16-35 – More Phase 1 amendments to the Local Government Act commenced by proclamation
As notified in Circular 16-30, the NSW Parliament passed amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 (the LGA) in the Local Government Amendment (Governance and Planning) Act 2016. These reforms are known as the Phase 1 amendments.
16-34 – $5 million NSW Boating Now grant program open for boat trailer parking solutions
On 6 September 2016, Transport for NSW (TFNSW) announced that a $5 million Boat Trailer Storage Grants Program is available under the NSW Boating Now program to support the delivery of alternative viable storage facilities and solutions for boat trailers.
16-33 – 2016 Local Government Elections – Hit the Ground Running Councillor Workshops
In collaboration with Local Government NSW, 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 10 September, 2016.
16-32 – Oath or affirmation of office by councillors
As a result of the recent amendments to 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. Oaths or affirmations of office must be taken by each councillor at or before the first meeting of the council after being elected.
16-31 – End of Year Financial Reporting 2015-16
End of year financial reporting information has been updated for 2015-16. The Financial Data Return (FDR) 2015-16 has also been updated to reflect the changes within the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (Update No. 24).
16-30 – Local Government Amendment (Governance and Planning) Act
The NSW Parliament has passed amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 (the LGA) known as the Phase 1 reforms, focussing mainly on improving council governance and strategic business planning.
Some of the amendments are now in force. Other amendments will be put in place over time.
16-29 – Changes to the online GIPA Tool for new councils – Update from the Information and Privacy Commission (IPC)
The formation of new councils will have implications for these councils’ management of their obligations under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).
16-27 – Annual reporting requirements for councils with elections in September 2016
The annual report is a key point of accountability between a council and its community. The annual report outlines the council’s achievements in implementing its Delivery Program. The annual report must contain the council’s audited financial statements and notes, and any information required by the Regulation or the Guidelines. The annual report must be prepared within five months of the end of the financial year (i.e. by 30 November). A copy of the report must be posted on the council’s website and be provided to the Minister (achieved by sending an email including a link to the report on the council’s website to olg@olg.nsw.gov.au).
16-28 – Annual and end-of-term reporting requirements for councils with deferred elections
Councils with deferred ordinary elections will have adopted their 2016-17 Operational Plan by this stage and should continue to operate under this plan until 30 June 2017. The standard requirements to review the Community Strategic Plan and develop a new Resourcing Strategy and Delivery Program will be applied following the deferred election. For The Hills Shire Council, the first Community Strategic Plan must be endorsed by 30 June 2018. Councils will receive further advice on IP&R requirements, including timing for developing Operational Plans for 2017-18, in due course.
16-26 – Voting at the upcoming council elections on 10 September 2016
Ordinary local government elections in NSW are scheduled to occur on 10 September 2016 for councils that have not been merged and that are not subject to a merger proposal.