Archived News for Professionals in State Government

The South Australian Treasurer Jack Snelling has stated that a study undertaken by consulting firm Independent Economics confirms that the current system of sharing GST revenues among the states improves the welfare of all Australians.

A review of the ACT Self Government Act of 1988 has been advised that the Act needs amendment to create a long-term model of self-government for the ACT.

The Tasmanian Water Minister Bryan Green has said his government is considering a proposal by Victorian company Docklands Science Park to construct a pipeline to export surplus water across the Bass Strait.

The Federal Government has announced the $10 billion Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) will be based in Sydney, with Prime Minister Julia Gillard saying the city’s clean energy sector was crucial in making the decision.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, has released a report initiated by the Commonwealth and NSW governments on the future aviation needs of Sydney.

The Victorian Government has announced new measures to streamline regulatory processes, improve the scrutiny of new regulations and ensure that regulators are efficient, responsive and make timely decisions.

The Northern Territory Government has released the Greater Darwin Plan which provides the strategic framework that will aim to guide the growth of Darwin city and the surrounding region.

The Western Australian Government has given final approval for a rail and power supply project in the Pilbara estimated to be worth more than $400 million, and which is expected to generate 600 jobs in the region.

The Federal Government has urged the New South Wales and Victorian Governments to ‘see sense’ and provide transport concessions for their international students.

Victoria's emergency services agencies will all participate in responding to major disaster events in Victoria under the  Emergency Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2011  which has passed through Parliament.

South Australian Attorney-General John Roe has announced the appointment of James Hartnett to steer the establishment of the state’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

The South Australian Government has announced it has approved a key policy document that will help shape the Lower Limestone Coast’s Water Allocation Plan.

State Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Paul Caica presented the South East Natural Resources Management Board with the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan Policy Principles at a key meeting in Mount Gambier earlier this week.

“These Policy Principles will guide the South East Natural Resources Management Board in developing the Lower Limestone Coast’s water allocation plan,” Mr Caica said.

“The State Government is committed to managing this region’s precious water resources sustainably and we are working with the South East community to strike a fair balance between the needs of all users and the environment through a new water allocation plan.

“Importantly, the Policy Principles provide direction for drafting the new water allocation plan, including the management of forest water impacts.”

Mr Caica said a Government Taskforce worked with a Stakeholder Reference Group comprising representatives from the forestry, wine, dairy, potato and dryland farming industries, and the South Australian Farmers Federation to develop the Policy Principles.

“The community also had their say on water management in this region during a four week consultation period on the Policy Principles and the feedback received has significantly influenced the final paper,’’ Mr Caica said.

The Policy Paper is available at www.waterforgood.sa.gov.au

Victoria’s Auditor-General has released a report into the performance of the state’s public transport facilities, finding inadequate funding levels and a disappointing effort by the previous government to properly estimate the boom in patronage.

The Victorian Government has released the findings from the review into Sustainability Victoria (SV), which State Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith says will help chart a course for a more effective investment in waste reduction and improved energy measures.

The struggle between the Victorian and Commonwealth governments over alpine grazing is continuing after the Victorian Government has requested the Federal Court to review the recent decision by the Commonwealth Environment Minister Tony Burke to stop a research trial into the use of strategic cattle grazing as a bushfire risk mitigation and fuel reduction tool in Victoria's high country.

The South Australian Government has passed legislation that will ban mining in the state’s Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary after the legislation was successfully passed by the Upper House.

Construction has begun on the $42 million Black Rock Recycled Water Plant, which the Federal Government says will significantly improve the Victorian surf coast growth corridor long-term water security.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell, said the new infrastructure would recycle and treat water that would otherwise be discharged into Bass Strait.

“The plant will produce high quality recycled water to support new residential developments and expanding areas of the surf coast growth corridor, such as Armstrong Creek and north Torquay,” Senator Farrell said.

“This will save up to three billion litres of water each year and reduce the need for drinking water to be used to water gardens, flush toilets or irrigate sports fields. The plant will have capacity to produce enough recycled water to offset the volume of drinking water currently used for irrigation in the area by up to ten percent.”

The Australian Government has invested $10 million in the project through the Water for the Future initiative under the National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns program. This funding is in addition to $10 million committed by the Australian Government to assist in the construction of a pipeline to transport recycled water to developments in the Torquay growth corridor.

Councils in western NSW have united in their concern over the state of regional and local roads and roads funding at the Annual Conference of the Western Division Councils of NSW in Broken Hill, raising it with various Ministers and calling for continued action.

The NSW Government has released a discussion paper as part of the process to develop the NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan that will address key transport challenges that face the State over the next 20 years.