Today on the Roundup:

• More pressure on Wyndham’s mayor
• Moyne councillors make a difficult decision
• Historic saleyards to be decommissioned in Camperdown
• A witness breaks down on the stand at the Parramatta ICAC Inquiry
• Councils’ Rex Airline debt bailed out by the government
• A bid to increase short stay accommodation rates fails in Hobart
• A mayoral exodus in South Australia, as one departing mayor takes aim at governments and peak bodies

And 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 now:

Transcript for Episode #587:

Victorian Report

Pressure is mounting on the Victorian state government to amend the Local Government Act, giving councillors the power to remove a sitting mayor.

It follows the ongoing refusal of Wyndham Mayor Preet Singh to stand down after losing a unanimous vote of no confidence.

At a Council meeting yesterday, the first with new attendance registration rules in place for the public, only two councillors plus the Mayor attended the meeting in person.

All other councillors attending the meeting remotely.

Star Weekly reported that while the state has appointed monitors to the council, advocates say a legislative change is urgently needed to close the legal loophole.

Moyne Shire Council has unanimously voted to decommission and demolish the Belfast Aquatics Community Pool in Port Fairy.

The decision follows an independent assessment revealing widespread structural deterioration, a failing electrical network, and a major pool leak, with short-term repair costs estimated at up to six million dollars.

ABC News reported that councillors cited long-term financial sustainability for the decision, despite significant community opposition.

The Standard reported that Councillors spoke about the decision being “heavy” and “sad”, telling of division in the community over the issue – and in some cases, abuse, intimidation, threats and personal attacks towards councillors.

Demolition works are expected to begin in a few months.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has renewed its push to remove a development plan overlay in Lancefield that has stalled residential growth for six years.

The Star Weekly reported that Mayor Kate Kendall has written to the planning minister seeking the removal of the 150-acre overlay, which requires coordinated planning across 22 separate landowners.

Council argues the overlay has created an unfair impasse, leaving landowners unable to subdivide or build. The state government has confirmed the request is currently under consideration.

The fate of the historic Camperdown Saleyards, which have sat empty for nearly two years, has been determined by Corangamite Shire Council.

Council officers recommended decommissioning the site and selling off its infrastructure through an expression of interest process.

At a meeting of the Council yesterday, it was decided unanimously to proceed the decommissioning, with options for the future long-term use of the site to be subject to a future report to the Council.

Wodonga Council has voted six-one against funding further investigations into a proposed seven-hundred-thousand-dollar signalised pedestrian crossing on Anzac Parade.

The Border Mail reported that councillors cited financial responsibility and future traffic management at the Bandiana Link Road intersection as key factors in their decision, noting a weekday average of just sixty-eight pedestrian movements.

Alternative crossings in higher priority areas will be considered instead.

The City of Casey has called on federal and state governments to implement stricter gambling reforms, following the Commonwealth’s response to a landmark inquiry.

The Dandenong Star Journal reported that the federal package restricts sports betting ads during live broadcasts but falls short of the full advertising ban recommended by reformers.

Casey Council, which saw electronic gaming machine losses exceed 166 million dollars in the last financial year, is urging a comprehensive phase-out of gambling promotions to protect vulnerable communities.

The mayors of Gannawarra and Campaspe Shire Councils are demanding fairness from the Murray Darling Basin Authority ahead of its upcoming plan review.

The two leaders are calling for an evidence-based approach, warning that further water recovery targets threaten the economic viability of southern basin communities that have already heavily invested in efficiency measures.

Gannawarra Mayor Garner Smith said, “The viability of our irrigation district is under threat if changes to the Basin Plan are not made.”

Melton City Council is seeking expert advice from state authorities regarding the use of crumb rubber infill in synthetic sports pitches.

As Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly reported, councillors are requesting updated guidance on potential health and environmental risks.

The council aims to establish best-practice standards and explore safer, more sustainable alternative materials for future sporting infrastructure.

Plans for the Yackandandah caravan park have been significantly altered by Indigo Shire Council following a severe flood risk assessment.

The council shifted from a proposed 21-year lease to a short-term three-year arrangement, abandoning redevelopment plans due to escalating climate change risks, *according to the Border Mail.*

State environmental agencies refused to support expanding the site, prompting warnings about changing risk appetites among insurers and regulators.

The VLGA is partnering with the Australian Institute of Company Directors to deliver the first in a series of webinars focused on the local government sector. Your Role, Your Impact – Essentials for local government councillors will be held on Wednesday, 10 June from 12pm to 1pm. This is a free webinar hosted by myself. I will be joined by VLGA President and Monash Councillor Dr Josh Fergeus, Deputy Victorian Ombudsman Kerryn Ellis and Issac Regional Council Mayor Cr Vea Vea. The session is designed for councillors just starting out in their career or community members who are considering putting their hand up to be a councillor in the future. Register now at the AICD website.

NSW Report

A senior Parramatta Council executive has broken down at an ICAC inquiry after admitting she manipulated recruitment processes to secure council jobs for friends and associates.

Roxanne Thornton, who rose from chief governance and risk officer to group manager in the Office of the Lord Mayor and CEO, told the commission she recruited people she already knew because she struggled to trust others — and repeatedly maintained then-CEO Gail Connolly was unaware.

Evidence heard by the inquiry includes claims Thornton provided interview questions and model answers in advance, edited CVs and cover letters, and helped organise a pay increase for a successful candidate. Some witnesses have described their relationships with Thornton as professional, despite text messages shown to the commission containing affectionate sign-offs.

During questioning, Thornton became visibly distressed, saying she had “admitted to everything”, describing her four days of evidence as a “public shaming”, before being excused with the possibility she may be recalled later.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Thornton told the commission she undermined the recruitment process out of an overwhelming desire to surround herself with people she trusted, stating bluntly, “I did it because I didn’t think I was going to get caught.”

The Federal Government has stepped in to fully clear the four-point-eight million dollar debt owed by Rex Airlines to regional councils.

ABC News reported that thirty-four local authorities across Australia will receive payments, relieving a substantial burden on local ratepayers.

New South Wales councils are the primary beneficiaries, receiving nearly two million dollars, with Dubbo Regional Council recovering the largest single outstanding sum of nearly six hundred thousand dollars.

The bailout follows the acquisition of the regional carrier by US-based aviation group Air T.

A prominent Southern Highlands property developer has appeared in a New South Wales local court, pleading not guilty to three offences following a confrontation at a community forum.

ABC News reported that Theo Onisforou was issued with two interim apprehended personal violence orders, restricting his contact with Wingecarribee Shire Council’s mayor and general manager.

Police applied for the orders following a year-long pattern of confrontational correspondence regarding local development assessment processes. The matter is due to return to court in November.

A regional transport taskforce has hit out at the lack of infrastructure funding in the latest Federal Budget.

The Sturt Highway Taskforce is frustrated that billions are being directed toward renewable energy projects while the Sturt Highway—a primary freight corridor for delivering wind and solar infrastructure—has received no upgrade funding.

The Taskforce warns the omission compromises motorist safety and threatens regional economic efficiency across New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.

Powerful swells and large tides have severely eroded the Tweed coastline, leaving pedestrian beach tracks unsafe and cutting deep cliffs into the dunes.

Tweed Shire Council says crews are prioritising emergency vehicle access along the thirty-six-kilometre coast, while swimming is strongly discouraged due to dangerous conditions and poor water quality.

NSW Briefs:

City of Ryde is warning residents that tree vandalism and poisoning are serious offences, with incidents rising across Sydney.

The Council says it’s investigating damage to a mature eucalyptus in North Ryde, and will pursue penalties where evidence allows.

Snowy Valleys Council has endorsed a framework to advance its de-amalgamation project, aiming for a split by July 2028.

The council has announced it will seek up to five million dollars in state funding and appoint specialist consultants to review financial sustainability, alongside establishing a joint councillor and community steering committee to oversee the transition.

Lake Macquarie City Council is marking a major milestone – 120 years since its proclamation as a shire in 1906. The Shire’s first election was held later that same year.

Mayor Adam Shultz said the anniversary is about the future, and making Lake Macquarie an even better place for everyone.

Queensland Report

Scenic Rim Regional Council has issued an urgent directive on pet management following a sharp rise in dog attacks on public land.

As part of a targeted compliance crackdown, officers have already seized nine dogs from properties with non-compliant fencing.

Under recent legislative amendments, owners face on-the-spot fines of over 830 dollars for failing to control animals in public, while serious offences carry penalties exceeding 112,000 dollars.

The council has confirmed it will issue mandatory destruction orders for any regulated dogs involved in severe incidents.

Plans for a world-class marine maintenance facility in Far North Queensland have taken a step forward.

The Queensland State Government is providing three hundred thousand dollars to support Douglas Shire Council’s scoping study into the proposed Port Douglas Marine Industry Precinct.

The government confirmed the funding aims to drive regional economic diversification and local employment following the recent closure of the Mossman sugar mill.

North Burnett Regional Council has voted 6-to-1 to approve a minimum 10 per cent increase to its fees and charges starting July 1st. South Burnett Today reported that decision was due to rising operational costs and an expected budget deficit.

Southern Downs Council residents are being urged to log onto a new water portal.

Following the installation of twelve-thousand smart meters across Warwick and Stanthorpe, the online platform allows households to track daily usage and catch hidden leaks early.

Leaders from across Queensland have gathered in Longreach for the Local Government Association of Queensland’s biennial Bush Councils Convention.

More than 150 mayors, councillors, and state ministers are meeting to discuss critical regional priorities, including infrastructure, water security, and biosecurity.

LGAQ says this year’s forum focuses on driving collaborative policy and economic opportunities for rural and remote communities.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, a bid to double council rates for short-stay visitor accommodation has failed.

The Mercury reported that Hobart City Council has voted down the proposal to raise the short-stay differential rate to 400 per cent, following a split five-five vote.

Proponents argued the hike would return properties to the long-term rental market to combat a critical housing shortage, while opposing councillors questioned the fairness and evidence base of the policy.

The Tasmanian Government is facing backlash over its plans to reduce councillor numbers.

As the legislation moves to the Legislative Council, major lobby groups claim they have been denied the opportunity to brief members of parliament.

The Mercury reported that the Planning Matters Alliance and the Tasmanian Conservation Trust argue the reduction of fifty elected seats will severely weaken local democracy and community representation.

The government maintains that appropriate public consultation was conducted last year.

West Tamar Council says it’s disappointed the Tasmanian State Budget didn’t include funding for a proposed indoor sports facility at Legana.

Mayor Christina Holmdahl says Council had sought a five‑million dollar state commitment to match an existing five‑million federal grant.

Council says the fast‑growing area needs an indoor venue for sports like basketball and netball, with the broader precinct plan projected to deliver economic benefits and jobs.

South Australia

A string of regional leaders in South Australia have announced they will step down at November’s council elections.

Adelaide Now reports Southern Mallee Mayor Ron Valentine is the latest to decline re-election, citing systemic failures and stagnant federal funding.

He expressed frustration with a lack of meaningful financial support from both state and federal governments for regional, non-growth councils, and said the local government system seems designed to block necessary reform.

Mayor Valentine also took aim at key advocacy bodies for failing to represent their interests fairly.

Mayors from Ceduna, Mid Murray, and Karoonda have also confirmed their departures this year.

Meanwhile, Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith has officially confirmed she will seek re-election in this year’s elections.

As reported by The Advertiser, Dr Lomax-Smith said despite earlier intentions to step down, she is standing again to provide leadership and continuity during a period of significant population and economic growth for the city.

Voting is scheduled to begin in mid-October, with polls closing on the 11th of November.

Western Australia

The City of Melville is facing calls for a special electors’ meeting over a contentious four-point-seven-million-dollar cricket pitch proposal in Leeming.

WAtoday reported that local advocacy groups have submitted a petition signed by 650 residents. They are demanding the council rescind an April motion to clear over half a hectare of native bushland at John Connell Reserve.

Opponents have criticised the unbudgeted project, contributing to a proposed five per cent residential rate increase for the upcoming financial year. They say there’s been a lack of proper community consultation and feasibility studies.

Cottesloe Council could introduce paid parking in the Cottesloe Village shopping precinct under a new parking strategy, according to PerthNow.

A public consultation drew 226 submissions, with opinion split almost evenly for and against paid bays.

The proposal includes metered zones and hourly fees, with revenue earmarked for local improvements.

Global Report

NZ:

A major shakeup for southern local government is moving a step closer. The Local Government Commission has agreed to deeply investigate a potential Southland council merger.

RNZ News reports that it comes as the government gives councils a strict three-month deadline to pitch amalgamation plans.

Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell is already throwing his weight behind a unified “One Southland” model to cut costs and slash red tape.

New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough is facing criticism after documents show he worked behind councillors’ backs to secure Steve Ruru as interim chief executive.

The Post reported that papers reveal weeks of behind-the-scenes talks with outgoing boss Gareth Green and others.

Some councillors have described the appointment process as undemocratic.

SPAIN:

The Mayor of Barcelona, Spain, Jaume Collboni, has proposed fast-tracking a plan to double the municipal tourist surcharge for short-stay cruise passengers.

Under the new proposals reported by USA Today, the daily tax for visitors spending less than twelve hours in the city would rise within months from four to eight euros.

UK:

The long-standing leader of Cotswold District Council, Joe Harris, has announced his resignation from local government after 15 years of service.

First elected at just 18, Harris later became the UK’s youngest mayor.

He is leaving elected office for a new career with the East West Railway Company.

LocalGov reported that a by-election to fill his St Michael’s ward vacancy has been scheduled for July.

CANADA:

Vancouver City Council has voted to pause and roll back climate bylaws that aimed to phase out natural gas heating in buildings.

Mayor Ken Sim successfully introduced a motion to lift the ban on gas-powered hot water systems, arguing the change aligns the city’s building code with provincial standards and will improve housing affordability.

However, critics point to data suggesting households using heat pumps save money annually.

CTV News reported that the British Columbia Housing Minister had unsuccessfully requested the vote be delayed for a full cost and impact analysis.

London, Ontario could soon fine people $300 for leaving pets in vehicles during extreme heat or cold.

City staff say the added penalty would strengthen enforcement, even though Ontario’s PAWS Act already bans leaving an animal in conditions that cause distress.

CBC News reported that after a council committee vote, a final decision is expected at the Council’s June meeting.