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Revised special rate variation set to be voted on by North Sydney Council
Townsville Disaster Management Group prepares for severe storms
Glen Eira Council welcomes Royal Commission into anti-semitism
Interim CEO appointed for Coorong District Council
Pedestrian safety projects funded in Yarra
West Coast Council addresses mowing program concerns
Pocket gallery program expanded to Waikerie
Moreton Bay Cool City Streets program set to plant 3500 trees
Mayor rules out bid for Sam Groth’s state seat
NSW: North Sydney Council will meet on Monday to vote on a controversial proposal that could see rates rise by more than 50% over the next three years.
The North Sydney Sun reports that the council is seeking to lodge a new application with the state pricing regulator for ordinary rate increases of around 52%, and minimum rate rises of approximately 63% between 2026 and 2029.
Under the proposal, rates would jump by 23% in the first year, followed by smaller increases in years two and three.
This comes after the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal rejected the council’s previous attempt last year, which sought increases of up to 96% over two years.
The regulator found that earlier application failed to adequately explain the need for such large rises and left residents confused about whether the money was primarily for the North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment.
Council officers say the new proposal addresses those concerns and is needed to close a structural funding gap.
A public forum will be held at 6pm Monday at North Sydney Council chambers, ahead of the 7pm council meeting where the decision will be made.
QLD: The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group has moved to stand up as severe storms with winds up to 90km/h and heavy rainfall are expected from Friday through Sunday, with a potential cyclone threat.
Mayor and TLDMG Chair Nick Dametto urged residents to prepare emergency kits, secure their properties with sandbags if needed, avoid flooded areas, and stay alert as the Ross River Dam may open when reaching 103% capacity.
VIC: Glen Eira City Council has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of a Commonwealth Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion, calling it “an important and decisive step.”
The announcement comes in the wake of the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, which shocked communities nationwide and underscored the urgent need to address the factors driving antisemitism and hate crimes.
Glen Eira is known as the cultural home of Victoria’s Jewish community, and Mayor Simone Zmood says the community knows firsthand the impact of antisemitism and the importance of coordinated action to keep communities safe.
She has commended the Government for listening to communities and acting, and said the council will continue working closely with Jewish community organisations, Victoria Police, and other councils to promote social cohesion and combat antisemitism.
SA: Coorong District Council has appointed Myles Somers as interim CEO ahead of Bridget Mather’s departure after six years.
The Council has also unanimously selected Cr Lisa Rowntree as acting Deputy Mayor to assist acting Mayor Cr. Jonathan Pietzsch while Mayor Paul Simmons recovers from a health issue.
VIC: The City of Port Phillip has been awarded $2 million from the Victorian Government’s Safe Local Roads and Streets Program to fund four pedestrian safety projects across Balaclava, Port Melbourne, St Kilda, and St Kilda East.
Construction is scheduled to begin between January and late 2026.
The projects, identified through community consultation and safety audits, aim to create safer travel environments for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers in alignment with the Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy.
TAS: West Coast Council has addressed recent concerns about disruptions to its regular mowing program across several towns.
The Council says interruptions in recent months were caused by prolonged wet weather, staff and contractor availability issues, and the need to prioritise high-use sites during periods of rapid turf growth.
Officials say mowing under unsuitable conditions risks long-term damage to soil and turf health, making postponement necessary at times.
The Council is now developing a structured mowing and weed-management strategy with clearly defined rotations to provide consistency and accountability.
The Council has acknowledged and thanked local volunteers, particularly those who maintained the Strahan Recreation Ground, for their efforts during this difficult period.
SA: Loxton Waikerie District Council is expanding its Pocket Galleries program to Waikerie, installing six shoebox-sized art displays at various locations to showcase local creativity and community stories.
The Council is seeking community feedback on preferred locations and gallery styles through its online engagement platform until February 6, 2026, with the first Waikerie exhibition launching at a River Fringe event in March.
QLD: The City of Moreton Bay is rolling out a $2.6 million “Cool City Streets” program that will see 3500 native trees planted along more than 100 kilometres of road across the region.
The initiative, jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government, aims to provide much-needed shade along popular walking routes and near community facilities.
Mayor Peter Flannery says the trees will be strategically planted in 12 key areas to combat urban heat and encourage active transport.
The program will particularly benefit vulnerable residents, including older people, those without cars, and anyone looking to increase their exercise levels by making it more comfortable to walk or cycle in the warmer months.
Council crews will begin planting soon, with the program set to be completed by June 30, 2027.
VIC: Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has put an end to speculation about his political future, firmly ruling out a run for the state seat of Nepean.
The announcement comes after Liberal Deputy Leader Sam Groth shocked the political world this week by quitting politics, citing relentless party infighting as his reason for walking away after just one term.
According to the Mornington Peninsula Leader, rumours have been swirling that the three-time mayor was being courted by the Liberal Party to fill the void left by Groth’s departure. But speaking on Thursday, Marsh made it clear he has no ambitions for Spring Street.
He said is not running for Nepean, and is not a member of the Liberal Party.
The popular Mount Martha resident, who was re-elected in 2024 with more than 70 per cent of the primary vote, said he’s proud of his work on council and would continue to focus on local issues and delivering tangible outcomes for the community.