Invitation for council staff to participate in Local Government Rating Reference Group
The Office of Local Government (OLG) will be establishing a Local Government Rating Reference Group (Reference Group) to work with us to prepare for further implementation of reforms to the rating system.
Earlier this year the Local Government Amendment Act 2021 was passed by the NSW Parliament. In part, that law provides for changes to the Local Government Act 1993 that deliver on the Government’s commitment to strengthen the rating system. While some of these changes came into effect on 24 May 2021, others will commence by proclamation. Information about the immediate and future change to the rating system are further detailed on OLG’s website.
OLG will now prepare guidelines and other materials to help councils to take up options to implement these reforms in their communities. We will also be preparing draft regulations and guidance to enable the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, to commence the remaining rating reforms.
It has been decided to establish a Reference Group of rating professionals to provide technical input on rating issues and advice about how best to meet council’s operational needs during implementation. Membership of this Reference Group will be determined by OLG based on expressions of interest, which will be received until COB 31 August 2021.
Reference Group members will be asked to provide input on council rating and systems and attend online meetings over up to six months, commencing in September this year. This may involve a time commitment of 2-3 hours per week. While I understand that some councils will not be able to participate in this process, please be assured that councils will be able to provide feedback on draft regulations and guidelines via a public consultation process.
If you have any questions, or would like to nominate to join the Reference Group, please contact the OLG Policy Team on 02 4428 4100 or by email to olg@olg.nsw.gov.au.
Yours sincerely
Kiersten Fishburn
Coordinator General, Planning Delivery and Local Government
Office of Local Government | Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
T 02 4428 4100 | E olg@olg.nsw.gov.au
5 O’Keeffe Ave, NOWRA NSW 2541
http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au
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