See payment options below.
Overview
The LGA50120 Diploma of Local Government is a nationally recognised qualification designed to support Local Government Officers to develop a strong, practical understanding of how Local Government operates within a legislative and governance framework.
The qualification is suited to Officers who have developed capability through workplace experience or prior study and are seeking to strengthen their understanding of Local Government systems, responsibilities and decision‑making in practice. It supports applied learning for professionals who are ready to formalise their experience and build confidence working across Local Government functions.
Delivered by experienced Local Government practitioners, the Diploma focuses on developing knowledge, professional judgement and practical skills that can be applied directly in the workplace. Learning is fully contextualised to the Western Australian Local Government sector.
Developed in accordance with the Local Government Training Package (LGA), the qualification is approved by the Training Accreditation Council (TAC).
Learning Outcomes
Through completion of the Diploma, participants develop the capability to:
- Understand and apply Local Government legislation and governance frameworks
- Provide advice and support informed decision making
- Contribute to policy and procedure development
- Engage effectively with communities and stakeholders
- Manage risk, compliance and service delivery responsibilities
- Work confidently across teams, departments and functional areas
Specialist Streams
The Diploma of Local Government offers two specialist streams aligned to current workforce needs.
Community Consultation and Engagement
This stream supports Officers involved in community engagement activities to strengthen their capability in governance‑aligned consultation practices. Participants build skills to plan, lead and evaluate community engagement processes that inform decision‑making and service delivery.
Town Planning
This stream addresses an identified skills gap within Local Government by developing capability to support statutory planning functions. Participants build skills to interpret planning legislation and schemes, undertake minor development assessment activities, and support heritage and cultural asset protection.
Learn more about the Diploma of Local Government (Planning).
Course Information
To enrol in this qualification, participants must:
- Have completed Year 12 or equivalent and/or another tertiary qualification
- Be employed by a Western Australian Local Government
Participants also require intermediate Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills to successfully participate in training and assessment.
The Diploma is delivered through structured weekly training sessions facilitated by a qualified Trainer and Assessor. Sessions are conducted via Zoom, supporting accessibility and regular engagement.
Learning is competency‑based and applied to the participant’s Local Government workplace. Training is delivered across study terms, with scheduled study‑free periods and holiday breaks included to support sustainable participation over the duration of the qualification.
Town Planning units commence with a two‑day face‑to‑face workshop delivery at WALGA in West Leederville.
Each participant is provided with an individualised Training and Assessment Plan outlining all workshops, assessment requirements and due dates for each Unit of Competency.
Assessment tasks are individual and workplace‑based, aligned directly to the participant’s Local Government role.
Assessment methods may include knowledge assessments, project work, scenarios and direct observation. Tasks are designed to support practical application of learning and require access to Local Government systems, records and policies. Participants should allow approximately 10 hours each week for reading, research and completion of assessment activities. The time required may vary depending on each student’s study skills and level of experience within the sector.
Participants are encouraged to seek support from their supervisor, manager or CEO prior to enrolment to ensure appropriate workplace access and support throughout the course.
LGA50120 Diploma of Local Government
- On successful completion of this course and if you have been found to be competent in relation to each of the Units of Competency you will be issued with an AQF Qualification LGA50120 Diploma of Local Government.
LGA50120 Diploma of Local Government (Planning)
- On successful completion of this course and if you have been found to be competent in relation to each of the Units of Competency you will be issued with an AQF Qualification LGA50120 Diploma of Local Government (Planning).
- On successful completion of the Town Planning Specialisation Stream ONLY and if you have been found to be competent in relation to the three Town Planning Units of Competency you will be issued with a Statement of Attainment (SoA).
Units of Competency
The Diploma of Local Government is nationally recognised within the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) and consists of 12 Units of Competency (UoC), five (5) core and seven (7) elective units.
- BSBXCM501 Lead communication in the workplace (Core)
- BSBOPS505 Manage organisational customer service (Core)
- LGAREG003 Manage conflict situations in a regulatory environment
- LGACOR001 Work in local government (Core)
- PSPLEG003 Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
- LGACOR005 Represent council in the community
- LGACOR008 Provide advice to council
- BSBOPS504 Manage business risk (Core)
- BSBWHS521 Ensure a safe workplace for a work area (Core)
- PSPGEN075 Build and maintain community relationships
- LGACOR007 Conduct community consultations
- CHCCDE010 Develop and lead community engagement strategies to enhance participation
- LGAPLA001 Interpret and apply development planning legislation, schemes and instruments
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LGAPLA002 Perform minor development assessments
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LGAPLA005 Protect heritage and cultural assets
Training Type and Fees
This qualification is available as a New Worker Traineeship for eligible employees and is funded through Jobs and Skills WA.
The traineeship pathway is commonly used to support new or recently appointed Local Government employees, combining structured, on‑the‑job learning with nationally recognised training.
This pathway enables Local Governments to build workforce capability while employees develop practical skills and knowledge within their role and organisational context.
The traineeship pathway is typically suited where:
- a new employee requiring a deeper understanding of the Local Government legislative framework
- a professional from outside the sector commencing their Local Government career
- eligibility requirements for a traineeship are met
- the organisation is building intermediate capability within the workforce
- structured development is required alongside day‑to‑day work
Key features of the traineeship pathway include:
- subsidised training costs for eligible employees
- workplace‑based assessment aligned to the trainee’s Local Government role
- support and guidance for employers and trainees through an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider
- potential access to employer incentive payments, subject to eligibility
Training delivery, assessment and learner support align with the standard qualification delivery model.
Employers and employees interested in the traineeship option are encouraged to contact WALGA Training for advice on eligibility, registration and next steps.
Indicative Fees*
- $5.79 per nominal hour
Total fees are approx. $3,500.00 - $4,100.00 over 2 years, depending on the selected stream of study.
*The student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as resource fees and others. These must be charged in accordance with the Fees and Charges Policy.
The Diploma qualification is not eligible for a concession fee rate.
The fee‑for‑service option is available for participants who are not eligible for a traineeship, or where a Local Government chooses to self‑fund the training as a targeted professional development investment.
This option is suitable for Officers with a few years’ experience, and where the traineeship pathway is not appropriate due to eligibility, timing or workforce planning considerations.
Local Governments often select the fee‑for‑service pathway where:
- an Officer wishing to upskill and further progress their career through formal training
- the qualification forms part of a structured workforce development or succession planning strategy
- training is aligned to organisational priorities or identified skill gaps
The Diploma supports capability development across governance, legislation, risk management, community engagement and service delivery, contributing to improved organisational performance and long‑term workforce capability.
Fees
Nationally recognised training is GST free and fully tax deductible.
- Option 1*: $12,000.00 – Payment made by student or upfront by the Local Government with one purchase order submitted at enrolment
- Option 2: 3x payments of $4,500.00 (total $13,500.00) - Payment is made by the Local Government in three equal instalments, with a purchase order required for each instalment at enrolment.
- Town Planning Specialist Stream Units ONLY
Option 3*: $4,500.00 – Payment made by student or upfront by the Local Government with one purchase order submitted at enrolment
*Payment plans are available. If an individual wishes to pay for their own course fee, WALGA Training must limit individual payment to a maximum of $1,500.00 per payment to protect fees paid in advance.
Course Brochure
For full course details, including delivery structure, assessment, and support information, download the course brochure.
Future Leaders Scholarship
WALGA Training is proud to launch the Future Leaders Scholarship.
The Future Leaders Scholarship supports Local Government Officers to undertake the LGA50120 Diploma of Local Government, strengthening capability across governance, legislation and decision-making.
The program is designed for practical application in the workplace, equipping participants with the knowledge, judgement and confidence to contribute effectively to governance processes, manage risk, and engage with stakeholders in complex Local Government environments.
Developed in close consultation with the WA Local Government sector, the qualification reflects current workforce needs and supports Officers to progress from operational experience to professional expertise.
Upcoming Course Dates
| Dates | Delivery Method | Duration | Fees | Location | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 3 September 2026 (Registrations close on Tuesday, 25 August 2026) | Virtual | N/A |
See payment options below. |
Blended delivery method | Register here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Trainers and Assessors provide support to learners throughout their study term during class time and through follow-up emails or chats on designated training days. Additionally, the WALGA Training support team is available to answer questions, issue regular progress reports to both students and supervisors, and address any arising issues to ensure successful program completion.
