Today on the Local Government News Roundup:

• Deadlock broken – Wyndham finally elects a new mayor
• Controversial policy updates go through at Hobsons Bay
• Kingston Council moves ahead with plans to tighten Notice of Motion rules
• The death of a long-serving NSW councillor
• Peak bodies call for certainty on fuel supplies for the regions
• Clamping down on rogue drivers on beaches
• and we go inside the MAV’s new sector wide campaign ahead of the Victorian state election

Plus more news from across the world of local government in 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 #567

Victorian Report

Wyndham City Council has finally elected a new mayor and deputy mayor at the third attempt.

The Council reconvened on Monday night to attempt to break a deadlock after two failed attempts to achieve an absolute majority at a meeting last week.

Former deputy mayor Cr Preet Singh has now been elected to serve out the remainder of the current mayoral term, which expires late this year. That followed an arbiter ruling of misconduct against former mayor Cr Josh Gilligan, which saw a one month suspension imposed, effectively vacating the office of mayor.

Cr Jasmine Hill was elected Deputy Mayor. In both cases, the successful candidates received six votes.

Meanwhile at Merri-bek Council, a similar scenario is playing out… a special council meeting is scheduled for this evening to elect a new Deputy Mayor.

The office became vacant after Cr Jay Iwasaki was suspended for one month as a result of an arbiter’s finding of misconduct against him.

Greater Geelong councillors last night deferred consideration of a proposal to change rules relating to councillors running in state or federal elections.

A motion before last night’s council meeting calls on the Municipal Association of Victoria to push for legislative reforms… requiring sitting councillors to take mandatory leave if they run for state or federal parliament.

The proposal also flags suspending councillor allowances during that leave … and adjusting quorum rules so council business can keep moving.

A deferral motion was proposed, and passed, to allow for further investigation and consultation on the issue.

Two Greater Geelong councillors, Ron Nelson and former mayor Trent Sullivan, are seeking Liberal preselection for the upcoming state election. Cr Nelson has stepped down from the deputy mayoralty but remains on council.

The Geelong Advertiser reported that Cr SullIivan has gained the endorsement of former Premier Denis Napthine for preselection for the Liberals in Western Victoria, over current shadow local government minister Bev McArthur.

A raft of updated policies was on the agenda of Hobsons Bay City Council’s meeting last night, including one covering councillor candidature at state or federal elections.

The policy, which was adopted, requires nominated candidates to apply for a leave of absence, no later than their formal nomination as a candidate.

Prospective candidates are expected to notify the Council’s CEO in writing, and as soon as practicable thereafter, declare their intended candidacy at a Council meeting.

Getting more attention ahead of the meeting were proposed new rules that some councillors say could effectively muzzle them.

An updated media policy confirms the mayor as the council’s principal spokesperson … and requires other councillors to seek the mayor’s approval before speaking to the media.

A separate councillor confidentiality policy classifies briefing agendas and papers as internal documents … not for public release.

Deputy Mayor Lisa Bentley told The Age that the council is being strong‑armed under state intervention … the council is currently under the oversight of municipal monitors.

A spokesperson told The Age that councillors can still express personal views … and defended protocols for briefings, that need to stay a safe place for frank discussion.

The policies received opposition in the chamber, but were passed after debate.

Kingston Council is weighing a series of ‘strengthened’ rules regarding Notices of Motion, or NOMs.

At the heart of the proposal is a move toward much stricter gatekeeping. If adopted, Councillors would need three signatories and must prove their facts with credible references.

The timeline for re-introducing failed ideas would also be extended – potentially a six-month ‘cooling-off’ period before a motion could be brought back.

Perhaps the most controversial part of the report involves CEO Rejection Powers. Right now, the CEO can only refuse a motion for technical reasons like defamation or vagueness. The proposed new rules would allow the CEO the green light to reject a motion if it:

• Interferes with day-to-day operations.
• Threatens the Council’s reputation.
• Or impacts service levels and workplace safety.

Also under consideration is a veto power for the Mayor, in the case of controversial motions that have already cleared the CEO’s desk.

The changes are aimed at ensuring motions are financially responsible and legally sound before they ever reach a public vote.

The Council is divided over the proposals, narrowly voting to send them for review as part of updating the Governance Rules. And there was no debate on the matter at all in the Chamber.

Public consultation is expected to follow once a formal draft is prepared.

At its Monday night meeting, the Council also adopted Terms of Reference for a Governance and Cultural Improvement Working Group, to operate while Municipal Monitors are in place.

There was no debate on that item either – and Mayor Georgina Oxley also noted that Cr Hadi Saab was only present online for the vote on both items, and was absent during debate by virtue of having his camera turned off.

Now to other news from around the state:

Gannawarra Shire Council says new compulsory acquisition powers for transmission projects risk stripping farmers of due process … by letting companies move before environmental assessments are complete.

The Victorian Parliament has amended the Electricity Industry Act … enabling earlier land acquisition for major lines like VNI West.

Mayor Garner Smith says the changes further damage the project’s already fragile social licence … in a shire likely to be heavily impacted from Mallee farms to dairying near the Murray.

Farmers in Victoria’s Mallee are counting the cost of a major rain event this month … and Swan Hill Rural City Council says they need the same disaster help as their neighbours.

Mayor Councillor Stuart King says crops have been damaged … incomes have been cut off … and businesses are under acute financial stress … right in the middle of harvest.

Mildura has been declared eligible for recovery relief … but Cr King says disaster does not stop at council boundaries.

Swan Hill is pushing for immediate grants … concessional loans … repairs to irrigation, drainage and access roads … and practical biosecurity support … warning the scale is beyond local government alone.

And in fire-hit Murrindindi Shire … the council is warning recovery could stall if diesel and fertiliser become scarce or unaffordable.

Mayor Councillor Damien Gallagher says fuel underpins the basics … fencing … clean-up … freight … and farm work … after the catastrophic January 2026 bushfires.

He says producers are already stretched … and another cost shock would slow the work of getting people back on their feet.

Council is also urging action on nitrogen fertiliser … saying there is a narrow window to restore pasture and stabilise damaged land.

It wants priority access for recovery and farm users … and time‑limited support to steady prices and supply.

Regional Cities Victoria has urged Energy Minister Chris Bowen to spell out how the country will keep fuel flowing to the regions.

The group says Australia has not met the International Energy Agency’s strategic reserve benchmark since 2012 … leaving regional households, businesses and farmers exposed if supply lines are disrupted.

RCV also argues policy choices and consumer trends are adding pressure … including the ongoing shift to larger vehicles … and a freight system that still leans heavily on roads instead of rail.

It is calling for national leadership … and a clear plan people can trust.

A small dirt ramp at Diamond Park has become a big flashpoint in Wodonga … with boaties angry it is set to close under a five million dollar creek activation project, according to a report from the Border Mail.

The plan adds playgrounds, paths and road changes under the Hume Freeway … but regular users say it is the only easy way to launch into Wodonga Creek.

Submissions to Wodonga Council call the move a loss for local fishing and tourism … and say many people did not know it was coming.

Mayor Michael Gobel says council is open to investigating a new ramp downstream … but any site would need funding and approvals.

With the Victorian state election approaching… the Municipal Association of Victoria is urging MPs and candidates to focus on what councils say communities need most.

A new campaign sets out five priorities… including connected housing… safer roads and local transport… and stronger support for councils to keep delivering as climate and cost pressures grow. Joining me now to talk about how the campaign was developed, and what it’s hoped it will achieve, is the MAV’s Director of Strategic Foresight and Partnerships, Kat Panjari.

NSW Report

Flags have been flying at half-mast across the Port Macquarie-Hastings, following the death of long-serving Councillor Lisa Intemann.

Cr Intemann passed away at John Hunter Hospital on Friday.

First elected in 1995, she served seven terms on Council, remembered by Mayor Adam Roberts as a passionate advocate who dedicated her life to the region.

Council says it will work with the community to find a permanent way to honour her decades of service.

Councils across New South Wales say a fuel squeeze could quickly become a services problem … from bins and buses … to water and sewerage.

Local Government NSW President … Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne … is urging the state to prioritise fuel supplies for councils … especially if emergency fuel declarations are triggered.

Cr Byrne has written to Environment Minister Penny Sharpe … warning remote councils are already under heavy financial pressure … and could be hit first as independent retailers come under strain.

He says disruptions to garbage collection … roadworks … and community transport would fall hardest on vulnerable communities.

LGNSW has raised the issue at a NSW Fuel Security Roundtable with the Premier and industry.

The City of Randwick has provided more information about its proposal to charge visitors for parking at the beach.

People who live outside the area will pay to park at seven beachside locations… including Coogee, Maroubra and Clovelly.

Residents would be exempt through a free permit … likely one per household … with options for visitor and carer permits still being explored.

The Council will study spillover impacts on nearby streets … and report back to councillors in mid 2026.

The City of Wollongong has moved to temper expectations amid speculation about a potential V8 Supercars street circuit event in the city.

It says it wants major sporting events … and has been in high-level discussions with Destination NSW and V8 Supercars.

While it has been weighing the feasibility work the events would require, the council says it has not received any formal submission or application … meaning there is nothing on the table yet to assess in detail.

In the meantime … the city says it will keep working with Destination NSW to explore opportunities … aimed at boosting local business and bringing visitors into the region.

Singleton’s heated indoor pool is staying on the agenda … even as serious structural damage forces a rebuild.

The Council has ruled out permanently closing the 25‑metre pool at Singleton Gym and Swim … and has approved the immediate demolition of its dome enclosure after engineers found critical roof deterioration.

An extra two point nine million dollars has been added … taking the total budget to six point six eight million, according to Power FM.

Mayor Sue Moore says the focus is reopening as quickly as possible … after the pool was shut and drained last November for upgrades. Council will consider long‑term options in April.

NSW Briefs:

Tamworth Regional Council is progressing plans for a new year-round Aquatic Centre at Hillvue, designed as a community hub for sport, education and health.

It has brought Richard Crookes Constructions into the design phase to refine costings and reduce risk, with enabling works underway and a final budget and funding vote due by June.

The City of Parramatta has opened its first Community Recycling Centre in North Parramatta, giving locals a free place to drop off problem waste including paint, batteries, gas bottles, fluorescent globes and tubes, plus e-waste, polystyrene and textiles.

The $13 million facility is funded by council and the NSW EPA, with leaders describing it as a practical step toward a more sustainable and resilient city as Sydney’s waste pressures grow.

Clarence Valley councillors have unanimously backed installing two “Green Seats” as part of a national initiative to raise awareness of long-term missing persons, featuring “THE MISSING MATTER” messaging and QR-linked information.

Council staff will report back before the April meeting on costs and available funding, as the region currently has 24 missing persons and unresolved cold cases under investigation.

Queensland Report

The Courier Mail has reported that Gympie Regional Council is among seven councils that did not finalise their 2024–25 books by October thirty-first … delaying its annual report and preventing auditors from assessing five-year trends.

Mayor Glen Hartwig says a new external auditor has revisited past records … and that extra review time is now needed.

Chief executive Robert Jennings says the hold-up relates to historic grants recognition … and insists there are no concerns about cash balances or sustainability.

Gympie now has until March thirty-first next year to complete the statements.

For neighbours in Torrington … the smell and noise from a plastics recycler has become impossible to ignore … and Toowoomba Regional Council says it is stepping in.

After investigating a surge of complaints … council has issued an Enforcement Notice under Queensland’s Planning Act … ordering Circular Communities Australia to immediately stop processing … and remove materials blamed for an environmental nuisance beyond the site boundary.

Chief Executive Officer Sal Petroccitto says the message is clear … businesses must operate within approved conditions.

Council says it supports recycling and innovation … but not at the expense of local amenity … and it will keep working with the operator before any restart is allowed.

Queensland’s biggest proposed copper mine has cleared another hurdle … with the Eva Copper project declared a “large resource project” under the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act.

Inside Local Government reports that the Crisafulli Government has also extended its Prescribed Project status … giving the Coordinator-General two more years … until March twenty fifth twenty twenty eight … to help streamline approvals.

Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae says the council will keep working with Harmony Gold to make sure the region sees lasting community benefits.

Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell says the designation should help secure local jobs … local procurement … and long-term gains.

Moreton Bay is turning a patch of council land into an education precinct … bringing university and vocational training side by side.

A new TAFE Centre of Excellence and Advanced Manufacturing Hub … backed by the Queensland Government … is set to join UniSC’s Moreton Bay campus.

Mayor Peter Flannery says the vision has been in place since the site was acquired in 2015 … creating local pathways into skilled jobs.

Council has also confirmed ongoing scholarships and bursaries … with recipients now recording a 95 per cent completion rate.

Tasmania

It was meant to be a historic home game … and it was.

North Hobart Oval sold out at about eleven thousand for the Tasmania Devils’ first VFL match … the first played in the state since 2008.

But Independent MP David O’Byrne says Hobart City Council’s failure to invest in exits and facilities is a disgrace … and cost the venue the chance to host more fans.

Chief executive Michael Stretton the cap is set by modern safety rules … including an eight-minute evacuation standard … and code requirements for dozens more toilets and basins.

Mr Stretton says the sellout is a compelling reason to consider upgrades. More on that story from Pulse Tasmania.

South Australia

Adelaide Plains Deputy Mayor David Paton has become the first One Nation candidate to be elected to state parliament in South Australia.

Cr Paton has picked up the seat of Ngadjuri with 58 per cent of the vote, two candidate preferred, ahead of the ALP’s Tony Piccolo.

Adelaide Plains Council is yet to make any statement about the result… it is due to meet today, with the election of an Acting Mayor on its agenda.

Former Mid-Murray mayor, and Labor candidate Simone Bailey is in a tight race for the seat of Hammond… currently ahead of the One Nation candidate on first preferences by around 50 votes.

And in MacKillop, Mount Gambier councillor and One Nation candidate Jason Virgo is ahead of the Liberal candidate on first preferences, as counting continues.

Drive-on access at Sellicks Beach is being reined in, as Onkaparinga Council moves to block rogue drivers from restricted zones.

Adelaide Now reported that twenty-nine timber bollards will be installed at the southern end of the beach this May at a cost of $26,000.

It follows years of non-compliance and a reported near-miss involving a child on Boxing Day.

While 75 per cent of locals back the move, environmental agency Green Adelaide says it doesn’t go far enough—calling for tougher restrictions to protect the nesting sites of the vulnerable Hooded Plover.

Council says there are currently no plans for a total vehicle ban, but they will continue to evaluate beach safety.

A shock for Kangaroo Island this week … with Yumbah announcing it will close its abalone farm after more than three decades.

Mayor Michael Pengilly says it is a terrible day for jobs and for the island’s aquaculture industry.

The company says an algal bloom and the Karenia virus have made operations unsustainable … and the closure will mean 15 permanent jobs go.

Cr Pengilly has urged state and federal governments to back research and development at the site … potentially with university partnerships … to keep the facility in productive use.

A council vacancy in the Adelaide Hills will be filled by a recount.

The Electoral Commission of South Australia will run a recount for the Ranges Ward on April seventh … after Mayor Nathan Daniell’s February win created a new councillor vacancy.

Because it falls within twelve months of a supplementary election … the law requires preferences from the last election to be redistributed until a quota is reached.

Five candidates have confirmed they are eligible to be included.

Western Australia

In Port Hedland … the wet season is bringing a familiar nuisance … and a public health reminder.

The Town has switched on its Mosquito Management Program … with officers monitoring breeding sites and larviciding drains, wetlands and standing water.

This year … drones are helping treat large or hard-to-reach areas safely.

Town Manager of Environmental Services Michael Cuvalo says it is a shared job … because even small puddles can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.

While residents are urged to do their part, the town will keep fogging … and testing mosquitoes for diseases seen in the Pilbara and Kimberley.

Verge collections are being redesigned in East Fremantle … after the town struggled to secure contractors under its set-date bulk waste model.

From July first … the Town of East Fremantle will trial a two year, on-demand “verge valet” service … letting residents choose collection days that suit them.

Mayor Tony Natale says the current approach is no longer fit for purpose. The trial runs until June thirtieth twenty twenty eight … with a review of uptake, costs and satisfaction before any permanent change.

The City of Belmont has won an IPWEA WA Excellence in Water Projects Award … for renewing the Ornamental Lakes in the Faulkner Civic Precinct.

Mayor Robert Rossi says the project shows the city’s commitment to high-quality infrastructure … that benefits the community and the environment.

The five point three million dollar upgrade has transformed a deteriorating 1970s basin … using water-sensitive urban design to improve water quality and restore wetland function.

In the Ferguson Valley, the Shire of Dardanup is launching a three month trial of a 24 hour caravan and RV stopover bay at Ferguson Hall.

Shire President Councillor Tyrrell Gardiner says it is designed to support tourism … and give fully self contained travellers a safe overnight option while they explore.

Rangers will consult nearby residents and gather feedback … before council decides whether the stopover should become permanent.

And the Shire of Manjimup is also looking to attract the RV market, having endorsed a staged RV‑Friendly Town plan … starting with designated overnight parking in Manjimup … then expanding to Northcliffe and Walpole once the model is tested.

Shire President Donelle Buegge says the goal is a welcoming, The first sites are expected to open in September.

Global Report

UK:

Woking’s town centre makeover was meant to be a showpiece … now the council behind it is trying to sell it off.

BBC News reports that Woking Borough Council in Surrey … which has declared itself effectively bankrupt … is marketing key regeneration assets including Victoria Square and its new Hilton Hotel … plus Wolsey Place and other major sites.

The authority says it is carrying debts of about two point six billion pounds. Deputy leader Dale Roberts says the goal is to cut the debt and get the council onto a more stable footing.

School uniforms are a big household expense … and children often outgrow items before they are worn out.

London’s four statutory waste authorities have launched a School Uniform Reuse Network … to help schools set up swap shops and pre‑loved uniform sales … and keep good clothing out of the bin.

Funded through London Councils’ Climate Programme … the network offers a new website with practical guides, case studies and tools to measure impact.

Vice Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee … Councillor Rezina Chowdhury … says the aim is to make reuse visible and easy … easing financial pressure while cutting waste.

The scheme also prepares schools for new rules due from September 2026, requiring them to ensure all parents are made aware of where second-hand uniforms can be purchased.

USA:

In Texas, the city of Corpus Christi is running out of time on water … with city modelling showing emergency cuts could be needed as soon as May, according to Texas Public Radio.

Officials say a Level 1 Water Emergency would mean a 25 per cent reduction in use … but they have not said how it would be enforced across households and major industry.

The Council has approved hundreds of millions for an emergency groundwater import … even though key permits are not in place.

City Manager Peter Zanoni calls it a calculated risk, while Mayor Paulette Guajardo says the city has to plan for the worst.

In a small Michigan city … a dispute over a cannabis dispensary has spilled into an open fight at the top of council.

My Up Now dot com reports that Menominee City Council has voted six to one … to condemn Mayor Casey Hoffman’s public statements about City Manager Brett Botbyl … accusing the mayor of harassment and defamation.

The resolution points to claims that Botbyl steered the city into a twenty million dollar lawsuit … tied to a dispensary project blocked after a cap on cannabis shops was introduced.

Councilmember Donna Marineau says it was a last resort … to stop what she calls false claims.

Mayor Hoffman says he will frame the censure … as proof his ethics are solid.

CANADA:

Toronto councillor Chris Moise has been found to have breached the city’s code of conduct … after calling a constituent a white supremacist following a budget town hall last year.

Integrity Commissioner Paul Muldoon says the exchange crossed the line … because the words targeted the constituent personally … even though Cllr Moise was not obliged to engage.

But CTV News reported that Muldoon is not recommending a penalty … citing the context … including months of tension over equity initiatives and the renaming of a city square.

Cllr Moise says he has no regrets … but the complainant wants councillors to impose sanctions.

NZ:

Ashburton ratepayers are bracing for an eight point seven one per cent rates rise … and this time they will not get a full public consultation, according to RNZ.

Ashburton District Council says its annual plan stays close to the long‑term plan … and it wants to save the roughly thirty thousand dollars a formal consult would cost.

Mayor Liz McMillan says three waters services account for three point seven five per cent … with the rest covering items like a new food and organics bin rollout and debt costs for a second bridge.

Councillors are scheduled to revisit the plan on April eighth.

In Napier … tensions at the council table are spilling into public view, according to a report from Stuff.

Documents show seven councillors wanted an extraordinary meeting … after Mayor Richard McGrath removed Sally Crown as deputy mayor … and appointed first‑term councillor Roger Brownlie without what they call meaningful consultation.

The group argued the process fell short of expected governance … and flagged a no‑confidence motion in how the change was handled.

A private meeting followed … with McGrath apologising for any hurt … and acknowledging concerns about transparency.

Councillors later voted to appoint Graeme Taylor as deputy.