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.

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.

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.

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, Housing and Infrastructure may be able to give some advice.

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.

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.

Public health and food safety

Matters relating to public health issues are handled by the NSW Health. Food safety complaints are handled by the NSW Food Authority. 

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. Read NSW Valuer General – council rates for more information.

For more information on rate increases, visit IPART. 

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 contact form.

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:

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.