18-21 – 2018-19 Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements
The 2018-19 Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements is now available for councils. Councils should use the Calendar to assist in planning strategic and operational tasks for 2018-19.
18-20 – Guidance to councils on transitioning to the new Australian Accounting Standards
The Office of Local Government has prepared a Guidance Paper, which provides councils with specific direction on adopting the new standards.Further guidance material and information on the new standards will be provided in 2018-19.
18-19 – Changes relating to the publication of notices
The NSW Parliament has passed the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2018, which contains a number of amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act).
18-18 – 2018/19 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal
The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (the Tribunal) has determined an increase of 2.5% to mayoral and councillor fees for the 2018/19 financial year, with effect from 1 July 2018. The Tribunal also reviewed the criteria that apply to the categories of councils and the allocation of councils into those categories. The categories enable the Tribunal to determine the maximum and minimum amounts of fees to be paid to mayors and councillors in each of the categories.
18-17 – End of Year Financial Reporting 2017-18
End of year financial reporting information has been updated for 2017-18. Councils need to review the attached end of year financial reporting information and apply it when completing their Financial Statements and their Financial Data Return (FDR).
18-16 – Increase to companion animal registration fees in line with CPI
From 1 July 2018 cat and dog lifetime registration fees will increase in line with the Consumer Price Index as required by the Companion Animals Regulation 2008 and outlined in Circular to Councils 13-54.
18-15 – Commencement of the Crown Land Management Act 2016
Local councils will commence management of Crown reserves under the Local Government Act 1993 from 1 July, and must be ready to start the transition to the new requirements from that date.
18-14 – Auditor General’s report to Parliament on the 2016-17 financial audits of NSW Councils
Councils are encouraged to review the report and continue working towards strengthening governance, financial management and reporting in the local government sector. Councils are also encouraged to engage early and work with their auditors to continue to improve the quality and timeliness of financial reporting.
18-13 – Local Government Skills Strategy
The Local Government Skills Strategy (LGSS) is being rolled out to councils across the State following a successful pilot program.The program provides local councils with better access to quality professional training to help them meet the demands of a modern local government environment.
18-12 – Management of unsolicited proposals received by councils
The Guide defines an unsolicited proposal as “an approach to Government from a proponent with a proposal to deal directly with the Government over a commercial proposition, where the Government has not requested the proposal”. This may include proposals to build and/or finance infrastructure, provide goods or services, or undertake a major commercial transaction.