Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- A rural mayor suspended after an arbitration process
- Hepburn gets the all clear for a 10 per cent rate increase
- Intense debate over a controversial inner city artwork
- More councils join the fight against a new state government tax
- A Sydney council calls for new planning rules to be suspended
- Protests against another Queensland council’s homelessness approach
- Another council exiting from aged care services
- and a new campaign to “Lift the Tone” as abuse and intimidation takes a toll
and more local government news from across 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.
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Here is all the news from episode 451:
Victorian Roundup:
An arbiter has found Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss breached standards of conduct in relation to the treatment of others, and has ordered his suspension for 21 days.
The internal arbitration decision will be tabled at the Council’s meeting this week, after which the suspension will take effect.
The arbitration process followed an application last year by three former councillors – Annemarie McCabe, Keith Cook and Farhat Firdous – seeking findings of misconduct against Cr Goss.
It was alleged that Cr Goss’s behaviour at a councillor only meeting and two Council meetings between March and June 2024 was “intimidating”, “threatening” and “disrespectful.”
The Arbiter Dr Lily O’Neill found that Cr Goss breached the relevant standards on two occasions, but dismissed the allegation in relation to the June meeting.
Ms O’Neill noted that Cr Goss made a public apology in March this year, in which he said he lost his temper in an acrimonious Council debate, and that he regretted the comments he made at the time.
The Arbiter considered the apology to be sincere, and said that if not for that apology she would have applied the maximum allowed suspension of 28 days.
The Essential Services Commission has approved Hepburn Council‘s application for a 7 percent rate cap variation, resulting in a total rate increase of 10 percent for 2025/26 when combined with the Victorian Government’s 3 percent cap.
The increase will generate an additional $1.36 million in revenue for essential services and infrastructure, with Council having identified $2.53 million in operational savings through the draft Budget.
The ESC engaged CT Management to conduct analysis to assist with its assessment of the application.
It found that in the period of 2018 to 2024, the council had been living beyond its means, with increased borrowings, operating costs and capital investment, while significantly reducing renewal investment, cash and working capital.
The CT Management report supported the council’s higher rate cap application as necessary to maintain sufficient cash, and achieve VAGO financial ratios.
CEO Bradley Thomas said the application to the ESC was not made lightly, and that the Council carefully considered all financial levers available, including operational efficiencies, asset rationalisation, and revenue diversification.
Last night, the council resolved to put its draft Council Plan, Budget and related documents out for public comment until 5th June.
The ESC is yet to release its determination on a higher cap application from Indigo Shire Council. It says that decision is expected before the end of May.
Earlier in the year, Alpine Shire Council announced its intention to apply for a higher cap, but later [decided not to proceed with the application](https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/news/council-unveils-draft-budget-202526-community-feedback#:~:text=Despite originally considering it%2C Council,community’s needs and financial sustainability.) after consideration of community needs and financial sustainability.
A controversial mural depicting a bound and gagged woman in Fitzroy has sparked intense debate, and over 1,000 complaints to the City of Yarra, many of them form letters.
ABC News reported that the mural is the work of Los Angeles-based artist Lauren YS, who has defended the work as a representation of empowerment and queer selfhood, but advocacy group Collective Shout has condemned it as eroticising violence against women.
Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly said the mural was created without proper permits and will result in fines for the business owner.
The mural has since been defaced by another graffiti artist.
The Council has advised its planning enforcement team is investigating the matter and will take the appropriate action required under its planning scheme.
Greater Shepparton City Council has added its voice to a growing chorus of opposition to the Victorian Government’s proposed Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
Mayor Shane Sali said the new tax, set to replace the Fire Services Property Levy in July, would have a significant financial impact on residents, particularly the region’s large farming and agricultural sector.
The Council is urging the Victorian Government to scrap the proposal and find a fairer funding alternative.
The MAV, which is set to hold its State Council meeting on Friday, has received motions from more than 15 councils from all corners of the state, each calling for a review and reform of the proposed fund.
Melbourne’s Western suburbs are set to receive a major boost with the Allan Labor Government announcing a nearly $5 billion investment in public transport rail infrastructure, which includes increasing train frequency on the Werribee line and upgrading the Melton Line and Sunshine Station.
The investment has been welcomed by advocacy group LeadWest.
Its Chair Cr Dr Phillip Zada said it was essential for the rapidly growing western region which represents 20% of Greater Melbourne’s population and is expected to match Adelaide’s population in the future.
Melton City Council has welcomed the Sunshine station funding announcement, which will facilitate the future electrification of the Melton rail line.
It sees the investments, including the increased services on the Sunbury line, as crucial for its rapidly growing community which expects 45,000 more commuters over the next 30 years.
Brimbank Council also said it was delighted with the news, reiterating its view that the projects are urgently needed to support the economic growth, housing needs and development of Melbourne’s western region.
One council that is not so happy with the state government’s transport project planning is Kingston Council, which this week raised concerns about the Suburban Rail Loop draft precinct plans.
It is warning that the plans fail to identify how critical infrastructure will be delivered to support sustainable neighbourhoods.
The Council is particularly concerned about the lack of funding commitments for new sporting facilities, schools, community facilities and bicycle paths, as well as issues with parking regulations that could take effect before the new SRL stations are operational.
Mayor Georgina Oxley said the council is asking the State Government to address its concerns urgently, and commit to funding the critical community infrastructure needed to make the precincts truly liveable.
Victorian Briefs:
A new 19km rail trail connecting Rushworth to Murchison will officially open on Saturday, marking the completion of a joint project between Campaspe Shire and Greater Shepparton councils.
The section completes the Waranga Trail, and has received infrastructure and bushfire recovery funding from the federal government.
Swan Hill Rural City Council has opened the Ultima Compost Facility, a groundbreaking project that will process 1,200 tonnes of garden organics annually and support the region’s transition to a circular economy through local composting operations.
The facility, supported by both Victorian and Australian government funding, incorporates modern technology for waste processing and will expand to handle Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service by 2027.
Benalla Rural City Council has commenced installation of a new flying fox, the first project from its Fawckner Drive Precinct Masterplan.
Mayor Bernie Hearn said the project was a step towards realising the council’s vision for the precinct, which will include a new pump track and a network of accessible paths.
The flying fox is expected to be completed by early June.
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National Roundup:
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has finalised his cabinet, and there’s been no change to local government related portfolios.
Catherine King has retained responsibility for infrastructure, transport and local government, while Kristy McBain remains Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and takes on Emergency Management.
NSW:
Woollahra Municipal Council has requested a temporary suspension of new state government housing development laws in Rose Bay, Double Bay and Edgecliff.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the council has concerns about infrastructure strain and flood risks.
The laws, which came into effect in February and allow buildings up to six storeys within 400 metres of certain areas, are part of the NSW government’s plan to build 377,000 new homes.
Woollahra is required to contribute 1,900 homes by mid-2029, and the council says engagement on the reforms was minimal and that the government doesn’t fully understand the implications.
The NSW Premier has not responded to a demand from Central Coast Council for a state of emergency declaration to address coastal erosion concerns, according to the Central Coast News.
The council held a second extraordinary council meeting late yesterday to explore alternative actions.
It directed the CEO to immediately commence engagement with professionals to undertake assessments of the identified impacted properties at Central Coast beaches; and to consider appropriate orders for emergency coastal protection works.
Without emergency powers, the Council’s options are limited to basic protection works like beach nourishment and temporary sandbag placement, while private landowners must seek development consent for any protective measures.
The Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris issued a press release on the weekend, stating that the Government shares the Council’s concerns and is prepared to meet with it this week.
A meeting has been set for Thursday, and the council’s resolution directed that any orders not be issued until after that meeting.
Balranald Shire Council is seeking public assistance to address recent vandalism incidents at the Senior Citizen amenities, with the latest occurring on May 10, 2025, following previous damage earlier that week.
Back Country Bulletin reported that the ongoing vandalism issues have resulted in direct financial costs to ratepayers and have also negatively impacted tourism in the area.
The Council is encouraging residents to report incidents to police or Crime Stoppers.
Tweed Shire Council will host the 2025 Local Government NSW Destination and Visitor Economy Conference later this month, bringing together councillors and local government professionals to explore tourism trends and opportunities.
The conference will feature the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, and showcase the Tweed region’s tourism attractions, with the aim of helping councils grow their local visitor economies.
Meanwhile, Local Government NSW has hosted its third annual Rural and Regional Summit in Sydney, bringing together representatives from over 70 councils and state government leaders to address challenges facing non-metropolitan areas.
The summit focused on key issues including financial sustainability, natural disaster recovery, water utilities management, and building reforms, featuring speakers such as the Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and discussions on supporting regional communities.
Shellharbour City Council will hold a commemorative ceremony on Sunday to honour four Australian soldiers who lost their lives while rescuing 62 American crewmen from a tanker crash during World War II.
The incident occurred in 1943 when the Cities Service Boston tanker hit rocks near Bass Point in rough seas, leading to a rescue mission where all American crew were saved, though tragically four Australian rescuers were swept away by a large wave.
QLD:
Gold Coast council has faced protests and criticism for issuing compliance notices to evict homeless people from a tent city in Southport.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported on a protest by advocates outside the council chambers, calling the council’s approach “inhumane” and focused on beautification rather than support.
The evicted residents have only moved a few hundred meters to another park, while the council maintains it is working on housing solutions with the State Government as lead agency.
ABC News reported that Gold Coast City Council yesterday voted to enforce fines and confiscate the belongings from people sleeping rough in public areas, becoming the third local government in south-east Queensland to adopt such measures after similar moves by Brisbane City Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Bundaberg Regional Council has announced its decision to transition out of the Commonwealth Home Support Program by the end of June, after providing aged care support services for over 25 years.
It says the decision has been prompted by significant legislative changes in aged care, and the transition will be managed carefully over a five-month period to ensure continuity of care.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said specialised aged care providers will be better placed to manage the upcoming changes brought about by the new Aged Care Act.
Ipswich City Council has unanimously supported a motion to build a new 400m synthetic athletics track, prompted by local athlete Gout Gout’s success and ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
The Council will identify suitable locations and develop an advocacy campaign for State and Commonwealth funding, aiming to replace the current problematic grass track at Bill Paterson Oval which was constructed over a former rubbish tip.
Logan City Council is using sophisticated drone technology with thermal cameras to conduct its first comprehensive koala population survey.
ABC News reported the council is investing $25,000 to better understand and protect the endangered species’ habitat.
The data collected will inform future city planning decisions, though conservationists warn that housing development poses a threat to koala survival and advocate for building “up, not out” to preserve critical habitat.
National Briefs:
The historic Alexandra Suspension Bridge in Launceston’s Cataract Gorge has reopened following a comprehensive restoration project.
The two phase project has preserved the heritage of the bridge while modernising its components for future generations.
Noosa Council has decided to reduce Tourism Noosa’s funding by $520,000 for the next 12 months, while also transferring events management back to the Council.
Zinc96 reported the decision comes as part of a new 12-month funding agreement that aims to align with Noosa’s first Destination Management Plan.
Bruce Bayly has been elected to the District of Tumby Bay Council in a supplementary election, triggered by the resignation of former councillor Christian Kotz.
And the District Council of Peterborough has appointed Kristen Clark as its Acting CEO, following the resignation of former CEO Leanne Babic.
The council has commenced a process to fill the position on a permanent basis.
TAS:
The Local Government Association of Tasmania has launched a ‘Lift the Tone’ campaign in response to findings that 80% of elected representatives have experienced abuse or intimidation.
It is calling for more respectful public discourse and encouraging Tasmanians to sign an online pledge for civil communication.
The campaign highlights the serious mental and physical health impacts of abuse on elected officials and their families, with social media and public spaces identified as the most common settings for such behaviour.
Glenorchy City Council has appointed Emilio Reale, the current Deputy CEO and Director Infrastructure and Development, as its new Chief Executive Officer following a unanimous council decision.
Mr. Reale is a former general manager of Huon Valley Council.
He commences on July 1st, replacing Tony McMullen who is stepping down after eight years.
Emilio Reale, new CEO of Glenorchy City Council
SA:
Northern Areas Council in South Australia has appointed Ross McNeil, an experienced local government executive from New Zealand, as its new CEO commencing in July.
Mayor Sue Scarman expressed excitement about bringing New Zealand’s progressive local government approaches to Northern Areas, with McNeil committed to delivering quality services and working collaboratively with the community.
WA:
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has issued a reminder of the importance of obtaining necessary permits before construction, after a local builder was fined $53,000 for conducting unauthorised building works.
Shire President Julia Meldrum said this week that the case highlights the serious consequences of non-compliance with building regulations.
She said registered builders who conduct work without approval are marking a commercial risk-based decision that doesn’t pay off.
A Waroona man has been fined $25,000 in Mandurah Magistrates Court for clearing approximately 1000sqm of protected native bushland without council approval.
The Shire of Waroona took the court action, claiming the clearing had impacted important black cockatoo habitat and grasstrees on his property and adjacent shire-managed road reserve.
PerthNow reported that the magistrate determined the man’s actions significantly impacted the environment and native flora and fauna, and granted him a spent conviction.
NT:
The Cairns Post reports that Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell, who was recently admitted as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory after completing her law studies, has announced her intention to run for a third term in the upcoming August local government elections.
Pascoe-Bell has served as mayor since 2018, after first joining the council as an alderman in 2015 with a focus on accountability.
Global Report:
NZ:
Taranaki Regional Council is planning a 12.9% rates increase for 2025-26, slightly lower than the initially projected 13.2% rise in their Long-Term Plan.
The Post reported that the council’s annual plan, set for adoption, outlines planned expenditure of $54.5 million against expected income of $52.7 million.
Tauranga City Council has held a meeting to receive feedback on its planned budget, which includes a 12% rate rise.
The New Zealand Herald reported that 96 people asked to address the council, with many urging the council to rein in spending, and focus on the basics and reduce rates.
UK:
Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the newly elected mayor of Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority who won with a 40,000 majority, is facing a legal challenge over her eligibility to stand for election.
The Local Government Chronicle reported that the challenge relates to her residential qualification requirements.
The matter will be referred to the county court following an appeal of an earlier decision that found her eligible to remain on the electoral register.
However, even if found ineligible, it’s understood she would not automatically be disqualified as mayor.
A former Aberdeen City Council worker who embezzled more than £1m over 17 years by exploiting his position as council tax team leader has been ordered to pay back £104,000.
BBC News reported that more than £417K has already been recovered from his pension fund.
Michael Paterson, who was jailed for four years in 2024, had used the stolen money to fund a lavish lifestyle including foreign holidays and technology purchases before his crimes were discovered.
USA:
A heated Petaluma City Council meeting in April, marked by public outbursts and a verbal altercation between council members, has led to the development of a new policy on decorum and meeting conduct.
Mayor Kevin McDonnell has promised stricter enforcement of meeting rules for council members, staff, and the public, emphasising that council chambers must be “a place of respect” where personal attacks are not permitted.
More from Petaluma360 dot com.
Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown has revealed that Police Chief Johnny Jennings received a $300,000 settlement from the city over threatening text messages from former council member Tariq Bokhari.
Local station WFAE reported that the revelation has sparked further debate about the city’s handling of the matter.
The settlement, which equals more than the chief’s annual salary of $280,000, has led to criticism from some among council members, while others have defend the decision during a subsequent news conference.
CANADA:
Edmonton city officials are exploring the possibility of selling naming rights to city-owned facilities and amenities, with the potential of generating revenue of up to $21 million over 10 years.
The Edmonton Journal reported that council members support the revenue diversification strategy, but others hold concerns about maintaining community identity and the city’s brand reputation.
The matter will come back before the council at a future meeting for further consideration.