Media ban, inland rail shock, and “monster mergers” – #583

On the Local Government News Roundup, for Friday 8th May 2026:

Hawkesbury Council’s controversial media ban
The latest South Australian Council CEO resignation
Kingborough’s Deputy Mayor elected to the Tasmanian Parliament
Councils react to the Victorian Budget
Regional fallout from a shock inland rail decision
Knox apologises for a double rates deduction error
A major new tourism attraction for Tasmania
Another mayor to step aside
and confirmation the Shire of Carnarvon will get a commissioner

and much more local government news from around 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 #583:

Today’s Top Three

Hawkesbury City Council has banned the Hawkesbury Gazette and Hawkesbury Radio from all Council premises — including Council meetings — for media purposes, effective immediately.

The ban has attracted the interest of the local government minister and the Office of Local Government, and will subject to a councillor motion next week seeking to overturn the ban.

The Council says the decision is based on its workplace health and safety obligations under section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, arguing the outlets’ conduct has created a risk to the health and safety of councillors and staff.

It alleges a pattern of harassment and defamation — including racist vilification in comments — along with repeated factually inaccurate and biased reporting, and bullying aimed at influencing Council business.

Despite the ban, Council insists it’s not stopping the outlets from reporting, pointing to live streamed meetings and continued access to written correspondence and media responses under Council policy.

The move has now drawn broader attention, with Acting General Manager Will Barton defending the decision in an interview on ABC Radio in Sydney.

In response, the Gazette says the issue isn’t just about building access — arguing Council is reframing a dispute about scrutiny and accountability as a workplace safety matter, and warning this could set a precedent for restricting press access to public institutions.

The Office Local Government confirmed to the Penrith Press that it was investigating whether the council was acting within the law by imposing the ban.

Dr Andrew Johnson has resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Town of Walkerville, effective immediately.

In a statement, the council said it has accepted Dr Johnson’s resignation, with the outgoing CEO thanking staff for their work and dedication during his time in the role.

Council says day-to-day operations and services will continue as normal, and that the community will be kept informed about future decisions.

Muhammad Jawad has been appointed Acting CEO and will remain in the position until a permanent appointment is made.

But in the wake of the sudden departure, The Advertiser is reporting speculation the resignation may be linked to looming pay cuts under a South Australian Remuneration Tribunal determination.

The report says Dr Johnson’s salary package of more than three-hundred-thousand dollars was slated to be reduced by at least fifty-five-thousand dollars by late 2027, though it is unclear whether that was a factor.

The news follows last week’s resignation of Victor Harbor CEO Victoria MacKirdy, due to leave in July, as she prepares to take on the top job at South Australia’s Local Government Association.

Together, the departures add to growing concern about instability in senior leadership across councils in South Australia. 13 Council CEO departures in two years is putting pressure on continuity, major projects, and community confidence.

Kingborough Deputy Mayor Clare Glade-Wright is heading to Tasmania’s Legislative Council after winning the seat of Huon, unseating independent Dean Harriss.

Ms Glade-Wright says she’ll take a council-style focus on practical outcomes to state parliament — including cleaning up local waterways and making it easier for people to build tiny homes.

Her election means further change for Kingborough Council, with Mayor Paula Wriedt set to step down later this month.

A new deputy mayor is expected to be elected by councillors on Monday 18th May.

Victorian Report

Now for more of the reaction to this week’s Victorian State Budget, and there are some clear common themes emerging.

Peri-Urban Councils Victoria has welcomed cost-of-living relief in the Victorian budget, but says investment falls short for fast-growing communities on Melbourne’s fringe.

Chair Cr Moira Berry says relief only works if families can access essentials like affordable housing, reliable public transport, schools, healthcare and dependable digital connectivity.

The alliance backs measures including more regional road funding, extra Wyndham Vale line services, planning to electrify the Melton line, and improved bus services for Bass Coast.

But it’s urging sustained funding for housing-enabling infrastructure and better transport links to meet Victoria’s growth and housing needs.

One Gippsland says key measures in the Budget are a step forward for the region, welcoming the new Morwell TAFE Centre of Excellence, hospital upgrades, and funding to tackle major road bottlenecks.

Chair Cr Nathan Hersey says the spending recognises Gippsland’s role in food production and energy diversification, but he’s disappointed there’s no tourism package to replace the loss of the MotoGP.

One Gippsland says cost-of-living relief will still depend on access to transport, childcare, housing and GP services in regional areas.

Individual councils have been passing judgement on the budget also.

Melton City Council has welcomed new transport, health and education funding, but says it still falls short for the city’s rapid growth.

Council wants a firm commitment to deliver electrification of the Melton rail line by 2030, plus new stations at Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park.

Wyndham City Council has welcomed new Victorian State Budget funding for Melbourne’s west — including more peak-hour services on the Werribee Line, longer trains on the Wyndham Vale Line, and major boosts to bus services and connections.

But the Council says big local projects still need funding, including a Truganina station, the Riverdale Aquatic Centre, upgrades to Werribee Station, and the Wyndham Ring Road.

Hume City Council says it’s disappointed the State Budget has overlooked its top priorities for Broadmeadows and surrounding areas.

While some funding continues for Donnybrook and Mickleham Roads and limited works at Broadmeadows Station, Council says urgent upgrades to Sunbury and Somerton Roads missed out—and it will keep lobbying for investment to support growth and safety.

Greater Shepparton City Council has welcomed funding for projects including more Shepparton–Melbourne train services, a new PET scanner at Goulburn Valley Health, and education support.

But the Mayor Shane Sali says major gaps remain, warning road maintenance money won’t clear the backlog as the region’s growth outpaces investment.

Swan Hill Rural City Council has welcomed cost-of-living relief and essential services funding, but says the budget falls short for regional Victoria.

The Mayor Stuart King says stronger funding is needed for housing, policing, schools and key road safety upgrades. Council is also urging an extra one-hundred million dollars to get a new Swan Hill Bridge project underway.

And Mildura Mayor Ali Cupper wasn’t pulling any punches when I asked her for her reaction to the budget.

Cr Cupper: “We were pissed off.”
Chris Eddy: “Right, don’t—don’t hold back.”
Cr Cupper: “No, no! The—the regions need more resources on so many different levels. Like we are structurally disadvantaged in terms of cost pressures. We have generally speaking and on a sliding scale, we have fewer people to—to share that—that rate burden, right?
So therefore that’s a natural pressure that pushes those costs up.
We have massive, massive road networks to maintain. There is one particular LGA in Melbourne where they’ve got 25 kilometres of road to manage. We have 5,000 kilometres of road.
Geographically, we cover a tenth of the state. So we need assistance to be able to manage that—that massive infrastructure burden without loading up our ratepayers to a point that is absolutely unsustainable and exceeds their capacity to pay.”

Mayor Cupper joins me for a broader discussion on regional and local issues on this week’s VLGA Connect episode, which is due out later today.

Now to other Victorian news.

Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant and CEO Matt Nelson have told a federal parliamentary inquiry local councils need fairer, more reliable funding.

They say grants like Financial Assistance and Roads to Recovery aren’t keeping up with inflation, while cost shifting is adding millions in extra costs.

Council is also calling for stronger infrastructure, disaster resilience funding, and better digital integration across all levels of government.

A number of Knox City Council ratepayers on a nine-month direct debit cycle have been hit with a duplicate rates deduction, with Council blaming a processing error by its bank.

Council says it’s working urgently with the bank to resolve the issue and put safeguards in place, and will investigate what went wrong once refunds are finalised.

Affected customers are being advised to register online for updates and check their accounts over coming days, depending on bank processing times.

The City of Port Phillip Council has voted to tighten local laws around street encampments, despite strong community opposition according to ABC News.

The changes allow council officers to impound a homeless person’s belongings — including bedding — in response to anti-social behaviour and non-compliance.

Five councillors supported the amendment, with three voting against it, even though the council’s own survey of more than 700 residents found 76 per cent did not support the proposal.

Critics say seizing belongings could be traumatic and may raise human rights concerns, while the council says enforcement would be a last resort under a “welfare first” approach.

Ararat Rural City councillor Jo Armstrong has flagged she’ll take a leave of absence from council duties ahead of November’s Victorian state election, after being announced as the Nationals candidate for Ripon.

The Weekly Advertiser reported the former five-term mayor says she plans to step aside earlier than required under election rules.

The Council has also adopted an updated policy for councillors running for state or federal office.

AusNet has applied to the Victorian Government for powers to compulsorily acquire easements from farmers for the Western Renewables Link transmission project—before the project’s Environmental Effects Statement is complete.

Hepburn Shire Council says the move undermines the assessment process, alleging landholders are being pressured into voluntary agreements. Council is urging the government to delay any decision until the EES outcome is handed down.

Gannawarra Shire Council is urging the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to overhaul the Basin Plan ahead of its current review, saying the region has been hit hardest in northern Victoria.

The council cites major declines in irrigated farming and agriculture jobs, and wants climate risk modelled now—calling for funding and policy settings to reflect local impact.

The City of Casey has acknowledged the passing of former councillor and three-time mayor Geoff Ablett.

Mr Ablett served on council from 2008 to 2020 and led major local advocacy on transport and volunteering.

The council says he helped deliver key community milestones including Bunjil Place, Selandra Community Hub and Casey Stadium.

Victorian Briefs

Northern Grampians Shire Council will temporarily close a public toilet block in St Arnaud and cut opening hours in Stawell, blaming ongoing vandalism.

The St Arnaud toilets behind the library will shut from Monday, while the Stawell facility near Shop 108 will be locked outside business hours.

Council says repeated damage and cleanup costs are straining resources.

Wyndham City Council has signed a new Friendship City agreement with Godawari in Nepal, aimed at boosting cultural and economic ties.

The deal was signed earlier this week by Mayor Preet Singh, as he continues to resist pressure to resign over his character reference for a man later convicted of child sex offences in 2024.

Maribyrnong Council is asking residents to help pinpoint local air pollution hotspots, as part of a new RMIT-led air quality monitoring project.

The Community-Led Air Quality Network Victoria will roll out low-cost sensors to gather consistent local data and guide future advocacy and action.

NSW Report

Northern New South Wales leaders are furious after the Federal Government announced it will axe the northern leg of Inland Rail, cutting the project back to finish at Parkes instead of continuing toward Queensland.

Transport Minister Catherine King said independent analysis showed the cost of the project blowing out from $16B to more than $45B in the last six years.

The Member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, described it as a “devastating” blow, claiming the government has abandoned a nation-building project.

New England MP Barnaby Joyce has also condemned the move, and has vowed to make Inland Rail a key election issue, according to the Northern Daily Leader.

On the ground, mayors along the proposed route say they feel betrayed but are still pushing for parts of the works to be salvaged.

Parkes Shire Council says the decision to “consolidate” Inland Rail north of Parkes is a shock, warning it sends a chilling message that nation-building projects can be abandoned on political whim.

The mayor, Neil Westcott, says the route is critical for freight, resilience and defence, and vows the region will keep pushing for long-term infrastructure that backs inland communities.

Moree Plains Shire Council says the cuts could jeopardise a key 23-kilometre section still awaiting completion.

Mayor Susannah Pearse says the link would help move local grain and fibre from road to rail and on to the Port of Newcastle, supporting the region’s billion-dollar agricultural output.

The council is urging the government to fund the final stretch, with details expected in next week’s budget.

Narrabri Shire Council says it’s deeply disappointed. Mayor Darrell Tiemens said the decision threatens jobs, investment, freight efficiency and road safety, and could stall plans for a proposed Northern NSW Inland Port.

Eurobodalla Shire Council says it’s investigating alleged anomalies in occupation certificates linked to 11 local development approvals, after claims unlicensed inspectors may have been involved.

Council says the matter is under legal review, and once investigations are complete and any issues rectified, it will present its findings to the NSW Building Commissioner.

It says affected property owners have been contacted and will be supported through the process.

Council also says inspections appear to have been carried out by registered certifiers, and that it can’t comment on staffing or disciplinary matters.

Wagga Wagga City Council has expressed deep concern following the death of a newborn at Wagga Beach, as the town’s homelessness crisis intensifies.

NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson has accused council of “blame shifting”, as reported by Region Riverina, but Mayor Dallas Tout has rejected that, saying council has been proactive and has already pushed for interagency coordination.

Mayor Tout says a whole-of-government response is needed, with clear powers and funding from the state to deliver real, long-term housing options — not short-term fixes.

Council says it will keep working with government agencies, police and local MPs to improve support for people sleeping rough.

The Mayor of Fairfield City Council, Cr Frank Carbone, is calling attention to police numbers in the Fairfield City Police Area Command, which he says have fallen by nearly 24 percent since 2021. He is calling for an evidence-based review of resourcing across Western Sydney.

The Mayor says a rise in public safety concerns — including reports of unauthorised e-bike access on the T-way and the closure of part of The Crescent Plaza in Fairfield — highlights the need for more frontline officers.

He’s planning t write to NSW Premier Chris Minns, seeking clearer information on staffing levels and additional police in areas facing sustained shortfalls.

A final preference count has delivered a shock result in Uralla Shire’s Ward A by‑election.

Newcomer Stephen Wright has been declared the winner by just 12 votes, beating out Bruce McMullen after preferences were distributed.

Mayor Robert Bell has congratulated Mr Wright, who will be sworn in at the ordinary council meeting on Tuesday, May 26.

Mr Wright moved permanently to Uralla earlier this year, and says planning and renewable‑energy growth will be key priorities.

A sixty-nine-year-old Moss Vale man has been charged after allegedly disrupting a Wingecarribee Shire Council meeting.

Police were called to the Moss Vale chambers after the man reportedly refused to leave, leading to charges of offensive behaviour and remaining on enclosed lands.

The incident follows the council’s recent move to revise seating arrangements in the chamber, tightening security to ensure staff safety.

NSW Briefs:

Blacktown City Council has unveiled its first one‑billion‑dollar draft budget, planning $1.011 billion in investment for 2026–27 – nearly double its budget from ten years ago.

The package includes $292 million in major capital works, and $95 million for waste management. Public submissions are open from May 13 to June 9.

Orange City Council has awarded a $4.55 million contract to design and build a World Athletics Class 2 track and field facility at the Orange Regional Sporting Precinct.

Detailed design work starts next, with construction to follow. The sporting precinct is backed by $74.5 million in government funding. Completion of the track and field facility is expected in early 2027.

Sutherland Shire Council has won the Community Engagement Award at the 2026 Granicus Digital Government Awards, recognised for its draft 10-year bike plan consultation.

The interactive mapping campaign reached more than 64,000 people, collected hundreds of survey responses and map pins, and cost under 400 dollars in paid digital advertising.

Queensland Report

Hinchinbrook Shire Council says community safety must come first following a serious dog attack in March 2025 that left a local resident with significant injuries and required lengthy hospitalisation.

Council says it lawfully seized and destroyed the two dogs involved under Queensland’s Animal Management laws, issuing a dangerous dog declaration and destruction order in April 2025.

The owner challenged the decision through internal review and then appealed to QCAT, a process Council says took 12 months and cost local ratepayers more than seventy-thousand dollars in legal and operational expenses.

Council is now calling for urgent State Government reform to prevent lengthy, costly appeals in clear public-safety cases. Criminal proceedings against the dog owner are ongoing.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Geoff McDonald says he’s “deeply disappointed” after the Federal Government announced the Inland Rail project will now halt at Parkes, calling it a missed opportunity for Queensland and the region.

The Mayor says Inland Rail had been promoted as a nation-building freight link that could strengthen supply chains and take up to 6,000 heavy vehicles a day off Queensland roads — improving safety and reducing congestion.

He says the decision also leaves local businesses and transport operators uncertain about the long-term plan for freight infrastructure, and he’s urging Canberra to provide clarity while council continues pushing key regional funding priorities.

North Queensland’s advanced simulation training centre, NQ SPARK, has secured a permanent home at James Cook University in Townsville, with a high-tech fit-out now underway on a new 1,000-square-metre facility.

The $32.2 million centre—backed by Townsville City Council and JCU—will use virtual and augmented reality, advanced simulation and high-performance computing to help organisations rehearse high-risk scenarios without real-world danger.

NQ SPARK says the site will support training, research and testing across sectors including defence and health, with the first customers expected by the end of the year.

In other news out of Queensland this week:

Gold Coast City Council has approved going to market for development partners to transform the Miami Arts Depot into a major film and creative industries precinct.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that an Expression of Interest is expected to open later this month, with a preferred proponent due by mid-2027. The project could generate 131 million dollars and support more than 1,000 jobs a year.

An isolated bone has been found during redevelopment works at Pialba Caravan Park.

Fraser Coast Regional Council said Police have been notified and are now leading the investigation, with forensic testing underway.

Construction in the immediate area has been paused.

And the City of Moreton Bay has been selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for a major global innovation challenge—one of only two cities chosen worldwide, alongside Rome.

Five Japanese startups will visit in August, competing to deliver disaster resilience or asset-management solutions, with a fully funded four-month proof of concept set to begin October 2026.

Tasmania

Glenorchy City Council has approved a proposed $150 million “Chocolate Experience” tourist attraction at Cadbury’s Claremont site, subject to conditions.

Mayor Sue Hickey says the development, approved by the Glenorchy Planning Authority, is expected to become a major new drawcard—alongside MONA—boosting jobs and visitor numbers during construction and beyond.

The plan includes chocolate-making experiences, a lounge and emporium, plus tasting areas, aiming to revive a much-loved visitor offering since the former centre closed about a decade ago.

No construction start date has been announced.

The City of Hobart is urging the Federal Government to fund a new four‑court indoor basketball centre at New Town Bay in next week’s Budget.

The $25 million project is backed by a $12.5 million state commitment, with Hobart seeking up to $12.5 million more.

South Australia

Mid Murray Mayor Simone Bailey has announced she will step down at the November local government elections, and won’t seek another term.

Cr Bailey was elected mayor in 2022 after previously serving as deputy mayor and councillor since 2018, and says the council is now in a stronger financial position — pointing to surpluses, reduced projected rate rises, and no current debt.

She said the job has come with a personal toll, but hopes others will consider running for council. Cr Bailey said she welcomes conversations with anyone contemplating putting their hand up.

Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council says it remains stable and fully operational despite recent internal changes.

Mayor Allan Aughey says services and decision-making continue without disruption, under a robust and transparent governance framework.

The council also confirmed a councillor vacancy, due to a resignation last month from Owen Perry, will stay unfilled until November’s general election.

Acting CEO Richard Dodson says service delivery is unaffected, with staff progressing the draft annual business plan for community consultation.

Western Australia

The WA Local Government Minister has confirmed that a commissioner will be appointed to the Shire of Carnarvon, after six of its eight elected members resigned within a few days of each other.

As previously reported, the Shire President Eddie Smith was the first to go, followed by five more.

While there was no official comment on the reasons for the individual resignations, Mr Smith has since told ABC Radio Perth that his departure was due to a “total breakdown in the working relationship” with the chief executive’s office.

He refrained from going into specifics due to potential legal ramifications.

Minister Hannah Beazley has revealed that three unsuccessful candidates from the last election had turned down the offer to take up positions on the council, and that it is now her absolute priority to appoint a commissioner.

A resident leading a community pushback against Rockingham’s fortnightly FOGO bin collections says they won’t be deterred after the WA Premier criticised the campaign for “causing unrest” in city.

The Sound Telegraph reported that Jarrad Krollig helped organise a packed special electors’ meeting, after collecting 440 ratepayer signatures. Residents voted for five motions, including restoring weekly red-lidded bin collections and calling for an independent audit of the FOGO system.

The motions now go to the City of Rockingham council for a final decision.

In other council news out of WA:

The City of Perth has held off on adopting the WA Government’s fuel-crisis travel crackdown, with councillors voting 5–4 to defer a proposal to suspend most interstate and international travel for elected members and staff unless deemed critical.

And in another tight vote, councillors also rejected an expansion of AI recording and transcription for key committee meetings, citing concerns about accuracy, access to recordings and confidentiality, and backing continued human oversight and traditional minute-taking. The West Australian reported on both of those developments.

A divided City of Stirling council has blocked a bid to join the World Health Organisation’s global age‑friendly cities network.

PerthNow reported the vote was tied seven–seven, with the deputy mayor using a casting vote to defeat the motion. The issue has now been sent back to a council committee for further review.

Global Report

NZ:

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says the Government’s 90-day deadline for councils to submit local government reform proposals is too short for proper community consultation, according to a report from the NZ Herald.

The “Head Start” pathway gives councils a chance to shape their future, but the Government warns it will step in if proposals aren’t credible.

Mayor Tapsell says reforms could bring benefits, but past “monster mergers” haven’t always worked well, and Rotorua is already exploring becoming a unitary authority. Regional councillors will remain in place until 2028.

From the Star News, North Canterbury mayors are warning that protecting local identity must be central to the Government’s proposed local government reforms.

A Greater Christchurch unitary council has been floated, but Waimakariri’s mayor says the district won’t back structural change that threatens local decision-making or ratepayer-owned assets.

The Green Party is criticising the Government’s newly announced local government reorganisation, calling it undemocratic and rushed.

Party spokesperson Mike Davidson says none of the coalition parties campaigned on the changes, and argues the plan ignores advice from the Infrastructure Commission and the Future for Local Government Working Group.

They’re urging the Government to work with councils and communities on longer-term solutions.

Nelson City councillor Lisa Austin is facing possible dismissal and prosecution after the Auditor-General declined to approve her involvement in a business that indirectly supplied trucks to council contractors.

Mayor Nick Smith says there’s been no wrongdoing and has called the law “an ass,” warning a by-election could cost ratepayers around two hundred thousand dollars.

Stuff has the details.

UK:

Doncaster’s mayor says she has “full confidence” in the council’s chief executive, despite legal threats being made against two Reform UK councillors.

Letters sent on behalf of chief executive Damian Allen followed Reform UK Doncaster leader Craig Ward and deputy Jason Charity saying they planned a motion to refer him to a council investigatory sub-committee.

The council says the proposed move did not follow its usual procedure. The dispute comes amid what’s been described as a growing crisis of trust at Doncaster Council, with documents also showing the authority is under “active monitoring” by the Government over governance concerns.