15-08 – New NSW Online Registry for court services to save time and money
Councils can now access court services more cheaply and quickly via a new NSW Online Registry.
15-07 – Misuse of Council Resources – 2015 State Election
In the lead up to the 2015 State election, council officials need to be aware of their obligations under the Model Code of Conduct regarding the use of council resources.
15-06 – Information and Privacy Commission – Privacy Governance Framework
The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) has launched the Privacy Governance Framework (PGF), a new resource to help councils manage their responsibilities under the NSW privacy regime.
15-05 – Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program – Successful Applicants in Year One
Commencing in 2014/15, the NSW Government has committed $900,000 over 3 years to the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program. Applications for year one of the program have now been assessed and 24 projects with a total project value of $303,375 have been approved.
15-04 – Release of Fit for the Future Template 3 (Rural Council Proposal)
The Fit for the Future Template 3 (Rural Council Proposal) and guidance material has been finalised, following consultation with the sector, and is now available to councils.
15-03 – Disability Inclusion Action Planning requirements of local councils
The Disability Inclusion Act requires all local government organisations to produce a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) setting out measures enabling people with a disability to access general support and services and fully participate in the community.
15-02 – Disclosure of Information by Councils to NBN Co Limited for the delivery of the National Broadband Network
The Attorney General has approved the making of a public interest direction under section 41 of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (the PPIP Act), titled 'Direction on the Disclosure of Information by Councils to NBN Co Limited for the delivery of the National Broadband Network'. The public interest direction was signed by the NSW Privacy Commissioner on 7 November 2014 and has effect for a period of 18 months.
15-01 – Local Government Amendment (Elections) Bill 2014
The Local Government Amendment (Elections) Bill 2014 has now passed the NSW Parliament. The amendments give effect to recommendations made by the NSW Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters in its inquiry into the 2012 Local Government Elections. They are designed to improve the administration of council elections, give councils more choice in the administration of their elections, reduce costs and improve voter participation.
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.