On the Wednesday, 22nd April edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A Fair Work ruling set to hit Councils’ bottom lines
• a corruption inquiry announced
• a councillor censured and facing disqualification
• while another is under investigation over a violent social media post
• industrial action escalates across Melbourne
• Hawkesbury Council standing up to bullies
• a multi-million dollar headache for a Sydney council
• an extension for the City of Perth’s monitor
• a council unveils its pitch for a new name
• a call for an urgent police surge in Townsville
• Police investigating a serious incident involving a New Zealand councillor

plus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

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 #577:

Today’s Top Three

A landmark Fair Work Commission ruling taking effect this week is set to hit local council budgets hard across the country.

The new “Fuel Cost Recovery Order” mandates that councils—as major clients—must now compensate transport contractors for diesel prices, which have spiked above three dollars per litre.

The Australian Local Government Association warns the ruling forces councils to conduct fuel reviews every two weeks, potentially threatening the viability of road maintenance and waste services.

ALGA President Matt Burnett says ratepayers cannot continue to absorb these surging costs and is calling for urgent federal support to prevent a “funding cliff” for essential community infrastructure.

The New South Wales corruption watchdog has announced a public inquiry into sensational allegations of misconduct at the City of Parramatta.

Operation Navarra will begin next month, focusing on claims that former CEO Gail Connolly and other senior staff misused their positions to carry out targeted surveillance on employees and even a sitting councillor.

The ICAC investigation will also probe allegations of rigged recruitment processes and the misuse of public funds to pay out departing staff via secret “deeds of release.”

It follows a period of intense upheaval at the council, including a series of high-profile departures and raids on administrative offices.

The public hearings are scheduled to commence on May 11th.

At Oberon Council in New South Wales, a twelve and a half thousand dollar investigation has resulted in a formal censure, and potential disqualification for Cr Helen Hayden.

The investigation determined that Cr Hayden had breached the Code of Conduct in January with a social media post following a fatal car accident outside of Oberon. Her comments caused widespread outrage, and calls for her sacking.

The council disassociated itself unequivocally from the comments at the time.

After a confidential session to consider the investigation report yesterday, the council is now recommending Cr Hayden’s immediate removal from office, and that she be disqualified from Council for five years, and will refer that request to the Office of Local Government.

Victorian Report

Rubbish is piling up across Melbourne as more than one-thousand council workers take part in the largest strike in Victorian history.

Garbage collections, street cleansing, and home-care visits will grind to a halt on May 5th as workers from eight councils—including the City of Melbourne—march on Parliament House.

The Herald Sun reports that bans on rubbish collections, which started in Merri-bek, Darebin and Hume, are spreading to Hobsons Bay, Greater Dandenong and Yarra.

The Australian Services Union is demanding a ten-per-cent pay rise, arguing the state’s rate cap has left frontline staff facing a cost-of-living crisis.

While councils say they are negotiating in good faith, the union warns that without a deal, the “unprecedented” chaos on suburban streets will only continue.

The cost of filling a vacant seat on Greater Bendigo City Council has skyrocketed from $1,000 to over $160,000.

The council has confirmed the $161k cost of holding a recent by-election, due to the shift to single-member wards – rather than a simple count back of votes from the last election.

While the State Government says the new system increases accountability, ratepayers are feeling the pinch of the pricey Lockwood Ward rerun, according to the Bendigo Advertiser.

Former councillors warn the previous system was just as effective—and cost a fraction of the price.

It also means it takes much longer to fill a vacancy.

Donna Nicholas has been declared the winner of the by-election held last month, replacing John McIlrath, who resigned last November.

The City of Melbourne is expanding its smoke-free zones to include more popular public spaces.

New areas such as Bourke Street Mall and several high-traffic laneways will now prohibit smoking and vaping to improve air quality and public health.

The Council says the move is part of a broader commitment to making the city a cleaner and more welcoming place for everyone.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to look for updated signage, as the new restrictions are set to take effect immediately to help “butt out” the habit for good.

Plans for the first BMX pump tracks in Whitehorse have hit a snag as residents voice concerns over safety and environmental impacts.

The Whitehorse Leader reports that councillors have called for further feasibility studies at Charles Rook Reserve. While the tracks aim to stop kids from building illegal jumps, local parents fear the facilities will attract teenagers on powerful e-bikes, citing recent damage at nearby clubs.

Council officers admit the project faces “unavoidable trade-offs,” including the potential removal of fourteen trees and noise concerns for nearby neighbors.

A final decision remains on hold pending further investigation.

Residents in the City of Casey are throwing their weight behind a major push for better roads and public transport.

The “Building a Better Casey” campaign has seen a surge in community support, with locals calling for urgent action on congestion and safety. Key priorities include the long-awaited Clyde Rail Link, an upgrade to Thompsons Road, and critical improvements to the regional bus network.

Mayor Stefan Koomen says the infrastructure must keep pace with the area’s extraordinary growth.

Council is now using this community feedback to lobby for firm funding commitments from state and federal leaders ahead of the upcoming election.

One of Melbourne’s longest-serving local government figures … Pat Brown … has turned 100 … and the City of Port Phillip is marking the milestone.

Pat was a councillor and former Mayor of South Melbourne … and later became one of Port Phillip’s first elected councillors after amalgamation … helping guide the new council through major change.

She’s also a Justice of the Peace … and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1989 for community and local government service.

The Council will acknowledge Pat’s birthday and legacy at its meeting later today.

Victorian Briefs

The Victorian Budget includes funding to support up to nine weekday return services on the Shepparton line, nearly doubling current services, plus five weekend return services.

Greater Shepparton City Council welcomes the funding but wants clear timelines for when the extra trains will begin.

Towong Shire Council is urging Victoria’s bushfire inquiry to come to the Upper Murray … warning locals could be effectively shut out of the process.

The council says public “open mic” sessions are set for towns hundreds of kilometres away … with Alexandra the closest, more than a three-and-a-half hour drive from Corryong.

Benalla’s much-loved rocket playground is now officially heritage listed … with Heritage Victoria recognising it as a rare survivor of 1960s playground design.

The eight-metre rocket was installed in 1966 in the Benalla Botanical Gardens … a nod to the space race … and generations of local childhoods.

NSW Report

Cessnock City Council may be close to appointing a new General Manager.

An Extraordinary Meeting called for 6.30pm tonight includes a Mayoral Minute titled “Appointment of General Manager.”

It will be a confidential session.

Peter Chrystal has been the Interim General Manager while the recruitment process for a permanent replacement has been underway, following Ken Liddell’s resignation last June.

Hawkesbury City Council is drawing a line in the sand against what it describes as a disturbing rise in bullying, sexism, and racism within the region.

Mayor Les Sheather and a majority of Councillors have issued a joint declaration, condemning unprovoked attacks against staff and residents.

The Council is particularly concerned about a local publication and social media platforms where unmoderated comments have targeted women and people of diverse nationalities.

In a statement, Mayor Sheather said “enough is enough,” noting that the vitriol—which included the distribution of racist flyers at a recent public event—undermines the city’s culture and economy.

The Council is now moving to develop a formal Anti-Racism Strategy and has warned it will pursue legal channels to protect its workforce from further harassment.

Kempsey Shire Council is investigating one of its councillors … after a violent comment appeared on a private Facebook account linked to Councillor Noel Selby.

ABC News reported that the post replied to a woman alleging a man was violent towards multiple partners … saying it was a pity she hadn’t been bashed.

Selby says his account was hacked and the comment was posted without consent.

Mayor Kinne Ring told council the matter will be handled under the code of conduct. An independent reviewer will assess the complaint … and the process could take some time.

Kiama Council is moving ahead with due diligence on a Reflections Holidays proposal that could reshape its holiday parks and help steady the books.

At the same time, the council’s 2026–27 budget is on public exhibition, with possible service cuts, fewer staff, and a backup rate rise option under consideration.

Mayor Cameron McDonald says the steps are part of a longer plan for financial stability, but the community will still have its say before anything is final.

A Sydney community project has turned into a multi-million dollar headache for Ku-ring-gai Council.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the upgrade of Norman Griffiths Oval—initially budgeted at just over three million dollars—is now projected to cost ratepayers a staggering twenty million.

The project has been plagued by environmental mishaps, including major sediment leaks into local bushland, and a series of legal and construction delays. Completion could now be more than three years past the original estimated timeline.

While the council originally aimed for a state-of-the-art synthetic field, the soaring costs and ongoing restoration efforts have sparked intense community debate over the project’s management.

Waverley Council is taking emergency steps to protect essential services as the fuel crisis hits Sydney’s east.

A report from the Daily Telegraph says Mayor Will Nemesh will move a motion to investigate on-site fuel storage and a faster transition to electric garbage trucks.

It comes as the council faces a thirty-thousand-dollar monthly jump in fuel costs.

Officials confirmed that while street cleaning and lifeguard services are currently unaffected, these measures are vital to ensure bins are still collected if state-wide rationing begins.

The New South Wales Supreme Court has delivered a scathing assessment of a lawyer found to have grossly overcharged Broken Hill City Council.

Justice Elisabeth Peden has ordered Keith Redenbach and his firms to repay millions of dollars in overcharged fees, interest, and damages, in a costs decision published last week.

The court blasted Mr. Redenbach’s conduct as “unreasonable,” labelling his evidence as “completely incredible and false”.

Naomi Neilson, writing for Lawyers Weekly, reported that the council was awarded indemnity costs after the judge found the lawyer unnecessarily prolonged the hearing with “deliberately false defences”.

In total, the court orders exceed six million dollars in repayments and legal costs to Broken Hill Council, its then-General Manager James Roncon, and Jay Nankivell, then-CFO now General Manager of the council.

Mr. Redenbach has indicated he may appeal the decision.

Blacktown City Council is mourning the death of former Deputy Mayor and councillor Chris Quilkey … remembered as an energetic local advocate during years of rapid growth.

Mr Quilkey was elected in 2016 … served two terms … and at times acted as mayor.

Mayor Brad Bunting says he brought a long record of public service … and a focus on practical improvements that residents notice … including infrastructure like bus shelters.

Vale Chris Quilkey.

NSW Briefs:

The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils has appointed Francine Binns as its new chief executive.

The regional organisation says Francine brings more than 15 years leading member-based groups to the position… with a focus on advocacy, strategy and building partnerships.

Narrandera Shire Council says it’s edging closer to a long-planned water treatment plant … after major parties’ by-election candidates pledged sixteen million dollars.

The council says it has already secured fourteen point one million for stormwater upgrades … and more than nine hundred thousand dollars to build the business case for the new plant.

Young people across the Federation Council are set to benefit from a new initiative aimed at tackling mental health challenges.

Free Youth Mental Health First Aid training is being rolled out in Corowa, Howlong, Mulwala, and Urana throughout May and June.

Queensland Report

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto is demanding an urgent police surge for the city’s major event precincts, following a night of chaos and an alleged assault after Thursday’s Cowboys game.

The call for action comes after residents reported a “volatile and intimidating” atmosphere following the game.

Mayor Dametto has formally written to Police Minister Dan Purdie, describing a breakdown in public order where families—including small children—were reportedly forced off footpaths and onto the roadway to avoid aggressive, intoxicated individuals.

The Mayor says the situation reached a breaking point later that night on Flinders Street, where a member of the public was allegedly physically assaulted.

The Mayor is requesting a prioritised, visible police presence across the stadium precinct, Dean Park, and the Townsville Entertainment Centre.

The request for extra resources now sits with the Queensland Police Commissioner for a final decision.

Gold Coast City Council has issued a stern warning to pet owners following a surge in animal-related violence across the region.

A new safety campaign, “One bite can cost your dog’s life,” has been launched in response to a sobering 600 reported dog attacks in 2025—an average of 54 incidents every month.

Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel warns that the majority of these attacks are occurring in public spaces, often while owners are present but failing to maintain effective control.

Under recently toughened State laws, the consequences for owners have never been more severe, ranging from significant fines to potential imprisonment.

Council data identifies Southport, Labrador, and Surfers Paradise as the highest-risk zones for attacks.

Tasmania

Hire e-scooters are being pulled off Hobart’s streets, after the City Council decided to axe the controversial scheme in favour of an e-bike-only model.

Pulse Tasmania reports the decision follows years of complaints regarding safety risks, poor rider behaviour, and footpaths being cluttered with dumped devices.

Disability advocates had repeatedly warned the scooters posed a serious trip hazard for those with limited mobility.

Acting Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock says while there is interest in low-emission travel, the mixed model is no longer a fit for the city. A tender will soon open for a new operator to provide compact e-bikes instead.

Tasmania is rewriting the rules for cats … and the state wants the public to weigh in.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania has released a discussion paper … the first step toward a new Cat Management Plan … which will guide policy for the next five years.

Consultation is now open … with submissions due by 5pm on Friday 15 May.

South Australia

The District Council of Grant is eyeing a major makeover, proposing a name change to the Southern Limestone Coast Council.

Mayor Kylie Boston says the new name better reflects the region’s natural identity as the Council approaches its 30th anniversary.

A new logo inspired by local sinkholes and coastlines has been unveiled, but the Council is also calling on local artists to submit their own design concepts.

Public consultation is now open until June 2nd, with drop-in sessions kicking off across the district shortly.

Western Australia

Governance oversight at the City of Perth is set to continue.

Local Government Inspector Tony Brown has officially extended the term of Monitor Carol Adams OAM. Originally appointed in January to address leadership and administrative friction, Adams will now remain in the role until late June.

The extension follows an interim report highlighting the need for further stability and guidance.

A change to the makeup of Derby/West Kimberley Shire Council has been determined by the Court of Disputed Returns.

Following a complaint by the WA Electoral Commission over the 2025 results, the court has ordered a revised outcome. Lachie Carracher joins the council, replacing Eliot Money, who has served since October.

The Shire says it accepts the ruling and is pleased to have the matter resolved. They’ve thanked the community for their high voter turnout and say they’re ready to get back to work with their newly confirmed team.

A personnel change is upcoming at the Shire of Plantagenet, with the resignation of Julian Murphy as the council’s chief executive this week.

It comes after facing health issues over the past year. Mr Murphy will finish in July, and recruitment for his replacement will get underway soon.

And Dennis Jennings has resigned as a councillor at the Shire of Wandering.

The resignation is effective immediately. He had served on the council since October 2023.

In an official statement, the Council has asked the community to respect his decision… and that a statutory process to fill the vacancy will now commence.

Global Report

NZ:

A massive IT write-off is raising eyebrows in Rotorua.

The NZ Herald reports that Rotorua Lakes Council has written off one-point-two-four million dollars in software costs.

The decision follows a strategic move to cloud-based systems, effectively making the older, “on-premise” software redundant before its expected lifespan.

While the council says the move to the cloud will provide better long-term security and efficiency, the million-dollar hit to the books comes at a sensitive time for municipal budgets.

Meanwhile, Police are investigating a serious incident in the South Island following an alleged assault at the Mackenzie District Council offices.

The council’s C-E-O has confirmed the incident involved an “elected member,” though specific details remain limited.

Police were called to the Fairlie-based offices earlier this week and say their inquiries into the matter are ongoing.

UK:

In the UK … council tax enforcement rules are being overhauled … with ministers promising fewer families will face bailiffs for falling behind.

From next year … households will get 63 days to catch up on missed payments … and councils will need to offer a sustainable repayment plan … before any formal action can start.

The government is also capping the costs councils can add when chasing overdue bills … at one hundred pounds … a move many councils say won’t cover the real expense.

And from 2028 … council tax will be billed over 12 months by default … instead of 10. For more on the changes, see a report from the LG Chronicle.

In Cumbria … Westmorland and Furness Council says it may cut back its senior leadership team … to save about one point seven five million pounds a year, according to BBC News.

The council has begun a consultation on reshaping and reducing senior roles … with a new structure proposed for July 2026.

It says the changes are needed to keep the authority financially sustainable … after what it calls a substantial loss in core funding … and mounting budget pressures.

Government watchdogs are keeping a close eye on Doncaster Council … after what officials call a growing pattern of “serious” governance concerns.

The Doncaster Free Press reported that papers for an audit committee meeting reveal the council’s chief executive … Damian Allen … contacted the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government late last year … seeking support under the government’s Best Value framework.

The council says this is not formal intervention … but it is structured monitoring.

Doncaster’s Mayor … Ros Jones … is urging councillors to put party politics aside … warning that if trust breaks down … residents will pay the price.

USA:

Maine lawmakers have voted to hit pause on big new data centres … as communities worry the industry is racing ahead of the rules.

The bill would stop new facilities drawing 20 megawatts or more … until late 2027 … while a new coordination council looks at grid reliability … environmental impacts … and ratepayer costs.

But business groups are urging Governor Janet Mills to veto it, concerned about missing out on jobs and revenue, and sending a signal to investors that the state is closed for business. More from Bloomberg Law dot com.

In Leavenworth, Washington … the city council has hit pause on new bed-and-breakfast permits for six months … after an affordable housing incentive appears to have been used to create more short-stay rentals.

The Leavenworth Echo reports that the program offered pre-approved granny-flat plans and lower fees … but the housing committee says several approved developments were later converted into B&Bs.

Planners say the city may be unintentionally subsidising commercial use … and it’s also rechecking how it counts housing stock for its B&B cap.

Officials say they need time to tighten the rules and protect long-term housing.

CANADA:

A long-standing debate in Orillia, Ontario has come to a close.

City council voted Monday against returning the controversial Samuel de Champlain monument to Couchiching Beach Park. The statue was removed in 2017 for restoration but faced pushback over its depiction of Indigenous people.

Mayor Don McIsaac stated that “reconciliation must be earned.” According to CTV News, the monument will remain in storage while the city determines its permanent future.

An Ottawa City committee has voted in favor of a new “bubble bylaw” following a seven-hour debate on Friday.

According to a report by CBC News, the proposed regulation would allow schools, hospitals, and places of worship to establish 50-meter safe access zones where most protests would be prohibited.

Supporters argue the measure protects vulnerable groups from harassment, while critics expressed concerns over its potential “chilling effect” on free speech.

The bylaw, which passed the committee with a 15 to 2 vote, now moves to the full city council for final approval later this month.