Today on the Local Government News Roundup:

• Hume’s Mayor condemns “unacceptable” violence
• Victoria’s Code of Conduct under fire for gagging councillors
• Kiama’s bid to forego a costly by-election blocked
• A NSW Council CEO set to retire
• A Queensland mayor’s warning over the government’s disaster funding shake-up
• A solid waste budget blunder in Tasmania
• A failed attempt to remove a WA Council mayoral car
• and a new Council CEO appointed in the NT

Plus more local government news from around Australia and beyond.

Listen to this episode now:

Victoria

The mayor of Hume City Council has released a statement following the death of a fifteen-year-old boy found with stab wounds outside Craigieburn Community Hospital on Wednesday night.

Mayor Carly Moore described the level of violence as completely unacceptable, saying incidents like this are happening far too often and should concern every member of the community.

She extended condolences to the boy’s family, friends and school community, and said Council would continue to monitor the situation and seek updates from Victoria Police on matters affecting community safety.

In more Hume news, the council has joined with EPA Victoria to target unlawful waste activity at a property in Wildwood.

Following inspections in April and May, authorities detected significant stockpiles of industrial waste, including materials suspected to contain asbestos, as well as active waste burning.

An Environmental Action Notice has been issued to the occupant, requiring an immediate end to the burning, the lawful removal of all industrial waste by 28 July, and independent hygienic verification of asbestos clearance by 3 August.

Investigations by the EPA are ongoing.

The Age has reported on calls for reform of Victoria’s model councillor code of conduct after a series of findings that critics say are stifling free speech in local government.

The latest trigger: Wyndham’s former mayor Josh Gilligan suspended for two weeks — in part for comments he gave to a newspaper — after speaking out on a community issue before council had adopted a formal position.

A parliamentary motion calling for a review has passed with cross-party support, though the Labor government is not obliged to act on it.

Warrnambool City Council has launched an investigation into illegal land clearing and rubbish dumping at the Thunder Point Coastal Reserve.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mason says dozens of trees have been felled and earth moved without permission to construct makeshift bike tracks.

The council is now reviewing monitoring options and environmental remediation plans for the site, and Mr Mason warns that further action will be taken if the behaviour persists.

The City of Casey says it’s taking an innovative approach to tackling graffiti – unveiling its new Graffiti Management Program 2026-30, which shifts toward a preventative, community-led model.

While maintaining rapid removal protocols, the strategy introduces legal urban art walls and factors public-space design—including lighting and materials—into vandalism prevention.

Mayor Stefan Koomen says the framework balances strict enforcement with creative community partnerships to enrich the local landscape.

The City of Ballarat has introduced a new tiered pricing structure and a second gatehouse at its transfer station to reduce congestion and improve processing efficiency.

The updated system replaces manual load measurements with thirteen distinct size categories to simplify wait times.

The council has also finalised funding for a residential kerbside hard waste collection trial, set to commence in mid-2027.

Community satisfaction has rebounded in Corangamite Shire, according to the council.

Its latest survey shows its overall performance score climbed five points to 63, driven by a major ten-point increase in community consultation and a five-year high for waste management.

While libraries and emergency management remain top performers, residents indicated further improvements are needed for unsealed roads and town planning.

Frankston City Council is developing a new Strategic Partnerships Framework to tighten governance around its external memberships and advocacy alliances.

Following a council resolution, the framework will establish clear approval pathways and review mechanisms.

Mayor Sue Baker said the model ensures consistent transparency and community value, particularly as the council collaborates regionally ahead of the upcoming state election.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has adopted its 2026/27 budget, with councillors voting to maintain the 2.75 per cent rate cap to protect service levels.

The budget includes a boost to road and drainage investment of 24 per cent.

Responding to cost-of-living pressures, the final annual waste charge has been trimmed to 507 dollars, down from the originally proposed 570.

Central Goldfields Shire Council has adopted its new Domestic Animal Management Plan, committing to investigate and implement a twenty-four-hour cat curfew.

The four-year strategy also introduces tighter public dog-on-leash rules and online monitoring to target non-compliant backyard breeding across the municipality.

NSW

Kiama Council’s bid to postpone or scrap an August 22 by-election—estimated to cost about $200,000—has been knocked back by the Office of Local Government.

The vacancy follows councillor Mike Cains’ resignation.

The minister’s office said the request can only be considered if the vacancy occurs within 18 months of the next council elections, due in 2028.

Kiama Municipal Council has endorsed a strategic pathway to bring back its New Year’s Eve fireworks display, balancing community expectations with financial sustainability.

Council allocated $20,000 in its 2026–27 Budget and will collaborate with tourism and business stakeholders to secure external sponsorship.

Alternative options, including a scaled-back community activation, remain on the table if full funding falls short.

Central Coast Council Chief Executive Officer David Farmer will retire in September, according to the Coast Community News this week.

Appointed in 2021 during a period of financial administration, Mr Farmer successfully steered the organisation back to stability.

Mayor Lawrie McKinna praised his leadership ahead of a recruitment process for a permanent successor.

In news from Inner West Council in Sydney’s inner suburbs – the council has opened its first-ever Pride Walk — a heritage trail spanning seventeen sites across the local government area, marking significant people, places and moments in the region’s LGBTQIA+ history.

And the council will co-host a Sydney Summit on Poker Machine Harm with Wesley Mission and the New South Wales Council of Social Service.

The summit, scheduled for the sixteenth of July at Marrickville Town Hall, is aimed at building pressure on the New South Wales Parliament to act on gambling reform.

Camden Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the Camden Bypass Extension following state and federal planning funding.

At its latest ordinary meeting, council acknowledged the investment as a key milestone in its ongoing advocacy campaign to ensure regional infrastructure keeps pace with rapid population growth.

Mayor Therese Fedeli said the extension has been one of Council’s key advocacy priorities.

Penrith City Council has welcomed infrastructure commitments in the new New South Wales Budget, while maintaining strong advocacy for regional connectivity.

Mayor Todd Carney noted a two-hundred-million-dollar upgrade for Elizabeth Drive ahead of Western Sydney Airport’s upcoming freight flights as a highlight of the budget.

However, he says securing a full-length metro rail connection remains the top priority.

Parramatta is a step closer to a 24-hour CBD, after securing a 195-thousand-dollar NSW Government “Special Entertainment Precinct” kickstart grant.

Council says the trial precinct in the Parramatta CBD will support extended trading hours, live music and performance, and more late-night dining and shopping — alongside planning, acoustic guidelines and community engagement.

The program is delivered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.

The Local Government News Roundup is supported this month by the National Growth Areas Alliance’s 2026 Emerging Growth Areas Forum.

Australia is aiming to deliver 1.2 million new homes in five years, and councils are on the front line—planning neighbourhoods and building the roads, drainage, schools, libraries and community infrastructure to match.

The forum will be held Tuesday 4 August at Hume City Council Town Hall in Broadmeadows, alongside the NGAA National Congress. Registration is open now at ngaa.org.au.

Queensland

Ipswich City Council says proposed federal changes to Australia’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements could leave Queensland—and councils like Ipswich—worse off after natural disasters.

The Federal Government is considering a shift to a standard 50–50 cost split with states, down from an average Commonwealth contribution of about 64 per cent, and up to 75 per cent in some cases.

Council warns it could mean slower repairs to roads, parks and waterways, and more pressure on ratepayers. Mayor Teresa Harding will write to the Prime Minister and relevant ministers, formally objecting to the changes.

The Queensland Government has committed twenty million dollars for enabling infrastructure along the CopperString corridor.

Flinders Shire Council Mayor Kate Peddle has welcomed the targeted funding, which will deliver strategic upgrades along the Flinders Highway.

The investment is designed to support the safe transport of oversized equipment for the upcoming Flinders Substation while improving long-term freight efficiency for the region’s transport and cattle industries.

Townsville City Council has been accredited as an Established Welcoming City, joining just eight other Australian municipalities.

Assessed across six key criteria including civic participation and economic development, the council has now been encouraged to apply for advanced status.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has adopted a new Data Breach Policy to bolster its cyber security framework and meet updated legislative requirements.

Deputy Mayor Chris Wilson says the policy establishes clear protocols to contain and assess suspected breaches, actively limiting potential data loss for both the workforce and the community.

Tasmania

Circular Head Council has admitted to publishing incorrect budget figures for its solid waste services, following an error identified by one of its councillors.

Cr Tony Hine raised concerns in May, and the council was then given an update in June.

The Mercury reported that the corrected figures amend the solid waste revenue budget to three-point-six million dollars.

In response to ongoing asset and landfill challenges, the council has launched a new community partnership strategy to address long-term waste management.

West Tamar Council has passed its 2026–27 budget seven votes to one, locking in residential rate increases of up to 6.3 per cent.

As reported by The Mercury, the decision follows community tension over infrastructure spending priorities and internal financial sustainability indicators tracking at high risk.

Meanwhile at Kentish Council, a rate increase of 6.8 per cent has been confirmed in its new budget, which also includes an increase in $80 for waste management.

Western Australia

A bid to scrap the City of Joondalup mayor’s council-funded car has been voted down, according to PerthNow.

Councillor Rebecca Pizzey argued the dedicated vehicle was an unnecessary expense during cost-of-living pressures, suggesting the mayor could instead use public transport, taxis, rideshare, or a private car with mileage claims.

But council officers warned reimbursing mileage for the volume of official travel could cost ratepayers more than keeping the current arrangement, and would add administrative burden.

The current mayoral vehicle is a 2025 Toyota RAV4 bought for just under forty-nine thousand dollars, with annual running costs estimated at around six thousand.

A proposal to explore a proposed “City of South Park” amalgamation between South Perth and Victoria Park Councils have been knocked back.

At a South Perth council meeting, a motion for the CEOs to discuss a community survey lapsed after former councillor Tim Houweling resigned, and no one had written authority to move it.

The council also heard no money was set aside for a letter mail-out estimated at forty-thousand dollars, with a full survey likely to cost more.

Northern Territory

Alice Springs Town Council has appointed City of Vincent infrastructure director Peter Varris as its new chief executive officer.

Mayor Asta Hill says Mr Varris brings more than 30 years of local government leadership experience and will help drive a strong pipeline of upcoming infrastructure projects.

Former CEO Andrew Wilsmore left the role in May.

Councillor Andrew McTaggart has resigned from the Northern Territory’s Victoria Daly Regional Council. Mayor Brian Pedwell thanked the Milngin Ward representative for his years of service and community commitment.

The casual vacancy will be managed under advice from the Northern Territory Electoral Commission, while operations remain focused on delivering a newly adopted Regional Plan, says Mayor Pedwell.

International

USA:

Local authorities across California are deploying surveillance drones and offering cash rewards of up to five hundred dollars to crack down on illegal fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July.

USA TODAY reports that several municipalities are utilising the technology to pinpoint launch locations and mitigate heightened wildfire risks during peak fire season.

The City of Carson is one of a number going down the incentive path, offering a reward of up to $500 for people who report firework use.

The state of Texas has seen a sharp backlash against new data centres, according to USA Today.

In San Marcos, the city council voted 4–3 to tighten zoning rules and effectively ban data center development, citing concerns over local water and power demands.

That decision comes as new polling from the University of Texas shows 56% of Texas voters oppose data centres in their communities.

Two counties tried temporary moratoriums this year, but both were later withdrawn. Governor Greg Abbott says new regulations are coming, including requiring data centres to pay for electric infrastructure and use more water‑efficient cooling.

CANADA:

A push to recycle waste heat from data centres is gaining traction in Canada, offering a potential blueprint for Australian councils navigating the artificial intelligence boom.

McMaster University researchers say that with the correct infrastructure, excess thermal energy can be successfully piped into local district networks to heat civic buildings and residential zones.

While Europe operates over six thousand of these thermal networks, adoption remains slow in North America, prompting calls for municipal leaders to establish mandatory waste heat recovery baselines for all future data centre developments. More from CBC News.

NZ:

A new economic report reveals that Greater Christchurch is operating as a single, highly integrated powerhouse centred firmly on Christchurch City.

Data shows surrounding towns are deeply tied to the city, sending roughly 80% of their out-of-town commuters into the urban core.

This massive commuting wave is matched by a booming retail flow, with district residents spending over $916 million annually inside city limits.

The report highlights that key institutions—from ports and airports to universities—cross traditional council lines to drive the region.

While Greater Christchurch continues to outpace national population and housing growth, experts note this shared economic footprint is just one piece of the puzzle as officials weigh upcoming local government reforms.

Meanwhile, a new survey reveals Christchurch residents are prioritising infrastructure coordination and reliable services ahead of potential council amalgamations.

The council says over seven thousand responses highlight key concerns regarding how local representation will be maintained under a broader regional model.

Canterbury councils have until August ninth to submit their final restructuring proposals to the Government.

UK:

Pembrokeshire County Council has approved plans for an off-grid “One Planet Development” near Jeffreyston, allowing a couple to breed guinea pigs for meat as part of a sustainable smallholding.

Dave and Mayu Phillips say they’ll raise three breeding pairs—alongside rabbits, pigeons, honey and walnuts—to help feed their household.

The council planning committee backed the scheme unanimously, with conditions, according to BBC News.