Dog attack alarm, funding wins, and more industrial action

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Alarm over a disturbing increase in dog attacks in East Gippsland
• The growth of data centres raises water concerns in Hume
• An admission that a controversial roundabout should never have been built
• Funding wins for five regional NSW Councils
• Compensation calls for sacked Ipswich councillors rejected
• Industrial action launched against a Tasmanian council
• A long serving South Australian council CEO to step down
• A Port Hedland councillor pushing back against government intervention
• And jail for UK worker convicted of fraud against multiple councils

Plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no matter their size or location, the VLGA is offering a special Councillor Professional Development (CPD) Intensives series.

Partner with three other councils and save more than 50% off the minimum cost of completing all 13 modules in Year 1.

Chapters

• 0:54 Victorian Report
• 7:49 NSW Report
• 12:30 QLD Report
• 14:28 TAS/SA/WA Report
• 21:31 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

East Gippsland Shire Council has sounded the alarm over a disturbing increase in dog attacks, with more than 13 incidents reported since early July. The attacks have resulted in injuries requiring hospital treatment, harm to other animals, and in some tragic cases, the death of beloved pets.

The Council says most incidents occur when dogs escape from their owners' properties or when they're allowed to roam off-leash in public areas. It is reminding residents that dogs must be leashed in all parks and reserves across East Gippsland, particularly near paths, playgrounds, and waterways.

Council officers are now conducting regular patrols and warning that owners of unleashed or aggressive dogs could face significant fines.

Hume City Council is developing a framework to manage the environmental impact of data centres, after seven water applications in its municipality were made to Yarra Valley Water that could consume significant water resources.

ABC News reported that the data centres need large amounts of water for cooling, with one application near Mickleham approved to use enough water annually to supply 66,000 residents.

The council has raised concerns about the planning process and the conflict between data centre development and housing needs, calling for greater state government oversight.

The Victorian Government has approved a controversial development in Riddells Creek that will add 1360 homes and approximately 3800 new residents, effectively doubling the size of the township.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council and local residents oppose the plan, arguing it fails to respect the area's semi-rural character and lacks sufficient infrastructure improvements.

Despite the objections, the government has proceeded with minimal changes to the original proposal, citing the need to boost housing supply while promising a new community centre, recreation reserve upgrades, and affordable housing options.

Corangamite Shire Council has approved a 40% rebate on this year’s rates and municipal charges for drought-affected farmers, funded by a $5.27 million allocation from the State Government's drought support package.

The uniform rebate applies to all properties with a 'Farm' rate classification and aims to provide cashflow relief for agricultural businesses struggling after years of drought conditions, despite recent superficial improvements in pasture appearance.

Horsham Rural City Council and Ararat Rural City Councils are intensifying lobbying efforts to pressure state and federal governments for further funding to complete the Western Highway duplication, a project delayed since 2018.

They are among a group of councils supporting a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council meeting in October, urging immediate resumption of the Western Highway duplication project between Buangor and Ararat.

Despite being Australia's third-busiest interstate freight route, only 38% of the 408km highway to the South Australian border has been duplicated since works began in 1972.

The councils say recent accidents highlight the urgent need for completion.

Moyne Shire Council is bringing forward five motions at the upcoming Municipal Association of Victoria State Council meeting in October, addressing issues including early years infrastructure, road funding, volunteerism, and renewable energy benefits.

The motions advocate for a more equitable approach to funding rural councils with extensive road networks and infrastructure needs, rather than population-based formulas that disadvantage rural areas.

Kingston Council is challenging the Suburban Rail Loop's plans for Sir William Fry Reserve, arguing that the proposed replacement open space does not adequately compensate for areas lost to the new station and future development.

The Council has made a submission requesting several improvements including a playground upgrade, a regional-level skate park, relocated public toilets, and lake and drainage enhancements to better serve the growing community.

Mayor Georgina Oxley said a greater level of investment was required to ensure the reserve was able to serve the thousands of new residents and visitors that SRL will add to the area.

Wyndham City is strengthening its international connections with a September delegation to China, fully funded by a $20,000 grant from Sister Cities Australia.

Representatives will visit Changzhou and Shanghai to explore opportunities in education, enterprise, innovation, and tourism.

The visit aims to foster collaboration with Changzhou, a major Chinese city of 5.3 million people located in Victoria's Sister State of Jiangsu Province, building on their 2019 Friendly City Agreement and creating pathways for cultural exchange, educational partnerships, and economic development.

Victorian Briefs:

The former GM of Edward River Council has rejoined the senior executive ranks in Victorian local government.

Phil Stone, who left Edward River in early 2024, is joining Mildura Rural City Council and will be in charge of the strategy and growth portfolio.

Mr Stone previously held second level roles at Latrobe and South Gippsland Councils before heading across the border to Edward River in 2020.

The City of Ballarat is partnering with Ballarat Community Health, and Royal South Street Society on a new anti-vaping campaign targeting young performers during the 2025 Royal South Street Eisteddfod.

The theme for the campaign is "Own your dreams. Not the vape."

It aims to address rising vaping rates among young Australians, particularly young women, and highlights how vaping can damage performers' ability to sing, dance, or play at their best.

Moyne Shire Council has renewed its tourism commitment by signing a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Ltd, partnering with four other councils to strengthen the visitor economy through coordinated marketing and development efforts.

The strategic partnership will support sustainable tourism growth across the region, which currently welcomes over 370,000 visitors annually.

VLGA Message:

Places are filling fast for the VLGA’s Mayoral Leadership Program.  Book now to secure your place.

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 and directly aligns with the state governments mandatory professional development requirements.

National Roundup:

NSW:

Liverpool City Council’s CEO has admitted that a controversial diamond-shaped roundabout in Sydney's south-west, which cost nearly $140,000 to build and remove, should never have been constructed in the first place.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on heated discussions at the Council’s meeting this week about the so-called "Diamondabout" which confused drivers and was painted over just eight days after installation.

Mr Breton acknowledged the process was "unsatisfactory" and promised that lessons had been learned.

Muswellbrook Shire Council has appealed to the Federal Government for urgent reform after the Dartbrook Mine collapse left local businesses owed over $5 million and workers without entitlements.

Mayor Jeff Drayton said the situation highlights how billion-dollar corporations can evade responsibilities while small businesses face bankruptcy, and Australian taxpayers cover workers' entitlements through the Fair Entitlements Guarantee.

The council is engaging directly with Dartbrook’s administrators, receivers and managers, as well as making representations to stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Council has reportedly voted to pursue a Special Rate Variation application with IPART to address the anticipated loss of approximately 25% of its rate base due to the upcoming mine closures by 2030.

PowerFM reported that the Council is wanting to ensure mining companies pay a "fairer share" while protecting residents and local businesses from increased rate burdens.

Community consultation begins next month, with potential implementation in the 2026/27 financial year if approved.

Leeton Shire Council's eagerly anticipated Financial Sustainability Report has been tabled, revealing long-term financial sustainability concerns despite no immediate liquidity issues.

It finds that projected budget deficits pose serious risks to the general fund.

The Council is establishing a Financial Sustainability Advisory Committee chaired by Professor Drew to examine findings and pursue recommendations tailored to Leeton Shire's unique circumstances.

Community members interested in serving on the committee must submit Expressions of Interest by September 15, 2025, to help shape practical, affordable, and sustainable solutions.

Leeton Shire is one of five regional NSW Councils are among the recipients sharing in $16.3 million in funding from the NSW Sustainable Communities Program, designed to counteract impacts of water buybacks in the Southern Basin.

The council will receive more than $2M to complete stage two of the Roxy Theatre upgrade and establish the Roxy Institute of Performing Arts.

Murray River Council received over $1 million for CBD redevelopment in Moama, while $3M will go to Griffith City Council for CBD and local tourism improvements.

Balranald and Carrathool Shires will also receive funds for various infrastructure upgrade projects.

Development application assessment timeframes have been slashed at Georges River Council.

The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reported this week that figures show 46 per cent of applications were determined within a 115 day assessment period required by the Planning Minister, up from 12 per cent in March.

The average number of days to assess applications has fallen from an average of 209 days to 128.

Lismore City Council is waiving developer contributions for secondary dwellings until June 2027 as part of its Affordable and Diverse Housing Incentives Policy.

The move will potentially save residents thousands of dollars when building granny flats in urban areas.

The waiver can be combined with the $15,000 Housing Grant Program for eligible applicants.

The council is hoping its policy will stimulate housing options that are in demand but not being delivered by the market.

NSW Briefs:

Kiama Council has received $200,000 from the NSW Government to develop a Night-Time Economy Strategy and trial a Special Entertainment Precinct in the CBD, which was a priority in Council's State Government Advocacy Plan.

Mayor Cameron McDonald welcomed this funding as an opportunity to support live music and strengthen the hospitality sector.

Armidale Regional Council has partnered with Homes NSW to explore housing development at two sites, including the former Duval High School, with potential for up to 150 new homes featuring a mix of social, affordable, and private housing.

The initiative responds to housing market pressures and aligns with Council's growth strategy, though the project remains in discovery phase with public consultation to follow.

The Office of Local Government (OLG) is seeking feedback on draft Procurement Guidelines for NSW councils, which will replace outdated Tendering Guidelines and provide best practice principles for council procurement activities.

Additionally, OLG is inviting expressions of interest from procurement professionals to join a Working Group that will contribute to the Guidelines and develop supplementary guidance materials that address various procurement topics and risks.

QLD:

The Queensland government and the opposition have rejected calls for an apology and compensation for Ipswich councillors who were sacked following a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation in 2018.

The motion for compensation was passed at a local Labor party policy conference despite objections from the current Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding, who called it "backward thinking" and not focused on the community.

ABC News reported that both current political leaders dismissed the issue, with Opposition Leader Steven Miles calling it "water under the bridge" and Premier David Crisafulli confirming the matter wasn't on the government's radar.

The City of Moreton Bay has spent over $1.4 million in the past year enforcing its controversial homelessness policies, according to a council report released this week.

ABC News reported that the bulk of the funds—some $855,000—went toward wages for rangers and health officers, with an additional $232,000 paid to contractors for camp demolitions.

The council also spent $175,000 on police protection for staff, citing 226 near-miss assault incidents involving homeless individuals last year.

The enforcement measures come as the council prepares to defend its anti-camping laws in the Supreme Court this November, following a challenge by Basic Rights Queensland.

Redland City Council has commissioned a top-tier external review of its operations to identify efficiencies and cost savings in the face of financial pressures to fund major infrastructure projects.

The Courier Mail reported that the review, likely to be conducted by a major accounting or consultancy firm, will examine everything from service delivery to staffing levels.

Council leadership insist that any staff reductions would only occur through natural attrition or redeployment.

TAS:

The Australian Services Union has launched industrial action against Derwent Valley Council, including work stoppages and service disruptions, according to New Norfolk News.

It comes as the union and council are in dispute over wages, with the union demanding a 4.5% increase while the council has offered 2.5%.

The council's general manager Ron Sanderson maintains the offer is reasonable given the current inflation rate of 1.4%.

SA:

Former Adelaide City councillor Carmel Noon will make her return to Town Hall after winning a seat in the Central Ward by-election. The special election was called after the District Court ruled the 2022 result was affected by illegal practices.

The Adelaide Advertiser reported on the results of the poll.

It said Ms Noon was the first candidate to reach the quota, and will be joined by three other successful candidates: Patrick Maher, a public service employee who campaigned for the city's entertainment culture; Alfredo Cabada, an entrepreneur and the only successful candidate affiliated with a political party; and urban planner Eleanor Freeman.

Notable candidates who missed out include former deputy mayor David Elliott and outspoken former councillor Anne Moran, who had served 27 years in local government.

Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith welcomed the incoming councillors, noting they bring "a valuable mix of urban planning, business and community advocacy experience" to the chamber.

The by-election follows a successful court challenge by former councillor Alexander Hyde, who proved the previous election included voter harvesting. The new councillors will take their seats in September.

Light Regional Council's Chief Executive Officer, Richard Dodson, is leaving after more than 15 years of service, during which he oversaw township renewals, championed rural road sealing, and secured millions in grant funding.

The Council will begin recruiting for a new CEO, with an interim CEO to be appointed before Mr Dodson's departure on September 26, 2025.

The SA Local Government Boundaries Commission recommendation to transfer five areas to Gawler from neighbouring councils has been estimated to bring the council an additional $3.3M in annual rates revenue.

The areas proposed to move into Gawler include the massive Concordia development site currently within Barossa Council's territory.

If approved, these changes would initially bring Gawler an additional $3.3 million in annual rates revenue, but this figure could soar to $45 million once the planned 10,000-home Concordia development is completed.

Barossa Council Mayor Michael "Bim" Lange has expressed strong disappointment with the recommendations, stating his council has invested nearly two decades of planning around the Concordia project.

He has told Adelaide Now that after investing enormous amounts of resources into the Concordia project, the commission document “chops us off at the legs.”

The final decision now rests with the Minister for Local Government, who can accept, modify or reject the Commission's recommendations.

WA:

One of the four remaining Town of Port Hedland councillors has launched a petition, calling on the Minister for Local Government to allow the council to hold a special meeting with a reduced quorum to pass its annual budget.

Cr Adrian McRae, a councillor since March last year, quoted a relevant section of the Local Government Act that would allow the Minister to take such an action.

He has also requested that the council be allowed to enter caretaker mode until elections in October.

Minister Hannah Beazley is reportedly preparing to dismiss the Council and replace with one or more commissioners.

The Council’s August 27 meeting has been postponed, with no date provided. It announced this afternoon that the government had declined a request for the Council to operate with a reduction of quorum.

At the time of recording, Cr McRae’s petition had 1029 verified signatures.

The City of Subiaco is pushing back against what it calls a "headline-grabbing approach" following a state audit into council spending practices.

PerthNow reported that Subiaco was one of six Perth metropolitan councils examined by the Auditor-General, with the investigation revealing a combined $4.5 million in credit and store card spending across these local governments.

While Auditor-General Caroline Spencer confirmed no misuse of public funds was found, she questioned whether some purchases aligned with community expectations during the current cost-of-living crisis. These included expenses for wine, oysters, champagne, and a dinner with elected members costing over $1,000.

Subiaco CEO Colin Cameron has defended the council's spending practices, noting they were among the lowest spenders in the audit at just under $200,000 for the year, and that the city has strong controls in place with only two credit cards in use.

National Briefs:

Sunshine Coast Council has received more than 2,500 submissions to inform the development of a draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan.

The feedback is being thoroughly reviewed to improve the draft Plan, which will be presented to the Council later this year.

Robert Randall has been declared elected to Tumby Bay District Council.

Mr Randall was the only remaining unsuccessful candidate from a supplementary election for councillor in May.

The appointment follows the resignation of Ross Hudson from the council earlier this month.

Glenorchy City Council says it is making significant progress in tackling climate change, cutting emissions through solar power, waste reduction and cleaner transport.

Mayor Sue Hickey said that council and community are proving local action can make a real impact, saving on energy costs, diverting organic material from landfill, and transitioning 20 per cent of its light vehicle fleet to hybrid or fully electric vehicles.

Global Report:

UK:

The Reform UK leadership at Nottinghamshire County Council has taken the extraordinary step of banning all 41 of its councillors from engaging with the Nottingham Post newspaper and its online edition.

The Guardian reported that the ban, implemented by council leader Mick Barton, extends to a team of BBC-funded local democracy reporters managed by the newspaper.

The editor of the Nottingham Post said the decision came after the publication of a story examining plans for local government restructuring. She described the move as "a massive attack on local democracy."

The Lib Dems have written to Reform leader Nigel Farage demanding intervention, while Labour MPs have also condemned the decision.

And the BBC reports that a 66-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in jail for fraudulently working four simultaneous council jobs, earning £236,000 by submitting false timesheets and failing to disclose his multiple employments.

Bryn Howells claimed he completed all required work and that his actions were motivated by a desire to support understaffed local councils.

But the judge determined his behaviour was deliberately dishonest, stating he had "made hay while the sun shined" knowing the councils weren't checking on him.

The case was prosecuted by Tewkesbury Borough Council which said he wouldn’t have been appointed it they knew about his plans to retain employment with South Gloucestershire Council and a firm providing services to three other district councils.

USA:

In Washington state, Everett City Council has approved new civil penalties for graffiti violations that will work alongside existing criminal charges.

The changes will allow police to issue fines with a lower burden of proof and provide diversion opportunities, according to a report from Heraldnet.

The new measures include $250 fines per violation plus restitution costs, with amendments giving judges more discretion and making parents of 16-17 year olds liable for costs.

CANADA:

In Vancouver, after a year-long investigation, the city's Integrity Commissioner, Lisa Southern has determined that Mayor Ken Sim and his party’s councillors violated the city's code of conduct by conducting council business behind closed doors.

CBC News reported that the investigation found that the group, who held a majority on council, coordinated amendments to motions in private group chats before public meetings.

Commissioner Southern said the actions deprived the public of participation in policy development, writing in her report that "Democracy is undermined."

Mayor Sim strongly disagrees with the findings.

He said caucusing is a normal and accepted practice at every level of Canadian democracy and is not misconduct."

It will be up to council itself to determine any sanctions.

NZ:

Grey District Council has faced criticism after councillors were seen laughing at a meeting when asked about pushback on recent rate increases.

1News reported that the incident has prompted apologies from both the Mayor and a councillor.

The council implemented an average 13% rate increase, with some residents reportedly facing increases closer to 30%.

In response to the growing anger over rising rates, a ratepayers group has been established, highlighting the broader challenge of funding local government without continuously increasing the financial burden on residents.