In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A metro council exploring legal options to challenge the state’s ESV levy
- A controversial mayor returns to work
- Victorian councils recognised for excellence
- Local government contributors make the King’s Birthday Honours list
- A former mayor and a current mayor announce surprise resignations
- Staff cutbacks proposed at Gold Coast, while the Sunshine Coast delays its budget due to internal reporting concerns
- and a WA council accused of belligerence as the state government steps in
plus more of the latest 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.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Here is all the news from episode 462:
Victorian Roundup:
The City of Yarra is set to challenge the state government’s controversial Emergency Services Levy, with Mayor Stephen Jolly to lead a motion next week to explore legal options against collecting the levy.
He has told the Herald Sun that it’s a “line in the sand moment” for local government autonomy.
The council is seeking legal advice on whether it can refuse to collect the new levy or challenge its introduction.
The development marks a significant escalation in the levy dispute, which has already seen fierce opposition from rural communities.
While the government has paused the levy for farmers for one year, urban residents and businesses will still be required to pay the increased tax.
The City of Greater Bendigo has announced proactive measures to address the impact of the state government’s new Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy.
It is reducing the rate in the dollar for farm rates in its upcoming budget and freezing waste charges for all ratepayers.
While acknowledging that it must collect the levy as mandated by the Government, the Council says it is actively engaging with state government leadership to seek clearer long-term support measures and drought relief strategies for the farming community.
Councillor Danny Goss has resumed his position as Mayor of Baw Baw Shire following a 21-day suspension, receiving strong support from fellow Councillors.
The council held a new election as required under the Local Government Act, following any vacancy in the office of Mayor.
Cr Goss will continue serving until the next Mayoral election, which is due in November.
Frankston City Council is taking action against 65 commercial properties in the CBD that have failed to meet municipal amenity requirements.
Enforcement measures include infringement notices and court action against non-compliant landlords.
The action is part of a broader city centre revitalisation program that includes multiple projects and a proposed limit on the increase to commercial rates in the council’s draft budget.
This year’s LGPro Awards for Excellence have been handed out at the organisation’s annual conference in Melbourne.
Winners were announced in 15 categories, recognising infrastructure projects, partnerships, diversity and inclusion and more.
Among the winners were East Gippsland Shire Council which won the ‘Disaster Readiness and Recovery’ category for its comprehensive emergency preparedness initiative developed after the 2019-20 Black Summer Bushfires.
The winning project has delivered numerous community-led solutions including 46 Local Incident Management Plans, Victoria’s first local government Disaster Dashboard, and various infrastructure upgrades to enhance disaster resilience across the region.
Mitchell Shire was awarded for the Seymour Resource Recovery Centre project in the $5 to $20M community assets and infrastructure categories. Mayor John Dougall said it was a proud moment for the council, recognising how the program changed their approach to resource recovery and education.
**Glen Eira Council’**s Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool picked up the win in the over $20M community assets and infrastructure category.
Other winners were Banyule in the Service Delivery category for its CX Data Driven Transformation Initiative; Greater Shepparton’s Early Years team in the Special Projects Category; and Ballarat’s Youth Services Team in the Community Partnerships category.
Victorian Briefs:
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece has called on Tottenham Hotspur F.C. to reconsider its sacking of manager Ange Postecoglou.
Cr Reece said he was speaking out of behalf of Melbourne and global Premier League fans, highlighting Postecoglou’s successful career from Melbourne to his recent Europa League victory with the Spurs.
Brimbank City Council’s Sunshine Energy Park Vision Plan has been awarded for urban design at the AILA Victorian Awards of Excellence.
The project was commended for innovation, environmental stewardship, a collaborative approach, and commitment to community-driven outcomes.
It’s now up for a National Award, which will be announced in October.
The City of Casey says it has received feedback from more than 1,000 residents on its controversial community local law.
Consultation was conducted in pop up sessions, workshops and door-knocking over 400 homes across the city.
A draft version will be released for public review in August 2025.
Wyndham City Council has fined two individuals $1,186 each for illegally dumping household items outside donation bins at a community centre car park in Truganina.
The Star Weekly reported that illegal dumping has cost Wyndham City ratepayers $6.1 million over the past five years.
National Roundup:
Some of local government’s long term contributors have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
Former Hawthorn Mayor and Brimbank Commissioner and Administrator Jane Nathan has been made a Member of the Order of Australia.
Albert Van Zetten, former long term Mayor of the City of Launceston has also been made a Member of the Order of Australia.
Former Upper Lachlan Shire councillor Malcolm Barlow has received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to local government, the environment and to education.
From Western Australia, Ken Clements, a 30 year former councillor and Shire President at the Shire of Plantaganet and WALGA representative is also now an OAM.
And from Queensland, the late Neil Fisher, former councillor and deputy mayor at Rockhampton has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, along with John Lush, a former councillor at Adelaide Plains Council in South Australia.
Max Eastcott, General Manager of Gwydir Shire, has received the Public Service Medal. Max has announced his retirement effective next month after more than 24 years with Gwydir and the former Bingara Shire Council.
A Public Service Medial has also been awarded to the Deputy Secretary of the Office of Local Government NSW, Brett Whitworth, along with Peter See, a 44 year local government veteran who served as a Director of Engineering Services for 17 years across a number of Queensland councils.
NSW:
Former Cessnock Mayor Jay Suvaal has announced his resignation as a Councillor on Cessnock City Council after eight years of service, including three years as Mayor.
In a statement on social media, he said new professional commitments and increased family responsibilities were the primary reasons for his departure.
He has reflected on his tenure on the council, particularly as Mayor, during which he oversaw significant infrastructure developments including a tripled capital works program worth $67m last year.
His position is likely to be filled by former Deputy Mayor James Hawkins following an Electoral Commission recount.
Former MidCoast Council Councillor Dheera Smith, who served from 2021 until her resignation in April due to illness, has passed away.
She leaves behind a legacy of environmental advocacy and community service.
In paying tribute to the former councillor, Mayor Claire Pontin said Dheera was known for her dedication to sustainability, koala conservation, and community inclusion, and that she maintained a quiet but impactful presence in local government.
The Manning River Times reported that Ms Smith died peacefully at home with her husband by her side.
John Martin OAM, the first popularly elected Mayor of Singleton Shire, passed away last week, leaving behind a legacy of over six decades of community service including 50 years as a local government representative.
Mayor Sue Moore has paid tribute to Mr Martin’s extensive contributions which encompassed roles in the State Emergency Service, Meals on Wheels, and various community organisations.
He was one of only five people to receive the Freeman of the Shire honour, recognising his status as a pillar of the Singleton community.
Andrew Meddle, the new CEO of Kempsey Shire Council, has hit the ground running in his first week on the job, joining government MPs for a tour to assess the damage from recent floods.
He said he was shocked at the damage he observed, but was particularly impressed with the commitment of staff working around the clock on investigating and repairing damage to roads, bridges and infrastructure across the shire.
Mr Meddle, originally from Essex in England, has moved to Kempsey from South Australia to take up the position after 13 years in local and state government roles in that state.
Eurobodalla Council has given an update on construction of a 3,000 megalitre off-river dam near Bodalla.
The dam features a 39-metre-high and 370-metre-long embankment that will store water pumped from the Tuross River during high flow periods.
The project, aiming to enhance drought security, bushfire resilience, and accommodate increased water demand from tourism and population growth, is three-quarters complete and is expected to be finished in August.
NSW Briefs:
Tamworth Mayor Russell Webb has wrapped up a three day visit to Nashville, Tennessee, where he met with the city’s mayor Freddie O’Connell and other city leaders.
The Sister Cities of Nashville held a Tamworth + Nashville Celebration which included visiting Australian artists and fans.
Randwick City Council has initiated an innovative trial installing 3D-printed nesting boxes and artificial tree hollows in Sydney’s East to combat the growing crisis of wildlife habitat loss in Australian suburbs.
Yahoo News! reported that the trial has already shown promising results with rainbow lorikeets nesting in the hollows.
Armidale Regional Council is supporting flood-affected communities in the Taree region through a coordinated effort to donate and deliver hay bales to local farmers.
The council is working in partnership with Kellys Transport and the Lions Club of Armidale on the initiative, which sources hay from Council’s Wastewater reuse farm.
QLD:
Gold Coast City Council is reportedly preparing for significant staff cutbacks as it aims to find $75 million in savings over the next year.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that at least 100 workers in non-essential services are targeted for voluntary redundancies.
Mayor Tom Tate and CEO Tim Baker say frontline services will not be affected and that the cost-saving measures will ensure the average general rate increase can be limited to 2.7%.
Proposed changes include relocating staff from Bundall, merging departments, and finding rostering efficiencies, with formal consultation to be held with staff on how the changes might be implemented.
Sunshine Coast Council has postponed its 2025-26 Budget adoption to July 7, 2025, following the discovery of historical issues in depreciation reporting that have impacted financial statements over the past five years.
CEO John Baker said the discovery of inaccurate internal reporting of the council’s true financial position in recent years will result in a $20 million deficit this financial year.
He said while external audits had been compliant, robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms will ensure this type of issue would not happen again.
Eight councils across the Wide Bay Burnett and Central Queensland regions have formed a Climate Resilient Alliance, led by Fraser Coast Regional Council, to collaboratively address climate change impacts.
The Alliance has received a $100,000 grant through a partnership with LGAQ and the state government.
It will focus on environmental management, community engagement, social connections, and economic development while helping the eight councils access future funding for local climate resilience projects.
Douglas Shire’s new Splash Park in Port Douglas is set to open during the Term 3 school holidays in September.
The $4.75 million project is partially funded by the Queensland Government, with has contributed $2.5M.
TAS:
Hobart City Council will hold a special meeting this week at which it is expected to confirm its formal opposition to state government legislation aimed at fast-tracking the Macquarie Point stadium project.
Pulse Tasmania reported that the council has concerns about the heritage impact of the project, and lost waterfront opportunities.
A submission will be voted on tomorrow night, but there are suggestions the snap state election has placed the future of the stadium precinct in doubt.
Clarence City Council has purchased a $23.5 million office building in Rosny, as part of a strategic vision to develop a civic precinct and revitalise the city centre.
The purchase has been funded through existing cash reserves without impacting current budgets or rates.
The building currently houses government tenants, and plans for the site will be determined through community consultation and business case analysis.
SA:
Gawler Council’s Mayor Karen Redman has reportedly resigned with immediate effect after 10 years in the role.
The Adelaide Advertiser reported that personal reasons were given for the resignation which was announced publicly last week.
Her tenure was marked by various challenges, including conflicts with former councillor Ian Tooley and an investigation into bullying claims against a former chief executive.
A supplementary election is now planned to fill the mayoral vacancy, and an acting mayor will be chosen later this month.
WA:
WA Lands Minister John Carey has announced that the state government will take control of land near Perth Children’s Hospice after Nedlands Council‘s continued opposition to the development.
Mr Carey told radio 6PR that the council’s actions had been appalling and belligerent, leading to the decision to step in.
Last month, the state’s local government minister Hannah Beazley said she was looking into actions against the council, including potential administration.
From PerthNow this week, a report that most Perth metropolitan councils are planning rate increases between 3.5-4.5% for the next financial year.
Some have proposed higher increases, such as the City of Canning which is planning a 6.85% increase to rates.
The Western Australian Local Government Association has calculated that industry costs have risen by 3.2% in the last year.
The only council believed to planning an increase under that benchmark is the City of Perth, which is working on a 3.1% rate increase for the forthcoming year.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Birmingham‘s bin strike could continue until December after Unite union members voted overwhelmingly (97%) to continue industrial action in a dispute over pay and jobs.
The dispute, which began in January with all-out strike action from March, centres on the removal of certain roles and potential pay cuts.
BBC News reported that both the union and council are maintaining firm positions while mediation talks continue.
Council boycotts of defence companies due to the war in Gaza have cost those companies about £30M, according to a new report.
Local gov dot co dot uk reported that two Labour MPs have analysed the data and identified what they call a ‘concerning trend’ among UK councils to divest from defence.
They say at least a dozen authorities have imposed partial or full exclusion policies over the past three years.
USA:
In New Jersey, the former city of manager of the city of Clifton is suing the city and four members of the council, alleging harassment and forced early retirement due to a hostile work environment.
Politico reported that the council is in disarray, with the suit coming as it deals with a revenue shortfall of millions of dollars and a $1M deductible for liability lawsuits.
NZ:
With nominations opening soon for local government elections in New Zealand, the chief executive of Ruapehu District Council is speaking up about harassment of elected members.
Clive Manley is concerned that the abuse is deterring people from putting their hand up for local office, according to a report from Radio New Zealand.
A 2022 survey found 43 percent of elected officials experienced harassment or threatening behaviour, both online and in person.
Mr Manley is highlighting the importance of supporting potential candidates and ensuring diversity in public office, while police say they are committed to taking harassment complaints seriously.