Local government regulations sunset review

We are undertaking a review of local government regulations prior to their expiry in 2027 and are seeking your feedback.

Regulations automatically expire (or ‘sunset’) after 10 years, unless an exemption from expiry applies. The Local Government Regulation 2012 (LGR) and City of Brisbane Regulation 2012 (COBR) are due to expire on 31 August 2027. Carrying out a sunset review allows the department to determine if and how the regulations should be remade.

The purpose of the review is to determine if the regulations are still required, if they remain effective and efficient, and whether they impact competition for local government.

As part of the LGR and COBR review, the department will consider whether proposed changes are likely to have any adverse impacts on stakeholders.

Discussion paper

To inform the review, the department is seeking feedback on a range of specific questions in the LGR and COBR discussion paper by 12 February 2026.

• Read the discussion paper Local government regulations review (PDF, 1MB)
• Review the full list of questions at Appendix 1 of the discussion paper.

Feedback may also be provided on any aspect of the regulations.

The discussion paper covers the following key areas:

• Local government areas, names, classification and representation
• Business of local governments
• Rates and charges
• Financial planning and accountability
• Contracting
• Administration.

How to provide feedback

Email your comments or submission to localgovernmentpolicy@dlgwv.qld.gov.au

Please note: Your name and submission may be published on the department’s webpage, which will mean it can be viewed publicly. You can request for your name to be withheld from your published submission, or for both your name and your submission to be kept confidential (i.e. not published).

More information

For further information on the discussion paper or the sunset review process, please email localgovernmentpolicy@dlgwv.qld.gov.au.

Next steps

We will consider the feedback on the discussion paper as part of the development of the new regulations.