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Latest news from the department.

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Local government councillors

Want to make a difference? Consider running for your local council this September

Jun 1, 2021
Community members are called on to nominate as a candidate in the upcoming local government elections to be held on 16 October 2021.

Tags: election

All news

Office desk

City of Perth Inquiry extension granted after COVID-19 impacts

1 May 2020
Local Government Minister David Templeman has granted an extension to the Inquiry into the City of Perth following delays caused by COVID-19.
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Local Government (Parking for People with Disabilities) Amendment Regulations 2020

30 Apr 2020

Ministerial Circular 2 2020

I am pleased to advise that His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulation amendments dealing with penalties for illegal parking in ACROD bays.
Staff member using office equipment

Budget process

30 Apr 2020

LG Alert

The Minister for Local Government is intending to make an Order using the new COVID-19 Response powers.
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Big increases in fines for drivers illegally parking in ACROD bays

23 Apr 2020
Penalties for the misuse of disability parking bays to be some of the highest in the country. Fines for illegally parking in an ACROD bay increase to $500, up from $300. Increase in court-imposed penalties to a maximum of $5,000
A person writing with a pen

Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020

21 Apr 2020

LG Alert

On 20 April 2020, the Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 received Royal Assent.
Local Government Act changes

Local Government Act changes to support COVID-19 response

15 Apr 2020
The State Government will today introduce legislation to support local governments as they respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Practical assistance for local governments to respond during a state of emergency (COVID-19)

9 Apr 2020

Ministerial Circular 1 2020

I am advising that His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulation amendments dealing with access to funding, procurement and long service leave during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Regulations

Upcoming regulation amendments for local governments

6 Apr 2020

LG Alert

To continue to support local governments during the COVID-19 outbreak, the department is urgently progressing amendments to the following Local Government Regulations.
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New intrastate travel restrictions from midnight, Tuesday 31 March 2020

28 Mar 2020

LG Alert

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the State Government will introduce further restrictions on travel within Western Australia from midnight Tuesday night (12.00am Wednesday morning).
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Notice of Electronic Council Meetings During Emergencies

28 Mar 2020

Departmental Circular 6 2020

Following the commencement of amendments to the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1998, the following clarification is advised.
A women teleconferencing on a computer

Regulation amendments for electronic attendance – enabling council meetings to continue during emergencies

24 Mar 2020

Departmental Circular 5 2020

His Excellency the Governor, in Executive Council, has approved regulations to allow local government councils to hold meetings electronically during a public health emergency or a state of emergency. This can be via teleconference, video conference or other electronic means.
The beautiful historic buildings of the bustling port town of Fremantle in Western Australia.

Instructions to close certain places of business, worship and entertainment

23 Mar 2020

Departmental Circular 4 2020

Under the Emergency Management Act 2005, the Commissioner of Police and State Emergency Coordinator, Chris Dawson, has issued directions regarding the closure of various establishments to the public in WA to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Delivery truck

Public Authorities (Delivery of Goods and Collection of Rubbish and Refuse) Directions

20 Mar 2020

LG Alert

Local governments have been providing assistance to ensure that goods can be delivered to shops in a timely manner.
A women teleconferencing on a computer

Electronic attendance at meetings

20 Mar 2020

LG Alert

The department understands the challenges that local governments are facing in regard to social distancing and possible individual self-isolation in Western Australia.
Full shopping cart in supermarket aisle - stock photo

Instructions to councils to assist supermarkets to respond to demand

19 Mar 2020

Departmental Circular 3 2020

As our state and nation face the challenges of COVID-19, many of our supermarkets and other businesses are struggling to meet unprecedented consumer demand.
A stock image of a group of people meeting in a boardroom

Meeting quorums

17 Mar 2020

LG Alert

Some local governments are currently experiencing difficulty in achieving necessary meeting quorums.
Elizabeth Clapham. Image: State Library of Western Australia

100 years of women in local government

4 Mar 2020
In 2020, we celebrate an important milestone for women in local government. This year, it’s 100 years since the first woman was elected to Local Government in Western Australia.
Shire President Cr Michelle Rich celebrates the Shire’s 2020 Gold Waterwise Council rating

Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale recognised as 2020 Gold Waterwise Council

4 Mar 2020
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale has been recognised as a 2020 Gold Waterwise Council for its commitment to water conservation and supporting water wise communities.
Abandoned place with garbage all over floor and urban paintings all over walls.

Rapid graffiti removal practices for local governments

4 Mar 2020
Local governments encouraged to implement rapid graffiti removal practices as outlined in the State Government’s Graffiti Vandalism Removal Standards.
Members of GVROC

Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils (GVROC) meets in Esperance

4 Mar 2020
One of the largest gatherings of Goldfields-Esperance local government regional councils took place late January in Esperance.
An elderly couple standing in front of their park home

Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Amendment Regulations 2020

3 Mar 2020

Departmental Circular 2 2020

On Tuesday 3 March 2020, the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Amendment Regulations 2020 (amendment regulations) are being published in the Government Gazette and come into effect the following day.
Close up photo of two people working on a laptop

2019/2020 Budget Review

25 Feb 2020

LG Alert

Under Regulation 33A of the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 1996 (FMR), between 1 January and 31 March in each financial year, a local government must carry out a review of its budget for that year.
Highway to Hell: Minister David Templeman and Minister Rita Saffioti with organisers of the Highway to Hell in front of a Transperth Bus

Hell’s Bell ready to ring in the world’s largest homage to AC/DC at Perth Festival’s closing event

21 Feb 2020
The stages are set and a Hell's Bell is set to ring in the world's largest homage to AC/DC's Bon Scott and his Western Australian links at Perth Festival's 2020 free public finale.

Significant matters reported by the auditor in an audit report

20 Feb 2020

LG Alert

If the Auditor General or a local government’s appointed auditor reports a significant matter in an audit report, section 7.12A of the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) requires a response from the local government.
A group of puppies

Proposed new laws to Stop Puppy Farming in WA

19 Feb 2020

LG Alert

The State Government is progressing changes to the law to Stop Puppy Farming in Western Australia.
Stock image of a puppy

State Government to introduce legislation to end puppy farming

10 Feb 2020
Premier Mark McGowan and Local Government Minister David Templeman were greeted by furry friends at the K9 Dog Rescue in Nambeelup today while announcing the introduction of legislation to end puppy farming in Western Australia.
Pier over ocean against the sky during sunset - stock photo

Operational Guidelines

20 Dec 2019

Departmental Circular 14 2019

To reflect the changes introduced by the Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2019, the department has updated some of the Operational Guidelines.
Stop pupp farming: adopt don't shop

Give rescued dogs a second chance this Christmas

11 Dec 2019
This Christmas, Western Australians are being urged to 'Adopt Don't Shop' and give rescued dogs a second chance by adopting a new household pet.
City of Armadale CEO Joanna Abbiss

The allure of Armadale — a place of opportunity

6 Dec 2019
Joanne Abbiss is the newly appointed chief executive officer of the City of Armadale, the third fastest growing local government in WA filled with natural beauty and great opportunities.
A hockey player demonstrating hitting the ball in front of children

Sports champions inspire Mid West youth

6 Dec 2019
Young people in WA’s Mid West met and learnt tips from some of Australia’s best sporting champions as part of the Champions 2 Country tour held last month.
A picturesque beach

Boost for beach safety

6 Dec 2019
Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signs have been rolled out across WA to boost beach safety and emergency service response times by providing accurate location information.
Portrait of confident business woman at coffee shop

Governance update: local government reforms

6 Dec 2019
The Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2019 introduced a range of new reforms when it was passed by Parliament in June 2019.
Two women smiling in a park

Wellbeing index for Western Australia

6 Dec 2019
Australian National Development Index (ANDI) Roundtable is taking place this month, drawing together state government director generals who will explore the development of a Western Australian wellbeing index.
Greyhounds as pets

New laws proposed for retired racing greyhounds

27 Nov 2019
The State Government is proposing changes to the law that will give new life to retired racing greyhounds.
A local Christmas pagent with community members in a crowd

Panel appointed to help develop new Local Government Act for WA

6 Nov 2019
Local Government Minister David Templeman today announced the formation of an expert panel to progress the development of a new Local Government Act for Western Australia.
A group of people sitting in a boardroom

Invitation to attend a workshop for new Mayors, Presidents and Deputies

1 Nov 2019

Departmental Circular 12 2019

Following the recent local government elections, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is running a free, one-day workshop for new Mayors, Presidents, Deputy Mayors and Deputy Presidents.
Page reviewed 10 June 2022
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