In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Inner Melbourne mayors float a potential merger, and get a smackdown from the Premier
- A metro Council wants to raise rates by 5 per cent, and a rural council sounds the alarm on a spiralling asset maintenance gap
- Mornington Peninsula’s mayor is running for state parliament;
- While a former Albury mayor considers a run at federal parliament
- Sydney overturns controversial new busking rules
- Eyebrows raised at a Queensland council’s spend on overseas travel
- A controversial parking fine system under review in Adelaide
- A WA council takes back its approval of its suspended CEO’s resignation, and
- Australia Day controversies in Perth and Alice Springs
Plus much more news from around the world of local government in Australia and beyond.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony 3.
Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast platform, or by clicking here.
Victorian Report
It’s a state election year in Victoria, and it feels like the heat is rising as some of the city’s mayors engage in a verbal tit-for-tat with Premier Jacinta Allan through the media.
Three inner Melbourne councils have floated a controversial merger idea as they face mounting financial pressures, according to a report from The Age.
Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly has called the proposal a “last resort” to avoid service cuts and job losses, identifying over 10 million dollars in essential services that were once state-funded but now fall to ratepayers.
After a decade of rate capping, councils say their funding model is broken.
The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nick Reece, has called the merger proposal a “bold idea” worth discussing, pointing to stark differences in service levels between neighbouring areas.
The City of Melbourne’s substantial commercial rate base contrasts sharply with Yarra’s reliance on residential rates.
Port Phillip‘s mayor Alex Makin says councils are facing similar financial pressures to the early 1990s, which led to Jeff Kennett’s controversial amalgamations that reduced Victorian councils from nearly 300 to 78.
But the mayor’s concerns are not receiving a sympathetic ear from Premier Jacinta Allan.
The Herald Sun reported that she’s told them to “get on with the job” and not engage in talkfests and flying kites.
Cr Jolly said the Premier has missed the whole point, and that her comments don’t stand up to the slightest bit of scrutiny.
And on 3AW yesterday, Port Phillip Mayor Alex Makin responded to the Premier’s comments, saying “if the state government did its job, we wouldn’t need to be in this state.”
Glen Eira City Council has voted to apply for permission to nearly double the annual rate cap from 2.75 per cent to 5 per cent in the 2026-27 financial year, in a bid to raise more than 3 million dollars in additional revenue.
The council says it’s facing a looming cash crisis, with reserves forecast to fall from 67.4 million dollars to just 10.9 million by 2034-35.
Deputy Mayor Li Zhang defended the decision, saying the council had already made significant cuts but couldn’t continue without impacting basic services.
The Council said a decision is expected from the ESC in June.
In a separate confidential vote, the council also agreed to consider transferring ownership of the Warrawee Community aged care facility in Bentleigh East, which operates at a 5.5 million dollar annual deficit. Mayor Simone Zmood stressed no decision has been made yet, with community consultation to take place before a final vote in June.
A rural Victorian council is sounding the alarm over a massive funding shortfall. Yarriambiack Shire Council says it needs 63 million dollars over the next decade just to maintain its roads and infrastructure — more than double earlier estimates.
Mayor Andrew McLean says the council manages over 4,600 kilometres of roads but can only cover half its costs through rates and fees, making it heavily dependent on grants.
“The funding model needs to change,” Mayor McLean said.
Despite having just 6,500 residents, the shire generates up to 780 million dollars in annual economic output — making it one of Victoria’s most productive rural economies per capita.
The council is calling on state and federal governments ahead of this year’s election to overhaul how small rural councils are funded and commit to significant infrastructure investment.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has secured the Liberal Party preselection for the Nepean by-election and is taking leave from his councillor duties.
MPNews reported that Cr Marsh won comfortably in the first round with ten out of nineteen votes.
Cr Marsh now has less than ten weeks to campaign ahead of the May 2nd poll, replacing retired MP Sam Groth. His Facebook page has been retitled to Anthony Marsh – Liberal for Nepean.
The Council’s CEO Mark Stoermer has confirmed that Cr Marsh will not perform any council duties or attend meetings until the by-election.
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro will act as Mayor during this time.
Big news for commuters in the west this week as the long-awaited Melbourne Airport Rail Link officially breaks ground. State and Federal governments have confirmed a significant investment, kicking off construction on what’s being dubbed the ‘Sunshine Superhub.’
Brimbank Mayor Virginia Tachos welcomed the investment, emphasising the need for the full Sunshine Station Precinct Masterplan to be delivered, positioning Sunshine as the ‘CBD of the west.’
Maribyrnong residents are also celebrating, with a brand-new, fully accessible Tottenham Station confirmed for the Sunbury Line. Maribyrnong Mayor Mohamed Semra highlighted the upgrade as a crucial step to reduce congestion and improve safety and access across the busy rail corridor.
Loddon Shire Council has expressed disappointment after a five million dollar federal election pledge for early years education was allocated to an already-operating facility in Wedderburn.
The Council says it was caught by surprise with no prior consultation, despite making representations in Canberra last year about the best use of the funding.
Council officials say many communities in the shire remain childcare deserts, and the decision to fund an existing state-run facility fails to address critical service gaps.
The Council has called the process a failure of governance and says local families who were hoping for new services will be disappointed.
Victorian Briefs
Horsham Rural City Councillor Ian Ross has returned to his duties after taking a leave of absence since October 2025 for health reasons.
He officially resumed council duties on February 16, and was warmly welcomed at the February 23 council meeting.
A recycling truck fire in Bittern on February 12, caused by improperly disposed lithium batteries, marks the second such incident on the Mornington Peninsula this month, prompting urgent calls for residents to dispose of hazardous waste correctly at resource recovery centres.
The fire forced the driver to empty the truck’s contents onto a residential street.
While no one was injured, the Council says these incidents pose serious safety risks to waste workers and the community.
Frankston City Council has launched an updated Frankston City First advocacy agenda seeking $17.05 million in state funding ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Election.
The agenda focuses on community-driven priorities including sports facility upgrades, safe transport connections, and support services for vulnerable residents.
NSW Report
Former Albury mayor Kylie King is considering running for the Farrer byelection after being approached by community members, though according to the Border Mail, she has not confirmed which party has contacted her.
The Liberal Party has opened nominations until March 2, with NSW Liberal member Justin Clancy also considering a run.
The by-election could potentially be held on April 18 or May 2.
City of Sydney Council is rolling back divisive busking restrictions introduced just months ago after widespread complaints from performers, according to 9News.
The October changes banned busking across much of George Street and cut hours and locations throughout the CBD.
Under a new draft code, busking is permitted on George Street except for three specific locations with safety concerns.
Buskers can now perform for up to eight hours per day in most locations, and the controversial five-metre rule has been scrapped.
Murray River Council is advocating for practical changes to the revised Code of Meeting Practice that’s creating challenges for rural councils.
The new rules prohibit pre-meeting briefing sessions and significantly restrict remote attendance for councillors.
Mayor John Harvie says a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for councils spanning 250 kilometres, where some councillors travel several hours to meetings.
Council is writing to the NSW Government and local government stakeholders seeking amendments that better support rural governance.
Northern Beaches Council has voted to sell the former Pittwater Council staff offices in Warriewood to improve its financial position.
The warehouse was purchased by Pittwater Council before amalgamation and has been used for storage and leased to community groups.
The Manly Observer reported that proceeds from the sale will go into a dedicated reserve for community infrastructure and environmental acquisitions, not general revenue.
Tamworth Regional Council has scrapped plans for a major composting facility due to costs spiralling out of control.
The Appleby-Gidley Road Organic Recycling Facility was originally budgeted at forty-four point six million dollars, but the Northern Daily Leader reports that that figure has now blown out to sixty-nine point four million.
Mayor Russell Webb says the project simply wasn’t financially viable without a significant rate hike.
The council will now hand back one point six million dollars in unspent grant money to the EPA.
Shoalhaven Council will continue operating its crematorium and cemeteries after an Expression of Interest process failed to show clear benefits from privatisation.
Four bereavement industry organisations responded to the EOI, but their submissions didn’t demonstrate commercial or community advantages.
Mayor Patricia White said the decision ensures continuity and quality of care for the community.
Council manages seven active cemeteries and 13 inactive burial sites across the Shoalhaven region.
Byron Shire Councillor Asren Pugh has announced his resignation effective 13 March 2026, citing his inability to dedicate sufficient time to Council work due to business and other commitments.
He also noted that resigning before 14 March avoids imposing the cost of a by-election on the community.
A replacement will be selected through a countback process managed by the NSW Electoral Commission from candidates who ran in the last election.
NSW Briefs:
Byron Shire Council has voted to proceed with an on-formation rail trail, ending years of debate about the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
The Echo reported that the decision means dismantling the current rail line between Mullumbimby and Byron Bay, ending any multi-use concepts that would have retained tracks.
Central Darling Shire has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining membership with the Western Division of Councils as the organisation undergoes a structural review.
Member councils will gather in Cobar on March 5 and 6 to determine the organisation’s future direction, according to the Back Country Bulletin.
Balranald Shire Council has thrown its support behind the Southwest Renewable Energy Zone, but with significant conditions attached.
The council insists local communities must be properly protected from negative impacts of the massive renewable energy development.
The Council is demanding that economic benefits flow directly back to the region, not just to distant investors.
Queensland Report
A Gold Coast councillor is demanding full transparency after it emerged that council staff spent $350,000 on overseas travel last year — that’s double what Brisbane City Council spent for a council almost twice the size.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that more than 30 staff, including CEO Tim Baker, traveled internationally during 2024-25, compared to just 10 Brisbane staff at a cost of $137,000.
Governance chair Brooke Patterson says the spending is “unacceptable” and “disproportionately high.”
A whistleblower is calling for Redland City Council to redo its CEO recruitment after irregularities in the hiring process.
Leaked documents show a staffer reporting to Ms Rusan chaired the selection panel, raising concerns about political influence, and that Ms Rusan was interviewed for the role despite not being shortlisted.
Sharon Kelsey, a former Logan City Council chief, spoke to the Brisbane Times and said while it was important to get the right person, how they won was just as vital.
The council maintains the appointment was consistent with the Local Government Act.
Flinders Shire Council has announced the appointment of Kylie Davies as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 13th.
Mayor Kate Peddle says Davies brings extensive experience in local and state government, most recently serving as Director of Regulatory Services at the Town of Port Hedland in Western Australia.
Mayor Peddle says the council is particularly pleased to welcome the North Queensland native back home to lead the Shire through its next phase of growth.
Fraser Coast Regional Council has formally committed to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The council endorsed the Delivery Partner Guarantee Deed, a crucial agreement for continuing preparations to host archery in Maryborough.
Mayor George Seymour says the region has already seen tremendous growth in archery participation since the announcement.
The decision ensures the Fraser Coast can work with the Queensland Government to maximise economic benefits and infrastructure improvements.
Livingstone Shire Council has formally acknowledged micro-mobility devices like e-scooters and e-bikes as a growing safety concern.
Central Queensland Today reported that the council’s position follows frequent incidents involving these devices in the region. It is considering signage and other measures to address the safety issues.
Tasmania
The Examiner reports that Launceston Council found nearly two hundred thousand dollars in savings between October and December last year. But a third of that was eaten up by unbudgeted expenses, including rates remissions and fee waivers.
The biggest single saving came from a one hundred and thirteen thousand dollar insurance refund for York Park after its transfer to Stadiums Tasmania.
The Council still needs to find almost two hundred thousand more in savings by the end of the financial year to offset its budget deficit.
West Tamar Council has fired back at the state’s economic regulator over plans to defer upgrades to the Ti-Tree Bend sewage treatment plant.
Councillors say any delay will severely impact housing and growth in Legana, one of Tasmania’s fastest-growing areas.
The current sewerage infrastructure is already over capacity and failing to meet compliance standards.
Mayor Christina Holmdahl warns the deferral could force TasWater to refuse permission for further development.
Dorset Mayor Rhys Beattie has rejected a request to track spending on food for councillors at meetings and workshops.
A local resident asked for the data after learning it’s not currently recorded, but the mayor simply said no, according to The Mercury.
When pressed, he told the resident to file a broader Right to Information request about catering budgets.
King Island Council has given its general manager new authority to fast-track recycling infrastructure projects, according to The Mercury.
The council has decided to scrap its previous waste management plan, which was deemed too prescriptive.
General Manager Bryan Nicholson can now deliver projects funded by the Recycling Modernisation Fund without going back to council for approval.
South Australia
The City of Adelaide is reviewing its Park Safe vehicle system after a surge in complaints about unfair parking fines.
Councillor Keiran Snape says people are being fined despite not parking illegally, including cases where drivers are absent from their vehicle for just seconds.
The camera-equipped car generated four-point-two-five million dollars in fines last financial year.
Council has approved a review of the system, though suspending it would create a one-point-six million dollar budget shortfall. You can read more of that story from InDaily SA, and ABC News.
Mount Barker Council is calling on the state government to fund work and education facilities to fix what it calls the “mess” created by a 2010 rezoning.
Chief executive Andrew Stuart says the rezoning turbocharged population growth but failed to set aside land for employment, schools, and other essential services.
About 70 percent of residents now commute out of town for work.
The council wants co-working hubs and a satellite university campus, describing the fix as “petty cash” compared to other government spending, according to Adelaide Now.
The District Council of Peterborough has appointed Henry Inat as Acting Chief Executive Officer, commencing March 23.
Henry was CEO of the Town of Gawler for 11 years, and more recently served as Acting CEO of the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton.
In the interim, Lisa Stares, Manager Corporate Services and Finance, will undertake acting CEO responsibilities to ensure operational continuity.
Meanwhile, Dion Watson has stepped in to the role of Acting CEO at the District Council of Tumby Bay, after the council determined to conclude its employment relationship with CEO Darren Keenan.
Mr Watson has been serving as Deputy CEO, and he will take on the duties of the position while the council undertakes a CEO recruitment process.
Western Australia
The Shire of Laverton has revoked its approval of suspended chief executive Phil Marshall’s resignation. According to the Kalgoorlie Miner, the council made the unanimous decision to withdraw the 12-month notice period they’d previously approved in December.
Marshall was suspended with pay last month while an investigation examines allegations made against him. Deputy chief executive Jackie Hawkins is acting in his place.
The council says the situation is unprecedented and they’ll reconsider the resignation terms once the investigation concludes.
Tensions flared at Rockingham Council this week after a motion to bring back weekly red bin collections was narrowly defeated.
The vote was tied five-all, according to 97.3 Coast FM, with Mayor Lorna Buchan forced to use her casting vote against the motion.
The decision angered residents in the public gallery, with some shouting as they left the chambers. The controversy stems from last June’s switch to fortnightly red bin collections under the new FOGO system.
PerthNow reported there was a storming out by members of public at a City of Bayswater council meeting, after councillors voted to move citizenship and awards ceremonies back to January 26.
In doing so, they have reversed a 2024 decision to hold them within three days of Australia Day.
City officers has warned the decision could present operational, reputational and security risks.
Northern Territory
In Alice Springs, NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has condemned the town council’s decision to move Australia Day citizenship ceremonies away from January 26.
The motion, put forward by Greens Mayor Asta Hill, passed by just one vote on Tuesday night, according to the NT News.
Senator Price, a former deputy mayor of Alice Springs, says Australians are “tired of activists” and that leaders should focus on unity rather than division. The ceremonies will now take place three days either side of January 26.
Global Report
UK:
Gloucester City Council is set to receive a £15.5 million emergency bailout from the government over the next two years.
The council found itself in financial trouble with a £7 million deficit and no cash reserves, blamed on factors including overestimated service revenues.
Council leader Jeremy Hilton says they’ll ensure the support is only used if absolutely necessary. Councillors are due to vote on a council tax increase of nearly 3% this week.
Birmingham City Council‘s Labour leadership has failed to pass a budget this week, leaving the authority without financial plans just weeks before the legal deadline of 11 March.
The council, which has been under government oversight since declaring bankruptcy in 2023, saw its proposal rejected amid internal party divisions and absent councillors.
The proposed budget would have been the council’s first balanced financial plan in three years, with £130 million earmarked for services.
Council leader John Cotton had previously claimed Birmingham was no longer effectively bankrupt, though the failure to pass a budget raises fresh questions about the city’s financial governance.
Another meeting will be scheduled before the March deadline, according to BBC News.
Now from Scotland, BBC News reports that Aberdeen City Council has approved an extra public holiday for its staff on Monday the 15th of June to mark Scotland’s participation in the World Cup.
The decision follows First Minister John Swinney’s proposal for a national bank holiday, which was approved by the King, though it’s up to individual employers to implement.
The timing allows council workers to watch Scotland’s opening match against Haiti, which kicks off at 2am UK time on the 14th of June, without worrying about work the next day.
Not all councils are following suit – Western Isles councillors voted against the extra holiday, citing budget constraints.
It’s the first time council staff have been given additional leave since Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and state funeral in 2022.
USA:
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and the City Council have announced a major two-point-eight million dollar initiative to repair streetlights across the city.
The funding will prioritise critical areas, with some lights will be converted to solar power and aluminum infrastructure to combat ongoing copper theft.
The initiative builds on Mayor Moreno’s “Lights On” initiative, which has already repaired over six hundred lights in three weeks since she took office.
Council President JP Morrell says the investment addresses years of neglected infrastructure, particularly in New Orleans East, where inadequate lighting has long affected safety and quality of life.
Boise, Idaho has been named a winner of the prestigious Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge, receiving recognition for an innovative approach to affordable heating.
Mayor Lauren McLean announced that Boise will become the first city in the United States to connect municipally owned geothermal energy to affordable housing. The project aims to provide residents with clean, affordable heat while addressing rising utility costs.
The Mayors Challenge, launched by Mike Bloomberg, attracted more than 630 cities worldwide. Boise is one of 24 winners selected from 50 finalists who gathered earlier this year to develop their proposals.
CANADA:
The City of Thunder Bay in Ontario has officially declared homelessness a humanitarian crisis.
City Council approved the declaration earlier this month, recognising that existing systems can no longer meet the basic needs of those without safe and adequate shelter.
Mayor Ken Boshcoff says the declaration reflects the urgent need for action.
Officials say while some progress has been made, the crisis demands immediate and coordinated action across all levels of government and community organisations.
A public safety petition instigated by Simon Yu, the Mayor of Prince George, is gaining traction across British Columbia, according to the Prince George Citizen.
The petition, which calls for tougher jail sentences, more judges and prosecutors to clear court backlogs, and increased funding for correctional facilities, will now be distributed to every municipality in the province.
City council approved the move on Monday after the petition gathered 788 signatures—well above the 500 needed for validation.
Mayor Yu says local governments have limited authority to tackle mental health and criminal justice challenges that contribute to safety issues in downtown areas.
NZ:
A Thames-Coromandel community board member has come in for criticism after sharing what’s been described as a “blatantly racist” cartoon on social media.
Mercury Bay Community Board member Rob Davis posted the image in a public Facebook group, but has since deleted it at the mayor’s request.
He has defended his actions, saying he shared the cartoon to make a point about socialism and welfare, and claims he had “no racist intent”.
Mayor Peter Revell has reminded all elected members of their code of conduct and says he expects them to uphold standards of integrity, fairness, and respect in all their dealings – both in person and online.
Stuff reported that the mayor is considering what further action may be taken, while emphasising that robust but respectful debate remains an important part of local democracy.
New Plymouth residents who’ve been keeping their neighbours awake at night are about to lose their sound systems for good.
RNZ reported that New Plymouth District Council is selling off 18 confiscated stereos, speakers, and amplifiers at a local charity op shop after their owners refused to pay a 130-dollar administration fee to get them back.
Council community health lead Kimberley Laurence says confiscating equipment is a last resort, but necessary when people won’t let their neighbours sleep.
Interesting developments