The process for acquiring privately owned land by compulsory process has been changed to improve fairness and transparency. The new requirements apply to all acquiring authorities in NSW, including local councils. Compliance with the requirements is mandatory.

Councils can now access court services more cheaply and quickly via a new NSW Online Registry.

In the lead up to the 2015 State election, council officials need to be aware of their obligations under the Model Code of Conduct regarding the use of council resources.

The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) has launched the Privacy Governance Framework (PGF), a new resource to help councils manage their responsibilities under the NSW privacy regime.

Commencing in 2014/15, the NSW Government has committed $900,000 over 3 years to the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program. Applications for year one of the program have now been assessed and 24 projects with a total project value of $303,375 have been approved.

The Fit for the Future Template 3 (Rural Council Proposal) and guidance material has been finalised, following consultation with the sector, and is now available to councils.

The Disability Inclusion Act requires all local government organisations to produce a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) setting out measures enabling people with a disability to access general support and services and fully participate in the community.

The Attorney General has approved the making of a public interest direction under section 41 of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (the PPIP Act), titled 'Direction on the Disclosure of Information by Councils to NBN Co Limited for the delivery of the National Broadband Network'. The public interest direction was signed by the NSW Privacy Commissioner on 7 November 2014 and has effect for a period of 18 months.

The Local Government Amendment (Elections) Bill 2014 has now passed the NSW Parliament. The amendments give effect to recommendations made by the NSW Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters in its inquiry into the 2012 Local Government Elections. They are designed to improve the administration of council elections, give councils more choice in the administration of their elections, reduce costs and improve voter participation.

The NSW Government will make $5 million available for new dedicated off-street boat trailer storage solutions. Next year the Government will seek legislative changes to provide councils with the power to impound boat trailers parked for more than 3 months.