Key Dates

IPART to provide the Minister for Local Government and the Premier with a final report by 16 October 2015. Findings will be publicly released following Cabinet approval.

Councils have until 18 November 2015 to make a final submission on the findings of the IPART report and to confirm any merger preferences.

The Government has committed to finalising its position on local government reform by the end of the year.

The Panel delivers their final report and recommendations. Blue Mountains City Council is recommended for 'no change' due to its specialised role in managing urban areas within national parks.

A reform package of up to $1 billion announced by the NSW Government, providing support and incentives to help each council become Fit for the Future.

The NSW Government announces the appointment of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to perform the role of independent expert panel to assess Fit for the Future proposals against set criteria.

Councils are required to lodge Fit for the Future proposals to IPART by 30 June 2015.

Blue Mountains City Council's Fit for the Future proposal will be publicly available from this site and also on the IPART website. Community members wishing to provide comment on the Council's proposal can make a submission to IPART prior to 31 July 2015.

Councils begin to implement their roadmap for improvement based on NSW Government decisions.