Fresh Start for 500 new council apprentices, trainees and cadets
Sunday, 28 September 2025 The Minns Labor Government’s Fresh Start program has reached a major milestone with 500 apprentices, trainees and cadets now on the tools working in NSW councils. A landmark $252.2 million investment by Labor is helping councils...
Historic election day for NSW’s largest council
Saturday, 20 September 2025 The residents of Central Darling Shire in far west NSW will today vote to elect new councillors for the first time since the Council was placed in administration 12 years ago. The Council’s return to democracy...
Council Circular 25-22 Release of Quarterly Budget Review Statement Data Return Templates
The Office of Local Government (OLG) released the Quarterly Budget Review Statement Guidelines for Local Government (the Guidelines) in August 2025, with mandatory reporting to commence for the first quarter ending 30 September 2025. The 2025-26 Quarter 1 QBRS data return is available on the OLG webpage.
Cutting red tape for mobile businesses working across LGAs
Thursday, 11 September 2025 Editors note: for overlay click here. Food trucks, outdoor fitness trainers and other mobile businesses will be rescued from red tape that stops them moving easily across local council boundaries to do business. Under the new...
Statement on fatal dog attack
Tuesday, 9 September 2025 On behalf of the NSW Government, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of 17-year-old Annalyse Blyton who tragically passed away at John Hunter Hospital. This was an horrific incident that has resulted in the...
Council Circular 25-21 Commencement of Mutual Recognition Scheme
The Mutual Recognition Scheme is now available to all NSW councils, facilitated by amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. The Mutual Recognition Scheme has been designed to simplify the approval process and reduce the administrative and cost burden on councils and mobile businesses.
$6 million boost for animal rehoming organisations
Wednesday, 3 September 2025 The state’s animal rehoming organisations will receive much needed support to continue their valuable work helping vulnerable cats and dogs, thanks to a $6 million funding injection from the Minns Labor Government. The Companion Animal Welfare...
Councillors to face stronger penalties and faster hearings under proposed laws
Monday, 1 September 2025 Councillors accused of significant misconduct will have proceedings commenced against them in the Land and Environment Court under planned changes by the Minns Labor Government as part of the overhaul of the broken councillor conduct framework....
New era of transparency for council meetings
Friday, 29 August 2025 New rules for council meetings will soon be in place as the Minns Labor Government spearheads a change of culture to boost transparency and community confidence in local government. A new Model Code of Meeting Practice...
Council Circular 25-20 2025 Model Meeting Code
Following extensive consultation, the new 2025 Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW (2025 Model Meeting Code) has been finalised. The new 2025 Model Meeting Code has been published in the Government Gazette and is expected to be prescribed under the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation) shortly.