Directory of Policy Advice for Councils

This directory contains policy advice and information provided to councils by the Department through circulars, guidelines and practices notes on the topics listed below. It also includes answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on some topics. The Department would appreciate feedback on the usefulness of the Directory, which can be provided using the “Contact us” link on each topic page.

Topics

Title
Access to information and privacy	Includes information relating to the management of freedom of information requests, requests for access to information under section 12 of the Local Government Act 1993, and the protection of personal/private information of individuals.
Alcohol Free Zones	Includes Ministerial Guidelines on Alcohol Free Zones.
Annual reporting	Includes information about the requirements for councils annual reporting.
Anti-discrimination	Includes a fact sheet for councillors and more detailed guidelines for councillors and council managers to assist councils comply with anti-discrimination legislation
Asbestos	Includes information about how councils can educate residents and ratepayers about the identification and safe handling of asbestos.
Asset management	Includes information on asset management planning and the valuation of assets at fair value.
Audit and internal controls	Includes information relating to the effective management and prevention of corruption and fraud risks (includes internal auditing and auditing using an external agency).
Business continuity	Includes information relating to minimisation of impacts of an emergency or adverse event on council activities.
Capital expenditure	Includes capital expenditure guidelines relating to projects valued over $1 million (excluding GST).
Code of conduct and conflicts of interest	The Model Code of Conduct sets the minimum requirements of conduct for council officials in carrying out their functions and a guide to the management of complaints about breaches of the Code. Information concerning conflicts of interest and the management of such conflicts is also contained in the Model Code. See also Pecuniary Interest
Community/operational land	Includes information on how councils should manage community and operational land.
Companion animals	Includes information to assist councils carry out their responsibilities under the Companion Animals Act 1998 and the Companion Animals Regulation 2008. This includes guidelines, forms, Council Circulars, Frequently Asked Questions, and information about dangerous and restricted dogs (including information on breed and temperament assessment processes).
Complaint handling	Includes information relating to the management of complaints received by councils.
Compulsory acquisition	Includes information on how councils obtain approval to acquire land.
Corporations and companies (formation of)	Includes information on requirements for councils when forming corporations or companies under Section 358 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Councillor expenses and facilities	Includes information to assist councils to prepare policies on the provision of expenses and facilities to councillors in NSW. See also Misuse of Council Resources.
Elections	Includes information on the election of mayors and links to the State Electoral Commission’s forms and information about local government elections.
Employment contracts	Includes information relating to employment contracts for General Managers and senior staff, and the management of performance.
Events management and filming	Includes information to assist councils to develop approval and management policies relating to local events and filming.
Financial assistance	Includes information about developing a policy for the provision of financial assistance.
Financial reporting	Includes the Code of Accounting Practice, and information on loans and goods and services tax.
Investments	Includes the Ministerial Investment Order and the Investment Guidelines
Loans	Includes the Ministerial Borrowing Order and guidelines for loans.
Local approvals policies	Includes information relating to the development of local policies relating to approval powers for which councils have responsibility under the Local Government Act 1993, including specific criteria for approvals.
Meetings	Includes information on how to conduct council meetings. See also Pecuniary interest.
Misbehaviour	Includes information relating to standards of behaviour by councillors. See also Code of conduct and conflict of interest.
Misuse of council resources	Includes information relating to the proper use of council resources by councillors and staff.
National competition policy/competitive neutrality	Includes information about competitive neutrality and guidelines on the management of competitive neutrality complaints.
Parking enforcement	Includes information about council parking enforcement practices and policies, and guidelines for free parking agreements under the Local Government Act 1993.
Pecuniary interest	Provides information regarding requirements for the disclosure and management of pecuniary interests. See also Code of conduct and conflict of interest.
Promoting Better Practice Program	Includes information about the Department’s Promoting Better Practice (PBP) Program and resources to assist councils improve their performance.
Public-private partnerships	Includes guidelines for councils entering into particular types of partnership arrangements with the private sector.
Rating and special variations	Includes the Rating and Revenue manual and guidelines regarding land and water separation and special variations
Resource sharing	Includes information to assist councils develop stronger strategic collaborative arrangements with each other in order to improve services to communities.
Sewage and wastewater	Includes information about on-site sewage management (OSMS), Aerated Waste Treatment Systems (AWTS), sewage pollution and greywater.
Social justice	Includes information to assist councils to promote the equity, rights, access and participation of groups in the community that are often underrepresented or marginalised. These groups include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women, people with a disability, older people and young people
Stormwater charge	Includes information and guidelines to assist councils wishing to apply a stormwater charge to improve the management of stormwater in their urban areas.
Strategic Planning (Integrated Planning and Reporting)	Includes information and guidance for councils to implement the proposed new integrated planning and reporting system under the Local Government Act 1993.
Swimming pools (backyard)	Includes information to assist councils implement their responsibilities under the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and Swimming Pools Regulation 2008. The standards also apply for moveable dwellings, hotels and motels. For information about public swimming pools, please see Water safety (except backyard swimming pools).
Tendering and procurement	Includes information to assist councils manage tendering and procurement processes.
Water	Includes information on water management, water recycling, stormwater management and rainwater tanks.
Water safety (except backyard swimming pools)	Includes information to assist councils to safely manage public swimming pools, beaches and other waterways under their control. For information about backyard swimming pools please see Swimming pools (backyard).