Strengthening local government

These are the most significant reforms to the Local Government Act 1995 in 25 years and aim to ensure local governments better serve residents and ratepayers.

The Minister for Local Government’s Place Innovation Awards are designed to recognise and promote innovative place-related projects, policies and activities involving local governments in Western Australia.

Information relating to inquiries into misconduct of local governments.

The Amendments to the Local Government (Functions and General) Regulations) 1996 (the Regulations) came into place on 20 May 2023, reducing red tape for many regional local governments.

The department may issue a notice to a local government when it has concerns about the running of the council or administration and requires further information to resolve the matter.

Dogs are important to many families and promoting responsible dog ownership and the health and welfare of dogs is a priority for the WA Government.

Integrated planning and reporting give local governments a framework for establishing local priorities and to link this information to their operations.

A strategic plan helps outline a community's long-term vision, values, aspirations and priorities.

A business plan is an internal tool that translates council priorities into operations with the available resources.

Informing strategies can help local government determine how capable it is to deliver the services and assets required by the community.

Information is a strategic resource that underpins the key functions and decision making of a local government.

​​​​​The department and Western Australian Treasury Corporation have partnered to release long-term financial planning tools for local governments.

Child safeguarding in local government

The department develops and amends relevant acts and regulations and undertakes public consultations to ensure that the public has the opportunity to participate in developing legislation.