Archived News for Professionals in State Government
The South Australian Government has announced an initiative to streamline building and construction projects that are in the pipeline and valued over $20 million.
Premier Jay Weatherill announced the initiative, which will aim to intensively case manage projects to fruition in a bid to support the state’s construction industry through the ongoing slump in the sector.
Mr Weatherill asked the Economic Development Board, Urban Renewal Authority and the Department of Planning to provide a list of ‘shovel ready’ projects that are valued over $20 million that are currently seeking approval.
Queensland announces emergency treatment reform
The Queensland Government has announced sweeping changes to the way in which ambulances and hospitals treat emergency patients.
Queensland announces red tape cuts
The Queensland Government has introduced legislation before State Parliament that will aim to significantly cut red tape and streamline regulatory approval in the resources sector.
Queensland to test the waters at Abbot Point
The Queensland Government has announced the appointment of mining industry veteran Barry Golding as a facilitator to test coal companies’ appetite to proceed with the new coal handing facilities at the Port of Abbot Point.
Queensland unveils four-year flood proofing plan
The Queensland Government has proposed a $100 million, four-year Floodplain Security System (FSS), which it says could save billions of dollars in future disaster damage.
SA funds Port Pirie's strategic study
The South Australian Government has earmarked $200,000 in funding for the Port Pirie Regional Council to help strategic studies into the city’s long term economic development.
SA publishes feedback on infrastructure review
The South Australian Government has launched an independent analysis of industry and community views on infrastructure required to support the growing mining and energy sector in the state.
WA outlines road spend
The Western Australian Government has confirmed $161 million will be spent on local roads across the State, an increase of $16 million from last financial years.
NT launches $300m Homelands Policy
The Northern Territory Government has launched its Homelands Policy which will invest $300 million over the next ten years into the management and maintenance of existing homeland infrastructure, including houses, roads, and essential services, at homelands across the Territory.
Queensland passes Greentape Reduction Bill
The Queensland Government has passed its Greentape Reduction Bill, reducing the Environmental Protection Act by 90 pages and aiming to save businesses on average $20,000 in costs, 150 pages in paper work and 68 days in processing time.
Queensland rationalises water authorities
The Queensland Government has announced a three member interim board to lead the transition of three bulk water entities into a single body – the South East Queensland Bulk Water Company Limited - from next year.
City of Boroondara takes out Victorian Sustainable City award
The Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards have named the City of Boroondara as Sustainable City of the Year 2012.
ACT Pest Animal Management Strategy released
Rabbits, wild dogs, feral goats, pigs, carp and other exotic pests will be the target of a new strategy designed to prevent and manage pest animals in the ACT and reduce the harmful damage to the environment.
E-health initiative launched for remote NT communities
The Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has launched the Health eTowns TelehealthNT Network initiative that will give remote communities in the Northern Territory better access to healthcare.
New WA emergency arrangements in response to Keelty bushfire report
The Western Australian Government has announced new emergency management procedures in implementing a key recommendation of the Keelty report into the Perth Hills bushfire.
NT to implement all recommendations from Bushfires Review
The Northern Territory Minister for Natural Resources, Karl Hampton, has released the independent review of BushfiresNT, announcing that all of its 44 recommendations will be implemented.
Queensland first to introduce heavy vehicle regulation bill
The Queensland Government has introduced the Heavy Vehicle National Law Bill 2012 into its Parliament. Passage of the Bill will establish the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator in Brisbane and allow for the appointment of the five-member Board and the CEO.
Queensland proposes $100 million Floodplain Security Scheme
The Queensland Government has proposed a $100 million, four year Floodplain Security Scheme (FSS) and called on the Federal Government to match State spending in the program which would aim to flood-proof large parts of Queensland.
Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney has written to the Federal Minister for Emergency Management Nicola Roxon seeking Federal support for an overall approach to flood risk management and mitigation efforts.
Mr Seeney said Queensland would commit $40 million over the next four years to deliver a comprehensive planned program of flood mitigation, but believed Federal and local government involvement could create a $100 million flood mitigation fund.
“It is the Queensland Government’s view that the FSS, part of the Royalties for Regions program, should be funded on a 2:2:1 basis with the Commonwealth and State Governments providing $2 million for every $1 million provided by local government,” Mr Seeney said.
“A matching $40 million commitment from the Federal Government would provide significant and vital investment in reducing the flood risk for Queensland communities and would reduce the financial exposure of all levels of government to future disaster events.”
Mr Seeney said the recent Charleville flood where levees prevented flooding in the town and saved tens of millions of dollars in disaster and insurance payouts showed the benefits of effective proactive mitigation work.
“Upfront investment can provide long term savings to all levels of government and the community and provide increased confidence to the insurance sector.”
Queensland Transport restructure to slash jobs
The Queensland Government has announced a restructure of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads and TransLink, involving a targeted staff reduction of 18 per cent or 1,970 FTE corporate and support roles from the Department and TransLink, saving $287 million over the next four years.
Green light for Nyrstar subject to new technology
The South Australian EPA has issued environmental guidelines for Nyrstar’s Port Pirielead smelter setting out finalised variations to the licence conditions.
Green light for WA's $152m Spoilbank Marina Precinct
The Western Australian Government and Town of Port Hedland have given the green light for the $152million Spoilbank Marina Precinct development in north-west WA.