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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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5 tips for nailing your next grant application
The recent announcement of the Federal Budget 2020/21has been labelled an ‘employment-boosting, business-focused budget’. It has been designed to help move the economy from support to stimulus. There are a number of funding opportunities available which are relevant...
Amended Model Code of Conduct for local councils in NSW
An amended version of the Model Code of Conduct and associated Procedures were prescribed by the Office of Local Government (OLG) in August this year. In essence, these changes to the Code reflect the decision made by the Supreme Court in the matter of Cornish v...
Engaging with Local Aboriginal Land Councils in the NSW planning system
Stakeholder consultation is a vital step in any planning process. And reaching all stakeholders in a valuable and meaningful way requires knowledge and experience in the best engagement methods for each stakeholder. This is no different for Local Aboriginal Land...
5 ways to improve your planning proposals
Potential appeals of rezoning decisions As part of its COVID-19 recovery plan, the NSW Government recently announced the NSW Planning Reform Action Plan . The Plan includes proposed reforms to enable appeals to the Land and Environmental Court for rezoning...
The loss of regional newspapers – what this means for local councils and their communities
In the past month, many have been shocked by the announcement that numerous regional newspapers across Australia will be closing or changing to a digital format. For regional communities, this is big news. Although it is not unexpected. Newspapers have, for a long...
Surveys – why are we asking the question?
Surveys whether online or on paper are an engagement staple and there are a myriad of surveys out there asking all sorts of questions. In fact, the familiarity and adaptability of the survey format is part of what makes them such a useful tool. With such a familiar...
What can COVID-19 show us about our public spaces?
COVID-19 has already changed many aspects of our daily lives from work, leisure, socialising and our commute. The heightened awareness of routines, other people as well as our local surroundings is a unique opportunity for public space planners and managers to explore...
Re-thinking our approach to community engagement in the changing world
As our world and lives have been tipped upside down in the last few weeks, the team at Locale is responding to the evolving events around us and our communities. This means working out how we can best serve our clients and communities in this moment of extreme change...
Lessons from Balranald Shire Council Inquiry
The dismissal of a local council by the Minister of Local Government does not happen very often. When it does occur, it has significant ramifications for the council and its community. It is also an opportunity for other councils to learn from what has gone wrong and...
Responding to the bushfires – critical role of local government
Our heartfelt thoughts go out to the regional communities affected by the bushfires As we return to work this week, communities in regional Australia are grappling with the devastation caused by the recent bushfires. For some, the threat to life and property...
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