“Ill-founded and misconceived” - legal disputes, improvement orders

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• The VEC calls for legislative change for Victorian council elections
• A new CEO for Buloke, and a familiar face returns to Wodonga Council
• Brimbank embroiled in legal disputes
• Workplace improvement notices placed on Shoalhaven Council for councillor safety
• NSW Council CEO news, including a new GM and a twist in the Parramatta sacking saga
• The investigation into Townsville’s former mayor is complete
• Calls for Redland Council to be sacked, as its Mayor votes against the annual report
• Indefinite leave for a WA Council CEO

All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.

Victorian Local Governance Association
The VLGA is an independent organisation supporting councils and councillors in good governance.

Chapters

• 2:17 Victorian Report
• 9:41 NSW Report
• 15:54 QLD Report
• 19:14 SA/WA Report
• 22:06 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

The Victorian Electoral Commission is calling for changes to local government legislation in Victoria.

Ten recommendations are made in the commission’s election report, submitted to the Parliament this week. It has also made 27 operational commitments.

They include a continued focus on strengthening safeguards to detect and prevent postal vote fraud; exploring options to publish provisional results in real time; and requiring candidates to include political affiliations in the candidate questionnaire.

Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said the 2024 council elections were the most complex to date, and were successfully delivered despite unprecedented challenges.

The 216 page report is available on the VEC website.

Ron Mildren is the new representative on Wodonga City Council, after a by-election was held to fill an extraordinary vacancy.

The former mayor was on council for eight years until last year’s elections.

He was one of six candidates standing for the by-election and will represent Lake Hume Ward on Wodonga City Council until the next council general election in October 2028.

The extraordinary vacancy happened due to the resignation of Councillor Hannah Seymour.

Meanwhile, The Greens have pre-selected councillor and former mayor of Merri-bek Angelica Panopoulos to contest the marginal seat of Pascoe Vale more than a year ahead of the 2026 state election.

The 26-year-old will run against Labor incumbent Anthony Cianflone, focusing on issues including affordable housing, public education funding, and climate action.

Buloke Shire Council has officially appointed Daniel McLoughlan as its new CEO at this week’s Ordinary Council meeting.

A proud Birchip local, Mr McLoughlan has held the role on an interim basis since last month, but has been with the council in various roles since 2019.

Brimbank Council is facing two legal disputes at the Fair Work Commission after allegedly sacking a casual lifeguard who encouraged colleagues to vote against a pay offer, according to the Herald Sun.

The Australian Services Union claims the council ran a campaign of intimidation against union members and allowed 46 ineligible staff to vote in the enterprise bargaining ballot.

The council's chief executive Fiona Blair has rejected the allegations, calling them ill-founded and misconceived.

The City of Greater Bendigo has paused plans for an extended e-scooter trial as the industry prepares for significant legislative changes, with new Victorian Government safety and regulatory requirements expected later this year.

Beam Mobility, which operated the initial 12-month trial that launched in May 2024, has chosen not to continue beyond its temporary extension, citing lower-than-expected ridership that made the service financially unviable.

Mansfield Shire Council has issued an open letter calling on the Victorian Government to urgently fix deteriorating state-managed roads after months of unanswered correspondence with Roads Minister Melissa Horne.

Mayor Steve Rabie says residents are dodging dangerous potholes daily, with near-misses from swerving drivers creating serious safety risks for both motorists and pedestrians.

The council has vowed to continue escalating its concerns publicly until action is taken, after a deadline for ministerial response passed without reply on September 26th.

Yarra Ranges Council has unanimously approved a $10M emergency overdraft facility to fund immediate disaster recovery efforts as the region faces increasingly severe weather events, according to the Star Mail.

The facility allows the council to access funds immediately rather than waiting for state and federal government support, with 13 severe weather events costing the council $44.7M over the past five years.

A leading advocacy group is calling on the Victorian Government to invest in the state's south-west, with a particular focus on roads and tourism.

The South West Victoria Alliance has released its budget submission, requesting more than 58 million dollars in funding.

Chair of the alliance and Warrnambool Mayor, Ben Blain, says the region needs immediate support. He said the alliance is looking for fresh investments in economic development initiatives, new money to fix local roads and a plan to turbocharge local tourism."

A powerful anti-bullying campaign developed by primary school students is now spreading across Latrobe City. The "Kindness is Key: Stop Bullying" initiative comes after young voices identified bullying as one of their biggest concerns.

Over the past three years, Latrobe City Council worked with local schools through co-design workshops supported by VicHealth.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Dale Harriman, says the students created the campaign message themselves, envisioning a bright, colourful campaign to be shared on digital screens, billboards, and in every school across the City.

Victorian Briefs:

Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1M contract to local builder TS Constructions for the refurbishment of Wonthaggi's heritage-listed Old Post Office, built in 1911.

Work is scheduled to begin in November 2025 and be completed by September 2026.

The City of Boroondara has ended its trial of weed management without glyphosate along Gardiners Creek, after data showed higher weed levels and increased costs compared to areas where the herbicide was used.

Council will now continue using a mix of techniques including glyphosate, which remains approved as safe by Australian authorities.

Construction has officially begun on the Waurn Ponds Sporting Complex in Greater Geelong, with Mayor Stretch Kontelj and Community Sport Minister Ros Spence turning the first sod on the project.

The project is being delivered by the Victorian Government through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, with ADCO Constructions appointed as the builder.

The City of Ballarat has released a comprehensive flood study covering eleven key waterways across the municipality, following consultation with more than five thousand property owners last year.

Council will consider adopting the modelling at an upcoming meeting, after which the community will have an opportunity to make formal submissions during the planning scheme amendment process.

National Roundup:

NSW:

SafeWork NSW has issued improvement notices to Shoalhaven City Council regarding workplace safety for councillors.

The workplace health and safety regulator has directed the council to provide better support for councillors in managing psychosocial hazards at work. Two improvement notices require the council to consult with councillors about workplace risks and provide training on acceptable workplace behaviours.

Council CEO Andrew Constance says he takes the action very seriously.

While SafeWork NSW hasn't disclosed the specific nature of complaints, Mr Constance says he's committed to working with staff and councillors to exceed the requirements.

The council must complete consultation by October 30th and provide training by December 12th this year.

Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has defended his intervention in proceedings against former Bayside mayor Bill Saravinovski, telling Parliament he pressed the Office of Local Government to act promptly because of overwhelming evidence of corruption and serious misconduct.

The Sydney Morning Herald has confirmed the OLG struck a plea deal with Saravinovski's lawyers before a tribunal hearing, with both parties submitting the former mayor should receive a reprimand rather than being disqualified from office.

Premier Chris Minns has defended Mr Hoenig's actions, saying the minister was caught between a rock and a hard place and made the right decision given an election was approaching.

In a twist to the story of Parramatta Council's sacking of its CEO Gail Connolly, the Daily Telegraph reported claims that councillors were not informed she was on workers' compensation when they voted to terminate her contract this week.

Under NSW Workers' Compensation laws, employees cannot be dismissed within six months of being unfit for work unless there is a valid reason unrelated to the injury, raising questions about the legality of the termination that occurred just weeks after Ms Connolly went on compensation leave on September 26.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council has appointed Robert Fish as its new General Manager, effective November 3rd.

Fish, who has been acting CEO since March, was selected after a rigorous nationwide recruitment process involving all councillors.

Mayor Adam Roberts praised Fish's leadership during the May weather event and his ability to earn the respect of the community and organisation.

Mr Fish has previously held senior roles at Kempsey Shire, Yass Valley and Great Lakes Councils before taking on the Director Community Infrastructure role at Port Macquarie Hastings in 2022.

Berrigan Shire Council will broaden the search for its new Chief Executive Officer and take more time to secure the right candidate for the position.

The Council resolved to extend the recruitment timeframe this week, and extend the contract of interim CEO Mark Dupe into next year.

Mayor Julia Cornwall McKean said the decision reflects Council’s commitment to securing the right candidate to lead the organisation and deliver high-quality services to the community.

She said the extension of Mr Dupe's contract will ensure continuity and stability during the extended search period.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Ku-ring-gai Council is pushing ahead with plans for a thirty percent rate rise that would generate an additional $22.6M in annual revenue, despite critics calling the increase unjustified during a cost-of-living crisis.

More than 40,000 upper north shore homeowners would see their rates increase by an average of five hundred and twenty-three dollars annually, making them some of the highest residential rates in Sydney.

Councillors will vote this month on the proposal, which the council says is needed to pay for essential infrastructure including stormwater drains and footpaths, and which would require approval from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.

Two Sydney councils are urging residents to choose environmentally friendly Halloween decorations this year, warning that synthetic cobwebs and similar items can harm local wildlife.

Willoughby City Council and Inner West Council say fake spiderwebs can trap birds and other animals, or be mistaken for food and eaten.

9News reported that the councils are encouraging people to use natural materials like straw, cotton wool, sticks, leaves and pumpkins instead of synthetic decorations.

Griffith Regional Funeral Services is commissioning a new cremator in Griffith, marking an important expansion of local funeral service options for the community.

The new cremator has been fully funded and delivered by Griffith Regional Funeral Services without any financial involvement from council, and is expected to be fully operational by the end of next week.

Griffith mayor Doug Curran says the community has been calling for local cremation services, and council understands a second funeral director will soon be offering cremation services as well.

NSW Briefs:

Camden Council has elected Councillor Therese Fedeli as mayor for a third non-consecutive term, with Councillor Ashleigh Cagney taking on the role of deputy mayor.

Mayor Fedeli says her key priorities include delivering more green spaces and amenities, improving transport connections, and increasing support for the local community.

Meanwhile at Gunnedah Shire, the Council has re-elected Kate McGrath as Deputy Mayor for a second consecutive 12 month term.

Lismore City Council has received the first of eight new garbage trucks purchased with a five million dollar grant from the NSW Government following the devastating 2022 floods.

The new fleet features advanced technology for improved safety and efficiency, and will help maintain the council's in-house waste collection services which handle 15,500 residential and commercial services across the local government area.

Bega Valley Shire Council has won the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Tidy Towns Award in the Communication and Engagement category for its Let's Get It Sorted waste education program.

Since the program began, 20 schools have participated with support from more than 180 student volunteers and 32 teachers working on school waste teams.

The world's largest cycling festival brand is coming to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time, with Sea Otter Australia set to transform Batemans Bay and Mogo Trails into a major international cycling hub from October 22-26.

Eurobodalla Shire mayor Mathew Hatcher says the event will elevate Batemans Bay as a world-class cycling destination and provide a significant boost to the local economy and tourism industry.

QLD:

The Crime and Corruption Commission announced on Wednesday that it has finalised its investigation concerning the former Mayor of Townsville, Mr Troy Thompson, but its report has not yet been made available publicly.

In a statement, it said: "The CCC recognises the important role that public reporting on our work plays in promoting transparency and accountability in government and public institutions and we acknowledge the significant public interest in this matter.

A draft public report has been prepared pursuant to section 64 of the Crime and Corruption Act 2001.

Prior to making any decision as to whether or not to publish a report, the Commission must comply with relevant legal requirements. Steps are presently being undertaken to comply with these requirements."

Mr Thompson recently resigned his position as mayor while under suspension, short-circuiting a state government process where he had been given 14 days to respond to a 'show cause' notice.

He has announced that he will stand for re-election at the November by-election.

Mr Thompson has vowed to launch a 20-year audit into council finances if re-elected, claiming more than 100 whistleblowers have provided evidence of corruption.

Mr Thompson has also defended receiving his full mayoral salary during his suspension and said the process was politically motivated. More from the Townsville Bulletin.

Tensions within Cairns Regional Council have been exposed after a dozen complaints were lodged with the state's watchdog in the last financial year, double the previous year's count.

The Cairns Post reported that the complaints have fuelled ongoing friction between Mayor Amy Eden and councillors, particularly over CEO appointments and investigations into the mayor's conduct.

Mayor Eden has called the complaints system flawed and prone to misuse, while the Office of the Independent Assessor faces a significant backlog in processing cases.

Redland City Council has formally adopted its annual report despite Mayor Jos Mitchell voting against it, citing concerns about transparency in ethics and complaints reporting.

The Courier Mail reported that the vote comes as a petition signed by nearly 1,500 residents calls for the state government to sack the mayor and councillors over alleged dysfunction within the council.

The council collected an extra $23.5 million from ratepayers compared to the previous year, bringing total rate revenue to $332 million, while finishing with just a $1.7 million surplus.

Sunshine Coast Council has restored its Australia Day Awards after community pushback against their rebranding as the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards.

The Sunshine Coast News reported the awards will now be presented in January as the Sunshine Coast Australia Day Community Awards, recognising volunteers and community contributors across six categories.

Nominations for the 2026 awards close on November thirtieth, with the ceremony scheduled for January twenty-third.

Fraser Coast Regional Council has approved an additional $700,000 for the Hervey Bay Basketball Association's new stadium, despite controversy and split votes among councillors.

The Courier Mail reported that the decision was opposed by three councillors who raised concerns about setting a precedent for community funding, while a fourth abstained over worries about financial process and fairness to other sporting groups.

The council said the extra funding will help complete essential features including flooring, seating, toilets and landscaping, with the facility expected to open in early 2026.

SA:

Copper Coast Council has threatened legal action against a ratepayer who used offensive language against a council employee on social media while criticising the introduction of automated parking enforcement.

The comment was part of posts objecting to the council's Aero Ranger number plate recognition system and its refusal to grant a parking permit outside the ratepayer’s home in a commercial zone.

ABC News reported that the council's lawyers have sent a letter demanding deletion of the post, warning the language was harassing and potentially defamatory, though no legal action has yet been taken.

Barunga West Council has appointed long-serving staff member Tamara Harrison as Acting Chief Executive Officer following the resignation of Maree Wauchope, effective October 31.

Harrison has worked at the council for 23 years and currently serves as Manager of Corporate Services.

She will lead the organisation from November 3 until a permanent CEO is appointed.

The District Council of Streaky Bay is partnering with Surf Life Saving South Australia to launch a Community Drone Operator Program, inviting local residents to train in drone operation for coastal safety and environmental monitoring.

Participants will receive training and equipment to conduct water surveillance during community events, recreational activities, and provide emergency support when needed.

WA:

It’s been reported that City of Nedlands CEO Keri Shannon has gone on indefinite leave.

The West Australian reported the news late yesterday.

It follows a performance review meeting held Wednesday morning, and it’s understood the commissioners have already installed an acting CEO.

Ms Shannon was appointed in May last year on a five year contract, and is a former mayor of the Town of Cambridge.

Nedlands Council was removed by the state government earlier this year after four councillors resigned on the same day, leaving the council without a quorum.

A team of three commissioners were appointed in July.

Perth artist Sam Bloor has won the 2025 Invitation Art Prize, receiving $25,000 for his work "Chance Encounter" at the newly opened Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery.

The prize, launched by the City of Joondalup in 1998, has supported over 700 artists and Bloor's winning piece will join the City's permanent collection.

The exhibition runs until December 13th with free entry, and visitors can vote for the Popular Choice Award.

Fremantle has farewelled its longest-serving Councillor, Doug Thompson, who has retired after 37 years representing the North Ward since 1988.

During his tenure, Cr Thompson attended nearly 2,000 meetings and championed waste management initiatives including FOGO, recycling and container deposit schemes.

Fellow Councillor Adin Lang, who served eight years, is also retiring after successfully advocating for environmental protections including changes to the state Cat Act.

Global Roundup:

NZ:

Kaipara's outgoing mayor Craig Jepson is seeking a judicial inquiry into alleged voting irregularities.

Newsroom reported that he claims polling booths were "co-opted by the Māori Party" with signage promoting the retention of Northland Regional Council's Māori ward.

Jepson, who endorsed deputy Jonathan Larsen as his successor, faces the likelihood that challenger Snow Tane will overtake Larsen's slim five-vote lead when special votes are counted on Friday.

UK:

Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson has defended plans to reduce parking spaces in the city centre, denying accusations of waging a war on cars, speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside.

“We’ve got to remember about 40 percent of residents in the city don’t own a car. There’s a large proportion on people that are public transport users, so we’ve got to look at this completely in the round.”

The Labour-run authority says Liverpool has 20,000 parking spaces, more than enough to meet demand, and aims to improve air quality and ease congestion.

Opposition councillor Carl Cashman criticised the move, warning the city's economy depends on cars, though Robinson insists changes will be phased in alongside public transport improvements.

Somerset Council has spent more than £33 million on agency staff and consultants in less than three years, despite declaring a financial emergency in November 2023.

The council says the spending is justified due to national shortages of key professionals such as social workers and planning officers, though it has also cut 555 full-time jobs and made 292 redundancies.

Cumbria is set to gain a new Mayor-led strategic authority after both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils approved the Government's devolution proposals.

The new Cumbria Combined Authority will unlock substantial additional powers and three hundred and thirty-three million pounds in investment funding over thirty years, with elections for the region's first Mayor scheduled for May 2027.

The devolution deal will give Cumbria greater control over transport, skills, housing, and economic growth, shifting decision-making power from Whitehall to local communities.

Birmingham City Council and trade unions have reached a landmark agreement to settle historic equal pay claims brought by female employees who were underpaid compared to male colleagues performing work of equal value.

Local Gov dot co dot uk reported that the settlement, finalised after an agreement reached in principle last December, will see affected employees receive compensation for years of wage inequality.

Council leader John Cotton described equal pay as the single biggest challenge the council has faced, while union representatives said the victory would resonate far beyond Birmingham.

USA:

A crucial vote in Reno, Nevada could determine whether a major development shifts from building five thousand homes to constructing water-intensive data centres in one of America's driest states.

NBC News reported that community members and environmental groups are pushing back against the revised plan, citing concerns about water consumption and housing shortages in a region already facing severe drought conditions.

The developer argues the industrial pivot would bring nearly nine thousand jobs and needed tax revenue to a city facing a twenty-five million dollar budget deficit.

Reuters reports that New York City has filed a lawsuit against major social media companies, alleging they deliberately designed their platforms to addict children.

The legal action represents one of the most significant municipal challenges to social media companies' practices regarding youth mental health.

City officials argue these platforms have contributed to a mental health crisis among young people through addictive features and algorithms.

In Virginia, eight of nine Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority commissioners have resigned after the mayor and city council demanded their departure, leaving the agency that manages over eleven hundred public housing units with just one board member.

The mass resignations follow weeks of escalating tension over the board's handling of former CEO Erik Johnson, who was terminated after an investigation found he improperly stayed in a public housing unit.

The City Council will hold an emergency meeting tonight to appoint new commissioners and amend city code to allow immediate appointments without the usual twenty-one day public notice period, according to ALX Now dot com.

CANADA:

CTV News reports that Greater Sudbury city council will vote next week on a motion calling on the Ontario government to reimburse the city for lost revenue after Premier Doug Ford ordered municipalities to remove speed cameras.

The city currently operates six speed cameras that generate funds used for traffic calming measures, and officials warn removal will increase policing costs and reduce road safety funding.

In Northern Ontario, thirty-nine Timmins Transit workers have accepted a new contract that includes wage increases, potentially ending a strike that has lasted one month.

The City Council is set to vote on the deal Tuesday, and if approved, bus service will resume for residents.

London City Council has unanimously approved a $7M modular micro-shelter complex featuring 60 heated and air-conditioned units.

Mayor Josh Morgan has championed the project as part of dealing with the city’s housing crisis.

“I don’t expected this to be perfect, but I do think that we have to do something.”

It will include washroom facilities, laundry, security, and support staff, with most units expected to be available by year's end.

Sault Ste. Marie City Council is reviewing a $15K integrity commissioner investigation into Councillor Angela Caputo's social media post that called late U.S. podcaster Charlie Kirk a symbol of white supremacy.

Despite facing calls for her resignation, Cr Caputo says she stands by her remarks, according to CTV News.