In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A municipal monitor sent in to Hobsons Bay
- CEO appointments in three states, as two former Council CEOs make a return in Victoria
- Greater Geelong to stay in aged care service delivery
- High profile councillors resign in New South Wales and Queensland
- A South Australian council rocked by three Councillor resignations
- Hobart Council headed for a stadium conflict with the Tasmanian Government
- and a war of words between the NZ Prime Minister and capital city mayor
and Chris is joined by newly appointed Central Goldfields CEO Peter Harriott for a catch up about his new role.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony3 – simple, connected customer experiences.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Here is all the news from episode 458:
Victorian Roundup:
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos has appointed a municipal monitor to Hobsons Bay City Council.
John Tanner AM, a former chair of administrators at Moira Shire Council and a previous administrator at Brimbank Council, has been tasked with supporting good governance processes and practices at the council.
His appointment commences 2nd June and will run through 31st December this year.
The appointment follows a period of turmoil at the council in which its CEO Aaron Van Egmond has departed after he and a number of other senior executives were suspended pending investigations into allegations of unsafe work practices.
There are six current municipal monitor appointments in place at Victorian councils, plus a Commission of Inquiry underway for Whittlesea City Council.
Lucy Roffey, the former CEO of Central Goldfields Shire, has been appointed as the next Chief Executive Officer of Glen Eira City Council, taking over from Rebecca McKenzie in August.
Ms Roffey has been working at Yarra City Council since last year as General Manager Corporate Services.
Mayor Cr Simone Zmood said the council is lucky to have a leader of Lucy’s calibre joining it for the next chapter of her career, and thanked Ms McKenzie for her nine year’s of service across three council terms.
Meanwhile in the same week its former CEO was revealed to be headed to Glen Eira, Central Goldfields Shire Council has announced its CEO appointment.
Former Greater Shepparton Council CEO Peter Harriott has been appointed as the Council’s new permanent chief executive.
Mr Harriott is a 30 year veteran of local government, including eight years at Greater Shepparton, and three years as CEO of Wattle Range Council in South Australia.
Last year he served as Municipal Monitor at Buloke Shire Council.
Central Goldfields Mayor Cr Grace La Vella said Mr Harriott’s experience and knowledge stood out from a field of highly experienced candidates.
He will take up the position on 1st July, replacing Interim CEO Sally Jones, who has led the organisation for nine months through a period of transition including the Council election and development of the Council Plan and Budget.
To other news now:
Greater Geelong Council has voted to continue providing in-home community care services while adapting to new Commonwealth Government reforms that will replace existing programs with ‘Support at Home’ from July.
The decision came after pressure from MPs and unions to reject a proposed exit from the service, or at least defer the decision pending further discussions with federal department representatives.
CEO Ali Wastie said the council would speak with clients and work with employees to explain what would be changing under the reforms.
Glen Eira City Council has expressed its disappointment after the Planning Minister approved an eight-storey development in Neerim Road, Murrumbeena.
Mayor Simone Zmood said the minister has not fully addressed key local concerns about a reduction in commuter and short-term car parking, and the amount of sunlight in the development’s public plaza.
Despite the concerns, Mayor Zmood acknowledged some positive outcomes including improved sustainability measures and the establishment of a Public Realm Management Plan to ensure the plaza remains accessible to all residents.
Swan Hill Rural City Council has announced the establishment of a community-driven Housing Trust to address regional housing shortages.
The council will contribute two blocks of land valued at $230,000 in exchange for shares in the Trust.
The initiative, stemming from the 2023 Swan Hill Housing Summit, will be governed by a three-member board and aims to attract local investors through a public investment prospectus, with ownership of the land reverting to Council if the project doesn’t proceed.
Kingston Council has joined with more than 1,400 community members to raise serious concerns about proposed redevelopment plans for the former Kingswood Golf Course in Dingley Village.
Issues of concern include a loss of trees, increased density, traffic congestion, and infrastructure constraints.
The Council is urging the Victorian Government to require further work on the development plan before making final decisions, particularly after the State Government’s recent decision to remove Council’s planning authority for the site.
Greater Shepparton City Council has endorsed a partnership with Campaspe and Moira Shire Councils in a new Economic Accord aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and economic resilience through shared strategies and coordinated actions.
The Accord has been shaped through community and industry input, and focuses on supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and addressing key challenges such as water buybacks and manufacturing sustainability.
Victorian Briefs:
Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack Shire Councils are seeking State Government drought declaration status after being excluded from recent drought support funding announcements.
Hindmarsh CEO Monica Revell told the Weekly Advertiser that thr council had been fielding calls from disappointed farmers who don’t understand why their area has not been included.
A Noojee reserve has been renamed by Baw Baw Shire Council, in honour of a local heroine.
The naming of Gladys Anderson Park recognises the assistant postmistress who bravely operated the town’s telephone switchboard during the devastating 1939 Black Friday bushfires until forced to flee for her life.
Colac Otway Shire Council has received recognition for its Memorial Square Changing Places Facility, a fully accessible restroom development that promotes inclusivity and accessibility for people with severe disabilities.
It picked up the award for the Best Rural/Regional Industry Contribution at the Parks and Leisure Australia (Victoria and Tasmania) Awards of Excellence announced last week.
Let’s take stock of the Council CEO appointment situation in Victoria.
Since March this year, there have now been nine CEO appointments around the state – six women and three men.
Three of those women have replaced men in the permanent role, contributing to a slight improvement in the gender balance at the most senior administrative level of our councils.
There are 29 female CEOs out of the 73 that currently have a permanent CEO in place, which is around 40 per cent.
A further six councils are in the market for a new CEO in the coming months – they are Baw Baw, Bayside, Golden Plains, Hobsons Bay, Cardinia and Colac Otway.
Peter Harriott Interview.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Georges River Councillor Ash Ambihaipahar will resign her position on the Council after being confirmed as the new ALP Member for Barton after the recent federal election.
Ms Ambihaipahar has been a councillor since 2022, and chairs the council’s Assets and Infrastructure Committee.
The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reported that Ms Ambihaipahar announced she would be resigning as the election was officially declared this week.
It’s understood her position on the council will be filled by countback.
A new councillor has taken office at Oberon Council.
Robert Lee was elected via a countback earlier this month, and took the oath of office at the Council’s May meeting.
The vacancy was created in March when Michael Crye relinquished his position on the council, due to unforeseen personal circumstances. He had only recently taken up the position after Jill O’Grady resigned earlier in the year.
Waverley Council in Sydney’s east has tabled a report revealing that cost-shifting from state and federal governments has cost ratepayers around $15.58m in the last financial year.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the council’s major expenses include sea wall restoration projected at $50m and anti-terrorism measures for Bondi Beach costing $4.7m.
The council has warned that it risks becoming financially unsustainable without adequate funding arrangements.
It is advocating for increased federal financial assistance grants and better state funding, while state government spokespersons said councils already receive significant funding and can apply for additional support through proper channels.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald has announced a review of the process leading to the adoption of the council’s developer contributions policy, which has been the subject of recent community discussion.
He has requested the CEO present a report with review findings at the July Ordinary Meeting.
He said the council may consider revisiting the policy after its local housing strategy is completed.
The council took steps recently to correct what it called “false facts and misleading information” in local press coverage about its developer contributions plans.
Kiama has been crowned NSW Top Tourism Town for 2025 for the second consecutive year.
Mayor Cameron McDonald said community and staff had worked tirelessly to create a vibrant visitor economy.
And the broader region was recognised with awards also going to Huskisson Shellharbour and Robertson.
A collaborative project between Balonne Shire Council, Moree Plains Shire Council, and the NSW Government has established a new artesian bore in Mungindi, on the Queensland side of the border.
The project aims to secure water supply for the cross-border town at a total cost of $1.47 million.
Connecting to the existing Moree Plains Shire Council’s Water Treatment Plant, the new bore will improve water quality, supply and pressure on both sides of the border.
NSW Briefs:
Goulburn Mulwaree Council has approved a new 370-metre grass Greyhound Racing Straight Track at the Goulburn Recreation Area.
The approval is subject to Water NSW approval and various conditions to ensure compatibility with other community uses.
Shoalhaven City Council has launched its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
The plan which outlines 49 actions to strengthen relationships and opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Greater Hume Council is seeking urgent drought declaration and policy changes to provide essential subsidies for farmers amid severe dry conditions affecting the region’s agricultural sector and community wellbeing.
QLD:
Toowoomba Regional Council has announced the appointment of its new CEO.
Sal Petroccitto OAM will make the move in July after more than ten years in Brisbane as CEO of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
His 30 years of executive leadership experience includes 12 years with Brisbane City Council, and more than 5 years with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Mayor Geoff McDonald said Mr Petroccitto was chosen for his track of record of delivering cultural transformation and strategic outcomes in complex environments.
He said Mr Petroccitto is well placed to draw upon his leadership experience to take advantage of the delivery of new and upgraded infrastructure as the area becomes an Olympic Region in 2032.
Mr Petroccitto takes up his new role on 14th July.
Mackay Region Councillor George Christensen is reportedly resigning from his council position at the end of the week for personal reasons.
The Daily Mercury is reporting the reason for the resignation as a need for Mr Christensen to take care of his daughter.
He returned to the council for a second time at the 2024 election after serving two terms as the federal member for Dawson.
It’s understood a by-election will be required to fill his position on the Council.
Gold Coast City Council has released details of a new economic report, which demonstrates how the city’s growth continues to outshine the rest of the nation.
The city’s economic value reaching $49.4 billion, making it the largest regional economy in the nation.
Its 5.5% annual growth rate is outpacing other major centres, including Brisbane at 4.5%.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the unprecedented growth was due to the city’s diverse economic base, with construction leading the charge at $5 billion, followed closely by healthcare and social assistance at $4.5 billion.
Forecasts suggest the Gold Coast economy will expand by over 10% by 2028, surpassing state and national projections. The city is also on track to become Australia’s first non-capital city to reach a population of one million by 2040.
Two Queensland mayors are calling for a pause on smelter operator Glencore’s expansion plans until the company establishes clear transition strategies for the communities it’s withdrawing from, such as Mount Isa, Glenden, and Clermont.
Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, and Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae say the company has unfinished business, and they want it to develop clear, funded transition plans that include workforce strategies, rehabilitation, and regional economic transition.
They are calling on the Queensland Government to pause Glencore’s expansion approvals until the addresses in their communities are addressed.
Fraser Coast Regional Council‘s team ‘Fast and Fraser’ has won the 2025 Queensland Australasian Management Challenge, achieving an impressive 95% score while competing against 12 other teams in leadership and problem-solving tasks.
The winning team, comprising six staff members from different departments, will now represent Queensland at the Australasian finals in Perth in August 2025.
TAS:
Hobart City Council is in conflict with the Tasmanian government over land acquisition for a $945m stadium project at Macquarie Point, as the government is reportedly planning to compulsorily acquire council-owned waterfront land for access roads and infrastructure.
The council strongly opposes the stadium primarily due to its location and various environmental and heritage concerns, and is demanding fair commercial compensation for the land.
The Mercury reported that the council is set to submit its formal objection within the next two weeks.
Dorset Council has reappointed John Marik as General Manager for a 5-year term, with Mayor Rhys Beattie describing Mr Marik’s strong leadership and community-first approach as key factors in the decision.
Mr Marik, who has served as General Manager since December 2022 and was previously Director of Corporate Services, expressed gratitude for the Council’s support and emphasised his commitment to making Dorset the most desirable place to live in Tasmania.
A motion to end Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country protocols at Flinders Island council events failed to receive support this week.
ABC News reported that Councillor Garry Blenkhorn’s proposal did not receive a seconder at a meeting attended by around 50 people including many from the Aboriginal community.
While Cr Blenkhorn claimed the protocols were “divisive” and had “served their purpose,” the failed motion was criticised by other council members for causing division and being poorly timed during National Reconciliation Week.
SA:
Adelaide Hills Council has been rocked by the resignation of three councillors in the space of just one week, reducing its numbers to ten.
Last week, Councillors Louise Pascale and Pauline Gill both tendered their resignations, with Cr Pascale stepping down on Thursday, followed by Cr Gill on Friday.
And this week, Deputy Mayor Melanie Selwood has resigned after being preselected as the Greens’ lead candidate for the upcoming state election in March.
Cr Selwood said the resignation of Cr Pauline Gill, which triggers a supplementary election, provides an opportunity for the community to elect two representatives in Valleys Ward at the one time.
The Messenger reported Cr Gill’s claims that her mental health had been impacted by allegations of bullying under confidentiality provisions by a fellow elected member.
Cr Pascale’s departure came with a surprise announcement of her support for a controversial boundary change proposal by Campbelltown Council, which she had previously opposed.
Acting Mayor Nathan Daniell has categorically disagreed with the bullying claims and has maintained the council’s opposition to Campbelltown’s boundary proposal.
On Tuesday night, the Council considered the outcome of an independent investigation into three complaints made against now former Councillor Pascale.
The council noted the findings and recommendations of the report, as well as the cost of more $50K to deal with the complaints.
As Ms Pascale is no longer a member of Council, it was decided to take no further action given the Local Government Act only provides powers to take action against elected members.
Supplementary elections will now be held in both the Ranges and Valleys wards to fill the vacancies. The council said it will provide further information about the election process as it becomes available.
A Barossa Councillor is appealing to the ombudsman after being reprimanded by colleagues for refusing to acknowledge Welcome to Country ceremonies and using inappropriate language.
The council has spent $47,000 investigating the complaints against Cr Bruce Preece, according to a report from ABC News.
Cr Preece has defended his actions, citing health issues and claiming procedural unfairness, but the Mayor Michael Lange OAM said the decision was about policy rather than politics.
Tesla has won approval from the City of Marion to build a battery-recycling factory despite 95% of community submissions opposing the plan due to concerns about Elon Musk and environmental impacts.
The Guardian reported that the decision still requires state government approval.
It was supported by Mayor Kris Hanna who argued the facility would create 100 local jobs and make good use of contaminated land that isn’t safe for recreation.
WA:
The Shire of Ashburton has appointed Keith Woodward, a veteran local government professional with nearly 40 years of experience and a Public Service Medal recipient, as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Woodward brings significant experience from previous roles, including five years as CEO of the Shire of Three Springs and senior positions at the Shire of Exmouth.
He takes up the position in September.
The Shire of Coolgardie in Western Australia’s Goldfields is copping backlash after deciding to push ahead with a 97 percent increase in rates on the mining sector.
ABC News reported that the council needs to cover a $10.4 million capital works program to repair damaged roads, and after revealing a $6.5M deficit earlier this year.
The rating decision has drawn criticism from the major mining companies, prospectors, and industry groups who argue the increase is excessive and could deter future investment in the region.
National Briefs:
The Shire of Carnarvon has been selected to host the 2026 WA Tourism Conference.
The event is expected to bring over 250 delegates to the shire, and inject more than $300,000 into the local economy while showcasing the region’s tourism potential.
The new Wattle Range Council office in Millicent is set to open on June 30, according to the SE Voice.
The new facility on the site of former tennis and netball courts features modern staff accommodations, new council chambers, and improved infrastructure including parking and landscaping.
Redland City Council is utilising a thermal-imaging drone to monitor flying-fox roosting sites, improving population count accuracy by 25-50% and enabling better conservation outcomes.
The technology is particularly effective in hard-to-access areas and helps protect colonies during operational works, while also being capable of detecting other wildlife species like koalas.
Global Roundup:
NZ:
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has hit back at Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s criticism of the capital city, calling it “blatant punching down on Wellington.”
The exchange follows Mr Luxon’s comments that there was too much ideology and party politics in local government, and his suggestion that Wellington needed to be more than just a public service town.
Mayor Whanau has defended the city’s progress, and suggested the Prime Minister should focus on his own coalition’s challenges rather than criticising Wellington.
Stuff reported that Mr Luxon has also called for higher voter turnout in Wellington’s local elections, but quoted an incorrect turnout figure – claiming it was around 35% when it is fact more than 45%, and above the national average.
Mayoral elections are due later this year, though Ms Whanau has previously announced she won’t be seeking a second term.
USA:
In New York City, Council progressives are said to be outraged by a new NYPD policy to criminalise cycling violations with criminal summonses instead of traffic tickets.
Streetsblog has reported on concerns about the impact of the policy on immigrant delivery workers who must appear in court in person.
Some Council members and Los Deliveristas Unidos are protesting the policy change which they say could put immigrant workers at risk of deportation.
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams stopped short of opposing the change this week, saying that more discussion is needed before taking action.
The first directly elected mayor of Cleveland Heights in Ohio, Kahlil Seren, is facing mounting controversies involving allegations of antisemitism and workplace hostility against his wife, who holds no official position but has become a central figure in alleged City Hall dysfunction.
WKYC reports this week that the situation has escalated to formal complaints, multiple staff resignations, and discussions of a “loss of confidence” resolution by the city council.
Mayor Seren has consistently denied that his wife gives orders or directives to city staff, but the emergence of footage showing her with access to sensitive administrative areas of City Hall hasn’t helped quell the allegations.
The situation has left some questioning whether the historic change to a strong mayor system of government six years ago was worth the the troubled phase the city finds itself in now.
CANADA:
Another story involving a strong mayor council and a mayor’s wife, this time out of Ontario in Canada.
From Yahoo News, the City of Windsor has defended its hiring of the wife of the city’s Mayor Drew Dilkens for a project manager position.
The Council says all proper procedures were followed and the mayor was not involved in the recruitment process.
Jane Deneau has nearly 30 years of experience as a project management consultant in Kentucky, but the hiring has sparked discussion about the implications of strong mayor powers.
Observers have raised concerns about how those powers can potentially influence organisational behaviour and hiring practices.
Calgary City Council has approved a motion to create an ‘Infrastructure Reinvestment Program’ aimed at addressing the city’s infrastructure maintenance backlog, estimated to be worth $7.7B.
The proposal from Councillor Evan Spencer, who is also the chair of the city’s audit committee, passed in a 9-5 vote.
The Calgary Herald reported that Councillor Spencer sought to force a conversation about a worsening backlog of maintenance, including identifying stable funding sources to address the issue.
An annual investment of more than $500M will be considered as part of the 2027 – 2030 budget cycle.
UK:
In the latest from Birmingham and that pay dispute that has been going since early March, Unite the Union is reportedly preparing to challenge a High Court order that prevents its members from delaying bin lorries leaving depots.
The backlog of waste collection is now nearly 13,000 tonnes according to BBC News.
The union maintains it is conducting peaceful protests while the council is seeking to extend the injunction indefinitely.
Surprise, surprise, there’s more Jeremy Clarkson related controversy arising from the latest episodes of his Clarkson’s Farm series.
This time is about his portrayal of Cotswold District Council‘s response to his plans to purchase a local hotel, according to BBC News.
The council has strongly denied Mr Clarkson’s claims that they were “awkward” and unsupportive about the proposal – it says initial meetings were positive.
Clarkson ultimately decided not to pursue the purchase.