Information for local governments to help deliver good governance to the community.
Latest COVID-19 information, updates and resources.
It is mandatory for most businesses and venues to maintain a contact register by collecting contact details of patrons attending their premises, including customers, staff, contractors, and visitors.
The department provides advice and support to WA's 137 local governments and two Indian Ocean Territories.
We aim to improve the capacity of local governments to respond to community demands and expectations and improve levels of accountability and legislative compliance.
The resources and information in this section are provided to assist local councils to fulfil their legislative obligations and develop best practices.
To support local governments during the current COVID-19 pandemic, a number of legislative changes have been made to the Local Government Act and regulations.
Services to improve the capacity of local governments to respond to community demands and expectations, levels of accountability and legislative compliance
Guidelines to help local governments work efficiently and effectively
The department administers a number of acts of parliament covering a range of issues, and develops and amends acts and regulations within its responsibility.
Local Government Financial Assistance Grants, funded by the Commonwealth Government, are distributed among 137 local governments in Western Australia each year.
LG Alert
Flying of flags
Day of National Celebration, Friday 17 September 2021
The transitional period for the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) to take over local government financial statement audits has finished, and all future audits will be undertaken by OAG.
Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning program closing soon.
Local Government Operational Guidelines
There is just a month to go until nominations for this year’s local government elections open.
The Local Government (Elections) Amendment Regulations 2021, come into effect on 2 August 2021.
DLGSC, with the Department of Health, is holding two exclusive information sessions for local government staff and elected members in Western Australia.
Flying the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags throughout NAIDOC Week is a sign of national respect for Indigenous Australians.
Anyone over the age of 30, and all Aboriginal people over the age of 16, in Western Australia are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Amendments to section 154 of the Planning and Development Act 2005 (PDA) changed the accounting treatment for cash in lieu of open space contributions received on or after 12 September 2020.
The Local Government (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Order 2021 (the Order), comes into effect on 2 June 2021, providing ongoing assistance to WA ratepayers hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2021-22 financial year.
Local governments are being invited to comment on the next phase of reforms to streamline the planning system and reduce red tape.
Flying the Indigenous flags on National Sorry Day and throughout National Reconciliation Week recognises the significance of these events for all Australians and is a sign of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.
Differential rating and minimum payments — return to normal practise.
Following an announcement by the State Government, post-lockdown measures will come into effect from 12:01am Tuesday 27 April until 12.01am, Saturday morning 1 May.
The Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast on Sunday, 25 April 2021, from dawn until noon.
The Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Committee is asking local governments to identify areas that could be considered for formal gazetting for off-road vehicle (ORV) use.
COVID-19 update
The department supports the local government sector in the provision of good governance and compliance by monitoring, promoting and enforcing compliance with legislation.
Providing transparency and giving local governments and the public certainty about the department's approach to managing complaints.
The MyCouncil website is a place where you can find out how local governments are raising, spending and managing their money.
Smart Hub is a portal enabling local governments, regional councils and the department to engage, using a secure and centralised online environment.
Investigating complaints relating to minor or serious breaches of the Local Government Act 1995 and its subsidiary legislation.
The standards panel has the authority to make binding decisions to resolve allegations of minor misconduct submitted by a local government.
Local government contract information from the current audit firms.
The Local Government Compliance Framework outlines the department's approach to ensuring that the integrity of the local government sector is of the highest order.
The department administers the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995 (the Act).
On 27 June 2019, changes to the Local Government Act 1995 were passed by Parliament which require all council members to undertake training within the first 12 months of being elected.
Being a council member is a big commitment. This induction course has been developed to assist your understanding of what your obligations and commitments will be if you are elected.
Information on how the council election system works.
Information on how rates are set.
The department monitors and provides advice to assist local governments with making their local laws.
Information and guidance materials on parking for people with disability.
The department provides executive support to both the WA Local Government Grants Commission and the Local Government Advisory Board.
A regional subsidiary is designed to be a convenient way for local governments to pool their resources and cooperate more closely with neighbouring districts.
There are no upcoming events.