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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
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Less than one year to the local council elections in NSW
Welcome to 2021! This year the local government elections in NSW will be held on 4 September 2021. That is now less than one year away. Delay of local government elections After the delay of the elections for a whole year due to COVID-19, the elections this year are...
Launch of Locale Learning – A new hub for local councillor training
Locale Consulting has worked closely with local government over many years and recognise the immense knowledge, skills and personal qualities councillors need to ensure strong local leadership. That’s why we are launching a new hub for local councillor training....
Running an effective and efficient public hearing
Local councils in NSW are currently busy preparing and finalising plans of management for council managed Crown land. This is a new requirement introduced under the Crown Land Management Act 2016. In essence, local councils must now manage Crown land as public land...
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...
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