Rates and compliance reviews stay buried

NSW Government refuses to release key reports into local government, claiming the documents are exempt under the state’s information law.

7 February, 2019

Councils call out worsening financial burden

Cost shifting and inadequate federal grants are compromising public infrastructure and services, local governments say.

1 November, 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

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

Criticism mounts over South Australia’s rate capping plan

The South Australian Government’s rate-capping plans are facing opposition from councils while experts call for improved transparency on service delivery costs instead.

20 July, 2018

Budget: disappointment on local roads, community infrastructure

Local government peaks welcome ongoing funding for key roads, bridges and regions programs but say inaction on financial grants means councils face a shortfall.

9 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

Councils swoop on solutions to flying-fox woes

Rapidly growing flying-fox colonies in urban areas are causing grief for councils across NSW but state support for long-term resettlement of habitats could offer a solution.

7 May, 2018

Local government can do better on reporting: AG

More than half of NSW’s councils are struggling to renew and maintain their infrastructure, according to the state’s auditor who says financial reporting in local government needs to improve.

23 April, 2018

Councils, industry call for national waste and recycling plan  

Local government is scrambling to avoid a “recycling crisis” as China clamps down on accepting foreign waste, which threatens to derail councils’ collection of kerbside recycling, a parliamentary inquiry has been told.

19 March, 2018

Grassroots action to boost women’s numbers in government

Among a series of events marking International Women’s Day yesterday were calls for initiatives to boost women’s representation in elected and executive positions.

8 March, 2018