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The deadline for council responses to requests by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack for help in fast-tracking land transport infrastructure projects on local roads has been extended to Wednesday 8 April. Mr McCormack’s original request – designed to support local economies recover from the impact of Covid-19 – was sent to mayors and councilors on+
Posted 3 April, 2020 -
The first tranche of Best Practice Local Government Guides (Commonwealth Grant Agreement PT51916) have been made available to councils around Australia. The four guides comprise: Best Practice for Road Making Materials Best Practice for Unsealed Roads Best Practice for Sealed Roads; and Best Practice for Bridge Maintenance Australian Road Research Board chief executive officer Michael+
Posted 3 April, 2020 -
Local Governments across the nation are stepping up to the Covid-19 task, but the calls for rate relief, rates freezes, facility closures and plummeting parking and user charges revenue, combined with apparent lack of assistance from JobKeeper, Child Care packages or any other source is tough going for most councils. A string of extraordinary Covid-19+
Posted 3 April, 2020 -
The Tasmanian state government has extended the Local Government Loan Scheme from $50 million to $150 million to o ensure a steady supply of “screw-driver and paint-brush ready projects” during the Covid-19 crisis. The measure was one of several contained in a social and economic support package announced by Premier Peter Gutwein on 26 March.+
Posted 3 April, 2020 -
The target for the average recycled content in all packaging will increase from 30 per cent to 50 per cent under a new strategic framework launched this week setting out how Australia will achieve the 2025 National Packaging Targets. “Out Packaging Future” the report underpinning the new framework was launched by the Australian Packaging Covenant+
Posted 3 April, 2020 -
The Joint Standing Committee on Migration has decided to suspend its inquiry into migration in regional Australia, in light of the economic effects of the public health situation changing the nature of the needs of communities in regional Australia. “Given the fast evolving situation in Australia and around the world, and the challenges posed by+
Posted 27 March, 2020 -
The second stage of consultations with people with disability on a new National Disability Strategy for beyond 2020 were due to take place in the coming weeks. However, following the escalation of events surrounding the Australian response to COVID-19, the decision has been taken to defer the consultations. This decision reflects the advice of the+
Posted 27 March, 2020 -
It has been an extremely tough time for many Australians. Between the bushfires and floods, and now COVID-19, now is the most important time for us to look after those who are taking the hit the hardest. There were already 3.2 million Australians living in poverty before these crises and that number is sure to+
Posted 27 March, 2020 -
Farmers’ markets have been declared an essential service by the Federal Government as they are an integral link in the nation’s food chain. All market managers are doing everything possible to maximise public health safety at food markets on market morning. Shopping in the fresh air, at a safe distance, with your own basket or+
Posted 27 March, 2020 -
On Thursday 26 March the Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the creation of a new National Covid-19 Coordination Commission. The Commission has been established to coordinate advice to the Australian Government on actions to anticipate and mitigate the economic and social effects of the global coronavirus pandemic. Designed to “better coordinate work between the private+
Posted 27 March, 2020 -
ALGA President David O’Loughlin participated in Transport and Infrastructure Council (TIC) meeting. Council comprises of Transport, Infrastructure and Planning Ministers from the Commonwealth, States and Territories, and the Australian Local Government Association. At the TIC meeting recent border control arrangements and the critical role the freight sector plays in providing essential food supplies of food+
Posted 27 March, 2020 -
ALGA is aware that councils are now developing their budget processes for 2020-21 and one of the issues which has arisen is the need for certainty around their Financial Assistance Grant allocations for 2020-21, especially in light of the Government’s announcement that the 2020-21 Budget will be delayed until October. The Government’s Financial Assistance Grants+
Posted 27 March, 2020 -
A number of Councils have announced support packages to assist residents, business, sporting and community groups address the social, cultural and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some measures taken by Gladstone Regional Council include rent concessions for Council-leased commercial facilities, freezing of interest on outstanding rates and charges and financial support for sporting and+
Posted 27 March, 2020 -
Closures, restrictions, working from home, rate relief, landing fees relief, service cuts, hardship policies, delivery curfews, public health inspections, and even delays to the Federal Budget and questions over FAGs funding – how quickly our world has changed. Yet our communities’ need for help has rarely been higher, nor has the lack of certainty. The+
Posted 27 March, 2020 -
Due to Covid-19 virus, the organisers of the 2020 National Road Safety Week have decided that it is in the best interests of the Australian community to postpone. As such, the Week is now scheduled for 9th – 15th November, with the national launch in Sydney proposed for Sunday 8th November 2020. Postponing the Week+
Posted 20 March, 2020 -
ALGA, the state and territory local governments and a large number of councils were involved in a consultation process earlier this year on the proposed ban on the export of waste paper, plastic, glass and tyres. Last week the Council of Australian Governments agreed to the phased introduction of the export ban. The ban on+
Posted 20 March, 2020 -
In a Federal Court ruling issued last week, Telstra has won a case which will allow it to continue rolling out its New Payphone Cabinets with 75 inch (190cm) digital advertising screens as “low impact facilities” which do not require council planning approval. Schedule 3 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 provides that if a structure+
Posted 20 March, 2020 -
The Coronavirus pandemic is presenting unprecedented challenges for all councils when considering issues around the continued operation of council facilities and services. This can include libraries, pools, leisure centres, service centres, halls and caravan parks Each council will need to make its own decisions in light of its unique circumstances, the community’s needs and the+
Posted 20 March, 2020 -
The ALGA Board expressed its support for councils doing everything they can to ensure supermarkets are restocked and rejected recent criticism of local governments as a key cause in problems restocking supermarket shelves. When approached by Coles and Woolworths for temporary exemptions to curfews most Councils have readily agreed. Some like the Knox City Council+
Posted 20 March, 2020 -
Unfortunately the 2020 National General Assembly (NGA) will not go ahead in June 2020. The ALGA Board has made this difficult decision in light of the Government’s decision to ban non-essential gatherings of more than 100 people at indoor venues as part of its efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus. The Prime Minister has+
Posted 20 March, 2020 -
On Wednesday 18th March, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced restrictions being put in place to address the spread of coronavirus in Australia. He stressed this is not a two-week solution it is most likely to be six months. “Life is changing in Australia, as it is changing all around the world. Life is going to+
Posted 20 March, 2020 -
Droughts, bushfires and now a global virus – the need for strong and stable Local Government has never been greater for our communities. The Prime Minister’s recent announcements dramatically underline that Governments at all levels must step up to keep the nation healthy, our businesses solvent and people in jobs. Councils are the most connected+
Posted 20 March, 2020 -
Animals perceive light differently from humans and artificial light can disrupt critical behaviour and cause physiological changes in wildlife. Artificial light can stall the recovery of threatened species and interfere with a migratory species’ ability to undertake long distance migrations integral to its life cycle. To address this conservation challenge, the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture,+
Posted 13 March, 2020 -
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. What started out as a local government initiative in WA, the award-winning Plastic Free July behaviour change campaign is now one of the world’s+
Posted 13 March, 2020 -
The Commonwealth Department of Finance is reviewing the Lands Acquisition Act 1989 (LAA), which is the key legislation used by the Commonwealth to acquire and dispose of interests in land for public purposes. The LAA also regulates the disposal of Commonwealth land to local government and the acquisition of local government land by the Commonwealth.+
Posted 13 March, 2020 -
In the wake of Australia’s catastrophic bushfire season, many communities are now embarking on a journey of recovery. But what does disaster recovery really mean? A free webinar hosted by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience aims to tackle the topic hearing from speakers with experience and expertise in the field. John Richardson from Australian Red Cross+
Posted 13 March, 2020 -
A new report produced by the Climate Council has looked at the devastating climate impacts Australians experienced this summer. The bushfire season started in winter and was the worst on record for New South Wales in terms of its intensity, the area burned, and the number of properties lost. It was also the worst season+
Posted 13 March, 2020 -
The Federal Government has announced the 147 projects that will be funded in NSW under the 2020-21 round of the Black Spots Program. The Government has committed $1 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013-14 to 2022-23 to improve road safety across the nation. “By specifically targeting road locations with a history of crashes+
Posted 13 March, 2020 -
Today I’m attending COAG where the Prime Minister, First Ministers and I, on behalf of our sector, will discuss the issues currently impacting our country. These include bushfire relief, drought, violence against women, mental health, the proposed waste export ban, and the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Bushfire relief has been slow, despite best efforts of governments.+
Posted 13 March, 2020 -
Coronavirus COVID-19 was declared a “disease of pandemic potential” in Australia on January 21, 2020. The potential threat of the virus taking hold in Australia has already had economic implications to tourism, universities, the building sector and seafood exports. The Federal Department of Health is closely monitoring the respiratory illness outbreak caused by the virus.+
Posted 6 March, 2020 -
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is conducting its latest survey into how the heavy vehicle industry and supply chain is tackling their safety responsibilities. NHVR Safety Assurance Director Greg Fill said the online safety survey would assist the NHVR to decide how best to develop future safety information. “With the introduction of safety duties+
Posted 6 March, 2020 -
The Federal Government has released an Issues Paper as the first step in preparing the Regional Aviation Policy Statement in a bid to improve connectivity and innovation in regional aviation. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development the Hon. Michael McCormack said it’s important anyone who travels on planes or through+
Posted 6 March, 2020 -
On 27 March, the ATO and 26 other agencies are retiring the AUSkey and Manage ABN Connections login credentials. This means anyone accessing the ATO’s Business Portal or a range of other government online services will need to start using myGovID. Once the app is set up, the business owner will need to link their+
Posted 6 March, 2020 -
The Federal Government has announced an additional $2 million in scientific research through the Threatened Species Recovery Hub to help guide wildlife recovery efforts and habitat rehabilitation strategies following Australia’s bushfire crisis. “I have approved the funding as part of the National Environmental Science Program via the University of Queensland to assist with on-ground post+
Posted 6 March, 2020 -
International Women’s Day (IWD) this Sunday is a chance to celebrate women and recognise their achievements. Under the theme Each For Equal, celebrations this year aim to highlight that, individually, we can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions and celebrate women’s achievements. While collectively, each one of us can help create a+
Posted 6 March, 2020 -
Now in its 27th year, the Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program provides grants of up to $15,000 to community groups to help preserve and manage locally held but nationally-significant cultural heritage collections. Since the program began in 1994, more than $7.26 million has been allocated to 1,445 collection preservation and management projects around the country,+
Posted 6 March, 2020 -
Time is running out for councils to have their say on life in regional Australia. The House of Representatives Select Committee on Regional Australia is looking at the contribution regional Australia makes to the nation’s identity, economy and environment. The committee is also examining the effectiveness of existing programs to develop and promote regional centres,+
Posted 6 March, 2020 -
What needs to change, across government and industry, to curb the roughly 1.4 million tonnes of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres that we export every year? With the waste export ban drawing nearer – in less than six months for glass and just over a year for mixed plastics – we need practical solutions+
Posted 6 March, 2020 -
Councils are invited to join the Bureau of Meteorology’s next free webinar on Thursday 5 March which covers climate and water. Participants can ask climate experts questions about their outlook for Autumn to help their decision making for the months ahead. The webinar runs 12-1pm AEDT. Register now via http://ow.ly/2d4a50yr2CU
Posted 28 February, 2020 -
While Victoria’s recycling system is set to change following an announcement this week by the Andrews State Government, Local Government New South Wales has warned that Australia’s most populous state risks having more of its waste sent to landfill. Recycling Victoria is a $300m, 10-year plan to create a circular economy through measures including a+
Posted 28 February, 2020 -
Did you know more than 60 percent of councils spend around 100 hours on processing invoices every month? Or that more than half of councils spend over $10,000 each month on this task? E-invoicing is a smarter and cheaper way to do invoicing, and Local Government needs to get involved because the way those transactions+
Posted 21 February, 2020 -
Advocacy by ALGA and state and territory local government associations has led to the Commonwealth’s expanded drought assistance, which includes support for child care centres that councils called for at the National General Assembly of Local Government. The Commonwealth on 7 November announced a package which included widening the Drought Communities Extension Programme by six+
Posted 8 November, 2019 -
The City of Newcastle (NSW) said it has estimated it could save up to $4.8m of ratepayers’ money over the next 25 years if it switched to 100 percent renewable electricity. The City said as its electricity contract expires on 13 December, now is the appropriate time to move toward more sustainable and cost-efficient electricity+
Posted 30 August, 2019 -
Local councils could save money by switching their fleets to electric vehicles because they pay for themselves if the total cost of ownership is considered, a study featuring council data from the Municipal Association of Victoria has found. The study by ClimateWorks Australia in collaboration with MAV and the Electric Vehicle Council was discussed at+
Posted 30 August, 2019 -
The annual Landcare Week, which runs 2-8 September, is special this year as it’s the environmental entity’s 30th birthday. Landcare Australia estimates that since 1989 it’s evolved into a movement of 6,000 groups and hundreds of thousands of volunteers who perform sustainable agricultural practices and conservation activities, while also developing and uplifting their communities. Its+
Posted 30 August, 2019 -
The Australian Human Rights Commission has released a series of free online training courses to help groups understand the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. They were developed by the Commission and other entities and are aimed at people working or volunteering in all organisations of various sizes that engage with children and young people,+
Posted 30 August, 2019 -
A new site has for the first time brought together millions of data sets to provide a wide-ranging picture of the state of housing in Australia, from financing for a mortgage through to population changes and homelessness. The Housing Data Dashboard as developed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and the Commonwealth+
Posted 30 August, 2019 -
The Australian Government has published a new biosecurity web site aimed at helping the general public, councils, businesses and individuals better understand how to identify and respond to biosecurity threats. The site has been developed by the National Biosecurity Committee, to which the Australian Local Government Association is an observer, and follows an agreement by+
Posted 30 August, 2019 -
I was pleased to participate in a memorable second meeting of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap last week in Adelaide. There can be few more pressing tasks than reducing the differences in life span, health, housing and employment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians – and local government has a key role to play.+
Posted 30 August, 2019 -
Local councils are at the forefront of community efforts to tackle Australia’s worsening housing affordability and homelessness challenges. While people sleeping rough on the street in our capital cities is of course a problem, our communities in rural, regional and remote Australia are also responding to housing challenges including lack of affordable housing, or overcrowding.+
Posted 19 July, 2019 -
The NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has recently called for a review of local infrastructure contribution rates, with a discussion paper available and feedback required by 3 May 2019. Chair of IPART’s Local Government Committee Deborah Cope said escalating developer contribution rates by a representative index allows them to change broadly in-line with+
Posted 26 April, 2019 -
The Victorian Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek has announced the timeframes and terms of reference for the State Government’s review of the local government rating system. The review will be undertaken by an independent panel led by former Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Childrens Hospital and City of Melbourne, Dr Kathy Alexander. The+
Posted 26 April, 2019
