When local government leaders have something to say, they talk to Chris Eddy on the Local Government News Roundup.
Check out recent special guests and interview features on this page.
4th March 2026: Stephen Yarwood, former Adelaide Lord Mayor, SA
25th February 2026: Robert Hicks, Curtin University WA
18th February 2026: Cr Frank Wilkie, Mayor Noosa Shire Council, QLD
4th February 2026: Greg McDonald, GM Upper Hunter Shire Council, NSW
26th November 2025: Georgia Forde, on barriers to gender parity
19th November 2025: Cr Martin Taylor, City of Whittlesea, Vic
12th November 2025: Sue Wilkinson, President, LGPro Victoria
5th November 2025: Cr Lisa Scomazzon, Mayor, Douglas Shire Council, QLD
31st October 2025: Fabian Dattner, “The Art of Celebration”
29th October 2025: Nat Traeger, CEO, District Council of Robe, SA
22nd October 2025: Mark Dupe, Interim CEO, Berrigan Shire Council, NSW
15th October 2025: Cr Paul Tatchell, Mayor, Moorabool Shire Council, VIC
10th October 2025: Anthony Doyle, Walgett Shire Council, NSW
8th October 2025: Ali Wastie, CEO, Greater Geelong City Council, VIC
1st October 2025: Cr Moira Berry, Chair Peri Urban Councils Victoria
24th September 2025: Cr Kevin Mack, Chair Regional Cities Australia
8th September 2025: Cr Adam Worling, City of Sydney, NSW
Stephen Yarwood, former Adelaide Lord Mayor
“From Urban Planner to City Innovator: Stephen Yarwood’s Journey” 4th March 2026, episode #558
Former Adelaide Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood shares his journey from urban planner to city innovator, exploring the transformative power of technology and AI in urban development.
Discover insights on smart cities, community engagement, and the future of local government in this engaging interview.
Listen at the 28 minute mark of episode #558
Robert Hicks, Curtin University
“An Unjust Burden – local governments filling the healthcare gap” 25th February 2026, episode #555
For too long, regional and remote local governments in Western Australia have been filling the gap left by a “market failure” in healthcare delivery.
This week on Roundup Extra, Robert Hicks from Curtin Medical School joined Chris Eddy to discuss the “unjust burden” facing our councils.
What used to be a responsibility for “roads, rates, and rubbish” has shifted into councils diverting ratepayer funds, in some cases to keep a single GP in town.
Listen at the 23 minute mark of episode #555:
Cr Frank Wilkie, Mayor Noosa Shire Council
“The Noosa Shire success story – converting short-stay properties to long-term rentals” 18th February 2026, Episode #552
Cr Frank Wilkie, the Mayor of Noosa Shire, discusses the challenges and strategies surrounding short-term accommodation in his community.
The Council introduced a Local Law in 2022 to manage visitor behaviour, and help strike the right balance between tourism and community needs.
Cr Wilkie shares insights on the effectiveness of the local law, the response from property owners and the tourism industry, and future measures to support key workers in the area.
Listen at the 21 minute mark of episode #552:
Greg McDonald
“Correcting misleading media reporting on a council’s financial position” 4th February 2025, Episode 546
The General Manager of Upper Hunter Shire Council joins Chris on the Local Government News Roundup to respond to recent misleading reporting about the council’s “breach” of the Local Government Act regarding the use of grant funding.
Greg assures the community that the council is not considering service or staff cuts, and calls for more appropriate funding mechanisms for rural and regional Councils.
He also addresses the leaking of an email that led to the media report in question.
Listen at the 26 minute mark of episode #546:
Georgia Forde
“Barriers to achieving gender parity among Victorian councillors” 26th November 2025, Episode 521
Despite significant advancements in recent times, many barriers remain that hinder women’s participation and success in political roles.
On Roundup Extra, Georgia Forde, a recent honours graduate in politics and policy studies, sheds light on these challenges, particularly in Victoria, where the quest for gender parity in local councils is far from over.
Listen at the 26 minute mark of episode #521:
Cr Martin Taylor, City of Whittlesea
“Tackling Illegal Waste Dumping” 19th November 2025, Episode 518
Whittlesea Councillor and immediate past Mayor Martin Taylor joined Chris to talk about his crusade against the scourge of illegal dumping. He is so passionate about the issue that he’s written a book on how tackle the increasingly costly problem.
He also provides his reflections on the first year of the return of elected councillors to Whittlesea, where he took over as mayor after the local government minister suspended Aidan McLindon from the role earlier in the year, preceding a Commission of Inquiry.
Listen at the 27 minute mark of episode #518:
Sue Wilkinson, President, LGPro Victoria
“The local government workforce of the future” 12th November 2025, Episode 516
Sue Wilkinson, the President of LG Pro Victoria and CEO of Yarra City Council, shares her insights into two critical strategies shaping the future of local government: workforce development and diversity and inclusion.
As local governments face numerous challenges and opportunities, these strategies offer a roadmap for fostering a more dynamic and inclusive workforce.
Listen at the 25 minute mark of episode #516:
Cr Lisa Scomazzon, Mayor, Douglas Shire Council
“The unique attributes and challenges of Douglas Shire” 5th November 2025, Episode 513
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon of Douglas Shire Council joins Chris for an in-depth conversation about local governance, community development, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing tropical North Queensland.
Mayor Scomazzon shares her path to local government and what inspired her commitment to public service; insights into what makes her region special, from its natural beauty to its diverse community; and how the Council maintains strong connections with residents and stakeholders.
Mayor Scomazzon’s passion for local government and dedication to her community shines through in this engaging interview.
Listen at the 23 minute mark of episode #513:
Fabian Dattner, the Dattner Group
“The Art of Celebration – Moving Beyond the Token Sausage Sizzle” 31st October 2025, Episode 511
In this conversation, Fabian Dattner discusses with Chris the importance of celebration in leadership, particularly within local government.
Celebration should not be limited to major milestones but should be an everyday practice that fosters engagement, belonging, and trust among team members.
The discussion also highlights the upcoming event on November 12th, which aims to connect leaders and share insights on effective celebration practices.
Hear the interview at the 28 minute mark of episode #511:
Nat Traeger, CEO, District Council of Robe
“Threats to financial sustainability of small councils” 29th October 2025, Episode #510
Nat Traeger, CEO of the District Council of Robe, discusses the significant funding challenges faced by local governments, particularly in relation to tourism and infrastructure demands.
The conversation highlights the disparities in funding allocations, the impact of tourism on local services, and the financial sustainability of the council amidst rising costs and heritage asset management.
Ms Traeger advocates for a fairer funding model that considers the unique challenges faced by coastal councils like Robe.
Hear the interview at the 26 minute mark of episode #510:
Mark Dupe, Interim CEO, Berrigan Shire Council
“A Victorian in NSW: Insights from an Interim CEO” 22nd October 2025, episode #507
Mark Dupe, former CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council in Victoria, talks to Chris about his transition to the role of interim CEO at Berrigan Shire Council, highlighting the unique challenges faced by rural councils in attracting talent.
He compares the governance structures and practices between New South Wales and Victoria, particularly in light of upcoming changes to meeting practices and the introduction of a new code aimed at enhancing transparency and addressing disorder in council meetings.
Mark shares insights on the implications of these changes for local governance and community engagement.
Hear the interview at the 24 minute mark of episode #507:
Cr Paul Tatchell, Mayor, Moorabool Shire Council
“Tackling Toxic Waste: Cr Tatchell’s Fight” 15th October 2025, episode #504
Cr Tatchell joins Chris to discuss the ongoing toxic waste issue in Moorabool Shire, highlighting the role of the EPA and local government in addressing environmental concerns.
He expresses frustration over the financial burden placed on the council and a lack of transparency from the EPA, calling for collaboration and common sense in resolving the issues.
He also shares his vision for the future of local government and theanupcoming summit aimed at addressing illegal dumping and waste management challenges.
aise awareness about illegal dumping and its impact on local communities.
The current legislation poses challenges for local councils in managing waste effectively.
Tatchell aims to mentor future council members and improve local governance.
Hear the interview at the 26 minute mark of episode #504:
Anthony Doyle, Walgett Shire Council
“Walgett Shire’s Crime Wave Crisis” 10th October 2025, episode #502
Walgett Shire Council’s Director Community Planning and Development, Anthony Doyle, joins Chris to talk about the crime wave in the small northwestern NSW town that has made national news headlines.
Anthony discusses the underlying social issues contributing to the crisis, and the role of local government in addressing these challenges.
He emphasises the need for long-term solutions to combat homelessness, youth violence, and community safety, while also reflecting on his experiences in local government and the importance of community engagement.
Hear the interview at the 23 minute mark of episode #502:
Ali Wastie, CEO Greater Geelong City Council
“Geelong’s Cultural Renaissance: the rise of ROAM Geelong” 8th October 2025, episode #501
Ali Wastie, CEO of Greater Geelong, talks to Chris about the growth of Geelong as a cultural hub, highlighted by the upcoming ROAM Geelong event.
The conversation explores the significance of Geelong’s UNESCO City of Design status, the strategies that have led to increased creative employment, and the replicable approaches for regional development. Ali highlights the importance of community events and the resilience of Geelong’s spirit, especially in light of the disappointment of a Grand Final loss.
Hear the interview at the 25 minute mark of episode #501:
Cr Moira Berry, Chair Peri Urban Councils Victoria
“Defining the Peri Urban Challenges” 1st October 2025, episode #498
In this conversation, Councillor Moira Berry discusses the challenges and opportunities facing peri-urban councils in Victoria, particularly in relation to housing development, agricultural land protection, and the need for government funding.
Cr Berry emphasizes the unique characteristics of peri-urban areas and the importance of defining them clearly to ensure they receive the necessary support and resources.
The discussion also highlights the significant agricultural contributions of these areas and the balancing act required to meet housing demands while protecting vital farmland.
Hear the interview at the 24 minute mark of episode #498:
Cr Kevin Mack, Albury Mayor/Chair Regional Cities Australia
“Revamping Regional Migration Policies” 24th September 2025, episode #495
In this conversation, Councillor Kevin Mack discusses the pressing need for policy changes to support regional migration and address the challenges faced by regional areas in Australia. He highlights the inequities in migration distribution, the critical shortage of workers in various sectors, and the urgent need for housing solutions.
Cr Mack emphasizes the importance of providing soft skills training for migrants and the necessity of understanding local government responsibilities in relation to federal and state policies.
The discussion also touches on the complexities of government relations and the need for a collaborative approach to improve outcomes for regional communities.
Hear the interview at the 25 minute mark of episode #495:
Cr Adam Worling, City of Sydney
“Urban Gardens, Desire Lines and Share Bike Challenges” 8th September 2025, episode #488
In this conversation, City of Sydney councillor Adam Worling discusses his advocacy for urban gardens and sustainability in Sydney, highlighting a recent motion to protect urban gardens from pedestrian traffic.
He also addresses the challenges of bike parking in the city, emphasising the need for clear demarcation and community education regarding shared bike usage.
Finally, he reflects on his rewarding experience as a councillor, emphasising the importance of community engagement and the significant responsibilities that come with the role.
Hear the interview at the 22 minute mark of episode #488: