20-04 Land use planning changes to assist communities recover from NSW bushfires
Category: Circular to Councils Status: Active Circular Details: 20-04 / 21 February 2020 / A692152 Contact: Bushfire Response Advice Line on 13 77 88 or codes@planning.nsw.gov.au Previous Circular: Nil Attachments: Nil Who should read this: Councillors / General Managers / Council Land...
20-03 Amendments to the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 to increase the tendering exemption threshold for contracts for bushfire recovery and operations
The NSW Government is committed to helping local councils and their communities recover and rebuild in the wake of the recent bushfire emergencies including cutting red tape. Many councils are having to undertake urgent bushfire protection, recovery, and remediation operations to assist their communities.
20-02 Exemption for activities under Part 3 of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
This exemption means that councils can continue to undertake these necessary firefighting, prevention and recovery activities which would usually require approval from the Commonwealth without seeking and obtaining that approval. Councils are reminded that, in undertaking these activities they must continue to comply with all applicable State legislation and requirements of relevant NSW agencies (eg: obtaining a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction certificate from the NSW Rural Fire Service).
19-08 Consultation on revised IPC Guideline 1 Returns of Interests
The draft revised Guideline provides that councillors’ and designated persons’ returns of interests must be made publicly available free of charge on a website maintained by councils, unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure of the information.
19-06 – Changes to emergency services funding arrangements
The NSW Government has made changes to workers’ compensation to provide better protection for volunteer and career firefighters affected by work-related cancers. The reforms reflect existing arrangements in other States and will ensure those who provide vital community services receive adequate medical care and support. This will result in an increase in the cost of providing emergency services across the State, which will be shared, as per the usual funding arrangements between insurance providers, the State Government and local councils.
19-05 – Information about Rating 2019-20
Councils should incorporate these determinations into their 2019-20 rating structures and Operational Plan Statement of Revenue Policies.
19-04 – Final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (update 27) including Joint Organisations Supplement
The final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (Code) (update 27) is available for preparing councils’ 2018-19 financial statements.
19-03 – 2018-19 and 2019-20 Joint Organisation Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements
The 2018-19 Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements for Joint Organisations is now available. Joint Organisations should use the Calendar to assist in planning strategic and operational tasks for 2018-19 and 2019-20 as applicable.
18-40 – Expanded powers under the Impounding Act 1993 to manage shared bicycles
Councils and other impounding authorities now have expanded powers to manage shared bicycles that cause obstructions, pose safety risks or are left unused in one place for too long based on clear, risk-based time limits.
18-38 – 2018-19 draft Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (Update No. 27)
The draft 2018-19 Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting has been released for comment.