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Keep up to date with the what is happening in the local government industry.
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Given the diverse nature of our services, our news covers a broad spectrum of content including grant writing, planning, conflict resolution,
legislative updates, community engagement, governance and more. Each month our team provides their insights based on recent projects
and work with a particular focus on issues in regional New South Wales.
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Community participation plans – Engagement clarity for Councils and community
‘Community Participation Plans’ (CPP) now need to be prepared by local councils for their local area. The intent of the new plans is to make it clearer and easier for members of the community to understand how they can participate in planning decisions. Planning...
Locale Consulting expands with new team
As we approach our 10th birthday celebrations, we have started the year by expanding our team and our capacity to work with local communities. We would like to welcome Lelia Kamphorst and Michelle Ryan to the Locale team. Lelia is geographical science and engagement...
New Code of Conduct for local councils in NSW
A new version of the model Code of Conduct and associated procedures were prescribed by the Office of Local Government at the end of last year. In essence, the Code sets the ethical standards expected of council officials. This includes close to 1,300 councillors and...
Social media – risk of defamation damages and misconduct
Two recent legal decisions highlight the potential risks to councillors being online, particularly on social media platforms such as Facebook. These cases have shown that: (i) Councillors may be exposed to personal liability for commenting on a defamatory post on...
Local strategic planning statements – a missing piece in the planning puzzle!
Earlier this year the amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 introduced a new layer into the strategic planning hierarchy in NSW. Councils are now required under the Act to prepare a ‘local strategic planning statement’ or LSPS for their...
New Charter for public participation from NSW Information & Privacy Commission
The Information and Privacy Commission has recently released the Charter for Public Participation – a guide to assist agencies and promote citizen engagement (The Charter). The Charter is aimed at New South Wales government agencies but is equally applicable to local...
Conflict and your brain – staying connected to your “smart brain”
Wired to connect As human beings we are wired to connect with other humans. This is because we are social animals, and so too is our brain. Research has shown that our brain is directly and deeply influenced by our social interaction with others. The 80 year study...
Mediating workplace bullying and harassment complaints
Risk to employers of workplace bullying and harassment complaints Workplace bullying and harassment complaints are on the rise. This is due to a number of factors such as: / increasing awareness of the need to complain and “call out” inappropriate behaviour / ...
Ready set go: Crown Land Management Act commences
Local councils are responsible for managing over 7,000 Crown reserves across NSW. On 1 July 2018 how local councils manage these reserves is set to change with the commencement of the Crown Land Management Act 2016. With the legislation being five years in the making,...
How to avoid over promising and under delivering on your project
What is the planning fallacy? Despite the increase in knowledge, expertise, and use of project management tools and techniques, many projects still over promise and under deliver. This fact comes down to the planning fallacy. Put simply, this is our tendency to...
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