Media Releases

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.

Labor’s De-amalgamation Bill passes Parliament

Thursday, 9 May 2024 The NSW Labor Government has today given councils and their communities the power to make decisions about their future with the Local Government Amendment (De-amalgamations) Bill 2024 passing both Houses of Parliament. The new legislation provides...

Celebrating women in local government

Ron Hoenig - Minister for Local Government Jodie Harrison - Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Friday, 3 May 2024 Nominations are now open for the 2024 Ministers’ Awards for...

Investigation to be launched into Liverpool City Council

The Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig has requested the Office of Local Government to undertake an investigation into Liverpool City Council.

Cootamundra-Gundagai de-amalgamation proposal on exhibition

Ron Hoenig - Minister for Local Government Wednesday, 10 April 2024 On Thursday, 28 March I received a proposal from Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, outlining in detail its plan to de-amalgamate. The proposal, supported by the council’s Implementation Plan, sets out...