Home | Office of Local Government

About us

The Office of Local Government is the NSW Government agency responsible for strengthening the sustainability, performance, integrity, transparency and accountability of the local government sector.

Our strategic direction

NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure / Shannon Richmond

For councils

Helping councils deliver for their communities. Explore topics for practical tools, frameworks and advice to support effective council operations.

For public

Information to help the community engage with local Government, connect with your council, understand how they operate, and know your rights and responsibilities.

Pets

The Office of Local Government supports councils and communities in promoting responsible pet ownership, safeguarding animal welfare, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. Our work helps maintain safe, healthy environments for both people and animals across New South Wales.

More about pet ownership

Dog with frisbee at Surry Hills off-leash dog park. Credit: Jeffrey Cheah.

Building strong local workforces

The NSW Office of Local Government is helping councils across the state hire and support young people to build strong local workforces and help young people kickstart their career.

About apprentices and trainees

Programs and initiatives

The Office of Local Government delivers targeted programs and strategic initiatives that strengthen council performance, support community development, and enhance local governance across New South Wales.

View all programs and initiatives

Landcare Nursery Apprentice watering plants. Credit: Joshua Tredinnick

Latest news

22 May 2026

Fresh Start milestone reached in Broken Hill as program tops 1,000 recruits

Broken Hill has become home to a major milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s Fresh Start Program, with the program’s 1000th recruit now working at Broken Hill City Council.

07 May 2026

Legislation to shut down illegal places of worship passes parliament

The Minns Labor Government’s legislation to strengthen councils’ powers to shut down unlawful places of public worship has passed the NSW Parliament despite attempts by the Liberals and Nationals to delay the bill in the Legislative Council.

16 Apr 2026

Building the skills to power the next generation of council EV fleets

The Minns Labor Government is backing councils to super charge their electric vehicle fleets, ensuring they have the workforce needed to service and maintain EVs into the future.

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