If you are unable to resolve an issue directly with your council other NSW agencies may be able to assist or provide advice. Select each topic from the list below to find out more about which agencies you can contact.
Issues handled by other agencies
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Corruption
This issue is handled by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and they should be contacted in the first instance. You should not attempt to resolve this issue with Council before contacting ICAC.
Please follow the link below for contact information.
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Customer service
You should talk directly to Council about this matter in the first instance. If the issue cannot be resolved directly with Council the NSW Ombudsman may be able to assist.
The NSW Ombudsman can handle most complaints about local councils in NSW.
Please follow the link below for contact information.
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Development and planning decisions including development applications
The Office of Local Government cannot assist with this issue and you should talk directly to Council about this matter in the first instance. If the issue cannot be resolved directly with Council, the Department of Planning and Environment (Planning) may be able to give some advice.
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Local court and legal advice
The Office of Local Government does not provide advice on legal matters or information relating to Local Court. You should seek assistance on legal matters through Law Access NSW.
Please follow the link below for contact information.
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Mismanagement/maladministration (inefficient or dishonest administration)
The Office of Local Government cannot assist with this issue and you should talk directly to Council about this matter in the first instance. If the issue cannot be resolved directly with Council the NSW Ombudsman may be able to assist.
The NSW Ombudsman can handle most complaints about local councils in NSW and may be able to assist with this matter.
Please follow the link below for contact information.
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Public health and food safety
Matters relating to public health issues are handled by the NSW Health. Please use this link for further assistance: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pages/contact.aspx
Food safety complaints are handled by the NSW Food Authority. Please use this link for more information and help: https://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/help/complaints-about-food
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Rates and charges
Rates on land in NSW are based on land values provided by the NSW Valuer General under the Valuation of Land Act 1916. If your matter relates to the value of your land the Office of Local Government cannot assist you. Please us this link for more information: https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au/council_rates
Rate increases are handled by IPART. Please use this link for further assistance: https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/About-Us/Contact-us
Foreclosures due to overdue rates payments are handled by Council. If you believe Council has not followed processes correctly you can raise this with OLG via our Council Complaint Form.
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Roads, traffic and parking
Roads, traffic and parking matters are generally matters for Council to deal with at a local level. You should contact Council to resolve these issues in the first instance. If you are unable to resolve the issue directly with Council you can contact the following agencies for further advice:
Parking fines are handled by Revenue NSW. Please use this link for more information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/fines-and-fees
Parking restrictions and signage are handled by Transport for NSW. Please use this link for more information: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/
Abandoned vehicles are handled by NSW Police. Please use this link for more information: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/
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Waste management or pollution (including noise pollution)
The Office of Local Government cannot assist with this issue and you should talk directly to Council about this matter in the first instance. If the issue cannot be resolved directly with Council the Environment Protection Authority may be able to give some advice.
Please follow the link below for contact information.