A centre of excellence

The Australian government announced the creation of an $8 million Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government this week. The centre, which will promote best practice, innovation and professionalism in local government, is the first of its kind in Australia.

It will be based at the University of Technology, Sydney, as part of a consortium that includes, among other bodies, Charles Darwin University, the University of Canberra and the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG). CDU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover said the University would provide the essential Northern Territory input to the required national reach of the Centre.

The Centre will contribute to national debate on current and emerging challenges facing local government, including the impacts of the global economic crisis, climate change and its consequences, management of local government infrastructure, and enhancing the capacity of local governments to serve their communities. Its courses and services will be available across urban, rural and remote Australia, using on-line delivery and physical presence. The Australian Government announced the funding during the second meeting of the Australian Council for Local Government at Parliament House on Wednesday.