Urban forests: councils tackle urban tree decline

Local governments are exploring creative ways to revive greenery in cities as growing populations and urban density put tree cover at risk.

5 November, 2018

Tree management simplified with council’s app

From requesting a tree planting to reporting suspicious tree work, residents in Sydney’s leafy Mosman have a simplified way to raise tree issues with their council.

5 November, 2018

‘Putting their feet in the water for the first time in decades’

Councils seeking to make their beaches accessible to all residents, including those living with disability, shouldn’t let cost, maintenance or liability get in their way.

20 August, 2018

Councils offer aid to drought-stricken farmers

Councils in states worst affected by drought are providing support and aid to affected farmers and communities in the wake of one of the worst dry seasons in decades.

9 August, 2018

Councils should consider tender for insurance: audit

Victoria’s auditor has questioned the financial sustainability of local governments’ mutual insurance but MAV says the scheme protects councils ‘through thick and thin.’

26 July, 2018

Experts call for action on council governance

State governments are being urged to tackle legislative inconsistencies and improved governance frameworks in the wake of Queensland’s Ipswich Council being stood down.

16 July, 2018

Indigenous participation key to reform ‘broken’ system

As Australia celebrates NAIDOC week, local governments call for greater indigenous involvement in remote service delivery.

13 July, 2018

Disaster plan ‘empowers’ vulnerable towns

From highly-equipped communities to new disaster dashboards, councils are focusing on preparedness and information in their approaches to emergency management.

21 June, 2018

Noticeboard: Sue Clearihan appointed LGA SA president

Also in this wrap: new acting GM for Lismore City Council; Infrastructure Australia CEO resigns; robotics expert appointed NSW Chief Scientist; and appointments and expansion at ANZSOG.

18 June, 2018

Environmental and major works initiatives recognised at awards

A trainee program that would replenish an ageing council workforce and the transformation of a major recreation park were among the local government initiatives celebrated in recent sector awards.

15 June, 2018

New ‘blueprint’ for major project delivery

A partnership between state and local governments, water utilities, land management and community groups has enabled the most efficient delivery of a large urban waterway project, officials say.

31 May, 2018

Noticeboard: Leadership overhaul at Lake Macquarie Council

Also in this issue: City of Melville farewells CEO; Latrobe Valley appoints a health advocate; and new appointments to the board of Victoria’s EPA.

28 May, 2018

Embrace streets as ‘important public spaces’, governments told

A collaboration of planners, architects and technology developers says that greener, smarter streets lead to more inclusive cities.

18 May, 2018

Councils’ coastal risk: study points to resource shortage

As Queensland councils spearhead programs to mitigate the impact of rising sea levels, new research warns some local authorities lack capacity to manage coastal risks.

15 May, 2018