LGA50120 Diploma of Local Government (Planning)

Nationally Recognised Training
Virtual
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Friday, 6 June 2025 or Thursday, 24 July 2025 or Thursday, 31 July 2025 or Friday, 22 August 2025
Blended delivery method.

See payment options below.


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Overview

The Diploma of Local Government (Planning) has been developed through extensive consultation with the Local Government sector. This vocational training pathway is designed to provide practical knowledge and technical skills and is fully contextualised for Local Government in Western Australia.  

The program is delivered by professionals with extensive expertise in their respective fields. By learning from our passionate subject matter experts, participants can use this program as a stepping stone towards further study or a higher education degree. 

This 18-month Diploma program is specifically designed for Local Government Officers who have worked in an administrative, technical or supporting role related to Town Planning for the past few years and now wish to advance their career by obtaining a formal nationally recognised qualification. 

The program equips participants with the skills and tools necessary to understand Local Government legislation including planning schemes and instruments, interpret relevant compliance requirements, contribute to policy and procedure development, engage effectively with the community, and work efficiently across teams and departments. Officers will learn to navigate the complex structure of Local Government frameworks and apply governance principles to ensure compliance in their roles. 

The specialisation in Town Planning will prepare Officers to undertake minor planning assessments and develop an understanding on how Local Governments manage the protection of heritage and cultural assets. 

The qualification has been developed according to the requirements of the Local Government Training Package (LGA) and has been approved for delivery by the Training Accreditation Council (TAC).

Entry Requirement

  • Completion of Year 12 or equivalent or the completion of the Certificate III in Local Government or similar.
  • Currently employed at a WA Local Government in an administrative support role ideally in the Planning Team.

Course Duration

The recommended timeframe to complete the Diploma of Local Government is 18 months. However, participants have the flexibility to complete the program in as little as 12 months or extend it to 24 months, depending on class availability.

Training Program Outline

The Diploma of Local Government is nationally recognised within the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) and consists of 12 Units of Competency (AQF), five (5) core and seven (7) elective units.

  • Foundation Unit - Zoom
    • LGACOR001 Work in local government (Core)
  • Town Planning Units - Workshops at WALGA
    • LGAPLA001 Interpret and apply development planning legislation, schemes and instrument
    • LGAPLA002 Perform minor development assessments
    • LGAPLA005 Protect heritage and cultural assets
  • Communication & Customers in Local Government - Zoom
    • BSBXCM501 Lead communication in the workplace (Core)
    • BSBOPS505 Manage organisational customer service (Core)
    • LGAREG003 Manage conflict situations in a regulatory environment
  • Understanding Governance in Local Government - Zoom
    • PSPLEG003 - Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
    • LGACOR005 - Represent council in the community
    • LGACOR008 - Provide advice to council
  • Managing Sector Specific Risks & WHS - Zoom
    • BSBOPS504 Manage business risk (Core)
    • BSBWHS521 Ensure a safe workplace for a work area (Core)

Training Delivery

This program is delivered through a variety of learning methods including weekly virtual classroom sessions (Zoom), online resources, self-paced research, class preparation and regular mentoring support. The three (3) Town Planning units start off with a 2-day workshop at WALGA in West Leederville before continuing with weekly classroom session. The program is not available as a self-paced option.

Certification

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.

Training Program Cost

The cost of the Diploma program includes all training sessions (face to face at WALGA and via ZOOM), training resources, individual student support and assessment fees. 

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LGA50120 Diploma of Local Government (Planning) - 18 months
Option 1Payment made by the Local Government* upfront with 1 Purchase Order$12,000.00**
Option 2Payments made over 3 equal payments - only available if purchase orders have been issued by the Local Government on enrolment3 payments of $4,500.00** (total $13,500.00)
Option 3Town Planning units only*** including Assessments; Payment made by the Local Government* upfront with 1 Purchase Order$4,500.00
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*If an individual wishes to pay for their own course fee, WALGA Training will limit individual payment to a maximum of $1500.00 per payment.

**nationally recognised training is GST free.

***If you are completing Option 3, Town Planning units only, you will be issued with a Statement of Attainment on successful completion.

Download Course Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can study the Diploma of Local Government program part-time while working. You have the option to extend the program to 24 months by taking a break from study. To do this, confirm your Training and Assessment plan during enrolment and pre-select non-study terms. During the enrolment process, speak with our Student Services Team to discuss your situation and indicate which term you wish to take a study break. Please be aware that during your selected study term, you still need to allow for approx. 10 hours per week for reading & research and preparing for individual assessment tasks.

WALGA Training offers the Diploma of Local Government and/or the Diploma of Local Government (Planning). Each program has set elective units.

No, this program is highly specialised and WALGA Training has developed all units based on our expertise, WA legislation and our scope of registration.

The Planning units are delivered in practical hands on workshops at WALGA in West Leederville whilst all other training is primarily delivered through our virtual classroom via Zoom, ensuring regional Officers have easy access to the program. To participate, you will need a quiet room or study area, a laptop or PC with a camera and audio capabilities, and a reliable WiFi connection. Each participant will receive a unique login to our designated Student Portal (aXcelerate), where they can access all resources, the learning plan, Zoom access codes, and assessment tools from anywhere in WA.

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.

Not at this stage.

The RPL process implemented by WALGA Training is based on Assessment Only. Participants will be required to complete all assessment activities for each Unit. Contact WALGA Training to establish if you have sufficient knowledge and practical experience to meet the Unit requirements. The cost for the Assessment Only pathway is $ 500.00 per Unit. This excludes any learning resources or access to training sessions. It does include assessment marking and feedback of assessments.
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Need More Information?

Contact the WALGA Training team and have a chat about your options

  • Call us on 08 9213 2098
  • Email us by filling out the contact us form below

Upcoming Course Dates

Dates Delivery Method Duration Fees Register
Friday, 6 June 2025 (Registrations close on Tuesday, 20 May) Virtual N/A See payment options above Register here
Thursday, 24 July 2025 (Registrations close on Tuesday, 8 July) Virtual N/A See payment options above Register here
Thursday, 31 July 2025 (Registrations close on Tuesday, 15 July) Virtual N/A See payment options above Register here
Friday, 29 August 2025 (Registrations close on Tuesday, 12 August) Virtual N/A See payment options below Register here
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