We were on the frontline of policy development this week, helping to announce a coastal hazard planning initiative that we lobbied relentlessly for.

Armed with a detailed federal election policy plan, the LGAQ ramped up its lobbying efforts this week.

Whether it was the big city of Brisbane, the mining hub of Weipa or the little gem that is Bedourie, the LGAQ was there to help councils.

The Federal Budget is mostly good for councils, thanks in part to strong lobbying by the ALGA and LGAQ.

The number of female mayors jumped 33 per cent at the 2016 local government elections and in quite a few councils, women are in the majority.

We're putting the final touches to our 10 point Federal Election Policy Plan so when the poll is properly called, we can pounce.

“It's not where you live, it’s how you live” - that's a mantra you will hear us recite a lot over the next four years in relation to the use of so-called smart technology.

We kicked off our Elected Member Update (EMU) program in Cairns this week to help new and re-elected mayors and councillors settle into the new term. And there's much more help to come.

The 2016 local government election results have many stories to tell and valuable lessons to learn.

Here we go again. Another term of local government starts - at least after Easter when the declaration of the polls has occurred and the crop of 2016 is sworn in.

The 2012-16 term of local government was the period where councils won back the trust and confidence of their communities, following the tumult of amalgamations.

Fed up with relentless grubby attacks on local government, the LGAQ is seeking formal measures to put a stop to blatant smear campaigns.

It’s a crazy election, with more mud being dispatched in all parts of the state than the recent mudslides in California. For the sake of Queensland communities, the rot has to stop.

Lockyer Valley Mayor Cr Steve Jones AM died in office, at work and doing what he loved.

As I write this, Lockyer Valley Mayor Steve Jones is in Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition after having suffered what appears to be stroke yesterday. The thoughts and praye