Surprise election outcomes, a bizarre termination, and a confusing resignation, ft. Allan Watkinson – 658

Today on the Local Government News Roundup:

The wash up from Tasmania’s local government elections, including some surprise results
The cost of a mayor’s legal fight against a political critic
Victoria’s mayoral election season is underway
An embattled Queensland mayor resigns
A Western Australian Council CEO sacked… after she had already resigned
Moonee Valley Council votes to remove a former mayor’s name from plaques across the city
A councillor resignation at Knox Council in Melbourne
General manager movements in New South Wales

and much more news, plus:

A new Gallup report, Local Government at a Turning Point, combines resident survey data with interviews with 33 council chief executives, general managers and directors across Australia and New Zealand.

Gallup principal Alan Watkinson joins Chris to discuss the findings, and how rising community expectations and cost-of-living concerns are meeting limited funding, rising costs, workforce challenges and eroding trust.

Listen now wherever you listen to podcasts.

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 this episode:

Victoria

It’s been revealed that the City of Stonnington has spent more than $180,000 to cover the legal costs of Mayor Melina Sehr following an unsuccessful legal bid to secure a restraining order against a political critic.

The Herald Sun has reported that Cr Sehr sought financial support from fellow councillors at a confidential meeting in 2025 to fund her application for a personal violence restraining order against Council Watch president Dean Hurlston.

The Magistrates Court initially imposed the order, leading to $113,290 in legal fees. Chief Executive Dale Dickson approved an additional $70,000 for subsequent appeal proceedings in the County Court, which were ultimately lost.

Mr Dickson said the council obtained independent legal advice confirming that the funding arrangement was lawful. He said online criticism directed at Cr Sehr was unacceptable and impacted her wellbeing, though he noted she would not seek an indemnity for any potential future appeals to the Supreme Court.

The expenditure was revealed following a freedom of information request. Legal analysts note that the disclosure could lead to an application for the council to cover Mr Hurlston’s legal costs, which may significantly increase the total financial outlay.

Mr Hurlston has called for the mayor to be removed and the CEO to be investigated, contending that ratepayer funds should not have been used to cover Cr Sehr’s legal expenses.

Murrindindi Shire Council has a new councillor.

Jordyn Princi has been elected unopposed to represent Kinglake Ward following a by-election triggered by the August resignation of former Councillor Jodi Adams.

Because only one eligible candidate nominated for the vacant position, no vote was required, and Ms Princi will be officially sworn in at an upcoming ceremony.

Knox City Council will need to hold a by-election, after Baird Ward Councillor Peter Lockwood resigned yesterday, with immediate effect.

Cr Lockwood first served in the 1990s, returned in 2012, and was re-elected in 2024. He was Mayor in 2014 and 2015.

The Victorian Electoral Commission will run the by-election for the single-councillor ward, with dates yet to be confirmed.

Cr Lockwood has twice been found guilty of misconduct in the chamber, most recently receiving a one-month suspension in June of this year.

Greater Geelong Council has adopted a place naming policy that prioritises Aboriginal culture, then women and gender-diverse people, followed by multicultural figures and local community heroes. Councillors voted seven to four on Tuesday night after having previously deferred the matter twice.

Under the policy, the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation will have first opportunity to propose a name.

Deputy Mayor Cr Eddy Kontelj opposed the formal hierarchy, arguing proposals should be weighed equally on merit.

But Cr Elise Wilkinson said the policy corrects a historical imbalance.

Gender Equity Victoria has welcomed the development, describing it as the result of persistent leadership, debate and advocacy. Read more from the Geelong Advertiser.

Brimbank City Council has responded to an alleged incident involving an illegal recording device in a changeroom at its aquatic and wellness centre in Keilor Downs last Sunday.

A 62 year old man has been charged and is due before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court in March next year. Council has terminated his membership of the centre and banned him from all its facilities.

According to Star Weekly, police expect to identify further alleged victims.

Moonee Valley councillors have voted unanimously to remove the name of former mayor Cameron Nation from 41 commemorative plaques and council assets across the municipality.

Nation, who served as a councillor for 11 years, was sentenced to three months in jail in September after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy in 2019 while in office. A suppression order preventing publication of the conviction was lifted last month. Mr Nation is reported to be appealing his sentence.

The decision by the council affects prominent locations, including the civic centre foyer in Moonee Ponds, the Keilor East Leisure Centre, and the Clocktower Centre, as well as community hubs, early learning centres, and bowls clubs.

Council officers reported that no formal protocol previously existed for removing the name of a mayor or councillor. However, officers recommended the action to align with the municipality’s commitment to child safety, noting that displaying the name of a convicted abuser could cause psychological harm to victim-survivors.

Councillor Rose Iser, who moved the motion, said the step was taken to declare that child safety supersedes any individual in power. Councillor Ava Adams said the removal maintains public confidence in the municipality’s governance and commitment to protecting young people.

Loddon Shire Council will begin searching for a qualified provider to manage its kindergarten services, following an independent review.

The review pointed to workforce pressures, growing regulatory requirements and the risks of delivering services at small scale across several sites.

Council runs kindergartens at Boort, Dingee, Inglewood and Pyramid Hill.

Mayor Cr Dan Straub said the decision is not about closing kindergartens, and services will continue as normal during the transition.

Mayoral election season is kicking off in Victoria, and I have the first few results for you.

At the statutory meeting on October 27, Southern Grampians Shire Council re-elected Councillor Dennis Heslin unopposed as Mayor for the 2026/27 term, with Councillor Jayne Manning stepping in as Deputy Mayor.

It is a third consecutive term as mayor for Cr Heslin, who said the council’s upcoming major projects will progress responsibly without compromising local roads, essential services, or everyday community needs.

Campaspe Shire Council has a new leader, with Councillor Jessica Mitchell elected as mayor for a 12-month term. Alongside her appointment, Councillor Daniel Mackrell was elected as deputy mayor.

Last night, Moonee Valley City Council elected Cr Fran Cosgriff as its new mayor, after a two way contest with Cr Hamish Jones. The vote was five-to-four.

Cr Ava Adams was elected Deputy Mayor in a contest with Cr Hamish Jones. Again, by five votes to four.

If you are you a current Councillor in Victoria but haven’t yet completed the 2026 VLGA Victorian Councillor Census, it’s not too late.

The VLGA has extended the deadline, giving Councillors until Monday 9 November at 5pm to have their say.

All Councillors in Victoria were sent a link to have their say on the challenges, opportunities and issues shaping local government.

What you share will directly inform real and meaningful change across the sector.

This is the third year the VLGA has conducted the Census.

What you have said previously has not only highlighted the most pressing challenges facing the sector but has also helped strengthen advocacy around important changes to local government legislation.

Don’t miss your chance to influence the future of local government in Victoria. Find out more by getting in touch with the team at the VLGA, or visit vlga.org.au

New South Wales

Hay Shire Council has ended the employment contract of long-serving General Manager David Webb after seven years in the role.

The Riverine Grazier reported that Mayor Carol Oataway confirmed the termination, and acknowledged David’s service to the shire.

It’s understood the decision took effect last week, with the Mayor saying the specific circumstances surrounding the termination will remain confidential.

Mark Dowling has been appointed as interim General Manager while recruitment for a permanent replacement gets underway.

At Parkes Shire Council, Andrew Francis will step in as acting general manager from today, following the retirement of Kent Boyd.

Mayor Neil Westcott said the appointment will provide vital leadership and continuity while a permanent replacement is recruited.

Mr Francis has over a decade of local government experience, having served as the council’s director of infrastructure and sustainability since 2015.

The seven-council Outer Western Sydney Alliance has appointed Christian Gillies as its new C-E-O, starting Monday, November the second.

Mr Gillies brings more than twenty-five years’ experience in infrastructure and the public service, including as a Deputy Secretary in Tasmania’s Department of State Growth, and as an Executive Director at Infrastructure N-S-W from twenty-sixteen to twenty-twenty-four.

Alliance Chair and Penrith Mayor Cr Todd Carney said his experience would strengthen the region’s advocacy.

The Alliance also thanked Ms Joanna Kubota for her five years as Executive Director.

Sydney mayors are pushing for a new light rail corridor along Parramatta Road to unlock up to 100,000 new homes.

Burwood Council this week endorsed a mayoral minute to collaborate with neighboring councils Canada Bay, the City of Sydney and Inner West on the transport route, which supporters say will revitalise the historic highway.

Canada Bay Council mayor Michael Megna told the Daily Telegraph he would be putting up a similar mayoral minute, and that the work should have been done a while ago.

City of Sydney Councillor Yvonne Weldon has called on Lord Mayor Clover Moore to scrap the proposed Town Hall Square project, describing it as one person’s legacy project.

Instead, the councillor suggests investing in a facelift for Martin Place to save ratepayers an estimated one hundred million dollars.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the New South Wales Planning Minister has intervened by taking control of the approvals process.

Georges River Council has resolved to keep the words “War Memorial” in the name of its new Carss Park aquatic facility.

At its meeting on Monday, Council endorsed a twenty-eight day community consultation on naming options. Any future name must include “War Memorial”, in recognition of the former Kogarah War Memorial Olympic Swimming Pool.

The decision followed correspondence from R-S-L N-S-W, which expressed disappointment that the former pool’s name was not proposed for retention.

Mayor Cr Elise Borg said the decision reflects the community’s long-standing commitment to recognising the site’s history.

Councillor Angelo Rozos has been re-elected as the Deputy Mayor of Willoughby City Council for a two-year term following a council meeting on Monday.

Representing the Middle Harbour Ward, Councillor Rozos embarks on his fourth term in the role, having previously served in 2021, 2024, and 2025.

Griffith City Council has elected Councillor Christine Stead as its new Deputy Mayor for a 12-month term following a 5-to-4 vote at the Ordinary Council Meeting. The other contender was Cr Shari Blumer. Councillor Stead succeeds Councillor Scott Groat, joining Mayor Doug Curran to assist with civic and ceremonial duties for the local area.

MidCoast Council says it has humanely euthanised a dingo at South Forster following a series of escalating safety incidents that triggered a Class 4 control response.

The action was taken in accordance with the Council’s Dingo Management Plan, after behaviour experts and representatives of the Aboriginal community were consulted.

Officials noted that repeated feeding by humans reduced the animal’s natural wariness and ultimately necessitated the intervention.

Queensland

A by-election will be held for the Mayor of Redland City, after Cr Jos Mitchell’s resignation took effect on Wednesday, following confusion over when council received it.

Cr Mitchell emailed her resignation at five a-m. At a media conference that morning, Deputy Mayor Cr Julie Talty and chief executive Ms Louise Rusan initially said council had received no formal confirmation. Ms Rusan then said a resignation had just been received.

According to the Brisbane Times, council later said the email had been held in a quarantine system because it came from a private address. Cr Mitchell said she had used that address with council for two and a half years, and denied being contacted to verify her intentions.

Council has since declared the Office of Mayor vacant. Cr Talty will remain acting mayor until the Electoral Commission of Queensland conducts the by-election. Local Government Minister Ann Leahy told Parliament it will not be held over the Christmas period, but gave no date.

In her full statement, Cr Mitchell said about seventy complaints had been made against her, and that those investigated were found to be unsubstantiated by external investigators. She described threats, harassment and vandalism of her family’s cars.

Cr Talty rejected the former mayor’s claims of a toxic culture at Redland, telling the ABC that she had not spoken to Ms Mitchell since her resignation.

The council held a special meeting yesterday, at which it resolved to apply for a full postal vote for the mayoral by-election. Acting Mayor Julie Talty said conducting the ballot by mail will provide greater convenience for voters over the holiday period while significantly reducing unexpected election expenses.

Following a unanimous push at the Local Government Association of Queensland conference, Sunshine Coast Council mayor Rosanna Natoli has called for equitable security protections for elected representatives.

The urgent appeal follows escalating abuse and threats across the sector, compounded by the recent resignation of Redland City Council Mayor Jos Michell amid allegations of harassment.

Local government leaders are pressing state and federal authorities to immediately extend safety measures equivalent to those provided to higher-tier politicians. More from The Courier Mail.

Toowoomba Regional Council has reported a thirty-two million dollar surplus in its annual report, driven by reductions in operating expenses and contractor costs during chief executive Sal Petroccitto’s first year.

Mayor Geoff McDonald said the result reflects strong budget management and a significant improvement in the organisation’s financial position, according to the Toowoomba Chronicle.

Townsville City Council has issued a formal planning enforcement notice forcing a popular residential coffee van in Kirwan to cease operations after two and a half years.

The Townsville Bulletin reports that the regulatory action followed complaints regarding a commercial food and drink outlet operating within a low-density residential zone.

The council said information regarding compliant alternative locations has been provided to the operator.

Tasmania

Counting is well advanced in Tasmania’s council elections, with most results now confirmed.

As of last night, 28 of 29 mayoral contests had been decided, and just six councillor seats were left to be filled. The one remaining mayoralty contest to be decided is in Sorell.

Some notable results:

Veteran journalist and former 60 Minutes reporter Charles Wooley has been declared the new Lord Mayor of Hobart after a tight vote count, in which the lead changed a couple of times between him and Greens candidate Bill Harvey before the result was finalised. Outgoing Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds did not contest the election.

The council also appears to have narrowly avoided an all-male result – something that hasn’t occurred since the 1950s – with just one position expected to be filled by a female, that being returning councillor Louise Elliot.

Devonport Mayor Cr Alison Jarman and Circular Head Mayor Cr Gerard Blizzard have both held off challengers for their positions.

Matthew Garwood has been re-elected as Mayor of Launceston. Also returned as mayors of their councils are Mick Tucker at Break O’Day, Leigh Gray in Brighton, and Rhys Beattie at Dorset Council.

At West Coast Council, there will be a new mayor, with Pulse Tasmania reporting that Lindsay Newman has defeated incumbent Shane Pitt. Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomely has also been defeated, with challenger Drew Jenner victorious there.

Teenie Brumby has lost the mayoralty at Burnie to Giovanna Simpson, the sitting deputy mayor, while at Derwent Valley, Michelle Dracoulis has been defeated by former state Labor candidate Casey Farrell.

Boat Harbour Beach businesswoman Chloe Foster has been elected mayor of the Waratah-Wynyard Council after securing over 43% of the primary vote in her first run at local government.

Independent candidate Abby McKibben has won the race to become the new mayor of the Huon Valley Council, surging past her opponents following a tight preference count. McKibben succeeds outgoing mayor Sally Doyle.

And Jo Westwood, a former deputy mayor at Kingborough, has returned after a four year break, to win the role of mayor with 57 per cent of the vote after preferences.

Statewide turnout was eighty-five point six per cent, up from eighty-four point eight in 2022. For more details from around the state, Pulse Tasmania has done an excellent job providing results on its live blog.

South Australia

Adelaide City Council has voted to ban oil, coal and gas advertising from municipal public spaces starting in mid-2027.

ABC News reported that the motion, brought forward by Cr Keiran Snape, was narrowly passed in a five-four vote on Tuesday.

The South Australian government has reacted strongly, saying the decision could jeopardise the future of the local Tour Down Under village in Victoria Square due to naming rights sponsorship.

Adelaide Hills Council has appointed Jade Ballantine as its new C-E-O.

Ms Ballantine is currently the council’s Director Environment and Infrastructure, and has previously held director roles at Whyalla Council and the City of Port Lincoln.

Mayor Cr Nathan Daniell said she brings extensive regional experience to the postion.

She starts on Monday, November the ninth, succeeding Acting C-E-O Roberto Bria.

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory Government has announced it will strip the City of Darwin of its Christmas Pageant from 2027 following a dispute over the exclusion of a Christian group.

Major Events Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the decision was necessary after the council denied the group participation, calling the move completely unacceptable, according to the NT News.

Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the council has been working with the organisation to ensure they can participate under existing terms and conditions, calling the Minister’s ‘politicisation’ of the event “extraordinary”.

Western Australia

The City of South Perth Council has announced that it has terminated the employment of its C-E-O, Ms Liz Ledger, with immediate effect. This is despite Ms Ledger having resigned earlier in the week.

Mayor Cr Greg Milner said council unanimously resolved at a special meeting on Tuesday night to summarily terminate her employment, based on findings of misconduct from an independent workplace investigation. He claims that the decision supersedes the resignation Ms Ledger tendered on October the twenty-sixth.

Meanwhile, a public exchange between the Western Australian Local Government Minister and the sector’s peak body has exposed tension over local government reform.

Minister Hannah Beazley said Western Australia has too many councils and elected members, and called for an end to poor behaviour and governance problems. She wants support for her Bill removing barriers to voluntary amalgamations.

WALGA President Cr Mark Irwin responded that the sector is being devalued by broad-brush criticism. He said the Minister should “work for the sector, not against it.”

The Town of Cambridge has voted unanimously to maintain its current municipal boundaries and reject potential council amalgamations. Councillors expressed concern that merging with struggling neighbouring local governments would draw the council into dysfunction and drain its strong financial reserves, which sit at over $77 million.

The town says that any proposal would need to demonstrate a clear net benefit to the community, noting the significant financial risks and integration costs associated with council mergers seen in other jurisdictions.

According to WA Today, other councils, including the City of Subiaco, are also declining to consider amalgamations at this time.

The Town of Cottesloe is considering a reduction in its number of elected members from nine to either seven or five, with a formal representation review now underway, according to PerthNow.

Councillors unanimously voted to initiate the review following significant increases to member remuneration in the 2026-27 budget.

A draft discussion paper will be advertised for public feedback for six weeks, presenting the three structural options and their respective trade-offs.

Shire President Pauline Bantock has announced her resignation from the Shire of Victoria Plains, effective November 6, after eleven years of service.

Her decision follows a challenging period managing a rare neurological condition, prompting Ms Bantock to focus on her recovery and wellbeing.

Deputy Shire President Suzanne Woods will serve as Acting Shire President until the council elects a successor.

And the Shire of Coorow has elected Cr Durwin Melbin as its new deputy Shire President, after Guilia Censi resigned from council in September, along with two other councillors. Cr Melbin will hold the position until the end of the current term in March 2027.

The council has allocated $22,000 to conduct elections by postal vote to fill the vacant councillor positions.

International

UK:

In his first budget speech, British finance minister John Healey has announced an extra £1.5 billion in funding for councils’ social and affordable housing programme to speed up construction.

Additionally, UK planners will remove 10% biodiversity net gain requirements for brownfield sites to cut through regulations and boost economic growth.

The budget also revealed that the government is in the “final stages” of agreeing ten devolution deals across England, which would mean 90% of England has some level of devolution.

There is already some political backlash after the government rejected a request from the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority to bring its inaugural devolution mayoral election forward from May 2028 to May 2027.

Winchester City Council leader Martin Tod said the decision is a major disappointment that could cost the region millions of pounds in localised business rates.

Local Gov reported that in addition to a share local income tax and tourism taxes for mayoral authorities, councils would receive 100% of business rates income before the end of the decade in place of grants from central government.

A new Key Cities survey published prior to the budget has revealed that council leaders are prioritising funding devolution over increased central grants.

According to the research, over half of council representatives said enhanced administrative powers and local tax autonomy are essential to tackle mounting fiscal pressures.

Leaders also warned that impending structural reforms must avoid creating a two-tier system across the municipal sector.

USA:

Voters across several jurisdictions in Washington state are deciding a series of charter amendments that could fundamentally alter local governance structures, according to the News Tribune.

Proposed changes include shifting the sheriff to an appointed role in Pierce County, establishing non-partisan elections for the Snohomish County Council, and introducing stricter supermajority requirements for tax increases.

Local government analysts said these citizen-led initiatives represent some of the most significant structural challenges to regional administration seen in years.

In Colorado, the Aurora City Council has voted six to five against reopening discussion on a proposed moratorium on new data center developments.

According to CBS News, the outcome drew strong criticism, including loud boos inside the council chamber, from residents concerned about local water and energy consumption.

City leaders said they are continuing to evaluate separate regulations to address neighborhood impacts from future projects.

Baltimore City Council is advancing a proposal to establish a new Department of Neighborhood Safety, designed to deploy mental health clinicians and peer responders to nonviolent emergencies.

The proposed agency would hold equal standing with the city’s police and fire departments, aiming to divert approximately 22,000 appropriate 911 calls annually.

Mayor Brandon Scott said the measure will require municipal funds and public input, with the final legislative vote scheduled for November 9, reports CBS News.

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