In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A local government minister in hot water over a throwaway comment
• More councillor resignations
• The state government accused of rushing through planning changes in Melbourne’s bayside suburbs
• A Queensland Mayor under investigation over a CEO recruitment process
• The personal toll on a Council CEO as budget cuts loom
• The price tag on staff departures in Parramatta
• and new moves to protect council officers from abuse

And the Roundup Flashback Machine takes us back to this week in 2022.

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony 3, and Rath Engineering Development.

Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Transcript for Episode #573:

Today’s Top Three

A throwaway line at a conference for women in local government has landed NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig in trouble.

Asked about easing rules that limit remote council meetings … Hoenig replied with a “wooden spoon” comment about changing a partner’s mind … drawing audible groans, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Orange City councillor Melanie McDonell called it offensive … and Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins says it was the wrong room for that kind of rhetoric.

Mr Hoenig’s office first rejected the criticism … but after a recording surfaced … he says he regrets a poor choice of words.

Southern Grampians Shire Councillor Albert Calvano has resigned … effective immediately … citing unforeseen circumstances and personal reasons.

Cr Calvano was first elected in 2008 … and served almost two decades … including two terms as mayor in 2013 and 2014.

In a statement … he thanked residents … fellow councillors … staff and community members … saying it had been an honour to represent the shire.

Mayor Dennis Heslin says Albert’s commitment and committee work will be missed … and wished him well. Arrangements to fill the vacancy, likely by a countback, are yet to be announced.

City of Onkaparinga councillor Gretel Wilkes has resigned, effective on Thursday 9th April.

Ms Wilkes had served in Mid Coast Ward since November 2022.

She announced her decision on social media, saying her “heart is heavy and it’s going to take time to heal”. Cryptically, she said she would “loosely commit to sharing the details – all good, bad and unpleasant when the time comes.”

The Council says a supplementary election won’t be required due to the vacancy occurring within 12 months of a periodic election.

In an official announcement, it was the Council’s CEO Sharon Mason who acknowledged Ms Wilkes contribution to the council.

Victorian Report

In Melbourne’s bayside suburbs … locals are bracing for more housing around train and tram corridors … but Bayside City Council says the State has rushed the planning rules.

The council says four precincts, including North Brighton, Middle Brighton, Hampton and Sandringham, were finalised with little change … despite two rounds of consultation.

Mayor Councillor Debbie Taylor-Haynes believes decisions this big must come with transparency … and a clear plan for roads, services and local character.

The council says Bayside is on track to meet housing targets … but wants growth to be properly supported.

In Castlemaine … a much-loved set of bronze sculptures has been targeted in a theft and a separate act of vandalism at the Botanical Gardens playspace.

Mount Alexander Shire Council says the leaf and acorn sculptures … created by artist Nicholas Dunand … were stolen.

Nearby … a second bronze work … Dusk by local artist Zoe Amor … was deliberately cut at its base … leaving it badly damaged.

The Council is working with the artists and insurers on repair and replacement options … and is now reviewing security to prevent more incidents.

When a council ends a labour hire placement … is that a dismissal?

The Fair Work Commission says not necessarily.

HCA Mag reported that the Commission has rejected a claim by Leonella Peel … who worked at Hobsons Bay City Council through a chain of contractors.

The Commission found Peel was employed by Public Sector People … not the council … even though council staff directed her day to day work.

Deputy President Millhouse said the paperwork clearly showed the council was the client … not the employer.

The ruling is a reminder for councils and suppliers … that clean contracts matter … and that control on the job does not automatically create an employment relationship.

In Melbourne’s west … the Sunshine precinct is getting a fresh push to become a true city centre in its own right.

Brimbank City Council says the Victorian Government is putting 7 point 5 million dollars into the Sunshine Station Masterplan … with a focus on reshaping Clarke Street into a safer … more welcoming cultural and community hub.

The plan includes a new public plaza … a contemporary arts hub … flexible space for events … and pop-up activations … plus public art that reflects Melbourne’s west.

Mayor Councillor Virginia Tachos says the funding will help draw new investment … support local businesses … and improve the public spaces around the station.

In Ocean Grove … excitement is building for the new District Ride Centre at Kingston Park … but the City of Greater Geelong is warning riders to stay out until it officially opens.

Council says people have been sneaking in after hours … hitting unfinished jumps before the surfaces have cured … and damaging the track.

Connewarre Ward Councillor Elise Wilkinson says the trespassing is dangerous … and could delay the planned mid-year opening.

The project also has a sustainability angle … with the track shaped using more than 14,000 tonnes of recycled crushed concrete from the former Alcoa site at Point Henry … keeping waste out of landfill and supporting local business.

A proposed waste transfer station at Hampton Park in Melbourne’s southeast has hit a major legal hurdle.

VCAT has upheld the EPA’s decision to refuse Veolia a development licence for a site on Hallam Road.

City of Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen says the ruling reflects sustained advocacy from residents and community groups … and council will now wait for further advice from the EPA and VCAT before deciding next steps.

Veolia can still appeal through the Supreme Court.

Moyne Shire Council says a technical investigation is on track at the Port Fairy pool facility… with on-site testing of pumping and filtration systems … and intrusive inspections of the building, including sections of roof and cladding.

A final report is due to go to the May ordinary council meeting.

Mayor Councillor Jordan Lockett says council wants clear, evidence-based information before deciding what comes next … and is asking residents to be respectful to staff and contractors on site.

Council is also raising the case for dedicated pool funding with state and federal ministers.

In the Wimmera … Hindmarsh Shire Council says the century old Jeparit Weir on the Wimmera River is in very poor condition … and should be fully replaced.

A new feasibility study found the structure is at the end of its life … and is unsafe to operate … with manual removal of boards posing unacceptable risks to council staff.

Modelling suggests if it cannot be run during major floods … water levels in Jeparit could rise … and more properties could be inundated.

Replacement is estimated at five point four million dollars. Mayor Cr Ron Ismay says the council will need state and federal funding for that.

Victorian Briefs

Ararat Council says its residents have quietly diverted more than 309 kilograms of medicine blister packs from landfill since 2022 … the equivalent of about 206,000 packs.

Most of that has come in the current financial year … with 245 kilograms already dropped off through local collection points and a participating pharmacy.

Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim Harrison says each pack kept out of the bin cuts waste … and supports a more circular local economy.

Benalla’s Art Gallery is about to enter its next chapter. Temporary fencing is going up as construction begins on a long-planned redevelopment.

Benalla Council has appointed Midson Construction to deliver the work … due to finish in early twenty twenty seven.

And Colac Otway Shire has secured 500 thousand dollars from the Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund … to build a new bike park in Colac.

Mayor Jason Schram says the designs are “shovel ready” … shaped by local consultation … and years of advocacy from young people and families.

NSW Report

Kiama Council’s proposed budget cuts have sparked protests … and intense personal backlash for the chief executive, Jane Stroud.

Ms Stroud told The Bugle she was confronted and yelled at in public … even while walking with her 11-year-old twins … after an extraordinary meeting drew a large, vocal crowd.

The report outlines possible service reductions … fee increases … and a plan to cut staffing to save 850,000 dollars over 12 months.

Ms Stroud says no final decisions have been made yet … but the financial crisis is long-running … pointing to NSW Audit Office findings and a performance improvement order as the starting point.

A draft budget is due to come before the Council next week.

In Parramatta … a new report has put a price tag on staff departures.

The Daily Telegraph reported that ratepayers have spent more than one and a half million dollars in ten months … covering redundancies, terminations and four release deeds.

Independent councillor Kellie Darley requested the figures for this week’s council meeting … after earlier reporting found more than five million dollars was spent removing 81 staff over four years.

Council staff say they cannot provide a quarterly breakdown … warning the small numbers could identify individuals.

In northern New South Wales … after months of local debate, Nambucca Valley Council has voted to keep the suburb name Valla for the area around the Valla Urban Growth Area and Boggy Creek Road.

Deputy Mayor Susan Jenvey says residents at Boggy Creek consider themselves to live at Valla … and that the name has long community backing.

Coffs Coast News of the Area reported that a petition signed by fifty seven residents was presented to council last year.

In Newcastle … a push for more cameras is gathering momentum in Hamilton, according to 2HD.

NSW MP Tim Crakanthorp has handed a petition to Acting Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe … calling for a CCTV trial on Beaumont Street after a rise in crime and anti social behaviour.

More than a thousand people have signed … and the proposal has backing from police and former Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge.

Supporters say agencies are already stepping up patrols and outreach … but CCTV is the missing link. The campaign follows the death of a man attacked in the area in late 2024.

Meanwhile, the race to replace Ross Kerridge as Lord Mayor is in its final week.

Voters go to the polls this Saturday to fill the role, with six candidates competing, including acting Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe; former deputy lord mayor Cr Declan Clausen; and former NBN News presenter Gavin Morris, who has the endorsement of Dr Kerridge.

The election is one five local government polls over the next week: Wollongong City Council’s countback election is tomorrow; Uralla Shire, and Liverpool also have by-elections on Saturday; and there’s a Byron Shire countback next week.

NSW Briefs:

Balonne Shire Council says a string of diesel thefts in recent weeks have cost around four to five hundred litres of fuel … and damaged graders and rollers as thieves accessed the tanks.

Mayor Samantha O’Toole says the fuel supply crisis is already squeezing budgets … and theft only adds costs that can flow to ratepayers. Council has installed hidden cameras … and is urging reports to Crimestoppers.

On the Central Coast … there’s a sign the planning logjam is easing. Mayor Lisa McKinna says council investment, new hires and tighter processes have cut the development application backlog over the past 18 months … and improved assessment of complex projects.

She says the number of large applications waiting more than a year is now at its lowest since 2021.

Queensland Report

In Redland City … the Mayor is reportedly facing fresh scrutiny over what the public was told about the council’s chief executive recruitment process.

Redland Bayside News reports that Queensland’s Office of the Independent Assessor has directed Redland City Council to investigate Mayor Jos Mitchell’s comments about signing the CEO’s contract … after an earlier warning from the watchdog in January.

The mayor has said she refused to sign because of concerns about the recruitment process … but the report says emails suggest she was overseas and delegated the task to Deputy Mayor Julie Talty.

It also notes that Cr Mitchell previously voted for the appointment of CEO Louise Rusan … and backed her publicly.

In Ipswich … a proposed “Mother Language Monument” is sparking a bigger question about what belongs in shared public space … and how memorial sites are protected.

Ipswich City Council is consulting on a stone monument for Robelle Domain … with a preferred location about 35 metres from the Springfield Central ADF Memorial.

Mayor Teresa Harding says council has already backed funding … with the final location still to be approved.

Local Ipswich News reports that RSL members support the monument … but want it further from the Anzac precinct.

Livingstone Shire Council has locked in PCYC Queensland to manage its public pools.

Mayor Adam Belot says the decision is meant to cut through confusion … and protect the programs locals rely on … including schools, swim clubs and learn to swim.

Council says opening hours at some centres stay the same … with longer hours at Marlborough to be considered after community consultation.

Belot says council will keep oversight … to make sure access stays fair … and services match local needs.

In Bundaberg … a local music festival is getting a cash boost aimed at bringing more visitors to the coast.

Bundaberg Regional Council has approved 20 thousand dollars for the Lighthouse Rock Music, Arts and Cultural Festival … set for May 23 at Lighthouse Fields in Burnett Heads.

Mayor Helen Blackburn says the event supports local artists … and helps drive business for accommodation, cafes and retailers across the region.

Tasmania

Latrobe Council is taking a hard line against customer abuse, adopting a new zero-tolerance policy to protect staff from psychological harm.

The Mercury reported that the new policy moves away from labelling residents as “difficult,” and focuses strictly on unreasonable conduct. Frontline staff are now authorised to immediately hang up on abusive callers or call the police if a customer refuses to leave a premises.

Under the rules, the General Manager can officially designate offenders as “Unreasonable Customers,” leading to written-only communication limits or complete bans from council services.

Mayor Peter Freshney says while the shift aligns with new safety laws, clear communication is key to ensuring residents understand the new boundaries.

The policy includes a three-month review process and an appeals path via the Ombudsman.

In Hobart’s CBD … drivers are being warned that the City of Hobart is now proactively patrolling for vehicles stopped on or across driveways … rather than relying on complaints.

The rule has always been there … even if the driveway is your own. But the council says reactive enforcement has produced confusion and inconsistent outcomes … with 435 complaints in a year … mostly in CBD streets, according to Pulse Tasmania.

Under Tasmanian road rules … you can only stop across a driveway for drop-off or pick-up … you must stay with the car … and move within two minutes.

South Australia

South Australia is tightening protections for council staff … with new laws designed to curb abuse and harassment from the public.

From May 4th … the Workplace Protection (Personal Violence) Act lets councils apply to a Magistrates Court for a workplace protection order … banning someone who has engaged in personal violence from returning for up to 12 months.

Government News reports that the definition is broad … covering threats, stalking, intimidation, offensive behaviour and property damage … and it can apply to phone and online interactions.

Breaching an order becomes a criminal offence … with penalties up to two years in prison … or five if further personal violence is involved.

Western Australia

The City of Perth is looking to artificial intelligence to solve a critical staffing shortage.

Depleted governance teams and a wave of unexpected leave have created what officials call a “business continuity risk,” prompting a proposal to use Microsoft Copilot to draft meeting minutes.

However, the plan is currently on ice, according to PerthNow.

Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves has called for wider access to recordings, while CEO Michelle Reynolds warns of significant confidentiality risks, pausing the rollout to seek further legal advice.

Moving south, the Shire of Collie has confirmed that the state investigation into last year’s chlorine gas leak at the Mineworkers Memorial Pool is officially over.

Following the incident on March 16, 2025, the Department of Local Government and WorkSafe have closed their inquiries with no further action to be taken.

Shire CEO Phil Anastasakis praised the professional response of staff, noting the facility has returned to normal operations.

The Town of Claremont is digging in for a long-term fight against the polyphagous shot-hole borer.

PerthNow reported that the Council has endorsed a management strategy to combat the invasive beetle, which has already forced the removal of 250 trees.

The plan carries a price tag of $240,000 per year starting in 2026, funding chemical treatments and pruning to prevent a permanent loss of canopy that could lead to hotter streets and diminished local amenity.

Global Report

UK:

Now for some headline news from the UK.

First, a major shift in how councils support vulnerable residents.

Following the rollout of the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, local authorities like Portsmouth City Council have begun launching emergency payment schemes this week.

This new national framework replaces the old Household Support Fund, moving the focus from short-term fixes to long-term financial stability and debt advice.

In politics, the race for the town hall is officially on.

As of last Friday, councils across England have published their final lists of candidates for the May 7th local elections.

With thousands of seats contested, the Local Government Association is reminding residents they have until April 20th to register to vote in what is being seen as a key test of local sentiment.

And a “devolution deadlock” is brewing.

The MJ reports that leaders in Sussex are threatening legal action against the Home Office and Cabinet Office over delays to local reorganisation.

Similar calls are coming from Kent, where officials are demanding ministers fast-track devolution deals to prevent vital infrastructure projects from stalling.

USA:

Here are some of top municipal headlines from the United States this week.

First, a debate over technology and privacy is heating up in Oakland County, Michigan.

Government Technology reports that County Commissioners have narrowly approved a contract for a new drone pilot program.

While the initial phase is a free trial, it paves the way for a $2.5 million investment.

Residents at the hearing voiced concerns over surveillance, while the county maintains the tools are essential for modern search and rescue.

In Portland, Maine, a five-year vision for the waterfront is finally becoming a reality.

The city officially broke ground on the Portland Harbor Common this past Thursday.

The transformation of the eastern waterfront into a sprawling public park is the city’s largest legacy project this decade, with Phase One slated for completion by late 2026.

And in Boston, the City Council is cracking down on the “gig economy.”

A new ordinance is moving through committee to regulate delivery service road safety.

As traffic congestion reaches new peaks, the city is seeking stricter data-sharing and accountability from third-party delivery apps to protect urban commuters.

CANADA:

A major breakthrough in the housing crisis is being hailed in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The Chronicle-Journal reports that City Council has greenlit a $5.2 million land sale to private developers.

The deal is expected to bring nearly 1,000 new housing units to the city over the next four years. While the move faced some pushback regarding urban density, officials are hailing it as a vital step for regional growth.

In Quebec, one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country is officially underway.

According to The Canadian Press, the Port of Montreal has broken ground on its Contrecoeur terminal expansion.

Backed by over a billion dollars in federal financing, the project aims to modernise the St. Lawrence gateway.

However, local officials are navigating a complex mitigation plan to protect endangered aquatic life in the surrounding feeding grounds.

A massive new funding stream is opening up for municipalities.

ReNew Canada reports the launch of the Build Communities Strong Fund, a $51 billion ten-year initiative.

From a new mega-community centre in Brampton to vital water reservoir upgrades in Manitoba, the fund is designed to tie infrastructure spending directly to the speed of new housing construction.

In Regina … the city council is preparing to vote on a bylaw that would ban so-called conversion therapy … a practice advocates say harms LGBTQ2S+ people.

Mayor Sandra Masters says councillors will debate the draft on Wednesday … after hearing hours of submissions and consulting with community groups.

CTV News reports that nearly fifty faith leaders have also signed an open letter backing the ban … calling conversion efforts a form of abuse.

NZ:

In New Zealand, the Prime Minister and Auckland’s Mayor Wayne Brown have signed the historic Auckland City Deal.

This decade-long pact marks the first time the Crown and Council have committed to a joint 30-year transport and housing roadmap, introducing new funding tools to ensure the “economic engine room” of the country remains on track.

But Mayor Brown says one hard issue remains unresolved … the Government’s proposed rates cap.

Further north, the “Local Water Done Well” reforms are taking shape.

As of last Wednesday, the three Northland District Councils have reaffirmed their plan to launch a unified regional water company.

According to a joint council statement, the new organisation will be incorporated next month, aiming to streamline wastewater and drinking water infrastructure across the region to lower long-term costs for ratepayers.

And in New Zealand’s Far North … a call for outside oversight is putting a council under the spotlight, according to a report from the NZ Herald.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts has asked officials to engage with the Far North District Council … after Kerikeri councillor Davina Smolders raised concerns about governance and asked for a Crown Observer.

Far North Mayor Moko Tepania says Watts wrote to him expressing confidence the council is meeting its duties under the Local Government Act … and says the council will cooperate if that changes.

Crown Observers have been appointed only twice since 2012.