On your Wednesday edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Success for a community campaign to keep the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island
- Manningham Council defends its parking enforcement around an annual festival
- Maribyrnong’s controversial Footscray security trial to end
- 10 NSW Councils apply for increases above next year’s rate peg
- A Queensland council faces a huge fine over illegal dump fires
- A South Australian council loses its fifth CEO in two years
- Plus 200 short-stay properties converted to long term rentals, and counting. Noosa’s success story with Mayor Frank Wilkie on Roundup Extra
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 news, and find story links from this episode:
Victorian Report
The Victorian Government has confirmed that the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will stay at Phillip Island, news that has been welcomed by Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead.
The Government rejected a proposal to relocate the event to Albert Park, instead committing additional funding to keep the race at its traditional home beyond 2026.
Cr Halstead thanked the Government for its ongoing support and credited the outcome to strong community advocacy.
The Grand Prix is regional Australia’s largest international sporting event, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually and delivering major benefits to local tourism, jobs and businesses.
Around 100 attendees of the St Charalambos Greek Festival in Templestowe were hit with parking fines on Sunday, sparking anger from organisers who say council enforcement went too far.
Festival organisers had worked with Manningham City Council on parking arrangements, but guests were fined $122 for parking on nature strips despite prior discussions.
Manningham Council has defended its officers, saying signage warned patrons not to park illegally and that the measures were needed for safety and resident access.
Organisers are now seeking an urgent meeting with the council to resolve the dispute. The Greek Herald | Manningham Council
Maribyrnong Council has ended its six-month security crackdown in Footscray, despite crime in the suburb hitting record levels, according to the Maribyrnong Leader.
The council launched its Footscray CBD Security Program in September, pairing private security guards with local law officers for joint patrols after a series of serious incidents.
Last night, a majority of councillors voted to shift away from the security-led approach towards a “civic presence model.” The decision follows strong community pushback, including a petition signed by 201 people calling for an end to what they describe as surveillance and over-policing.
A midterm review found the security program provided short-term reassurance, with 31 percent of respondents saying it made them feel a lot safer. But the report also found it didn’t tackle the root causes—homelessness, mental health issues, and substance abuse.
Security patrols will be gradually wound down between March and July, while a new civic presence team takes over.
Brimbank City Council is reporting significant progress in its crackdown on illegal trading in St Albans, with a nearly 50 percent reduction in just three months.
The council’s action plan has combined compliance officers, community engagement, and education to tackle the problem—but Mayor Virginia Tachos says more help is needed.
She’s calling on the State Government to boost police numbers in Brimbank’s town centres, saying stronger police presence is essential to eliminate theft and the trade of stolen goods.
The Mayor says the early results show the plan is working, and it’s a win for local businesses and the community—but sustained support from Victoria Police is critical to keeping Alfrieda Street safe and thriving.
Casey Council last night made a contentious decision to approve a plan to build nearly 500 homes on the former Cranbourne Golf Course.
The 70-hectare development drew fierce opposition from residents concerned about its proximity to an active landfill – 200 metres short of the recommended safety buffer.
The Cranbourne Leader reported that the proposal, on land bought by former Carlton premiership player Fraser Brown’s development group for 190 million dollars attracted 51 formal objections.
Councillors unanimously supported an officer recommendation to approve the development.
Cardinia Shire Council has hit the brakes on the Victorian Government’s proposed fourth household bin for glass-only recycling, calling for more time to assess the plan.
At Monday’s council meeting, Mayor Brett Owen said the additional bin would cost households an extra $27 a year and wouldn’t significantly reduce waste to landfill. He pointed out that less than 2% of glass currently ends up in landfill, with 84% of residents already using their recycling bins effectively.
The council, one of 36 Victorian councils opposing the rollout, says the service would cost $4 million to implement plus $1.3 million annually to operate. Mayor Owen argues expanding the Container Deposit Scheme to include wine and spirit bottles would deliver better environmental outcomes at lower cost.
ABC News reported on the unclear status of a City of Melbourne plan to demolish and replace Melbourne’s controversial Red Stair structure in Southbank.
The council announced an international design competition in August 2024, promising a $25,000 prize for the winning entry in early 2025.
So far, that hasn’t happened, and Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece’s office said they were “looking into the best options.”
Victorian Briefs
Banyule Council has announced a new public artwork.
Titled Hello Casuarina, the artwork is inspired by the native Black She-oak, and will be installed in Montmorency, at the intersection of Station Road and Were Street by mid-2026.
It’s being funded by the Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project.
Hepburn Shire Council is running a trial allowing residents to recycle clean, expanded polystyrene at transfer stations in Creswick, Daylesford, and Trentham.
The collected polystyrene will be processed in Geelong and transformed into raw materials for construction and packaging. The trial runs until June.
Frankston City Council is partnering with Rotary Peninsula 2.0 to send playground equipment from five local play spaces to Cambodia, where it will be rebuilt for children who rarely have access to playgrounds.
The first shipment leaves on 7 March, with four more to follow throughout the year.
NSW Report
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal is calling for community input on rate rise applications from ten New South Wales councils. The proposed increases range from nearly 13 percent over one year to 58 percent over two years.
IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly says ratepayers can have their say through a survey or written submission before the March 9th deadline.
The councils seeking the increases are Ballina Shire, Blacktown City, Central Coast, Cessnock City, Glen Innes Severn, Hawkesbury City, Ku-ring-gai, Muswellbrook Shire, North Sydney, and Uralla Shire.
IPART will assess each application against government criteria, including whether councils have demonstrated the need for extra income and engaged with their communities. Final decisions are expected by June.
The NSW Government is launching a parliamentary inquiry into reforming its controversial Emergency Services Levy.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey says the government wants to replace the current insurance-based model with a property levy like other mainland states.
Local Government NSW is demanding any new levy be collected by Revenue NSW, not councils. President Darcy Byrne says councils shouldn’t be forced to wear increased costs for what’s a state responsibility.
The Country Mayors Association of NSW welcomed news of the inquiry, but also argues that the State Government should collect its own levy rather than burdening councils.
Chairman Mayor Rick Firman said the current system forces councils to cut essential services due to rising ESL costs they cannot pass on to ratepayers under rate pegging.
The ESL currently costs councils 236 million dollars annually.
Blue Mountains City Council is opposing a controversial Katoomba development fast-tracked by the State Government.
Mayor Mark Greenhill calls the process “deeply flawed” after the Narrow Neck Road apartment complex was declared State Significant Development in May.
The proposal includes 200+ apartments and 50+ serviced apartments on bushfire-prone land — “the worst we’ve seen in the Blue Mountains,” says the Mayor.
Mayor Greenhill criticised the consultation as “tokenistic” and warns residents have just 14 days to respond once exhibited.
The City of Newcastle has welcomed news that the state government will roll out its revolutionary development approval system across the state.
Newcastle’s Accelerated DA system has slashed assessment times by more than 50 percent, processing low-risk applications in less than 10 days.
The state government has provided 2 million dollars to develop a framework for other councils to adopt the model.
Since launching in 2022, Newcastle has processed more than 1,300 applications through the system, and is now ranked the fastest-performing in NSW for DA determinations.
Two flag poles carrying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags have been torn down by vandals in Corowa.
The Border Mail reported that the poles were detached from their footings, while a nearby Australian flag was left untouched.
Federation Council will spend $2,200 to repair and re-erect the poles with new service kits.
The attack came after a council decision to stop displaying Indigenous flags in its chamber. Councillor David Harrison said the vandals lacked courage and should have voiced concerns publicly rather than “sneaking around in the middle of the night.”
More Councils in the news:
Wollongong City Council could create compounds for seized illegal e-bikes as part of a state government crackdown.
Councillor Dan Hayes told the Illawarra Mercury that a tipping point has been reached with illegal e-bike behaviour in the city.
The move comes after Transport Minister John Graham announced plans to confiscate and crush non-compliant e-bikes.
There are mixed views in the community on the issue, with some arguing most riders do the right thing. Others say e-bikes need registration and insurance like other vehicles.
Albury Council has approved a 36 million dollar upgrade of its entertainment centre convention wing, but with strict budget conditions, according to the Border Mail.
Lavington company Zauner Construction won the tender to demolish and rebuild 90 percent of the existing facility.
Additional conditions have been imposed, preventing any cost blowouts without council approval. The project is backed by 25 million dollars in federal and state grants.
NSW Briefs:
The due date is approaching for submissions to this year’s National General Assembly in Canberra. Submissions must be in by 27th February, and registrations for the NGA in late June are now open.
Tweed Shire Council is working through a massive road repair program following devastating floods.
The February 2022 floods caused 310 million dollars in damage across more than three-and-a-half thousand sites. Council has completed 89 percent of those repairs, but 254 sites worth 130 million dollars are still underway.
More recent flooding in 2024 and 2025 added another 1,400 damaged sites to the workload.
Greater Hume Council has welcomed Dena Vlekkert, who commenced work last week as its new General Manager.
Ms Vlekkert has moved from Wodonga City Council, where she held the position of Director Community and Corporate.
Queensland Report
Balonne Shire Council is facing a potential $3.8 million fine over unauthorised dump fires in Dirranbandi.
ABC News reported that multiple fires have been deliberately lit at the council-owned landfill in recent years, putting the community at risk of hefty penalties under environmental protection laws.
The mayor has warned residents to stop the dangerous practice or the facility will be locked down. CCTV cameras have been installed to catch the perpetrators.
The Brisbane Times reports on a $57 million funding package to restore Queensland beaches damaged by Cyclone Alfred.
The federal and state governments confirmed the funding on Tuesday as part of a wider environmental recovery effort.
Twenty projects will be carried out from Bundaberg to the Gold Coast, covering eight councils.
Cyclone Alfred made landfall in March 2025, with the Gold Coast particularly hard hit by beach erosion.
The restoration work will help rebuild habitats and strengthen coastlines against future severe weather.
Fraser Coast Regional Council has launched new online mobility maps to improve accessibility in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
The maps help people with disability, parents with prams, and older residents navigate footpaths and shared pathways with confidence.
Over 108 kilometres of footpaths and 700 locations were surveyed using specialist technology and wheelchair users.
Key destinations including bus stops, accessible toilets, shopping centres, and tourist attractions are now mapped.
Tasmania
From Tasmanian local government this week:
The Mercury reported on Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood’s ongoing defamation case worth $15,000. The case continues to draw attention as it progresses through the legal system, with some uncertainty about where it currently stands.
And from Central Coast, the Advocate reported that a proposed gift of a Penguin school site has been rejected by the council amid concerns about potential vandalism.
Mayor Cheryl Fuller is said to be concerned about upgrading and maintenance costs, as well as the threat of vandalism.
South Australia
A South Australian council has sacked its fifth CEO in just two years.
ABC News reports that Deirdre Albrighton was dismissed from Peterborough District Council on Friday after less than two months in the role.
The outgoing CEO claims she was terminated without cause while on sick leave. She alleges she had flagged concerns about the council’s financial crisis and intended to recommend state government administrators be appointed due to potential cashflow issues in April.
The mid north town of 1,500 has been struggling financially, recently closing its main tourism attraction and imposing a 10 percent rate increase to address a half-million dollar deficit.
Local Government Minister Joe Szakacs says he’s seeking an urgent explanation from council leadership about the dismissal and their plans to ensure stable governance.
Nathan Daniell has been elected Mayor of Adelaide Hills Council after a supplementary election, defeating Andrew Stratford with 4179 votes to 2758.
Daniell, who’s been a councillor since 2014 and served as Acting Mayor since March last year, says he’s honoured by the community’s trust and will focus on protecting the Hills’ character, financial sustainability, environmental care, and sport and recreation facilities.
The Deputy Mayor position will be decided at the next Council meeting on February 24th.
The supplementary election was required after Jan-Claire Wisdom quit the position last September.
Western Australia
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has extended Acting CEO Mal Osborne’s contract through to late March, providing continuity while Chief Executive Andrew Brien remains on leave.
In a separate development, Mr Brien has confirmed he won’t be seeking a contract extension when his current term expires in March 2027.
Council says the early notice allows plenty of time for succession planning and a smooth leadership transition.
Global Report
UK:
In a dramatic about-face, the UK government has withdrawn its controversial plans to postpone local elections at 30 councils across England, just 11 weeks before polling day on May 7th. The decision follows legal advice and a mounting legal challenge from Reform UK.
The government had initially planned to delay elections at councils undergoing major reorganisation to free up capacity for the shake-up of local government structures. However, Reform UK launched a High Court challenge, arguing the delays were undemocratic, with a hearing scheduled for Thursday.
Secretary of State Steve Reed has written to affected councils promising £63 million in additional funding to deliver both the reorganisation and the elections, as reported by the BBC.
The decision has sparked a mixed response from local leaders, with some supportive and others describing a sense of “whiplash” after the about turn.
The affected councils are predominantly Labour-controlled, according to LGC analysis. Of the 29 councils where postponements were planned, 16 have Labour majorities, four are Conservative, and one Liberal Democrat.
Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of the Local Government Information Unit, said the government had “lost a fight it should never have picked” and was “playing fast and loose with the foundations of democracy.”
More reactions in a longer form story on this issue on the Local Government News Roundup website.
USA:
The Trump administration’s plan to convert commercial warehouses into immigration detention centres has sparked fierce opposition across multiple states, according to USA Today.
Deals have collapsed in Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City, and Virginia after protests and pressure from residents, local councils, and politicians from both parties.
ICE has purchased or attempted to buy at least a dozen warehouses since December, with some facilities designed to hold over 8,000 detainees.
Critics cite concerns about poor conditions at existing facilities and the strain on local resources. Some states are now passing legislation to ban ICE detention centres entirely.
CANADA:
Vancouver City Council has approved zoning changes allowing licensed childcare facilities for more than eight children to co-locate with a residence on the same property.
The amendment requires the childcare to be in a separate unit with its own entrance.
The decision builds on the city’s broader childcare strategy, which has already added over 2,000 new childcare spaces since 2022.
The change aims to help operators expand while living on-site, including the option to use laneway houses.
Winnipeg Councillor Evan Duncan is shelving a proposed bylaw that would have banned protests within 100 metres of schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
CBC reported that the move follows community pushback over concerns the rules were too broad and could infringe on Charter rights to free expression.
Duncan now says new federal legislation in Bill C-9 addresses much of what the bylaw intended to tackle.
Despite the reversal, critics still plan to rally at city hall to voice their opposition to the proposal.
NZ:
Rakaia’s salmon sculpture has been defaced in an act of activism, prompting the Ashburton District Council to inspect the structure and report the incident to police.
Mayor Liz McMillan said the vandalism was disappointing, particularly given the community effort involved in the sculpture’s restoration.
Roundup Extra:
Cr Frank Wilkie, the Mayor of Noosa Shire, discusses the challenges and strategies surrounding short-term accommodation in his community.
The Council introduced a Local Law in 2022 to manage visitor behaviour, and help strike the right balance between tourism and community needs.
Cr Wilkie shares insights on the effectiveness of the local law, the response from property owners and the tourism industry, and future measures to support key workers in the area.