Charles Darwin University is set to be part of an $8 million Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government, announced by the Federal Government this week.
The centre, which will promote best practice, innovation and professionalism in local government, is the first of its kind in Australia and CDU will be a key program partner.
The Centre will be based at the University of Technology, Sydney, as part of a consortium that includes, among other bodies, 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.
“CDU will work with other partners on the delivery of leadership programs through the ANZSOG network, and develop the program area of rural, remote and Indigenous Australia,” Professor Glover said.
“The University already has key infrastructure in place, most notably the CDU-NT Government Partnership Agreement which facilitates collaboration between the University and Government on a wide range of matters of significance to the NT and beyond.”
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.