Alliance turmoil, court action, and an outsourcing snag

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A council alliance loses a member
• A mayor granted an interim court order
• An election signage dispute could be headed for court
• A snag for a northeast council’s childcare centre outsourcing plan
• The passing of a long serving metro Melbourne councillor
• A new approach to combatting abandoned shopping trolleys
• A Qld council reverses course on EV infrastructure - again
• Plus CEO appointment news, council workers on strike, and councils under fire for promoting vaccine scepticism.

And much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from local government across the globe when it comes to Civility in Public life.

Councillors and staff are increasingly tackling issues stemming from rising levels of negative, abusive and sometimes threatening rhetoric. Hear from experts from around the world about what t Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas
In depth analysis of what’s happening in Israel—and why it matters everywhere.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Chapters

• 1:45 Victorian Roundup
• 13:28 NSW Roundup
• 18:44 National Roundup
• 24:50 [Ad] Boundless Insights - with Aviva Klompas
• 25:31 (Cont.) National Roundup
• 27:53 Global Roundup

Transcript

Buloke Shire Council has strongly refuted recent media claims about a supposed $100 million deal with VicGrid regarding the VNI West transmission project. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Council insisted that no such agreement exists.

The Council was initially part of a five shire alliance including Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, and West Wimmera. However, Northern Grampians Shire Council has since withdrawn from the alliance, citing differing positions on the VNI West project and the need to prioritise their farming community's interests.

The remaining alliance members are pushing for three key priorities: fair compensation for affected farmers, access to wholesale electricity prices for communities hosting new infrastructure, and investment in regional housing projects.

The Council said Mayor Alan Getley's recent comments were taken out of context by media outlets and that it maintains its commitment to protecting local interests and ensuring community consultation in any future developments.

Stonnington Mayor Melina Sehr has been granted an interim court order against the head of the local government watchdog group, Council Watch.

ABC News has reported Cr Sehr’s claims that she has endured six years of harassment from Council Watch President Dean Hurlston.

The Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard that Mr. Hurlston, who describes himself as a citizen journalist, allegedly engaged in behaviour including sending emails under false identities and making personal attacks against the mayor.

While the Magistrate found no risk of physical harm, she ruled the alleged conduct had caused severe anxiety to Cr Sehr.

The interim personal safety intervention order prevents Mr. Hurlston from approaching or contacting the mayor, though he can still attend public council meetings.

A three-day contested hearing is scheduled for June.

Further reporting on that story from The Age.

A dispute between the Liberal Party and Boroondara Council over election campaign signs may be headed to court, according to 9News.

The party has threatened action over what it calls “unlawful restrictions” at a pre-polling booth in Kew, where the council restricts signage to one A-frame per candidate but dozens of Liberal Party signs for candidate Amelia Hamer were displayed without permits.

The council responded by warning of potential $500 fines per unauthorised sign.

A dramatic turn of events at Beechworth on Tuesday night, where more than 100 community members gathered outside the Indigo Shire Council chambers fighting a plan to turn over the running of the Mayday Hills childcare and kindergarten centre to Alpine Children’s Services.

The Border Mail reported that just minutes before the council meeting was due to start, it was announced that Alpine Children's Services had withdrawn their application, prompting tears of joy from some of those gathered.

The Council had commenced negotiations on a lease after a decision in March, with a view to the new arrangement commencing in January next year.

However, council CEO Trevor Ierino says the situation is being reviewed, and the council will need to revisit the process before making any further announcements.

South Gippsland Shire Council has appointed Allison Jones to the Chief Executive Officer position, after an additional council meeting yesterday morning.

Ms Jones has been with the Council for nearly five years, as Director of Performance and Innovation, and serving recently as interim CEO.

She has held previous positions at Bass Coast and Latrobe Councils, and has prior experience in state government.

Ms Jones’ appointment marks the seventh Council CEO position to be filled this year.

There are eight more councils currently looking to fill a vacancy in the top administrative position.

One of those is Central Goldfields Shire. Its mayor Cr Grace La Vella has provided an update on the process to recruit a new council CEO this week.

Cr La Vella says over 20 highly credentialed applicants have put themselves forward, and that an appointment is expected by the end of June, if not earlier.

You can keep track of Victorian Council CEO appointments on the Local Government News Roundup website.

The Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos has unveiled the first mayoral advisory panel of the new council term.

The nine-member panel, drawn from urban, regional and rural councils across Victoria, will meet three times this year to provide strategic advice on key issues affecting local government.

Minister Staikos says the panel represents diverse local leadership from every corner of the state.

The panel includes mayors from metropolitan councils including Port Phillip, Glen Eira and Monash, as well as regional representatives from Warrnambool, Mount Alexander and Northern Grampians.

The advisory panel will focus on governance issues and other matters of concern to local government throughout 2025.

Hobsons Bay Mayor Daria Kellandar says she has received a response from the Attorney General to her request for the official release of a leaked local government inspectorate report about **Hepburn Shire’**s handling of the failed Rex Theatre redevelopment project.

In an update posted to her Facebook page, Cr Kellandar said the response did not address her concerns, and was “disappointingly short on detail or reassurance.”

Cr Kellandar maintains the report should be released to ensure no other Victorian council suffers similar governance failures due a lack of relevant information.

Yarra City Council’s recent Elizabeth Street Bike Lane Trial decision has been clarified at an extraordinary meeting.

The decision confirms widths for permanent protected bike lanes on both sides of Elizabeth Street, North Richmond, and will see the reinstatement of car parking spaces on both sides of street with parking management to be comparable to pre-trial conditions.

Proposed amendments from some councillors to complete a review of parking restrictions, and consider putting concept designs to community consultation were defeated.

The final permanent designs will return to the Council for approval.

Bicycle Network has [described the decision as “disturbing”](https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/newsroom/2025/04/24/yarra-city-flubs-elizabeth-st-vote/#:~:text=UPDATE 24 April 2025&text=In a bid to squeeze,the all-clear to proceed.) and has questioned the expertise that has formed the basis for the Council’s resolution.

A quick look at some more Council related stories getting media attention around the state:

The Mornington News reported on a vote by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to abandon its climate emergency declaration and associated $11.7m plan, over concerns about value for money and tangible outcomes.

The controversial decision was made by 6 votes to 5, and has drawn criticism from environmental groups and dissenting councillors who argue the plan was delivering measurable benefits and had strong community support.

The Shepparton News reports on what it describes as community confusion and disappointment after a decision of Greater Shepparton City Council not to proceed with a purchase of the Dhurringile Mansion site.

Mayor Shane Sali used his casting vote to break a 4-4 tie - the decision means the Council will not explore further options for the former prison site, which some hoped to see used for an equestrian, accommodation and tourism precinct.

The Ballarat Courier reports that a review of a Ballarat City Council's decision to terminate a $285,000 partnership with environmental group BREAZE has been underway for eight weeks, with no end date in sight.

The agreement was terminated over alleged anti-semitic tweets by a former board member.

The council says it is in discussions with BREAZE and an update will be provided once the process is complete.

The Age has reported on a campaign from around 30 Victorian councils which are opposing the mandatory rollout of glass-only purple bins across the state by 2027.

The councils have concerns over increased costs to households and logistical challenges, and are instead advocating for an expansion of the container deposit scheme to include glass wine and spirits bottles, similar to approaches taken in other Australian states.

Victorian Briefs:

Nillumbik Shire Council is launching a pilot Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) program for dementia care in partnership with Holstep Health, starting in July with 14 sessions over seven weeks.

The evidence-based program, which has shown success in the UK but is not widely available in Australia, aims to provide local and affordable support for people with dementia and their families.

Gannawarra Shire Council has cancelled the planned 22-kilometer Kerang-Koondrook Rail Trail project due to significant environmental constraints and projected costs exceeding $20 million.

The decision comes after two years of investigations into the potential development of the trail.

Former Mitchell Shire Council CEO Brett Luxford has been [appointed Chair of the RDA Hume Committee.](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/regional-development-australia-hume_we-are-thrilled-to-inform-you-that-brett-activity-7322518689474347008-63QI?)

Mr Luxford called time on his local government executive career last year after two decades, and is a previous foundation board member of Economic Development Australia.

Long-serving Darebin City Councillor Gaetano Greco has passed away.

Cr Greco served on the council from 2008 until his passing, including a term as Mayor in 2013-2014.

He was known as a passionate advocate for social justice and community engagement, particularly championing the preservation of Preston Market and supporting local businesses.

During his 17-year tenure, Cr Greco worked tirelessly to bridge cultural divides and promote equity between North and South Darebin.

He leaves behind his partner Susana, family, and a lasting legacy of community service.

Are you a young councillor wanting to connect with other like-minded people in the sector?

Register now to save your place at the launch of the VLGA’s Young Councillors Network – open to all Victorian councillors aged 40 years and under.

The YCN is the support group for younger councillors across Victoria, sharing conversations, key learnings, observations, and ideas.

We are excited to officially launch the network online on Thursday 8 May at 7:30pm, meeting your fellow YCN members and to discuss how the group can best support you throughout the term.

To register for the Young Councillors Network please visit the VLGA website to find out more.

Registration is free for councillors aged 40 and under from VLGA member councils.

National Roundup:

NSW:

Northern Beaches residents could see their favourite community events scaled back or canceled as Council looks to tighten its belt, according to the Daily Telegraph.

In a draft budget released this week, the Council has proposed cutting several popular events, including the World Food Markets and various holiday celebrations.

The move comes as Council awaits a decision on its controversial bid to increase rates by 40 percent over three years. Mayor Sue Heins says 'tough decisions' are necessary to maintain critical infrastructure.

The proposed cuts would see children's picnics and outdoor cinema events reduced, while vacation care centres face potential closure.

The Council says it needs an additional $255 million over the next decade for essential infrastructure improvements.

The NSW Government has proposed stronger penalties and enforcement measures to combat illegal tree clearing in urban areas, following sustained advocacy from Local Government NSW and councils across the state.

The proposed changes include increased fines, clearer compliance policies, and mandatory vegetation replacement requirements, which aim to protect urban canopy and natural environments while supporting councils' efforts to create cooler, greener communities.

LGNSW President Phyllis Miller said the announcement showed the State Government had heard and acted upon councils’ calls for stronger protections.

Willoughby City Council says it is seeking confirmation from the NSW Government regarding the delivery of promised community infrastructure at the Chatswood Dive Site, including a new school and public open space.

Mayor Tanya Taylor has expressed concerns about the site's future and is requesting clarity on public benefits, community involvement in planning, and project timelines for this significant development in the growing Chatswood area.

Liverpool City Council has unveiled a new solution to combat abandoned shopping trolleys across the city.

In a move described as "back to the future," the Council plans to trial a program providing subsidised two-wheeled personal shopping trolleys to residents.

Deputy Mayor Peter Harle says up to 500 of these "granny trolleys" will be made available, primarily targeting pensioners and those without private transport.

The initiative comes as the Council recently impounded nearly 1,200 supermarket trolleys in just two months.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun has called on other councils to consider similar programs, describing it as a "circular economy solution" to a widespread environmental problem.

The Council is also planning a crackdown on abandoned trolleys next month, with fines of up to $1,320 per trolley to be imposed.

A groundbreaking waste-to-energy trial is set to begin in New South Wales, where startup company ARC Ento Tech will construct a commercial plant at the Hawkesbury Waste Management Facility.

The Waste Management Review website reports that the facility aims to process 20 tonnes of waste per day, converting an impressive 85 percent of incoming materials into valuable resources such as biofuel, fertilisers, and livestock feed.

Hawkesbury City Mayor Les Sheather says the initiative comes at a critical time, with Greater Sydney's landfill capacity predicted to reach its limit by 2030.

He has expressed optimism about the trial's potential to extend the life of local landfill facilities and revolutionise waste management across the nation.

Region Riverina reports that Griffith Council is planning to implement a ticketless paid parking system at its regional airport.

Three suppliers have provided quotes for a license plate recognition system that will accept card payments only.

The initiative, part of the Council's efforts to increase revenue, is currently under investigation with updated quotations being sought and parking fees yet to be determined.

Council rangers are stepping up the fight against illegal camping on the Central Coast, with new round-the-clock patrols and hefty fines for offenders.

Prior to Easter, authorities were warning visitors that camping in residential streets, beach carparks, and nature reserves is strictly prohibited.

Rangers will now patrol seven days a week, including overnight, issuing on-the-spot fines of up to $2,200.

Repeat offenders could face penalties of up to $110,000 under the crackdown.

QLD:

There’s been a dramatic turnaround on the Capricorn Coast, with Livingstone Shire Council reversing a controversial decision to suspend the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in Yeppoon.

ABC News reported that the initial suspension came after Mayor Adam Belot watched a television report about environmental and human rights concerns in the nickel mining industry.

The decision sparked immediate community backlash, leading to a packed special council meeting where the suspension was overturned.

However, the supplier engaged to deliver the project has formally withdrawn its involvement, citing concerns about reputational risks and high Ergon tariff charges.

CEO Terry Dodds said the supplier would be informed of the council’s decision to proceed, and be given an opportunity to reconsider its position.

Noosa Council employees are expected to take their fourth strike action today amid an ongoing dispute over wages and working conditions, with union members demanding fair pay increases that reflect Noosa's cost of living.

The Services Union claims the Council's position is unsustainable given their $120.9 million in cash reserves, while also citing concerns over high vacancy and staff turnover rates.

The Sunshine Coast News reported that a meeting with Council CEO Larry Sengstock failed to produce a resolution. Mr Sengstock is reportedly frustrated that protected action is proceeding, ahead of another conciliatory meeting next week.

Cairns Council has welcomed ALP and Coalition funding commitments of $15M for a high performance training centre at West Barlow Park.

The facility is part of one of the council’s main advocacy priorities for a Major Events Precinct, and aims to make Cairns the pre-eminent destination for women’s sport in Australia.

Gympie Regional Council is seeking public assistance to identify illegal dumpers after a large quantity of waste was dumped near the Old Bruce Highway.

The council has received 75 illegal dumping complaints and recording over 78,000 litres of illegal waste this year alone.

The council estimates an annual cost of $15 million for waste disposal and is encouraging residents to properly dispose of waste at designated facilities rather than in parks, forests, or roadsides.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that Gold Coast City Council’s plan to clear a Southport tent city has sparked a dispute with its own staff over safety concerns while highlighting broader issues around homelessness solutions, with council moving to enforce compliance measures including potential fines of up to $8,060 for rough sleepers.

National Briefs:

Dr Felicity-ann Lewis OAM, former mayor of City of Marion from 2000 to 2014, has been appointed as chair of LGA South Australia's independent Behavioural Standards Panel.

Dr Lewis has extensive local government experience and was awarded an Order of Australia in 2021.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon, and Cr Damian Meadows, will attend a disaster management conference in Brisbane next month.

The Council said it is opportunity for the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group to learn from other local government leaders , with a focus on disaster preparedness.

The City of Melville has launched a free children's activity book called "Murals and More: A Canning Bridge Adventure" that features interactive activities centred around the area's public art and murals.

The book aims to encourage families to explore the Canning Bridge precinct while supporting local businesses through activities like scavenger hunts, colouring pages, and design challenges.

The Australian Local Government Association is calling on the next Australian government to provide a new $400M climate adaptation fund, for all councils to deliver sustainable place-based climate solutions.

President Mayor Matt Burnett said Australia’s councils are vital to meeting climate adaptation challenges now and into the future.

TAS:

Hobart City Council has formally voted to oppose the controversial Macquarie Point stadium project.

Pulse Tasmania reported that after more than two hours of heated debate, councillors decided the negative impacts of the proposed development outweigh any potential benefits.

The Council will now revise its submission to the Tasmanian Planning Commission, despite earlier economic analysis suggesting the stadium could deliver nearly $179 million in annual economic benefits.

Key concerns raised include potential damage to heritage sites, environmental impacts, and insufficient aboriginal consultation, and there are questions about the methodology used to calculate the project's economic benefits.

Huon Valley Council has issued an apology after wrongfully removing an election campaign billboard belonging to independent candidate Peter George.

Pulse Tasmania reported that the council had initially claimed the billboard at Castle Forbes Bay didn't comply with planning regulations, despite the same location being used by major party candidates in previous elections.

Council CEO Lachlan Kranz has admitted the removal request was made in error, following a second review which found existing billboards aren't subject to new electoral signage provisions.

The council has agreed to cover costs for reinstating the sign.

Burnie City Council has approved a motion to establish an LGBTIQA+ advisory group and develop an inclusion plan, despite opposition from Councillor Trent Aitkin who has received over 100 complaints since December regarding his anti-transgender comments.

The Mercury reported that the motion, put forward by Deputy Mayor Giovanna Simpson, aims to ensure LGBTIQA+ community members feel included and supported, with the advisory group to include local community members, representatives from Equality Tasmania, and other community services.

SA:

Several local councils in South Australia have come under fire from medical experts, accused of promoting vaccine scepticism.

Three councils in the Limestone Coast region - Grant, Robe and Naracoorte-Lucindale - along with their regional association, have passed motions questioning vaccine safety.

ABC News has reported the concerns of media experts, who emphasise that Australia has one of the world's strictest regulatory environments for vaccine testing., describing the actions as “irresponsible.”

The council motions stem from debunked claims about COVID-19 vaccine contamination.

Council leaders say they're merely responding to community concerns. However, some have admitted they lack medical expertise.

Charles Sturt Council wants greater powers to tackle parking issues caused by large vehicles in Adelaide's western suburbs.

The council has voted to approach the state’s Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis for a review of current parking laws, following ongoing complaints about trailers, boats, and caravans being stored long-term on suburban streets.

Council data shows that 111 fines were issued in the past year for oversized vehicles, with hotspots including Morley Road in Seaton, and the suburbs of Henley Beach and Findon.

The Local Government Association told the Adelaide Advertiser that current laws need updating to match changing suburban lifestyles.

Barunga West Council has decided to maintain its current structure of eight councillors and a mayor without wards, despite some public submissions favouring ward reintroduction.

The council will move to direct mayoral elections by the community starting from 2026, replacing the current system of internal election by councillors.

WA:

Jeff Gooding PSM has been appointed as Commissioner of the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley following the resignation of five councillors in February from the nine-member council.

The remaining offices of Council have been declared vacant by the Minister.

Mr Gooding’s appointment is until the October local government elections.

He has worked extensively in local and State government in the Kimberley region for 46 years, is expected to provide stability and good governance during this transitional period.

WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has formally apologised for breaching local government regulations during his recent state election campaign.

WA Today reported that the former Perth lord mayor was found to have inappropriately used his council position for political advantage by posting campaign material on his official mayoral social media accounts.

The Local Government Standards Panel ordered Mr Zempilas to make a public apology after ruling he had failed to maintain an appropriate division between his roles as lord mayor and Liberal candidate.

His apology has been published on the City of Perth's Facebook page.

The City of Cockburn has become Western Australia's first local government to install a zero-waste refill station, allowing residents to refill reusable containers with household and personal care liquids from WA manufacturers.

The initiative, operated by Skipping Stones Refillery, aims to reduce single-use plastic waste while supporting the local circular economy, with plans to introduce a refill reward rebate program for residents in the coming months.

Global Roundup:

UK:

A scandal has erupted at Lambeth Council as details emerge of a £90,000 payoff to its former chief executive who resigned following a drink-driving incident.

According to a report from The Times, Bayo Dosunmu stepped down from his £190,000-a-year position after being arrested at more than three times the legal alcohol limit last June.

Police reports indicate he fled the scene after crashing his Jeep in central London but was pursued by the other vehicle involved.

The revelation of the generous payoff comes at a particularly sensitive time for Lambeth Council, which is currently seeking a £40 million government bailout while facing criticism over its near £1 billion debt.

The council defended the payment, stating it covered notice period, unused holiday, and election duties.

BBC News reported that the leader of Thurrock Council, John Kent, has announced his resignation after serving as Labour group leader for more than two decades.

Kent steps down as the council grapples with a staggering £900 million debt, inherited from the previous Conservative administration's failed solar farm investments.

Despite citing progress in strengthening financial management and improving scrutiny systems, Kent acknowledged the council's position remains precarious, with a £74 million borrowing requirement this year alone.

His departure comes as Thurrock faces major restructuring, with plans to merge with Basildon under a new Greater Essex mayoral system. Labour councillors will select Kent's successor on May 21st.

A Doncaster Council employee has been dismissed following the discovery of a fraudulent scheme involving over £1,000 in unauthorised refunds.

The Doncaster Free Press reported that the staff member allegedly processed £1,033 worth of fake refunds, directing the payments to themselves and family members for services that were never actually provided.

The fraud came to light during June and July of last year when the employee's service manager uncovered the suspicious activity.

An internal audit investigation confirmed the fraudulent transactions, leading to the individual's immediate termination from their position.

The Council says it is pursuing recovery of the misappropriated funds.

Local elections are happening in England this week, with 23 council elections taking place, primarily for county councils, alongside four regional mayoral races.

Some planned elections have been postponed due to potential council restructuring.

The Guardian reported that the results will be particularly scrutinised as a reflection on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's performance, especially given that the last elections in 2021 occurred during a period of high Conservative popularity under Boris Johnson.

USA:

Los Angeles City Council was this week set to debate a controversial proposal that would ban certain offensive slurs during council and committee meetings.

Daily News dot com reported that the motion specifically targets racial and gender-based epithets that have been increasingly used by some members of the public during meetings.

While council members argue the ban is necessary to maintain decorum, citing the Supreme Court's "fighting words" doctrine, free speech advocates are pushing back.

Under the proposed rules, violators would face warnings and potential meeting bans. The council maintains these measures are needed to address what they describe as deliberate attempts to cause offence and injury.

CANADA:

Over forty Members of the new Canadian Parliament will bring significant municipal government experience to the House of Commons.

Chris Brown of the Cross Border Network has crunched the numbers, and reported that more than 12 percent of incoming MPs have served as mayors, councillors, or other local government officials.

The Liberal Party leads this municipal wave with over two dozen former local leaders, while the Conservative Party follows closely with twenty MPs bringing local government credentials to Ottawa.

A surprising move from Peterborough City Council in Canada, which has approved substantial pay raises for elected officials starting in the next term, according to Kawarthanow.com.

The council voted 8-3 in favour of increasing the mayor's salary by 60% and councillors' pay by 52%, taking effect in December 2026.

Under the new compensation package, the mayor's salary will jump to nearly $148,000, while councillors will see their pay rise to about $55,000. The package also includes a 17% boost to vehicle allowances.

NZ:

New Zealand’s mayors have been called on to join government efforts to lift school attendance.

Assistant Education Minister David Seymour has written to mayors across the country, urging them to use a new daily school attendance dashboard to raise awareness and spark local action.

He wants mayors to be champions for education in their regions, and lead conversations in their communities about the issue.

In the final term of the last school year, only 58.1% of students attended school regularly, which was an improvement of 5 percent on the previous year.

Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton has launched an independent investigation into a $700,000 overspend in the council's community and recreational services, with initial reports attributing the issue to wrong coding, consultancy costs, and over budget contracts.

Radio New Zealand reported that while there are no signs of misappropriation, the council may need to pause projects and reduce services to address the financial impact, with an investigation report expected within the next month.