Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- A controversial local law to be reviewed
- Rail announcements hailed by local councils
- A councillor levels accusations at colleagues
- Buloke’s mayor confident a cancelled festival will return
- A NSW councillor under renewed fire for ongoing behaviour
- A call for an ICAC investigation into a councillor’s new role
- Share bike companies on notice from a Sydney council
- The resignation of a long-serving mayor
- A WA Council CEO appointment; and
- And another NZ council to leave the sector’s peak body
Plus much more news from around the world of local government in Australia and beyond.
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 442:
Victorian Roundup:
Casey Council has hit pause on its controversial Local Law, announcing a comprehensive review following community backlash, according to Berwick Star News.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, Deputy Mayor Melinda Ambros led a unanimous vote to suspend permit fees while the council examines the law’s impact on residents.
The review will compare Casey’s regulations with other local governments and examine how to balance property owners’ rights with community safety.
The Council will receive a detailed report next month outlining the review process.
Moonee Valley Mayor Ava Adams has hailed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Melbourne Airport and state and federal governments as a victory for local residents.
The Airport Rail project, first announced in 2018, will include a new station at Keilor East, promising improved public transport access for the growing community.
Mayor Adams credits years of persistent community advocacy for today’s breakthrough and is now calling for construction to commence without delay.
Brimbank Mayor Thuy Dang also enthusiastically welcomed the agreement between governments and Australia Pacific Airports as a significant milestone for improving transport options and economic growth in the region.
Cr Dang is hoping that the agreement will help fast-track the Melbourne Airport Rail project before the opening of the third runway in 2031.
Merri-bek City and Mitchell Shire Councils have welcomed an election pledge from the Federal Opposition to spend $2M on scoping upgrades to the Upfield rail line.
The report will look at duplication, electrification and extension of the line.
The Councils say the promise is a step in the right direction, after continued advocacy by the Northern Councils Alliance for a better Upfield line service.
Greater Dandenong Councillor Rhonda Garad has accused her fellow councillors of shutting down debate on her motion for a second peace meeting with stakeholders about the Thomas Street precinct.
The motion sought to remove the Afghan Bazaar name from council marketing materials until the issue is resolved.
Earlier in the meeting, Councillor Phillip Danh’s motion calling for peace and acknowledging diverse community views received unanimous support from the council.
Read more on what occurred at the meeting in the Dandenong Star Journal.
The mayor of Buloke Shire Council is confident that the Esoteric Festival will return to the shire in future, despite its recent last minute cancellation.
Cr Alan Getley told me this week that discussions are underway about what occurred, including what he describes as unfounded media coverage:
(Interview)
That’s Alan Getley, the Mayor of Buloke Shire Council.
Former Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter, who died suddenly at age 45 last August, has been honoured at a council meeting where her family was presented with a memorial book.
Various permanent tribute options are under consideration, according to the Star Weekly.
They include potentially naming a building in her honour and establishing a gender equity category in the council’s civic awards.
A community forum held by Greater Shepparton City Council has heard the Goulburn Murray Valley region is facing a critical threat from Queensland Fruit Fly.
Expert analysis predicts potential population increases of 205-600% by 2026 without proper management programs.
The forum highlighted the urgent need for continued Victorian Government funding of $1 million annually to protect the region’s $1.6 billion horticulture industry.
Victorian Briefs:
A person has been caught in the act of dumping a burnt out car in the City of Hume.
The Council says the offender will hit with a fine of more than $9,500, stressing that illegal dumping isn’t just an eyesore, it’s also a crime.
Council and industry representatives from across Gippsland have been in Melbourne this week for meetings with state ministers and MPs ahead of the next state budget.
The One Gippsland group presented the detail of its funding priorities to the Minister for Planning, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Water, and the Minister for Local Government among others.
Strathbogie Shire Council has launched BinRight Strathbogie, a free app offering bin collection reminders, waste sorting guides, and service updates.
Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy highlighted its importance for the upcoming purple-lidded glass recycling bin rollout in July.
The City of Ballarat is launching an 18-month trial program to combat increasing graffiti problems by providing free removal services and cleaning kits to residents and businesses, extending beyond just council-owned assets.
The initiative aims to unite the community in maintaining the city’s appearance, with support including additional cleaning resources, a new graffiti trailer, and the ability for third parties to enter into agreements with the City for vandalism cleanup.
National Roundup:
NSW:
A Snowy region councillor is under fire for continuing to breach a performance improvement order aimed at curbing his offensive behaviour.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Andrew Thaler, who was elected to Snowy Monaro Regional Council last September, has accumulated 19 misconduct complaints in just two months.
State MP Nichole Overall has called for urgent action in parliament, describing Thaler’s conduct as “deliberate, calculated chaos.”
The councillor has reportedly continued to make offensive comments about colleagues on social media, despite signing an order prohibiting such behaviour.
The Office of Local Government is now investigating the breaches, and Cr Thaler has announced intentions to run for federal office.
There’s controversy brewing in New South Wales after former Local Government NSW president Darriea Turley was appointed as a special adviser just months after being forced to resign from her presidential role.
Cr Turley’s resignation came after her council, Broken Hill, withdrew its LGNSW membership last November.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the appointment has drawn criticism from some local government figures, including Broken Hill Mayor Tom Kennedy, who has called for an ICAC investigation into the position, which wasn’t publicly advertised.
Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone has labeled it as ‘jobs for mates’ and called for Cr Turley’s resignation.
LGNSW has defended the appointment, stating it followed proper procedures and noting Cr Turley’s democratic election to her previous role.
Waverley Council in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is threatening immediate action against share bike companies if they don’t agree to new rules within a month.
9News reports that the threat follows numerous complaints about bikes being carelessly discarded and ridden dangerously.
The council is proposing a memorandum of understanding with bike share providers that would establish guidelines for bike numbers, parking locations, and speed limits, while also implementing a six-month parking trial from June.
Share bike usage in Waverley has seen a dramatic 350% increase between 2021 and 2024.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge has incurred the wrath of his fellow councillors, after calling for a state investigation into the finances of Newcastle Airport.
His call follows revelations by the Newcastle Herald that the airport is planning job cuts to manage escalating debt. According to council sources, the airport had previously sought a potential $40 million bailout from ratepayer funds.
In a dramatic council meeting, councillors from all political sides condemned the Lord Mayor’s actions, particularly his decision to write to the NSW Office of Local Government without consulting them.
Labor Councillor Deahnna Richardson noted that airport management projects a return to positive cash flow by 2027.
And Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has dismissed calls for an investigation, suggesting the Lord Mayor already has access to the relevant information.
Ku-ring-gai Council has advanced two major housing initiatives: a Transport Oriented Development plan for precincts from Roseville to Gordon, which will be discussed at an upcoming Extraordinary Meeting, and the approval of a 1,015 sq/m minimum lot size for dual occupancy developments in low density residential zones.
The Council says its decisions reflect a commitment to increasing housing supply while maintaining consideration for community feedback and local characteristics.
Waverley Council has voted to bring back a New Year’s Eve music festival to Bondi Beach, which previously hosted the Shore Thing Festival until its cancellation in 2014.
Rolling Stone Australia reported that the Council will now seek a suitable partner to run the event and secure support from the state government and Destination NSW.
Councillors are enthusiastic about the festival’s potential to boost the local economy and nighttime entertainment options.
One of regional New South Wales’ biggest multicultural events is set to expand, with Coffs Harbour’s All One Under The Sun festival extending to two days this October.
The festival, which has evolved from Harmony Day celebrations, will transform the newly refurbished Brelsford Park in Coffs Harbour’s CBD into a vibrant celebration of culture on October 24th and 25th.
With nearly $180,000 in combined funding from the City of Coffs Harbour and the NSW Government, organizers are planning an ambitious program including global cuisine, street art, and a multicultural football tournament.
Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams says the event aims to attract up to 10,000 people.
NSW Briefs:
The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully has declared 15 new housing proposals as State Significant Development, which could potentially deliver over 7,000 new homes following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority.
A total of 44 housing development proposals have now been declared state significant under the HDA.
Penrith City Council‘s annual e-waste drop-off day recently collected over 20 tonnes of electronic waste from 800 vehicles, with 40% being first-time participants despite wet weather conditions.
Griffith City Councillor Shari Blumer has been elected as National President of the Murray Darling Association, a local government organisation advocating for effective management of Murray Darling Basin resources.
The Scone CBD Revitalisation Project, a $24.7 million investment including significant government funding, has been officially opened in Upper Hunter Shire.
The project has transformed the town centre with upgraded infrastructure, enhanced public spaces, and the unique Equine Walk of Fame.
And there’ll be a community rally in Albury this weekend in support of a fully funded, new single site hospital for the Albury Wodonga region.
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack and Deputy Mayor Jessica Kellahan will join representatives of 12 other regional councils at the event on Saturday morning in Albury’s QEII Square.
QLD:
Townsville City Council has unanimously rejected a petition with over 200 signatures that called for the removal of fluoride from the city’s water supply.
Councillors cited scientific evidence and established health guidelines supporting fluoridation as the reason for rejecting the call.
The petition claimed fluoride lowered children’s IQ, but councillors referenced a 2024 Queensland University study that refuted those claims.
Townsville Bulletin reported that suspended Mayor Troy Thompson criticised the council’s handling of the petition via Facebook, revealing his connections to My Place organisation, which holds anti-flouride views.
A comprehensive external review of operations has been given the green light by Redland City Council, despite opposition from several councillors.
The Courier Mail reported that Mayor Jos Mitchell secured majority support for the initiative, which aims to assess council efficiency and identify areas for improvement.
Five councillors expressed concerns over the review’s scope and costs, with Deputy Mayor Julie Talty questioning the need for external consultants.
However, Mayor Mitchell maintains the review is necessary, noting it would be the first comprehensive external assessment of council operations in recent history.
The next step will see the establishment of an advisory group, led by Mayor Mitchell and new CEO Louise Rusan, to define the terms of reference.
Redland is the latest council to put its operations under scrutiny, following similar moves at other councils including Sunshine Coast and Albury.
The Queensland Government is intervening to support Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council by appointing a financial controller and governance adviser to assist with financial bookkeeping, allowing councillors to focus more on community outcomes.
The Morning Bulletin reported on the planned intervention, which will allow the council to continue normal operations with its mayor, councillors and interim CEO, while receiving the additional support to get their financial statements up to date.
From Far North Queensland comes news that the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer following the termination of Kate Gallaway’s employment.
The decision was made by council vote earlier this month, passed by a narrow margin of three votes to two, according to the Cape York Weekly.
The Mayor Robert Poi Poi stood aside from the vote due to a declared conflict of interest.
The change in leadership follows community concerns about transparency and operational management, which led to state government intervention last year.
Lew Rojahn has been appointed as interim CEO while the council conducts its search for a permanent replacement.
Industrial action by Noosa Council workers looks set to continue, after a rally of around 150 workers outside the council chambers this week.
Radio Zinc96 reported that the workers are demanding wages that match neighbouring councils.
The Council has offered a 13.5% increase over three years which CEO Larry Sengstock said is a fair and reasonable offer, and one that is financially responsible.
Unions are arguing that it’s insufficient given the rising cost of living in the area.
TAS:
Clarence City Council is working on a plan to replace access stairs at Roches Beach, Lauderdale, which were destroyed this week when thieves took a large roller for a run to the beach.
Tasmanian Police are investigating the incident, which the owner of the roller told Pulse Tasmania is a frustrating inconvenience to her business.
The council said access to the beach via the stairs is closed, with updates on repairs to follow soon.
Meander Valley Council has confirmed the closure of the Westbury Waste Depot on June 29,, as part of a transition to a more cost-effective regional waste management model.
Mayor Wayne Johnston told residents that building a new landfill would cost ratepayers over $475 million, making it financially unfeasible.
The Deloraine Waste Facility will be upgraded to a modern transfer station and increase its operating hours to seven days a week.
SA:
Long-serving Light Regional Council Mayor Bill O’Brien has announced his resignation after more than 14 years at the helm.
Mayor O’Brien stood down this week, citing the need to focus on family, health, and personal life balance.
Deputy Mayor Michael Phillips-Ryder will assume mayoral responsibilities in the interim.
The Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Dodson, has praised Mayor O’Brien’s leadership, and his ability to unite communities and drive meaningful change in the region.
Georga Warhurst has been declared provisionally elected to Mid Murray Council in a supplementary election.
The result of the election will be formally confirmed by the SA Electoral Commission on Monday.
WA:
The City of Perth is considering expanding 40km/h speed zones to all local roads in the CBD to improve safety and create more pedestrian-friendly streets.
PerthNow reported that major roads like Riverside Drive and Plain Street may be excluded from the proposal.
The initiative will undergo community consultation through the Engage Perth website before a final decision is made in June.
The City of Canning in Perth has introduced a new policy offering homeowners $200 annually for each significant tree they register on their property.
WA Today reported that the city’s aim is to protect and increase the city’s declining tree canopy coverage from its current 9.9%.
While the initiative shows promise for environmental conservation, there are concerns about legal uncertainties regarding future property development and sales.
Similar schemes in other Perth councils have shown limited success despite offering up to $2000 per property.
The City of Busselton‘s War Memorial project has achieved recognition by winning two prestigious awards at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (WA) Excellence Awards.
The project was honoured at a Gala Dinner in the categories of Best Public Works Project Under $2m (Regional) and Excellence in Innovation (Regional).
The City of Stirling‘s $20 million redevelopment of Hamersley Public Golf Course has won multiple prestigious awards at the Awards, including the state’s best local government engineering project award.
The redeveloped facility reopened in December 2024, and attracted 132,000 visitors in its first three months of operation.
National Briefs:
The Town of Cottesloe has announced a change in leadership, with Mark Newman set to take the helm as Chief Executive Officer from late April.
Mr Newman is a former CEO of the City of Mandurah, and will take over from Matthew Scott, who announced last year that he would not be seeking a contract extension after five years.
The District Council of Loxton Waikerie has secured $1.1 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Active Transport Fund to construct shared paths in Waikerie/Ramco and Loxton, connecting schools, childcare centers, and key community areas.
The project will enhance local connectivity, improve safety , and promote more sustainable transport options.
A Huntingdale resident has been fined $800 plus costs after being caught on CCTV illegally dumping household rubbish in Southern River, as part of the City of Gosnells‘ crackdown on illegal dumping.
The City is actively prosecuting more offenders and using covert cameras at known dumping hotspots, to curb the activity which costs the city $250,000 annually to clean up.
Huon Valley Council is taking decisive action to address increased vandalism in Cygnet through rapid repairs, enhanced security measures, and collaboration with Tasmania Police.
The council has encouraged community involvement by asking residents to report suspicious activities and stay vigilant while using public facilities.
Global Roundup:
NZ:
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has become the latest local body to quit the national advocacy organisation Local Government New Zealand, Radio New Zealand reports.
In a split decision of six votes to five, councillors voted to end their membership, citing concerns over what some called the organisation’s “far left” political stance.
The move follows similar decisions by other major councils including Christchurch City and Auckland. The council’s departure will take effect from March 31st.
Mayor James Denyer opposed the decision, warning it would reduce the council’s influence with central government and cut off access to valuable support services for elected members.
The council will also lose access to the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs program, worth $180,000 in funding for youth employment initiatives.
ACT Party leader David Seymour’s criticism of local government has drawn a strong rebuke from Grey District mayor Tania Gibson,.
Mr Seymour says local government needs a clean out, and has called on like minded people to come forward to stand for election to councils as ACT Party candidates.
Mayor Gibson told Radio New Zealand that West Coast councils are struggling with limited resources rather than wasteful spending.
She says council critics and potential candidates should better understand the challenges of local government, including budget constraints and increasing pressure on elected officials, before making sweeping criticisms.
UK:
Reform of the council tax system in the UK has been ruled out by local government minister Jim McMahon this week.
The Local Government Chronicle reported that the minister made the comments at the launch of a report on fair funding for local government in Parliament.
He said that councils should have stability in light of other reforms to business rates, the audit system and funding formulas.
The news will be a disappointment to those who have been calling for reform of the council tax system, which is based on property values last updated in 1991.
Nine out of ten local councils in England are set to implement the maximum allowable council tax increase this April, according to The Guardian, marking the third consecutive year of steep rises for many households.
The standard increase of 4.99% will affect the majority of residents, while six struggling councils have received special permission to raise rates by up to 10% in a bid to avoid bankruptcy.
The Local Government Association says councils are facing “severe funding shortages” and have been forced to make tough choices despite understanding the burden on households.
Only a handful of councils, including Wandsworth in London, have managed to keep increases below 4%.
Redbridge councillor Sam Gould has resigned his position after pleading guilty to indecently exposing himself to a 13-year-old girl, according to a BBC News report.
The charges led to his dismissal as a senior caseworker and suspension from the Labour Party.
But the incident has prompted calls for councils to be given more power to remove politicians who commit serious crimes.
Redbridge Council’s leader expressed frustration at their inability to take such action, but was relieved that Mr Gould had resigned.
USA:
Kansas City Manager Brian Platt has been suspended with pay, following a significant legal verdict against the city.
The suspension comes after a jury ordered Kansas City to pay over $900,000 in a whistleblower lawsuit filed by former communications director Chris Hernandez.
Sources told the Beacon News that the City Council unanimously supported Mayor Quinton Lucas’s decision to suspend Platt.
The controversy stems from allegations that Platt suggested lying to media outlets – a claim he denies, though he admits to discussing a former Jersey City mayor’s practices of media deception.
Deputy City Manager Kimiko Gilmore will serve as interim city manager while the City Council prepares to make a final decision on Platt’s suspension this week.
In Palm Coast, Florida, Observer Local News reports that the city’s mayor is facing an ethics investigation following allegations he violated the city charter by attempting to fire key staff members behind closed doors.
Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston confirmed to the City Council that Mayor Mike Norris directed her to fire both herself and Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo.
The city charter explicitly prohibits council members from interfering with staff decisions, which fall under the city manager’s authority.
Councilman Charles Gambaro brought these accusations to light during a council meeting, describing the mayor’s actions as creating “a toxic work environment.”
While Mayor Norris denies the allegations, all three council members present voted to launch an independent investigation.
Now to Batavia, Illinois, where city officials are cracking down hard on illegal dumping.
In a unanimous vote, the City Council has approved a dramatic increase in penalties for those caught dumping prohibited materials into the city’s sewer system.
Shaw Local reported that the move comes after recent chemical dumping caused $40,000 in damage to local wastewater treatment facilities.
Under the new ordinance, fines have jumped from a maximum of $200 to as much as $20,000 per violation per day – representing a one hundred-fold increase.
City Administrator Laura Newman says officials have identified those responsible for the recent damage and will pursue civil action.
CANADA:
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says a city service review working group has identified over $200 million in savings (approximately $400 per household) and is launching a new Agile Government Working Group to reduce bureaucracy at City Hall.
The initiative aims to make city services more efficient and cost-effective while ensuring better value for taxpayers’ money.