Council Circular 24-18 Mutual Recognition – Councils’ Local Approvals for mobile businesses
| Subject | Mutual Recognition – Councils’ Local Approvals for mobile businesses |
| Circular Details | 24-18 /12 September 2024/ A909286 |
| Who should read this | Councillors / General Managers / All council staff / Environmental Health teams, Local business approval teams |
| Contact | OLG Policy Team / 02 4428 4100 / vibrancy@olg.nsw.gov.au |
| Action Required | Response to OLG |
| PDF Version | 24-18 Mutual Recognition – Councils’ Local Approvals for mobile businesses |
What’s new or changing?
- As part of the NSW Vibrancy Reforms, the Office of Local Government (OLG) is developing a mutual recognition framework.
- This will allow an approval granted to a business under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 by one council to be recognised across multiple local government areas.
- This will initially apply to approvals granted for the following mobile businesses:
o food trucks
o market stall holders
o buskers
o outdoor fitness trainers - Councils are invited to provide input into the development of the mutual recognition framework by completing an online survey.
What will this mean for council?
- Mutual recognition aims to reduce red tape, time, cost, and resourcing required for both councils and mobile businesses when preparing and assessing Section 68 approvals.
- Councils are requested to provide input through the online survey by 5pm 24 October 2024.
Key Points
- Currently mobile businesses must seek a separate approval in each council area they wish to operate.
- The Local Government Amendment Act 2019 makes provisions for the mutual recognition framework however, the provisions will not commence until regulations and guidance material have been developed.
- The survey seeks to gather initial input from key stakeholders including councils, mobile businesses (in the 4 categories mentioned above) and the general public, focusing on high-level issues to consider when developing the framework.
- The survey can be completed via the OLG Website: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/programs-and-initiatives/mutual-recognition
- Responses to the survey will inform the development of a policy, regulations, and guidance materials for councils.
- Further opportunities for feedback such as a via a discussion paper and online workshops may be made available later this year as the framework is being developed.
Where to go for further information
- Further information on the review is available on the Office of Local Government’s website – https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/programs-and-initiatives/mutual-recognition, or by contacting the Policy team on 02 4428 4100 or via email at vibrancy@olg.nsw.gov.au
Brett Whitworth
Deputy Secretary, Office of Local Government