New laws to focus on council governance and strategic planning were introduced to ensure they meet community needs.

Minister for Local Government Paul Toole announced the Local Government Amendment (Governance and Planning) Bill which will intervene in non-performing councils to get those councils back on track.

“This legislation makes important changes to ensure councils are always putting the interests of local communities first. It will enable the Government to appoint a financial controller to councils that have a consistent record of poor financial performance and get those councils back on track,” Mr Toole said.

He also added that the legislation also complements the NSW Government’s proposed new integrity measures for local government, and major reform initiatives such as the creation of new councils and Joint Organisations of regional councils.

The legislation will also: clarify roles and responsibilities of councillors, mayors, administrators and general managers; introduce new guiding principles for local government improve governance of councils and professional development for councillors consolidate the ethical conduct obligations of councillors; establish the framework for strategic business planning and reporting; and streamline council administrative processes.

“It is encouraging stakeholders made such a positive contribution to shaping a new, stronger local government sector. The NSW Government will continue to work with these stakeholders as we develop future reforms of the Local Government Act,” Mr Toole said.