Archived News for Professionals in State Government - April, 2012
The Federal and Victorian governments have announced work has begun on the next section of the $2.25 billion M80 upgrade, marking the commencement of the state’s largest road infrastructure project.
“As Victoria's biggest road project on the ground, the M80 Upgrade is providing a much needed boost to the state's economy, directly supporting up to 6500 jobs over the life of the project, with thousands of other flow on jobs for services and suppliers,” Victorian Transport Minister Terry Mulder said.
“When completed, the improved freeway with extra lanes and better access will help ease congestion, and reduce travel times and costs for commuters, and importantly for road freight industry, with 20,000 trucks currently using the Ring Road each day.
QLD students with disabilities given funding boost
$41 million in funding is being allocated to up to 29,000 Queensland school students with disabilities. The Gillard Governement’s More Support for Students with Disabilities initiative will provide greater access to classroom support and specialized equipment.
SA blasts Murray plan
The South Australian Government has blasted the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) draft plan, saying the allocated 2750 gigalitres for environmental flow is not enough to return the system to a state of health.
100 per cent SA allocations from July
The South Australian Government has announced that South Australian irrigators will begin the 2012-13 water year with 100 of their allocations.
Adelaide to overhaul planning laws
The South Australian Government and the city of Adelaide have announced a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s planning laws.
Cash for containers hits the road
The Northern Territory Government and Envirobank has announced the new cash for containers mobile depot will be operational shortly after Easter and will service large and small-scale volumes of returned containers.
COAG savages cities
The Reform Council of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has savaged the planning of the country’s capital cities, publishing a review that urges governments to do better in planning future land use, infrastructure assets and economies of the country’s major cities.
Queensland announces new Ministry
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has announced the formation of the new Ministry.
SA appoints Small Business Commissioner
The South Australian Government has appointed Mike Sinkunas as the state’s first Small Business Commisioner.
WA passes gas services bill
The Western Australian Government has passed the gas services Information Bill, with State Energy Minister Peter Collier saying the legislation will play a key role in securing the state’s gas supply and security.
WA teacher pay offer gets the nod
The Western Australian Government’s pay offer has been accepted by the state’s 27,000 teachers and school administrators after they voted in favour of the December agreement.