In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Councils in a “game of chicken” with the state government
- Wyndham calls out a spate of online racism
- Concerning trends in local government finances across NSW
- A council chambers closed after an asbestos discovery
- Secret recordings lead to a governance crisis in Cairns
- An Australian first as Launceston gets set to introduce a four day working week
- and Perth’s Lord Mayor responds to the leaking of a damning internal report
All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
Also today – Jonathon Marsden, a former Mayor and two term councillor at Hobsons Bay, joins Chris for a chat as part of the Summer Series.
Follow the Local Government News Roundup newsfeeds on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:iceigfwtgnrhmjzhw4xk47ba/lists/3m6uxv6nxko2q
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Listen to the episode here.
Read along with all the news, and find story links from this episode below.
Victorian Report
A median strip fire in Hoddle Street, Collingwood last weekend has prompted a call from Yarra City Council for the state government to give more attention to overgrown roads under its management.
Mayor Stephen Jolly said, “Who would ever imagine that you’d have a bushfire in Collingwood?”
It’s believed the fire was started by a cigarette butt.
The Age reported that the blaze has shown the potentially dangerous consequences of a council’s refusal to maintain state-managed roads unless properly funded.
Yarra and other councils have been referring resident complaints about the condition of roads to state MPs, highlighting increasing cost-shifting. Mayor Jolly described the situation as a “game of chicken” between the council and state, but locals don’t want the council to redirect ratepayer funds from other services.
Wyndham City Council has called out a recent spate of racist comments on its social media platforms.
It said the racist and offensive comments on recent posts are deeply disappointing, and will disable comments on future posts where disrespectful behaviour is anticipated.
Residents have been encouraged to report racism and religious discrimination to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission or the Australian Human Rights Commission.
The Age has reported that more than 2,200 people have signed a petition against a new digital parking system and fees that came into effect on January 1st in the City of Stonnington.
Previously, households received two parking permits for free. Under the new system, they’re paying up to 270 dollars a year for resident and visitor permits combined.
The council is also phasing out 33,000 physical permits in favour of a digital system, which critics say is a concern for elderly residents and those with limited internet access.
Stonnington Council says the tiered pricing structure is fair for managing limited public parking resources, noting also that concession cardholders receive a 50 percent discount.
The petition will be formally submitted to council on February 9th.
The City of Casey has acknowledged that the next stage of the legal process relating to IBAC’s Operation Sandon investigation is scheduled to proceed before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The Council says it will not be commenting further, as the matter remains before the courts, but that it remains focused on strengthening governance, integrity and transparency.
East Gippsland Shire Council CEO Fiona Weigall has released a statement addressing concerns about Bairnsdale’s Nicholson Street Mall and outlining plans for its future.
The Council acknowledges the mall’s potential and is working with a developer committed to revitalising the CBD. While a federal funding application for a regional arts precinct was unsuccessful last year, Council continues to pursue other opportunities.
In the meantime, Council has been contributing to holding costs on the former Woolworths building to help facilitate future development that could transform both Bairnsdale and the broader region.
Addressing concerns about anti-social behaviour in the mall, Ms Weigall says these issues reflect broader trends across Victoria with complex origins. Council has been meeting with business owners, police, and local MPs to tackle the challenges, and has taken short-term measures including increased activations, artwork installations, twice-weekly cleaning and overnight toilet closures.
Murrindindi Shire Council has announced tailored rates arrangements for properties affected by the January bushfires.
They include deferring payments until revaluation for those who lost homes or major structures, and extending deadlines for other fire-impacted properties.
Properties outside the fire footprint will maintain standard payment dates to ensure continued council services across the municipality.
Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Sally Jones’ appointment as Acting Chief Executive Officer until 30 June 2026 while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on treatment and recovery from breast cancer.
Mayor Cr Kate Wilson said the council remains committed to supporting Tilla as she focuses on her health.
She said Sally had hit the ground running since coming on board in January, and was connecting and collaborating with Tilla during this period.
A by-election to fill a vacancy on Whittlesea City Council has been set for May.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel is asking residents and ratepayers in Thomastown Ward to be ready to have their say, following the resignation of Councillor Nicholas James Brooks. The by-election will be held by post.
The roll will close on Wednesday 18 March.
Victorian Briefs
The Borough of Queenscliffe has endorsed a new policy for community consultation that sets clear requirements for councillors standing as candidates in State or Federal elections. The proposed policy is open for public submissions until 5pm, Wednesday 18 February.
Glenelg Shire Council‘s L2P Program in Heywood has received a new vehicle thanks to funding from the Heywood and District Community Bank, Masonic Lodge Portland, and Magistrates Court.
The program enables young people without access to a supervising driver or vehicle to complete their 120 required hours of supervised driving.
Golden Plains Shire Council is seeking feedback on the proposed sale of 3.5 hectares of vacant Council-owned land in Bannockburn, with proceeds to be directed to the Recreational Future Fund for community infrastructure. Submissions are open until 5pm, Friday 27 February.
NSW Report
Albury councillors have spent nearly 90 minutes in a closed session discussing the future of Chief Executive Frank Zaknich, according to the Border Mail.
Mr Zaknich has been on unplanned leave since late last year.
Mayor Kevin Mack said an update on the matter would be provided publicly by the end of the week.
A new report from the Audit Office of New South Wales has revealed concerning trends in local government finances across the state.
While financial reporting quality has improved, with fewer errors in council statements, the audit found that 17 councils reported operating losses this year, and 19 didn’t have enough cash on hand to cover three months of expenses.
One of the most pressing issues identified is water infrastructure. The report says two regional and 13 rural councils need around one billion dollars to upgrade water supply systems to ensure safe and secure access.
The audit also found that councils are sitting on 5.4 billion dollars in infrastructure contributions, but many are slow to spend the funds. Ten councils that hold more than half of these contributions spent less than 20 percent of their balance last financial year.
Capital projects aren’t faring much better. Of 29 major projects reviewed, 14 were delayed by more than six months, and six went more than 10 percent over budget. The auditors blame outdated guidance that hasn’t been updated in over 15 years.
On the technology front, the report reveals most councils lack strategies for artificial intelligence and have significant cyber security weaknesses, particularly in managing supply chain risks.
The Audit Office has made five recommendations to address these issues. The full report is available on their website.
The Shoalhaven Council Chambers in Nowra has been closed after asbestos was discovered in an old concrete pipe within a ventilation shaft beneath the building.
While the administration building has been cleared for reoccupation, the chambers will remain closed for pipe replacement.
Council meetings have been temporarily relocated to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. Source: 2ST
A former NSW council employee has been charged with defrauding three councils of nearly $1.3 million over 12 years by systematically approving fake contractor invoices across the Goulburn Mulwaree, Shoalhaven, and Murrumbidgee council areas.
59-year-old Martin Dimec faces 41 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and one count of misconduct in public office, and was refused bail ahead of his court appearance, according to the Daily Telegraph.
He is a former design engineer, construction superintendent and infrastructure director, dismissed by Murrumbidgee Council in February 2024.
An independent review has identified 15 recommendations to improve Bega Valley Shire Council‘s development assessment service.
The recommendations focus on clearer procedures, better technology use, and improved efficiency.
The Council this week noted the findings of the review and greenlit an implementation roadmap while ensuring current assessment timeframes are maintained during the transition.
Byron Shire Council has apologised and reassured residents after quarterly rates emails were sent incorrectly labelling their notices as overdue.
The council said while the subject line contained the error, the actual notice content and instalment amount date are correct.
The error was made by the mailing house and has not affected payment records.
Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan says a recent landslip at Gordonville Crossing has once again highlighted the critical vulnerability of Waterfall Way as the sole east-west transport corridor in the Shire.
Communities are left isolated, emergency access, businesses, and residents affected when closures occur.
The Council is calling for strategic State and Federal investment to develop a second reliable route, with viable alternatives already identified, to ensure the region has safe, resilient infrastructure that doesn’t rely on repeated emergency repairs.
Andrew Baker has been appointed as the new Councillor for Clarence Valley Council after Allison Bryant’s resignation, following a countback election conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission.
Cr Baker assumes the role immediately, with the first Council meeting of the year scheduled for Thursday, 19 February at Grafton Council Chambers.
Narrandera Shire Council has appointed Andrew Reynolds as Deputy General Manager of Corporate and Community Services, bringing over 15 years of senior leadership experience in finance, governance, and risk management across local government, not-for-profit, and commercial sectors.
Mr Reynolds, a Chartered Accountant with extensive audit and CFO experience, will commence his role in late February and is expected to strengthen Council’s leadership in both corporate services and community outcomes.
Upper Lachlan Shire Council is dealing [with a spate of incidents of abusive language](https://upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au/latest-news/community-reminded-of-expected-behaviour-at-upper-lachlan-shire-pools/](https://upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au/latest-news/community-reminded-of-expected-behaviour-at-upper-lachlan-shire-pools/?utm_source=lgnewsroundup.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=lg_news_roundup&utm_content=roundupnewsbotnsw.bsky.social)), non-compliance with lifeguard instructions, and vandalism at its pool facilities.
It is reminding pool users to behave respectfully and safely, and has authorised Council staff to remove patrons who fail to meet expected standards.
NSW Briefs:
Yass Valley Council has honoured two long serving councillors with Long Service Awards.
Awards were presented to Councillor Cecil Burgess OAM with a 30-year Long Service Award and former Mayor Allan McGrath for over 50 years of community service, including 32 years in local government.
Two new cycleways have opened in Sydney, connecting existing cycling infrastructure in the city centre and at Waterloo Metro station to create safer routes for cyclists.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the new additions are part of Sydney’s 28km separated cycleway network, which aims to encourage more people to cycle by providing safe, connected routes that reduce emissions and improve liveability.
Maitland City Council has launched a $3.3 million road maintenance program to reseal over 215,000m2 across more than 70 local roads from November to April.
The preventative maintenance work involves applying bitumen spray to waterproof and protect roads, ensuring they remain functional for years to come.
Balranald Shire Council has approved a $4.6M contract to extend the Bidgee Haven retirement hostel.
The project, which will deliver a new 6-bed memory support ward among other improvements, was described by Mayor Louie Zaffina as an investment in the care, dignity and future of the community.
Queensland Report
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden’s secret recordings of meetings with council executives and councillors without their consent has triggered a governance crisis.
The Cairns Post reports that councillors are considering a no confidence motion in the mayor.
While the recordings are legal in Queensland, they have caused a breakdown in trust and resulted in cancelled meetings, with the council now facing difficult decisions about whether to include the audio in public records, potentially exposing the Mayor to legal risks either way.
Division Five councillor Rob Pyne said the situation is irreparable and that high-priced solicitors will be “the only winners” from the scandal.
Fraser Coast Regional Council has established a new Directorate of Economic Development and Advocacy to enhance its competitiveness for business investment, government funding, and tourism opportunities, including those related to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
The initiative supports the council’s Economic Development Strategy, which aims to grow the local economy by $2 billion by 2036, attract investment, and create more job opportunities.
The structural change elevates economic development to the highest organisational level.
Livingstone Shire Council is cracking down on illegal dumping at the Farnborough recycling facility, warning that repeat offenders will face substantial fines as the misuse has become costly and disrespectful to the community.
The council is implementing stronger measures including additional CCTV cameras, increased patrols, and potential reduction of bins, while urging residents to report illegal dumping to protect this community asset.
The CEO of Murweh Shire Council has thanked residents for support in managing water and electricity consumption at short notice this week.
Murweh Shire is centred on Charleville in southwest Queensland, which is dealing with an extended period of extremely hot weather.
Bruce Scott said resident efforts had helped alleviate the impact of the loss of these essential services.
While water supply is gradually returning to normal levels, Mr Scott said continued responsible use of water will be necessary to avoid the implementation of formal water restrictions.
Scenic Rim Regional Council has committed $25,000 in funding and in-kind support for the 2026 Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular, scheduled for June 13-14 at Beaudesert Showgrounds.
The event, which celebrates the region’s heritage of Clydesdale horses and rare trades, attracted over 75% of visitors from outside the region in 2025 and contributed more than $2.5 million to the local economy.
Tasmania
The City of Launceston is poised to introduce a groundbreaking four-day work week for its 600 employees, but the plan is facing strong criticism from the business community.
The Chronicle reported that under the proposed agreement with the Australian Services Union, full-time council workers would work just over 30 hours across four days while receiving their full five-day salary. If approved by employees in February, it would take effect in July this year.
Council CEO Sam Johnson is calling it a “nationally significant step in modern workplace reform” that recognises the changing nature of work and prioritisses employee wellbeing and productivity.
But Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Bailey says the proposal amounts to a 20 percent pay rise with no guarantee of improved productivity. He’s warning that ratepayers and local businesses will pay the price through higher costs and reduced service levels.
Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent says it’s a matter for the council to decide, but acknowledges that history suggests the agreement could spread to Tasmania’s other councils.
The proposal will go to an employee vote next month. If it passes, Launceston would become the first council in Australian history to implement a four-day week on full five-day pay.
**Glenorchy City Council’**s Acting Mayor says the council’s unanimous rejection of a Hobart City Council amalgamation proposal was due to a lack of an evidence base, funding and a community mandate.
Ald Russell Yaxley said the proposal from Hobart had requested an elector poll be held, but it was the view of Glenorchy Council that significant work would be required to ensure ratepayers and residents had the information they would need to vote in such a poll.
He said the Council remains open to structural reform as part of a comprehensive, state-led agenda.
The City of Launceston has offered a $15,000 reward for the return of the Ermenegildo Zegna Perpetual Trophy, a prestigious sculpture featuring a 24-carat gold merino sheep, which was stolen from the Tasmanian Wool Centre in Ross on December 5.
The trophy, created by renowned Tasmanian artist Stephen Walker and on loan from QVMAG since 2013, is considered an irreplaceable piece of Tasmania’s cultural heritage and wool industry history.
West Coast Council has voted to demolish most of a controversial 3-metre-high concrete wall in Strahan that blocked harbour views, following weeks of community protest and a petition signed by over 300 residents.
Pulse Tasmania reported that the council has admitted the wall, built as part of a $3.3 million waterfront redevelopment, was a mistake due to poor design decisions and inadequate community consultation.
South Australia
The City of Unley has announced that it will cease delivering Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services by 30 June.
It says the difficult decision is due to unsustainable financial, operational, and regulatory risks stemming from recent changes to the Aged Care Act 2024.
Council will work with clients, families, and alternative providers over the next five months to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to support active ageing through other community programs.
Adelaide City Council has revived plans for a north-south bikeway through the CBD, which was abandoned five years ago due to opposition.
Councillor Eleanor Freeman told ABC Radio that planning will recommence following the successful Tour Down Under cycling event, which highlighted the need for better cycling infrastructure in the city.
History was made in Henley this week as the City of Charles Sturt hosted the Santos Tour Down Under for the very first time.
An estimated 25,000 people descended on Henley Square to witness the iconic cycling event, turning the coastal foreshore into a vibrant festival atmosphere.
Mayor Angela Evans says it was a day to remember for the community, which put a spotlight on the council and the coast.
Western Australia
Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds has rejected a ratepayer’s no confidence motion at a public meeting and expressed dismay over the leaking of a psychosocial risk assessment report that revealed workplace dysfunction at the City of Perth.
ABC News reported that he has threatened to refer the leak to the Corruption and Crime Commission.
The report detailed harmful workplace behaviours, factional dynamics, and workforce issues with “concerning parallels” to the city’s 2018 collapse when the entire council was suspended.
Lord Mayor Reynolds defended his leadership, stating he doesn’t believe in “running issues through the media”.
Two individuals have been convicted and fined for illegally dumping three tonnes of hazardous waste in a residential street in Swan View.
The incident in June last year has led to total penalties and costs of $7,894 ordered to be paid to the City of Swan.
The City has welcomed the outcome as reinforcement of the significant consequences for illegal dumping, and is urging residents to dispose of waste responsibly and report illegal dumping incidents.
The City of Greater Geraldton has extended its e-scooter rental contract with Beam Mobility for six months.
ABC News reported the extension comes with stricter safety regulations following a fatal accident and community concerns. They include reduced speeds, nighttime shutdowns, and a $1 daily fee per scooter.
The council is also opening expressions of interest to other companies and calling on the state government to finalise legislation addressing e-rideable safety.
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has voted to appoint an external candidate known as “Candidate A” as acting CEO from January 30 to February 26, while current CEO Andrew Brien extends his personal leave beyond his expected return date.
The appointment was approved 8-1 by councillors despite concerns from one councillor about the lack of information regarding Brien’s status and return timeline.
The Kalgoorlie Miner reported that negotiations are continuing with the successful candidate, as the start date looms.
Nominations have been called for an extraordinary postal election to fill a vacancy on the Shire of Yilgarn council.
The election will be held on 26th March, with the successful candidate to serve until October 2029.
The council is also on the hunt for a new Chief Executive Officer, after the resignation of Nic Warren in November. He will take up the CEO role at the Shire of Quaidrading, which is currently occupied on an interim basis by John Merrick.
Global Report
UK:
Joanna Killian, the CEO of the UK Local Government Association, is taking unexpected leave for personal reasons.
The Local Government Chronicle reported that the leave of absence comes as an ongoing staff restructure aims to cut 62 roles from the organisation’s 540-person workforce.
The LGA’s leadership has confirmed that her absence will not affect the reorganisation timeline, with the strategic leadership team continuing to oversee the process.
A man has been jailed for 12 months for contempt of court after refusing to demolish unauthorised buildings he constructed without planning permission in Wirswall, Cheshire.
His refusal to demolish was despite enforcement notices and injunctions dating back to 2014.
Even after serving his sentence, Michael Merrill must still comply with the court order to remove all unauthorised development and cease residential use of the land, according to BBC News.
USA:
A county auditor in Iowa has warned that proposed property tax caps or freezes in the state could disproportionately impact rural communities by limiting their ability to fund essential local services.
The Jones County Auditor says the changes could potentially force residents to travel to urban areas for services previously available locally.
KCRG reported on the concerns that capping tax growth would severely constrain already tight budgets in smaller governments.
A proposed Washington state bill would prohibit cities from clearing homeless encampments unless adequate alternative shelter is available. That follows a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that gave cities broader authority to enforce anti-camping laws.
Axios reported that the legislation faces opposition from city officials who argue it would limit their ability to address public safety concerns. But supporters maintain that criminalising homelessness doesn’t solve the underlying problem.
Los Angeles City Council has voted to explore creating a $5 million subsidy program to support microdrama production in the city, according to Variety.
The short-form vertical videos, which are experiencing a surge in popularity, don’t qualify for existing state tax credits due to their small budgets of around $200,000.
The proposal aims to establish Los Angeles as a global hub for microdramas by reducing permit fees and streamlining approval processes, potentially bringing back the “creative middle class” to the entertainment industry.
CANADA:
A Councillor at the Rural Municipality of Gimli has resigned following a seven-day suspension of the council’s mayor Kevin Chudd after an investigation upheld several allegations against the mayor’s conduct.
The council has accepted Cr Andy Damm’s resignation but has not elaborated on the reason for the resignation.
The seat will be left vacant until the October general election.
Meanwhile Mayor Chudd must issue a formal apology and the municipality will review its code of conduct, according to CTV News.
CTV News also reported that the City of Vancouver is offering a voluntary departure program to unionised staff as part of efforts to achieve a zero property tax increase for 2026.
The commitment requires cutting approximately $120 million from the budget.
Around 400 full-time positions are expected to be eliminated, with two-thirds being unionised jobs, and eligible employees have until February 10 to apply for the program.
NZ:
Michelle Morss has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive of Queenstown Lakes District Council following Mike Theelen’s retirement.
Ms Morss has over 20 years of leadership experience, including ten years at QLDC.
Recruitment to fill the role on a permanent basis will commence in the coming months, led by the Council’s CEO relationship and recruitment commitee.
Roundup Summer Series:
Joining Chris today for a Summer Series chat is former mayor and two term councillor at Hobsons Bay in Melbourne’s west, Jonathon Marsden.
Follow the Local Government News Roundup newsfeeds on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:iceigfwtgnrhmjzhw4xk47ba/lists/3m6uxv6nxko2q