See payment options below.
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.
| LGA50120 Diploma of Local Government (Planning) - 18 months | ||
|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | Payment made by the Local Government* upfront with 1 Purchase Order | $12,000.00** |
| Option 2 | Payments made over 3 equal payments - only available if purchase orders have been issued by the Local Government on enrolment | 3 payments of $4,500.00** (total $13,500.00) |
| Option 3 | Town Planning units only*** including Assessments; Payment made by the Local Government* upfront with 1 Purchase Order | $4,500.00 |
*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.
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.
Upcoming Course Dates
| Dates | Delivery Method | Duration | Fees | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
