Councillor restricted, urgent plea, and new misconduct laws

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A councillor’s workplace restrictions strengthened after an investigation
• Northern Melbourne councils unite to demand transport improvements
• A push to return the Lord’s Prayer to a rural council’s meeting
• Horsham Council condemns a spate of offensive, racially motivated material
• Albury’s Mayor meets with the NSW Premier about hospital services
• A call for financial transparency at a metro Sydney council
• A major CCTV investment to boost community safety in a NSW town
• An urgent call for respect for staff at a large Queensland council
• And badly behaved Tasmanian councillors face dismissal under new laws unveiled this week
• Also today, Greater Geelong CEO Ali Wastie on how the city is moving on from Grand Final disappointment with a major new cultural event.

Find out more about ROAM Geelong here. 

Chapters

• 2:32 Victorian Report
• 9:49 NSW Report
• 14:59 QLD Report
• 17:35 TAS/SA/WA Report
• 20:59 Global Report
• 25:18 Roundup Extra: Ali Wastie, CEO Greater Geelong City Council

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

A Greater Geelong city councillor has had workplace restrictions strengthened following an independent investigation into his behaviour toward council staff.

The Geelong Advertiser reported that former deputy mayor Anthony Aitken has been subjected to enhanced workplace controls after multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour were substantiated.

Council CEO Ali Wastie informed the city’s leadership team about the action in an email seen by the Advertiser, describing interactions between Councillor Aitken and staff as "concerning."

The authenticity of the email has been confirmed independently by the Roundup.

Under the new measures, Councillor Aitken is prohibited from directly contacting council staff. All communication must now go through the executive or councillor support team, with text messages to senior executives permitted only in urgent cases.

Previous sanctions requiring all meetings involving the councillor to be filmed and attended by senior executives have been extended until at least September next year.

Councillor Aitken has suggested he is being targeted for his approach as an independent thinker.

He was previously sanctioned in September last year after approximately 30 staff reportedly lodged complaints about his behaviour.

Seven northern Melbourne councils have launched a united front in what they're calling the 'Connect Melbourne's North' campaign, demanding urgent improvements to the region's struggling transport infrastructure.

The alliance, comprising Darebin, Hume, Banyule, Mitchell, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Merri-bek councils, is asking residents to share their personal transport horror stories - from no-show buses to gridlocked commutes - through a dedicated website which is now online at connectmelbournesnorth.com

Merri-bek Mayor Helen Davidson, who chairs the Northern Councils Alliance, said while the region is growing faster than almost anywhere in Australia, the transport network is stuck in reverse.

The campaign is pushing for connected bus networks, rail extensions, safer cycling paths, and improved east-west connections across one of Melbourne's fastest developing areas.

A petition calling for the reinstatement of the Lord's Prayer at Bass Coast Shire Council meetings has gathered nearly two hundred signatures and will be tabled at this week's council meeting.

The Lord's Prayer was removed from council proceedings in 2014, a decision some residents claim reflected anti-Christian sentiment, according to the South Gippsland Sentinel Times.

Local resident Karen Thorp, who supports the petition, argues the prayer offers themes of "forgiveness and guidance" that benefit everyone regardless of faith.

Petitioners note that Victoria's Parliament has opened with the Lord's Prayer since 1857, describing it as a "solemn reminder" of elected representatives' responsibilities.

Neighbouring South Gippsland Shire updated their council meeting prayer in 2023 to a more inclusive version that acknowledges "diverse backgrounds and beliefs."

The petition will be presented at the Bass Coast Shire Council meeting later today.

Horsham Rural City Council has responded to racially motivated stickers targeting the Barengi Gadjin Land Council.

It has removed the offensive materials and condemned the acts as unacceptable attacks on a respected organisation representing First Nations Peoples.

The Council is calling on community members to help by speaking up against racism, reporting racist vandalism, and supporting First Nations communities to ensure Horsham remains a place of respect and inclusion.

Corangamite Shire Council is backing community concerns about a proposed Mumblin Wind Farm, questioning both the planning process and the project's impact on agricultural land.

The Council is concerned that the State Government's approach excludes local governments from renewable energy project decisions.

Mayor Kate Makin said agriculture will always be the top priority.

She said that while the Council acknowledges the importance of transitioning to renewable energy, the economic foundation of the region is at risk from inappropriately sited renewable energy infrastructure.

Murrundindi Shire residents may soon see progress on the long-awaited Breakaway Bridge replacement, three years after it was destroyed in catastrophic floods, cutting off direct access between Acheron and Alexandra.

Murrindindi Shire Council has called for tenders offering two design options – a single-lane bridge with traffic signals supported by current government funding, or a dual-lane bridge that meets contemporary standards but requires additional financial support.

The council has received $5.2 million from Emergency Recovery Victoria, but warns this falls short of delivering a resilient crossing that can withstand the area's frequent disasters.

Mayor Damien Gallagher says the issue goes beyond simply replacing infrastructure, and that “it's about building to today's standards, as any community has the right to expect.”

The council is advocating to state and federal governments to cover the funding gap and has scheduled a community meeting for mid-November once tender evaluations are complete.

A petition is circulating in Wangaratta, protesting a new app-based paid parking system.

A local businessman has told the Border Mail he expects to have 1000 signatories by the end of the month, calling on Wangaratta Rural City Council to change the system to free, timed parking.

He says people are really mad about the changes, but acting mayor Harvey Benton has defended the EasyPark system and said the number of complaints via social media were about two per week.

Also from the Border Mail, AlburyCity Mayor Kevin Mack has met with NSW Premier Chris Minns about calls for a new hospital for the border region, but is pessimistic it will lead to any real outcome.

However he believes the Premier has a better understanding of the issues as a result of the meeting.

Premier Minns confirmed that he continues to support a brownfield development on the current hospital site, rather than a new hospital on a new site which is the preferred option of a broad coalition of councils and health providers in the region.

Victorian Briefs:

Mitchell Shire Council is offering residents subsidies of up to 50% on compost bins and worm farms (including pet poo worm farms) from participating retailers throughout October and November.

The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste while promoting sustainable waste management practices at home.

Swan Hill Rural City Council is offering a 50% discount on all new pet registrations until December 31st, to encourage pet owners to register their animals so they can be reunited if they wander off.

Frankston City Council has launched two new initiatives aimed at reducing financial barriers and promote]ing community connection.

An Active Participation Subsidy Program is providing 85% coverage of membership fees (up to $500) for eligible residents to join local clubs and groups, while a Ratepayer Rewards program offers benefits like venue vouchers and free trees to encourage community engagement.

Both programs will run until June 2026 or until funding is exhausted.

National Roundup:

NSW:

LGNSW has acknowledged IPART's announcement of council rate pegs for 2026-27 as “broadly sensible.”

The rate pegs range from 2.5% to 4.2% before population factors, reflecting lowering inflation while still addressing council cost pressures.

LGNSW President Phyllis Miller welcomed continued adjustment factors for Emergency Services Levy and population growth, but criticised the inclusion of a dams safety levy adjustment that transfers NSW Government costs onto local communities.

She also said an included factor for election costs should mean councils are better able to fund the rapidly escalating costs of elections.

The Daily Telegraph has reported on calls for greater financial transparency at Parramatta Council, with Independent Councillor Kellie Darley pushing for monthly financial reporting instead of the current quarterly system.

Cr Darley said that waiting up to four months to understand the financial position of what she calls "a half-billion-dollar organisation" is simply too late for councillors to implement corrective measures if needed.

The councillor, who recently won a significant NSW Supreme Court case against the council, is also seeking detailed information about legal expenses over the past three years, including which law firms have been engaged and how much they've been paid.

The council is currently under acting leadership, with George Bounassif serving as acting chief executive while incumbent Gail Connolly is reportedly on sick leave during exit negotiations.

Lachlan Shire Council has appointed Ian Greenham as its new General Manager.

Mr Greenham, who brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across both the public and private sectors, will take over following the resignation of Greg Tory. He previously served eight years as Director of Technical Services at Orange City Council.

Mayor John Medcalf said the appointment was the result of a highly competitive selection process, noting Mr Greenham's "deep understanding of regional issues" as a significant advantage.

Mr Greenham will begin his new role on December 1st under a 5-year performance-based contract.

Georges River Council has issued seven penalty notices to local building sites after a compliance blitz in recent weeks.

The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reported the council’s compliance team inspected 70 development sites, issuing $31,500 in fines for erosion and sediment control issues.

56 sites were found to be compliant in the Get The Site Right blitz, which Mayor Elise Borg said was encouraging.

Central Coast Council has unveiled an ambitious masterplan to transform the region's airport into a hub for aviation training and emergency services.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the plan comes as Australia faces a critical shortage of pilots, with the Oceania region needing approximately 10,000 new pilots over the next two decades.

The 160-hectare Warnervale site is expected to see annual flight movements nearly double from 30,600 to 55,000 by 2042, potentially creating 200 jobs and injecting $10 million in wages into the local economy.

The council is currently developing a business case to be finalised by mid-2026, with plans to partner with the University of Newcastle and relocate emergency services to the site.

Sixteen new high-definition CCTV cameras are being installed throughout the town of Glen Innes, in a long fought-for boost to community safety measures.

The expanded surveillance network follows persistent advocacy from Councillor Andrew Parsons, who has been pushing for increased CCTV coverage for over a decade, and comes in response to a petition signed by nearly 200 business owners concerned about crime in the CBD.

The Northern Daily Leader reported that Councillor Parsons is now advocating for the next phase of the project - having footage livestreamed directly to the Glen Innes police station to assist officers with real-time monitoring.

Meanwhile, the council is developing a "psycho-social framework" aimed at minimising bullying, harassment and misinformation, particularly on social media, following a recent incident where a councillor appeared to verbally abuse a colleague in a viral video.

The framework is designed to support the mental health and safety of elected representatives who face increasing hostility and abuse in their roles.

The Council sent it to the Local Government Minister with hopes it will be adopted statewide.

NSW Briefs:

Willoughby City Council has held a Sport and Recreation Forum gathering input from over 50 local sporting organisations to address facility shortages and inform a Future Sports Needs Strategy.

Key priorities identified include addressing the lack of training spaces, insufficient court facilities, and limited wet-weather options.

Byron Shire Council has approved new pool pass pricing that will make swimming more affordable for single-parent families, with the revised structure taking effect from October 25.

The Northern Rivers Times reported that change addresses long-standing pricing inequities where single-parent households previously paid more than traditional two-parent families for the same service.

The Federation Youth Council has held a 'Wear it Blue for Mental Health' event in Corowa, distributing over 200 small gifts and providing resources on local mental health services to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Community leaders praised the event for demonstrating how simple conversations and gestures can make a critical difference in addressing mental health challenges.

QLD:

Sunshine Coast Council has issued an urgent plea for respect toward its staff as incidents of aggressive behaviour continue to rise at an alarming rate.

According to Council CEO John Baker, reported incidents of threatening behavior have nearly matched 2024's entire yearly total in just the first eight months of 2025, with verbal abuse and physical assaults seeing a particularly concerning spike.

Mr Baker said, "The people who serve our community deserve to be able to do their jobs without fear or harm."

The troubling trend has forced the Council to implement extraordinary safety measures, including security guards at certain locations, body-worn cameras, and specialized de-escalation training for frontline workers.

Physical assaults against Council workers have jumped from zero in 2023 to five so far this year, with staff across all departments—from customer service representatives to parks and gardens workers—reporting threatening encounters.

Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald and Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan have formally requested the Queensland Government conduct a detailed study into a staged approach for extending passenger rail services to their regions.

The Mayors are advocating for an initial extension from Helidon to Withcott as part of a longer-term vision to connect Toowoomba city with Brisbane by rail.

Mayor McDonald emphasised the importance of the extension, particularly with Brisbane set to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Both Mayors have already raised the proposal with Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee members during a recent visit to Toowoomba.

The future of Malanda's historic Patrick English Pavilion is under a cloud, according to the Cairns Post, after Local Government Minister Ann Leahy rejected calls for an investigation into the Tablelands Regional Council's handling of the facility.

More than 850 petitioners have asked the Minister to investigate allegations of misconduct, claiming the Council failed to maintain the 1940s structure, leading to its permanent closure before last year's Malanda Show.

Minister Leahy stated she has no power to intervene, advising that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Independent Assessor and the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Council CEO Nikola Stepanov has strongly denied any misconduct, noting the CCC has already reviewed the matter and taken no further action.

The distinctive curved pavilion is slated for demolition following an engineering report deeming it unsafe. The Council is currently seeking a contractor to carry out the work.

TAS:

Tasmanian local councillors could soon face dismissal from their elected positions if found guilty of serious misconduct, under draft amendments to the Local Government Act released by the state government this week.

ABC News reported the proposed changes would give the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, or TASCAT, broad powers to penalise councillors, including fines of up to $10,000, dismissal from office, and bans from standing for election for up to seven years.

Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent says the amendments address a gap in the current system, where there hasn't been "a proper way" to deal with councillor misconduct. The minister noted that "the public are not accepting this bad behaviour anymore."

The move comes after several high-profile cases of councillor misconduct, including that of former Waratah-Wynyard councillor Darren Fairbrother, who was convicted of indecent exposure but refused to resign until his term ended.

Public consultation on the draft amendments remains open until November 17th.

Launceston City Council is moving to capitalise on an expected tourism boom, unveiling plans for a new motorhome rest facility in the city, according to the Examiner.

The proposed "Kanamaluka RV Rest" will feature 11 powered bays for motorhomes and caravans at the Northern Inveresk Car Park, complete with toilet amenities and waste disposal facilities.

The $750,000 project aims to capture some of the additional self-driving tourists expected when the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels enter service. The council has applied for state government funding to cover half the cost through the Spirit Preparedness Fund.

SA:

The City of Charles Sturt has warned its residents of possible delays to bin collections in the coming weeks.

The issue is caused by ongoing staff shortages at contractor Cleanaway.

Port Lincoln Council’s team, the "Port Lincoln Tuna Tossers" has won first place at the LG Professionals SA Rural Management Challenge.

The team demonstrated exceptional problem-solving and teamwork skills in the competition designed to replicate real-world local government scenarios.

The District Council of Robe achieved second place, while the Port Augusta City Council took out third.

WA:

The Cities of Fremantle and Vincent have been named as finalists for the 2025 WA Seniors Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions to supporting older Western Australians.

Inside Local Government reported that the awards ceremony will take place during WA Seniors Week from November 9-16 and will celebrate 14 exceptional individuals, businesses and local governments who have enhanced the quality of life for seniors across Western Australia.

Artists in Fremantle are set to benefit from a new initiative launched by the City of Fremantle. The Creative Cohort program aims to connect and strengthen the local creative community through practical support and networking opportunities.

Pete Stone, Director of Creative Arts and Community, said the free program was developed in response to community feedback.

The program offers industry updates, shared resources, workshops and networking events for artists across all disciplines.

The Shire of Carnarvon has allocated $15.5 million in Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program funding to several key projects, including $3.7 million for the Tramway Bridge reinstatement and $8 million for the Pier Development which will deliver 56 new dwellings and waterfront amenities.

The remaining $7.55 million will fund five community-led projects aimed at improving liveability, with all initiatives expected to be completed by 2027.

Global Roundup:

UK:

The Guardian reports this week that Reform UK councillors in Kent are likely to raise council tax by the maximum permitted 5% despite the party's earlier promises of drastic cost-cutting measures.

Diane Morton, Reform's cabinet member for adult social care, admitted that services are already "down to the bare bones" while facing increasing demand.

It comes as a significant setback to Reform's plans to implement an Elon Musk-inspired "Department of Government Efficiency" unit in Kent, which was intended to examine council spending and reduce costs.

Other Reform-led councils in West Northamptonshire, Durham, and Staffordshire have all indicated potential tax increases also, facing what independent experts call "the same brutal arithmetic" as councils run by other parties.

And at Leicestershire County Council, Reform UK leader Dan Harrison has announced plans for a "deep dive" efficiency review to reduce its £1.3bn in annual costs.

BBC News reported that the council is bringing in specialists from international firms starting in November.

USA:’

A period of political turmoil in the Oregon city of Tigard has intensified as City Manager Brent Stockwell was placed on administrative leave this week, just four months after taking the position.

Oregon Public Broadcasting reported that development only three weeks after the resignation of the city’s Mayor following workplace conduct allegations.

The decision to place Stockwell on leave was made during a closed executive session Tuesday. City officials have declined to comment on the reasons, citing personnel confidentiality.

The city has experienced significant leadership instability, with at least seven management-level employees departing in the past two years amid reports of a toxic workplace environment.

The Council is scheduled to meet this week to fill the vacant mayoral position.

Traffic cameras might soon be making a comeback on the streets of Cleveland, Ohio.

Cleveland dot com reported that City Council members are in early discussions about reversing a 2014 voter ban on traffic enforcement cameras, citing concerns over reckless driving and pedestrian safety.

Councilmember Kevin Griffin says residents have approached him about the possibility, particularly as the city implements other traffic calming measures like speed tables. While critics previously labeled the cameras as revenue-generating schemes, advocates now point to safety data showing traffic cameras can reduce crashes by up to 54 percent.

The potential return faces significant hurdles - voters would need to approve a charter amendment, and state laws impose financial penalties on cities using traffic cameras outside of school zones.

CANADA: The City of Richmond in British Columbia is reported by Global News to have filed a lawsuit over a controversial gift card program, where hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars were spent with an alleged lack of oversight and accounting.

Earlier this year, the City revealed that $290,000 in gift card purchases for their employee recognition program remained unreconciled over a three-year period, leading to a forensic audit and police involvement.

As a result, one employee's employment was terminated and the city restructured its recognition programs to no longer use gift cards for long service and retirement recognition.

With municipal elections looming in Alberta, CBC has reported on innovative approaches to counting complex ballots being adopted, after the banning of electronic voting tabulators across the province.

In Medicine Hat, where 39 candidates are running for council seats, officials have imported an innovative solution from England called the "kangaroo board."

The counting boards, featuring transparent pouches to hold batches of ballots, allow teams to efficiently tally multiple votes per ballot.

The method, previously unknown in North America, was discovered by electoral officers via a UK news video.

The Alberta government banned electronic counters in last year, citing a need for increased confidence in elections, despite municipalities reporting few problems with the machines that had been widely used since the 1980s

The Mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe, has shared the sad news of the death of his Chief of Staff this week.

Robyn Guest passed away from a rare and aggressive form of cancer, after a 20 year career at City Hall.

Roundup Extra:

Ali Wastie, CEO Greater Geelong City Council discusses the growth of Geelong as a cultural hub, highlighted by this week’s ROAM Geelong event, and the strength of community spirit in the aftermath AFL Grand Final disappointment.

Find out more about ROAM Geelong here. 

On the next edition of the Local Government News Roundup, we find out more about the current situation in Walgett Shire, which has garnered national media attention this week.