Wangaratta appoints new CEO

The Rural City of Wangaratta has appointed Matt Nelson as its new Chief Executive Officer, starting April 13th. Matt brings over 25 years of government experience, most recently serving as Acting Land Coordinator General of Victoria. He’s worked extensively in the region, including on projects like Ride High Country and Prosecco Road. Mayor Irene Grant […]

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Improper tax grab, transparency questions, and a test of municipal agility – #554

Today on the Local Government News Roundup: Plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond. The Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 – simple, connected customer experiences.Listen to the episode here. Read along with all the […]

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Tumby Bay CEO let go

Another regional South Australian council has parted ways with its chief executive. The Mercury reported that Tumby Bay Council terminated CEO Darren Keenan’s contract this week after he failed to complete an extended probation period. Mayor Geoff Churchett says while Keenan’s community engagement was excellent, there were underlying workplace issues that couldn’t be overlooked. Keenan, […]

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Alarm bells ring for another six SA councils

Six more South Australian councils are facing serious financial trouble. The Essential Services Commission has this week released a report, in which it deems Berri Barmera, Ceduna, Coober Pedy, Peterborough, Kangaroo Island and Southern Mallee District councils either potentially unsustainable, marginally unsustainable, or unsustainable. This brings the total to nine councils now in financial strife, […]

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GP blow, costly blunder, and 4 day week reversal – #533

On the Friday, 20th February edition of the Local Government News Roundup: Plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond. The Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 – simple, connected customer experiences.Listen to the episode here. […]

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Upper Hunter merger proposal on the agenda

Upper Hunter Shire councillor Troy Stolz has followed through with his promise to propose a merger with Muswellbrook Shire Council at the next Council meeting. In his Notice of Motion, Cr Stolz calls for a consultative process to explore a potential amalgamation with neighbouring Muswellbrook. He has publicly argued that a merger could tackle his […]

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Launceston to drop 4 day work week plan

The City of Launceston has abandoned its controversial proposal for a four-day work week after intense pressure from business groups and ratepayers, according to reporting from The Mercury, and The Examiner. The council had been negotiating what’s known as a “100-80-100” model – where employees would receive 100 percent of their pay for working 80 […]

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Peninsula Mayor confirms state seat ambition

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has confirmed that he has formally applied for Liberal Party pre-selection, ahead of the upcoming by-election in the state seat of Nepean. The seat has been vacated due to the retirement from politics of Sam Groth, the party’s former deputy leader. Despite having previously ruled out running for parliament, […]

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