Budget disappointment, alleged corrupt practices, and a mayor reprimanded

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Sector reaction to the Victorian State Budget
• Councils united against a new state tax - we hear from MAV President Jennifer Anderson on next steps now the legislation has passed
• Disaster support announced for 16 NSW councils
• A contractor fired from a council sports field project
• A tourism first in regional NSW
• A Queensland Mayor reprimanded for breaching behavioural standards
• The shocking murders of a city mayor’s personal assistant and adviser

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

Chapters

• 1:50 Victorian Roundup
• 8:12 Interview: Cr Jennifer Anderson, MAV President
• 18:09 NSW Roundup
• 24:41 National Roundup
• 30:36 Global Roundup

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

This week’s Victorian State Budget has failed to deliver much-needed investment for the local government sector, according to the Victorian Local Governance Association.

VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt the budget was disappointing, at a time when councils are facing increasing challenges to their financial sustainability and being asked to deliver more with less.

She said the VLGA will remain focused on leadership development, skills training and the good governance requirements of local representatives, despite not receiving any funding in the Victorian state budget for its programs.

For more on the VLGA reaction to the budget, Kathryn Arndt joins me on the upcoming edition of VLGA Connect, due out later today.

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has provided its initial response to the Victorian State Budget, highlighting positive aspects including a $145m overall increase in state funding to local government, $2 billion for kindergarten reforms, and $20m for community sports infrastructure.

While welcoming those investments, it has raised questions about road maintenance funding, planning system reforms, and infrastructure contribution changes, and will continue to analyse the budget's impact on the local government sector.

Minister Nick Staikos has announced a $200K funding boost for libraries, to support a young adult handbook, a winter reading campaign and other initiatives.

He also announced that author Andrea Rowe would be the inaugural Victorian Public Libraries Ambassador, who will work with the minister and Public Libraries Victoria to highlight the role that government plays in delivering library services.

Brimbank Council is pleased that the Victorian Budget 2025-26 has allocated significant funding for its area, with major investments including $4.14b for the Sunshine Station Superhub and $50m for the Calder Park Drive interchange.

Mayor Thuy Dang said the council is determined to work with the government to ensure that detailed timelines for delivery of the Sunshine Station Masterplan and Albion Station are agreed.

Funding for a Richmond Youth Hub and a Learning Bank has been included in the budget and welcomed by Yarra City Council.

Mayor Stephen Jolly described them as vital community services for ensuring residents of all ages are supported to achieve their full potential.

The council has also welcomed a state contribution of $200K towards a new all-weather synthetic futsal court at Fitzroy’s Atherton Reserve, the suburb’s largest open space. The Council is putting $100K towards the design of the court in its upcoming budget.

Greater Shepparton City Council has expressed disappointment in the Budget’s failure to fund key priority projects including the Shepparton Sports & Events Centre, Road Network Resilience Package, and a Regionally Significant Contemporary Public Health Service.

While the budget includes some state-wide benefits like free public transport for under-18s and free kindergarten programs, Mayor Shane Sali highlighted the lack of specific funding for regional cities and reiterated concerns about the new Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy's impact on regional communities.

Suspended Whittlesea councillor and former mayor Aidan McLindon has welcomed the announcement of the Commission of Inquiry into the council and its governance processes.

Mr McLindon said on social media that he would use the commission to “focus the light on corrupt practices, couple with unsound governance to protect the foundations of democracy.”

https://x.com/aidanpmclindon/status/1924749194813956377

Earlier this week, the Local Government Minister Nick Staikos announced the Commission of Inquiry would be headed up by Prue Digby and Jim Gifford.

Maribyrnong City Council is calling on the state government to invest in a dedicated public transport interchange in Footscray CBD to improve connectivity and support sustainable growth.

With Footscray Station being the busiest station outside Melbourne CBD, the Council is urging the State Government to prioritise the project, which would integrate bus, tram, and train services.

It is writing to all Members of Parliament and the Minister for Public and Active Transport seeking urgent action on the matter.

Victorian Briefs:

Bendigo’s share hire e-scooter trial will be extended for another 12 months, following a Council decision this week.

Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the council considered survey findings and feedback from stakeholders including Victoria Police and Bendigo Health.

Cardinia Shire Council has endorsed its first Advocacy Guidelines and Framework alongside a Community Advocacy Toolkit, aiming to strengthen both Council and community advocacy efforts for local priorities.

The council will use the framework to help identify and prioritise advocacy activities while providing resources to empower residents and community groups to effectively advocate for important issues.

The City of Port Phillip has been recognised for engineering excellence by IPWEA.

It’s been awarded the Public Works Project under $2M award for the Lagoon Reserve Sports Field Redevelopment in Port Melbourne in recognition of its comprehensive transformation, which included improvements to drainage, cricket facilities, and lighting.

The project, completed in October last year, turned a previously problematic space into a year-round recreational hub.

Eight mayors from Western Victoria have united in opposition to the State Government's Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy, demanding changes to ensure fairness for rural communities and proper allocation of funds.

The mayors of Corangamite, Moyne, Warrnambool, Colac Otway, Ararat, and Pyrenees came together on Wednesday to discuss their approach to the issue.

Southern Grampians and Glenelg Mayors have also thrown their support in with the group, which is calling for a reassessment of the funding model, improved communication, and compensation for councils.

In fact, pretty much every council in the state has added its voice to chorus of concerns about the new tax.

The MAV State Council has encapsulated those concerns in a broad ranging motion passed unanimously last week, and MAV President Jennifer Anderson joins me now to talk about what can realistically be done in light of the legislation being passed by the Parliament.

(Interview)

National Roundup:

NSW:

Disaster support has been activated for 16 council areas in the Hunter and Mid North Coast, as flooding continues and more severe weather is expected.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the federal government was working with the NSW state government to ensure support is available to those impacted.

She said the support includes emergency accommodation and helping small businesses and councils repair damages.

Once again we are reminded of councils as a source of vital information to affected communities during extreme weather events.

MidCoast Council has urged its residents to stay safe and heed emergency warnings, as widespread flooding continues to impact the region.

Mayor Claire Pontin said yesterday that food scarcity was becoming an issue with many communities cut off, but work was underway to get supplies through to these areas.

Kempsey Shire Council has issued a statement asking people not to go ‘flood sightseeing,’ warning that when vehicles drive through flooded areas, water is pushed into adjacent properties and homes which makes the situation worse for people who are already suffering.

There are multiple road closures across Port Stephens Council, with some areas potentially isolated for days to come. The Council is providing regular updates on its website, including cancellations and alterations to events and council services.

Dungog Shire has closed its administration building and library until further notice, and waste collection services are impacted due to road closures. Its waste facility is also closed to all vehicles due to current weather conditions.

Ku-ring-gai Council has reportedly fired the contractor responsible for a sports field project this week.

City Hub reported that the project to replace a grass oval with a synthetic sports field at Norman Griffiths Oval in West Pymble has been hit by enormous costs and delays.

Cost estimates for the controversial project are reported to have doubled to nearly $7M in four years.

A council spokesperson said the council has taken possession of the site, while the contractor is understood to be considering legal action.

Bega Valley Shire Council has responded to claims that a tiny house on wheels in Coolagolite is permitted under state regulations.

According to a report from Power FM, a couple has been living in the tiny house for two years, and the landowner has received an order to remove it or face hefty fines.

The council has confirmed such structures do require development consent and must comply with planning laws, despite tiny homes not being clearly defined under NSW planning framework.

The Mudgee Guardian has reported on a new chapter in tourism in the mid-western region of NSW.

Mid-Western Regional Council has launched the Destination Experience Department, bringing destination marketing and visitor services under council management.

The council voted unanimously to bring in the new structure, following the voluntary wind-up of Mudgee Region Tourism.

It’s been described as a game-changing model, which Council General Manager Brad Cam said has not been seen before in local government.

In Bathurst, it appears flags promoting an upcoming NRL clash have been stolen.

The Western Advocate reported allegations from Bathurst Regional Council that a number of flags were removed from historic lamp standards in the town last weekend.

The flags feature faces of players from the Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights, who are set to play this Saturday.

Mayor Robert Taylor said the game looks like being a sell out, as it was last year, and that the flag thefts were incredibly disappointing, with many fans having registered interest in purchasing the flags via a sale in the days after the NRL match.

Greater Hume Council has announced it has joined the Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils' Circular Organics project, which aims to divert food waste from hospitality businesses into FOGO bins instead of landfill.

The project enables the waste to be processed into improved compost for council grounds.

The initiative has been operational since January 2024 and is funded by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority.

NSW mayors and councillors will receive an increase of 3% in their fees from 1st July, after a determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.

The tribunal’s review found most council’s current category allocation remained appropriate, but determined to reclassify Mid Coast Council from Regional Centre to Regional Strategic area.

NSW Briefs:

The Central Coast Mariners women's soccer team, victorious in the A-League Women's Championship, will be honoured with a free public Civic Reception today, where they will receive a Key to the Coast.

The event marks a historic achievement for the team who secured their championship victory at AAMI Park just two years after re-joining the competition.

Lismore Council has surpassed $10M investment in water infrastructure upgrades since 2020, through its capital works water pipeline renewal program.

The council says the investment is a critical step in ensuring Lismore’s water network remains safe and strong.

A much-used stretch of path from Byron Bay’s town centre to the Cape Byron lighthouse is about to get an upgrade.

The NSW Government has announced $1.25M for a new footpath as part of its Get NSW Active program, news that Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said would be well received as it will complete a missing link in the area for pedestrians.

QLD:

Redland City Council has formally reprimanded its Mayor Jocelyn Mitchell for breaching behavioural standards after she made public claims about being "gagged" by changes to the council's media relations guidelines.

An investigation found that Cr Mitchell had misrepresented the purpose and nature of the changes, which only restricted councillors from acting as spokespersons for decisions they voted against or had conflicts of interest in.

The Courier Mail has reported on how the incident has highlighted tensions within the council, with some councillors expressing frustration over the resources spent on the investigation while others called for a return to focus on serving the community.

Over $13.2 million in personal hardship assistance grants have been distributed to more than 64,700 Redland City residents following Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March, which left 41,000 households without power.

The assistance has included $10.4 million in Emergency Hardship Assistance and $2.5 million in Essential Services Hardship Assistance, with support provided through Community Recovery Hubs that served over 4,600 residents across mainland and island locations.

Noosa Council CEO Larry Sengstock has been given the power to award disaster recovery contracts so that more than $4M of repairs to local roads can be completed swiftly.

The council gave the go-ahead for the emergency repairs at a special meeting on Wednesday, with around 70 roads needing immediate, and in some cases temporary, repairs after recent wet weather.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has amended its local laws to allow landowners to let family or friends live in caravans on their property for up to six months in a 12-month period without council approval.

The changes, as part of measures to address the housing crisis, include specific conditions such as requiring access to proper facilities and adherence to boundary setbacks.

The council will also permit the use of temporary homes on vacant lots for up to two weeks annually without council approval.

The changes will be in effect until the end of 2027.

TAS:

Huon Valley Council has welcomed a state government announcement of a preferred site for a new Cygnet Ambulance Station.

Mayor Sally Doyle said it was a significant development for Cygnet and surrounding communities and the council was looking forward to assisting with the delivery of the station.

The state-of-the-art facility will provide dedicated, purpose-built infrastructure for Ambulance Tasmania.

Circular Head Council is moving general waste collection from weekly to fortnightly from September.

The change is to support the rollout of a new FOGO service, and the reduction in the amount of waste sent to landfill.

The council said currently around 10 per cent of Circular Head’s household waste is diverted from landfill, while other Tasmanian councils with FOGO and recycling in place are achieving diversion rates of over 50 per cent.

SA:

Whyalla City Council has unanimously endorsed the implementation of a city-wide dry zone following a survey that received nearly 2,500 responses.

64.7% of respondents supported the expansion of the existing dry zone.

The decision comes in response to mounting concerns about alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, though the Council acknowledges this is just one part of a broader multi-agency approach needed to address the underlying issues.

The District Council of Peterborough will sell nine properties to recover unpaid rates later this month.

A public auction of seven houses and two vacant blocks will be held on 30th May at the Peterborough Town Hall.

The properties are reported to be in various stages of neglect and disrepair, and are expected to fetch no more than $80,000 each according to realestate.com.au

WA:

City of South Perth Councillor Mary Choy has resigned for personal reasons after serving since 2019 as Mill Point ward Councillor.

The resignation is effective immediately, and her position will remain vacant until elections in October.

Retiring Western Australian Parliamentarian Kyle McGinn has used his valedictory speech to accuse Shire of Dundas Council CEO Peter Fitchat of aggressive behaviour and standover tactics.

ABC News reported that he described an incident where Mr Fitchat allegedly "squared up" in council chambers.

Mr Fitchat has responded by characterising the interactions as "robust and frank discussions" necessary for addressing issues in remote local governments.

Mr McGinn also raised broader concerns about dysfunction in regional local governments, particularly regarding unelected CEOs using intimidation tactics to push personal agendas.

A 3.5% pay increase for elected members in WA will come into effect from July 1st, but not everyone wants it.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Council has voted to make a submission to the Salary and Allowances Tribunal, asking it to consider alternative options based on performance.

The Kalgoorlie Miner reported on the council’s debate about councillor workload and how some contribute the bare minimum while others put in significantly more time and effort.

The City of Canning says an eight week bin tagging waste education program has delivered a noticeable improvement in recycling behaviours.

The program covered more than 2100 households in randomly selected areas, with bins inspected fortnightly and feedback tags placed on them.

By the end of eight week period, 81% of recycling bins received a happy tag - a significant improvement from 54% at the start of the program.

Global Roundup:

MEXICO:

In a shocking daylight attack in Mexico City, gunmen have killed the personal secretary and an adviser to the city’s Mayor Clara Brugada.

The Guardian reported that the brazen assassination, which bore hallmarks of organised crime, has prompted strong responses from city officials including the Mayor Brugada and the Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who have promised a thorough investigation and vowed that the perpetrators will not go unpunished.

USA:

Chicago City Council has this week approved nearly $80 million in settlements across seven lawsuits.

CBS News reported that $48 million was approved for three men wrongfully imprisoned for 35 years and $15.5 million for a parking meter company affected by COVID-19 measures.

The settlements include cases ranging from police misconduct to corporate contract issues, with the city's lawyers arguing that going to trial could have resulted in even costlier outcomes for taxpayers.

In a dramatic turn of events for Roodhouse City Council in the US state of Illinois this week, where four aldermen and the city clerk have resigned following controversy over the police chief's demotion.

My Journal Courier dot com reported that the resignations came shortly before and during a meeting to swear-in a new mayor, leaving the council without a quorum and unable to conduct city business.

The newly elected Mayor Jim Riley is now working to fill the vacant positions and seeking guidance from the Illinois Attorney General's Office while dealing with pending bills and other municipal matters that require council approval.

UK:

Reform UK, which recently took control of Durham County Council in local elections, has begun renaming council departments to remove references to climate change and equality.

BBC News reported that the party's leader Andrew Husband has discussed plans with senior managers while facing criticism from opposition councillors who have warned about undeliverable promises.

They’ve expressed concerns about Durham becoming a "guinea pig" for Reform UK's governance experiment.

West Lothian Council in Scotland has confirmed that some personal and sensitive information was stolen in a ransomware attack earlier in the month.

It said a small percentage of data was stolen from its education network, which has been isolated from the rest of its network.

Herald Scotland reported that risk assessments have been conducted on child protection issues, and the council is working with Police Scotland and the Scottish Government on an investigation.

Garry Perry, who became leader of Walsall Council in June last year, has resigned with immediate effect citing a "campaign of political attrition" and personal hostility from within local government ranks.

He claims that he was being targeted not for wrongdoing but for refusing to engage in "patronage and self-preservation," describing the situation as "bullying dressed up as politics."

The Express and Star was among those reporting the developments, including his call for more principled leadership and for the public to carefully consider who they elect as representatives.

And the UK’s longest serving local government chief executive looks set to retire later this year.

The Local Government Chronicle and BBC News have reported that John Sinnott will leave Leicestershire County Council at the end of November, after holding the position since 1994.

It’s understood he had intended to step down in July, but has agreed to stay on until later in the year at the request of the council’s new leader.

NZ:

Tauranga City Council is considering disestablishing more than 100 roles as part of cost-saving measures, according to a Radio New Zealand report.

Deputy mayor Jen Scoular has said that about half of these positions are currently vacant among their 1300-strong workforce.

The council manages $8 billion in assets and has received over 1000 submissions on its Annual Plan 2025/2026, and is also reviewing its $41 million spend on consultants.

Auckland Council has announced a strategic alliance with the tech sector, aiming to establish the city as New Zealand's premier tech hub.

Mayor Wayne Brown wants to boost the city’s economic influence through innovations in food tech, medtech, biotech, and fintech.

Radio New Zealand reported on his push for the establishment of an Advanced Technology Institute to support local startups and prevent talent drain.