Tag: public consultation
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Victorian Land Registry Reform: Privatisation raises Homeowners’ Fees
What’s changing and why In 2018, Victoria privatized a key government service: the land registry. The state leased the operation to a private operator, entrusting it with a critical function that records property transactions, ownership changes, and encumbrances. The arrangement was pitched as a way to improve efficiency and service delivery. Now, with rising operating…
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Victoria’s Land Registry Fees Rise as Private Operator Costs Shift to Homeowners
What is driving the fee increase? In 2018, the Victorian government leased the state’s land registry service to a private operator. The arrangement was intended to modernize the registry, improve efficiency, and deliver better service to property buyers and sellers. However, new figures reveal that the lease costs are now being offset by higher fees…
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Time restrictions on bin trucks proposed to ease rush hour traffic, says Fine Gael TD
Background and proposal A Fine Gael TD has put forward a plan to restrict bin collections to non-peak hours in built-up and suburban areas. The aim is to ease congestion during the morning and evening rush hours by reducing the number of heavy vehicles on busy roads when demand on the transport network is highest.…
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Brisbane Lord Mayor’s concerns about prime CBD space site
Key concerns raised by Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Brisbane’s lord mayor has publicly raised concerns about a highly sought-after prime CBD space, signaling that the proposal could have far-reaching implications for the city’s commercial landscape and everyday civic life. The letter and related council discussions, released on December 20, 2025, underscore a careful balance between economic…
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Three Gas Plants Proposed for Sault Ste. Marie: One at Great Northern Snow Dump
Overview of the Proposal A major energy project is moving through the preliminary stages in Sault Ste. Marie, as city councillors prepare to consider a $75-million natural gas energy initiative. The plan contemplates three 9.9-megawatt gas plants to be developed on three local properties, aiming to bolster the area’s energy capacity while providing a cleaner-burning…
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Three Sault gas plants proposed, one at Great Northern snow dump: a $75-million energy project for Sault Ste. Marie
Overview of the proposal A new energy project could reshape the landscape of Sault Ste. Marie, as city councillors prepare to consider preliminary support for a $75-million natural gas energy development. The plan envisions three gas-fired plants, each rated at 9.9 megawatts, to be constructed on local properties within the city limits. The proposal highlights…
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Residents Push Back Over Jalan Bukit Merah HDB Block Colour: From Furnaces to “Red Light District”
Rising Discontent as HDB Blocks Receive a New Coat In recent weeks, parts of Jalan Bukit Merah have undergone a repainting exercise for several HDB blocks. What began as a routine upgrade for many residents has spiraled into a heated debate about taste, community identity, and the broader impact of colour on daily living. A…
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Recreational fishers push back against Hauraki Gulf fishing reforms as Shane Jones says it’s “a bit late”
Recreational anglers voice strong opposition to Hauraki Gulf reforms The upcoming changes to fishing rules in the Hauraki Gulf have sparked a vocal response from recreational fishers who say the reforms will hurt local communities and their ability to enjoy the coast. The debate centers on balancing conservation goals with the livelihoods and leisure activities…
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Recreational Fishers Rally Against Hauraki Gulf Fishing Reforms as Shane Jones Calls It “A Bit Late”
Background: What’s changing in the Hauraki Gulf? The Hauraki Gulf, a hotspot for sport and recreational fishing near Auckland, faces reforms intended to protect fish stocks, habitats, and long-term ecological balance. The proposed measures include tighter bag limits, size restrictions for key species, seasonal closures, and improved monitoring to ensure compliance. Supporters argue that these…
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Looming Radar Project: Rural Ontario Faces Anxiety and Uncertainty
Introduction: A Quiet Corner of Ontario Reaches a Turning Point In a rural pocket about 130 kilometres north of Toronto, a 40-hectare family farm once thrived on predictable routines and the rhythms of the harvest. Then came a letter from the Department of National Defence (DND) and with it a precursor to change that residents…