The NSW Government is moving ahead with integrated planning and reporting reforms it says will improve the financial sustainability of local councils.

In Hobart today, NSW Minister for Local Government, Paul Lynch outlined the NSW reforms to a meeting of Commonwealth, State and Territory ministers.

Mr Lynch acknowledged that financial sustainability was a serious issue facing local government across Australia and said the Iemma Government “is working with local councils to create a consistent asset management program”.

“By improving asset management practices, councils will have a better understanding of maintenance requirements and when they will need to be replaced or renewed,” he said.

He said the improvements would mean councils could better determine whether extra funding is needed and how those funds might be sourced.

The Minister singled out a number of councils he said were well-advanced in asset management planning including Waverley, Campbelltown and the Blue Mountains.

Under the proposed Integrated Planning and Reporting reforms, councils will develop:

• a long-term (10-year minimum) Community Strategic Plan setting out community priorities
• a 4-year Delivery Program to establish the activities undertaken by a council during its term, consistent with the Strategic Plan
• a 1-year Operational Plan
• an asset management strategy
• a long-term financial plan (10-year minimum)
• a work force plan