Turf wars see minister order guidelines for councils

NSW councils will get the state’s first guidelines on the use of artificial turf because of concerns about environmental and other impacts.

24 October, 2021

Local government watchdog accused of empire building as inquiry announced

A mayor has accused Queensland’s OIA of “going rogue” and empire building after the premier announced a parliamentary inquiry into the local government watchdog.

22 October, 2021

Report reveals $4 million cycling infrastructure spend

State and local governments spent more than $4 million on cycling related infrastructure and programs in 2020.

21 October, 2021

Council picked consultant’s partner as GM

A Tasmanian council appointed the partner of its recruitment consultant as general manager in what the audit office says was a flawed process.

15 October, 2021

Dysfunctional planning decision led to corruption claims

The Victorian Ombudsman says this local government planning decision has salutary lessons for all councils.

13 October, 2021

WA councils form biggest local govt renewable energy purchase group

West Australian councils are signing up to what will be the nation’s biggest local government collaboration to purchase renewable energy.

11 October, 2021

Govt green lights new rate peg methodology

The NSW government has accepted IPART’s rate peg methodology which takes population growth into account.

11 October, 2021

Capitalising on an unexpected consequence of covid

A strong local government brand can capture and express an authentic sense of shared local identity, supporting community engagement and improving participation in initiatives.

10 October, 2021

Code of conduct ‘being used for vexatious complaints’

NSW councils spent more than $1.5 million investigating code of conduct complaints against councillors and staff last year but found fewer than 50 breaches.

7 October, 2021

Regional housing report highlights challenges facing councils

A report on housing and the planning system in regional NSW has highlighted the challenges faced by local councils in meeting demand.

4 October, 2021

New ALGA resource helps councils close the gap

ALGA has published a  new resource to help councils provide more employment and career opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

4 October, 2021

Council coast plans now open to public scrutiny

The NSW OLG has released an interactive map with public information on how councils are managing their coastlines.

4 October, 2021

Report warns climate change a legal headache for councils

Councils are likely to face increasing legal action related to climate change, a report warns.

30 September, 2021

Council alliance takes collaborative approach to waste management

Three South East Queensland Councils have formed an alliance to push for a new regional recycling facility.

23 September, 2021