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A new online system for planning applications in Northern Ireland has been described as “not fit for purpose” and “unacceptably poor”. The peak body for architects, the Royal Society of Ulster Architects, says serious issues have plagued the system since its launch in early December. It says it has received feedback from members that many […]
Continue ReadingThe CEO of Horsham Rural City Council has had his contract extended by four years. Sunil Bhalla joined the council in April 2018, and is now committed through 2027 following a council decision last night. Mayor Robyn Gulline has paid tribute to Mr Bhalla’s leadership through recent years, including steering the organisation through the COVID-19 […]
Continue ReadingSouth Burnett Regional Council issued an alert this week after it appeared a hacker had compromised a Council email account. An email to thousands to residents and businesses that appeared to come from the executive assistant to the Mayor contained an apparent phishing attack. The Council warned the email posed a threat to the computer […]
Continue ReadingLongreach Regional Council has appointed its new CEO. Brett Walsh, who has been acting in the role since October, has been confirmed in the role on an ongoing basis. Mayor Tony Rayner said the panel was impressed with the way Mr Walsh has been leading the organisation.Mr Walsh previously held senior roles at Barcaldine Regional […]
Continue ReadingNorthern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan has confirmed his candidacy for the seat of Wakehurst at the upcoming NSW state election. Cr Regan has been mayor of Northern Beaches since 2016, and was previously mayor of the former Warringah Council. He has told the Manly Observer that if elected, he would step down as Mayor but […]
Continue ReadingCouncils across Australia are being encouraged to join a program enabling victims of domestic violence to have access to a mobile phone. DV Safe Phone uses old working mobile phones to help provide a lifeline to victims of domestic violence, while also reducing e-waste. Councils can become part of a nationwide network of registered phone […]
Continue ReadingGolden Plains Shire Council is joining the national awareness and advocacy program, Bins4Blokes, which promotes the installation of incontinence bins in male public toilet facilities. Incontinence products will be made available at 16 public toilets across the shire from early February. Mayor Brett Cunningham said the bins help to reduce stigma around incontinence while also […]
Continue ReadingAs a ban on single-use plastics comes into effect in Victoria this week, work continues to assist Councils with preparing for and complying with the new requirements. All Victorian businesses and organisations, including councils, are responsible for complying with the regulations and must not sell or supply certain single-use plastic items to patrons or customers. […]
Continue ReadingA UK councillor has been criticised for knitting during a council meeting while significant service and funding cuts were under discussion. Councillor Rachel Garrick told the BBC that she knits to cope with pain from a rare joint condition and to help focus. The behaviour has been called into question by another councillor, Richard John, […]
Continue ReadingCouncils are calling for more state government support to address a statewide shortage of school crossing supervisors. The Age reports today on how councils are struggling to fill positions with many school crossings unmanned. The report focuses on a wide variation in pay rates at councils across the state including Surf Coast, Latrobe, Wangaratta and […]
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