A message from Chris Eddy, host of the Local Government News Roundup:
Regrettably, your intrepid podcaster has lost his voice!
This unfortunate development has delayed the return of the Local Government News Roundup podcast.
In recent days, I’ve been planning a bumper catchup episode which I had hoped to bring you by now.
While I wait for my voice to return, I am happy to share everything that would have made the podcast this weekend.
Please read on for a look at the major local government news stories from recent weeks, including results of the direct mayoral elections in NSW.
Thanks for your understanding.
I hope to be back with you on the podcast soon.
VICTORIA:
It’s election time in Victoria.
Postal ballots are going out from next week, with voting closing on Friday 25th October.
By early November we’ll should be getting a picture of how the new councils are taking shape, with final results expected to be declared by the 15th November.
At the close of nominations last month, there were 2,230 candidates, believed to be the highest for council elections this century.
Analysis by Rhys Thomas at the VLGA shows there are 875 women candidates, which is short of the target of 1,000. Rhys Thomas, LinkedIn
Councils are now in the election period, commonly known as caretaker period, as candidates focus on their campaigns.
The VEC issued a warning about the use of AI during election campaigns. Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel urged voters to think critically about campaign material, and encouraged candidates to be transparent in the use of AI generated or AI modified material.
In Banyule, election period rules have come into focus with news that two artists participating in an exhibition were removed from promotional materials because they are also running for election to the council.
While the event is partly funded by the Council, the Age reported that some see the decision as overstepping the election period responsibilities.
47 candidates have been elected to Victorian councils across 42 uncontested wards, including all positions on Yarriambiack Shire Council, and six of seven positions on Corangamite Shire Council. ABC News
The Greek Herald has reported on fears of ‘dummy candidates’ at these elections, citing an example from Yarra Council that it claims is aimed at “inflating votes for certain individuals.
In councillor conduct news, the former mayor of Hobsons Bay Peter Hemphill was suspended for one month after an arbiter determined that he engaged in misconduct.
The long term councillor, first elected in the late 90s, has not renominated for election. In fact, only two current Hobsons Bay councillors have nominated this time around, guaranteeing major change for that council. Star Weekly
Another former mayor, Moonee Valley councillor Samantha Byrne, was suspended for 14 days after an arbiter found she had breached three standards of conduct. Cr Byrne is standing for re-election this month. Moonee Valley City Council
Nillumbik Shire councillor Richard Stockman resigned from the council on 11th September, with immediate effect, leaving a vacant position for the remaining weeks of the council term.
Mr Stockman is attempting to switch to Whittlesea City Council, where he is one of eight nominations for Bundoora Ward. Nillumbik Shire Council
He’s one of two councillors attempting to change municipalities – Fiona Stevens, currently at Mitchell Shire has nominated for a position on Strathbogie Shire Council.
Municipal monitors will be appointed to Casey, Whittlesea, and Strathbogie councils to guide newly elected councillors in governance practices following October elections. Victorian Government
In executive news, experienced Council CEO Michael Tudball has stepped in at Darebin City Council as interim CEO, replacing recently departed CEO Peter Smith. Darebin City Council
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla and Horsham Rural City Council mutually agreed to part ways in early September.
Mr Bhalla had been CEO since March 2018, and left to spend more time with family and to establish a charity to support the welfare of young girls in rural India. Horsham Rural City Council
The council has since appointed former Greater Bendigo CEO Craig Neimann as interim chief executive officer until the incoming council makes a permanent appointment. Mr Neimann stepped in to the role this week. Horsham Rural City Council
And Baw Baw Shire CEO Mark Dupe has been granted a one year extension to his contract by the council. The extension takes him through to May 2026 in the position.
In other stories to make news during September:
Greater Dandenong City Council is appealing a court ruling over its bid to have I Cook Foods’ lawsuit thrown out. Dandenong Star Journal
Eight of Hume City Council‘s eleven councillors asked the government to introduce new rules to prevent serial non-attendance in person at council meetings. The Age
Colac Otway Shire Council and the Colac Herald agreed to work to reset a constructive working relationship. It followed a report that generated negative online comment towards Council staff and prompted a ban on responding to inquiries from the newspaper. Colac Otway Shire Council; ABC News
Brimbank Council will reportedly terminate its road maintenance agreement with the state government, after the department declined to increase its financial contribution. Brimbank Star Weekly
The Council was also disappointed with a decision of the Federal Government to approve a third runway at Melbourne Airport with having first commissioned an independent health impact assessment.
It said it had questions about the details of the conditional approval for the runway, particularly how and when the conditions imposed by the Minister will be enforced. Brimbank City Council
The Mayor and CEO of Cardinia Shire Council refuted claims from a councillor of a conflict of interest in the process to name new suburb Honora. Cardinia Shire Council
The MAV warned that children’s vaccination programs are at risk due to the introduction of state government fees for councils to access central immunisation records. Municipal Association of Victoria
Victoria’s Local Government Inspectorate announced that it had finalised its investigation into allegations relating to Hepburn Shire Council’s involvement with the Rex Theatre development, and will not be taking any further action.
The allegations were made in 2019, since which time the LGI says it has undertaken a rigorous investigation, with the cooperation of the council and its councillors.
In a statement, the Inspectorate said the Chief Municipal Inspector concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove to the requisite standard of proof the commission of any disciplinary breaches or criminal offences contrary to the 1989 Act.
NSW:
NSW Council elections were held on 14th September.
With postal votes accepted until the 27th September, most results have been declared this week, apart from a few uncontested elections.
Here on the outcomes of the 37 directly elected mayoral contests.
In Ballina Shire, Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has been re-elected 68 per cent of the vote in the final count.
Russell Fitzpatrick, the independent incumbent mayor of Bega Valley, was directly elected for the first time, after preferences got him to 50.12% of the count.
Bellingen mayor Steve Allen was also re-elected with 68% of the vote in a two horse race.
Tom Kennedy, the mayor of Broken Hill, polled very strongly to be re-elected, with more than 70% of first preference votes, against two candidates including LGNSW President Darriea Turley.
Burwood voters strongly endorsed John Faker to continue as that council’s mayor.
It was a tight mayoral race in Byron, with the Greens Sarah Ndiaye successful after preferences, over the ALP’s Asren Pugh. Incumbent mayor Michael Lyon, who was in the news from the wrong reasons prior to the election, did not poll well, coming last on first preferences.
He has however retained his seat on the council, and is due to face court in March on domestic assault charges.
Michael Megna, the Liberal mayor of Canada Bay since January when former Mayor Angelo Tsirakis was removed in a conduct scandal, will continue in the position after another tight race.
He was declared the winner, over the ALP’s Andrew Ferguson, by less than 900 votes.
At Cessnock, Independent Daniel Watton won the mayoral vote over incumbent Jay Suvaal after distribution of preferences.
Independent Nikki Williams is the new mayor of Coffs Harbour, defeating incumbent Paul Amos after preferences were distributed.
Another incumbent defeated, this time in Dungog Shire, where Digby Rayward is the new mayor.
The former mayor John Connors trailed in third place on first preferences.
Mathew Hatcher, the independent mayor of Eurobodalla Shire has been returned after distribution of preferences.
Frank Carbone was easily returned as the Mayor of Fairfield Council.
And Ned Mannoun was safe in the mayoral election for Liverpool Council.
Both of those elections were conducted by the Australian Election Company, and not the NSW Electoral Commission.
Incumbent Griffith mayor Doug Curran has been returned, but that was another tight race. The final margin over independent Anne Napoli was 1.5%.
The new mayor of Hornsby Shire is Warren Waddell, the Liberal candidate succeeding Phillip Ruddock.
Zac Miles was easily returned as mayor of Hunters Hill Council.
Kinne Ring has been elected mayor of Kempsey Shire after distribution of preferences.
ALP candidate Adam Shultz has won the mayoral vote at Lake Macquarie from a field of six candidates.
High profile mayor Steve Kreig was returned to the top position at Lismore Council.
Another returning mayor is Philip Penfold at Maitland City Council.
Mosman voters have elected Ann Marie Kimber as their new mayor.
A changing of the guard at Newcastle, with Independent Ross Kerridge defeating incumbent ALP mayor Nuatali Nelmes after distribution of preferences.
Nambucca Valley has a new mayor. Gary Lee was successful in a field of four new candidates for the position.
With no incumbent in the race at Orange, we have another first time mayor. Independent Tony Mileto won the vote from a seven person field, with preferences needed to determine the outcome.
Port Macquarie-Hastings has a new mayor, with incumbent Peta Pinson not contesting this election. Independent Adam Roberts got the nod from a field of four candidates.
The ALP’s Leah Anderson won the mayoral vote at Port Stephens Council.
Richmond Valley voters have chosen independent Robert Mustow to continue as mayor.
Liberal Trenton Brown has been returned as mayor of Ryde City Council. It was first time that council has held a direct election for mayor.
Incumbent mayor of Shellharbour Council, Chris Homer, polled strongly to be returned to the position at that city.
Patricia White has won the contest to be the new mayor of Shoalhaven, with the retirement of former mayor Amanda Findley.
Singleton Mayor Sue Moore was returned, seeing off two challengers in that contest.
It’s an unprecedented sixth term for Clover Moore as Lord Mayor of Sydney.
Michelle Byrne has been elected the new mayor of The Hills Shire, succeeding Dr Peter Gandemi who did not contest the election. Ms Byrne returns to the role she has held three times previously.
Incumbent mayor of Uralla Shire, Robert Bell, was declared elected on 14th September as he was the only candidate for the position.
And then we have the three Ws…
Willoughby, where Tanya Taylor has been returned as mayor;
Wollondilly, with incumbent Matt Gould easily re-elected to the role;
and Wollongong, where Tania Brown received the tick of approval to take up the Lord Mayor position vacated by Gordon Bradbery.
Central Coast Council, Wingecarribee Shire Council and Balranald Shire Council have all come out of a period of administration and will soon be inducting their new councils.
In other NSW news:
Core council rate pegs for the 2025/26 financial year have been set by IPART.
They range from 3.6% to 5.1%, exceeding current and forward estimates for CPI in the 2-3% range.
LGNSW, the state’s peak body for councils, said the determination reflected further improvements to the methodology. LGNSW
The NSW Government has proposed to ban private councillor briefing sessions and strengthen lobbying guidelines as part of changes to a “fundamentally broken” Code of Conduct system.
A new model code of conduct would be considerably streamlined, remove the use of private investigators from the councillor conduct process, and give more power to mayors to expel councillors from meetings. Canberra Times; Office of Local Governmennt
A Liverpool City Council building was ruled out as the site of a cancer cluster, despite concerns about five workers who had developed thyroid cancer. An investigation found no identifiable health hazard in the building, concluding that the apparent cancer cluster likely occurred by chance. ABC News
Liverpool Council lost its court bid to stop the government from holding a public inquiry and potentially suspending the council. While it launched an appeal of that decision, the election for a new council was allowed to continue, and its understood a public inquiry will proceed. ABC News; Liverpool City Council
And in yet more Liverpool news, former CEO John Ajaka was confirmed to have launched legal action in Federal Court against the council, alleging unlawful termination. The Daily Telegraph said he had also filed a claim against the Council in the Land and Environment Court.
QUEENSLAND:
Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson has been given a show cause notice from the state government, flagging an intention to suspend him for 12 months.
It follows months of speculation about Mayor Thompson future in light of a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation, and calls from all sides of politics for him to step aside.
He has thus far refused to do so, and has indicated he would seek a court injunction to stop the suspension. ABC News
LGAQ said it was disappointed with a lack of consultation leading to the action, and that it was crucial any intervention was based on proper process, and sound and transparent reasoning. LGAQ
In September, Mayor Troy Thompson allegedly threatened to push for a dissolution of the council if councillors didn’t support a list of demands sent to them via an email. The Townsville Bulletin reported that the demands include support for a mayoral adviser position and claims against the interim CEO. Townsville Bulletin $
Mayor Thompson was also reported to have made allegations against the council’s interim CEO, that were denied. The Queensland Government then announced it would install an advisor to ensure the council fulfils its responsibilities. ABC News
Still in Townsville, and the council became one of the latest to end e-scooter arrangements, terminating its contract with Beam while an investigation into the company’s alleged non-compliance with contractual conditions continues. Townsville City Council
On the Sunshine Coast, Mayor Rosanna Natoli and her husband, councillor Joe Natoli, are reportedly under investigation by the Electoral Commission, after allegations were referred from the Crime and Corruption Commission.
The Courier Mail reported that the investigation relates to the alleged receipt of thousands of dollars in campaign donations from property developers.
The allegations were made in a complaint by Geoff Lynch, an unsuccessful candidate in the March council elections. Courier Mail$
North Burnett Regional Council appointed Craig Matheson as its new Chief Executive Officer, bringing over 35 years of experience in public policy, strategic leadership, and corporate governance to the role.
Mr Matheson has been interim CEO for three months, following the departure of Margot Stork in May in the wake of the March council elections.
He was previously with Sunshine Coast Council for 13 years.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood will put forward a motion to restore mayoral powers at the upcoming LGAQ Annual Conference.
The Cairns Post reported that Mayor Millwood’s motion aims to give mayors direct authority over council directors and management without CEO intervention, with the goal of reducing bureaucratic red tape and improving efficiency in handling community matters.
Cr Millwood argues that mayors, being elected by and accountable to the community, should have this power to address overdue projects and budget issues more effectively.
She said current processes, requiring the involvement of the CEO, are frustrating and inefficient.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden announced she would excuse herself from the process to recruit a new CEO. The council also confirmed that interim CEO John Andrejic will be an applicant for the position. Cairns Regional Council
Southern Downs Regional Council terminated the employment of CEO Dave Burges while he was on long service leave, in a Council decision that was not unanimous. Steve Johnston will continue as acting CEO during a recruitment process. Warwick Today
Redland City Council CEO Andrew Chesterman resigned after seven and a half years, effective September 13. Louise Rusan has been appointed as acting CEO during a recruitment process. Reports emerged that the early departure was due to professional differences with Mayor Jos Mitchell. Redland City Council; Courier Mail$
In what was described as a bombshell resignation, Professor Kerrie Freeman is leaving her position in the South Australian health system to become the new CEO of Brisbane City Council.
The Adelaide Advertiser reported that SA Health was reeling from the news, and scrambling to launch an immediate search for her replacement.
Queensland’s Electoral Commission issued apparent failure to vote notices to 35,000 people after the March council elections. ABC News
Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett has been elected as President of the Australian Local Government Association. He succeeds former City of Sydney Councillor Linda Scott who held the role for four years. Australian Local Government Association
TAS:
Burnie City Council has appointed Shane Crawford as its new General Manager, to succeed the retiring Simon Overland. Mr Crawford has been GM of Waratah-Wynyard Council for nearly seven years. Burnie City Council
Former Burnie Mayor Steve Kons resigned last month after 12 years on the council. The ex-MP quit his position with immediate effect, telling the Mercury it was an opportunity for someone new to work with the new general manager. The Mercury$
Tasmania’s Local Government Minister Nic Street said it is essential that bad behaviour at Tasmanian councils is dealt with, but it will take some time. He was responding to questions about how he would address council code of conduct issues at a parliamentary committee meeting. The Mercury$
Allegations of historical inappropriate conduct against a former Launceston mayor were revealed by an ABC investigation. Cr Danny Gibson resigned the mayoral position last year, a week after the ABC put questions to him about its investigation. ABC News
Launceston’s Mayor Matthew Garwood called on Cr Gibson to resign after the revelation of the allegations. ABC News
At Devonport, an attempt to bring a motion of no-confidence against Mayor Alison Jarman failed to get support in the chamber, according to the Advocate. Cr Leigh Murphy proposed the motion in a confidential council session, and its understood it did not achieve a seconder and therefore lapsed. The Advocate$
A CCTV partnership between the City of Hobart and Tasmanian police raised privacy concerns. Under the arrangement, Police will have real time access to hundreds of council owned cameras. The Guardian
SOUTH AUSTRALIA:
Town of Walkerville CEO Andrew McDonald resigned, and is returning to his hometown of Goolwa where he will be CEO of Alexandrina Council.
Mr McDonald leaves after a little over a year at Walkerville. He was previously CEO of Wakefield Regional Council for 4 years, and Kingston District Council for 5 years. Town of Walkerville; Alexandrina Council
South Australia’s City of Unley Council will restore a citizenship ceremony and awards to January 26, reversing an earlier decision to move the events to January 25. News.com.au
New draft laws introducing greater penalties for puppy farms and owners of wandering dogs have been introduced in South Australia. The Local Government Association has welcomed the new measures, which it says are largely consistent with its recommendations and advocacy on behalf of member councils. Local Government Association of South Australia
WESTERN AUSTRALIA:
The City of Rockingham has reversed its position on January 26 activities, deciding to hold future Australia Day ceremonies, including citizenship ceremonies, on the date in future.
The council previously resolved to move events away from that date. City of Rockingham
Joondalup City Council rejected an officer recommendation to support a 12 month e-scooter rideshare trial in the city. Councillors instead directed the CEO to investigate first and last mile micromobility options to support the community and economy.
Nedlands Mayor Fiona Argyle apologised over the use of a hashtag during last year’s mayoral election, which another council member claimed was a death threat. The West
Former CEO of the City of Stirling and the City of Melville, Ralph Fardon OAM has died. Tributes have highlighted his commitment to the sector and many roles and achievements. City of Stirling
Carl Askew resigned as CEO of Town of Port Hedland Council after nearly five years. He will remain until the end of November. Town of Port Hedland
It was then revealed that Mr Askew was heading to the Town of Victoria Park as its new CEO.
And Matthew McPherson was appointed as CEO for the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council, a body driving sustainability projects on behalf five member councils – Bassendean, Bayswater, Kalamunda, Mundaring and Swan.
NORTHERN TERRITORY:
City of Palmerston CEO Luccio Cercarelli has left the council to take up a new position as head of the NT Government’s department of housing, local government and community development. NT News
Cr Allison Bitar has been reinstated as an Elected Member at Alice Springs Town Council, after she temporarily stepped down to run as a candidate in the 2024 Northern Territory elections. Alice Springs Town Council
Global Roundup:
UK:
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has received the backing of nine UK mayors for his campaign to stop junk-food advertising.
The mayors from across the country have pledged to use their powers to ban advertisements on public transport.
Research shows the advertising of junk food is contributing to alarming childhood obesity levels in almost one in four children aged 10 and 11 in England. Obesity Health Alliance
The Liberal Democrats have lost their majority on a council in Hertfordshire, after eight female councillors resigned from the en masse.
The women at Dacorum Borough Council accused the group’s leader of failing to deal with allegations of bullying and sexual harassment, according to a BBC report.
The mass resignation followed the dismissal of complaints against a former council leader, who has denied the allegations. BBC News
EUROPE:
The backlash against over-tourism has continued this Summer across Europe, with many tourism hot-spots imposing new regulations, taxes and fines to deal with the impacts.
One of the latest developments comes from the Spanish city of Malaga which is cracking down in inappropriate dress standards.
Visitors are required to always wear an upper garment on streets and in public places, or risk a fine of 750 euros.
The city is also reminding tourists that sidewalks are for pedestrians, and to not be conspicuous when spending time in the city. TimeOut
USA:
The Mayor of New York City Eric Adams has been indicted on federal corruption charges.
He has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges.
A new poll now reveals that nearly 70% of New Yorkers think Mr Adams should resign, including over 70% of his own Democratic Party supporters.
The New York Post reported that 80% of respondents also believe he should not run for office again. New York Post
NZ:
Christchurch Council has appointed in its interim chief executive Mary Richardson to the position on an ongoing basis, until 30 June 2026.
Mayor Phil Mauger said Ms Richardson was asked to apply after the panel concluded interviews with a shortlist and chose now to make an appointment.
She has agreed to take on the role on a short term contract. Christchurch City Council
The mayor of Central Otago District Council has resigned after eight years for employment reasons.
Tim Cadogan made an emotional announcement during a Facebook Live broadcast, and said the timing of his departure is to save the council the cost of an expensive by-election.
A new mayor will be chosen by councillors in due course. Crux
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