16-08 – Approval of investigation services suppliers specified under NSW Procurement’s Performance and Management Services Prequalification Scheme for referrals of councils’ code of conduct complaints
The Internal Audit Bureau (IAB) ceased operations in December 2015. It was previously approved as an alternative provider of conduct reviewers under clause 6.2(b) of the Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (Procedures).
16-07 – Special Schedule 8 Permissible Income Workpapers 2016-17
The structure of the Financial Statements has been updated for 2015-16 and as a result Special Schedule 9 has become Special Schedule 8 to fit in numerically with the Financial Statements.On 4 December 2015, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) announced the 2016-17 rate-peg limit of 1.8%.
16-06 – Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program – Year 3 (2016-17) – Call for applications
The NSW Government committed $900,000 over 3 years to the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program (2014-15 through to 2016-17). Applications for the third year of funding for the Program can now be made.
16-05 – Changes for properties sold or leased with swimming pools
All properties with a swimming pool or spa pool being sold or leased on or after 29 April 2016 will need a valid certificate of compliance, certificate of non-compliance or a relevant occupation certificate.
16-04 – Draft Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting for 2015-16 (update 24)
The draft 2015-16 Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting has been released for comment. Councils are invited to provide feedback on the draft Code (update 24) by Monday 28 March 2016 to: code@olg.nsw.gov.au. There is an opportunity to learn more about the changes and provide feedback via a webinar on Monday 21 March 2016 (9:30am to 11:00am).
16-03 – 2016 Ministers Awards for Women in Local Government
The Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP announced the winners of the ninth annual Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government at Parliament House on 2 March 2016. The Awards were established to recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of women in local government in NSW. The awards are delivered in partnership with the Minister for Women, the Hon Pru Goward MP.
16-02 – Special Variation and Minimum Rate Variation Guidelines and Process for 2016/17
To advise councils of the release of the guidelines for Special Variation and Minimum Rate Variation for the 2016/17 rating year. A council that is affected by a merger proposal will not be eligible to apply for a special or minimum rate variation for the 2016/17 rating year. The Guidelines outline the process for all other councils seeking to apply for a special or minimum rate variation for 2016/17.
16-01 – New Local Government Act Development Consultation
Details of proposed phase 1 amendments are available through the Fit for the Future website at www.fitforthefuture.nsw.gov.au, which also provides the opportunity to submit comments online. The Office invites feedback from councils and their communities on the proposed amendments via this online facility.
14-31 Announcement of changes to improve boat trailer parking
The NSW Government will make $5 million available for new dedicated off-street boat trailer storage solutions.
Next year the Government will seek legislative changes to provide councils with the power to impound boat trailers parked for more than 3 months.
14-22 – Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program – call for applications
The NSW Government has committed $900,000 over 3 years to the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program. (2014-15 through to 2016-17). Applications for the program can now be made.