17-24 – Guidelines for Council When Notification of an Intention to use Fireworks is Received
SafeWork NSW has updated the 2008 Guidelines, which provide councils with a standard framework when deciding whether to raise an objection with SafeWork NSW about a fireworks display for which a council has received notification.
17-23 – Preparing for implementation of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
In March 2015, the NSW Government committed to all 43 recommendations of the Independent Biodiversity Legislation Review Panel’s review of biodiversity conservation legislation.
17-22 – Oath or affirmation of office by councillors
Under the Local Government Act 1993, councillors (including mayors) are now required to take an oath or affirmation of office. The prescribed words of the oath and affirmation are contained in the attachment to this Circular.
17-21 – Reporting of Rates Permissible Income for 2017-18
On 29 November 2016, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) announced the 2017-18 rate-peg limit of 1.5%. The Special Schedule 8 Permissible Income Workpapers have been updated
accordingly. The rate-peg for 2017-18 will be used to calculate the Permissible Income that will be reported and audited with the Financial Statements for 2017-18.
17-20 – 2017 Local Government elections – Hit the Ground Running workshops
OLG will again be providing support to councils and councillors to help them in their roles by conducting Hit the Ground Running councillor workshops following local government elections on Saturday 9 September, 2017.
17-19 – Stand for your community – candidate guide and candidate diversity resources
The guide for candidates, Stand for your community, and other candidate diversity resources have been updated by the Office of Local Government (the Office) to assist prospective candidates in making informed decisions about standing for election to local government in 2017. The resources also aimed at encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds to consider standing for election.
17-18 – Increase to companion animal registration fees in line with CPI
From 1 July 2017 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.
17-17 – Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy – Better Practice Template
A better practice Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy template (the Policy template) has been developed and is being made available for use by all councils.
17-16 – Transition from Administration to the Integrated Planning and Reporting framework for merged councils
This Circular provides advice to those councils proclaimed in 2016 in relation to Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) in the lead-up to their first local government elections on 9 September 2017.
17-15 – Release of Discussion Paper – Review of Companion Animals Regulation 2008
The NSW Government is undertaking a statutory review to remake the Companion Animals Regulation 2008 (the Regulation) prior to its automatic repeal on 1 September 2018. Two separate consultations are being undertaken as part of the review. A Discussion Paper about the Regulation has been released for public comment, marking the start of the review.