Temporary policy for NSW LG boundaries proposals

Minister for Local Government, Don Page said following the recent formation of the Independent Local Government Review Panel, it has been determined it’s appropriate to implement a temporary policy that will apply to proposals to change local council boundaries.
 
He said this is because one of the Terms of Reference for the Independent Local Government Review Panel will be to “investigate and identify options for governance models, structural arrangements and boundary changes for local government in NSW.”
 
The Panel is expected to report back to Government by July 2013.
 
“Pending the Government’s consideration of the Panel’s report, the following policy will now apply in relation to proposals for council boundary changes,” Minister Page said.
 
“Valid proposals of a minor nature, which are not contentious and which have the support of all of the affected councils will continue to be assessed and processed by the Division of Local Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet – if appropriate, recommended by me for approval by the governor.”
 
Minister Pages said valid proposals which if they were to proceed would result in a major change to local council boundaries or which are of a contentious nature.
 
This includes any proposal not supported by all of the affected councils, will be referred to the Boundaries Commission or the Director General of the Division of Local Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet for a report as required by the Local Government Act 1993.
 
“However after receipt of any report on the proposal, the implementation of that proposal will not be recommended by me for approval to the governor during this period unless there are compelling and extraordinary reasons to do so,” he said.
 
“In adopting this policy I have also had regard to the undesirability of changes to local council boundaries because of the impact they may have upon the preparation of electoral rolls for the upcoming ordinary local government elections in September of this year.”
 
After the government has received the Panel’s report, Minister Page will review this position and councils will be advised accordingly.

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