On the latest edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Two more Victorian councillors to be suspended
- Mayors speak out – Local distress over international conflict, and senseless violence on our streets
- A council advised to plan the closure of a local aerodrome
- A landmark legal ruling on human rights goes against Moreton Bay council
- A string of arson attacks rocks a local community
- The 4 day week might not be dead and buried in Tasmania
- Plus a Council CEO sacked, and a warning issued over online abuse
All of that and more on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
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.
Transcript for Episode #560
Victorian Report
A Knox City Councillor will be suspended for one month following an investigation into “misconduct.”
Independent Arbiter Jo-Anne Mazzeo issued the ruling against Councillor Peter Lockwood following complaints from several of his colleagues. The arbitration focused on a string of incidents last July, where Cr Lockwood was found to have used social media to disparage fellow councillors and “intentionally misrepresent” internal communications.
In her statement of reasons, the Arbiter noted that Cr Lockwood showed a pattern of behaviour that diminished public trust, including calling colleagues “grinches” and “heartless” during heated debates over Christmas decorations.
His suspension is set to take effect this week, following the formal tabling of the report at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Meanwhile at Merri-bek Council, an independent arbiter has ordered the suspension of Deputy Mayor Cr Jay Iwasaki for one month. That follows a series of emails in which Cr Iwasaki used the word ‘corruption’ in relation to fellow councillor Oscar Yildiz and suggested a conflict of interest in a car park resurfacing project at a reserve in East Coburg.
Arbiter Simon Heath ruled that the language was “unnecessary, inappropriate, inflammatory and damaging” and that Cr Iwasaki failed to follow proper council protocols for raising conflict-of-interest concerns.
Mr Heath noted that both parties had attempted to raise matters outside the issues in the Application. He described their relationship as “fractious” and encouraged them to avoid personal attacks.
The arbiter report will be tabled at the Council meeting this week, with the suspension to take effect after that. Councillor Yildiz, who was found to have correctly disclosed his interests, is also owed a formal written apology under the ruling.
Cr Iwasaki is the third Merri-bek councillor to be suspended in the past year.
The Mayor of Whittlesea City Council, Cr Lawrie Cox released a statement on the weekend, after the tragic and senseless death of a young security officer at Mernda train station on Friday.
Cr Cox said the incident is deeply distressing for all involved, and offered condolences to the family of the person who died.
He said he has requested a briefing from Victoria Police on anything of relevance at the local government level, but does intend to interfere with the role of police.
In Melbourne’s outer east… Manningham Council says conflict in Iran and across the Middle East is being felt locally… with many residents worried for family and friends overseas.
Mayor Jim Grivas says the city is home to a large Iranian community… and the council wants people to know support is available.
He said the council is working with local agencies to strengthen community connection… and it is pointing residents to counselling and wellbeing services. Cr Grivas has urged people to look after each other… and to keep the focus on peace and belonging here at home.
Glen Eira City Council is taking new steps to address rising community tensions and a reported increase in local antisemitism.
The local government area is home to Victoria’s largest Jewish community, making up more than 17 percent of its population. To address growing concerns over safety and social division, the council has announced a two-pronged approach: a dedicated Antisemitism Strategy and a new Social Cohesion Grant program.
The strategy is a first-of-its-kind, two-year framework designed to improve education, reporting, and safety measures within the municipality. Alongside this, the council is offering grants between $5,000 and $10,000 for grassroots projects that foster public dialogue and inclusion.
Glen Eira Mayor Simone Zmood says the move acknowledges the unique role local government plays in times of global uncertainty. She said, “..we are in a unique position to respond with care, clarity, and compassion.”
The council recently hosted a statewide forum on the issue, bringing together over 100 leaders from various levels of government. Applications for the new community grants are open to local non-profits until March 26th.
In Melbourne’s west… the Star Weekly reports that Brimbank Council is urging the Victorian government to keep VicHealth independent… even as ministers move to fold the agency into the Department of Health.
Councillors say VicHealth funding helps councils and local groups run prevention programs… from tackling inactivity and social isolation to reducing alcohol and tobacco harm.
They warn that putting VicHealth inside a department focused on hospitals could weaken long‑term partnerships… and blunt its ability to challenge powerful corporate interests.
The government says integration will cut duplication… and it will consult on a new model… while continuing to invest in preventive health.
As the boom in Melbourne’s west continues… a coalition of councils says the next Victorian election should come with a big infrastructure deal.
LeadWest, representing five western councils, has launched a list of priority projects… and is asking all parties to commit ahead of the 2026 state poll.
The group says the region could reach 1.6 million people by 2046… with hundreds of thousands of new homes planned… but warns services and transport are not keeping pace.
Its agenda ranges from homelessness and mental health funding… to the Western Rail Plan, airport rail, bus upgrades, and urban greening… alongside key road and ring‑rail planning.
Now to the north, where Gannawarra Shire Council says the local community should see lasting benefits… not just disruption from the planned VNI west power line.
Councillors have met Climate Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and VicGrid… raising concerns about the project… a 500‑kilovolt transmission link to New South Wales.
The council opposes any move to force access to private farmland… and says the project is short on “social licence”.
Its pitch to government is simple… if Gannawarra hosts the expanded grid… residents and local business should get cheaper power… with access to locally generated electricity at generator prices.
Victorian Briefs
Wyndham City Council will hold a special council meeting this Wednesday to elect a new mayor to serve out the rest of the current mayoral term.
The office of mayor was vacated when Cr Josh Gilligan received a one month suspension as the result of a councillor conduct abitration.
Ballot packs are in the mail for the Lockwood Ward by-election in the City of Greater Bendigo. The position became vacant in November with the resignation of former councillor John McIlrath.
Voting closes on the 27th March.
Murrundindi Shire Council has welcomed an extension of time for submissions… until April 19th…. for a Parliamentary Inquiry into this summer’s bushfires. It says the extra time.. will help locals share what worked and didn’t, and what needs to change, before next bushfire season.
Campaspe Shire Council has successfully run a full-scale drill to install its AquaFence flood barrier in Rochester… wrapping the town hall, community house, service centre and library.
A ten-person crew deployed and packed it down over two days… with only minor disruption to traffic and parking.
The barrier will be stored at the Rochester depot for rapid use… and more sealing works are planned later this year.
The VLGA is hosting a special International Women’s Day event on Friday, 13 March from 12pm to 1.30pm at the Lyceum Club in Melbourne.
Give to Gain – A Path to Gender Equality is an opportunity to share and celebrate achievements in promoting gender equality and hear insights as to how the local government sector can further support women’s participation in local government and decision-making roles.
Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Public Sector Dr Niki Vincent will be joined by the 2025 Mary Rogers Awards winners as they discuss their experiences and insights and look to provide ideas on how the sector can encourage and inspire women to play an active leadership role within their community.
VLGA members receive a 50% discount to attend this event which includes lunch. An additional multiple registration discount also applies to registrations of 3 and more. Book via the VLGA website.
NSW Report
Federation Council in southern New South Wales is being urged to plan the closure of the Corowa Aerodrome, as a new report warns the facility is financially unsustainable.
Council officers say the aerodrome currently runs at a deficit of about four hundred thousand dollars a year, with most costs subsidised by local ratepayers.
The report estimates up to three-and-a-half million dollars in capital upgrades may be needed in the next few years to keep the facility compliant and safe.
Councillors will consider options ranging from reducing operations to a single runway, through to closing the aerodrome entirely by 2029.
While the airfield supports recreational aviation and occasional medical flights, the report says the benefits are limited compared with the ongoing cost to the community.
A southern New South Wales council is reopening an old argument… should it be split up again?
Snowy Monaro Regional Council asked residents in a satisfaction survey if they supported demerging… and fifty‑nine percent said yes. That is short of the council’s own two‑thirds benchmark… which was meant to trigger a formal move.
But About Regional is reporting that several councillors believe the result still matters… pointing to another group of residents who were unsure… and arguing it is enough to justify a report on the legal steps and the cost of a poll.
Others warn the numbers are not decisive… and say a demerger could mean higher rates and years of uncertainty.
Ultimately, a call for a report on costs and legal steps of a demerger was narrowly voted down at the Council’s latest meeting.
Leeton Shire Council says it is preparing a clearer rulebook for a hard question… when is it time to sell an asset, or stop running a service?
After advice from its Financial Sustainability Advisory Committee… councillors have agreed to develop a principles-based framework to test whether assets still match Council’s core business… and long-term sustainability.
The council says any option would need evidence… and community consultation… before decisions are made.
Mayor George Weston says the assessment will not be purely financial… and will weigh community benefit, economic impact, and strategic fit… alongside costs.
Port Stephens Council is drawing a line on offshore wind… saying it does not support a project off the Hunter coast… at least not yet.
Councillors have voted to write to Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen… and local MP Meryl Swanson… calling for clearer detail on proposed research and demonstration licences… including the scale, timing, and infrastructure needed.
The council says it wants transparent consultation… and strong impact assessments… before any activity proceeds.
In Byron Shire… the council says it wants to move faster on social and affordable housing… starting with a formal agreement with Homes NSW.
Councillors are proposing a memorandum of understanding… a shared, non‑binding commitment… to swap information and map out delivery models, funding, and timelines.
The mayor, Sarah Ndiaye (N-jay) says the framework could be applied to sites like the former Mullumbimby Hospital… and would set shared principles that match community expectations.
Regional NSW mayors say a new state advisory panel could shape how councils stay financially afloat… before reforms are locked in.
A Local Government Expert Advisory Panel has been appointed for a three‑year term… to give practical advice on improving councils’ long‑term sustainability.
The Country Mayors Association says it’s pleased that several rural and regional leaders have been appointed… alongside senior local government officials and union representation.
A 24‑hour endurance challenge at Clovelly Beach has turned into real support for people in crisis… Sutherland Shire Mayor Jack Boyd and 14 council lifeguards joined a swim‑run relay with crews from Waverley and Randwick… pushing through rough weather to raise 34-thousand dollars for Lifeline Sydney and Sutherland.
The money will help staff local call centres around the clock… so trained counsellors can keep answering calls… day and night.
Organisers say more than 100 participants took part… backed by surf club volunteers and Lifeline teams… and the donation page is still open.
This International Women’s Day… North Sydney Council is asking locals to help rewrite a more complete history.
It has launched the Notable Women of North Sydney project… inviting residents to share stories of women, past or present, with a connection to the area.
The aim is to spotlight achievements that might have been overlooked… in everything from the arts and business to health, sport, and social justice.
The council plans to use the submissions for community education… alongside public displays recognising the first twelve women featured this year.
NSW Briefs:
Sutherland Shire Council has installed five “shark bite kits” on the Kurnell peninsula… aiming to give bystanders simple tools to control severe bleeding while help is on the way. The kits, funded and installed by Ampol, will be placed near beach access points and the Bonna Point boat ramp… with tourniquets, pressure bandages, and step‑by‑step instructions.
Mayor Jack Boyd says more kits are on order.
Muswellbrook Shire Council is backing plans to repurpose the former Liddell power station… after the NSW Government moved the AGL Hunter Energy Hub into its new Investment Delivery Authority.
Mayor Jeff Drayton says faster coordination could help bring new industry and jobs to the shire… as the region prepares for major closures.
Riding an e-bike could soon come with homework in inner Sydney… The Daily Telegraph reported that the City of Sydney Council wants to trial New South Wales’ first mandatory education course for bike and e-bike riders… arguing a short, practical program could lift safety and confidence as more people commute on two wheels.
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Queensland Report
Queensland’s supreme court has ruled that the City of Moreton Bay breached human rights when it cleared a homeless encampment from a local park.
Eleven residents challenged eviction notices at a site near Kallangur… saying their property was removed unlawfully.
The Guardian reported that Justice Paul Smith found the council did not properly apply the state’s Human Rights Act… and that consent to remove belongings was not given in some cases… despite police attending the clearances.
Advocates say the ruling sends a clear message to councils across Queensland… that people’s dignity must be considered… even when enforcing local laws.
In a statement released following the decision, the City of Moreton Bay maintained that its officers acted in the interest of public health and safety.
The Council emphasised that local governments are neither responsible nor funded for the provision of social housing or shelters, asserting that this remains the constitutional responsibility of State and Federal governments.
The Council expressed disappointment that significant public resources were consumed by the legal matter, noting that “no one will achieve a housing solution based on the outcome of this case.”
A run of suspected arson attacks has rocked Yeppoon’s CBD… with Livingstone Shire Council and the Queensland Government calling it deliberate and senseless.
The library and community centre precinct was cordoned off… as police forensic teams investigated… and power was shut down as a safety step.
Council says the library has damage to external air-conditioning units… and some vandalism… but early checks suggest the building itself is structurally sound.
Mayor Adam Belot says the priority is safety… and restoring services as soon as it is cleared to reopen.
A Queensland community is in mourning… after Noosa Council confirmed the death of 18 year old Joe Tolano… a lifeguard at the Noosa Aquatic Centre.
The council said Mr Tolano went missing at Buddina Beach on Wednesday… and has since been recovered.
Chief Executive Larry Sengstock said Joe was a well‑loved part of the aquatic centre team… and had worked there for three years.
The council says counselling and wellbeing support is being offered to staff… as the community comes to terms with the loss.
In Queensland’s Fraser Coast… Maryborough’s CBD is in the spotlight… after the state government announced stronger police powers aimed at repeat anti‑social behaviour.
Fraser Coast Regional Council says local businesses and residents have raised ongoing concerns… and it wants people to feel confident coming into the city centre to shop, work, and spend time.
Councillors say extra powers could give police more options to respond quickly to serious or persistent offenders… but they are also stressing that community safety is complex.
Council says it will keep working with police, state agencies, and local stakeholders… to support a safer, more welcoming CBD.
In Queensland’s Wide Bay Burnett… four councils are teaming up to stop a growing danger in the waste stream: lithium-ion battery fires.
Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Gympie and North Burnett councils are urging residents to drop off battery-powered devices for free during March and April… instead of putting them in household bins.
The Councils’ Mayors say crushed batteries can ignite within seconds in trucks and facilities… putting workers and the community at risk.
The program will use specialised fire-rated collection drums… and is backed by state funding to expand safe disposal points.
In far north Queensland… Cook Shire Council says a fresh wave of vandalism in Cooktown is likely to cost the community about fifteen thousand dollars… with damage across toilets, parks, the waterfront barbecue area, and the dog park.
Mayor Robyn Holmes says repairs can mean higher maintenance bills… or public facilities closing while they are made safe… and that it pulls staff and money away from other local priorities.
Queensland Police are investigating… and council is urging anyone with information to report it… including anonymously through Policelink.
Tasmania
A push for a four‑day week is landing at another Tasmanian council, according to The Mercury.
The Australian Services Union says it has secured a trial of a thirty‑hour week at the West Coast Council… for five days’ pay.
But the council says it has only agreed to a review of whether a trial should go ahead.
An extract of the bargaining deal says the review must look at staff wellbeing and work‑life balance… while keeping the change cost‑neutral… and maintaining productivity.
Unions argue shorter hours are a way to attract and keep workers… especially in local government.
In the Derwent Valley… the local council is tightening its belt… cutting about six‑hundred‑thousand dollars from this year’s budget after years of operating in deficit.
Tasmanian Country reported that the council’s cash pressures have been building… affecting future projects and routine bills.
Cuts include more than eighty‑thousand dollars from roads, bridges and footpaths… and thirty‑thousand from parks, buildings and reserves. Several upgrades… are now pushed back to 2026 or 27.
The council says the aim is to rebuild its cash balance for the rest of the financial year.
South Australia
Ceduna Council says a new ESCOSA assessment should come with context… and a warning about shrinking federal support.
The council says Financial Assistance Grants have not kept pace with inflation… leaving Ceduna about seven‑hundred‑and‑seventy thousand dollars a year worse off than if funding had been indexed over fifteen years.
ESCOSA flagged operating deficits in major services… and the need to strengthen asset and financial planning. The Council says it has already updated its long‑term financial plan and asset management plan… and points to reforms that cut a landfill deficit of nearly five‑hundred thousand dollars a year.
It also argues services like the Ceduna Airport and the Water West Scheme matter beyond the balance sheet.
Port Lincoln is getting a boost to its waterfront… with more than four‑hundred‑and‑thirty‑eight thousand dollars in South Australian government funding… tied to the state’s algal bloom recovery plan.
The City of Port Lincoln will use the money to renew a busy boardwalk on Tasman Terrace… replacing warped timber with a fibre‑reinforced surface designed to last up to fifty years… with repairs to steelwork and footings to improve safety and accessibility.
A second project will replace ageing foreshore tables and benches… aiming to lift amenity and help nearby businesses. Work is due to start in September… and finish by the end of 2026.
Western Australia
The Shire of Coorow says it is tightening the rules of engagement online… after a spike in abusive comments on posts shared to local community pages.
In a new social media statement… the council says it welcomes open discussion… but will not tolerate threats, harassment, discrimination, or defamatory material.
Coorow says comments on community pages have repeatedly breached its standards… so it has stopped posting there for now.
In the state’s Wheatbelt… the Shire of Narrogin has been picked for a state pilot on “community benefits” from large renewable energy projects.
The WA Government has released new guidelines… setting benchmark contributions from developers… including one‑thousand dollars per megawatt for wind farms… seven‑hundred‑and‑fifty for solar… and one‑hundred‑and‑twenty‑five for battery storage.
Narrogin and three other shires will help test how community benefit plans work… so regional towns see ongoing returns… alongside the big energy infrastructure.
Augusta’s Turner Street Jetty is a step closer to reopening… after the Shire of Augusta Margaret River council voted to take the restoration project to market.
The timber jetty was closed in March last year on safety advice from an independent marine engineer… who found serious structural deterioration.
A community working group helped shape a new concept… and a shire survey drew more than five‑hundred responses… with about ninety‑two percent backing a like‑for‑like replacement.
The next stage is procurement… to find a supplier to complete detailed design… before a construction timeline is released.
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory town of Katherine… the local council has sacked its chief executive… Ingrid Stonhill.
Council says it has ended the employment of the CEO… but it is not giving a reason… citing confidentiality, according to the NT News.
Stonhill started in early 2022 and has been on leave, according to the Council website. Casey Anderson is acting in the CEO position… and has been appointed as interim chief executive while a replacement is found.
Global Report
UK:
Two former Labour local government figures in east London are switching sides… as Reform UK tries to build momentum ahead of May’s local elections.
Former Newham mayor Sir Robin Wales has joined the party… and will take on a role as Reform’s London director for local government.
BBC News also reports that ex-councillor Clive Furness has been chosen as Reform’s candidate for mayor of Newham.
At a press conference with Nigel Farage… both criticised Labour’s record in London… and said the party no longer speaks for working‑class communities.
Labour says Reform is scraping the barrel… and notes Wales was removed by local members in 2018.
In Lincolnshire… the county council has voted to drop its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050… after the new Reform UK administration called the target “completely unachievable”.
Leaders say the cost would fall on council taxpayers… and argue climate goals are being set without the funding to deliver them.
The decision follows a heated meeting… disrupted by climate protesters.
Extinction Rebellion members in the chamber called the move irresponsible… warning extreme weather is already a concern for the county.
Council officials say work to cut emissions will continue… but without the 2050 deadline.
Scotland’s council tax is rising well above inflation… as local authorities try to close deep budget holes.
In West Dunbartonshire… the council leader says a nine‑point‑two million pound deficit could push the authority toward “bankruptcy” in the next term of government… with a seven‑point‑eight percent tax rise now locked in.
BBC News reported that other councils are lifting rates by around eight to almost ten percent.
But in Scotland… councils are legally required to set balanced budgets… so the real risk is what happens when the numbers no longer add up… more cuts… higher fees… and tougher choices imposed from the outside.
USA:
US City mayors say federal immigration enforcement needs a reset… and they want it to start with basics that build trust.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors has adopted two emergency resolutions… urging the Department of Homeland Security to set clearer standards for ICE operations… including visible identification… body cameras… limits on stops based on language or race… and a return to protections for so‑called sensitive locations like schools and hospitals.
A second resolution calls for a bipartisan push to modernise the immigration system… including visas and employment checks… and a stronger refugee and asylum framework.
Nashville’s Metro Council is pushing back against Elon Musk’s proposed “Music City Loop”… an underground tunnel network that would carry passengers in dedicated Tesla vehicles.
Councillors have passed a resolution flagging concerns about safety, transparency, and the lack of local input… saying they were largely blindsided when the state and The Boring Company announced the plan.
The initial tunnel would link the airport to downtown… with a wider network promised later… and the first section due to open in early 2027.
Critics also raise questions about sinkhole‑prone limestone geology… flood risk… and whether the vehicles could meet disability access requirements.
CANADA:
In Ontario’s Niagara Region… a group of small‑city mayors are pushing back on talk of amalgamation… with a different idea.
CBC News reported that eight mayors have written to Premier Doug Ford… urging the province to consider moving core regional services into locally run boards and commissions. They point to water and wastewater treatment… roads… and services like public health, social programs, and paramedics… arguing municipalities could deliver them more efficiently and with clearer local accountability.
The Regional council has launched a governance review… after taxes rose sharply and the chair floated merging the region’s 12 municipalities. The mayors say any changes should be deliberate… with strong public input.
When global uncertainty hits… it often shows up at street level first. Canada’s municipal leaders say trade tensions and security risks are already affecting supply chains… energy prices… and the cost of essentials.
Last week, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Board of Directors met in St. John’s… backing local steps to keep goods moving… reinforce critical infrastructure… and strengthen national readiness.
The FCM says local and regional governments own most of the roads that carry supply chains… and much of the infrastructure behind housing and trade… but many systems are aging. The group plans to push for modern funding… ahead of Ottawa’s Spring Economic Update.
NZ:
A leadership shake‑up in New Zealand’s Taranaki region could be a sign of bigger change… The chief executive of Taranaki Regional Council, Steve Ruru, has been appointed interim head of New Plymouth District Council… while keeping his current job.
New Plymouth’s mayor says the dual role points to councils moving closer… as national reforms push local government to simplify and collaborate.
Other leaders welcome the move as a chance to test shared service models… though mayors in South Taranaki and Stratford told RNZ that they have not been part of any formal talks yet.