Submissions now open on the Commonwealth Government’s draft Drought Resilience Funding Plan

Submissions are now open on the Commonwealth Government’s draft Drought Resilience Funding Plan.

The Plan has been developed as part of the government’s $3.9 billion Future Drought Fund which is aimed at supporting initiatives that enhance the drought resilience of Australian farms and communities as they respond to the impacts of drought.

To find out more visit here

Public consultation including face to face meetings is currently in progress.

Submissions on the plan are due by 13 December 2019.

In the media

Australian cities among world’s smartest Three Australian cities in South Australia and Queensland have been named among the world’s 21 smartest communities by the Intelligent Community Forum, a think tank. South Australia’s City of Adelaide and City of Prospect, and the Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Council featured alongside cities and counties from nine countries (08 November 2019). More...

Time to get serious about recycling Councils are calling for government to get serious about recycling and a circular economy as State environment ministers from across the country meet (08 November 2019). More...

Struggling councils welcome new drought funding The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the Commonwealth’s new drought assistance measures, saying they will be of real benefit to drought-affected councils and communities (07 November 2019). More...

Millions in drought assistance for councils Drought affected councils have received a multi-million dollar windfall from the federal government’s $1 billion drought package (07 October 2019). More...

Report wants ‘all options’ for water security The Water Services of Association of Australia’s Urban Water Update 2019 says the drought has intensified over the last year, leaving many rural communities facing critical shortages. The impact of the drought is also being felt by major cities. The WSAA includes 20 local councils (06 November 2019). More...

Queensland

Change in Federal mindset is a critical step forward in managing drought The announcement by the Federal Government to provide drought funding to non-farm businesses and more funding for councils in drought-affected regions is a win for communities and councils (08 November 2019). More...

Council banks on riverside revamp to turn the tide The City Reach Waterfront draft masterplan will be open to the public to give feedback on a range of proposals to improve Brisbane's key stretch of riverside precinct. From the Botanic Gardens to Howard Smith Wharves, the City Reach Waterfront has been under review all year in a bid to create a world-class city riverfront (07 November 2019). More...

'People will be delighted': New vision for Mount Coot-tha businesses Jimmy's on the Mall announced as winner of two 20-year leases with Brisbane City Council to run a cafe and restaurant at the top of Mount Coot-tha (06 November 2019). More...

Plan review to promote economic opportunities for Wide Bay Burnett region Minister for Planning Cameron Dick said regional plans are prepared under the Planning Act 2016 as long-term, strategic planning documents which bring together councils and communities in the area to address matters such as housing supply, economic development, industrial, environment, transport and infrastructure requirements (05 November 2019). More...

Mandatory training for all council candidates now live online All intending candidates for next year’s local government elections, including sitting councillors and mayors who plan to run again, are now required to complete an online training course before they nominate. Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the training was integral to promoting community confidence in the sector (05 November 2019). More...

Former Fraser Coast mayor Chris Loft jailed for misconduct The former mayor of the Fraser Coast Regional Council has been found guilty of using his position to push for his former campaign manager to be appointed his chief-of-staff (04 November 2019). More...

Gold Coast Deputy Mayor refuses to comment on donations 'error' following tribunal Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Donna Gates refuses to comment on a ruling handed down by the Office of the Independent Assessor made public this week (05 November 2019). More...

Statement from the Independent Assessor Kathleen Florian – Gold Coast Deputy Mayor decision Gold Coast Deputy Mayor, Donna Gates, has been ordered to undergo counselling by the council’s CEO after two counts of misconduct were sustained, including for inaccurately describing more than 30 campaign donations worth more than $68,000 as ‘race tickets’ on her register of interests (04 November 2019). More...

Queensland councils crack $1 billion on sport and recreation spending Statement from LGAQ President Mark Jamieson: Data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that Queensland councils spent just over $1 billion on sports and recreation for the 2017-18 financial year (01 November 2019). More...

Councillors making vexatious complaints face hefty fines The Independent Assessor has issued a warning to councillors who make improper complaints about another councillor’s conduct, that they could be charged with making frivolous or vexatious complaints and face a fine of more than $11,000, ahead of the 2020 council elections (01 November 2019). More...

Black Swan Lake saved in 'inspiring' conservation victory with Gold Coast Council Conservationists are claiming a coup after convincing Gold Coast Council to save a freshwater lake from being turned into a carpark (30 October 2019). More...

Grants to help strengthen Queensland’s thriving, cohesive communities A total of $3 million in grants will be made available to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and local councils across the state as part of the Queensland Government’s ongoing efforts to create thriving and cohesive communities (29 October 2019). More...

In practice and courts

ALGA Submissions – 07 November 2019 Infrastructure Audit 2019 - Submission to Infrastructure Australia. Local governments provide a range of essential services and infrastructure that serve as the foundation for local, regional and metropolitan communities, and are critical in fostering economic activity and community wellbeing. Furthermore, local councils are responsible for 33% of public infrastructure Inquiry into the importance of a viable, safe, sustainable and efficient road transport industry - Submission to the Senate Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee. Local roads constitute 75 per cent of the nation’s roads by length. Most road freight journeys start or finish on a local road and the freight industry has consistently nominated first and last mile issues on local roads

Beta biosecurity website The National Biosecurity Committee is seeking user feedback from on a new biosecurity website aimed at helping councils, businesses and individuals better understand how to identify and respond to biosecurity threats (October 2019).

National Airports safeguarding Advisory Group The NASAG is undertaking a review of implementation of the National Airports Safeguarding Framework (NASF). The review is intended to consider implementation of NASF across jurisdictions; and seeks submissions from all levels of government, industry and community stakeholders. See more information about the review here. Submissions close on 22 November 2019.

Consultation: DR AS 1926.1:2019, Swimming pool safety, Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools The released draft Australian Standard is related to swimming pool safety barriers for public comment and local governments are invited to have their say. The draft proposes expanding elements of AS1926.1-2012 to give additional information to pool owners, pool users and certifiers so they have a better understanding of the design and construction of a child-resistant barrier. To make a submission register at the Standards Australia Standards Hub site. Responses are due by 31 December 2019.

Social Media for Government Summit, Melbourne: 4 to 6 December This event will address the most significant challenges being faced and uncover the knowledge, strategies and technology to improve the impact and value of social media efforts. More...

National Local Government Workforce Summit: Tweed Heads, 13-14 November 2019 Featuring expert speakers, interactive workshops, case studies. More...

National Local Roads and Transport Congress, 18-20 November 2019 This year’s theme is ‘breaking through for modern transport’. Topics to be covered include the future of transport and how local government can benefit, and an update on the state of the country’s infrastructure by Infrastructure Australia CEO, Romily Madew. More...

Queensland

Local Government Bulletin: 05/19 - Recent changes to legislation – implementation of stage 2 reforms for the Local Government sector The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information about recent legislative amendments to implement the second stage of the Queensland Government’s rolling reforms for the Local Government sector. The Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2019 was assented to on 30 October 2019. Changes that are in effect immediately are outlined here More...

Implementation support The Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2019 and Explanatory Notes are available on the Queensland Legislation website: Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2019Explanatory Notes City of Brisbane Act 2010 reprint current from 30 October 2019 Local Government Act 2009 reprint current from 30 October 2019 Local Government Electoral Act 2011 reprint current from 30 October 2019

LGAQ – 08 November 2019 QIRC releases it's 2019 State Wage case decision

Proposed amendments to the Land Regulation 2009 - Have your say

The Land Regulation sets out operational details that are fundamental for dealings in state land (such as leasehold and trust land), and administering the Land Act 1994. Closing 6 December 2019. More...

Noise Regulation Review for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and Specialised Aircraft

The review will consider the community noise impacts of each type of operation and determine considerations for potential noise regulations. Due by close of business Friday, 22 November 2019. More...

Report - No. 54, 56th Parliament – Criminal Code (Trespass Offences) Amendment Bill 2019 The committee's findings from its examination of the Bill. Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee - Report No. 54, 56th Parliament - Criminal Code (Trespass Offences) Amendment Bill 2019 inquiry (01 November 2019). More...

Stage 2 changes Stage 2 commences on 1 July 2019 and introduces the remaining waste-related ERAs. The information sheet Fees for new waste environmentally relevant activities (ERAs) (PDF, 73K) details the new fees that apply for waste-related ERAs from the first anniversary day after 15 November 2019 or the next anniversary day if the environmental authority is amended before 15 November 2019.

North Queensland Regional Plan The draft NQ Regional Plan is a 25 year strategic, statutory planning document for the local government areas of Burdekin, Charter Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island and Townsville. Consultation on the draft document closes on 22 November 2019. More...

PCA: Reef regulations amendment Bill passed by Parliament The new Reef protection regulations proposed to come into effect on 1 December 2019. More...

LGAQ: Container Refund Scheme (CRS) – Revenue sharing arrangements Transitional arrangement provisions in the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Container Refund Scheme - Material Recovery Agreements) Amendment Regulation 2019 have been extended to 31 December 2019, allowing more time to find a sustainable (default) arrangement. More...

Waste tyre receivers in Queensland now need an environmental authority An environmental authority (EA) is now required for activities that involve receiving and sorting, dismantling, baling or storing greater than 4t or 4m3 of end-of-life tyres at any one time. Learn more about the waste changes. Current operators have until 23 November 2019 to hold an EA. Reminder: Central Queensland Bushfires Flexible Funding Grants Round 2 Grants of up to $150,000 are available to help Central Queensland communities Banana, Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Gladstone, Isaac, Livingstone, Mackay and Rockhampton. Closing 5 November 2019. NOTE: Recipients of Round One grants are also encouraged to apply. More...

Cases

Queensland

Iveson v Scenic Rim Regional Council & Anor (No 2) [2019] QCAT 324 PROCEDURE – CIVIL PROCEEDINGS – COSTS – INDEMNITY COSTS – PARTICULAR CASES – where the applicant’s claim struck out on the basis it was misconceived, lacking in substance or otherwise an abuse of process – where the second respondent sought costs of the application to dismiss on an indemnity basis – where applicant not legally represented on commencement of proceedings – where second respondent pursued an erroneous procedural defence in part – where appropriate order was that the applicant pay costs from date of filing of material clearly showing the case against the second respondent was without prospects – whether costs on an indemnity basis appropriate Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 Qld s 47, s 100

Orb Holdings Pty Ltd v WCL (QLD) Albert Street Pty Ltd [2019] QSC 265PROCEDURE – CIVIL PROCEEDINGS IN STATE AND TERRITORY COURTS – ENDING PROCEEDINGS EARLY – SUMMARY DISPOSAL – SUMMARY JUDGMENT FOR PLAINTIFF OR APPLICANT – where the applicant seeks a declaration against the respondent that certain land has been dedicated as, and is, a public highway or public road – where the respondent applied for judgment in the application – whether the respondent as registered proprietor in fee simple of the land, is not subject to any unregistered interest created by or as a result of a common law dedication of a road REAL PROPERTY – TORRENS TITLE – INDEFEASIBILITY OF TITLE – EXCEPTIONS TO INDEFEASIBILITY – RIGHTS OF HIGHWAY – where the applicant submitted that land had been dedicated as a public road and that that dedication was not affected by the transfer of the land to the respondent and registration of the respondent as proprietor in fee simple – whether the respondent has indefeasible title to the land – whether common law public rights of passage over land take priority over registered interest City of Brisbane Act 2010 Qld s 3, s 5, s 63, s 65, s 65(2)(a), s 65(2)(b), s 66, s 81

Legislation

Queensland

Bills

Criminal Code (Trespass Offences) Amendment Bill 2019 Stage reached: 2nd reading to be moved on 1/11/2019

Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 Assent Date: 30/10/2019 Act No: 31 of 2019 Commences: by Proclamation The Bill implements important reforms to improve the integrity, transparency and public accountability of the state's electoral system.

Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 Assent Date: 30/10/2019 Act No: 30 of 2019 Commences: see Act for details The Bill aims to improve transparency and public accountability of local government elections in line with State and Commonwealth electoral and governance frameworks

Subordinate legislation as made - Reminder No 196 Environmental Protection (Rehabilitation Reform) Amendment Regulation 2019 This Regulation amends the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 to implement the rehabilitation reforms under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) to: support decisions under the EP Act in relation to Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (PRCP) schedules; support the implementation of Public Interest Evaluations; and set the date for commencement of the PRCP framework as 1 November 2019.