In the Friday 13th March edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A councillor and a CEO served with alleged criminal charges
- New CEOs appointed at Berrigan and Junee Councils
- A CEO’s performance review exposes divisions within a NSW council
- New land valuations raise concerns about potential rate rises in SE Queensland
- Council mergers back on the table in Western Australia, along with calls for compulsory voting in local government elections
- And a four day work week introduced by a major international city
All of that and more on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony 3.
Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast platform, or by clicking here.
Transcript for Episode #562
Victorian Report
Hepburn Shire Council is standing by its CEO Bradley Thomas and Councillor Don Henderson, after they were served with alleged criminal charges in the Ballarat Magistrates Court.
The council says the charges were initiated by a private individual… and that there has been no investigation or fact-finding process by Victoria Police or a public prosecuting authority.
The Herald Sun reported that the charges have been brought by local businessman David Penman, who is alleging the misuse of ratepayer funds, misuse of position, and misconduct in public office.
He told the masthead that the action relates to defamation action brought by the Council, in response to material published online, alleging corruption, dishonesty and incompetence by Mr Thomas and Cr Henderson.
Under the Local Government Act, Cr Henderson is automatically stood down while the matter is managed. But Mr Thomas is not legally required to step aside… and will remain in his role.
The council says it is taking the allegations seriously… and will follow any recommendations made by the courts.
Some of the hardest calls councils respond to start with a dog attack… and East Gippsland Shire says the numbers are rising.
More than 140 attacks were reported last financial year… with 31 already this year… some causing hospital treatment… vet bills… and the death of pets.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth says the council is stepping up patrols and enforcement… and urging owners to keep dogs securely contained at home… and on a leash near paths… playgrounds… and waterways.
Council says people should report attacks straight away… and provide details if it is safe to do so.
Pyrenees Shire Council is weighing the future of its kerbside waste collection.
A business case to be presented to next Monday’s Council meeting… compares the current private contract… valued at seven hundred thousand dollars annually… against a proposed in-house model.
While an internal service offers higher flexibility and direct customer responsiveness… it carries an estimated eight hundred thousand dollar annual price tag… and requires a one-point-six-five million dollar capital investment for a new fleet.
Council officers cite high operational and industrial risks for the transition. As a result, they are recommending a one-year contract extension to June 2027… while preparing an internal estimate to benchmark against future public tenders.
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors are set to vote on how to roll out Victoria’s waste reforms… designed to standardise services and lift recycling.
The changes point toward a four‑bin system… with separate streams for general waste… mixed recycling… food and garden organics… and glass.
But the Shire says key details are still unclear… and it is pushing the State Government to drop the separate glass bin requirement… arguing most glass is already captured through the container deposit scheme… and an extra bin could drive up costs.
Councillors will consider full compliance… partial and delayed compliance… or keeping current services and risking penalties… at a meeting in Mount Eliza on 17 March.
With the Port Fairy Folk Festival over and access improved at the Southcombe Park precinct… Moyne Shire Council says it will begin a technical investigation into the Port Fairy pool and gym in the coming days.
Inspectors will assess the building, plant and pool infrastructure… including structural elements… and the extent of mould contamination.
Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett says the findings will guide council’s next steps… and provide cost estimates for rectification, maintenance and renewal.
Mount Alexander Shire Council has bought land in High Street, Maldon… setting up the first project for the new Mount Alexander Affordable Housing Trust.
The plan is for two modular homes for local workers… backed by a six-hundred-and-fifty-thousand dollar BIG Project grant from Community Bank Maldon and District… plus four-hundred-thousand from council.
The homes will be managed by community housing provider Haven Home Safe… and council says tenants could be on site in 2027.
Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson has led a delegation to Canberra this week, meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Member for Gippsland Darren Chester at Parliament House.
A key advocacy priority was the city’s Advanced Air Mobility Precinct and infrastructure activation to support future residential and commercial precincts, along with community safety initiatives and the region’s economic diversification.
The Council says the Prime Minister has agreed to a future visit to the region.
In Bannockburn… the bus stop has become a symbol of how hard it can be to get around without a car.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey has joined a local “long wait”… urging the Victorian Government to strengthen public transport links to Geelong.
The council says Bannockburn is the only township in the shire covered by the current network review… but it has just four weekday services to Geelong… and fewer on weekends.
Cr Sharkey says limited buses hit people on low incomes… older residents… and people with disability the hardest… leaving some effectively cut off from work, health care and community life.
Victorian Briefs
With the Victorian state election now on the horizon… Port Phillip Council has launched an online election hub… setting out the council’s key asks… and tracking what candidates promise in return.
Mayor Councillor Alex Makin says the themes are connection and belonging… backed by practical needs… like more frequent public transport… community safety and wellbeing… coastal erosion protection… better community facilities… and support for arts and culture.
The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting experienced mural and street artists to create new work for the Pennyweight Walk Open Air Gallery… right in the city centre.
Only shortlisted artists will be paid to develop a concept… with works due to be painted from 16 May… ahead of an official unveiling on 24 May.
The City of Monash is asking residents what they want from local libraries over the next five years… as it drafts a new long-term vision and strategy.
Council says it is already investing… with work underway on a bigger Glen Waverley Library… alongside upgrades at other branches.
Submissions are open until Sunday the fifth of April.
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Alpine Shire Council has launched its online Emergency Dashboard… designed as a single hub for residents and visitors to find trusted updates and services.
Yet another dashboard delivered by Symphony3, it links to agencies including VicEmergency, the SES and CFA… plus VicTraffic, the Bureau of Meteorology, AusNet and North East Water for road closures, warnings and outages.
It also displays key social media feeds without requiring a login. Mayor Councillor Sarah Nicholas says the aim is to make it easier to see what is happening… and what to do… all in one place.
NSW Report
Berrigan Shire Council has appointed Cameron Boardman as its new chief executive… starting April 7.
Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean says the appointment is an important step for the shire… describing Cameron as an experienced local government leader… with senior private sector experience as well.
Mr Boardman is Director of the Oceania Cyber Security Centre, and a former administrator at the City of Casey.
He will take over from interim CEO Mark Dupe, who has held the reins since July last year. Mr Dupe told the Roundup he is looking forward to taking a break, and focussing on committee roles and consulting work in the sector back in Victoria.
Junee Shire Council has appointed Michael Jackson as its new General Manager... following a recruitment process it described as highly competitive.
Mayor Cr Bob Callow says council was pleased to make Jackson its preferred candidate … and believes the experience will help guide the shire through its next stage of change.
Mr Jackson most recently worked as Director Operations and Planning at Kempsey Shire Council… and also acted as General Manager there for five months. He is due to start in Junee on 28 April… on a five‑year performance-based contract.
Clarence Valley Council has formally noted the annual performance review of its general manager, Laura Black… but the vote has exposed deep divisions. The review panel, chaired by Mayor Ray Smith, praised Ms Black’s work to modernise the organisation and steady the workforce.
It also cited the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre, delivered on time and on budget.
Deputy Mayor Greg Clancy says he agreed with the performance ratings… but not the process… and he and Councillor Lynne Cairns voted against noting the review, according to the Northern Rivers Times.
A former Wagga Wagga councillor is back in City Hall, according to the Daily Advertiser… with Mick Henderson reinstated to fill the seat vacated by Tim Koschel.
Koschel resigned at the end of January… and because it was within 18 months of the 2024 election… the vacancy has been filled by an Australian Electoral Commission countback… rather than a by-election.
Henderson previously served on the council from 2021 to 2024… and returns immediately after confirmation of the countback result.
After years of public debate… the split of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is now turning into detailed back‑end work. Council says the job is to unwind almost a decade of shared systems… from contracts and payroll to property and supply chains… so two independent councils can start without disrupting services.
Mayor Councillor Abb McAlister says that includes a major upgrade of the council’s enterprise resource planning system… now followed by months of scoping and consultation… before building two separate platforms and migrating data ahead of the planned start date of July 1, 2027.
Council says staff are doing that work while keeping day‑to‑day services running… and is asking residents for patience as milestones are reached.
Rising oil prices are squeezing freight in regional New South Wales… and Regional Cities NSW says the state risks sliding backwards on productivity unless long‑known bottlenecks are fixed.
The group’s chair, Lismore Mayor Cr Steve Krieg, says the freight network is worth about sixty‑six billion dollars… but bridge limits, detours and under‑loading are holding it back.
Regional Cities NSW says it has mapped ninety‑three bottlenecks… and has business cases ready for ten priority projects, with ten priority fixes ready to go.
Upper Hunter Shire Council has moved to solidify its regional partnerships and progress the future of aged care in Merriwa following an extraordinary meeting this week.
Councillors voted unanimously to inform the Minister for Local Government that the Shire intends to remain a member of a Joint Organisation. The Council highlighted that the “Joint Organisation” model is the most effective way to support ongoing collaboration across the Hunter and MidCoast regions.
While the Shire expressed a clear preference to retain its existing membership in the Hunter Joint Organisation, it has reserved the right to review this position should the Minister impose any changes.
Meanwhile, the future of the 16-bed Gummun Place Hostel is moving into a new phase. After meeting in a closed session to discuss confidential commercial details, Council resolved to note the expressions of interest received from aged care providers.
The General Manager has now been delegated the authority to continue negotiations with interested parties to operate the facility as a licensed assisted boarding house, with a further report to come to the council.
Orange City Council says one recent court case should be a wake‑up call for dog owners… after two separate attacks on people.
The council says four dogs were involved… roaming off a property and then not being kept under control in public.
In one incident, a person suffered multiple bite wounds and needed medical care. The court fined the owner four‑thousand‑five‑hundred dollars… banned them from owning dogs for five years… and ordered legal costs of six‑thousand‑five‑hundred.
Councillor David Mallard says council will take action when owners breach the law… and urges people to keep dogs contained at home… and on a leash in public unless in a designated off‑leash area.
NSW Briefs:
Parramatta City Council is urging the Federal Government to rethink plans to sell the 1.23‑hectare Lancer Barracks site… described as the oldest active military facility in Australia… and part of the area’s living heritage.
Lord Mayor Councillor Martin Zaiter says the priority should be keeping it in public ownership… warning the barracks should not be sold to the highest bidder.
China’s men’s and women’s cricket teams are spending six weeks training at Blacktown International Sports Park… using on-site accommodation, curated pitches, indoor nets, and the Exercise Sports and Technology Hub.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting says the visit shows the venue is built for everyone… from community sport to elite programs… and that local residents can use the same facilities as professionals.
Wollongong Council is pushing ahead with two new skate parks… one at MacCabe Park in the city centre… and another at Thirroul.
It says tender documents for design and construction are nearly ready… and once a contractor is chosen… the next step is targeted workshops with local skaters and the wider community to shape a draft concept.
The VLGA is holding one of its Member Exclusive Lunch and Learn sessions on Friday 27 March from 12pm to 1pm. This free event will explore psychosocial hazards and the council’s role as the CEO’s employer.
Attendees will gain insight into the new legislation, understanding the impact of culture, workload, and role clarity, and ensuring appropriate systems of support and accountability are in place.
Join the VLGA’s Head of Local Government Programs & Policy, Dawn Bray and Managing Partner Justitia Lawyers Melissa Scadden as they break down the responsibilities of councillors under this emerging piece of legislation.
Register via the VLGA website.
Queensland Report
If you own land in south-east Queensland… your next rates notice could be based on a much bigger number.
ABC News reports that the state’s latest valuations show big jumps in several fast-growing areas… including Ipswich, up fifty-one per cent… and rises of around a quarter on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Valuer-General Laura Dietrich says the figures reflect strong demand, migration and new infrastructure… but the office does not set council rates.
She says valuations are just one input… and councils still decide how to raise the revenue they need. The new figures take effect in June… based on land values as at October first.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council has moved to allay fears about the new valuations. Its one of the fifteen affected councils.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Chris Wilson said council sets rates using a model that smooths out big swings. He says the council’s average rate increase over the past four years is 3.7 per cent… and the aim is to keep rises to the minimum needed to maintain services.
The Gold Coast is rolling out a ten‑million‑dollar program to build modular changerooms designed for women and girls at community sporting clubs… as participation surges.
Mayor Tom Tate says construction is due to begin mid‑year… with new buildings offering toilets, showers and dedicated change facilities for female players.
He says women’s participation on the Gold Coast has risen by almost fifty percent since 2021… exposing how many clubs are still built around male‑first layouts.
The City has assessed growth across team sports… and chosen eight clubs for stage one, spanning AFL, football, rugby league, rugby union and cricket.
Bundaberg Regional Council is trying to capture a fleeting but important record… the highest water reached in last week’s flooding.
With some areas still cut off… council survey teams cannot get in to document flood heights.
So the Council is asking residents who can do it safely… to mark the water line with a stick or other marker… and take a photo showing the height, plus the date and time.
Local Disaster Management Group chair, Mayor Helen Blackburn, says the community’s images will help build an interim record… to guide recovery and improve future planning.
On the Cassowary Coast… new flood sensors are going live on the council’s Disaster Dashboard… in a three‑year trial aimed at giving earlier warning of local flash flooding.
Sensors have been installed in known trouble spots… feeding real‑time water level data into the online map.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council says residents can tick “Water Levels” on the dashboard… then tap a sensor to see recent trends and zoom in on specific timeframes.
Mayor Teresa Millwood said the trial should help people spot risks sooner… but the community should still rely on official warnings during severe weather.
Copper theft can knock out streetlights, phone lines and rail signalling… and it can cost councils and utilities heavily to repair.
In Moreton Bay… the council says new laws are aimed at cutting off the trade that makes the crime pay.
Mayor Peter Flannery says the city has been pushing for tighter rules… after repeated thefts hit local infrastructure and ratepayers.
The changes strengthen penalties and enforcement… and put more scrutiny on scrap metal dealing… to make it harder to profit from stolen copper.
South Australia
Port Lincoln’s mayor is being recognised for lifting women’s voices in local government.
Diana Mislov has been named South Australia’s 2026 Joy Baluch Award winner… presented by the Local Government Association… honouring women who lead, inspire participation and make a difference in their communities.
The council says Cr Mislov has used the role to push for more inclusive decision-making… and to advocate for regional priorities like housing, childcare, health services, environmental management and major infrastructure.
Mayor Mislov says the award is an honour… and that women’s voices must be heard as communities plan for the future.
Streaky Bay Council is asking state election candidates to put some big local issues on the agenda… from water to phone coverage.
The council says mobile blackspots are a major brake on the Eyre Peninsula… with Telstra identifying a need for more than 30 extra towers.
Radio 5CC reported that it wants an eight‑million‑dollar contribution to help fund the build… and another five‑hundred‑thousand for a detailed study into long‑term water supply options.
The wish list also includes support for a shark‑mitigation acoustic receiver trial… and a push to reclassify the Flinders Highway.
In South Australia’s Riverland… the push for more affordable homes is taking a practical step forward.
InDaily SA reports that Renmark Paringa Council has signed off on a three‑million‑dollar expansion of its community wastewater system… paving the way for a new development on the edge of town.
Mayor Peter Hunter says the plan has been ten years in the making… and the cost will be recouped over time through developer contributions.
The site could eventually host more than five hundred homes… aimed at people priced out of metropolitan Adelaide.
Western Australia
In Western Australia… the question of whether some councils should merge is back on the table.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley says the collapse of the City of Nedlands council has sparked a wider conversation… about what structures best serve local communities.
Speaking on ABC Perth… Ms Beazley says the sector should be open to amalgamations where it makes sense… and where councils can deliver services more effectively.
She says it is not just about Nedlands… but about making sure local government is stable… and focused on what residents need.
Some country councils in Western Australia say it is time to revisit compulsory voting at local elections… as turnout drops and councils worry candidates can be elected on very small numbers.
ABC News reported that the City of Busselton has backed the move… after Mayor Phil Cronin said mandatory voting is democracy working at its best.
Supporters argue voluntary voting can leave space for fringe campaigns… while critics say forcing people to vote will not fix disengagement.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has flagged interest in reforms… as WALGA gathers feedback ahead of expected changes.
Global Report
In the Philippines, Manila’s city government is moving to a four‑day work week… but with longer days at the office.
The Manila Standard reported this week that Mayor Francisco Domagoso has signed an order shifting most city departments to Monday through Thursday… with hours stretching to as late as 7pm.
Fridays will be off for most offices… but essential and frontline services will keep running… using rotating staff schedules.
Mayor Domagoso says the move is tied to national energy‑conservation measures… as global oil prices rise amid Middle East tensions.
City officials say the goal is to cut fuel use and operating costs… and ease traffic… without disrupting basic services.
UK:
Mayor Steve Rotheram says Liverpool’s North Docks could be the next big regeneration story… with a Mayoral Development Corporation now moving into the business‑case stage.
Speaking at a property conference in Cannes… the Liverpool City Region Mayor says the plan is to pull major projects under one delivery body… with stronger powers to speed up planning, land assembly and infrastructure.
A statutory public consultation on the scope of the corporation is due by summer… with the full business case expected to reach the UK Government within six months.
Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson says the aim is to unlock thousands of new homes and high‑quality jobs.
USA:
A small town in northeast Washington says it has been scammed out of three‑hundred‑and‑thirty thousand dollars… after criminals impersonated its insurance provider.
Officials in Newport say the scammers contacted the city by email… posing as the Association of Washington Cities… and the money was transferred as part of a fraudulent financial transaction.
The city says there is no evidence residents’ personal information was exposed… and that the breach appears limited to city finances.
Mayor Keith Campbell says Newport reported the incident to local police and the FBI… and the investigation is ongoing, according to Spokane Public Radio.
CANADA:
City Councillor Sean Orr in Vancouver is suing Mayor Ken Sim… over an allegation that Orr handed out illegal drugs at Christmas.
The claim first surfaced when Councillor Lenny Zhou told Chinese-language media that some councillors were “drug users”… and Zhou later apologised.
But video shows Sim made the specific claim about Orr… before quickly issuing his own apology.
Orr says the damage has not been undone, according to City News… and that the remarks were made deliberately and in bad faith. A civil claim filed March 10 seeks damages.
A dispute over a Freedom of Information request in Kamloops has escalated to a formal inquiry.
Councillor Margot Middleton says the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner is investigating allegations Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has not complied with a request received last August.
According to CFJC Today, the applicant asked for copies of the mayor’s texts and emails from June and July 2025… tied to city and mayoral business.
Council has passed a resolution calling on the mayor to provide the records immediately. If that does not happen… councillors say they will look at compelling reimbursement for staff time and legal expenses linked to the inquiry.
NZ:
On the Chatham Islands… a spending audit is raising serious questions about governance at the local council, according to Stuff.
The Auditor‑General says former chief executive Paul Eagle should not have had control of a project to upgrade the council house he lived in… after costs rose by more than two‑hundred‑and‑fifty thousand dollars.
The report says Eagle created or edited quotes and contracts… and backdated some procurement paperwork… leaving what it calls a misleading picture of events.
Eagle has apologised… saying documentation was incomplete and that they panicked trying to fix it. The council says it is now reviewing controls, policies and reporting.