Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Thursday 20 June 2019

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.

“After spending 17 years as a councillor, I know only too well the challenges and opportunities faced by local councils,” Mrs Hancock said.

“It gives me great pleasure in my first Bill before Parliament to provide sensible solutions to cut red tape, ease the regulatory burden and help local councils deliver better value for money for local residents.”

Mrs Hancock said the Bill provides an option for the 20 councils created in 2016 to extend the rate freeze for another 12 months.

“In 2016 the Government introduced a rate freeze to ensure residents of new councils would pay no more for their rates than they would have under their old council for four years,” she said.

“The Bill gives local councils the time they need to conduct important conversations with their community about rating and elections in 2020.

“The Government will continue to work with the 20 councils created in 2016 to address the complex issue of rates harmonisation and help provide fairness and equity for everyone.”

Mrs Hancock said the Bill also provides practical changes to cut red tape and deliver better value for ratepayers.

“I have met with councils and peak bodies from around the State and their feedback helped shape the practical and sensible measures in the Bill which responds to the issues raised with the Government,” Mrs Hancock said.

MEDIA: Nicholas Story | Minister Hancock | 0438 255 020