Today on the Local Government News Roundup:

• A former mayor sues a former local government minister
• A suspension and an apology ordered for two Kingston City councillors
• An outgoing Wyndham councillor takes a parting shot at the sector
• A rescission motion looms at Shoalhaven Council
• A tight race in the Kiama Council by-election
• An illegal dumping case thrown out after the council fails to turn up
• Questions about a suspended Council CEO’s use of official email

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The Local Government News Roundup is supported this month by LG Innovate 2026: the national AI summit for local government, hosted by Davidson, in partnership with Amazon Web Services.

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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.

In today’s episode:

Victoria

A major legal showdown is looming, as former Whittlesea mayor Aidan McLindon launches a massive $3.5 million personal lawsuit against Housing Minister Nick Staikos. The Herald Sun reports that legal documents were served directly to Staikos’s home, accusing the former Local Government Minister of misfeasance in public office following an invalid suspension that stripped McLindon of his elected position last year.

The legal action follows a Victorian Supreme Court ruling in June, which declared the April 2025 suspension unlawful. Justice Steven Moore found that Cr McLindon was denied procedural fairness when state-appointed monitors failed to provide him with specific details regarding allegations of misconduct, including claims of racist, homophobic, and transphobic social media posts, as well as the targeting of a First Nations councillor.

Now, Cr McLindon’s legal team is seeking record-breaking damages, estimating compensation and court costs will comfortably top $3.5 million. His lawyers insist the lawsuit targets Staikos personally rather than Victorian taxpayers, arguing the former minister proceeded with the suspension despite receiving prior written warnings that his actions breached the law and caused irreparable harm to Cr McLindon’s career.

In an explosive letter sent to Premier Ben Carroll, McLindon’s team is now demanding that Staikos be immediately stood down from all ministerial duties pending the court’s decision. The Premier is also being pressured to confirm that public funds will not be used to cover the minister’s legal defence, alongside calls for an independent review into the government’s handling of the suspension.

Kingston City Council will table two councillor conduct determinations at today’s Council meeting, both stemming from complaints by Councillor Hadi Saab.

An arbiter found Councillor Jane Agirtan breached the Model Councillor Code of Conduct over derogatory social media posts and ordered a public apology and training.

Separately, Councillor Caroline White was found to have breached the code twice, including an unsubstantiated claim linking Councillor Saab to a community grant, and has been suspended from office for two months, effective tomorrow.

The Herald Sun reported that the suspension has sparked an intention from Cr White to run for state Parliament in the seat of Clarinda, potentially as an independent. She is also said to be seeking legal advice about a potential appeal.

Wyndham City councillor Josh Gilligan has announced plans to leave council when the term of the state-appointed municipal monitors ends in January twenty twenty-seven.

Cr Gilligan, who represents Wimba Ward, has served three terms, including two stints as mayor — among them, at age twenty-six, as Wyndham’s youngest-ever mayor.

In an announcement posted to social media, Cr Gilligan was critical of the legislation governing local government in Victoria, describing the sector as being, quote, “regulated into paralysis.”

Monitors were appointed to Wyndham in May amid an ongoing governance crisis involving then-mayor Preet Singh and his refusal to relinquish the role, despite losing the confidence of the council.

The City of Whittlesea is calling on state and federal governments to establish a stronger regulatory framework for data centre developments following community transparency concerns.

Councillors voted to push for a parliamentary inquiry, a joint taskforce, and dedicated infrastructure funding mechanisms to manage local impacts.

The advocacy push comes after the Minister for Planning approved a South Morang data centre proposal despite a formal objection from Council.

And Brimbank Council has voted unanimously to call for an immediate moratorium on all new data centre developments and expansions across Melbourne’s west.

Councillors are pushing for stricter planning controls, environmental safeguards, and formal community consultation protocols before further approvals proceed.

Making news in the local press:

The Geelong Advertiser reported that Surf Coast Shire Council has seized outdoor dining furniture from two Torquay cafes following ongoing disputes over unpaid footpath trading permits.

While one affected business owner withheld payment demanding urgent repairs to uneven paving, officers said the enforcement action was an absolute last resort to ensure public safety and regulatory compliance across the precinct.

The Herald Sun reports a debate over municipal celebrations has resurfaced at the City of Melbourne, with councillors set to vote on a proposal to formally recognise Melbourne Day.

The motion to fund and promote the August 30 anniversary is being seen as a precursor to a wider push to reinstate local Australia Day events.

Southern Grampians Shire Council has welcomed news that Hamilton is set to gain a new 102-place early learning centre at the former Baimbridge College site. The development will bring much-needed childcare, playgroups, and maternal health services to local families by 2029.

Hume City Council has joined forces with major peak bodies, including Football Australia and Cricket Victoria, to call for a six-million-dollar state government commitment to fund a new sports reserve in Mickleham.

The proposed 20-million-dollar Ellscott Boulevard Recreation Reserve aims to keep pace with rapid regional population growth and provide vital new grounds, lighting, and facilities for local grassroots clubs.

The Victorian Government has rejected calls from the West Wimmera Shire Council to lower speed limits near key pedestrian areas in Goroke and Apsley, saying low traffic volumes don’t meet state guidelines.

While the Council has expressed deep disappointment over the decision, the Department of Transport has agreed to move Goroke’s 60 km/h entry sign further east to help slow incoming traffic.

Corangamite Shire Council has welcomed V/Line’s decision to double the capacity on key Warrnambool line services by introducing six-carriage trains on peak Friday and weekend routes.

Mayor Kate Makin hailed the upgrade from three-carriage services as a major victory for local advocacy, providing immediate relief for the region’s rapidly growing passenger numbers.

Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain also welcomed the introduction of six-carriage trains as a common-sense, positive solution that addresses crowded conditions and delivers on his council’s long-standing push for greater passenger capacity on the line.

Artificial intelligence pioneer Anthropic is kicking off a community charm offensive down under, actively recruiting an Australian community engagement lead to win over local councils.

[Equal Ocean dot com reported](https://equalocean.com/news/2026070622004-anthropic-plans-us-15-billion-australia-data-center-investment-signaling-new#:~:text=Anthropic%2C the San Francisco-based artificial intelligence company,secure computing capacity for next-generation AI models.) that the move comes as the San Francisco-based developer of the Claude AI model prepares to roll out an unprecedented local infrastructure push. Reports indicate Anthropic is looking to secure up to 1.4 gigawatts of computing capacity—an investment estimated at up to $15 billion USD ($21.6 billion AUD).

To pave the way for development, the company’s new hire will be tasked with navigating local politics, engaging elected councillors, and establishing a community engagement playbook.

The strategy follows growing grassroots pushback against data centres in a growing number of communities across Australia.

New South Wales

Greens Councillor Debbie Killian will move a rescission motion at tomorrow’s Shoalhaven council meeting, seeking to overturn a decision to rezone and divest more than 20 properties.

The $14 million asset sale, aimed at avoiding a rate rise, has drawn community concern over the proposed sale of sites housing key local services, including disability and homeless support facilities.

Council Chief Executive Andrew Constance has since apologised to affected service providers for a lack of prior consultation, as reported by 2ST.

A by-election was held for a vacancy on Kiama Council on Saturday. There were two candidates vying for the position – Stan Jarrett and Michael Bowden – both independents.

As of close of counting on Saturday night, Mr Jarratt held a slender lead with 50.8% of formal votes counted, compared to 49.2% for Mr Bowden.

Postal votes can be received until 6pm, 4th September.

Kiama Council says its iconic Blowhole Point precinct is looking tired and needs a major revamp, with a new Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 calling for a masterplan and funding to modernise the area.

The Mayor, Cameron McDonald, says the site is central to tourism, worth around half of local spending, and Council is seeking state or federal partners to help upgrade facilities as visitor numbers top 1.2 million a year.

The Daily Advertiser reports that an illegal dumping charge against a Mount Austin man has been thrown out of court after Wagga City Council failed to send a prosecutor to the hearing for a third consecutive time.

The judge dismissed the case against Corrie Putland, who maintained his innocence regarding the Lake Albert incident, due to a complete lack of appearance or correspondence from the Council.

Tweed Shire Council will convene an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, to deal with a motion lodged to challenge a previous decision regarding the proposed Tweed Regional Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Councillors will debate a new proposal from three members to combine the sports complex and aquatic facility into a single development project, rather than delivering it in stages.

Singleton Council has rejected a recommendation to adopt a draft Town Centre Masterplan, labelling the strategic document as “flawed” and noting that proposed amendments were ignored.

The decision follows strong local pushback, including hundreds of submissions and a 437-signature petition opposing cuts to public parking and the loss of key access lanes.

Gilgandra Shire Council has commenced its recruitment process for a permanent General Manager to oversee key regional developments, with applications closing on September 14.

Specialist local government executive recruitment firm Leading Roles is managing the recruitment, while Kathryn Larkin continues in the position as Interim General Manager.

Tributes have been paid to former councillor and community stalwart Malcolm Barlow OAM, who has passed away following a lifetime of public service in New South Wales.

Mr Barlow served on Upper Lachlan Shire Council for eight years, and previously on the former Crookwell Shire Council. He is being remembered as a decorated teacher and advocate through decades of dedication to local government and the region.

Blue Mountains City Council has secured over ninety-five million dollars in disaster recovery funding to repair extensive landslip damage across its road network.

Jointly funded by federal and state governments, the investment will target priority repairs at more than one hundred sites to reconnect isolated communities and improve long-term road resilience.

Singleton Council has resolved to commence a recruitment process to appoint a permanent General Manager, inviting Expressions of Interest from appropriately qualified executive recruitment firms. In the meantime, Mel Curtis will continue in the Acting General Manager role.

The Local Government News Roundup is supported this month by LG Innovate 2026: The national AI summit for local government, hosted by Davidson, in partnership with Amazon Web Services.

Registrations are now in their final days, with ticket sales closing on 28th August. If you’ve been considering joining the conversation, now is the time to secure your place.

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect and explore what’s next for AI in local government at LG Innovate 2026.

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Queensland

Livingstone Shire councillors have put a proposal to reintroduce divisional elections on hold, instead voting to seek further costings before proceeding.

The motion, moved by Cr Wade Rothery, would investigate a shift from the council’s current undivided model to single-member divisions from the twenty thirty-two election.

Chief executive officer Tom Upton told the meeting any change would require two years’ lead time and thorough community consultation. The matter was laid on the table pending further advice, according to CQ Today.

Townsville City Council has overhauled its Economic Activation Partnership Guidelines, removing a controversial criteria that previously graded grant applicants on public acknowledgement of local councillors.

Under the updated framework reported by the Townsville Bulletin, funding applications from five thousand to fifty thousand dollars will now prioritise measurable economic returns, tourism, and job creation.

The interim changes will remain active while a comprehensive review of the municipality’s grant program is completed this financial year.

Redland City Council has voted eight to one to transition its existing international agreements into temporary strategic partnerships for the remainder of the council term.

The decision affects relations with cities in China, South Korea, and Japan, aligning future oversight with federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade guidelines while requiring annual progress updates to councillors.

According to Redland Bayside News, councillors also supported an amendment requiring a separate workshop and policy review before any broader framework for domestic local government or organisational partnerships can be implemented.

Redland City Council is removing bird exclusion netting from two Coochiemudlo Island ferry terminals following community concerns over birds becoming trapped in the mesh.

Acting Mayor Julie Talty confirmed the council will look into alternative bird management solutions that protect local wildlife while keeping the terminals clean and safe.

Tasmania

The City of Launceston has voted to deny grant funding to the historic 163-year-old Launceston Cup, choosing instead to prioritise newer, more innovative event proposals.

Despite strong criticism from race organisers over grants being allocated to out-of-area events like Party in the Paddock, councillors ultimately approved the revised funding allocations in a five-to-two vote, according to The Examiner.

South Australia

From The Advertiser, newly declassified documents published by Alexandrina Council show that three South Australian councils previously rejected a proposed amalgamation despite projections it could save rate-payers forty million dollars over ten years.

The decade-old report revealed that merging Alexandrina Council, Yankalilla Council, and City of Victor Harbor would have delivered significant annual operational savings, but leaders cited concerns over community backlash and a loss of local identity.

All three councils have confirmed they have no active plans to pursue a merger, opting instead to focus on expanding shared services and regional operational efficiencies.

Western Australia

Suspended City of Perth chief executive Michelle Reynolds has reportedly emailed councillors just minutes before a key committee meeting this month, offering what she called “late advice” on a live compliance issue.

According to WA Today, an email tabled at the city’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee meeting on August 10 shows Ms Reynolds wrote from her work account around 11 minutes before the meeting began, regarding a report dealing with a 2025 compliance failure.

Meeting minutes record concerns she had emailed “some, but not all” committee members, offering advice, comments and suggested actions on the agenda item.

The City says the matter is confidential and would not comment, confirming that Ms Reynolds is on leave. Local Government Inspector Tony Brown says it is not in his remit, though he is continuing to monitor the city.

The Town of Cambridge is set to consider a motion investigating financial rebates of up to 50 per cent for homeowners who prune and maintain mature trees on private land, aiming to curb declining canopy coverage across the suburb.

According to a report by PerthNow, local data indicates tree cover in the area fell to 18.6 per cent last year, dropping below the broader metropolitan average.

If approved on Tuesday night, council staff will prepare a feasibility study on eligibility criteria, costs, and potential pilot frameworks by late November.

International

UK:

Oldham Council is facing possible government intervention after failing for a fourth time to elect a leader.

The Local Government Chronicle reported that the failed vote will prompt the chief executive to write to the communities secretary.

Officers warn the deadlock may be breaking the law and could see Oldham lose its seats on Greater Manchester committees if no leader is chosen by September.

Glasgow City Council has formally approved a new job evaluation scheme aimed at settling a long-running equal pay dispute, reports the BBC.

While the local authority estimates that sixty-three per cent of its non-teaching workforce will receive a salary increase under the overhauled pay scale, approximately eleven per cent face pay cuts of up to eleven thousand five hundred pounds annually.

Local government union representatives staged protests outside the City Chambers during the vote, raising strong concerns over the financial impact on affected workers despite a planned twelve-month salary protection period.

Police have cleared the civic offices of Hertsmere Borough Council after two suspicious envelopes prompted evacuations and a hundred metre cordon, according to a report by the BBC.

Specialist officers determined the items were non-hazardous and legitimate, though local police continue to investigate ongoing harassment and threats directed at the council leader.

Civic leaders have called for greater respect in local public debate.

Leicesters City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, has rejected claims that the city is facing insolvency, describing the reports as unfounded rumours, according to Leicestershire Live.

The response follows concerns raised during a Charnwood Borough Council meeting, where local representatives expressed opposition to proposed boundary changes that would merge quarter of a million county residents into a expanded city authority.

Official data reveals Leicester City Council projects a modest budget gap of 700,000 pounds for the 2027/28 financial year, placing it in a significantly more stable position than neighbouring authorities.

Barnsley Council intends to rescind its 2019 climate emergency declaration and scrap local net-zero targets to redirect resources toward frontline local services.

Council leadership says future environmental spending will focus strictly on practical initiatives with clear financial, local, or statutory benefits rather than ideological targets..

USA:

in Washington state, Spokane City Council has unanimously ratified an executive emergency declaration following the devastating Spokane Complex wildfires.

The move authorises local leaders to fast-track emergency funding and bypass standard bidding processes for contracts over $50,000 to aid recovery efforts until at least October.

ITALY:

In the Italian city of Como, the mayor Alessandro Rapinese has banned all bicycles from the city’s historic centre, after being hit by an electric bike and saying the measure is needed to improve public safety.

NBC News reports the blanket ban, covering both e-bikes and regular bicycles as part of wider traffic restrictions, has sparked a backlash, including a petition and a planned protest ride on 12 September.