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ALGA recently submitted its 2023-24 Pre-Budget submission to the Treasury outlining key national funding priorities for Australia’s 537 councils. These major priorities include: Restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue; Making the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program permanent with ongoing funding of $500 million per year, with+
Posted 7 March, 2023 -
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Councils and public works engineers are calling for permanent funding in the upcoming Federal Budget to improve the liveability and productivity of Australian communities. The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), with support from the Institute of Public Works Engineers Australasia (IPWEA), is urging the Federal Government to make the highly successful Local+
Posted 3 March, 2023 -
Councils are encouraged to apply to the Black Spot Program to address known risks on their local roads. The Federal Government allocates $110 million per year to the Black Spot Program, which targets roads where crashes are occurring or are at a risk of occurring; and includes safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts.+
Posted 1 March, 2023 -
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Local government and community housing leaders are calling for urgent funding in the upcoming Federal Budget to address Australia’s affordable and social housing crisis. The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), with support from the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) and National Shelter, is seeking $100 million per year over four years that+
Posted 24 February, 2023 -
Win! ACLG set to run after NGA Conference In a historic win for local government, the Federal Government has announced the return of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG), which will meet in Canberra for the first time in more than a decade on 16 June. The ACLG will provide a valuable opportunity for+
Posted 24 February, 2023 -
Local government can access a new Recovery Exercising Toolkit developed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR). The toolkit has been designed to be a user-friendly resource applicable across all state and territories, and can be used to support exercise management programs to include a recovery exercise+
Posted 23 February, 2023 -
ALGA has partnered with the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) and National Shelter to call for funding in the 2023-24 Federal Budget to help address Australia’s affordable and social housing crisis. Local government is seeking $100 million per year over four years from the Federal Government to assist councils to facilitate more affordable and social+
Posted 23 February, 2023 -
This year’s National General Assembly (NGA) will mark the historic return of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG), which will meet for the first time in more than a decade. The Federal Government announced today it will re-establish the ACLG – to be held on Friday 16 June 2023 in Canberra – as part+
Posted 22 February, 2023 -
ALGA has joined forces with GrainGrowers, the National Farmers Federation and Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association to call for emergency funding of nearly $5.5 billion in the upcoming Federal Budget. Representing stakeholders from across regional Australia including farmers, transporters and local councils, the Rural Road Alliance was formed in response to the critical challenges+
Posted 21 February, 2023 -
A series of new fact sheets has been developed to support councils under a partnership between Our Watch and ALGA. The 12 fact sheets provide an overview and introduction of the role local government can play in the prevention of violence against women. The tools are relevant for councils and council staff at various stages+
Posted 21 February, 2023 -
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has released new details about foreign arrangements as part of the Foreign Arrangements Scheme. Since the inception of the scheme, DFAT has received notification of 13,000 arrangements, including by local governments. See the public register. So far, more than 8,000 arrangements have been identified as in-scope of+
Posted 15 February, 2023 -
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the fourth round of federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI) funding, which will provide $500 million to Australian councils for community infrastructure and roads projects. “These funding allocations will be welcomed by councils right across the nation and help them build and revitalise playgrounds, community+
Posted 14 February, 2023 -
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE The newly-formed Rural Road Alliance is calling for an emergency funding package totalling nearly $5.5 billion in the upcoming Federal Budget. The alliance – which represents diverse stakeholders from across regional Australia including farmers, transporters and local councils – has been formed in response to the critical challenges facing Australia’s rural road+
Posted 13 February, 2023 -
Win! Local government at National Cabinet As outlined in National Cabinet’s recent Communique, I was honoured to note that National Cabinet values the contribution of ALGA and looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with local government after I represented councils in Canberra last week. ALGA looks forward to continuing to work in partnership+
Posted 9 February, 2023 -
Delegate registrations for the 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) – incorporating the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum – are now open. ALGA welcomes early bird registrations for this year’s NGA, which will be held from 13-16 June in Canberra. ALGA is continuing to work with the Federal Government towards incorporating the return+
Posted 8 February, 2023 -
The 2023 National Awards for Local Government are now open for applications. These national awards celebrate outstanding local government achievements across Australia, including recognising local governments that are innovative, make a difference to their local communities, display excellence and deliver outcomes that are replicable across the country. All elected local government organisations, local government associations+
Posted 8 February, 2023 -
Councils are encouraged to register their interest to have a say on the Federal Government’s new National Housing and Homelessness Plan. ALGA looks forward to working with the Government on the development of this plan, and highlighting the vital role local governments can play in addressing the national housing crisis. The National Plan will be+
Posted 7 February, 2023 -
Councils are invited to make a submission on updates to the National Light Pollution Guideline. The Federal Government has developed a draft Ecological Communities Appendix and Terrestrial Mammal Appendix to the Light Pollution Guidelines. As these guidelines are national, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking feedback on the development+
Posted 6 February, 2023 -
Local government is being urged to participate in a Federal Government survey to outline a vision for the future of Australia’s children and their families. The Department of Education has released the Early Years Strategy survey to support the development of the plan and seek a wide range of views on development of the Strategy.+
Posted 3 February, 2023 -
Councils are reminded that applications for the first round of funding through the Federal Government’s Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) close next month. While only states and territories are eligible to apply, councils with shovel-ready projects are urged to work with state or territory governments to apply for the $200 million in funding available. The National+
Posted 2 February, 2023 -
New dates for 2023 ALGA Annual Conference I’m delighted to announce our 2023 National General Assembly (NGA), incorporating the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum, will be held in Canberra from 13-15 June. The NGA is the biggest annual local government gathering in the country, and this year’s event is shaping up to be the best+
Posted 27 January, 2023 -
The Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) is offering a range of new courses for 2023 including on road safety, sustainability and pavement. ARRB collaborates with all levels of government – including councils and transport agencies – consultants and contractors, and private sector organisations on any aspect of transport and mobility. They deliver innovative transport solutions that+
Posted 25 January, 2023 -
Local government is being encouraged to support and promote the Federal Government’s new Multicultural Health Connect helpline among multicultural communities. The helpline 1800 186 815 offers people from multicultural backgrounds free health advice in their own language, including: expert health advice from a nurse finding doctors, hospitals, and community health centres finding nearby support services +
Posted 25 January, 2023 -
The 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) – incorporating the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum – will be held from 13-15 June in Canberra. This year’s NGA at the National Convention Centre is expected to be the biggest yet and the program is being developed to feature a wide range of high profile+
Posted 24 January, 2023 -
Australian councils are invited to support and partner with DV Safe Phone to enable victims of domestic violence to have access to a mobile phone. Founded in March 2020, DV Safe Phone works with the community, business and local government to source old working mobile phones to help provide a lifeline to victims of+
Posted 23 January, 2023 -
ALGA has provided a submission to the Federal Government’s Housing Legislative Package. Across Australia, the supply and availability of affordable housing is a critical issue facing most local governments and their communities. The lack of suitable housing impacts the well-being and economic productivity of local communities. Councils can play a key role in facilitating and+
Posted 17 January, 2023 -
Win! Disaster Recovery funding now available Last year, ALGA’s advocacy secured a new $200 million Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), and I’m pleased to let you know that first round of funding is now open for applications. Only states and territories are eligible to apply through Round One. However, the National Emergency Management Agency wants all+
Posted 13 January, 2023 -
The first round of funding for the Federal Government’s $200 million Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) is now open for applications. Only states and territories are eligible to apply in round one. However, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has encouraged all jurisdictions to work closely with local governments across Australia to identify suitable projects. The+
Posted 12 January, 2023 -
As part of a new ALGA News segment, we sat down with Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) boss Michael Caltabiano to discuss Australia’s flood and rain-damaged roads and the need for an urgent rethink of road construction, maintenance and to embrace new technologies. ALGA: Can you tell us about the shocking state of Australia’s local+
Posted 11 January, 2023 -
Please find relevant updates provided by the Australian Government regarding the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code and other important citizenship ceremony information. Updates to the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code The Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code has been updated to reflect: Councils must hold a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day, or the three days prior or three days+
Posted 9 January, 2023 -
The call for Motions is now closed. Motions were due by Friday 24 March 2023 and must be lodged online. The theme for this year’s NGA will be “Our Communities, Our Future”. ALGA is seeking motions that align with this theme and identify opportunities for new federal programs and policies that will support councils to+
Posted 4 January, 2023 -
ALGA has welcomed the appointment of David O’Loughlin to the Federal Government’s new National Housing Supply and Affordability Council. As a former ALGA President with vast local government experience, Mr O’Loughlin, an Urban Renewal Authority Director in SA, joins a range of senior leaders on the interim council including: Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, the CEO of Mirvac Group+
Posted 21 December, 2022 -
The Federal Government’s common sense decision to allow more flexibility for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies around Australia Day has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) today. The Government has updated the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code to allow councils to hold Australia Day citizenship ceremonies in the period from Monday 23 to+
Posted 16 December, 2022 -
Win! Minister backs local government in Parliament It was tremendous to hear Local Government Minister Kristy McBain singing the praises of local councils during a Question Time speech in Parliament on 1 December. She applauded our sector as a “trusted delivery partner” and “the only level of government who deliver services to every town, village+
Posted 9 December, 2022 -
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE With the cost of repairing Australia’s flood and rain damaged roads expected to top $3.8 billion, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has joined with the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) to call for an urgent rethink of road construction, maintenance and funding. Speaking of behalf of Australia’s 537 councils, ALGA President Linda+
Posted 8 December, 2022 -
ALGA has been working closely with Our Watch – a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia – to develop a suite of new resources for councils. The organisation was created to drive nationwide change in the practices, norms and structures that lead to violence against women and+
Posted 6 December, 2022 -
Councils are being urged to make a submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry about the implications of severe weather events on Australia’s regional, rural and remote road network. Following the extreme flooding and weather events this year, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport has launched a formal inquiry into+
Posted 6 December, 2022 -
Local governments are a trusted partner of the federal government and effectively deliver services on behalf of the Commonwealth, Local Government Minister Kristy McBain told Question Time on Wednesday (30 November). “The local government sector is a trusted delivery partner for the federal government. They are the only level of government who deliver services to+
Posted 1 December, 2022 -
Local governments can access a new guide to help prevent and address illegal asbestos disposal. Developed by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA), the guide has been developed to help councils both manage and control the risks from illegal asbestos disposal. It provides practical examples of actions councils can take to prevent illegal asbestos+
Posted 29 November, 2022 -
Australian councils are encouraged to apply for funding through a new Safe and Together Community Grants Program, managed by the Department of Home Affairs. This Commonwealth program is aimed at helping organisations develop local initiatives to support Australian communities and vulnerable individuals to strengthen their resistance to extremism. Community-based organisations, including councils, can apply for+
Posted 29 November, 2022 -
Win! New Disaster Ready Fund Legislated In response to ALGA’s advocacy, we’re so pleased the Federal Government has successfully legislated to establish a new Disaster Ready Fund, which will enable local governments to seek funding – up to $200m annually – for infrastructure that mitigates against the impact of natural disasters on our communities. If+
Posted 25 November, 2022 -
Australia’s 537 councils are looking to work with the Commonwealth Government to deliver Australia more engineers, town planners, building surveyors, environmental health officers, accountants and HR professionals, according to a new snapshot of the nation’s local government workforce released today. ALGA President Cr Linda Scott said the 2022 Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability+
Posted 25 November, 2022 -
The 2022 Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey report was funded by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, and delivered in conjunction with ALGA and its member associations. The survey was sent to all Australian councils and updates a previous local government workplace survey undertaken in 2018. These survey+
Posted 25 November, 2022 -
The passing of Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) legislation in Parliament delivering $200 million per year for vital disaster mitigation projects has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). ALGA President Linda Scott said this new funding was critical for protecting Australian communities from disaster events. “Local government advocacy secured this new Disaster Ready+
Posted 24 November, 2022 -
Councils are invited to apply for new federal funding through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) program, run by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. The Australian Government has committed $4 million towards Round 8 of HVSI funding for new projects that will help support a safer heavy vehicle industry. Project submissions must address the themes+
Posted 23 November, 2022 -
Circular Australia – an independent not-for-profit company – has released a new guide for local governments and other organisations to take action on progressing towards a circular economy. In collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures, the study kickstarts a national dialogue on how to report and measure progress towards designing+
Posted 22 November, 2022 -
ALGA President Cr Linda Scott was a keynote speaker at the Local Government Association of the NT Convention in Darwin on 17 November. Cr Scott highlighted several of ALGA’s advocacy wins this year, secured in collaboration with LGANT and other state associations, These wins included a $750 million expansion of the Local Roads and Community+
Posted 18 November, 2022 -
ALGA President Cr Linda Scott was a keynote speaker at the Australian Airports Association Conference in Adelaide on 16 November. Cr Scott highlighted the importance of council-run regional airports to local communities and how more funding support is urgently needed. Across Australia, local governments own and operate more than 300 small airports and aerodromes –+
Posted 17 November, 2022 -
Feedback is invited on the Federal Government’s new draft guidelines for drone delivery services in Australia. The drone delivery guidelines step through regulatory requirements for drone operators and guide planning authorities, including councils, to make informed decisions about drone delivery services in communities: The guidelines are open for consultation, including from local government, until 2+
Posted 16 November, 2022 -
Congratulations to Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett and WALGA President Karen Chappel, both elected as your ALGA Vice Presidents at our recent ALGA AGM. I’m honoured to have been re-elected as your ALGA President, unopposed, and look forward to serving Australian local governments for a further two years. On behalf of the Board, I wish to+
Posted 11 November, 2022 -
The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) is launching a new network for local government road safety practitioners. The network will be launched with a webinar on Friday 18 November exploring and celebrating road safety strategic planning. The webinar will discuss the formation of the Local Government Road Safety Practitioners network, which enables members to:+
Posted 9 November, 2022 -
More than 200 elected members and council staff attended ALGA’s 2022 National Local Roads and Transport Congress in Hobart from 2-3 November. With the theme of Collaborating to improve Safety, Sustainability and Productivity, the Congress focused on delivering safer roads, building more resilient infrastructure, reducing emissions and boosting national productivity. Political leaders and guest speakers+
Posted 9 November, 2022