CEO resignation, high-rise protest, and a surprise restructure

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Merri-bek Council CEO Cathy Henderson resigns to head up WorkSafe Victoria
• Gates demolished as Yarra’s mayor declares a long running dispute over
• Sydney Council urging stronger state action on illegal vapes
• Residents protest a high-rise development plan
• A breakthrough in a Queensland council’s industrial dispute, as another commences a surprise restructure
• Deputy mayor appointments in NSW, and by-election results and a high profile resignation in Tasmania

Plus, Regional Capitals Australia Acting Chair Kevin Mack on the policy changes needed to unlock the potential of regional capitals across the country.

Chapters

• 2:29 Victorian Report
• 9:08 NSW Report
• 14:51 QLD Report
• 17:30 TAS Report
• 19:50 WA/NT Report
• 21:14 Global Report
• 25:21 Roundup Extra: Cr Kevin Mack, Regional Capitals Australia

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

The Victorian Government has announced the appointment of Cathy Henderson as the new Chief Executive Officer of WorkSafe Victoria.

Ms. Henderson has been the CEO of Merri-bek City Council since 2019, and previously held senior positions at Darebin, and Port Phillip Councils in Victoria, and Waverley Council in New South Wales.

Deputy Premier and WorkSafe Minister Ben Carroll said Ms Henderson’s experience across community, regulatory and public sectors would be crucial to addressing workplace safety challenges.

Merri-bek Mayor Cr Helen Davidson said the council was saddened by the news, but wished Ms Henderson well in her new role.

She said the organisation was in a much better position thanks to Cathy, who had been a driving force of customer-service excellence.

Ms Henderson finishes at Merri-bek on 24th October. She had been reappointed on a five year contract in May last year.

The council will appoint an interim CEO before commencing the search for a new chief executive officer.

Yarra City Council has demolished gates that it claims were illegally constructed across a public road, in the latest move in a long-running dispute with Alphington Grammar School.

The Age reported that the weekend demolition took place during school holidays, removing barriers at the end of Old Heidelberg Road that the private school had installed in 2019, citing student safety concerns.

At the heart of the dispute is access to the popular Darebin Creek Trail. Local residents have long complained about limited access to the $18 million walking and cycling route completed in 2018.

Yarra Mayor Steven Jolly declared the matter settled, but school principal Vivianne Nikou has told parents the school is still pursuing other options to secure control over the road.

The council plans to construct a safe path to the trail and has already begun work on a pedestrian crossing. The total cost to ratepayers, including the demolition, is estimated at approximately $400,000.

The G21 Geelong Regional Alliance is being restructured into a "council-centric" model where mayors and council chief executives will form the board.

The five member councils are set to finalise this new structure in late October, according to the Geelong Independent.

The reformed organisation is aiming to streamline governance and improve value while maintaining the collective goal of securing state and federal investment for the region.

Stonnington City Council has taken a stand against proposed state heritage guidelines, arguing they could unnecessarily restrict housing development while failing to adequately protect significant local landmarks.

Mayor Melina Sehr says the Council is seeking clearer and more balanced rules that can simultaneously preserve the area's history while meeting the state's housing targets.

The Council has expressed frustration that several heritage protection proposals for four suburbs have been awaiting ministerial approval for up to two years. If new guidelines are applied retrospectively, years of planning work might need to be redone.

Stonnington Council maintains it can exceed state housing targets while still protecting heritage, pointing to plans that would provide for approximately 67,000 new dwellings by 2051 - well above the state's target of 50,000.

Whitehorse City Council is set to vote on the management model for the $28 million Box Hill City Oval redevelopment, according to the Whitehorse Leader.

The project will see the refurbishment of facilities and construction of a new West Pavilion.

The project, funded by all levels of government and AFL Victoria, will commence construction in October with completion expected by mid-2027.

Greater Shepparton City Council is implementing new signage and enforcement measures to prevent e-scooters and recreational vehicles from being used on footpaths in high pedestrian areas.

Victoria Police will lead the enforcement activity, after concerns were raised by traders and residents about pedestrian safety in the Shepparton CBD and Mooroopna and Tatura main streets.

Potential penalties include $200 fines and vehicle impoundment for those who violate Local Law regulations.

A three-month trial of incontinence product disposal bins in Gannawarra Shire has concluded with mixed results.

The Council installed special bins at nine accessible toilet locations across Cohuna, Kerang, Koondrook and Leitchville earlier this year, but found widespread misuse of the facilities.

Mayor Garner Smith says data collected during the trial showed contamination at eight of the nine sites, with everything from nappies to coffee cups being incorrectly disposed of in the specialised bins.

The trial also revealed low usage rates, with the bins never reaching full capacity during the entire period.

Mayor Garner Smith said that increased community demand, improved disposal behaviours, and additional funding would all be necessary before a shire-wide implementation could be considered.

Construction will soon begin on a "state-of-the-art" Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Fraser Rise, marking the City of Melton's largest ever capital project.

Mayor Steve Abboushi joined Federal Member Alice Jordan-Baird recently to break ground at the Beattys Road site, where the two-storey facility will feature indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, fitness areas, and even Australia's first dedicated water sensory space for people with special needs.

The multi-million dollar project, supported by $15 million from the Federal Government's Thriving Suburbs Program, is scheduled to open in 2028.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026.

Victorian Briefs:

Port Phillip City Council has released a draft Homelessness and Affordable Housing Strategy and endorsed a draft Community Safety Plan for community feedback. Residents with lived experience in unsafe environments and with homelessness will be engaged via targeted consultation.

Pyrenees Shire Council is honouring Kathleen and Rose Mary Walker, two Avoca-born sisters who served as nurses during World War I, by naming two previously unnamed streets after them.

The proposed names, Kathleen Street and Rose Mary Way, will be forwarded to the Registrar of Geographic Names after receiving public feedback and council approval.

Maroondah City Council has been awarded the Local Government Recognition Award in the inaugural Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence for its commitment to making golf accessible, inclusive, and sustainable through its two public courses.

Moyne Shire Council is seeking community input on Grounded, a proposed four-meter steel sculpture for Port Fairy's East Beach that symbolises Indigenous truth-telling about Aboriginal women taken by early whalers and sealers.

Feedback is being gathered through online forms, email, and community information sessions until October 9.

National Roundup:

NSW:

Sydney City Council is urging the state government to strengthen enforcement against illegal vape sales, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Despite federal laws banning disposable vapes introduced last year, Sydney councillors claim retailers are still selling e-cigarettes under the counter.

The council wants the NSW government to limit tobacco licenses near schools and medical facilities, and has asked Lord Mayor Clover Moore to write to government ministers seeking better regulation.

Health Minister Ryan Park said the state has some of the toughest laws in the country, with penalties including fines up to $1.5 million and prison terms of up to seven years for those selling illegal vapes.

Hundreds of residents have gathered in Sydney’s inner west to protest against a controversial high-rise development plan, according to ABC News.

The crowd assembled outside Ashfield Civic Centre during heavy rain for what was billed as their final opportunity to voice concerns about the Inner West Council's "Fairer Future Plan."

The plan proposes constructing 31,000 new apartments over the next 15 years, with buildings up to 22 storeys high around town centres and transport hubs in Ashfield, Croydon, Marrickville, and Dulwich Hill.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said the proposal would increase housing supply for essential workers, young people, and renters who can't afford single-family homes. But many protesters expressed skepticism that the new apartments—estimated to cost around $1.5 million each—would genuinely address affordability issues.

Mayor Byrne indicated that modifications to the plan might be considered before the final vote at an Extraordinary Council meeting scheduled for September 30th.

Byron Shire Council is urging e-bike users to slow down and follow the rules after a series of accidents and near-misses in recent years. In a sobering reminder of the dangers, one person died in the Byron Shire last year, while a Mullumbimby resident was seriously injured after being struck by an e-bike this year.

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye is calling on riders to remember a simple message: "Cheer up, chill out, and slow down on your e-bike."

Authorities have recently impounded multiple e-bikes and issued fines to several teenagers. The current regulations limit e-bike speeds to 25 kilometres per hour, with helmet use mandatory. Riders should also note that only those under 16, or adults accompanying children under 16, are permitted to ride on footpaths.

The Mayor has also highlighted concerns about e-bike users damaging local sports fields, which have already faced disruptions due to wet weather this year.

Following Councillor Ash Walker's resignation, Gilgandra Shire Council will implement a countback process to welcome former Councillor Gail Babbage back to the role, avoiding a costly by-election.

The countback uses ballot papers from the September 2024 election to determine Walker's replacement, with Ms Babbage expected to be sworn in at the November Council meeting.

Councillor Tracey Harrington has been elected Deputy Mayor of Cessnock City Council for a 12-month term, replacing outgoing Deputy Mayor Mitchell Hill.

Councillor Colin Grigg has been elected as the new Deputy Mayor of Lake Macquarie City Council for the next 12 months, replacing outgoing Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff.

Councillor Frank De Masi has been re-elected Deputy Mayor of The Hills Shire Council for a second consecutive 12 month term.

First-time Councillor Garion Thain has been elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor of Penrith City Council, replacing veteran Councillor Ross Fowler, and becoming the youngest person in Penrith's history to hold the office.

And at Georges River Council, Sam Stratikopoulos has been elected as the new deputy mayor at an extraordinary meeting this week, taking over from Cr Nancy Liu.

Lake Macquarie City Council and Central Coast Council have formed a strategic partnership to drive regional growth and collaborate on key projects across their jurisdictions.

The two councils collectively represent 600,000 residents and $38 billion in gross regional product.

The alliance aims to strengthen advocacy at state and federal levels while addressing shared priorities including the Morisset-Warnervale growth corridor, community infrastructure, energy transition, and resource sharing.

NSW Briefs:

The Parramatta Aquatic Centre has won the prestigious International Architecture Award for landscape architecture, announced in Athens on the weekend. The $88.6 million facility, which opened in September 2023, features multiple pools, a fitness centre, spa and sauna and café.

The Orange Regional Sporting Precinct has received planning consent from the Western Region Planning Panel, enabling Orange City Council to consider awarding a construction contract at its October meeting.

Funded by $15 million from the Australian Government and $59.5 million from the NSW Government, the project will include the John Davis Stadium, lighting, car parking, and amenities, with construction expected to commence before the end of the year.

Bega Valley Shire Council will submit five motions to the 2025 LGNSW Annual Conference addressing housing crisis solutions, arts funding for regional galleries, support for local government apprenticeships, and reinstatement of the Business Connect program.

The conference will be attended by Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick and three councillors.

QLD:

Southern Downs Regional Council is making progress on a new certified agreement that offers fair working conditions for employees, developed through negotiations with several unions.

CEO Rachel Brophy expressed satisfaction with the balanced agreement, and it will ensure stability for employees and position the council as an attractive employer.

The Courier Mail reported that the in-principle agreement provides for a 6%, 5%, and 4% pay rise over three years and no changes to Sunday working arrangements

Voting has opened on the new agreement.

Meanwhile, the Council has issued a formal apology to former councillor Stephen Tancred and his wife Peta Sheahan after Mayor Melissa Hamilton and Councillors Morwenna Harslett and Joel Richters made remarks during a June 18 council debate that could be interpreted as questioning their integrity regarding a development application.

The Council clarified that no dishonesty or disregard for planning conditions was intended to be implied, and the Mayor and Councillors have withdrawn their comments and apologised for any hurt caused by misinterpretation of their remarks.

The Courier Mail reports that employees at Redland City Council have been caught off guard by a surprise restructuring plan announced Monday.

According to sources within the council, CEO Louise Rusan's restructuring plan was revealed to councillors just days before a confidential motion was passed at last week's council meeting, with employees learning about it on Monday.

The restructure comes as Mayor Jos Mitchell’s independent efficiency review is underway.

The council released a statement Tuesday saying they're "consulting with employees and unions" and that the restructure aims to "achieve efficiencies and cost savings."

Redland City Council's new $1.70 quarterly fee for paper rates notices is proving controversial, with elderly residents calling it discriminatory while supporters view it as environmentally friendly.

The Courier Mail reported that the fee, which will cost households nearly $7 annually if they don't switch to email delivery, has divided the community between those who see it as an unfair "paper tax" and those who consider it a necessary push toward digital efficiency.

Sunshine Coast Council will conduct an annual inspection program for regulated dogs to ensure owners comply with safety requirements, including proper containment, microchipping, and specific public conduct rules.

The program aims to protect the community by enforcing the strict obligations that come with owning dangerous or menacing dogs, with potential penalties including fines up to $25,000 for non-compliance.

TAS:

A scathing audit report has criticised Tasmanian councils and the Environmental Protection Authority for inadequate management and regulation of landfill sites, with half of the state's waste ending up in the ground, according to a report from The Mercury.

Auditor-General martin Thompson’s concerns include inconsistent governance, lack of oversight of closed sites, and failure to address potential risks to human health and the environment.

He has recommended a statewide landfill strategy and stronger enforcement approach.

West Coast Council has expressed concern over reports that Bendigo Bank has a home-loan "blacklist" affecting major West Coast mining towns.

Mayor Shane Pitt has called it a "slap in the face" particularly as the bank is closing its only regional branch in the area.

The Council plans to write to Bendigo Bank seeking confirmation of the claims, noting the irony that a bank founded in goldfields might be discriminating against mining communities.

Devonport City Council has unanimously approved plans for a permanent memorial featuring six sculptural pillars within a wildflower garden to honour the children who died in the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy.

Pulse Tasmania reported that the memorial, designed in consultation with families and jointly funded by state and federal governments, will serve as a place of remembrance and celebration rather than mourning.

Deputy Mayor Charles Wooley has resigned from Sorell Council, triggering a recount to fill the vacancy. Cr Wooley, a former journalist and TV and radio personality, has moved out of the council area making him ineligible to continue in the role.

Unelected candidates from the 2022 ordinary election have the option to be included in the count, which will occur after 12 noon on the 6th October.

A by-election to fill a vacancy on Central Highlands Council has resulted in the election of Shelley Triffett from a field of five candidates.

The by-election followed the recent death of Cr Tony Bailey.

And Anthony Richards has been confirmed elected to Dorset Council as the only candidate to nominate for the vacant office. That vacancy arose through the resignation of James Cashion in late June.

WA:

The Town of East Fremantle has issued a statement responding to community concerns about its multi-million dollar Community Park redevelopment project.

Outgoing Mayor Jim O'Neill revealed he was subjected to online abuse during the project's development, with obscene comments directed at him and his family's personal information being posted online.

PerthNow reported that the town has committed $8 million to the facility, with an additional $26 million coming from the State Government and contributions from Lotterywest and the AFL Facilities Fund.

The council unanimously voted to release a statement addressing "misleading claims" about the town's ability to fulfill its obligations.

It said robust and constructive discussion about how to continually improve governance and services is welcome, but it must remain accurate and respectful of the facts.

Brian Pedwell has been reappointed as Mayor of Victoria Daly Regional Council with Yvette Williams as Deputy Mayor, following the re-election of all council members in the recent Northern Territory Local Government Election.

Cr Pedwell will serve as mayor for four years, while Cr Williams holds the deputy role for 12 months.

The council was sworn in by the Hon Steven Edgington, the Territory’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Development.

Global Roundup:

UK:

Perth and Kinross Council leader Grant Laing has resigned after being charged with embezzlement, allegedly committed between 2017 and 2025.

The BBC reported that he has also left the SNP to sit as an independent councillor.

Deputy leader Eric Drysdale will serve as acting leader until the next council meeting on October 29.

Dorset Council is attempting to recover at least £1m lost through mismanagement in a property update and repair project, which resulted in 11 external staff being dismissed following an internal investigation.

BBC News reported that a police investigation is ongoing, while the council has established a cross-party review group to examine the circumstances and learn from the mistakes to prevent similar issues in the future.

Former Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams has rejected claims that he made decisions without involving other councillors, describing these accusations as "outlandish."

He’s told the Darlington and Stockton Times that all council decisions were properly recorded and publicly available.

The controversy comes amid turbulence at the authority, including Williams' resignation as leader due to poor health and a planned no-confidence vote in the mayor.

USA:

In a surprise move this week, tech giant Google has withdrawn a proposal for a massive 468-acre data center in Franklin Township, Indiana.

Data Center Dynamics reported that the decision came just hours before the Indianapolis City-County Council was expected to vote down the company's rezoning request.

Local opposition to the project, known as 'Project Flo,' was fierce, with hundreds of residents packing the council chambers yesterday. When the withdrawal was announced, the room erupted in cheers.

A Google spokesperson expressed disappointment but affirmed the company's commitment to growth in Indiana.

This latest development comes in the same week Google received approval to expand another data center onto protected wetlands in Fort Wayne, Indiana, despite significant local opposition there as well.

In Aurora, Colorado, a city council divide continues to deepen as meetings remain virtual following protests over the shooting death of Kilyn Lewis.

Denver7 dot com reported that three council members broke ranks Monday night, hosting their own in-person community gathering to demonstrate their opposition to the online-only format.

The council moved meetings online this summer after disruptions from protesters demanding justice for Lewis, an unarmed Black man killed by Aurora police in May.

The city now faces two lawsuits - a wrongful death claim and another alleging First Amendment violations.

While Mayor Mike Coffman has indicated meetings may soon return to normal, the three dissenting council members have pledged to continue hosting alternative in-person sessions until official meetings return to their original format.

CANADA:

Cambridge City Council in Ontario moved its council meeting this week online after an incident with a disruptive member of the public.

The city said it is taking proactive steps to ensure a safe and respectful environment for Council, staff, and community members.

It has not elaborated about the nature of the incident, but it comes as a new safety measure was being introduced to conduct mandatory bag checks at all council meetings from this week.

Vancouver City Council has unanimously voted to require annual public disclosure of all financial compensation received by the mayor and councillors, consolidating information that was previously spread across multiple sources.

The motion, introduced by Mayor Ken Sim to improve transparency, will include salaries, stipends, per diems, and other compensation, though it rejected an amendment to include attendance records, according to CBC News.

Roundup Extra:

As regional Australia faces critical challenges and opportunities in population distribution, workforce shortages, and sustainable growth, the Regional Capitals Australia has been at the forefront of advocating for policy changes that could reshape our nation's regional development.

Kevin Mack is the Mayor of Albury City Council, and Acting Chair of Regional Capitals Australia. He spoke to me about the group’s ideas for unlocking the potential of regional capitals, which currently serve as home to nine million Australians.