Result stands, flag furore, and a nauseating attack

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Result stands - VCAT rules on fraudulent votes in the city of Knox
• A flag furore at a Victorian council
• A council rejects a peer-reviewed flood study
• Retirement announced for Council CEOs in two states
• An advocacy win for NSW councils on fire service assets
• A Queensland mayor under investigation
• A costly by-election set for Mackay Council
• and e-scooters suspended after a pedestrian death in Perth

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

Chapters

• 1:50 Victorian Roundup
• 7:50 NSW Roundup
• 10:25 National Roundup
• 16:50 Global Roundup

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

VCAT has ruled that Knox City Council's Baird Ward election remains valid despite fraudulent votes.

This follows a separate decision last month that voided the Whittlesea City Council Lalor Ward election results.

The Victorian Electoral Commission said its safeguards had successfully detected multiple ballot paper returns in these elections, demonstrating the effectiveness of its integrity measures.

In a separate matter, VCAT has dismissed an application for a recount in the Latrobe City Council Yallourn Ward election, affirming that close results alone do not justify additional recounts.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has moved to ensure the inclusion of the Australian flag on its printed materials in future, after facing backlash over a kindergarten registration flyer.

Sky News reported that the council admitted to an oversight when the LGBTQ+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were used on the flyer but the Australian flag was not.

The issue was addressed as urgent business at this week’s council meeting, with mayor Anthony Marsh revealing he had received many calls about the issue.

The Council’s new CEO Mark Stoermer said the internal discussions were underway to have the relevant council policy changed.

Victorian Councils will be legally required to collect the state government’s new emergency services volunteer tax fund their through rates notices, according to legal advice obtained by the MAV and reported by the Weekly Times.

The advice confirms that councils will be obliged to put the tax on rates notices and cannot collect it through a separate invoice.

While the government has announced a one year pause on the tax increase for farmers, councils and farming groups continue to protest the levy and call for it to be completely scrapped.

The MAV is maintaining its position that the tax should be collected by the State Revenue Office and not councils.

More stories in the media this week:

ABC News has reported Warrnambool City Council’s rejection of a peer-reviewed flood study after councillors expressed distrust in the scientific data.

This is despite the investigation finding high flood risks in the area and recommending changes to the council’s planning scheme.

Although the council has abandoned the study, the data will still be used by state government agencies, insurance companies, and the council itself as the most up-to-date flood information available.

The Leader has reported on how Victorian councils are spending around $30 million annually to clean up illegally dumped rubbish.

Melton Council alone has collected 6,000 tonnes of waste per year at a cost of over $3 million.

The issue has become particularly problematic for clothing recycling companies like SCR Group, which spends over $1 million cleaning up dumped household waste around their collection bins and may need to remove some collection hubs due to rising costs.

ABC Radio Melbourne reported on safety concerns for beachgoers after more than a hundred pufferfish washed up at St Kilda West and Port Melbourne.

Port Phillip Mayor Louise Crawford has warned people to keep watch on their dogs due to the potential toxic nature of the fish.

Latrobe City Council has secured Victorian Government funding to install battery storage systems at leisure facilities in Moe/Newborough and Churchill.

The systems will provide backup power for critical circuits during grid outages for up to two days.

The project is part of a broader initiative involving multiple regional councils and supported by the Gippsland Alliance for Climate Action, aiming to create energy-resilient community hubs.

It is expected to be completed in 2026.

The City of Melbourne has approved plans for a new Waterways Operation Hub in Docklands that will serve as a refueling station for commercial vessels.

The hub will use recycled materials from Central Pier and Melbourne City Marina in its construction, according to Docklands News.

The marina will be located under the Bolte Bridge, with construction expected to commence within the next two years.

Victorian Briefs:

Swan Hill Rural City Council is launching a major transformation of the riverfront, including rebuilding the iconic Ten-Steps structure and addressing erosion issues along the Murray and Little Murray Rivers.

Work on the $2M project starts this week, funded through the Growing Regions Program and Flood Recovery Support Fund.

Gannawarra Shire Council's 2024 Annual Report has received a Silver Award at the 2025 Australasian Reporting Awards, marking its seventh consecutive year achieving this recognition for quality reporting and disclosure.

The report highlights Council's achievements in capital works, community grants, and events while adhering to Local Government Act 2020 requirements and maintaining an accessible format aligned with its Council Plan.

Greater Bendigo Council has announced a new bronze sculpture by renowned artist Lis Johnson will honour Barbara Rae, who was the top scorer in Australia's first women's cricket match in Bendigo in 1874.

The 1.9-meter-tall statue, to be unveiled late this y ear at the Queen Elizabeth Oval entrance, commemorates Rae's pioneering role in organising and leading the historic match that challenged social norms and raised funds for the Bendigo Hospital.

National Roundup:

NSW:

Coonamble Shire Council General Manager Paul Gallagher is retiring after serving just over two years of his five-year contract, according to the Western Plains App.

Mr Gallagher joined the shire in 2023 from Uralla Shire Council, and was previously Assistant GM of Engineering Services for 12 years at Nambucca Shire.

Director of Corporate Services Bruce Quarmby is stepping in as Acting GM while recruitment is underway.

A NSW Parliamentary committee has recommended that Rural Fire Service fleet assets should be legally recognised as NSW Government assets rather than council assets, following years of advocacy from Local Government NSW and individual councils.

LG NSW has welcomed all 14 recommendations from the Public Accounts Committee’s report, describing it as a significant win for the sector.

The recommendations include transferring legal ownership of the 'Red Fleet' to the RFS and updating the Rural Fires Act 1997 to clarify responsibilities between the RFS and local governments.

A comprehensive inspection of Shoalhaven City Council's 1,906 km road network has revealed that while 70% of road surfaces are in good condition, approximately 133km require urgent repairs.

The cost to carry out those repairs is estimated at $133 million, with additional sections needing reconstruction and surface replacement.

The data, collected using advanced laser measurements and other techniques, will help the Council to better prioritise road works and plan future funding.

A 12% rates increase from July will provide an additional $6 million for road maintenance.

The latest Albury Wodonga Visitor Economy report has shown significant growth in 2024, contributing over $1 billion in economic impact to the region.

The annual report, prepared by Albury Council in partnership with the City of Wodonga, reveals that visitors are spending more and staying longer, with domestic day visitors increasing their average spend by 66% to $265.

Overnight visitors stayed an average of 2.3 nights.

Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the results reflect the resilience of the tourism industry and the strong community spirit that makes Albury Wodonga such a compelling place to visit and invest in.

QLD:

Cairns mayor Amy Eden is under investigation by Queensland's corruption watchdog for using council resources to create her personal website.

The Cairns Post reported that at least two complaints have been lodged since the website was launched in March.

The controversy centres around the use of ratepayer money and staff, including her personal adviser Gavin King, to build the promotional site amyeden.com.au, which initially featured council logos and campaign branding.

Suspended Townsville mayor Troy Thompson's efforts to oust the city council appear to be gaining little traction, according to a report in the Townsville Bulletin.

Thompson, who was suspended on full pay late last year, is currently under investigation by the Crime and Corruption Commission over allegations regarding his qualifications and military service claims.

He has launched two petitions calling for the council's dismissal - one on change.org and another in the Queensland parliament - but both have fallen significantly short of their targets, with less than a thousand signatures each.

The suspended mayor is also suing council executives for $1M, claiming discrimination over his mental health and epilepsy - claims which the executives strongly deny.

Meanwhile, state government moves are underway to strengthen the CCC's powers to publicly release integrity reports.

Mackay ratepayers are facing a hefty $700,000 bill for an upcoming by-election following the surprise resignation of councillor George Christensen, according to the Daily Mercury.

The council has voted to request a postal ballot process, with Deputy Mayor Karen May describing the by-election as "unfortunate but necessary." The vacancy is expected to be filled within eight to ten weeks.

It will be the second by-election triggered by Mr. Christensen, following his previous departure for federal politics in 2010.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the postal ballot was the most cost-effective option to fill the vacant position.

When factoring in Mr. Christensen's annual salary and the by-election costs, his brief tenure since April 2024 will cost ratepayers approximately $850,000.

A bold new chapter for regional innovation and tourism in the Southern Downs is being hailed this week with the announcement of the planned transformation of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism.

To be known as The Precinct, Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said it was a major milestone for the region, and would elevate the college into a nationally significant hub for education, innovation and regional development.

National Briefs:

Shire of Mundaring deputy president Trish Cook has resigned following her historic election as the first representative for Bullwinkel in federal parliament.

Ms Cook served for eight years across two terms on the council, first elected in 2013 for four years, and again in 2021.

A deputy shire president will be elected at the council’s June meeting to serve until the end of the current term in October.

Port Pirie Regional Council is commencing a recruitment process after its CEO Peter Ackland announced his retirement from local government effective late July 2025.

Mr Ackland has been in the role since April 2018.

An interim Chief Executive Officer will be appointed soon to lead the organisation during the transition period.

Veteran broadcaster Keith Conlon OAM, known as "Mr South Australia," has been awarded the Key to the City of Adelaide by Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith in recognition of his 50-year contribution to storytelling, heritage protection, and community service.

Through his work on radio, television, and as chairman of the SA Heritage Council, Mr Conlon has dedicated his career to championing Adelaide's Park Lands, preserving built heritage, and sharing the stories of South Australia, including those of First Nations people.

TAS:

West Tamar Council has officially opened a $2 million redevelopment of Windsor Park, home to the Launceston Football Club for more than 50 years.

The upgrade includes new drainage systems, improved lighting, and a modernised playing surface, and was supported by a $74,000 grant from AFL Tasmania.

The project was officially opened last week by West Tamar Mayor Christina Holmdahl alongside representatives of the football community.

Meanwhile, Northern Midlands Council says it has been forced to permanently close the public toilet facilities at the Laycock Street Park in Longford due to extensive and repeated vandalism.

The park’s BBQ facilities have also been deactivated, as the significant damage to the park’s infrastructure has created safety concerns.

The Council said the actions of a few individuals have resulted in costly repairs, and while it knows the decision to close the facilities is disappointing and frustrating, it has exhausted all other reasonable options.

SA:

The Rural City of Murray Bridge has received two awards at the 2025 Local Government Professionals Annual Leadership Excellence Awards for its cross-council collaboration efforts in education and energy initiatives.

The awards recognise their Murray River and Fleurieu Study Hubs program, which provides regional access to tertiary education across six councils, and their innovative power purchase agreement with the Cities of Charles Sturt and Mitcham, which achieves both cost savings and emissions reductions.

WA:

An Auditor General investigation into six Perth metropolitan councils has revealed extravagant spending on council credit cards, including expensive dinners, champagne and oysters.

PerthNow has reported on calls for better guidance on purchasing card expenditure to protect public money after the audit was tabled in the Parliament last week.

No evidence of misuse was found due to a lack of clear policies, with varying controls in place at the the cities of Cockburn, Fremantle, Melville, Perth and Subiaco and the Town of Victoria Park.

The Auditor General has recommended councils establish clear guidelines for allowable expenditure, particularly for travel, alcohol, meals, entertainment and gifts.

The City of Perth is suspending e-scooter hire services following the death of a pedestrian.

ABC News reported that Premier Roger Cook has been briefed on the city’s decision to suspend services, which he described as an appropriate response.

The incident marks the first pedestrian death involving an e-scooter in WA, though it is the fifth e-rideable-related death since January 2024.

A 25 year old UK tourist has been charged with causing death while driving dangerously under the influence of alcohol.

Medical professionals have reported seeing daily serious e-scooter injuries at hospitals, while a recent Road Safety Commission review found concerning non-compliance with safety rules and widespread pedestrian concerns about e-scooter use on footpaths.

Global Roundup:

UK:

The UK Government has announced the allocation of a £7.6m reorganisation fund to support 21 council areas moving towards unitarisation.

Each area will receive a base payment of £135,000 plus 20p per person based on official population estimates.

Total allocations after population factors range from £257k in Worcestershire, to £542k for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southhampton.

It marks the first time capacity funding has been made available for reorganisation proposals, which the government says it is a demonstration of its commitment to local government restructuring.

Firefighters are threatening strike action in the ten council areas where Reform UK recently won control.

The i Paper reported that the party is planning to reduce pension benefits for firefighters and council workers.

Reform UK Leader Richard Tice claims final salary pension schemes are too generous and unaffordable for the public sector.

The Fire Brigades Union says it will fiercely resist what it describes as a “nauseating attack” on pensions.

Millions of bees that had been plaguing residents of a street in Warndon for over a decade have finally been removed after Worcester City Council took action to have an estimated 21 unmanaged beehives taken from a residential property.

While residents are relieved, Worcester News reported on lingering concerns about the possibility of the situation recurring, especially since there are currently no laws regulating the number of hives a person can keep in a residential garden.

USA:

The City of Los Angeles is developing a $400 million gondola transit system called LA ART that will connect Union Station to Dodger Stadium.

The system, expected to offer a seven-minute aerial journey above traffic, is due for completion for the 2028 Olympics.

GovTech reported that the project includes requirements for micromobility hubs and free rides for local residents, and demonstrates a growing interest in cable-supported transit solutions as an efficient, low-impact way to enhance urban mobility.

CANADA:

In British Columbia, Fort St. John City Council has retracted a resolution advocating against the decriminalisation of controlled substances.

The resolution had been approved to go to the North Central Local Government Association's annual general meeting, but the council now says there is a need for further research on the matter.

The council maintains that is still concerned about the issue, but it wants to better understand potential legislative changes before potentially resubmitting the resolution in the future.

Energetic City dot ca sought comment on the changes being legislated, but says no specific legislation was supplied.

NZ:

Auckland Council and SPCA have launched a groundbreaking pilot program offering free dog de-sexing services across ten priority suburbs to address the city's growing roaming dog crisis.

There have been over 6,000 reports of roaming dogs and 3,000 attacks in recent months.

The initiative, which began this week, includes free microchipping and vaccinations, utilising a new SPCA Outreach Voucher Portal to connect dog owners with 17 participating veterinary clinics in targeted areas.