16-03 – 2016 Ministers Awards for Women in Local Government
The Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP announced the winners of the ninth annual Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government at Parliament House on 2 March 2016. The Awards were established to recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of women in local government in NSW. The awards are delivered in partnership with the Minister for Women, the Hon Pru Goward MP.
15-42 – New powers to help councils and others manage boat trailers in local streets
The Government intends that the Impounding Act 1993 be amended by the Impounding Amendment (Unattended Boat Trailers) Act 2015 from 1 October 2016. This will enable councils and other impounding authorities that ‘opt in’ to take impounding action against boat trailers parked for more than 28 days.
15-36 – Release of IPART’s Fit for the Future report – Announcement of Stronger Communities Fund
The NSW Government has released the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) Assessment of Council Fit for the Future Proposals report. There will be a final 30-day consultation opportunity to inform the
Government’s position on local government reform and respond to the IPART findings. A Stronger Communities Fund has been announced for merging councils.
15-33 – Review of Swimming Pool Barrier Requirements
The Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP, has commissioned an independent review of backyard swimming pool barrier requirements. The Review is being undertaken by Mr Michael Lambert. The review aims to simplify the regulatory framework and encourage greater barrier compliance in order to help reduce child drowning deaths and near drowning injuries.
15-30 – Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Fair Value Disclosures of Not-for-Profit Public Sector Entities
The Australian Accounting Standards Board has issued an amending standard (AASB 2015-7) changing the levels of disclosure councils need to make in relation to the fair value for particular assets.
15-28 – Joint Organisation Pilot: progress and upcoming consultation
On 10 July 2015 representatives from the five pilot Joint Organisations (JOs), and other key stakeholders, participated in a workshop to mark the midpoint in the JO pilot process. The workshop was an opportunity to reflect on the successes, challenges and learning from the pilot to date and to input into the policy framework for the enablement of JOs.
15-27 – Review of Swimming Pool Barrier Requirements
The Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP, has commissioned an independent review of backyard swimming pool barrier requirements to increase backyard pool safety. Councils are encouraged to provide information about backyard pool safety and compliance through the review process.
15-23 – Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (version 23)
The final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (version 23) is released for use by councils in preparation of their 2014/15 financial statements.
15-19 – Fixing Country Roads – Grant Writing Workshops
The next rounds of the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads grants program are expected to award up to $500 million over a ten year period. This will be complemented by a $400 million Fixing Country Rail program, targeting upgrades to the rail network connecting country NSW to ports.
15-17 – Fit for the Future – Methodology and templates
IPART has issued the final methodology for its assessment of councils’ Fit for the Future proposals, as well as details about the proposal submission that will be through an online portal.