Action plan to increase female representation on local councils
A promotional campaign, training and mentoring programs, and family friendly meeting arrangements are part of a comprehensive action plan to increase the number of women serving on local councils across the State. Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the NSW Government action plan, endorsed by key stakeholders at a recent special forum at Parliament House would encourage more women to stand for their local council.
Wagga Wagga City Council joins Riverina Joint Organisation
Wagga Wagga City Council has been formally proclaimed a member of the Riverina Joint Organisation, Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock announced today.
Mrs Hancock said Wagga Wagga City Council joins seven other local councils as a member of the regional body including Bland, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Greater Hume, Junee, Lockhart, and Temora.
More time to nominate in Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government
Small businesses and councils affected by the bushfires can apply for a suite of financial assistance packages thanks to the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.
The financial support includes grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses directly affected by bushfire, up to $250,000 to Local Government Areas, a Bushfire Working Capital Loan of up to $50,000 and low interest loans of up to $500,000 to eligible small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits in bushfire impacted council areas.
Council rates relief for bushfire affected communities
The NSW Government has today announced six months of council rates relief to ease the burden for anyone who has lost their home or small business in the recent bush fires.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro and Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the funding is part of the NSW Government’s unwavering commitment to do all it can to help local communities recover and rebuild from the devastating bushfires.
NSW Fire-affected businesses and councils encouraged to access financial support
Small businesses and councils affected by the bushfires can apply for a suite of financial assistance packages thanks to the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.
The financial support includes grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses directly affected by bushfire, up to $250,000 to Local Government Areas, a Bushfire Working Capital Loan of up to $50,000 and low interest loans of up to $500,000 to eligible small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits in bushfire impacted council areas.
Administrator appointed to Balranald Shire Council
Balranald Shire Council has been dismissed following a public inquiry which found it is plagued by entrenched performance and behavioural issues. Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock accepted the recommendation from the independent commissioner of the public inquiry to dismiss the council’s mayor and councillors and appoint an administrator to address financial and structural issues.
Nominations now open for women in Local Government awards
People across the State are encouraged to celebrate the contributions of inspirational women in NSW councils by making a nomination for the 2020 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the 13th annual awards are a chance to recognise female councillors and council staff who make their local communities better through hard work and bold ideas.
Fire affected Councils to receive immediate funding
The NSW Government is partnering with the Commonwealth to immediately distribute $33 million to Councils across the State who have been severely impacted by bushfires.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock has guaranteed that the State Government will distribute funds to Councils within one business day following it clearing the State’s bank account.
Paws before giving a pet this christmas
The NSW Government is today urging anyone considering giving a pet as a gift this Christmas to carefully consider the ongoing responsibility and commitment required to care for a dog or a cat.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said tempting as it may be to surprise family or friends with a furry gift, people must consider the ongoing cost, care and responsibility that comes with being a pet owner.
Future proofing the Impounding Act
The NSW Government today announced a comprehensive review of laws enabling local councils to remove safety hazards caused by abandoned items in public places.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the review of the Impounding Act 1993 will ensure communities are protected from hazards such as rogue shopping trolleys, boat trailers, share bikes and e-scooters.
Encouraging women to stand for election to their local council
The NSW Government last week hosted a forum at Parliament House to develop strategies to increase female representation in the State’s local government sector.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock and Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor brought together a range of key stakeholders and experts at the Election of Women to Local Government Workshop.
Celebrating excellence and innovation in public works
The achievements and contributions of engineers from across the State was celebrated at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA - NSW) Engineering Excellence Awards this evening.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock joined this year’s winners at an awards ceremony in the Hunter Valley to celebrate their accomplishments.
Make your mark on Graffiti Removal Day 2019
Community groups across NSW are being urged to brush up on their creative skills for this year’s Graffiti Removal Day.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock and Attorney General Mark Speakman joined their Parliamentary colleagues and Graffiti Removal Day organisers at Parliament House today to help mobilise local communities to roll up their sleeves at the annual event.
Central Darling administration extended
The NSW Government today announced it is extending the period of administration for Central Darling Shire Council.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the four-year extension would allow for a comprehensive long-term plan to be developed and implemented to ensure a stronger future for the council and its communities.
Showcasing NSW Councils at the click of a button
Ratepayers across the State can now find out about their local council area and the wide range of services they deliver at the click of a button.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock today launched the NSW Government’s Your Council website to showcase the work of the State’s 128 local
councils.
NSW Government reduces the cost of council elections
The NSW Government will provide almost $20 million in funding to reduce the cost of running next year’s local government elections for councils and their communities.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the Government has listened to the concerns of councils about significant increases in their election costs as part of IPART’s review of the cost of local government elections.
No such risky business for NSW councils
Local councils across the State will have the tools to minimise financial risk and prevent fraud and corruption under a new statutory framework released for public consultation.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the proposed new framework would mandate the appointment and operation of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committees at the State’s 128 local councils.
Paws to consider adopting this International Dog Day
The NSW Government and the RSPCA have joined forces ahead of International Dog Day to encourage prospective dog owners to ‘adopt not shop’ for their new pet.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock and RSPCA CEO Steve Coleman said the worldwide celebration of man’s best friend was the perfect time to welcome a rescue dog into your home.
One year reprieve for council emergency services levy
The NSW Government today announced it would fund the increase in the emergency services levy for NSW councils this financial year to meet the cost of new workers’ compensation for firefighters.
Acting Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the State’s 128 councils would not have to pay the additional $13.6 million this financial year.
A million good reasons to take home a rescue pet
Over 40,000 owners of rehomed cats and dogs have benefitted from $1 million dollars’ worth of discounted pet registration fees, Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock announced today.
Mrs Hancock said the NSW Government introduced half-price pet registration fees for animals adopted from pounds and shelters in 2016 to encourage would-be pet owners to consider adopting homeless pets. The discount was extended to include animals purchased from 95 rehoming organisations last year.
Common sense council measures pass parliament
Common sense measures to support the State’s 128 local councils to deliver for their local communities have passed NSW Parliament, Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said today.
Mrs Hancock said the Local Government Amendment Bill 2019 has passed both Houses of Parliament and will provide practical and sensible solutions to long-standing issues facing local councils.
Supporting councils to support communities
The 2019-20 NSW Budget highlights the NSW Government’s commitment to support and strengthen local councils so they can better serve their communities.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said this Budget builds on the NSW Government’s past commitments to ensure local councils have the capacity to deliver for their residents.
Ciao Bellas Beautiful monikertops most popular dog name list
Dogs named Bella, Charlie, Coco and Daisy are more than likely to be among the droves of dogs joining their owners on the RSPCA Million Paws Walk this weekend. In conjunction with the event, Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock has released the top 10 most popular dog names in the State based on an analysis of pooches on the NSW Pet Registry.
Cats and dogs take centre stage at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show
Thousands of people flock to the Sydney Royal Easter Show to see the State’s most pampered dogs and cats but for the first time this year they will be able to find out how to best take care of their own beloved furry friends. Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock visited the NSW Pet Registry stand at the Show today to help promote responsible pet ownership, including microchipping, de-sexing and registration.
New powers put brakes on bad bike operators
Local councils have been given stronger powers to protect their communities from irresponsible share bike operators. Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton said the new powers allow councils to more easily seize dumped bikes and fine operators whose bikes are dumped in public places.
Statement about Save Tumbarumba Shire Inc Proposal
The proposal by Save Tumbarumba Shire Inc to reinstate the former Tumbarumba Shire Council does not meet requirements under the Local Government Act. The Office of Local Government made the determination following extensive legal review of the proposal.
Councils court out over rates debt collection
NSW local councils are being encouraged to work with people who have unpaid rates to get on payment plans instead of taking ratepayers to court. Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton and Attorney General Mark Speakman today released new Debt Management and Hardship Guidelines and called on all councils in NSW to review their policies and procedures to treat ratepayers more fairly. Ms Upton said the State’s 128 councils collect more than $4 billion in rates each year which fund roads, footpaths, libraries, parks and swimming pools.