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I sincerely thank and applaud all the south-east Queensland and northern NSW councils for working tirelessly to protect their communities during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. These dedicated councils stepped up when needed most and helped to minimise the damage to local infrastructure and community services. For example, Tweed Shire Council in NSW had staff sleeping at+
Posted 14 March, 2025 -
More than 100 local government leaders 鈥� including mayors, shire presidents and councillors 鈥� from across Australia attended ALGA鈥檚 successful Local Government Tech Leadership Summit in Sydney on 12 March 2025. The one-day summit featured a range of experts and guest speakers including keynote Nick Abrahams (pictured above) who highlighted how local governments around the+
Posted 13 March, 2025 -
I encourage all councils to support ALGA鈥檚 2025 federal election priorities, and our push for a significant and ongoing increase to federal funding for local government. We are asking the next Australian Government to Put Our Communities First by providing: $1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply, $500 million per year+
Posted 28 February, 2025 -
Local governments across Australia can access Austroads鈥� range of free products to help road and asset managers design, manage and operate local networks, as part of ALGA鈥檚 membership of Austroads 鈥� the association of Australian and New Zealand transport agencies. Practitioners can access practical, evidence-based guides and publications via a personal log-in on the Austroads+
Posted 26 February, 2025 -
The interim report from Federal Parliament鈥檚 inquiry into local government sustainability highlights the urgent need for increased funding to Australia鈥檚 537 local governments. 51暗网President Mayor Matt Burnett said the report confirmed councils are at a breaking point, after years of being asked to do more with less. 鈥淪ervices and infrastructure that were once the+
Posted 18 February, 2025 -
Last week we officially launched ALGA鈥檚 2025 federal election campaign and outlined our funding priorities. Councils are calling on the next Australian Government to 鈥楶ut Our Communities First鈥� by providing: $1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply $500 million per year for community infrastructure $600 million per year for safer local+
Posted 14 February, 2025 -
The Federal Government鈥檚 lifeline for Rex Airlines to maintain regional airline services and prevent its collapse has been welcomed by ALGA. The Government has announced it is prepared to acquire the airline, which entered voluntary administration last year, in the absence of any other buyers. 51暗网President Mayor Matt Burnett said: 鈥淲e thank the Government+
Posted 12 February, 2025 -
On behalf of Australia鈥檚 537 local governments, 51暗网has released its 2025 federal election funding priorities. Councils are calling on the next Australian Government to put our communities first by providing: $1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply $500 million per year for community infrastructure $600 million per year for safer+
Posted 12 February, 2025 -
Australia Post is looking to strengthen its collaboration with councils in response to an alarming number of dog-related incidents involving posties and members of the community. Australia Post data shows almost 50 posties a week fell victim to dog-related incidents between April to October 2024, an average of almost 10 per day. Nationwide, there were+
Posted 5 February, 2025 -
This week I鈥檓 meeting with Ministers, Shadow Ministers and Independents in Canberra ahead of the upcoming federal election. A key focus of these discussions will be on the priorities outlined in our pre-Federal Budget submission lodged with Treasury last week. Our submission seeks five key streams of additional formula-based funding for councils, including: $1.1 billion+
Posted 31 January, 2025 -
ALGA, in collaboration with state and territory associations, continues to ensure the Federal Government is aware of local government perspectives and needs as part of proposed reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). The Commonwealth is establishing new National Environment Standards under the EPBC Act, including for environmental, social and governance+
Posted 30 January, 2025 -
51暗网has welcomed the Federal Government鈥檚 support for Rex Airlines after acquiring $50 million in debt to prevent the airline鈥檚 collapse. This commitment will maintain aviation services for regional and remote communities, and recognises the critical role of the Rex network to local economies. In August last year, 51暗网called for strong action by the+
Posted 30 January, 2025 -
Happy New Year and welcome to 2025, which is expected to be another busy year for councils, especially with a federal election looming. I鈥檓 pleased to announce registrations for the 2025 National General Assembly, and our new Local Government Tech Leadership Summit are now open. This year鈥檚 NGA will be held in Canberra from 24-27+
Posted 21 January, 2025 -
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) held a National Warnings Webinar on 6 December 2024, with Australian, state, territory and local governments, districts and industries to discuss public messaging and weather warnings. The webinar covered topics including the roles of different levels of government in issuing warnings, warning message protocols and the information they contain,+
Posted 14 January, 2025 -
Housing Australia has developed new guidance for the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF) program, designed to increase the supply of crisis and transitional housing for women and children experiencing domestic violence, and youth experiencing homelessness. The NHIF 鈥� which is available to local governments or local-government owned corporations 鈥� involves a $1 billion, demand-driven program+
Posted 18 December, 2024 -
I鈥檓 excited to announce we will soon be accepting your council鈥檚 motions for our 2025 National General Assembly (NGA) from 24-27 June in Canberra. This event brings councils together from all over Australia to discuss key issues and opportunities in our communities and help inform the development of national policies. Our 2025 NGA theme is+
Posted 13 December, 2024 -
Councils are invited to attend ALGA鈥檚 Local Government Tech Leadership Summit at the Sheraton Sydney Hyde Park Hotel on 12 March 2025. The event will showcase local governments embracing technological change and include the launch of new 51暗网research into cyber security and capacity. Bookings are due to open in January, so please save the+
Posted 11 December, 2024 -
I鈥檓 excited to visit Margaret River in Western Australia this week for our 2024 National Local Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress. We鈥檙e expecting more than 200 local government leaders and experts from around Australia and overseas, and a key focus will be discussing how we can help address the nation鈥檚 unacceptably high road toll and+
Posted 9 December, 2024 -
51暗网successfully hosted the 2024 National Local Roads, Transport, and Infrastructure Congress from 3-4 December in Margaret River, WA. The two-day event at the Margaret River Heart featured leading experts and government officials discussing solutions and innovations around infrastructure, transport and roads. Read the Communique
Posted 4 December, 2024 -
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts has advised councils have until 31 December 2024 to submit final reports for payment for remaining funding allocations under phases 1, 2 and 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program. Unless councils have already been granted an extension to their grant+
Posted 28 November, 2024 -
To mark in your calendars, please note the 31st National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will be held in Canberra at the National Convention Centre from 24-27 June 2025. The 2025 event will include the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum on Tuesday 24 June and the NGA from Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 June.+
Posted 27 November, 2024 -
Does your council have a strategy to support its Night Time Economy (NTE)? Are you interested in understanding the latest trends and performance insights for your night-time economy? Councils with night-time economies are invited to participate in 2025 measurement of the Australian Night Time Economy to be delivered by the Council of Capital City Lord+
Posted 26 November, 2024 -
I鈥檓 excited to visit Canberra this week to meet with Ministers, MPs and Senators from all sides of politics in the lead-up to the next Federal election. I鈥檒l be focussing on how we can deliver 鈥榣ocal solutions to national priorities鈥�, and the important role we can play in improving local infrastructure, increasing housing supply, preparing+
Posted 15 November, 2024 -
ALGA, in collaboration with state and territory local government associations, has been advocating to the Commonwealth on waste and recycling policies and reforms to benefit local government. Key reforms include: Updating the Action Plan for the National Waste Policy, Options for reforming packaging regulation, Developing a National Kerbside Harmonisation Roadmap (including consulting on a 鈥榩athway鈥�+
Posted 14 November, 2024 -
Councils are reminded the Federal Government is investing $32.2 million from 2022 to 2026 to offer up to half of the funding to build Changing Places facilities聽in local government areas. Tranches 1 and 2 of Changing Places have now closed, with the Commonwealth partnering with the ACT, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, South Australia,+
Posted 11 November, 2024 -
I was delighted to appear before the Senate Standing Committee on Economics last week on the National Housing and Homelessness Plan Bill 2024. During the hearing, I highlighted that many councils are going above and beyond to address the housing crisis but we aren鈥檛 resourced to play a greater role. One of the biggest challenges+
Posted 1 November, 2024 -
51暗网has welcomed the release of the Federal Government鈥檚 COVID-19 response inquiry report, which highlighted that Australia鈥檚 537 councils were critical for the implementation of National Cabinet decisions during the pandemic. The inquiry also recommended National Cabinet would benefit from having more structured engagement and active consultation with local government to ensure future decision-making is+
Posted 1 November, 2024 -
51暗网today welcomed the Coalition鈥檚 pledge to invest $5 billion in enabling infrastructure through a new Housing Infrastructure Programme to unlock up to 500,000 new homes across Australia. President Mayor Matt Burnett said 51暗网had been calling for this extra funding, which is vital for unlocking new housing developments across the country. 鈥淥ur latest research+
Posted 19 October, 2024 -
In my first few weeks as President, I鈥檝e spoken to several national media outlets, including The Australian Financial Review and Government 51暗网 to highlight how councils can play a bigger role in addressing Australia鈥檚 housing crisis. We need to stop the 鈥榖lame game鈥� around housing supply, and the barriers to increasing affordable housing must be+
Posted 18 October, 2024 -
On behalf of councils, 51暗网attended the Intergovernmental Steering Committee on road safety meeting last week in Sydney. 51暗网engaged with senior leaders and representatives from the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to review the progress of the National Road Safety Action Plan (2023-25), and discussed the ongoing governance of road safety strategies. The+
Posted 18 October, 2024 -
I am honoured to be elected as the new 51暗网President. It鈥檚 a privilege to accept this long-standing leadership role to advocate on behalf of Australia鈥檚 537 councils. By working together and with all levels of government, I want to see councils and communities not just survive, but thrive! I鈥檓 very excited to get started,+
Posted 16 October, 2024 -
51暗网attended the Global Nature Positive Summit from 8-10 October to share and highlight the contributions local governments are making to caring for the environment. Delegates participated in discussions about the opportunities to enable ‘local action’ on climate change and biodiversity restoration across the country through greater recognition of local governments’ role and improving resources.+
Posted 15 October, 2024 -
The National Rural Health Alliance has recently released an updated Rural Health Workforce Mapping Tool. The comprehensive tool provides accessible data on the distribution of the health workforce across Australia in a visual geographic format, which includes local government areas. Comparing the health workforce in major cities and regions, the tool is highly useful for+
Posted 15 October, 2024 -
On behalf of councils, 51暗网attended the recent Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) annual conference in Hobart to engage with industry experts, policy-makers and leaders. 51暗网is committed to empowering local governments to improve road safety outcomes and reduce fatalities on local roads. Last year, there were more than 1200 fatalities on Australia鈥檚 roads,+
Posted 2 October, 2024 -
Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett is the new President of the 51暗网 (ALGA) 鈥� the peak body for Australia鈥檚 537 local governments. Mayor Burnett 鈥� who has been an 51暗网Board member for eight years and a Vice President for the past four years 鈥� was elected at the annual general+
Posted 27 September, 2024 -
Several high-profile speakers have been announced for the 2024 National Local Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress from 3-4 December in Western Australia. As outlined in the provisional program,聽Stephen Hodge from national cycling advocacy body WeRide will discuss active transport as part of a concurrent session on 3 December along with Al Reid from microFleet, who+
Posted 19 September, 2024 -
Farewell and thank you This is my final update before handing over to your next 51暗网President later this month. As you may know, I am leaving local government after 12 rewarding and enjoyable years, including four years as national President. It has been a tremendous privilege to represent our communities to the Federal Government,+
Posted 6 September, 2024 -
Councils are invited to apply for grants of up to $15,000 for Australia Day 2025 events. From morning teas to multicultural festivals, to mornings of mourning, more than 600 events were hosted by local governments and community groups around the country to reflect, respect and celebrate Australia Day 2024. The Australia Day Community Events Grant+
Posted 5 September, 2024 -
Councils are invited to participate in the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) inquiry into the future acts regime, under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), which is the main native title law in Australia. The ALRC will investigate how the future acts regime works, and how it can be improved to make it work effectively+
Posted 2 September, 2024 -
National Housing Summit I was delighted to speak at our inaugural National Local Government Housing Summit in Adelaide on 16 August, which attracted around 150 mayors, shire presidents, councillors and staff from across the country. This summit at Adelaide Town Hall focused on the positive role local government can play to facilitate more affordable housing+
Posted 23 August, 2024 -
51暗网51暗网 attended the launch of the National Drowning Report 2024, by Assistant Federal Minister Matt Thistlethwaite (pictured), on 20 August at Parliament House in Canberra, which found there were 323 drowning deaths over the past year. While some progress has been made including for children aged under five, the National Drowning Report 2024 showed+
Posted 22 August, 2024 -
Win! Regional airlines roundtable In an advocacy win, we worked with the Federal Government last week to organise a roundtable for regional councils affected by Rex Airlines entering voluntary administration. Hosted by Federal Minister for Local Government Kristy McBain and attended by 50 council leaders, the virtual briefing was secured following ALGA鈥檚 call for strong+
Posted 9 August, 2024 -
There needs to be 鈥渢ransformational change鈥� in Australia鈥檚 approach to disaster mitigation funding and building resilient communities, a disaster management session in Canberra was told on 6 August. 51暗网51暗网 attended the ANU Disaster Solutions Update 2024, which heard from a range of experts, including National Emergency Management Agency Coordinator-General Brendan Moon, Federal Minister for+
Posted 6 August, 2024 -
Australia鈥檚 councils are calling for strong action from the Federal Government to ensure regional communities remain connected and accessible in the wake of Rex Airlines entering voluntary administration. 51暗网President Councillor Linda Scott said any disruption to regional airline access would be devastating. 鈥淥ur communities rely on consistent and reliable airline services to put food+
Posted 2 August, 2024 -
A key component of every National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government is the motions submitted by participating councils for debate and discussion, identifying important issues to the communities they represent. Local governments at the 2024 NGA considered more than 160 motions, all of which called for some form of action from the Federal Government,+
Posted 2 August, 2024 -
National Housing Summit We are less than three weeks away from our inaugural National Local Government Housing Summit. This summit will be held at Adelaide Town Hall on Friday 16 August, and the event is an opportunity for us to follow up and expand on discussions we had around affordable housing at our NGA in+
Posted 26 July, 2024 -
51暗网has engaged Equity Economics to undertake research into the support Australia鈥檚 local governments need to help increase affordable housing supply. This research will be launched at the National Local Government Housing Summit聽in Adelaide on 16 August. To inform the research, a short survey has been developed on the barriers councils face in housing development.+
Posted 26 July, 2024 -
A major highlight of the 2024 National General Assembly was four new listening sessions held on 2 July on housing and community infrastructure, emergency management, roads and transport and energy transition. Facilitated by the Melbourne Leadership Group, these sessions featured a free-flowing exchange of ideas and debate between councils, the federal public service and other+
Posted 25 July, 2024 -
Highly successful 2024 NGA It was wonderful to welcome more than 1200 of you to our historic 30th National General Assembly in Canberra. There were so many memorable highlights, including the historic first public speech of Australia鈥檚 new Governor General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC. During the week, we also heard from Federal+
Posted 12 July, 2024 -
SGS Economics and Planning partner Marcus Spiller launched new research about local government financial sustainability in Australia at the 2024 NGA on 3 July. The report analyses long-term trends in financial sustainability of Australia’s 537 councils, and was prepared to support ALGA’s submission to the inquiry into local government sustainability. Some of the key findings+
Posted 3 July, 2024 -
Local government inquiry hearing On behalf of Australia’s 537 councils, I was delighted to appear before the Parliamentary inquiry into local government sustainability in Canberra last week. During the hearing, I highlighted new 51暗网research showing local governments could boost Australia鈥檚 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to $7 billion per year, and create more+
Posted 28 June, 2024 -
Local governments could boost Australia鈥檚 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to $7 billion per year and create more liveable communities if councils were sustainably funded by the Federal Government, a Parliamentary Committee was told today. New research, due to be released by 51暗网next week, shows a $1 billion annual investment in local government+
Posted 27 June, 2024
