A second Victorian Council in breach of the rate cap
New Yarra Ranges advocacy platform released
New guidelines for renewable energy projects: Murrindindi
UK Council CEO suspended
Murrundindi survey shows concern for proposed health merger
QLD Govt appoints adviser to Redland Council
VIC: Alpine Shire Council has confirmed the breach, blaming it on a system error that led to rates being calculated incorrectly.
The error resulted in an average rate increase of 3.96% instead of the mandated 3% cap, collecting an extra $168,304 from ratepayers.
The mistake occurred when a rating system provider applied a classification change earlier than advised, throwing off the base rate calculations.
Council CEO Will Jeremy said there was no intention to exceed the cap, and there’s no penalty or fine for the breach.
The Council will consider how to rectify the breach at its December.
It is likely that it will adjust next year’s rates to be at least $168,304 lower than they would otherwise be.
The breach is one of two reported by the Essential Services Commission in its report on the rate cap – in September this year, Hindmarsh Shire Council admitted to an error that saw it raise nearly $4,000 above the cap.
VIC: Yarra Ranges Council has endorsed a new advocacy platform to guide its conversations with State and Federal Governments ahead of the 2026 State Election.
The priorities include safe road crossings on state-managed roads, more affordable housing, additional funding for the Yarra Valley Trail, and better public transport.
Mayor Richard Higgins says the platform reflects community feedback and expert analysis.
Key asks include funding for a new aquatics facility to replace the closed Kilsyth Pool and pedestrian crossings along the Warburton Highway.
VIC: Murrindindi Shire Council has released draft guidelines for renewable energy development, open for community feedback until February 8, 2026.
The guidelines respond to growing concern about large-scale energy projects and their impact on farming, tourism, and the local landscape.
Deputy Mayor Anita Carr says the framework puts community values first, demanding genuine engagement, transparency, and tangible local benefits from developers.
The guidelines emphasise protection of significant landscapes, partnership with Traditional Owners, and clear criteria for project siting and decommissioning.
Council is urging all residents to review the draft and share their views on The Loop, their online engagement platform.
UK: Rochdale Council‘s chief executive, James Binks, has been suspended over allegations of inappropriate behaviour at Manchester City Council.
Council leader Neil Emmott announced the suspension on December 1st after an independent investigation substantiated a complaint. The complaint alleged that at last year’s Christmas event, Mr Binks was “inappropriately touching and grinding” against a junior female employee at the Dirty Martini bar.
The review found the atmosphere “sleazy” and “creepy.” HR director Mark Bennett witnessed the behaviour and intervened.
Councillor Emmott stated: “In light of these reports and the need to ensure that the reputation of the council is upheld, I have taken the decision to suspend James from work.”
Mr Binks, appointed to the £200,000 role in January, has apologised but denied any sexual element. Rochdale Council is following normal processes.
An acting chief executive will be confirmed while the monitoring officer examines the complaint.
Sources:
Rochdale Times – Chief executive suspended as Rochdale Council investigates complaint
Manchester Evening News – Council chief executive suspended over allegations of inappropriate behaviour
QLD: A governance adviser has been appointed to Redland City Council after it led Queensland with 114 councillor complaints in the last financial year.
Mayor Jos Mitchell has received at least 47 complaints since taking office in 2024, though she claims the anonymous system has been weaponised against her, according to the Brisbane Times.
The adviser will work with the council until May, focusing on leadership, communication, and councillor conduct.
Mayor Mitchell is also locked in a defamation lawsuit with the council’s top legal officer.
The intervention follows calls from the mayor herself for external support. The identity of the adviser is yet to be announced.
VIC: Murrindindi Shire Council has released survey results on a proposed health service merger.
The 16-day survey attracted 278 responses about the voluntary amalgamation between Alexandra District Health and Eastern Health.
Most respondents expressed concern about potential impacts on local services and decision-making.
A smaller group supported the proposal, citing possible benefits like improved specialist access.
Mayor Damien Gallagher said the results reinforce the importance of ensuring the community is fully informed and actively involved.
He said the Council will share the results with both health boards to inform their decision-making.