17-28 – 2017-2018 Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements
The 2017-18 Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements is now available for councils.
17-27 – End of Year Financial Reporting 2016-17
End of year financial reporting information has been updated for 2016-17. The Financial Data Return (FDR) 2016-17 has also been updated to reflect the changes within the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (Update No. 25). Additional worksheets have been included to capture the assets, liabilities and rating information of new entities.
17-26 – 2017 “Hit the Ground Running” Councillor Workshops for councils with elections in September 2017 – promotional flyer and online registrations
A promotional flyer has been produced to provide information to general managers and councillors about the upcoming “Hit the Ground Running” councillor workshops. The promotional flyer is attached to this Circular. Online registrations opened on Monday 11 September 2017 for general managers to enrol themselves and their councillors to attend one of the workshops.
17-25 – Container Deposit Scheme and waste management contracts
The NSW Container Deposit Scheme (the Scheme) will commence on 1 December 2017, with a 10 cent refund claimable on eligible containers. Under the Scheme, operators of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) will be able to claim a portion of the refund on containers collected from kerbside recycling using the MRF Protocol.
17-24 – Guidelines for Council When Notification of an Intention to use Fireworks is Received
SafeWork NSW has updated the 2008 Guidelines, which provide councils with a standard framework when deciding whether to raise an objection with SafeWork NSW about a fireworks display for which a council has received notification.
17-23 – Preparing for implementation of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
In March 2015, the NSW Government committed to all 43 recommendations of the Independent Biodiversity Legislation Review Panel’s review of biodiversity conservation legislation.
17-22 – Oath or affirmation of office by councillors
Under the Local Government Act 1993, councillors (including mayors) are now required to take an oath or affirmation of office. The prescribed words of the oath and affirmation are contained in the attachment to this Circular.
17-21 – Reporting of Rates Permissible Income for 2017-18
On 29 November 2016, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) announced the 2017-18 rate-peg limit of 1.5%. The Special Schedule 8 Permissible Income Workpapers have been updated
accordingly. The rate-peg for 2017-18 will be used to calculate the Permissible Income that will be reported and audited with the Financial Statements for 2017-18.
17-20 – 2017 Local Government elections – Hit the Ground Running workshops
OLG will again be providing support to councils and councillors to help them in their roles by conducting Hit the Ground Running councillor workshops following local government elections on Saturday 9 September, 2017.
17-19 – Stand for your community – candidate guide and candidate diversity resources
The guide for candidates, Stand for your community, and other candidate diversity resources have been updated by the Office of Local Government (the Office) to assist prospective candidates in making informed decisions about standing for election to local government in 2017. The resources also aimed at encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds to consider standing for election.