Today on the Local Government News Roundup:

• Mount Alexander taps its next CEO
• A call for an urgent police boost in Ballarat
• ICAC’s Parramatta inquiry wraps after six weeks
• A rural council blasts its ‘unfair’ funding share
• Redland backs a push for an independent review of a mayoral conduct dispute
• A mayoral showdown set for Devonport
• A WA council’s 40 per cent rate increase
• and a New Zealand councillor reports death threats to police

Listen to this episode now:

Victorian Report

Mount Alexander Shire Council has appointed Michael Annear as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Annear currently serves as Director Infrastructure and Development, a role he’s held since 2021, and has more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning local government and international humanitarian work, including senior roles with the Red Cross.

He succeeds Darren Fuzzard, who concludes a ten-year tenure on 19 July, with Mr Annear commencing as CEO on 20 July 2026.

Ballarat City Council has formally requested an urgent increase in front-line police numbers from the Victorian Premier and Police Minister.

The Courier reported that the move follows a local surge in crime, though community safety experts have already cautioned council that a boost in police numbers may not offer a quick fix.

Yarra City Council’s adopted budget includes a $40.3 million capital works program while keeping rate rises within the 2.75% cap.

Mayor Stephen Jolly says there’ll be no service cuts, with big spending on local basics—$6.7 million for roads and footpaths, $1.6 million for cycling infrastructure, and more than $9 million for open space.

Council is also capping waste charge increases despite higher costs, citing long-term financial discipline.

Swan Hill Rural City Council’s Budget is also set, following two phases of community consultation.

It includes a 36-million-dollar capital works program, targeting roads, drainage, and community facilities.

Mayor Stuart King said the plan adheres strictly to the state government’s rate cap while balancing regional financial pressures.

The council is also the latest to roll out Container Deposit Scheme baskets, for people to leave eligible 10-cent containers for others to collect and return for a refund.

Council says the move will cut litter and keep drink containers out of landfill.

Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026–27 Budget, passing a $123.7 million package focused on asset renewal and essential services.

Operating under the state government’s 2.75 per cent rate cap, the budget allocates $17.7 million for road and drainage upgrades, alongside $13.5 million for community facilities.

Mayor Brett Tessari noted the budget strikes a critical balance between rising construction costs and community expectations.

The Council is urging the Victorian Government to act now to protect the Western Port Woodlands, Victoria’s largest remaining intact coastal woodland.

Council has asked the Planning Minister for interim controls, including an Environmental Significance Overlay, warning more clearing could cause irreversible damage.

The area provides habitat for threatened species including the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Swift Parrot and Powerful Owl. The request is now with the Minister for Planning.

Bayside City Council will slash footpath trading fees in its 2026–27 Budget to relieve financial pressure on local businesses.

The changes introduce a fifty percent reduction for A-frame signs, a twenty percent saving on goods displays, and a simplified flat-fee structure for outdoor dining tables and chairs.

Footscray’s CBD will soon get a boost, with Maribyrnong Council endorsing a new “Footscray Welcome Crew” to hit the streets.

The team will provide a friendly, visible presence—listening to locals, supporting traders and visitors, and linking issues to the right council services.

Recruitment begins now, with the crew expected to start as soon as possible as part of the wider Footscray revitalisation push.

NSW Report

The Independent Commission Against Corruption has wrapped up its 24-day Operation Navarra inquiry into the City of Parramatta Council, with former chief executive Gail Connolly defending her conduct to the end.

Connolly faced fierce cross-examination this week, insisting she had not engaged in misconduct, dishonesty or corrupt conduct. She did concede sending indiscreet text messages, sharing confidential information, and lying to the lord mayor on one occasion.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, Connolly told the inquiry she could not recall events at least 440 times during her evidence. Chief Commissioner John Hatzistergos will now consider his findings.

Northern Beaches Council has voted to lobby the New South Wales Government for tougher powers to manage shared e-bike schemes.

The move follows community frustration over dumped vehicles blocking footpaths and driveways around Manly.

As reported by the Daily Telegraph, the council wants amendments to state legislation to allow rangers to immediately seize obstructing bikes, eliminating the current three-hour notice period required under the Public Spaces Act.

Balranald Shire Council in far western New South Wales has gone public with concerns over what it calls an inequitable share of Sustainable Communities Program funding.

Mayor Louie Zaffina says the shire has received just over $731,000, despite around $75 million in water buybacks occurring in the area in recent months.

By comparison, councils including Murray River, Griffith City and Murrumbidgee have each received more than $10 million.

The Mayor says Council will seek a full explanation from state and federal governments on how funding was assessed and weighted.

Glen Innes Severn Council is urging Transport for NSW to reshape a draft regional transport plan, arguing investment should create growth rather than simply follow it.

Mayor Margot Davis says Glen Innes is being underplayed as a regional centre, with too much focus on southern corridors and not enough attention on northern and cross-border links into Queensland.

Council wants better connections to Toowoomba and Brisbane, more funding for community transport, key freight route upgrades, and faster approvals for rail trail projects while protecting future rail corridors.

Singleton Council will use its Mayoral Relief Fund to repair or replace seven headstones damaged in a vandal attack at Sedgefield Cemetery.

Mayor Sue Moore says any remaining funds may go toward new security measures, with staff preparing options including a gate, lighting and CCTV.

The damage happened in late May, and investigations are continuing.

Queensland Report

Redland City Council has voted to request that the State Government consider an independent review into an alleged conduct incident involving Mayor Jos Mitchell.

Redland Bayside News reported that a motion, passed at Wednesday’s general meeting, asks the Director-General of Local Government to determine if an independent inquiry is warranted following the Mayor’s public complaints regarding her treatment at an April meeting.

Councillors debated whether to defer the decision while Mayor Mitchell remains on leave, but ultimately voted to progress the matter to clear the air for the community.

Southern Downs Regional Council has backed Queensland Government plans to invest three million dollars in further investigations into the viability of Emu Swamp Dam.

The move follows the state’s Regional Water Assessment, released last August, and targets one of its key recommendations.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton says water security remains Council’s top priority, calling the funding a step toward improving drought resilience for local communities, businesses and agriculture.

South Burnett Regional Council has adopted a new policy allowing trained, authorised compliance officers to wear body-worn cameras.

The devices will be used to gather evidence for local law breaches, enhance community safety, and mitigate risks to staff.

The council says strict data protections are in place, with non-evidential footage permanently deleted after 90 days.

Tasmania

A Devonport mayoral contest is locked in for October, following state government reforms reducing the council from nine seats to seven.

According to The Advocate, former mayor Steve Martin will challenge incumbent mayor Alison Jarman for the top job.

Meanwhile, seventy-seven-year-old veteran councillor Peter Hollister has confirmed he will re-contest, aiming for the deputy mayoralty along with councillor Damien Viney.

Councillors Gerard Enniss and Leigh Murphy have announced they will retire.

Huon Valley Council has launched an initiative to streamline the reporting of dog attacks and promote responsible pet ownership across the municipality.

New signage featuring direct QR codes to online incident report forms is being rolled out at all designated off-lead areas. The council has also refreshed its online dog management hub to provide clearer guidance on local regulations, registration, and microchipping.

The initiative aims to give community members instant access to reporting tools on the spot while supporting shared space safety.

South Australia

An independent review into leadership and behaviour within South Australian local government has uncovered widespread issues, prompting urgent calls for reform.

Commissioned by the LGA South Australia, the Flinders University study outlines 10 key findings and 35 recommendations addressing bullying, harassment, and psychological safety.

The report establishes a roadmap for systemic, council-level, and individual improvements to strengthen governance and workplace culture across the sector.

Western Australia

The City of South Perth council has voted unanimously to request a further two-month extension for its state-appointed monitor, Gail McGowan.

But according to a report from PerthNow, there is some internal confusion over what has been achieved so far.

Acting CEO Anita Amprimo confirmed that an action plan has not yet been drafted, while the city awaits the completion of an internal psychosocial risk assessment.

The extension, which requires approval from the Local Government Inspector, would keep the monitor in place until August 17th at an ongoing cost to ratepayers of $900 per day.

The City of Vincent council has unanimously approved a 40.9 per cent rate increase for vacant residential properties in its upcoming budget, according to WA Today.

Mayor Alison Xamon says the measure responds to widespread community complaints regarding illegal dumping and antisocial behaviour on empty lots.

Exemptions will apply to land that has recently become vacant or properties holding an active building permit – the increase is the maximum differential rate allowed under legislation.

City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair has been recognised for nearly three decades of community service, receiving a Merit Award in the WALGA 2026 Local Government Honours Program.

The award was presented at the WA Museum Boola Bardip on Friday night, celebrating contributions to local government and the wider community.

Shire of Manjimup CEO Ben Rose has also received a Merit Award in the Honours Program.

Mr Rose was recognised for more than two decades of public service and leadership across regional and metropolitan WA, as well as in the UK planning system. He has been Manjimup’s CEO since 2023.

Global Report

NZ:

Waitaki District councillor Sven Thelning has reported death threats to police after backlash over a steep rates rise.

The Council is lifting rates by an average 22 percent from July 1, down from a previously proposed 45 percent increase to address a multi‑million‑dollar deficit.

CrThelning, who argued the higher rise was justified on the financials, was targeted on social media after claims he told struggling residents to use food banks.

The comments have since been removed and the page owner has apologised. Police are advising the council on safety, and a protest is planned for June 25, according to RNZ News.

The August 9 deadline is fast approaching for consolidation proposals in New Zealand’s local government sector.

The Whanganui Chronicle reports on Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton’s push for a “federation model”. It’s based on Greater Manchester’s framework which centralises operations while preserving local democratic representation.

However, neighbouring mayors say the timeframe remains too restrictive for full structural reform. The minister for local government, Simon Watts, says he won’t be commenting on any specific proposals before they are submitted.

USA:

In California, Oakland’s city structure faces a major overhaul. CBS News San Francisco reports that the City Council has voted to place a ‘strong-mayor’ initiative on the November ballot.

Backed by Mayor Barbara Lee, the reform would transition the council’s role strictly to legislation, while granting the mayor chief executive powers over city operations and administrative appointments.

The Mayor of Hamtramck in the US state of Michigan is suing his own city council following the controversial sacking of the city manager.

Mayor Adam Alharbi claims the council’s four-two vote to terminate Adel Al-Adlani breached the city charter and open meeting laws.

CBS Detroit reported that the legal challenge marks a period of significant administrative instability for the municipality, which has now seen four different city managers in less than a year.

A legal battle has erupted within Dallas City Hall, with two councillors filing court papers to hold the city manager and city secretary in contempt, according to CBS Texas.

The dispute follows a controversial nine-to-six vote to reject a five-hundred-million-dollar repair plan for the iconic council chambers, with councillors claiming administrative staff breached a temporary restraining order.

CANADA:

Canada’s Kingston City Council has voted eight to five in favour of renaming Indian Road to Aki Road—an Ojibwe term meaning ‘earth’ – due to a belief that the existing name is “outdated and derogatory.”

According to local media outlet Kingstonist News, the reconciliation initiative passed despite a localised survey showing significant resident opposition.

Some parks that carried the name will be renamed as well.

UK:

An election eligibility dispute is unfolding in Essex, where Rochford District Council’s Reform UK leader, Adi Malviya, faces social media allegations of election malpractice over his listed home address.

According to the BBC, Malviya’s declared road sits within the neighbouring Castle Point boundary, but his party maintains he qualifies through local consultancy work.

Rochford Council says it lacks the legal authority to investigate the matter.