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A more coordinated and collaborative approach across all levels of government is the key to addressing Australia’s affordable housing crisis, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) said today. Ahead of this week’s National Cabinet meeting focusing on planning reforms to facilitate more affordable housing, ALGA President Councillor Linda Scott said increasing the supply of more+
Posted 14 August, 2023 -
ALGA calls for coordinated approach to housing crisis Ahead of this week’s National Cabinet meeting focusing on planning reforms to create affordable housing, ALGA is calling for a more coordinated and collaborative approach across all levels of government to address Australia’s affordable housing crisis. Increasing the supply of more affordable housing can’t be fixed through+
Posted 11 August, 2023 -
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen will discuss climate change and emissions reduction at a special breakfast event as part of the 2023 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress. Minister Bowen will be joined by ALGA President Councillor Linda Scott, local mayors and leaders at the breakfast on 7 September. For+
Posted 10 August, 2023 -
The National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO), formerly known as Australian Road Research Board (ARRB), has a new offering specifically tailored for councils to manage, maintain and measure roads. NTRO Local provides affordable, achievable solutions for all councils to have better maintained, safer, sustainable and resilient roads. Underpinned by ARRB’s 60 years of experience and expertise,+
Posted 8 August, 2023 -
Local governments are invited to contribute ideas and innovations for the development of the Australian Government’s National Housing and Homelessness Plan. The Plan will be a 10-year strategy and will outline a shared vision to inform future housing and homelessness policy in Australia. Submissions are now invited for an Issues Paper on Housing and Homelessness+
Posted 7 August, 2023 -
Additional resources have been released for councils by the Department of Health and Aged Care to help boost childhood vaccination rates. Based on a recent community information kit, these extra resources include animations and videos featuring trusted health professionals talking about immunisation and real families sharing their experiences: Animations Routine Childhood Immunisation – Why timing is+
Posted 7 August, 2023 -
Local governments are urged to apply for funding under the new National Road Safety Action Grants Program. The Federal Government has committed $43.6 million over four years to the program to deliver infrastructure priorities outlined in the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 and National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25. The program offers funding across five+
Posted 1 August, 2023 -
National roundtable on land use planning On behalf of Australia’s councils, I was delighted to attend and speak at an industry roundtable on land use planning last Thursday convened by the Master Builders of Australia, Planning Institute of Australia and Insurance Council of Australia. At the forum, I highlighted how Australia’s 537 councils play a+
Posted 28 July, 2023 -
ALGA News sat down with Cities Power Partnership Director Dr Portia Odell to discuss how our local governments are supporting Australia’s transition to a clean energy future by embracing new technologies and innovative solutions to reduce their emissions. ALGA: We know Australia’s 537 local governments are at the forefront of creating a more sustainable and+
Posted 27 July, 2023 -
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE State governments must urgently overhaul their approach to land use planning to ensure no more homes are built without regard to risk on flood plains, organisations representing planners, builders and insurers said today. In response to the flood emergency of recent years, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), Master Builders Australia (MBA)+
Posted 27 July, 2023 -
The Federal Government is seeking feedback from community stakeholders for its National Consumer Engagement Strategy for Health and Wellbeing. The strategy is designed to strengthen partnerships between health policy makers and the community, as outlined in one of the priorities under the National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030. The aim of the new strategy is to+
Posted 26 July, 2023 -
High-profile guest speakers and experts will discuss the latest insights and innovations for roads and community infrastructure at ALGA’s 2023 National Local Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress from September 6-7 in Canberra. We have just released the registration brochure for our popular annual event, which provides a detailed outline of the two-day program. ALGA has+
Posted 26 July, 2023 -
Better regulation of end-of-life outcomes for small electrical and electronic equipment (SEEE) and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems will help to reduce waste costs for local councils and communities, according to a new ALGA submission. ALGA has made a submission to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for the development of a+
Posted 25 July, 2023 -
ALGA has provided a submission to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for the development of a regulatory product stewardship scheme for small electrical and electronic equipment and solar photovoltaic systems. ALGA is supportive of a proposed regulatory approach to product stewardship for small electrical and electronic equipment. The submission outlines+
Posted 24 July, 2023 -
ALGA has provided a submission to the Independent Strategic Review of Infrastructure Investment Pipeline. The Commonwealth’s infrastructure sub-programs (Roads to Recovery, Black Spot, Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, Bridges Renewal Program, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program and the Road Safety Program) all play a vital role for councils+
Posted 24 July, 2023 -
Councils across Australia are making a concerted effort to go plastic-free to reduce the amount of waste before it enters the local government collection system. In the wake of the recent Plastic Free July campaign, ALGA News is highlighting this key environmental issue and some best practice examples of local governments reducing single-use plastic. Plastics+
Posted 21 July, 2023 -
National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress in Canberra Recognising the critical role we play in building, maintaining and upgrading Australia’s community infrastructure and roads, I am delighted to invite you to attend our 2023 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress from 6-7 September. This year’s Congress is in Canberra during a Parliamentary sitting+
Posted 14 July, 2023 -
Expressions of interest are being requested for the Priority Languages Support Project through First Languages Australia. The program aims to support critically endangered languages where no language revival activity is currently being undertaken. Funding through this program averages about $15,000 per project, and only languages that are not being supported through other services are eligible.+
Posted 13 July, 2023 -
The next funding phase of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, totalling $750 million, is now available for councils across Australia to nominate projects. Phase 4 funding allocations include an additional $250 million targeted to improve rural, regional and outer urban roads. Projects funded under Phase 4 are expected to be completed by+
Posted 7 July, 2023 -
Local governments can submit projects for the first round of the Federal Government’s new $600 million Growing Regions program with expressions of interest now open. The program offers grants of between $500,000 and $15 million to local governments and not-for-profit organisations for capital works delivering community and economic infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.+
Posted 6 July, 2023 -
Local communities, councils and telcos are urged to have their say on new draft guidelines for the next $20 million round of the Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP) which aims to improve mobile coverage on the urban fringes of communities. Peri-urban fringes – where the bush meets the edges of the suburbs – create significant challenges+
Posted 6 July, 2023 -
Local governments have been given more time to apply for the Federal Government’s $160 million regional communications co-investment schemes – the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) and Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) grants. Applications were originally due by 12 July, but stakeholders, including councils, indicated they needed extra time so the deadline has been extended until+
Posted 6 July, 2023 -
Win! Disaster recovery funding fast-tracked In a major advocacy win for local government, the Federal Government has fast-tracked around $1.8 billion in disaster payments, for the majority of states, under the State and Commonwealth-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. We welcomed these advance payments for disaster-affected councils, especially in regional and remote areas, and are thrilled+
Posted 30 June, 2023 -
In a major win for local government, the Federal Government announced today it will bring forward payments totalling almost $1.8 billion to the majority of states under the State and Commonwealth-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). ALGA President Councillor Linda Scott said the Government had listened to local government’s call for faster support and payments+
Posted 30 June, 2023 -
As part of National Homelessness Week, the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors and LG Professionals Australia will host the National Local Government Community of Practice event on Housing and Homelessness in Melbourne on 7-8 August 2023. To be held at Melbourne Town Hall, the event will provide an opportunity to hear about the current+
Posted 28 June, 2023 -
Local government is being encouraged to help boost childhood immunisations by sharing a range of resources about routine vaccinations suitable for parents and carers of young children. The Department of Health has produced a new community information kit as well as a poster and resources about the flu vaccination. The free vaccines available through the National+
Posted 27 June, 2023 -
Enjoy some of the highlights and memorable moments from ALGA’s successful National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government in Canberra from 13-16 June. See a selection of photos from the annual event held at the National Convention Centre. Please see a range of videos below.
Posted 26 June, 2023 -
Local government is invited to comment on a new proposal by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for regulating waste from small electronics and solar photovoltaic systems (or e‑products). The latest statistics show each Australian produced an average of 20kg of e-waste in 2019 compared with the global average of 7kg.+
Posted 22 June, 2023 -
Win! $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund I am thrilled that ALGA’s strong advocacy and leadership has delivered a new $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund for Australian councils, announced by Prime Minister Albanese at Friday’s ACLG Forum. Councils have been leading climate action and reducing their carbon footprints for decades, and we have consistently+
Posted 16 June, 2023 -
Strong advocacy and leadership by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has resulted in the establishment of a new $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund today for local governments. Announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) Forum in Canberra, the new fund has been developed to enable local+
Posted 16 June, 2023 -
At the 2023 National General Assembly, the Governor-General of Australia spoke about the importance of recognising people who make a positive difference in local communities. His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) asked for councils’ help to identify Australians in local communities who make an extraordinary impact and ensure there are processes+
Posted 15 June, 2023 -
More than 1100 local government leaders shared ideas and innovations about a range of issues and challenges at the 2023 Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA) in Canberra from 13-15 June. The historic annual event attracted mayors, shire presidents and councillors from right across the country to consider how local governments can+
Posted 15 June, 2023 -
The Australian Local Government Association hosted the largest Regional Forum in its history on 13 June, which saw more than 450 local government leaders travel vast distances to Canberra from right across the country. The delegates – which included regional mayors, councillors and shire presidents – discussed a wide range of issues including regional connectivity,+
Posted 14 June, 2023 -
Local government leaders will share innovations to ensure councils can help reduce Australia’s emissions while mitigating skyrocketing cost of living pressures at the historic 2023 Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA) in Canberra from 13-15 June. Hosted by ALGA, which represents the nation’s 537 local governments, the annual event starts today and+
Posted 13 June, 2023 -
We are looking for ALGA’s next Chief Executive Officer. This unique and exciting leadership opportunity will see you advocate on the most interesting issues in every corner of the nation. The successful candidate for this high-profile position will have a strong understanding of and connections into all levels of government allowing you to provide authoritative+
Posted 9 June, 2023 -
The announcement of 187 new projects to be funded through the first round of the Federal Government’s Disaster Ready Fund has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) today. This funding is available to state and territory governments, working with local governments and communities, for building infrastructure such as flood levees, seawalls and+
Posted 7 June, 2023 -
Local government is invited to provide input for the update of the Federal Government’s Climate Change Considerations chapter of Australian Rainfall and Runoff (ARR): A Guide to Flood Estimation. The national guideline document is one of the most widely used references to help engineers and the construction industry manage flood risk for the built environment.+
Posted 6 June, 2023 -
Local government feedback is invited on the Federal Government’s independent review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding. The review aims to understand and define the Government’s role in Australia’s disaster funding environment and will consider how investment can be optimised for local communities. To be led by Mr Andrew Colvin AO APM, the review will also explore+
Posted 6 June, 2023 -
Countdown to the NGA The countdown is on for ALGA’s annual conference – the 29th National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government from 13-16 June. In about a week’s time, more than 1000 people will converge in Canberra for the NGA at the National Convention Centre, including around 450 delegates for the 2023 Regional Forum+
Posted 2 June, 2023 -
ALGA has responded to new research published in The Australian Financial Review showing a need to build more medium-density homes in inner-city and urban areas to address Australia’s affordable housing crisis. The report, The case for medium-density housing in our large cities, showed housing supply has expanded at just 4.5 percent ahead of population growth over the+
Posted 31 May, 2023 -
ALGA is looking forward to welcoming a record crowd of local government leaders, delegates and elected representatives for this year’s ALGA Annual Conference in Canberra from 13-16 June – the 29th National General Assembly (NGA). There are around 450 delegates registered for the 2023 Regional Forum on Tuesday 13 June and more than 1000 people+
Posted 30 May, 2023 -
Feedback from the first round of stakeholder consultation on the Federal Government’s new drought plan is now available. The review report, which has been published on the Government’s webpage, makes 18 recommendations responding to feedback, including from local government. A total of 108 organisations were engaged during the consultation and these views have informed the+
Posted 25 May, 2023 -
Councils have been invited to attend a special webinar about drone delivery services on 8 June 2023 from 1:00 – 2:30pm hosted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. Specifically designed for local government, the webinar will feature presentations from local government and industry on implementing drone delivery services, the+
Posted 23 May, 2023 -
2023-24 Federal Budget On your behalf, over many months, ALGA worked incredibly hard in the lead-up to the recent Federal Budget 2023-24, handed down by Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Tuesday 9 May. We welcomed the Budget from Canberra on Budget Night as a “solid investment” in local government, with councils receiving $3.1 billion in+
Posted 18 May, 2023 -
Local government is a vital link in solving Australia’s homelessness crisis, according to a new Churchill Fellowship report. Author Leanne Mitchell, who works for Brimbank City Council in Melbourne’s west, visited Canada, US and UK as part of her Churchill Fellowship to investigate how councils respond to rough sleeping while balancing responsibilities of the wider+
Posted 17 May, 2023 -
A new national Net Zero Authority to coordinate communities’ transformation to a low-carbon economy and enhance the liveability of local communities in Australia has been welcomed by the local government sector. The authority will engage with local, state and territory governments, regional bodies and other groups to help regions, industries and employers proactively manage the+
Posted 15 May, 2023 -
ALGA has welcomed the release of new guidelines for the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program, as part of local government’s ongoing advocacy for more money for regional Australia. The program provides grants between $500,000 and $15 million to local governments and not-for-profit organisations for capital works projects that deliver community and economic infrastructure across regional and rural Australia.+
Posted 11 May, 2023 -
Australian councils have welcomed tonight’s Federal Budget as a solid investment in local government, with councils receiving $3.1 billion in Financial Assistance Grants over the next 12 months. “For Australia’s 537 councils, $3.1 billion of local government funding is a vital investment in Australia’s productivity, allowing us to employ nearly 200,000 Australians and provide+
Posted 9 May, 2023 -
Please see the analysis and updates below in relation to the 2023-24 Federal Budget handed down in Canberra tonight (9 May 2023).
Posted 9 May, 2023 -
Federal Budget advocacy We have been working incredibly hard ahead of this year’s Federal Budget to advocate for more funding for your councils and our communities, as outlined in ALGA’s pre-Budget submission. After the Budget is handed down tomorrow night, we will write to all councils to let you know what’s been announced, and what+
Posted 5 May, 2023 -
In the second part of our chat with Minister for Local Government the Hon. Kristy McBain, ALGA News discusses her time in Federal Parliament since 2020, including as Federal Member for Eden Monaro and Minister for Local Government as well as hearing about the major priorities for 2023 and beyond. ALGA: As a former Bega+
Posted 4 May, 2023 -
ALGA News sat down with Federal Minister for Local Government the Honorable Kristy McBain MP, in a two-part interview, to discuss the Government’s move to re-establish the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG), allowing Cabinet Ministers to hear directly from the local government sector in Canberra this June. ALGA: Minister, can you tell us about+
Posted 4 May, 2023
