Ministerial Releases

Nominations now open for local government elections

Monday, 5 August 2024 Editor’s note: Audio grabs available here Nominations for the 14 September local government elections open today and people across NSW are encouraged to put their hand up to represent their community on local council. There are...

$252 million boost set to deliver 1,300 new apprentices and trainees

The Minns Labor Government is investing $252.2 million to employ an additional 1,300 apprentices and trainees in the local government sector across the state, the largest state government investment in directly hiring new apprentices in recent memory. This investment will train up the next generation of skilled labour while keeping jobs within local councils, reversing the trend of councils outsourcing jobs to contractors.

New path forward for Central Darling Shire Council

The NSW Government will introduce a new council model that will set Central Darling Shire up for a more sustainable future and return democracy to remote communities in far west NSW for the first time in over 10 years. The state’s largest local government area by size, Central Darling Shire Council has been under administration since 2013 due to significant financial and governance issues.

NSW Government to launch public inquiry into Liverpool City Council

The NSW Government has today ordered a public inquiry into Liverpool City Council after an interim report provided to the Minister for Local Government detailed serious concerns about widespread dysfunction and maladministration.

Council performance to be ranked to meet housing targets

The Minns Government is introducing a range of measures to hold local and State Government accountable for the approval of more housing as NSW works towards its commitment of 377,000 homes by mid 2029 under the National Housing Accord. The NSW Government has been clear that addressing the housing crisis is a shared responsibility, and all levels of government must do their part. To ramp up housing supply across the state, the NSW Government has introduced planning reforms to build more homes and build better communities.

Artificial Intelligence trial to speed up local planning systems

Artificial Intelligence t.rial to speed up local planning systems. Sixteen councils will trial technologies to speed up development assessment timeframes, as part of the NSW Government’s $5.6 million investment into introduce artificial intelligence into the planning system.

Budget builds stronger councils for stronger communities (NSW)

Tuesday, 18 June 2024 The Minns Labor Government is building a stronger local government sector by ensuringcouncils are better positioned to deliver on the key outcomes their communities need,including the delivery of new homes. The Government recognises councils’ critical role...

Hornsby Council to pay back $36 million in unspent Stronger Communities grant

Monday, 10 June 2024 The NSW Government is ordering Hornsby Shire Council to repay $36 million that was provided under the Stronger Communities Fund, a fund that the Auditor General of NSW has described as “deficient” and “lacking integrity”. The...

Empowering women to run for council

With voters heading to the polls for local government elections in September, the NSW Government is providing support to encourage more women to consider running for their local council.

New England Weeds Authority board suspended over financial concerns

The Minister for Local Government has today suspended the board of the New England Weeds Authority (NEWA) and appointed an interim administrator due to serious concerns about the financial position and governance of the organisation.