Council response to IPART reviews

Eurobodalla councillors will receive a report at next Tuesday’s Council meeting outlining a response to the NSW government’s recent reviews of the local government system.

The Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock wrote to all NSW councils earlier this year to invite feedback on reviews and final reports by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

The reports were commissioned to support the NSW government’s long term commitment to review the rating system, cut red tape and reduce costs and delays for business and the community.

The final reports total approximately 1,000 pages and contain 135 recommendations, ranging from how rates are calculated to setting development application fees, how animals are registered and how data is captured and shared.

Council has responded already to the review of the rating system following a decision at the 10 September Council meeting, suggesting it did not support a move to the improved capital value method of rating.

Councillors on Tuesday will consider responses to the reviews on reporting and compliance burdens on local government, and local government compliance and enforcement.

Some of the recommendations are already in place in Eurobodalla and they identify ways to strengthen councils by improving their ability to serve the needs of their communities in the future. For instance, the ‘Scores on Doors’  food inspection program reduces the frequency of routine inspections for food premises with a strong record of compliance, which in turn reduces costs to business.

In the majority of cases Council supports the IPART recommendations, particularly where they achieve reduction of red tape and increase Council capacity to assist the community and businesses.

Responses are required by 25 October for reporting and compliance burdens, and by 15 November for compliance and enforcement.

The NSW Government has invited the community to respond with their feedback via the Office of Local Government website by the same dates. https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/strengthening-local-government/ipart-local-government-reports-consultation-2019

Council’s submission for approval by Councillors is attached to the Council report of 22 October. The final submission will also be made available on Council's website.