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Latest news from the department.

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A stylised banner with an image of an outdoor cinema with the words, 'Local government elections 2023. Speak for those who can't. Stand for your local council. Nominations open 31 August 2023.'

Make your voice heard by becoming a local government councillor

Aug 9, 2023
Members of the Western Australian community are being urged to consider nominating for the upcoming local government elections to be able to influence the decisions being made that potentially impact the lives of thousands of residents.

All news

Incorrect use of concessions on rates bills

LG Alert

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries has become aware that some local governments may be granting ‘blanket concessions’ to ratepayers under their discretionary concession powers.
Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags

Flying of flags: NAIDOC Week 2023

LG Alert

Sunday 2 July 2023 to Sunday 9 July 2023
Person writing

Populations estimates order and first set of orders for council representation changes

LG Alert

In the recent Government Gazette the population estimates order and the first set of orders for constitutional and representation changes to councils were made under the Local Government Act 1995, ahead of the upcoming 2023 ordinary local government elections.

Bushfire Planning and Design Practitioners

Under State Planning Policy 3.7 Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (SPP 3.7), a person seeking to build or develop in a designated bushfire prone area is required to undertake certain bushfire risk management activities as part of the planning and building process.
A list of goals mentioned in the article made to look like a AFL game summary listing goals and times

The DLGSC Local Government Team has been kicking goals with some majors on the board

It has been a busy year already for the DLGSC Local Government Team.

Inter-library loans

LG Alert

From 1 July 2023 there will be changes to the delivery of the inter-library loans service in Western Australia.
Staff member using office equipment

Local government financial reporting: non-accredited valuation contractors

LG Alert

Local governments have obligations to provide valuations for financial reporting purposes.
Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags

Flying of Flags: National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week

LG Alert

National Sorry Day, 26 May 2023 and National Reconciliation Week, 27 May to 3 June 2023
A cheerful female doctor sits at a desk in her office and takes notes while meeting with an unidentifiable patient.

Reducing red tape to help regions attract and retain GPs and dentists

Changes to Western Australian laws regulating the recruitment of general practitioners (GPs) and dentists by local governments will reduce red tape, easing the burden on many regional local governments trying to ensure their communities have the medical services they need.
2.	An old run-down shed with a superimposed ‘we’re leasing/leased’ sign. The words, “Is this fair?” is superimposed over the image.

Changing the rules regulating owners and occupiers rolls

Who can vote or be a candidate.
Becoming an elected Council member. A group of people sitting in a meeting room.

Becoming an Elected Council Member Forum

LG Alert

A free forum for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds considering standing for local council.
A history sepia toned image with a woman holding a lottery ticket in front of a tumbling lottery machine.

4.71% and a winner? Can this be true?

Did you know that under the current system of local government voting, some winning candidates have attracted less than 5% of the vote?
Australian flag

Flying of flags: ANZAC Day

LG Alert

ANZAC Day is a day of special significance to all Australians, particularly for our serving military personnel and returned veterans.
A person casting their vote

Local government reform webinar 2

LG Alert

The first tranche of reforms to the Local Government Act 1995 is progressing through Parliament.
A crowd in Forrest Place watching a large puppet being moved.

Round 3 recipients announced for State Government’s CBD revitalisation grants

The State Government’s investment in revitalising the Perth CBD and Northbridge continues with a further 15 eligible businesses, property owners and not-for-profits sharing nearly $1 million of funding from the Perth CBD Revitalisation Grant Program.
A conference desk with microphones and chairs

Major milestone for reform of Local Government Act

The Legislative Assembly has passed the Local Government Amendment Bill 2023, which will deliver a range of major reforms to the system of local government across Western Australia.

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Page reviewed 10 November 2023