Circulars

18-19 – Changes relating to the publication of notices

Category: Circular to Councils Status: Active
Circular Details:  18-19 / 27 June 2018 / A598910 Contact: Council Governance / (02) 4428 4100
Previous Circular: Nil Attachments: Nil
Who should read this: Councillors / General Managers / All council staff Action required: Information / Council to Implement
PDF Version: Council Circular 18-19 – PDF

What’s new or changing

  • The NSW Parliament has passed the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2018, which contains a number of amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act).
  • These amendments relate to the publication of notices, and enhance efficiency and flexibility for councils by:
    o removing the requirement for certain notices to be published in newspapers
    o allowing councils to determine the method of publication they will use to best bring a notice to the public’s attention.

What this will mean for your council

  • The changes will affect the following matters within the Act:
    o leases, licences and other estates in respect of community land (for terms of more than 5 years), section 47
    o advertising of senior staff positions, section 348
    o the alternative use of money raised by special rates or charges, section 410
    o public consultation on proposals to establish alcohol free zones, section 644A
    o the establishment, suspension or cancellation of alcohol free zones, section 644B and 645
    o the publication of notices in the Gazette and elsewhere, section 707
    o the service of notices on persons, section 710
    o a notice of proposal to sell land, section 715.

Key points

  • The changes take effect from 1 August 2018.
  • Any requirement in the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 to publish a notice in a newspaper continues to apply.
  • Councils will be advised of any changes to the Regulation when they occur.

Where to go for further information

Tim Hurst
Acting Chief Executive