Loss of local media is bad news

A marked decline in local news means councils are losing an opportunity to engage with their communities.

16 June, 2019

Budget infrastructure splashout leaves councils underwhelmed

Local government has emerged with some wins out of the federal budget but the peak national body for councils says funding falls short.

3 April, 2019

Report rings alarm bells on local government workforce

A national survey of the local government workforce has put a spotlight on a rapidly ageing workforce grappling with a “critical” skills shortage.

15 March, 2019

NSW election ‘pivotal’ for local government

The NSW election will be a pivotal one for local government, the head of the state’s peak body for councils says.

11 March, 2019

Women in local government hit historical high

As Australian governments mark International Women’s Day, representation of women in local government has reached a historical high point.

7 March, 2019

Councils face major skills shortages, national review finds

Local government professionals are “not well positioned” in new and emerging soft skills, according to a forthcoming national review.

17 December, 2018

Best and brightest councils in NSW celebrated

An app connecting residents to council is among the initiatives recognised as part of Local Government Week.

3 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

Victorian Government moves on green procurement

Recycling industry applauds the Andrews Government’s $37 million package to boost the market for recycled materials in the state, which follows Senate inquiry’s recommendation that governments adopt green procurement.

5 July, 2018

Council grants shake-up for Sunshine State

Queensland is set to reform its process for allocating grants to councils with the State Government providing $4.5 million to tackle the long-running issue in its budget this week.

15 June, 2018

Noticeboard: MAV appoints first female chief executive

Also in this wrap: Gary Murphy appointed head of the Central Coast Council, City of Darwin takes on new CEO Scott Waters, and Peter Achterstraat appointed NSW Productivity Commissioner.

14 May, 2018

Councils look to budget for funding boost

A new $300 million a year community infrastructure fund and a boost to grants are among the measures local government are hoping to see in tonight’s federal budget.

8 May, 2018

Victorian budget: Infrastructure, regions the big winners

Local government, transport and health groups have welcomed the Andrews Government’s record investment in infrastructure and community services.  

4 May, 2018

Research warns South Australia on rate cap

As an inquiry in Victoria hears evidence against rate capping, new research finds that the introduction of rate capping in South Australia could restrict council service delivery, cause infrastructure decay and result in higher charges for taxpayers.

27 April, 2018