Melton mayhem, Mornington macropods, and a mayoral ultimatum

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A political storm engulfs Melton Council
• Wallabies saved from euthanasia on the Mornington Peninsula
• Mayors unite over deteriorating road conditions
• Sweeping planning changes to accelerate housing development in NSW
• Townsville’s suspended mayor asked to show why he shouldn’t be sacked
• A boundary change recommendation rejected by SA’s local government minister
• and tensions flare at a Tasmanian council meeting

Chapters

• 2:08 Victorian Report
• 9:13 NSW Report
• 14:13 QLD Report
• 17:16 TAS/SA/WA/NT Report
• 21:57 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

A political storm has engulfed Melton City Council as the husband of a councillor faces criminal charges for allegedly breaching court intervention orders, highlighting the deteriorating relationships within the local government body.

According to The Age, Simon Vallone, husband of Councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg, was arrested yesterday and charged with intervention order breaches.

There are two intervention orders in place, taken out by councillors Phillip Zada and Lara Carli.

Mr Vallone has been bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates' Court on December 12.

Meanwhile, Melton Mayor Steve Abboushi has issued a statement, accusing Councillor Vandenberg of spreading misinformation and making claims of bullying, harassment and vilification against colleagues without evidence.

He says he has referred the matter to the Local Government Minister and inspectorate.

In a further escalation, it’s understood Mr Vallone is pursuing $800,000 in compensation from the Council for alleged breaches of his rights. Cr Abboushi said no evidence of the breaches had yet been provided, and the Council will defend the VCAT case if it proceeds.

Meanwhile, Cr Vandenberg has also written to the Minister calling for the entire council to be sacked.

Local Government Minister Nick Staikos has confirmed receiving correspondence and said the matters would be handled according to the Local Government Act.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has unanimously voted to relocate approximately 120 wallabies from The Briars wildlife sanctuary.

The decision was made at an urgent unscheduled meeting called earlier this week to ensure the long-term sustainability of the population, which currently exceeds the recommended carrying capacity of 30 animals.

The wallabies will be sedated, health-checked, and assessed for rehoming or contraceptive implants.

Rangers will continue to provide supplementary feed until the population returns to sustainable levels.

The City of Greater Geelong is ceasing its involvement in family day care services from December, according to the Geelong Advertiser.

Chief Executive Ali Wastie confirmed the decision, which she said would not impact the 168 children currently under the care of 16 educators across the region, as the administration and compliance coordination functions would be picked up by other organisations.

There will not be any officer redundancies as a result of the decision.

The council will focus on other services such as centre-based childcare and kindergarten programs.

The Mayors of Corangamite Shire, Moyne Shire, and Warrnambool City have united to demand urgent repairs to the deteriorating Cobden-Warrnambool Road.

They say the road has been overlooked in the Victorian Government's road maintenance budget despite posing significant safety risks.

The three councils are calling for transparency regarding the upcoming $976 million Better Roads Blitz and demanding proper repairs rather than temporary fixes for the vital regional connector that serves as an important corridor for primary producers, freight carriers, and regular motorists.

Wellington Shire Council has approved a number of changes to its Community Local Law.

Cat owners in the Shire will now be limited to keeping just two cats on residential properties, down from the previous limit of five.

The reduction comes as part of several updates to the local laws approved at the Council meeting on September 16th.

In another notable change, the Council has removed a controversial clause that previously restricted individuals from accessing Council dressing rooms, showers, or toilets that didn't match their sex.

Council officers noted this outdated provision contravened both the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and the Equal Opportunity Act, and confirmed it had never been enforced by the Local Laws team.

While community feedback showed mixed reactions to this particular change, Mayor Scott Rossetti said legislative requirements must take precedence where they conflict with community sentiment.

Other changes include updating penalty units to maintain fair fines and broadening smoking restrictions to include vaping in public places.

East Gippsland Shire Council has given its support to the Bairnsdale Airport runway extension project which will boost emergency medical services and disaster response capabilities for the region.

The $14.68 million upgrade will extend and widen the runway to match other regional airports, despite requiring removal of protected native vegetation which will be offset elsewhere.

Victorian Briefs:

Brimbank Council is implementing a $360,000 plan to address illegal footpath trading in St Albans.

It’s working with Victoria Police to address what it says is a significant issue in the suburb.

Hume City Council is reinforcing its stance on illegal dumping, cracking down on offenders through a 'Dob in a Dumper' campaign that has been running since August.

The council is encouraging residents to report illegal dumping in public spaces to help maintain community cleanliness and hold offenders accountable.

Manningham Council's inaugural Community Awards have recognised individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions, with Leon Moore being named 2025 Citizen of the Year for his work with the Laughing All Abilities Really Friendly Singers choir.

The expanded awards program celebrated achievements across seven categories including Active Community, Ageing Well, Artistic Achievement, Community Excellence, Community Health and Wellbeing, Inclusive Community, and Young Achiever.

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National Roundup:

NSW:

The NSW Government has introduced sweeping legislation aimed at modernising the state’s nearly 50-year-old planning system to accelerate housing development.

The NSW Planning System Reforms Bill 2025, unveiled on Wednesday, represents the most significant overhaul of the state's planning framework in decades. The reforms target bureaucratic bottlenecks that have contributed to Sydney becoming the second least affordable city globally.

Key elements of the reform package include:

• Establishing a Development Coordination Authority to serve as a "single front door" for development applications
• Expanding the Complying Development pathway with 10-day approval timeframes
• Creating a new "Targeted Assessment Pathway" for developments where strategic planning has already occurred, and
• Removing regional planning panels that have created "unnecessary duplication and delays"

Industry observers note the bill's passage will be closely watched as the government seeks bipartisan support to address what it describes as the "number one issue for the people of NSW."

Peak body LGNSW has broadly welcomed changes to the state’s environmental planning legislation.

LGNSW President Mayor Phyllis Miller said while the sector would be working through the detail of the legislation and providing further feedback, it was clear the proposed changes would address several key concerns long held by councils across the state.

Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach has become the centre of an unusual regulatory debate after a social media influencer rode a horse across the sands while waving a Palestinian flag. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the incident on September 8th has exposed a surprising gap in local regulations.

The equestrian display came just one day after tensions flared between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators at the same location. While the rider received a "move on" order from NSW Police, Waverley Council discovered it had no legal authority to issue a fine for the act.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh has now initiated a review of beach regulations, with plans to install new signage prohibiting unauthorised modes of transport at Bondi, Bronte, and Tamarama beaches

Northern Beaches Council has rejected a proposal for increased transparency of councillors' expenses, which would included quarterly disclosure and public approval of training courses.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the motion followed controversy surrounding one councillor’s $31,800 in expense claims during a year when ratepayers faced a 25 percent rate increase.

Bega Valley Shire Council is facing delays in installing a crucial second weighbridge at its Central Waste Facility in Wolumla, according to About Regional.

The project hit a roadblock after receiving only non-conforming proposals from tenderers, pushing back the original completion date that was set for May this year.

Council documents reveal that grant funding from the NSW EPA's Bushfire Recovery Program has now fallen through due to the delays, forcing the council to cover the costs from its own budget.

The new weighbridge is considered essential infrastructure as the region prepares for the upcoming Organics Processing Facility, which is expected to be operational by late 2026.

Dungog Shire Mayor Digby Rayward is advocating for local presence of the Net Zero Economy Authority and state funding for post-mining initiatives as the region faces potential job losses from coal mine closures.

Cr Rayward told radio 2NUR FM that the council is also pushing to have several local roads reclassified as State roads, citing concerns with the current population-based formula used for categorisation.

NSW Briefs:

Imogen Young-Maloney, a Business Support Officer at Wagga Wagga City Council’s people and culture department ****has been named the NSW Trainee of the Year at the Skills NSW Training Awards 2025.

Imogen will now represent the state at the Australian Training Awards in Darwin this December.

Construction has commenced on a new $6.3 million SES headquarters in Ballina, jointly funded by the NSW Government and Ballina Shire Council.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2026, and includes an environmental offset plan that will replace 40 removed trees with 80 new trees.

Camden Council has launched phase two of its 'See Something. Say Something.' campaign in partnership with Wollondilly Shire Council and Camden Police Area Command.

They are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity to help create safer public spaces by reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

Murrumbidgee Council has successfully auctioned 10 properties to recover outstanding rates and charges after five or more years of non-payment.

Thirteen additional property owners settled their debts before the auction.

QLD:

Suspended Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson has been given fourteen days to fight for his political career after receiving a show-cause notice from the state government.

Queensland Local Government Minister Ann Leahy announced the deadline in parliament yesterday, following information received from the Crime and Corruption Commission. According to the Courier Mail, Minister Leahy stated that "dismissal may be appropriate" and described the allegations against Thompson as "serious."

Mr Thompson, who has been suspended since November while drawing a $225,000 salary, faces allegations related to misrepresentations about his military history and education during his election campaign.

In response, Thompson has accused the government of political point-scoring and claimed he has not yet received the notice. Earlier this week, he formally reported Premier David Crisafulli and Minister Leahy to both the Queensland Human Rights Commission and the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Earlier in the week, Townsville City Council voted to reprimand Thompson over a "scathing" email sent to a staff member.

An ambitious plan to combat urban sprawl has been unveiled by Brisbane City Council.

The development plan will allow taller apartment towers around three major shopping hubs, according to a report from the Brisbane Times.

Height restrictions would be eased around Indooroopilly and Carindale shopping centres, potentially allowing buildings to exceed the current limits of 20 and 10 storeys respectively.

In Nundah Village, while the 12-storey height limit will remain, changes will permit more residential homes in mixed-use buildings.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says the initiative aims to position new housing near existing transport infrastructure, jobs, and services, and that specific height limits will be determined following community consultation scheduled for next year.

A swift community and local expert response helped free a humpback whale calf and its mother from shark nets off Noosa's Main Beach, preventing what could have been a fatal outcome for the calf.

The incident has reinforced Noosa Council's call for the State Government to trial the removal of mesh nets during whale migration season and implement non-lethal shark control measures instead.

Cairns Regional Council's local spending of $463 million in 2024/25 created a total economic impact of over $1 billion for the region while supporting more than 4,500 jobs.

The figures have been revealed in the Council’s latest State of Procurement report.

Deputy Mayor Brett Olds said the record 89% local expenditure demonstrates the significance of the council as an economic engine for Cairns, contributing to 4.6% of the region's Gross Regional Product.

TAS:

Tensions flared at a Launceston City Council meeting this week during discussions over a South Launceston development application.

The Examiner reported that Mayor Matthew Garwood and Councillor Tim Walker exchanged heated words when Cr Walker questioned planning officers about a retaining wall in the proposal.

The mayor appeared visibly frustrated, at one point striking his desk while criticising councillors for not reviewing materials beforehand.

The clash escalated when Councillor Walker raised his voice, prompting Mayor Garwood to issue a formal warning that Walker would be ejected from the chamber if he couldn't "calm himself."

Despite the tension and opposition from four councillors including Walker, the council ultimately approved the development, which Deputy Mayor Hugh McKenzie said met planning scheme requirements.

SA:

South Australia’s Local Government Minister Joe Szakacs has rejected a proposed boundary change that would have transferred the developing suburb of Concordia from Barossa Council to Gawler Council.

The boundary adjustment, which was previously recommended by the Local Government Boundaries Commission, would have resulted in an estimated $45 million in additional annual rate revenue for Gawler Council.

The Advertiser reported the minister’s decision last night, citing ongoing development planning and strong community feedback as key factors in the decision.

Mr Szakacs said, "Moving Concordia now would create too much uncertainty at a time when there is none to waste."

He also noted that "The Barossa Council has spent years planning for the delivery of future land releases and infrastructure in the Concordia Growth Area."

The decision has been welcomed by Barossa Mayor Bim Lange, who called it "rapid decision making" that "reflects the best interests of the Concordia and Kalbeeba communities."

Adelaide City Council is considering a reduction in speed limits on 10 major CBD roads to 50km/h, after an earlier proposal for a 30km/h citywide speed limit faced significant public backlash.

Adelaide Now has reported on Tuesday night's Infrastructure and Public Works Committee meeting, where council members discussed changes to major arterial roads in the city.

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said the current mixture of 20, 30, and 50km/h zones across the city is "an absolute shemozzle" and suggested a default 40km/h limit would be more sensible.

Not all council members are on board however, and the matter has been deferred until October.

WA:

Major changes ahead for the Shire of Ravensthorpe, which will have a new Shire President and a new chief executive officer in the coming months.

Outgoing Shire President Tom Major gave a farewell message at this week’s council meeting. He is stepping down after eight years on the council, along with two other members of the seven member council.

One of the first tasks for the incoming council after elections in October will be to select a new chief executive, to replace Matthew Bird who is leaving in January after nearly four years.

A selection panel has commenced the recruitment process and will make recommendations to the new Council post the 18 October election.

PerthNow reports that candidates for the City of Melville council elections have made tree canopy protection a key campaign issue.

Many candidates have put forward proposals including community initiatives, street tree planting, and stronger policies to protect mature trees from development.

The city has an aim of increasing canopy cover from 12.5 percent to 15 percent within a decade, though it has faced criticism for delaying consideration of a new tree policy until next March.

More News Briefs:

ALGA and Public Skills Australia are conducting the third Local Government Skills Audit and Jobs Survey to identify occupations, skills gaps, and workforce pressures across the local government sector in Australia.

Councils are encouraged to participate in the survey and upcoming workshops to help strengthen workforce planning.

The City of Darwin has officially sworn in its 24th Council consisting of Lord Mayor Peter Styles and 12 Councillors who will serve until 2029, with six new members joining seven re-elected officials.

The new council includes the youngest Elected Member in the city's history, three First Nations members, and female representation in every ward.

Barunga West Council has extended its First Homeowner Rate Rebate Strategy for two more years, offering a $500 annual rebate on council rates to qualifying first-home buyers in the region.

Five applications have been approved since launch in 2023.

Global Roundup:

UK:

Liverpool City Council has welcomed the UK Government's introduction of the Hillsborough Law, which will establish a legal duty of candour for public officials and ensure equal legal representation for bereaved families.

The legislation follows decades of campaigning by Hillsborough families and survivors, and was unanimously supported by the Council in July 2025 through a cross-party motion urging its full implementation.

Council Leader Liam Robinson said it was a long-overdue step towards justice, transparency and accountability, and a significant moment for those affected by the tragedy and the city as a whole.

Former South Ayrshire Council leader Martin Dowey will face no criminal action following a police investigation, after a recording emerged of him discussing procurement processes with a businessman.

Cllr Dowey temporarily stepped down while the investigation was conducted.

But BBC News reported that a separate investigation by the Ethical Standards Commissioner will determine if Cllr Dowey breached the councillors' code of conduct.

A Scottish council has begun legal proceedings to evict the self-proclaimed "Kingdom of Kubala," a group of three individuals calling themselves an "African tribe," after they set up camp on council-owned land following their eviction from nearby private property.

The group claims to be reclaiming land stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago, according to a report from Sky News.

But Scottish Borders Council has made it clear that "nobody is above the law" and are determined to complete the eviction process.

USA:

Philadelphia City Council members are urging Pennsylvania's General Assembly to reverse the 20% service cuts to the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority that have eliminated 32 bus routes and reduced rail service in the city.

They say the cuts have significantly impacted students and workers across the city, according to a report from WHYY News.

Mayor Cherelle Parker and the City Council have called on state lawmakers to stop "letting politics get in the way" and approve a long-term funding solution rather than a short-term budget patch.

CANADA:

Vancouver City Council has voted unanimously this week to pave the way for more vertical farms, in under utilised spaces like office buildings and apartments.

CTV News reported that councillors hope the move will create more jobs, reduce waste and its dependence on foreign markets - particularly in light of a changing relationship with the United States.

Toronto City Councillor Michael Thompson has been acquitted of sexual assault charges stemming from alleged incidents in 2022.

CTV News reported that the judge ruled the allegations could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Cllr Thompson, who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, claimed the charges were politically motivated by business people who were unhappy with his decisions.

The Local Governance Commission of New Brunswick has recommended mandatory training for elected municipal officials and senior staff on topics such as conflict of interest and good governance to prevent avoidable expenses, conflicts, and stress.

CBC reported that the recommendation comes after numerous issues in newly amalgamated communities, with the Commission suggesting that training should cover responsibilities, procedural bylaws, closed meetings, fiscal management, and legislative interpretation, among other topics.