any time in the last 7 years, with 314 drowning deaths in Australian
Reforming the Australian Federation Readers of 'ALGA News' will recall that ALGA made a submission to the Senate Select Committee Inquiry on the Reform of the Australian Federation inquiry last month, in which ALGA outlines the reasons why it believes
Celebrating Australian Citizenship Day, 17 September
Celebrating Australian Citizenship Day, 17 September This week local government councils across Australia are welcoming new citizens to their local communities as part of Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.
NSW and Victoria storm assistance
NSW and Victoria storm assistance Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, has announced that the Commonwealth Government would provide financial assistance to New South Wales and Victorian communities affected by recent storms and torrential rainfall.
Roads Congress "just around the corner" Following the re-elected Gillard Government's announcement of a $10 billion regional spending plan, albeit most of that commencing after the next election, there will be around $763 million in total new spending
Recycling drive gears up to be biggest ever
Recycling drive gears up to be biggest ever Starting from 30 tonnes one month ago to 38 tonnes registered today, the ChemClear collection scheduled for October is shaping up to be Victoria's biggest ever.
Regional boost assured, and new Ministry possible
Regional boost assured, and new Ministry possible In the deal announced on 7 September 2010 to form Australia's next Federal Government, the Prime Minister has confirmed that $9.9 billion will be spent on regional programs across Australia.
Inquiry into planning, zoning and development assessments
Inquiry into planning, zoning and development assessments ALGA lodged its submission to the Productivity Commission's Inquiry into Performance Benchmarking of Australian Business Regulation: Planning, Zoning and Development Assessments this week, ahead
Heart Foundation local government awards
Heart Foundation local government awards The Heart Foundation Local Government Award winners were announced in Mackay on Monday.
Help us build the case for more transport funding
Help us build the case for more transport funding Do not miss ALGA's National Local Roads and Transport Congress to be held in Bunbury, WA, from 13-15 October, immediately following the WA Roads Forum.
Migrant settlement stretches council resources Local government continues to be hit with cost-shifting by the other two levels of government in the settlement of new migrants and refugees, ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake said last night.
Reforming Australia's Federation
Reforming Australia's Federation Last Friday, ALGA lodged its submission to the Senate Select Committee on the Reform of the Australian Federation. Submissions closed on 20 August 2010.
2010 National Local Roads and Transport Congress - early bird registrations
2010 National Local Roads and Transport Congress - early bird registrations Early bird registrations offering significant savings for the 2010 National Local Roads and Transport Congress are now open.
Policy implications for housing trends The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)'s most recent research seminar presentation was delivered in Canberra last week on 'Older People and Housing: the latest evidence' to an audience of some
Sustainable House Day
Sustainable House Day Sustainable House Day on Sunday September 12 has seen a dramatic growth in the past 2 years, largely due to the increase demand by people for more information on what they can do to save energy and water in their homes.
LGA SA welcomes $16m roads commitment
LGA SA welcomes $16m roads commitment The Local Government Association of South Australia has welcomed a commitment by the Coalition that they will address a long standing local roads funding shortfall for South Australia - if they are elected to
ALGA President outlines priorities for local government
ALGA President outlines priorities for local government ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake outlined the issues facing local government over the next 12 months in an address to the West Australian Local Government Association conference in Perth on Saturday.
Communication the key to community connection
Communication the key to community connection NSW Council initiatives and projects that encourage open and transparent communication between councils and communities were recognised at the R H Dougherty Awards Local Government Week Awards Evening in
Constitutional change getting closer...
Constitutional change getting closer... ALGA's '10-Point Plan' election document calls for constitutional recognition for local government.
Women urged to stand for council elections ALGA's 'Women in Politics' booklet launched recently as part of the Year of Women in Local Government has proven to be a big hit, with copies literally walking out of our store-room.
Infrastructure flavour for election campaign
Infrastructure flavour for election campaign The Minister for Local Government Anthony Albanese and the Federal Leader of the Nationals, Warren Truss (pictured), both delivered major election speeches this week on infrastructure.
Implications of Royal Commission findings
Implications of Royal Commission findings A briefing attended by 150 representatives from more than 50 municipalities agreed that adequate funding was critical to ensure local government has the capacity to deliver Royal Commission findings directed at
Recycling for Keep Australia Beautiful Week Keep Australia Beautiful Week starts on Monday 23rd August, and, with over 11 billion beverage containers being consumed in Australia each year, this year's campaign aims to help increase the recycling rate of
The Australian Journey - Muslim Communities
The Australian Journey - Muslim Communities Australia is a parliamentary democracy, which means that all Australian citizens can participate in how their country is governed and how their society is represented.
Front Line Management certificate for local government
Front Line Management certificate for local government Certificate IV in Front Line Management is a nationally recognised qualification.
AusCivics Film Festivals The AusCivics Film Festivals - 'Celebrating the Australian Way' is a ten year initiative under the umbrella of the Constitution Education Fund Australia (CEFA).
Carbon pricing and greenhouse emissions reduction forum
Carbon pricing and greenhouse emissions reduction forum Australia21, Universities Australia and the National Business Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development held an all-day forum on Monday 12 July, where delegates discussed carbon pricing and
How Mt Theo community beat the scourge of petrol-sniffing
How Mt Theo community beat the scourge of petrol-sniffing Dog Ear Cafe - a true-life adventure story about how one Aboriginal community beat the odds and defeated petrol sniffing - was launched this week.
ALGA President advocates NBN principles This week, the ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake expressed concerns that unless permits are streamlined for the NBN, local councils could be swamped.
Broad consensus needed for successful referendum
Broad consensus needed for successful referendum Prime Minister Julia Gillard spoke about the need for a strong groundswell of public support before Constitutional change was able to be achieved in the context of the Australian republic.
Local Government Represented on Population Panels
Local Government Represented on Population Panels The Minister for Sustainable Population, the Hon. Tony Burke announced the establishment of three advisory panels to advise him on sustainable population issues.
Arts funding for regional communities The Australian Government is supporting home-grown arts activities in regional Australia with more than $660,000 for 68 new regional arts projects.
Can you get to the top and stay nice?
Can you get to the top and stay nice? Do nice girls finish second? With Australia's first female Prime Minister now in charge this was a particularly hot topic for close to 1,000 women and men who attended the 12th annual Women in Management Great Debate
We want more feedback please
We want more feedback please Thank you to those who have already supplied us with valuable feedback and constructive criticism about last month's National General Assembly. It is a good start.
National awards recognise Queensland's record investment in cycling
National awards recognise Queensland's record investment in cycling The Bicycling Achievement Awards have been held by the Cycling Promotion Fund annually since 2002 and recognise innovation, commitment and achievement in making Australia more bicycle
Australian Conservation Foundation Sustainable Cities Index
Australian Conservation Foundation Sustainable Cities Index Given that our cities generate 75 per cent of our employment and 80 per cent of our GDP, they are the key to Australia's long term economic prosperity and will form the basis for whether we can
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week NAIDOC Week is 4 - 11 July. NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee. There are many related activities across the nation and all Australians are asked to participate.
"It's time our Constitution was modernised" The President of the Australian Local Government Association, Cr Geoff Lake, launched a new website and resource material last week as part of local government's campaign for a referendum on the inclusion of
"It's time our Constitution was modernised"
"It's time our Constitution was modernised" The President of the Australian Local Government Association, Cr Geoff Lake, launched a new website and resource material last week as part of local government's campaign for a referendum on the inclusion of
Feedback on the NGA requested
Feedback on the NGA requested This year the NGA was perfectly timed to capitalise on the opportunities created by an imminent federal election, and to push strongly on issues which are important to local government.
Feedback on the NGA requested
Feedback on the NGA requested This year the NGA was perfectly timed to capitalise on the opportunities created by an imminent federal election, and to push strongly on issues which are important to local government.
Gender Equity Blueprint
Gender Equity Blueprint The Sex discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, launched the 2010 Gender Equity Blueprint at Canberra's Press Club on 23 June.
Gender Equity Blueprint
Gender Equity Blueprint The Sex discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, launched the 2010 Gender Equity Blueprint at Canberra's Press Club on 23 June.
Sports without Borders Several barriers sometimes prevent young people from newly arrived migrant and refugee families from participating in community sport and recreation activities.
Regional Arts Australia
Regional Arts Australia Regional Arts Australia is the key national body representing the interests of those working with and for the arts in regional, rural and remote Australia.
ATO launches new webpage on fuel tax credits
ATO launches new webpage on fuel tax credits The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has contacted ALGA and all councils to advise that it has a new webpage, Fuel tax credits - travel and other activities for heavy vehicles.
Housing Ministers' reforms Housing Ministers from the Commonwealth, States and Territories and the Australian Local Government Association recently met in Sydney to make progress on their extensive work program on housing supply and affordability, social
Poised for the NGA
Poised for the NGA There is still just over a week to register for the National General Assembly on 14-17 June, where you will hear from the most impressive line-up of political leaders - the leaders of all the major parties will be attending in the lead
Update on Digital switchover
Update on Digital switchover Andy Townend appeared as an ALGA News' guest author in October 2009 writing about the switchover to digital T.V.
The NGA is only two weeks away Be sure to register for the National General Assembly (NGA) coming up on 14-17 June, if you haven't already done so. It promises to be a huge event.
Navy, Army and Air Force Reservists
Navy, Army and Air Force Reservists Navy, Army and Air Force Reservists are a vital component of Australia's Defence Force.
Rates increase for councils
Rates increase for councils Council rates are set to soar by more than $200 for some Victorian homeowners this year, writes Evonne Barry in the Herald-Sun on 22 May.
NBN Co to address the National General Assembly, and other NBN developments
NBN Co to address the National General Assembly, and other NBN developments One of the presenters at the National General Assembly is Mike Kaiser, Principal, Government Relations and External Affairs, NBN Co.
Helping Torres Strait communities with climate change
Helping Torres Strait communities with climate change Indigenous communities in the tropical north of Australia are amongst the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, a new report has found.
Funding round open for more digital services for regional, rural and remote Australia
Funding round open for more digital services for regional, rural and remote Australia The Australian Government has called for proposals to fund projects in regional Australia.
Rural National Broadband Network Coordinators sought
Rural National Broadband Network Coordinators sought On 6 May 2010 the Australian Government called for applications for up to eight Rural NBN Coordinators to work with regional, rural and remote communities in priority backbone blackspot regions to take
National Compact welcomes 150 Partners
National Compact welcomes 150 Partners The National Compact welcomes Neurofibromatosis Association of Australia Inc. (NFAA) as the 150th organisation to sign up as a Compact Partner.
Active transport in motion
Active transport in motion There was a win last week for the Healthy Spaces and Places national planning guide (brought about last year through a unique collaboration between ALGA, the National Heart Foundation and the Planning Institute of Australia,
More infrastructure examples needed by ALGA The Berrigan Shire Council's new Sports ground Function Centre is an example of community infrastructure, which has been funded with part of the $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program
National Broadband Network Implementation Study released
National Broadband Network Implementation Study released On 6 May 2010 the Australian Government released the National Broadband Network Implementation Study.
Healthy Communities Initiative Quality Framework
Healthy Communities Initiative Quality Framework The Workshop consultation phase of the development of a Quality Framework for the Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) has been successfully completed.
Overseas Trip Opens Window on ADF Reserves Heading towards the end of his four month deployment to the Solomon Islands with the Australian Army, the first familiar face Greater Taree City Council employee, John Connell, saw recently was that of his boss,
Beechworth wins
Beechworth wins Beechworth, in Victoria, was announced the Overall Winner of the Keep Australia Beautiful/Tidy Towns awards for 2009-2010 at Government House last Friday.
Call for nomiations - closing date for nomination extended
Call for nomiations - closing date for nomination extended Australia Award for Urban Design - nominations close 5 May 2010 Closing for Nominations for the 2010 Australia Award for Urban Design has been extended to 5 May 2010.
COAG Agrees to ALGA Input on Housing Affordability Agenda
COAG Agrees to ALGA Input on Housing Affordability Agenda ALGA made substantial progress in advancing local government's interests in the housing affordability debate at this week's COAG Meeting.
No tenders yet for first NBN sites
No tenders yet for first NBN sites The five National Broadband Network first release sites are due to commence construction by July; however, in a sign of the complexities that lie ahead, NBN Co is still determining how it should issue tenders for the
The National Broadband Network in new developments - councils can have a say
The National Broadband Network in new developments - councils can have a say Councils are encouraged to provide their comments on a document released for public comment last week by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy,
Wanted: Photos of Community Infrastructure! It is now almost three years since ALGA launched its Community Infrastructure Ideas Register which attracted over 1000 projects submitted by councils across Australia.
A Further $1 Million to Fix Local Black Spots
A Further $1 Million to Fix Local Black Spots Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Member for Canberra Annette Ellis today announced the Rudd Labor Government will provide just over $1 million to fix ten dangerous black
Aged care changes
Aged care changes The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) says the Federal Government's proposed aged care changes could have a negative effect on the safety of Victorians receiving community care.
Australia's population debate The Government has estimated that by 2050 Australia's population will be 36 million.
Heart Foundation Local Government Awards now open!
Heart Foundation Local Government Awards now open! Are you leading the way in creating healthy communities? Are you building a sense of community, encouraging people to be active, be smoke free or make healthy food choices? If your answer is yes, then
Peter Cullen Trust - 'Bridging Water Science and Policy' leadership program
Peter Cullen Trust - 'Bridging Water Science and Policy' leadership program The Peter Cullen Trust (www.petercullentrust.com.au) is a new charitable organisation set up to support programs that continue the work of the late Professor Peter Cullen.
Healthier local and regional communities Earlier this week, the Australian Government announced the first 12 Local Government Areas that will receive funding under its $72 million Healthy Communities Initiative.
Easter driving
Easter driving Please drive safely over the Easter holidays. Remember to keep within the speed limit and to take enough breaks from driving.
National Compact welcomes 100 Partners
National Compact welcomes 100 Partners Today, the National Compact welcomes Drug Free Ambassadors Australia as the 100th organisation to sign up as a Compact Partner.
Earth Hour Saturday 27 March What is your carbon footprint? Click here to find out. On that website you can also find the Earth Hour official video plus a register and an events list.
2010 MobileMuster Local Government Awards
2010 MobileMuster Local Government Awards Councils are to be recognised for their mobile phone recycling efforts. The call for nominations for the 2010 MobileMuster Local Government Awards is on now.
Healthy debate on hospitals and health reform
Healthy debate on hospitals and health reform On Tuesday, the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott appeared in their first ever public debate against each other in their respective roles.
Prime Minister launches National Compact with the Third Sector
Prime Minister launches National Compact with the Third Sector Prime Minister Kevin Rudd launched the National Compact with the Third Sector, or Not-for-Profit Sector, on 17 March, after a two year consultation process.
Harmony Day events
Harmony Day events The Department of Immigration and Citizenship's Kerri Eckhardt has helped to distribute over one million Harmony Day products to all parts of Australia.
Metropolitan Strategy review
Metropolitan Strategy review Community and stakeholder consultation is now underway on a review of Sydney's Metropolitan Strategy. The NSW Department of Planning has released a discussion paper named Sydney Towards 2036 as a first step in this review.
Councils giving communities a sporting chance With Harmony Day on 21 March, councils across the country are being urged to join sporting codes and clubs to encourage people from diverse cultural backgrounds to participate in local sport.
Women ending poverty
Women ending poverty On 8 March we celebrated International Women's Day with women's breakfasts, speeches, activities and more, on and around that date. The celebrations continue. Check the internet for women's activities all through the year near you.
Report calls for more women in the transport workforce
Report calls for more women in the transport workforce A paper published by Women in Supply Chain (WISC) has called on the transport industry to adopt a culture which accepts women in the workforce.
Australian cities performing well but not sustainably
Australian cities performing well but not sustainably The Federal Government has released a major report into the state of Australian cities, which shows that the nation's 17 largest cities are doing reasonably well, compared with similar cities
Free Diversity Resource for Council Trainers
Free Diversity Resource for Council Trainers From today, Local Government training officers can access a free resource to help them conduct cultural diversity training for staff and management.
National awards for Local Government - Entries Open
National awards for Local Government - Entries Open Nominations have opened for the 2010 National Awards for Local Government.
Over $1 million in community grants In the lead-up to Harmony Day on March 21, councils and other community organisations across Australia are sharing more than $1.2 million of funding. Three categories of funding exist: Small Scale, Major and Funded.
Release of a new National Compact
Release of a new National Compact After two years of consultation, a National Compact between the Third Sector and the Australian Government has been finalised and will be formally launched in Parliament on 17 March.
Budget Submission
Budget Submission The Australian Local Government Association has submitted the 2010-2011 Budget to Treasury.
Councils issue 21 March diversity challenge This Harmony Day, Local Governments can challenge younger Australians to understand and respect the cultural diversity in their communities.
Railway level crossing safety
Railway level crossing safety This week sees the launch of a new National Railway Level Crossing Safety Strategy (2010-2020) that will be seeking to deliver a nationally coordinated action plan to reduce deaths and near misses at Australian Railway Level
The National Broadband Conference
The National Broadband Conference The National Broadband Conference: Possibilities and Practicalities for Local Government - 4th-5th March 2010 A conference providing councils with greater awareness of the opportunity to meet representatives from local
Progress report on Nation Building The Australian Government has completed the latest Progress Report on the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan (the Plan).
Councils concerned about potential planning power abuse
Councils concerned about potential planning power abuse Premier Kristina Keneally has indicated that she will extend and make permanent special planning arrangements introduced as part of the federal government's stimulus package.
Healthy Communities and local government
Healthy Communities and local government "Local councils are among those being encouraged to attend workshops on the development of the Quality Assurance Framework for the Commonwealth's Healthy Communities Initiative.
Coastal councils and climate change The need for a national planning framework to protect local councils from litigation was highlighted again this week with a recent Byron Shire Council matter considered by the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Local Council and Southern Cross University initiative
Local Council and Southern Cross University initiative The Coffs Coast will be among the first places to benefit from the Australian Government's $43 billion National Broadband Network if a Southern Cross University-led campaign is successful.
Opposition Climate Change Plan
Opposition Climate Change Plan This week the Opposition Leader the Hon. Tony Abbott released the Opposition's Direct Action Plan on the Environment and Climate Change.
