Policy and Legislation

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.

17-10 – Final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting

The final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (Code) (Update 25) is available for preparing councils’ 2016/17 financial statements. Relevant council staff should note key changes made to this year’s Code.

17-09 – Information about Rating 2017-18

The maximum Boarding House Tariffs and maximum interest rate chargeable on overdue rates and charges for 2017-18 has been determined.

17-07 – Update to Integrated Planning and Reporting Manual – request for feedback

In response to recent amendments to the Local Government Act 1993, the Office of Local Government (OLG) is revising the Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines.

17-03 – 2017 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government

The Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Gabrielle Upton MP announced the winners of the tenth annual Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government at Parliament House on 7 March 2017.

17-02 – Draft Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (update 25) and Supplement

The draft 2016-17 Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting has been released for comment.

17-01 – Exhibition draft of Bill to amend the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

As announced in May 2016, the Government is exhibiting draft amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). The draft Bill will be on exhibition from 9 January 2017 to 10 March 2017.

16-50 – Integrated Planning and Reporting requirements for councils with deferred elections

This Circular provides advice to those councils with deferred elections (see list below) in relation to their Integrated Planning and Reporting requirements until their next local government elections occur.

16-48 – Special Variation and Minimum Rate Variation Guidelines and Process for 2017/18

New councils and those where a merger is pending due to legal proceedings will not be eligible for a special or minimum rate variation for the 2017/18 rating year. The Guidelines outline the process for all other councils seeking to apply for a special or minimum rate variation for 2017/18.