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New Directorate formed at Fraser Coast Council
Merger proposal lacked evidence base: Glenorchy Council
Launceston offers reward for return of stolen sculpture
New Councillor for Clarence Valley
Adelaide bikeway plan revived
Byron Shire apologises for rates error
Launceston poised to make history with permanent 4 day working week
Asbestos discovery closes Shoalhaven Council chambers
Shire of Yilgarn vacancies
Fraser Coast Regional Council has established a new Directorate of Economic Development and Advocacy to enhance its competitiveness for business investment, government funding, and tourism opportunities, including those related to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
The initiative supports the council’s Economic Development Strategy, which aims to grow the local economy by $2 billion by 2036, attract investment, and create more job opportunities.
The structural change elevates economic development to the highest organisational level.
Glenorchy City Council’s Acting Mayor says the council’s unanimous rejection of a Hobart City Council amalgamation proposal was due to a lack of an evidence base, funding and a community mandate.
Ald Russell Yaxley said the proposal from Hobart had requested an elector poll be held, but it was the view of Glenorchy Council that significant work would be required to ensure ratepayers and residents had the information they would need to vote in such a poll.
He said the Council remains open to structural reform as part of a comprehensive, state-led agenda.
The City of Launceston has offered a $15,000 reward for the return of the Ermenegildo Zegna Perpetual Trophy, a prestigious sculpture featuring a 24-carat gold merino sheep, which was stolen from the Tasmanian Wool Centre in Ross on December 5.
The trophy, created by renowned Tasmanian artist Stephen Walker and on loan from QVMAG since 2013, is considered an irreplaceable piece of Tasmania’s cultural heritage and wool industry history.
Andrew Baker has been appointed as the new Councillor for Clarence Valley Council after Allison Bryant’s resignation, following a countback election conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission.
Cr Baker assumes the role immediately, with the first Council meeting of the year scheduled for Thursday, 19 February at Grafton Council Chambers.
Adelaide City Council has revived plans for a north-south bikeway through the CBD, which was abandoned five years ago due to opposition.
Councillor Eleanor Freeman told ABC Radio that planning will recommence following the successful Tour Down Under cycling event, which highlighted the need for better cycling infrastructure in the city.
Byron Shire Council has apologised and reassured residents after quarterly rates emails were sent incorrectly labelling their notices as overdue.
The council said while the subject line contained the error, the actual notice content and instalment amount date are correct.
The error was made by the mailing house and has not affected payment records
The City of Launceston is proposing a groundbreaking four-day work week for its 600 employees, but the plan is facing strong criticism from the business community.
The Chronicle reported that under the proposed agreement with the Australian Services Union, full-time council workers would work just over 30 hours across four days while receiving their full five-day salary. If approved by employees in February, it would take effect in July this year.
Council CEO Sam Johnson is calling it a “nationally significant step in modern workplace reform” that recognises the changing nature of work and prioritizes employee wellbeing and productivity.
But Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Bailey says the proposal amounts to a 20 percent pay rise with no guarantee of improved productivity. He’s warning that ratepayers and local businesses will pay the price through higher costs and reduced service levels.
Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent says it’s a matter for the council to decide, but acknowledges that history suggests the agreement could spread to Tasmania’s other councils.
The proposal will go to an employee vote next month. If it passes, Launceston would become the first council in Australian history to implement a four-day week on full five-day pay.
The Shoalhaven Council Chambers in Nowra has been closed after asbestos was discovered in an old concrete pipe within a ventilation shaft beneath the building.
While the administration building has been cleared for reoccupation, the chambers will remain closed for pipe replacement.
Council meetings have been temporarily relocated to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. Source: 2ST
Nominations have been called for an extraordinary postal election to fill a vacancy on the Shire of Yilgarn council.
The election will be held on 26th March, with the successful candidate to serve until October 2029.
The council is also on the hunt for a new Chief Executive Officer, after the resignation of Nic Warren in November. He will take up the CEO role at the Shire of Quaidrading, which is currently occupied on an interim basis by John Merrick.