$1.5B cost-shift, costly legal disputes, and amalgamation debate reignites

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Moorabool puts it case to VCAT over an EPA clean up order
• A fight to stop a proposed new McDonald’s restaurant in Darebin
• The Victorian Government denies a council’s kangaroo harvesting request
• A new report puts a number on government cost-shifting
• A tragedy in Townsville involving a council waste truck
• The cost of councillor conduct legal disputes revealed in Adelaide
• and the council amalgamation debate reignites in Western Australia

Plus Ballarat Deputy Mayor Cr Ben Taylor reveals the council's approach to collecting an unpopular state government tax.

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

Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com

On Tuesday, 22 July the VLGA and LGIU will host the next in its series of Global Executive Live Panels for 2025.

This webinar will explore the topic of Building the Local Economy and will be held online from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Panellists include:

• Dr Angela Jackson, Commissioner (Social Policy), Australian Productivity Commission
• David Marlow, Chief Executive, Third Life Economics 
• Merryn Tinkler, Manager Economy & Culture, Mount

Chapters

• 1:45 Victorian Report
• 11:11 NSW Report
• 14:58 QLD Report
• 17:05 SA/WA Report
• 21:13 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

Moorabool Shire Council has asked VCAT for a stay on an EPA order to clean up an illegal dumping site by July 25.

The matter was subject to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

Mayor Paul Tatchell said the tribunal gave the council a fair hearing, as it argued the EPA should use its legislated powers to remove illegally dumped containers.

He said the EPA indicated that if a stay is granted, there is a possibility it will do just that, an outcome that the council believes would be equitable in all the circumstances.

The tribunal’s decision on the matter is expected next week.

A battle is brewing in Melbourne's inner north, where fast-food giant McDonald's has submitted plans to open a 24-hour restaurant on what Time Out magazine recently crowned "the world's coolest street."

The Age reported that the proposal for a new McDonald's on Northcote's High Street has already sparked fierce opposition, with more than 1,000 locals signing a petition against the development.

The Northcote Business Association has also voiced strong opposition, with its president Andrew Mansfield warning it would "have dire implications" for local food businesses and "change the tone of what we are."

McDonald's Australia says the restaurant would represent a $2 million investment and create over 100 local jobs. The proposal, submitted to Darebin City Council on July 2nd, would operate 24/7 but wouldn't include a drive-through.

Darebin City Council has confirmed receiving the application, which remains in initial assessment with a decision months away.

It said formal objections cannot be lodged until the application is officially advertised, at which point the proposal will be evaluated against relevant planning schemes.

Yarra Ranges Council is disappointed with the Victorian State Government's decision to retain the municipality within the Kangaroo Harvesting Program's Gippsland Harvesting Zone.

The Council had formally requested the exclusion in May this year, but the Minister for Environment said analysis indicated a higher level of kangaroo harvesting activity in Yarra Ranges when compared to neighbouring councils.

The Council said it remains concerned about the program's potential impacts on local ecosystems and community values, and will continue to advocate for transparency, community consultation, and protection of the region's unique biodiversity.

Rural Councils Victoria is taking steps to ensure transparency for ratepayers in relation to what they're calling an "unfair" new tax. The Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy is being imposed by the Victorian Government, with councils required to collect it from ratepayers.

RCV Chair Councillor Rob Amos from Campaspe Shire has described it as "a rotten tax that should be scrapped."

RCV has created a template for rates notices that clearly identifies it as a government charge with a red box, ensuring ratepayers know exactly what they're paying and to whom.

The levy is expected to extract tens of millions of dollars from rural areas, though some drought-affected zones have been granted exemptions.

Councillor Amos said it is disappointing that councils are being forced to collect what he termed an "unjust tax" on the government's behalf.

The City of Ballarat is also looking to clearly delineate the levy on its rates notices, something Deputy Mayor Ben Taylor feels is important for transparency to ratepayers….

Cr Taylor was speaking to me about the Council’s process to deliver a budget with a zero per cent average rate increase. Look out for that interview on an upcoming edition of VLGA Connect.

Ballot packs are in the mail for the postal by-elections for North West Ward in Darebin City Council and Lalor Ward in Whittlesea City Council.

Voters should expect the material to arrive by 22nd July, and VEC is encouraging the return of ballots by 6 pm Friday 1 August.

Voting is compulsory for state-enrolled voters as of 21 May 2025.

Kingston Council has welcomed $28 million in federal funding to improve two traffic hot spots.

$25 million will go to upgrading the Thompson Road/Mornington Peninsula Freeway intersection, while $3 million has been allocated to the McLeod Road/Station Street intersection works.

While the Council appreciates the investment, it says additional funding will be necessary to fully address the bottlenecks and accommodate population growth in Melbourne's southeast.

Murrindindi Shire Council has secured $875,000 in Victorian Government funding for the $1.54 million Kinglake Memorial Reserve Oval Upgrade project, which will deliver comprehensive improvements including enhanced drainage, drought-tolerant turf, and a new synthetic cricket pitch.

The project represents a successful collaboration between Council and local sporting clubs, with Mayor Damien Gallagher noting that persistence was key to securing this competitive funding after two previous unsuccessful applications.

The Victoria Park soccer field in Daylesford will receive $269,780 from the Victorian Government's Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund to install 100 Lux level lighting for the 2026 season.

Hepburn Shire Council says the upgrade is important for supporting increased participation in sports, particularly among women and girls, noting that the club's membership has doubled over the past two years.

At Baw Baw Council, the Mayor Cr Danny Goss has moved a bereavement motion to extend sincere condolences to the family of Brian Davies on his recent passing.

Mr Davies was a Shire of Warragul and Rural City of Warragul Councillor from 1986 to 1995.

His service to the community included two terms as Mayor in 1990 and 1994.

Victorian Briefs:

Construction has officially commenced on the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre at Mills Reserve, a major project to replace the aging Dandenong Oasis.

The new centre, being built by ADCO Constructions, is scheduled to open in 2027 and represents the largest investment ever made by the City of Greater Dandenong, with $20M coming from the Australian Government.

Gannawarra Shire Council has reduced footpath trading permit fees from $65 to $10 in its 2025/2026 Budget to support small businesses in the municipality.

The 85 percent reduction aims to help local businesses manage increasing costs while promoting their goods and services to residents and visitors.

The City of Maribyrnong will soon have a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local facility, opening later this year, to provide free mental health support services without requiring GP referrals or Medicare cards.

The initiative has been welcomed by Maribyrnong Mayor Cr Pradeep Tiwari, who said it addresses a key advocacy priority for the Council following recent tragic events in Footscray.

VLGA Message

Registrations are now open for the VLGA’s Mayoral Leadership Program.

The program, now in its second year, is designed to equip mayors and deputy mayors with the knowledge they need to lead their council effectively and with good governance at their foundation.

It is now mandatory for Mayors and Deputy Mayors to undertake training at the commencement of each mayoral term. Under the new Victorian Government reforms this training must be completed by 31 December 2025.

The VLGA Mayoral Leadership Program will be held on Friday, 28 November from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Monash Conference Centre, 30 Collins St, Melbourne.

The full-day program will cover the roles and responsibilities of a mayor, the mayor-CEO relationship, how to chair a council meeting, managing difficult conversations, dispute resolution and effective communications and media training.

Places are filling fast so register now via the VLGA website. And if you book by August 1, you will receive an additional 10% off listed prices.

National Roundup:

NSW:

A Local Government NSW-commissioned report has found cost shifting from State and Federal governments has reached $1.5 billion annually, representing a 10% increase from previous years and a staggering $11.3 billion over the past decade.

The financial burden amounts to nearly $500 per ratepayer being diverted from essential local services like roads, libraries, and community programs to cover State responsibilities.

LGNSW President Cr Phyllis Miller OAM warns that councils are at "breaking point" due to this unsustainable practice, calling for genuine reform including regulatory changes and fair funding arrangements.

Eber Butron has been appointed as Lismore City Council's General Manager after serving in an acting capacity since April.

He succeeds Jon Gibbons who resigned for personal reasons earlier this year.

Mr Butron has been with the council since 2021.

Mayor Steve Krieg said Mr Butron will continue the work that Mr Gibbons started in improving the efficiency of Council operations and putting the organisation on a path back to financial sustainability.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun has welcomed the announcement of a major upgrade to the M5 Motorway jointly funded by NSW and Federal Governments.

The motorway will include a new three-lane toll-free bridge over the Georges River and improvements to key interchanges.

The project aims to reduce congestion and improve safety on this critical transport corridor that serves Liverpool's growing population and connects to Western Sydney International Airport.

An Extraordinary Meeting of Newcastle City Council has been scheduled for August 12, to address an application from Rising Tide to use community land for its People's Blockade event later this year.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said he had called the special meeting to ensure timely consideration of the application, and allow thorough debate before Council makes its decision.

The application requests use of Richardson Park and Camp Shortland.

Wagga Wagga City Council is hopeful of securing a long-term lease for the local airport from the Royal Australian Air Force, with an expected outcome around September after submitting a proposal in June.

The council has been in negotiations with Defence for over 12 months, seeking a lease that would enable further investment and position them to apply for federal and state grant funding.

If successful, WWCC plans to develop a long-term master plan for the entire airport precinct and complete detailed designs for the overdue airport terminal upgrade.

NSW Briefs:

Blue Mountains City Council has introduced a solar panel recycling program at its Blaxland and Katoomba facilities, charging $15 for undamaged panels and $20 for damaged ones.

The program will divert solar panels from landfill, with over 90% of components to be recycled or reused in the circular economy.

The May flooding event has damaged a partially constructed bridge at Melville.

Maitland City Council said it has caused a delay of at least four months to the $8.2 million project jointly funded by Council and state and federal governments.

Once completed, the new bridge will be stronger and taller than the original structure, significantly reducing flood-related closures.

West Wyalong High School students are partnering with Bland Shire Council to gain hands-on experience in parks and gardens maintenance.

The initiative is part of Council's youth engagement strategy, fostering community pride and showcasing career opportunities in local government.

QLD:

An 85-year-old woman died after being struck by a Townsville City Council garbage truck in Bushland Beach.

ABC News reported that the incident occurred just after midday on Wednesday.

The Council’s CEO Joe McCabe said the Council is cooperating fully with investigations by Queensland Police Service and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

Mr McCabe said that safety remains the Council’s top priority while expressing sympathy for those affected.

He said no further comment would be made during the investigation process.

Sunshine Coast Council is pushing ahead with the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade, a 1.6km project designed to reduce congestion at a major intersection, despite community petitions for an independent review.

Sunshine Coast News reported that the project has been hit by delays, originally intended to be completed by late last year.

Construction is now expected to start late this year with completion targeted for 2027.

A Scenic Rim Council advisory committee has reiterated its support for Lake Wyaralong as the ideal venue for rowing events in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The committee, which includes Olympian Madeleine Haselgrove, has welcomed findings from the recent Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority review that found previous concerns about the venue have been successfully addressed.

Committee Chair and former NRL player, Councillor Marshall Chalk, said Lake Wyaralong represents the most cost-effective option while providing a lasting legacy for Queensland's sporting community.

Accommodation for more than 1,500 athletes and officials has now been secured within a 35-minute travel radius of the venue, addressing earlier logistical concerns.

The purpose-built rowing facility continues to host premier rowing events and is located within the South East Queensland Olympic Zone, less than an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

SA:

In Adelaide, a city councillor's legal battle has raised questions about ratepayer funds being used for internal disputes.

As reported by InDaily this week, Adelaide City Council has spent nearly forty thousand dollars in legal costs related to complaints brought by Councillor Henry Davis.

Those figures were revealed at Tuesday's council meeting.

Cr Davis took the council to the Supreme Court after being investigated for sending a two-word text message during a council meeting, which violated updated meeting procedures. The court dismissed Davis' application for judicial review in March.

Deputy Lord Mayor Phillip Martin raised concerns about the costs, which include the $39,113 in direct legal expenses, and other costs covered by insurance.

Councillor Davis, who is currently overseas, defended his legal action in a statement, saying he 'hoped to set a precedent' to protect councillors from 'abuse of process' and called for reforms to dismiss 'trivial or vexatious' complaints.

WA:

The Shire of Coolgardie says it has terminated CEO James Trail's employment following an Auditor General's report that identified serious financial mismanagement issues.

Mr. Trail had been suspended since November 2024 amid workplace culture allegations.

Aaron Cook will continue as Acting CEO while the Shire works to address what Shire President Malcolm Cullen called unprecedented financial and reputational damage.

Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel has stirred debate by claiming Western Australia has excess local governments.

ABC News reported that he is advocating for Bunbury to merge with neighbouring shires.

Miguel has told a local podcast that Bunbury ratepayers unfairly fund regional facilities used by surrounding areas, and he sees consolidation as inevitable.

Dardanup Shire President Tyrrell Gardiner opposes the idea, concerned smaller communities would lose representation and calling Cr Miguel's proposal an "attempt to retain influence."

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has confirmed the government’s position that no forced amalgamations are planned, and any mergers should be voluntary, a position that is shared by the WA Local Government Association.

A consortium of Perth councils has launched a pioneering regional fox management program to combat the increasing threat to native wildlife, particularly after recent extreme weather conditions heightened animal vulnerability.

WA Today reported that the Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance is establishing monitoring sites and coordinating control efforts across municipal boundaries, demonstrating how collaboration can improve outcomes and reduce costs compared to individual council initiatives.

The alliance comprises the councils of Rockingham, Cockburn, Kwinana, Fremantle, East Fremantle and Melville.

National Briefs:

Clarence City Council has commenced work on a new 1.5 hectare sensory off-lead dog park in Cambridge.

The Mercury reported it’s the first major part of a master plan for the suburb, and is set to open early next year.

The NT News reports on a change of policy at the City of Darwin with regard to land disposal.

Any proposed sale of public land must now be subject to a minimum four week’s notice period during which residents can have a say.

The consultation will not be binding, but will be reported to the council before it makes a final decision.

Global Roundup:

NZ:

The NZ Local Government Commission has decided to investigate reorganisation of local government in the Southland Region following a reorganisation initiative from Southland District Council proposing two unitary authorities.

The Commission has determined there is sufficient potential to improve local government in Southland.

The next step will be to draft, adopt and notify an investigation process in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Wellington City Council has released its pre-election report, highlighting significant challenges including rates affordability, infrastructure needs, community engagement, and impacts of Central Government reforms.

The report is produced to inform potential candidates and voters about the city's current state and future opportunities.

Candidate nominations are open now until August 1.

UK:

Birmingham City Council has confirmed that it has ended negotiations with the Unite union over a long running bin dispute.

Council Leader John Cotton said Unite has rejected all offers, and the council will now press ahead to address its equal pay risk and make improvements to the waste service.

Unite claims the council is using 'fire and rehire' tactics and warns strikes may continue through Christmas and beyond.

Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council have requested to defer the proposed 2026 Cumbria Mayoral Election to May 2027.

It says a deferral would save around £1 million and align with local council elections, as well as provide more preparation time for establishing a new combined authority.

The UK Government has yet to confirm if statutory tests for devolution have been met.

Camden Council is facing potential legal action from a resident backed by the Christian Legal Centre over its Transgender Awareness Crossing, which was painted in the transgender pride flag colors of pink, blue, and white.

Local gov dot co dot uk reported that the council intends to reject arguments that the crossing breaches equality duties, maintaining that it serves as an important visual statement celebrating Camden's LGBTQ+ community and history.

USA:

In Pigeon Forge, TN a changing of the guard at City Hall as former Mayor David Wear steps into the role of city manager following the retirement of Earlene Teaster, Tennessee's longest-serving city manager.

The Mountain Press reported that Wear was unanimously selected by his fellow commissioners and has officially accepted the position.

He has served on the city commission since 2009 and has been mayor since 2011.

The transition sees Wear trading his ceremonial duties as mayor for the day-to-day operational responsibilities of running the popular tourist destination. Vice Mayor Kevin McClure is expected to step into the mayoral role until the next election.

City officials will now begin the process of appointing someone to complete Wear's commission term, which runs through 2027.