On this page (regular updates through the day):
Mayoral results from Surf Coast, Casey, Hepburn and Mornington Peninsula
Colac Otway and Whittlesea mayoral results
Third consecutive term as Swan Hill Mayor for Stuart King
Library fine write-off considered by Wanneroo
Crucial infrastructure funding for Brewarrina Shire
Hawkesbury set to decide on special rate variation
Truck restrictions welcomed by Maribyrnong Council
Greater Bendigo councillor resigns, triggers by-election
Cummins steps in at Baw Baw as Acting CEO
Strathbogie Mayor and Deputy Mayor swap roles
Blain back as Warrnambool Mayor
Returned mayor and new deputy for Mitchell Shire
Gault and Ibuki the new leaders of Boroondara Council
VIC: Casey City Council has tonight re-elected Cr Stefan Koomen as its mayor, wityh Cr Michelle Crowther to serve as deputy mayor.
Cr Libby Stapleton takes over as mayor of Surf Coast Shire; Hepburn Shire has a new mayor in Cr Tony Clark; and Mornington Peninsula Shire has maintained the status quo, re-electing Cr Anthony Marsh as mayor. More details here.
VIC: More mayoral election results to hand – in Colac Otway Shire, Cr Jason Schram has been re-elected as mayor for a second consecutive term. Deputy Mayor Cr Phil Howard was also re-elected.
Whittlesea City Council has elected Cr Lawrie Cox as its new mayor, the third of the new term after Martin Taylor took over from Aidan McLindon earlier this year. Cr Blair Colwell has stepped up to the Deputy Mayort position.
VIC: Cr Stuart King has been elected Mayor of the Swan Hill Rural City Council for his third consecutive term.
He is joined by Cr Terry Jennings in the Deputy Mayor position.
From next month, Cr King will take on the role of Chair of the Murray River Group of Councils, representing a partnership of six local government areas along the Murray River which includes Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Loddon, Campaspe and Moira Councils.
WA: The City of Wanneroo is set to wipe more than $740K in overdue library fees dating back 25 years, affecting over 13,000 members.
PerthNow reports that the move comes as part of a trial to abolish all library fees, aimed at breaking down barriers and encouraging greater community access to library services.
If approved at next week’s council meeting, Wanneroo will join other Perth councils like Cambridge and Stirling in scrapping library fines to support residents during tough economic times.
NSW: Brewarrina Shire Council has secured nearly $1.4 million in combined state and federal funding for critical local infrastructure upgrades.
More than $1.2 million will go towards upgrading Brewarrina and Goodooga aerodromes, including runway resealing, new lighting systems and safety improvements that will enhance emergency medical services and regional connectivity.
An additional $150,000 will fund specialist training for drinking water treatment operators, ensuring safer and more reliable water supply for local residents.
NSW: A controversial rate rise proposal by Hawkesbury City Council is facing strong community opposition ahead of tonight’s crucial vote.
The Council will decide tonight whether to proceed with a Special Rate Variation that’s drawn fierce criticism from residents, according to the Hawkesbury Gazette.
According to a telephone poll commissioned by Council, around 70% of residents oppose the rate rise, with only 30% in support. The Council has received approximately 2,500 written submissions reflecting widespread concern about affordability and transparency.
If approved tonight, the proposal will go to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal by February 2nd, where residents will have another chance to make their voices heard during IPART’s own community consultation process.
VIC: Maribyrnong Council has welcomed the State Government’s decision to introduce truck restrictions on Williamstown Road once the West Gate Tunnel opens next month.
The No-Truck Zone will be enforced on weeknights from 8pm to 6am and over weekends from 8pm Friday to 6am Monday, joining other residential streets already under similar restrictions.
Mayor Pradeep Tiwari says the move will improve safety and reduce pollution and noise for residents.
The restrictions align with long-standing advocacy by both Council and the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group.
VIC: Greater Bendigo councillor John McIlrath has resigned his position, effective immediately.
Cr McIlrath announced his resignation at Monday’s Council meeting, citing work-related time commitments as the reason.
Mayor Thomas Prince and CEO Andrew Cooney acknowledged Cr McIlrath’s contribution to the city in a statement issued today.
As Greater Bendigo has single member wards, a by-election will be required to fill the extraordinary vacancy, with details to be announced.
VIC: Former Bayside City Council chief executive Mick Cummins has been appointed Acting CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council until mid-December.
It follows news last week that incoming CEO Tilla Buden is taking leave for medical reasons, after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis.
Mr Cummins has been supporting the council’s finance and corporate strategy teams since June.
VIC: At Strathbogie Shire Council, last year’s mayor and deputy mayor have swapped roles. Cr Scott Jeffery steps up into the mayoralty after a Council vote today. Previous mayor Cr Claire Ewart-Kennedy will take on the Deputy Mayor position for the coming 12 months.
VIC: Warrnambool City Council has re-elected Cr Ben Blain as mayor for a third consecutive term. Cr Matt Walsh takes over from Cr Vicki Jellie as Deputy Mayor.
Both were elected unopposed.
VIC: Mitchell Shire Council has re-elected Cr John Dougall to the mayoralty for a second consecutive term.
Cr Timothy Hanson takes over from Cr Bob Cornish as Deputy Mayor
VIC: Boroondara City Council has a new, first-time mayor in Cr Wes Gault, after a Council meeting on Monday.
Joining him in the leadership team is Cr Shima Ibuki.VIC: