In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A levy pause for farmers and more drought assistance announced – but some councils say it’s not enough
- The WA council on notice for potential dismissal
- Two Queensland councils sever ties with their CEOs
- The massive flood cleanup under way in NSW
- A council’s controversial decision on burial fees for stillborn children
- A new leader on the Regional Movers Index, as more people give up capital cities for regional Australia
and much more local government news from around Australia and beyond.
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 459:
Victorian Roundup:
The Victorian Government has announced a temporary pause on its controversial emergency services levy for farmers, while also pledging $37.7 million in additional drought funding support.
Farming groups have welcomed the pause and extra assistance, but they argue the levy needs to be permanently scrapped rather than just temporarily suspended.
The response from Councils to the news has been mixed.
Greater Shepparton City Council called it a win for primary producers, and welcomed the appointment of its mayor Shane Sali to a new Drought Response Taskforce.
Cr Sali, who will also represent the interests of Regional Cities Victoria on the taskforce, has called an extraordinary RCV Mayors meeting to discuss shared priorities ahead of the taskforce’s first meeting next week.
Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin is the only other local government representative on the taskforce, in her capacity as Deputy Chair of Rural Councils Victoria.
Prior to Friday’s announcement, Councils across the state continued to express concern and opposition to the ESV Fund levy.
The new drought package was described by Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy as a “slap in the face.”
She told the Sunday Herald Sun that the government’s approach was dividing the region, and that declarations of drought areas seemed subjective.
Stock and Land reported that Loddon Shire has voted to refuse to collect the levy, with Cr Miki Wilson declaring she was happy to risk her role as a councillor to stop the tax.
The council passed a motion at its May meeting which actually said it reiterates its objection to the “abhorrent” levy, and called on other councils to collectively oppose the collection of the levy.
It is calling on the Victorian governor general not to sign the bill.
Ararat Council had called an unscheduled meeting for this Wednesday to consider its response on the issue, but has since said the meeting would not be required due to the state government announcement on Friday.
Hobsons Bay City Council has responded to the appointment of a municipal monitor.
The Local Government Minister last week announced that John Tanner AM would work with the council on improving governance processes until the end of the year.
The Council said Mr Tanner would be working two to three days per week starting today, 2nd June.
It acknowledged that it is undergoing a period of transformation, and that all staff, executive and councillors would provide Mr Tanner with any support and assistance he requires.
Boroondara Mayor Sophie Torney says the council would like to able to show the state government how it can deliver on its housing expectations, noting that the government is proceeding with planning reforms that will allow increased housing density near transport hubs.
The council said that is despite it having put forward an approach that would protect heritage and ensure new housing is put in appropriate areas.
The changes include new zoning laws allowing 3-6 storey developments around Camberwell Junction, with similar changes planned for areas around Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn stations and Kew Junction.
Cr Torney there is still time to make the changes well and deliver more housing.
The Star Weekly reports on concerns in Hume City Council about wildlife road strikes, with over 1000 kangaroo-vehicle collisions reported in 2023.
Sunbury, Mickleham, and Greenvale were the most affected areas due to rapid urbanisation encroaching on wildlife habitats.
The council has made recommendations to a state parliament enquiry, including establishing a centralised wildlife database.
Local residents have resorted to putting up their own warning signs due what they see as a lack of government action.
Bellarine MP Alison Marchant is pushing the City of Greater Geelong to reinstate a $1.157 million funding commitment for the Portarlington Recreation Reserve upgrades, which was originally pledged alongside the Victorian Government’s $3.15 million contribution.
The Bellarine Times reported that the council withdrew its funding in 2023 due to financial constraints, impacting key project elements.
Upgrades have proceeded with separate state and federal funding, but local sports clubs are said to be concerned about facility limitations without the Council’s funding contribution.
Hume City Council has rejected a $60m private development proposal to build a hotel and office block in Broadmeadows.
Sunbury Life reported that there were concerns about the Council having to underwrite rental income.
The promise of jobs to help make up for the loss of the Ford factory in 2016 wasn’t enough to sway enough councillors, and the proposal was voted down by six votes to five.
Greater Geelong has become Australia’s most popular destination for people relocating from capital cities, according to the latest Regional Movers Index.
The city recorded a 9.3 percent share of total net internal migration in the 12 months to March 2025, and was one of two Victorian LGAs to make the top 5 – the other being Moorabool at No,4.
Sunshine Coast fell to second place after two years at the top.
The index shows the trend of people moving from metropolitan to regional areas continuing to grow, with regional Victoria capturing 34 percent of total net inflows into regional Australia during the March 2025 quarter.
Victorian Briefs:
Melton City Council has welcomed the announcement of the site for a new $55 million Melton TAFE campus at Cobblebank.
The campus will be operated by Kangan Institute and is scheduled to open in 2028.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is expanding smoke-free zones at beaches and sporting reserves, with new signage being installed at 13 sporting reserves and more beaches to create healthier spaces for families and children.
The move has the support of Peninsula Health and coincides with World No Tobacco Day.
Hume City Council‘s Home Energy Upgrades program, which helps residents switch to energy-efficient appliances and reduce energy costs, has won a national award for excellence in government energy management.
The program took out the Leading Energy Management Government Program Award at the 2025 Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) Awards last week.
Surf Coast Shire Council has drafted a new Single-Use Items and Packaging Policy aimed at phasing out single-use items across Council facilities and events over the next five years.
The policy aligns with state government plastics bans and includes provisions for exemptions, and is open for community feedback before coming back to the council for consideration in October.
National Roundup:
NSW:
The Guardian has reported on the efforts of councils and agencies who are responding to devastating floods which have dumped a year’s worth of landfill waste in just one month.
Authorities have implemented a coordinated waste management plan involving temporary transfer stations and large-scale sorting operations to handle an estimated 60,000 tonnes of flood-generated waste.
The cleanup effort prioritises removing waterlogged debris from residential areas to protect public health and mental wellbeing, while also dealing with challenges such as animal carcass disposal and significant amounts of flood-deposited silt and mud.
Last week, MidCoast Council said more than 1600 rapid damage assessments had been undertaken, and hundreds of buildings had been declared uninhabitable.
It had engaged a fleet of over 50 private trucks and other plant to help remove waste which had been accumulating on kerbsides.
Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts has praised the multi-level response to the flood disaster.
The council was prioritising the removal of resident flood-damaged waste, and conducting assessments of the road network last week, and a recovery centre was operating in the municipality until yesterday.
Mayor Roberts joined the NSW Premier, and other council and government representatives, at a meeting at Kempsey Shire Council last week to advocate for regional needs and priorities.
Lismore Council is investigating a suitable site to develop a new landfill disposal facility, and is aiming to relocate its landfill operations by 2030.
The council’s current landfill is closed after sustaining damage during natural disaster events in 2022.
Its waste is currently being transported to Queensland for disposal at a significant cost.
The current landfill is being restored, but will only provide limited capacity when reopened, and is expected to reach full capacity by around the end of the decade.
Investigations for a new landfill will consider the potential for a regional facility that could also serve other Northern Rivers councils.
The City of Newcastle is seeking community feedback on an application from environmental activist group Rising Tide to use Richardson Park and Camp Shortland for a People’s Blockade event later this year.
The event in November-December includes plans for camping, live performances, and temporary structures.
The proposal will be reviewed by the Council following the public consultation period, but Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said it was important for the community to have a say on the event, noting that there are strong views about the group and its associated protest activity.
Shellharbour City Council has approved a plan to improve the safety and management of e-bikes and e-scooters on shared paths, focusing on better signage, path upgrades, and public education.
The Council will seek State Government support for funding and education while working with local police to ensure clear laws and safety guidelines for the community.
Kyogle Council has launched a new interactive community map on its website with comprehensive information about properties, heritage sites, planning details, and community facilities.
The free-to-use map operates through selectable layers and includes features like distance measurements and printable information, making it a valuable resource for those seeking immediate access to local information outside of business hours.
Mayor Danielle Mulholland said the council is moving into the 21st century and making better use of current and emerging technologies to assist residents, visitors and investors.
QLD:
Barcoo Shire Council has parted ways with its chief executive officer, Edwina Marks.
The council issued a statement late last week announcing that it had resolved to conclude Ms Marks’ employment tenure.
Tony Klein has stepped into the role of Acting CEO.
Meanwhile, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council has made a similar move, voting not to offer a further contract to its CEO Michael Bissell.
Mr Bissell concluded his time at the council on Friday, and Stephen Martin has been appointed acting CEO.
Neither council has provided any further explanation for their decisions.
Sunshine Coast Council has claimed an advocacy win, successfully advocating against an Emergency Services Levy increase that would have cost over 19,000 homeowners up to $124 extra.
The Queensland Fire Department reversed its decision after Council highlighted there was no evidence of increased services, in what Mayor Rosanna Natoli described as a win for fairness and common sense.
Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn has raised concerns about plans to phase out waste levy rebates, which would potentially cost ratepayers up to $4 million annually by 2030-31.
Mayor Blackburn is calling for a delay in the levy implementation timeline, arguing that while waste reduction is important, the current approach would unfairly burden residents already struggling with cost of living pressures.
Logan City Council has appointed City Venue Management (CVM) to operate six aquatic centres across the city from July 1, offering residents access to multiple facilities through a single membership and bringing expertise in pool and fitness centre management.
CVM already operated two of the centres, but under the new arrangement, four council-operated centres will be transitioned in an effort to improve efficiency and user experience.
National Briefs:
Liverpool City Council has rebranded the Casula Performing Arts Centre as the Liverpool Powerhouse – Home of the Arts and Creative Industries.
The name change is part of establishing the venue as a major cultural and creative hub in Greater Sydney.
Douglas Shire Council has approved a new three-year, $1.5 million funding agreement with Tourism Port Douglas Daintree to support destination marketing and tourism development initiatives.
The partnership aims to promote the region as a world-class destination.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn has visited Burnie, Tasmania, touring various local facilities and meeting with community representatives.
The Governor-General even joined Mayor Teeny Brumby for a sunrise swim, along with her security detail.
TAS:
Burnie City Council has voted to clarify its expenses and allowances policy, ensuring ratepayer funds will not be used for councillors’ legal expenses related to personal matters such as defamation and code of conduct claims.
The Advocate reported that the decision follows legal advice from LGAT and a Supreme Court ruling that found the Northern Midlands Council had illegally spent over $135,000 on defamation actions.
SA:
Naracoorte Lucindale Council has voted against waiving burial fees for stillborn/perinatal children.
The Advertiser reported on debate (2nd June 2025) at the council last week, at which councillors heard the move would set a precedent that would impact on its budget.
The council had been requested to waive the fees by the Select Committee on Stillbirth in South Australia after Berri Barmera and Salisbury Councils did so earlier this year.
One opposing councillor argued that the proposal sought to put a price on a different kind of grief.
Wattle Range Council has announced that it will resume management of the Southern Ocean Tourist Park in Beachport from July, following the end of Belgravia Leisure’s two-year management tenure.
The Council has committed to ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption, maintaining all existing bookings and working to enhance the park’s appeal as a key summer destination in the region.
ABC News has produced a feature report on how regional councils in South Australia are grappling with insufficient funding to maintain their extensive road networks.
Some councils are responsible for thousands of kilometres of roads but have very few ratepayers to fund them – such as in Wakefield Regional Council, where there is a $16M road upgrade backlog.
The council has over 2,600 km of road to maintain, and a population of just 6,700.
Rural councils are calling for funding reform, saying the current model favours metropolitan councils.
WA:
The Town of Port Hedland council in Western Australia is facing potential dismissal following the resignation of councillor Ambika Rebello, the fourth resignation since November.
ABC News reported that Ms Rebello cited dysfunction and poor governance as reasons for her departure, which leaves only five elected members.
The troubled council has been plagued by controversies including a councillor endorsing Vladimir Putin, anti-COVID vaccine motions, and allegations of lewd behaviour.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said she was concerned about the latest resignation, and confirmed that she commenced the groundwork to install a commissioner and dismiss the council, if required.
A report on the failings of Coomalie Community Government Council in the Northern Territory has been released, and reveals the serious issues uncovered by an investigation, leading to its dismissal last month.
The report has highlighted leadership failures and inappropriate conduct by several council members, including conflicts of interest and breaches of confidentiality, according to ABC News.
An election for a new council has been scheduled for August 23rd.
Global Roundup:
USA:
CANADA:
Local councillors in Ontario are pushing back against the extension of strong mayor powers, which are now available to 169 additional municipalities in the province.
CityNews Toronto reported that some municipalities are actively rejecting the powers and calling for their removal, viewing them as a threat to democratic processes.
First introduced in 2022 for the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa, the provincial government has tripled the number of mayors with access to the powers as a way of building housing faster.
Everett City Council in Massachusetts is calling on the state Attorney General to recover $180,000 in improper longevity payments made to its Mayor Carlo DeMaria.
It follows an Inspector General’s report that found the mayor and his administration had concealed the payments from the council and public, and the mayor has continued to refuse to return the money.
Boston dot com reports that the latest action from the Council comes after the mayor’s administration refused to allocate additional funding for litigation and implementing recommendations from the attorney general’s office.
SPAIN:
Barcelona City Council has voted to suspend its ties with Israel and its friendship agreement with Tel Aviv, citing concerns over the Palestinian people’s rights and international law violations.
The decision includes various economic measures such as blocking Israeli vendors from trade fairs and restricting port access for ships carrying weapons to Israel.
It’s the second time the council has voted to suspend relations with Israel. A similar decision in early 2023 was reversed after elections delivered a change in mayor.
NZ:
Tauranga City Council has reduced its planned rate rise from 12 per cent to 9.9 per cent after four days of deliberations, during which it found nearly $10M of extra savings.
Mayor Mahe Drysdale said the new budget now included $38M in savings, and a plan to deliver around half a billion dollars worth of capital works.
The council will consider adoption of its budget in late June after a community consultation period.
New Plymouth District Council leadership has strongly condemned a string of online personal attacks on council staff and elected members.
The Post reported on a particularly concerning recent incident where a Council project manager’s personal details were posted online by the New Plymouth Ratepayers Action Group.
Council chief executive Gareth Green said the attacks were “disgusting,” appealing for posts to be removed without success.
Mayor Neil Holdom has described the behaviour as unacceptable.
A recent poll showed that nearly two-thirds of New Zealand mayors and chief executives have faced aggressive behaviour online, while 74% have experienced it during public meetings.
UK:
North Lincolnshire Council has rejected proposals for a unitary “super council” as part of local government reorganisation.
It says there is a clear lack of support from residents, stakeholders, and town and parish councils.
Council leader, Cllr Rob Waltham, said maintaining local control would protect important initiatives like free car parking, the imagination library scheme, and support for the steel industry, noting that the council is already one of the highest-performing in the country.
BBC News has reported on a new campaign by Cumberland Council to address the increasing abuse of council workers.
Incidents have nearly doubled from 34 to 64 between March and April this year, including serious incidents such as a worker being pushed down an embankment and another nearly being crushed by a lorry.
Council leader Mark Fryer said staff safety is a priority, and they would consider private prosecutions in cases where police don’t think it worth taking action.
The campaign is set to launch over the coming summer.