ESVF freeze decision welcomed
First test for Townsville’s new mayor at special council meeting today
SA Regional CEOs invited to nominate for advisory board
WA panel of local government monitors – applications open
Toowoomba closes gallery due to storm damage
New councillor for Benalla Rural City Council
Special rate variation proposed for Muswellbrook mining land
Moreton Bay Anzac memorial centenary celebrations this weekend
VIC: The Victorian Government has backed down on controversial tax increases for the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
Property owners faced steep rises, with some farmers looking at tens of thousands of dollars in extra charges.
The government will now delay increases for investment properties until July 2027 and freeze rates for farmers for two more years.
Treasurer Jaclyn Symes says the delay will give authorities time to get their processes right.
Councils have consistently advocated strongly about the impact of the levy, particularly on primary producers.
Greater Shepparton City Council was one of the first to respond to today’s news.
It welcomed the decision saying it would provided crucial relief to farmers and growers facing ongoing challenges.
Mayor Shane Sali said, “Although this is a win and a significant reprieve for many, we will continue the discussions and our ongoing advocacy”.
QLD: New Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto is seeking council approval for three political advisers in a special meeting today.
Mayors are entitled to three advisers under the Local Government Act to handle strategic issues and community engagement.
The Courier Mail reports that former mayor Troy Thompson had a similar bid rejected in 2024 after councillors said they didn’t trust his judgment.
The vote marks Dametto’s first major test since taking office.
The meeting will also address appointments to various city committees and organisations.
SA: The Local Government Association of South Australia is calling for nominations from regional CEOs to join its Advisory Group.
A vacancy has opened following the resignation of Bridget Mather from Coorong District Council.
The successful candidate will attend at least four meetings annually starting February 1st.
It is a voluntary position with no payment offered. Applications close January 9th.
WA: Western Australia is establishing a Panel of Monitors to support local governments and prevent dysfunction from January 2026.
The Local Government Inspector will appoint monitors to work with councils facing performance issues or compliance challenges.
Monitors will observe meetings, review practices, and help resolve issues collaboratively—but they won’t act as investigators.
Ideal candidates need expertise in governance, finance, conflict resolution, or stakeholder engagement.
Applications from aspiring monitors close 4pm Wednesday, December 17th, 2025.
QLD: Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery will be closed until the New Year due to water damage from roof leaks during heavy rainfall last month.
While the main gallery is closed for damage assessment and repairs, exhibitions and programs continue at the Crows Nest Gallery and Rosalie Gallery.
Toowoomba Cr Melissa Taylor said offers are assessing the full extent of the damage, and more information will be provided in due course.
VIC: The VEC has declared the result of a countback to fill a vacant position on Benalla Rural City Council.
Vincent Michael Branigan will take the place of Nathan Tolliday, who resigned recently for work reasons.
NSW: Muswellbrook Shire Council has launched consultation on a Special Rate Variation targeting only mining land to secure the region’s financial future.
The proposed 29 per cent increase would raise an additional six million dollars annually to protect essential services as local mines approach closure.
Residential rates will rise by 3.1 per cent, the lowest in the Hunter region.
Mining rate revenue is expected to drop by 25 per cent over the next decade due to mine closures, slashing five million dollars from Council’s annual income.
QLD: The City of Moreton Bay is celebrating the centenary of Anzac Memorial Avenue this weekend.
The historic road between Petrie and Redcliffe was officially opened on December 5, 1925, honouring fallen soldiers from World War One.
Originally proposed by Thomas Rothwell in 1921, the project attracted enormous community support, raising 7,000 pounds locally with another 12,000 from governments.
Some 1,700 trees were planted along the avenue, each representing a fallen hero. Today, it remains a vital piece of infrastructure and a living memorial to Queensland’s servicemen.