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The QPR Blog

…local government stuff you never even thought to ask about…

Local Government Reform

Posted by Pete on 28 April 2013
Filed under: General

In 2012, the NSW government established the Independent Local Government Review Panel (Review Panel) to undertake a review, and to formulate options to improve the strength and effectiveness of local government. The Review Panel has released several discussion papers, the most recent last week, entitled Future Directions of NSW Local Government—Twenty Essential Steps. (more…)

Financial Sustainability in NSW Councils

Posted by Pete on 28 April 2013
Filed under: General

In December 2011, the Department of Local Government engaged TCorp to assist with the development of the NSW government’s Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS). The LIRS initiative seeks to assist in addressing Councils’ ‘Infrastructure Backlog’ by providing Councils with an interest rate subsidy on borrowings from the private sector for the funding of qualifying projects. (more…)

Much Ado About Nothing

Posted by Pete on 27 April 2013
Filed under: General

Generally considered one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, the title of this post seemed quite appropriate given both the matter at hand and The Bard’s use of pun in the title of his play. In Elizabethan times, the words “nothing” and “noting” were homonyms (they were pronounced the same way), and while “nothing” retains its same meaning today, “noting” was a reference to gossip, rumour and overhearing. As with many Shakespearian works, the play loses little relevance with the passage of time. (more…)

19-08-2011