NZ Government proposes 4% cap on council rates increases
Hume Council action results in VCAT orders against illegal earthworks
Nth Grampians to review community care services
Historic Lambton dive tower closed over safety concerns
Bendigo launches new emergency dashboard
Large scale event approval for Marrickville club
New Coonamble Shire GM starts work
Moreton Bay platypus project reveals surprising results
Hepburn Shire approves sale of surplus properties
NZ: The New Zealand Government has announced plans to limit annual council rates increases to a maximum of 4% under a new regulatory model aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures on ratepayers.
Local Government Minister Simon Watts says the proposed system will establish a target range for rates increases, initially set between 2% and 4% per capita annually. The cap will apply from January 2027, with full regulatory implementation by July 2029.
Under the model, councils won’t be able to exceed the upper limit without permission from a government-appointed regulator. Exemptions will only be granted in extreme circumstances, such as natural disasters.
Watts warns that officials will monitor rates rises nationwide once legislation is enacted next year, and councils proposing increases beyond the cap may face intervention under the Local Government Act.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Local Government New Zealand’s interim chief executive Scott Necklen says the flexible approach is somewhat reassuring, but wants assurance the policy won’t affect councils’ ability to invest in core infrastructure.
Opposition parties have criticised the proposal. Labour’s Tangi Utikere warns it will force councils to hike fees or cut services altogether, while the Greens’ Celia Wade-Brown says capping rates does nothing to fix decades of infrastructure underinvestment.
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz notes that several councils are rebuilding infrastructure after severe weather events and need flexibility to deliver critical services in a timely way.
Targeted consultation with stakeholders begins today and runs through February 2026.
Sources:
1 News; Radio New Zealand; Stuff
VIC: The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has issued enforcement orders stopping illegal earthworks on three Sunbury properties.
The orders follow Hume City Council action over works that breached planning rules designed to protect the environment.
No further earthworks can proceed without council approval or a planning permit.
Council will monitor the sites to ensure compliance and thanked residents for their vigilance.
VIC: Northern Grampians Shire Council will review its community care services in light of major federal aged care reforms.
The new Aged Care Act shifts funding from block grants to fee-for-service models, allowing clients to choose their own providers, and CEO Brent McAlister says the council must determine whether to remain a service provider or shift to advocacy and navigation roles.
Community engagement will begin in January with surveys and workshops in Stawell and St Arnaud.
No decisions have been made yet, and the council emphasises this is a genuine consultation process.
NSW: The historic dive tower at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre has been temporarily closed following safety concerns raised by SafeWork NSW with the City of Newcastle.
Built in 1963, the tower is one of only two heritage diving facilities still operating in Australia. SafeWork inspections identified fall and slip risks on the tower and springboards.
The city is now conducting a risk assessment and consulting with the local dive club’s 70 members about the facility’s future.
VIC: The City of Greater Bendigo has unveiled a new Emergency Dashboard on its website to help residents access critical information during bushfires, floods, and other emergencies.
The dashboard features real-time warnings, weather updates, road closures, and relief centre locations, all in one mobile-friendly platform.
It draws information from trusted sources including VicEmergency, SES, and CFA.
The City has also released new ‘What’s Your Plan?’ guides to help families and businesses prepare emergency plans and kits.
NSW: The Sydney Portugal Community Club in Marrickville has been approved by Inner West Council to host large-scale outdoor events.
The club can now hold five events with up to 5,000 patrons and ten smaller events with up to 3,500 patrons annually.
Mayor Darcy Byrne says it will strengthen the Inner West’s position as Sydney’s live music and entertainment hub.
The club aims to celebrate Portuguese culture while contributing to Marrickville’s diverse community.
NSW: Greg Hill has commenced his new role as General Manager of Coonamble Shire Council, moving from his previous role at Central Darling Shire.
Mayor Daniel Keady welcomed Mr Hill to the council today, and thanked outgoing Interim General Manager Phillip Perram for his contribution to the shire in recent months.
QLD: An innovative platypus monitoring project has revealed the platypus population in City of Moreton Bay is more widespread than initially thought.
The project has confirmed the presence of platypus – a species known for its elusive behaviour – in at least 37 creeks and rivers across the City.
It even positively detected platypus DNA in Conflagration Creek at a major industrial area.
The project – now in its third year – will help Council to safeguard platypus habitat though proactive management of the species and their environment to aid long-term survival.
VIC: Hepburn Shire Council has approved the sale of seven surplus properties, five of which have been earmarked for affordable housing development.
The decision follows community consultation that began in July 2025.
Proceeds from the sales will fund a financial reserve to support future grant applications.
Rea Lands Reserve in Daylesford will remain a public park after significant community feedback in support of its retention.