Service Planning for Local Government

This course offers a comprehensive and practical exploration of service planning within a council’s integrated planning and reporting framework. Designed for local government professionals, it equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of council services.

Delivered across four structured modules, the course covers core topics including service planning principles, prioritisation of services, financial management, risk assessment, and performance monitoring. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how service planning supports strategic objectives, informs resource allocation, and enhances community outcomes.

Through interactive workshops and real-world case studies, learners will engage in hands-on activities that simulate the development, monitoring, and reporting of service plans. These practical exercises are tailored to the local government context, ensuring participants can directly apply their learning to their own organisational challenges.

The course also highlights the distinct but complementary roles of elected members and council officers in shaping service delivery, supported by budgeting decisions. By fostering a shared understanding of responsibilities and processes, the course supports more informed, transparent, and collaborative planning across all levels of council leadership.

What are the course learning outcomes?

Learning outcomes:

Relate service planning principles to a councils’ integrated planning framework.
Understand the role of elected members and officers in the council service planning and budgeting process.
Understand different components of a service plan including service levels, financials and risks.
Explore the importance of service reporting, monitoring and assessment to achieve effectiveness and efficiency.

What core topics are offered?

Service Planning introduction
Prioritising Council services
Current service reporting approaches
Understanding service levels
Developing service plans
Understanding the cost of services
Service performance monitoring and reporting
Reviewing services
Incorporating service planning in the budget process

Who is this course suited to?

This course is suited to council management and staff directly and indirectly involved in service planning related activities including business improvement teams, governance officers, council directors and managers. The course is aimed at participants looking to gain insight into local government service planning by implementing a service planning framework to guide decision making.

What are the course credentials?

Participants will receive a digital badge upon successful completion of the course which can be shared across various online platforms so you can showcase your demonstrated skills and achievements.

What does my course schedule look like?

This course is delivered online providing multiple touchpoints and reflective activities to apply the learnings in your work context.

Note: Delivered on non-consecutive days.

Day 1: 2-hour virtual session
Day 2: 2-hour virtual session
Day 3: 2-hour virtual session
Day 4: 2-hour virtual session

Commitment to all sessions within this course is essential for an optimised learning experience.

Upcoming courses

Date	Duration	Location	Cost	Register now
10 July - 31 July	2 hrs per week (4 weeks)	Online	$1500 (100% off at checkout)	Register now

By registering for the course, you acknowledge the registration terms and conditions, including eligibility and cancellation policy.

If this time does not suit, subscribe to the newsletter for alerts on upcoming courses and webinars. To discuss custom training requirements, contact the QTC Education team by emailing education@qtc.com.au

"The hard-earned experiences of the public servant presenters offers the advantage of a learning experience tailored to the unique culture, challenges and practices of work within the public service."