Archived News for Professionals in State Government
Australia's urban water sector needs major changes to meet the challenges of providing services that minimise costs and maximise benefits to the community, according to a draft report released by the Productivity Commission.
The draft report - Australia's Urban Water Sector - reports that Government responses to the recent water shortages have resulted in large costs to water consumers and the community generally. Nationally, water restrictions are estimated to have cost in excess of $1 billion per annum from the lost value of consumption alone, and some large supply augmentations could cost the community up to 5 billion dollars or more over the next decade or two.
Presiding Commission, Dr Wendy Craik said 'There is a strong case for reforming the sector. There are some fundamental weaknesses, with conflicting objectives, unclear roles and responsibilities, and deficient governance arrangements, across policy making, regulatory and service delivery institutions.'
Victorian water allocation trading suspended
The Victorian Government has temporarily suspended some water allocation trade to protect next season’s allocations to Victorian water entitlement holders on the Murray system.
Government reveals carbon tax impact
About 50 high-emitting polluters would pay two-thirds of the government's carbon tax take, Climate Change Minister Greg Combet told the National Press Club as he hinted at a carbon price at the lower end of predictions.
Queensland Cleantech Industry Development Strategy released
The Queensland Government has launched its Cleantech Industry Development Strategy, setting out measures to support the environmental services, green building and materials, clean energy, resource recovery and recycling, sustainable transport, and water and wastewater management sectors.
Report shows blowout in Victorian expenditure
The Victorian Government has released its Economic and Financial Statement, April 2011 provides an update on Victoria’s finances.
$1.4 million for Northern Territory indigenous horticulture and forestry
The Northern Territory Government has announced a $1.4 million package for to support Indigenous horticulture and forestry projects in the Territory.
SA targets women for defence and resources industries
The South Australian government has launched a new industry program that will support 60 women who are currently working in South Australia’s defence and resources industries to further develop their knowledge and skills.
New structure for South Australian health announced
The South Australian government has announced it will establish five Local Health Networks (LHNs) to manage public hospital and community health services from 1 July 2011.
Queensland rebuilding guidelines announced
The Queensland Government has announced the first of a series of Draft Guidelines to help in the reconstruction of Far North Queensland following the destruction caused by Cyclone Yasi in February will be released to the public at a community meeting in Tully Heads Community Centre on Wednesday, 20th April.
$1 billion for Victorian rural growth
Rural and regional Victorian communities are set to benefit from a $1 billion growth fund following the passage of the Regional Growth Fund Bill through the Victorian Parliament on April 7.
Urban water utilities and rural water service providers performance report released
Two National Water Commission reports on the performance Australia’s urban water utilities and rural water service providers have been released by the Federal Government.
NSW government launches 100-day action plan
The NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell, has released his government’s 100-day action plan under which he claims “the NSW Government would make giant strides towards helping the State to recover after 16 years of neglect.”
NSW accelerates work on North-West rail line
The NSW Government has announced that a project team has been established to accelerate work on the North-West rail line.
National Water Commission calls for overhaul of urban water supply management
The National Water Commission has issued a landmark report urging Australian governments to overhaul the way urban water supplies are managed.
South Australian Premier's Awards announced
The South Australian Premier's Awards have been held, showcasing excellence in the public sector.
Call for NT Research and Innovation Grants
The Northern Territory has called for applications from businesses and research organisations for the latest round of the NT Research and Innovation Grants.
Queensland climate change and coastal processes report released
Queensland can expect coastal erosion and permanent inundation of coastal land as a result of a predicted 0.8 metre sea level rise by 2100, according to a new scientific report released by the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence.
Director general announced for WA Department of Finance
The Western Australian Government has announced that the new Department of Finance will be headed by Anne Nolan and will concentrate on revenue; management of government building projects; works and administration; and the Office of Shared Services when it splits from Treasury on July 1, 2011.
Victoria reviews flood warnings and response
The Victorian Government has called for submissions to its Review of the 2010-11 Flood Warnings and Response, and is continuing a series of public meetings in flood affected towns during April and May.
Victorian Auditor-General releases renewable energy report
The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office has released its report into whether the development of renewable energy has been facilitated effectively by the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC), Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Department of Business and Innovation (DBI) and Sustainability Victoria (SV).
ACT construction Snapshot shows growth
Construction in the ACT is continuing to grow, with around $18 billion worth of projects currently planned or under way in the ACT according to the latest Canberra Construction Snapshot, released by the Chief Minister and Minister for Land and Property Services, Jon Stanhope.