Local Government NSW

30/10/2026

LGNSW’s Annual Report now available 📖 2025/26 Financial Year

Our Annual Report reflects a busy, productive time for our organisation, a period of mixed opportunities and challenges for the local government sector and the communities we represent.

There was a renewed focus and some welcome progress on our long-standing concerns regarding financial sustainability, infrastructure funding, and cost shifting. Other highlights for LGNSW include:

👉 Advocating for the restoration of Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants, helping secure a commitment from the Australian Government to increase the level of Financial Assistance Grants to councils annually
👉 Launching the Unlocking Homes policy, which proposes genuine investment through interest-free loans to councils to deliver the roads, community infrastructure, water and sewerage networks needed to pave the way for new housing.
👉 Driving reform to seek fairer and faster disaster recovery funding for councils and communities impacted by natural disasters.
👉 Releasing a new Closing the Gap toolkit in partnership with the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations and Aboriginal Affairs NSW.
👉 Continuing advocacy on key issues including regional healthcare, governance, infrastructure and long-term financial sustainability

Read the full report > bit.ly/4ivMeT3

29/10/2026

Short-term skills gaps shouldn't mean a lengthy recruitment process.

Our Specialist Contractors service connects councils with a talent pool of qualified professionals for remote or onsite project and operational support, for short-term or longer-term needs.

We handle the assessment and screening, so councils get access to specialists across highly specialised fields without running a full recruitment process each time.

Learn more or contact our Management Solutions team > https://bit.ly/3Uy2tUg

28/10/2026

MEDIA RELEASE 🗨️ Development Industry joins councils' call for infrastructure funding

The Urban Development Institute of Australia is the latest group to join Local Government NSW in calling for the State Government to act on delivering more homes by unlocking the infrastructure needed to deliver them.

On Tuesday, the UDIA launched its 2027 State Election Priorities, which closely align with LGNSW’s Unlocking Homes campaign, calling for accelerated State Government infrastructure delivery, along with no interest loans for councils to deliver local infrastructure.

Mayor Darcy Byrne, President of LGNSW, welcomed the UDIA’s calls for action and said it was an unusual but predictable alliance of priorities.

“When you’ve got the peak group for councils and the peak group for the development industry both demanding infrastructure funding from State Government, then surely that’s a cue for action,” Mayor Byrne said.

View full release > bit.ly/4yIKADD

LGNSW welcomes the development industry's call for NSW Government infrastructure funding to unlock new housing and support growing communities.

28/10/2026

340,000+ skilled migrant and refugee women in Australia are working below their level of skill and qualification.

Local government is working through workforce shortages, particularly in regional and rural NSW. Recognising the skills of people already here is part of the fix.

The Activate Australia’s Skills campaign, led by SSI - Settlement Services International, aims to achieve a migrant skills recognition system that is faster, simpler, more transparent and more affordable.

Last week, our Senior Workforce Development Consultant, Devika, was invited to join a panel session at the Activate Her Skills event at Admiralty House, hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia.

Through her personal career journey, Devika offered insights into building a career in Australia, overcoming barriers, and the changes needed to support women to thrive professionally.

➡️ Read the Activate Her Skills report: https://bit.ly/3Waaa75

27/10/2026

MEDIA RELEASE 🗨️ LGNSW proposes $5 billion plan to unlock new homes

Local Government NSW is calling on all political parties to back a $5 billion interest-free infrastructure loan scheme.

The scheme would unlock housing construction across outer metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW.

Councils across the state are calling on all parties to take further action on the housing supply crisis in the lead up to the 2027 State election.

Housing supply in these growing communities is not keeping pace with demand. Thousands of potential homes are delayed by inadequate roads, drainage, water and sewerage networks, and other essential infrastructure.

Under LGNSW’s Unlocking Homes proposal, councils would receive interest-free loans to build essential local infrastructure sooner. This includes roads, drainage and footpaths, allowing housing developments to proceed.

View full release > bit.ly/4is0gFl

LGNSW calls for a $5 billion interest-free loan scheme to fund essential infrastructure and unlock tens of thousands of new homes across NSW.

27/10/2026

LGNSW's Workplace Analytics suite is designed to give NSW councils a competitive edge, not just by showing you the numbers, but by helping you understand where you stand across the sector.

Whether it's GM and staff remuneration, HR effectiveness, or financial health, our reports turn complex sector data into clear, actionable insights for your leadership team.

✅ Arm your council with the most comprehensive and relevant data in the sector
✅ Identify areas for improvement before they become problems
✅ Drive operational excellence with evidence.

📩 Reach out to our Management Solutions team today: https://bit.ly/4euwm2n

26/10/2026

JOIN THE LGNSW TEAM 💼 We're seeking a Learning and Development Consultant to support the design, promotion and delivery of learning programs for councils across NSW.

📌 Permanent Part-Time Opportunity (4 days per week)

KEY DUTIES
✏️ Build and maintain trusted relationships with council stakeholders to understand learning needs and priorities
✏️ Prepare tailored training proposals that translate identified needs into practical fit-for-purpose learning solutions
✏️ Support the design and delivery of learning programs and events
✏️ Identify and progress opportunities to enhance and expand the learning program offerings
✏️ Maintain a strong network of facilitators and subject matter experts, and support the effective engagement of external consultants to deliver quality programs

📅 Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday, 6 November 2026.

More info OR apply now > https://bit.ly/4iiJXun

26/10/2026

The countdown is on. ⏰

This year's Annual Conference keynote speakers bring expertise spanning economics, leadership and organisational change, offering fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing councils and communities.

👇 Swipe through to meet the keynote speakers joining us in Wollongong.

Registrations close Friday 30 October, so this is your last chance to secure your spot and be part of the conversation.

23/10/2026

FLASHBACK FRIDAY ✨ Human Resources Conference 2026

We're taking a look back at highlights from the LGNSW HR Conference, held in Sydney last month from 23-25 September.

The conference provided an opportunity to discuss emerging trends and practical strategies shaping the future of human resource management in local government.

📸 Take a look back at some of our favourite moments below 👇

🔗 View full photo gallery > bit.ly/3TuMwB1

21/10/2026

Expert guidance for Local Government careers

Understanding the diverse entry points into local government is our expertise.

LGNSW's Workforce Development team provides tailored advice and recommendations on starting a career and navigating pathways, including required skills and accredited qualifications in VET and Higher Education.

Learn more or reach out to the team for advice > bit.ly/49IuSQj