Today on the Local Government News Roundup:

• Moonee Valley’s mayor stepping aside early
• Mornington Peninsula’s Meals on Wheels reversal
• A Council CEO sounds the alarm on state planning rule changes
• ICAC hears allegations of illegal surveillance and blackmail at a Sydney council
• More history making mayoral elections in NSW
• A WA Council CEO’s employment un-terminated
• A New Zealand CEO resigns after a damning report into a fatal landslide

All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.

Listen now wherever you listen to podcasts.

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 – simple, connected customer experiences; and Rath Engineering Development – smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience.

Victoria

Moonee Valley Mayor Dr Rose Iser is stepping aside from the role a few weeks early.

Cr Iser said the decision came after much reflection, and that she remains committed to her elected role as Councillor.

The next Mayoral election is due in late October, with temporary leadership arrangements yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, former Moonee Valley mayor Cameron Nation has been granted bail pending an appeal, just days after being handed a three-month prison sentence for the sexual assault of a 17-year-old boy.

According to the Herald Sun, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court released Mr Nation after four nights in custody, placing strict conditions on his release including travel restrictions and a ban on contacting witnesses.

His appeal against the conviction and sentence is scheduled to be heard in the County Court in February.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has reversed its decision to exit Meals on Wheels delivery, a service it has supported for 50 years.

The Mornington Peninsula Leader reported that councillors voted unanimously last night to retain the service following an extension of federal funding support for home-based care.

A Council CEO has sounded the alarm on state planning rule changes that mean developments of up to four homes on a single suburban block will now be fast-tracked under 10-day VicSmart assessment deadlines.

Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie warns that the shift removes community appeal rights to VCAT and limits council oversight.

Ms Wastie noted that while streamlining housing approvals is welcome, reducing neighbour notification on major block subdivisions raises serious liveability concerns for local communities.

She is encouraging wide community discussion and debate about the changes, especially as communities were not consulted before they were introduced.

The Age reports that Darebin City Council is under pressure to overhaul its graffiti removal policy after complaints revealed that reports of offensive anti-Semitic vandalism were being blocked by security filters or misrouted.

Former Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James has presented a petition to the Council following what she described as a six-month struggle to remove offensive tags near her home.

The Council says it is investigating and fixing a number of issues affecting the reporting and removal of offensive graffiti.

GLEN EIRA CITY COUNCIL has become the first council in Victoria to endorse a targeted action plan to combat rising rates of antisemitism across Melbourne’s south-east.

ABC news reports that under the new plan, councillors will undertake annual antisemitism and trauma training.

The strategy also includes sharing tools for the reporting of incidents, and boosted security measures for high-risk sites throughout the Glen Eira municipality.

The Herald Sun has reported on Mildura Rural City Council’s adoption of a new ten year waste management strategy, under which it plans to close its local landfill a decade early and transition the facility into a transfer station.

Non-recyclable waste will instead be transported twelve kilometres across the border to a landfill facility in New South Wales.

That shift is projected to save roughly twenty million dollars by avoiding escalating Victorian Environment Protection Authority levies.

Gannawarra Shire Council is calling for long-term State and Federal funding reform following the release of the RACV’s latest My Country Road survey.

The survey identified the Loddon Valley Highway as Victoria’s third most dangerous regional corridor, with deteriorating road conditions and potholes cited as the primary road safety concern.

The council manages over 2,400 kilometres of local roads and says sustainable funding certainty is vital for regional infrastructure, freight efficiency, and community safety.

Darebin City Council is installing a new rainbow footpath in Preston to promote visibility, inclusion, and support for the LGBTIQA+ community.

Following the launch of the council’s LGBTIQA+ Action Plan earlier this year, the colourful project is expected to be completed in October 2026.

New South Wales

The Independent Commission Against Corruption has heard further evidence regarding allegations of illegal surveillance and blackmail within Strathfield Council.

The Guardian reported that former Labor councillor Sharangan Maheswaran admitted to ICAC that he hired a private investigator to track former Strathfield Mayor Matthew Blackmore between late 2022 and early 2023. The inquiry heard that the development company owned by fugitive developer Jean Nassif was invoiced $134,000 for the surveillance operation.

Counsel assisting the commission revealed text messages showing Maheswaran joking about spy equipment and referencing The Police’s song Every Breath You Take with fellow former councillor Karen Pensabene.

The inquiry continues.

Goodman Group has withdrawn its application for a $1.2 billion data centre in Lane Cove Council, attributing the decision to emerging state and federal regulations.

The proposed Project Mars development faced strong opposition from local residents due to its proximity to schools, event spaces, and local parklands.

Community advocates welcomed the withdrawal, which follows new policy frameworks designed to address local environmental impacts and infrastructure demands across New South Wales.

Labor councillor Cameron MacLean has been elected as the youngest lord mayor in the history of Parramatta City Council, following a decisive vote cast by former Liberal councillor Tanya Raffoul.

Independent councillor Kellie Darley was elected deputy mayor during the same meeting, where calls were made for stronger workplace protections and governance transparency.

Cr MacLean will serve a two year term as lord mayor, committing to improved organisational culture and transparency across the council.

Cr Raffoul attracted attention earlier in the day by announcing she was departing the Liberals over their, quote, “disappointing” and growing “alignment with a divisive political party.” She also cited the current ICAC inquiry in Liberal party operatives.

Cr Raffoul will remain on council as an independent member for now. (Source: Sydney Morning Herald; ABC News)

Coffs Harbour City Council has narrowly voted to rescind its 2022 climate emergency declaration.

The motion put by Mayor Nikki Williams passed by one vote, according to Green Left.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from local environmental advocates, who warn that delaying emissions reduction plans and ignoring climate action will end up costing taxpayers dollars down the line.

Vandals and thieves have targeted Griffith Regional Airport, breaking into multiple vehicles and damaging newly installed paid parking infrastructure while the system was undergoing testing.

Griffith City Council is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to a conviction as police investigate the incidents.

Former Albury City mayor Kylie King is back in the the top position following a tight five to three vote on Monday night.

The Border Mail reported that Councillor King defeated incumbent Kevin Mack in a four-way contest, returning to the role she previously held until late 2024.

Councillor Phil Bullivant was chosen as the new deputy mayor in a 6-3 vote, over challenger Jess Kellahan.

Woollahra Municipal Council has re-elected Councillor Sarah Dixson as Mayor alongside newly appointed Deputy Mayor Hugh Woodgate.

Mayor Dixson reaffirmed her commitment to leading the fight against state government rezoning proposals across Woollahra and Edgecliff.

Central Ward Councillor Shweta Deshpande has been elected the City of Ryde’s Deputy Mayor during an open vote.

Clr Deshpande, who served a previous term as Deputy Mayor in 2023, will remain in the role until September 2027. 

Upper Hunter Shire Council has elected Cr Pat Ryan as Mayor and Cr Peter McGill as Deputy Mayor at its mid-term elections during the Council meeting on Monday.

The Newcastle Herald reported that the vote was close – 5 to 4 – bringing to an end Cr Maurice Collison’s time in the mayoralty dating back to mid-2020.

Cr Ryan moves from Deputy Mayor into the mayoral role.

Lake Macquarie’s West Ward Councillor Kate Warner has been elected as the city’s new Deputy Mayor, replacing outgoing Deputy Councillor Colin Grigg.

At the same meeting, the council voiced its strong opposition to proposed state grant changes that could strip $7.2 million from local funding in the first year alone.

LANE COVE COUNCIL has confirmed its leadership team, re-electing Councillor Merri Southwood as Mayor for a second two year term alongside Deputy Mayor Rochelle Flood, who was first elected to the role last September and will now serve another 12 months.

BREWARRINA SHIRE COUNCIL has re-elected Councillor Tommy Stanton as Mayor and Councillor Vivian Slack-Smith as Deputy Mayor for the remainder of the current term.

Queensland

A split Bundaberg Regional Council has narrowly voted to delay a decision on winding back controversial rent increases for community groups, leaving fees unchanged until at least mid-2027.

According to the Courier Mail, a motion proposed by Councillor Bill Trevor aimed to halve the recently increased annual rate to $200 following widespread backlash from local non-profit organisations.

However, councillors voted to leave the issue on the table until next year’s budget deliberations, citing the necessity for ongoing cost recovery on council-controlled properties.

Fraser Coast Regional Council has withdrawn a $172 parking fine mistakenly issued to a Hervey Bay father outside Yarrilee State School during afternoon pick-up.

While the council has confirmed parents can temporarily park on the grassy strip along Scrub Hill Road during upgrades, local families warn that the area remains a dangerous traffic hazard around the school with over 700 students. (Source: Cairns Post)

From the Cairns Post, a report that Torres Strait Shire Council is considering a ban on glass beer stubbies at local bottle shops in response to growing community concerns over dangerous broken glass littering Thursday Island’s beaches.

In an effort to keep popular spots like Bayo Beach safe for families, the council is also securing a new sand cleaner. Meanwhile police are reminding the public that drinking on beach grounds is illegal.

The Electoral Commission of Queensland has officially announced a full postal by-election for Division 1 of the Tablelands Regional Council, following former councillor Kevin Cardew’s election as Mayor.

Division 1 residents must make sure their details are up to date before enrolment closes on October 5, with all postal votes due back by 6 PM on Saturday, October 31.

Tasmania

A tied vote at Monday night’s Hobart City Council meeting has sunk a motion to scrap the stand-in allowance for the deputy lord mayor when acting as lord mayor for seven days or more.

Moving the proposal, Councillor Will Coats argued the extra pay was no longer needed after budget overruns, but the deadlocked vote leaves the current $76,000 deputy allowance structure in place ahead of October’s local elections.

Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood has released a 13-minute Facebook video defending more than $17,000 charged to his official credit card over three years. He says the expenses were necessary to build relationships and support City of Launceston business.

Pulse Tasmania and The Mercury reported that the Right to Information disclosures showed spending on food delivery, alcohol, Apple AirPods, and designer clothing. It has prompted the council to tighten its credit card policies ahead of the council elections.

The CITY OF LAUNCESTON has opted against banning wood heaters, choosing instead to focus on a 15-year plan centered on air quality monitoring and community education, according to the Mercury.

The decision comes despite reports linking woodsmoke pollution to 50 premature deaths and an estimated $293 million in annual health costs across Tasmania.

The City of Hobart and Glenorchy City Council have endorsed a joint submission supporting the Tasmanian Government’s Northern Suburbs Rapid Bus Project in principle while keeping options open for light rail.

Lodged through the Greater Hobart Partnership, the submission calls for greater transparency regarding project costs, governance, operating funding, and potential property impacts.

The councils are also advocating for clear integration with broader regional transport planning and a funded approach to corridor land use.

South Australia

Residents in the City of Marion are being warned they could face fines exceeding $300 this Halloween if they decorate public footpaths, trees, or fences with artificial spiderwebs.

The move is getting lots of attention from mainstream media outlets.

While council officers have been instructed to enforce the fine due to concerns about plastic pollution and hazards to local wildlife, Mayor Kris Hanna has criticised the rule as “stupid” given that the decorations remain fully permitted on private property.

Port Pirie Regional Council is marking 150 years since its proclamation with the release of a commemorative medallion.

Mayor Leon Stephens has reflected on the city’s rich history in rail, port, and smelting industries, as well as its strong multicultural community, and a century and a half of progress.

Western Australia

The Shire of Coorow in Western Australia has revoked a previous motion to remove its chief executive officer, Mia Maxfield, instead placing her on full pay while a performance review is conducted under adopted standards.

The council announced last last week that John Peter Bentley has been appointed as temporary acting chief executive officer to oversee operations during the review period.

The decision follows significant governance changes, including the election of a new shire president and the resignation of three elected members, including the deputy shire president.

Former Shire of Coorow deputy chief executive Sam Curulli has been granted bail in Perth after facing dozens of fraud, corruption, and drug charges.

Police allege the 27-year-old stole thousands of dollars from the local government by purchasing electronics on council accounts to resell for cash.

He is due to face court again next month, reports yahoo! News

Healthy growth has been reported in the City of South Perth’s climate-ready street tree trial, where 48 underutilised native species were planted across Como, Salter Point, and Kensington to build a more heat-resilient urban forest.

The six-year initiative, conducted in partnership with WALGA, will track tree survival and canopy performance to help local councils make smart, cost-effective investments in shade and urban cooling for future climate conditions.

City of Rockingham voters have officially elected Jason Davies as councillor for the Rockingham/Safety Bay Ward following the September 24 extraordinary election.

Davies secured the position with 7,666 votes and will serve on the council until October 16, 2027.

While in the SHIRE OF NORTHAM, East Ward voters have chosen Theresa Lee as their newest council member following Thursday night’s extraordinary election.

International

NZ:

Tauranga City Council chief executive Marty Grenfell has resigned following a damning independent review into a fatal landslide at Mount Maunganui.

The report found the January disaster that claimed six lives was preventable, citing decades of unaddressed council warnings and systemic failure.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale confirmed the council accepted Mr Grenfell’s resignation, saying the council respected his decision and thanking him for his unwavering commitment to the city over eight years.

The Mayor said an interim chief executive will be appointed, and the council will be demanding tangible, verifiable evidence of an overhaul of systems and processes through the improvement program currently in process.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has paid tribute to its former chief executive Glenn Snelgrove, following his passing.

Snelgrove led the Council for 25 years from its inception in 1989 through to 2014, leaving behind a lasting legacy across the region.

Waikato Regional Council has endorsed a landmark 25-year strategy aimed at halting biodiversity decline and coordinating conservation efforts across the region.

It’s the first region-wide framework to guide biodiversity investment and action, in a region that contains some of New Zealand’s most significant biodiversity. Habitat loss, invasive species and diseases, pollution, changes in land use and climate change are continuing to drive its decline.

UK:

Local authorities in England are set to gain significant new housing intervention powers under reforms announced by the UK government.

The draft legislation will compel housing associations to accept council referrals for homeless families unless valid grounds for refusal are provided, alongside establishing a mandatory sixty day notice period when social properties are listed for sale.

Proposed measures will also expand public sector notification obligations to ensure earlier support for individuals at risk of homelessness.

The BBC reported that Glasgow City Council plans to dismiss and rehire more than 23,000 staff members on new contracts following a breakdown in pay negotiations with trade unions.

The move comes as part of a long-running overhaul to eliminate unequal pay. The proposed scheme will see around 11% of workers face wage cuts, with some reductions of up to $15,000.

Warrington Borough Council has approved 51 million pounds in service cuts and the loss of over 200 jobs following the collapse of its high-risk commercial investment strategy, which accumulated 1.8 billion pounds in debt.

The measures will see funding trimmed from adult social care alongside reductions to public transport security and road maintenance.

USA:

In California, tens of thousands of San Diego homeowners are potentially on the receiving end of property tax errors after a city data blunder led to incorrect trash charges—some higher by more than $1,000.

The California Post reported that responsibility for the error is being placed by some at the feet of the city’s mayor, Todd Gloria.

Council member Henry Foster has called on the mayor to step down over the administrative failure, suggesting he doesn’t have the competency to be in charge of daily operations in the city.

While many residents were overcharged, there were some that were undercharged for waste services, with the mayor admitting that a data quality issue should have been picked up sooner.

A local politician in Randolph County, North Carolina, is facing charges after allegedly threatening to shoot a colleague in the head.

77-year-old Edward Lohr of the Trinity City Council was arrested for targeting Mayor Pro-Tempore Robert Walker, A judge has set his bond at $1,000 under the condition that he remains on house arrest with electronic monitoring, reports WXII News.

CANADA:

The city of Campbellton in New Brunswick is mourning the sudden passing of Mayor Michel Soucy, who died of a heart attack on Saturday at the age of 75, just months after taking office.

Deputy Mayor Mathieu Perron will step in to lead Campbellton City Council until a municipal byelection is held to fill the mayor’s seat. (Source: CBC News)