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Local Government News Roundup
Australia’s no.1 podcast for local government news and views, hosted by veteran media presenter and senior executive Chris Eddy. Brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Local Government News Roundup
Melbourne Protests, Kingston's Second Monitor, Townsville Mayoral Race, and WA's Compulsory Voting Debate
In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Condemns Immigration Protest Violence
- Kingston’s second monitor announced
- Wodonga’s new councillor questions the use of a hospital lobbyist
- Victoria’s new Police Chief Meets Regional Councils on Crime
- Central Darling Elects its First Councillors in Decade
- Albury Council’s Deficit Cuts to be Revealed Tonight
- A Record Nine Candidates to Contest Townsville’s Mayoral By-Election
- WA’s Local Government Minister Flags Compulsory Council Voting, after a low election turnout
and much more news from across the world of local government.
Victorian Local Governance Association
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Victorian Roundup:
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece has condemned violent clashes at opposing immigration protests in the CBD on Sunday, accusing demonstrators of ruining the city and pledging to work with the state government to end what he called a "cycle of madness".
Police deployed flash bangs and rubber bullets as around 1,000 anti-immigration protesters and 1,000 counter-protesters clashed, resulting in two officers being hospitalised and one protester arrested after rocks and bottles were thrown at police.
The rallies, which saw racist slogans chanted and Australian flags burned, come amid growing concern about the drain on police resources, with Commander Mark Cheesman saying officers should be tackling crime rather than managing weekly violent protests.
The Victorian Government has appointed John Watson as the second Municipal Monitor for the City of Kingston, joining John Tanner AM who was appointed in August.
The monitors’ term runs until December 31st.
Mr Watson is a former council CEO and former Executive Director of Local Government Victoria.
He was the municipal Monitor at Darebin City Council in 2022/23.
His appointment at Kingston will be a reunion of sorts, as both men were administrators at Brimbank City Council during its period of administration in the mid-2010s.
Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley and CEO Peter Bean have committed to working closely with both monitors to deliver excellent service to the community.
Newly-elected Wodonga councillor Ron Mildren has questioned the merit of hiring a private lobbyist to advocate for a new Border hospital.
The Council will debate contributing $17,500 towards an Albury Wodonga Regional Health Alliance plan at its October 27 meeting, with neighbouring councils having already committed funds.
Cr Mildren suggests that well-informed mayors working collectively would be more effective than paying an external influencer to push the issue with state and federal governments.
He has also criticised current mayor Michael Gobel's handling of council meetings, suggesting he may be too inexperienced for the role.
Cr Gobel has confirmed to the Border Mail that he'll seek re-election for a second year as mayor, emphasising that diversity of opinion strengthens council decisions, particularly on the push for a new Albury-Wodonga hospital.
https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/9090911/wodonga-councillor-questions-lobbyist-for-hospital-plan/
Victoria's newly appointed Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush has met with Regional Cities Victoria representatives to hear concerns about rising crime and community safety in regional areas.
Mildura's Mayor Helen Healy raised concerns about the municipality's size and distance from other centres, requesting equitable police resourcing and response capabilities.
The Mayor welcomed the Chief Commissioner's commitment to engage with regional leaders and ensure regional voices help shape Victoria's law-and-order priorities.
Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves was also part of the session, raising issues such as youth crime, anti-social behaviour, and gendered violence.
Her council is calling for stronger police collaboration and resourcing to match local crime trends and rebuild community confidence.
Hume City Council has welcomed a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision ordering the immediate cessation of truck activity at 370 Riddell Road in Sunbury's Canterbury Avenue.
The tribunal ruling comes after Council investigations into community concerns about unauthorised use of the site, bringing relief to local residents who have been impacted by heavy vehicle movements.
Any future works on the land will require Council permits with stringent conditions, and the site will be closely monitored for compliance.
Casey Council is halfway through replacing more than 250,000 bin lids across the municipality to meet Victoria's new standardised waste system. The changeover, which began in August, has seen contractors visit over 80,000 properties, with an 85 percent bin presentation rate exceeding expectations. The new colour-coded system includes red lids for general rubbish, yellow for recycling, lime green for food and garden waste, and purple for glass.
https://dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/news/2025-10-17/casey-bin-lid-changeover-halfway/
Moorabool Shire has become the first local government in Australia to launch Citibot, an AI-powered service platform that provides 24/7 resident support with automatic translation across 70 languages.
The initiative was delivered entirely by existing staff without consultants or new roles, demonstrating what CEO Derek Madden calls trust-based leadership and innovation.
The system will integrate with the council's new ERP system to seamlessly manage customer requests without the need for electronic forms.
The City of Greater Geelong has endorsed its 2025-26 Priority Projects document ahead of the state election, with major investment in Avalon Airport as Victoria's second international airport named as a critical funding priority.
Council will advocate for a three-year airline attraction program, a Beach Road upgrade, express bus service to Lara Station, and eventually a rail link to the airport.
Victorian Briefs:
Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking community feedback on a revised aquatic strategy that prioritises redeveloping the existing Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Wonthaggi, with a new Phillip Island facility to follow as a second stage.
The staged approach reflects current financial realities after efforts to secure external funding for concurrent construction of both pools were unsuccessful.
Moorabool Shire Council will host a statewide summit on illegal dumping on October 30th, bringing together mayors and senior staff from councils across Victoria.
The summit comes after Council was forced to pay $500,000 to clean up toxic waste on Council-managed land near Bacchus Marsh, while the property it originated from was under EPA surveillance.
National Roundup:
NSW:
The Central Darling Shire Council election results have been declared, with Peter Sullivan elected in A Ward, Max Bradley in B Ward, and Daniel Fusi elected uncontested in Ward C.
Ten candidates stood for election across the Council’s three wards in the first elections for the shire since it went into administration more than 12 years ago.
The Minister for Local Government will shortly appoint three additional councillors as part of a new Rural and Remote Council model.
Further details about the first Council meeting will be announced following the Minister's decision on appointed councillors.
https://www.centraldarling.nsw.gov.au/News-articles/Elected-Councillors-declared
The magnitude of cuts needed to reduce Albury Council's ballooning deficit is set to be revealed at a public briefing tonight. Finance manager Justin Finlayson will outline findings from a service delivery review conducted by Sydney-based consultants Morrison Low, marking the first time councillors will learn about potential responses. Mayor Kevin Mack suggested the axe could be taken to operations duplicated within the community, but said a specific response would be guided by the consultant's findings.
**Murrumbidgee Council'**s Jerilderie office has been closed while asbestos remediation works are underway, following the discovery of asbestos-containing materials last month.
All council services are being provided from Jerilderie Library next door, with the exception of banking services which have ceased.
Air and dust testing has shown levels within normal environmental ranges, and staff will only return once a Class A licensed removalist completes the work and clearance certificates are issued.
Fairfield City Council is investigating unauthorised access to a portion of its internal IT systems by an external third party. The council says it immediately worked to contain the breach and has commenced an investigation into what happened and what information may have been impacted. Most council services are operating as usual with some temporary workarounds in place, and the incident has been reported to relevant authorities.
https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/News/Statement-from-Fairfield-City-Council
Cessnock City Council will seek community feedback on a potential special rate variation to address a structural funding gap identified in its financial sustainability review, if approved at an Extraordinary Council Meeting called for this Wednesday.
The council will notify the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of its intention and conduct comprehensive community engagement, including surveys to every household and business, listening posts, and information sessions across the local government area.
The consultation results will inform whether the council proceeds with a formal application to increase rates above the annual rate peg to maintain service levels and invest in asset renewal.
https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-meetings/Minutes-and-agendas
Clarence Valley Council has passed a motion opposing the Environmental Planning and Assessment Bill 2025, citing concerns it reduces local planning control and transparency. The motion, brought by Councillor Greg Clancy, was carried six votes to three and calls for letters to be sent to the Premier and relevant ministers requesting formal public consultation on the reforms. Council will also advocate through regional organisations for a coordinated response to the proposed changes.
Three Orange City councillors have filed a rescission motion to overturn a newly imposed cap on ratepayer-funded event attendance. The original motion, passed by a narrow six-to-five vote, was designed to limit attendance at any single external event to half of the sitting councillors. Deputy mayor Tammy Greenhalgh and others argue the arbitrary cap harms their ability to learn, advocate, and build key networks for the city, with the issue set for another vote on October 21.
Georges River Council has abandoned plans to develop 8,200 new homes in the area, according to the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader.
The controversial housing proposal had drawn significant community opposition and raised concerns about infrastructure capacity.
Council officials are now reviewing alternative approaches to meeting housing demands in the region.
Lismore City Council has written to Federal ministers expressing concern over approximately eight illegal tobacco and vape shops operating in the CBD, highlighting organised crime implications and requesting information on Federal compliance and enforcement measures.
Council has also resolved to advocate for reinstating the disbanded Drug Squad, boosting police resources, and increasing lighting and CCTV across the area as deterrents against crime.
Additional requests have been made for increased health, mental health, and housing resources to address acute needs in the region.
MidCoast Council is using specially trained dogs to detect invasive weed species across the region.
The innovative approach provides a more efficient method for identifying problem plants before they spread.
The biosecurity initiative aims to protect native vegetation and agricultural land from invasive species.
QLD:
Fraser Coast Regional Council has appointed Mica Martin as its new Chief Executive Officer, bringing over thirty years of local government leadership experience to the role.
Ms Martin previously served as CEO at Cairns Regional Council, where she oversaw a $430M budget and secured significant infrastructure funding including $400M for water security. She left that role in April 2024.
Ms Martin will commence her new role on November 24th, replacing outgoing CEO Ken Diehm who will stay on in a transition role until his retirement mid next year.
A record nine candidates will contest Townsville's mayoral by-election on November 15, making it the largest field in recent history according to the Electoral Commission Queensland. Twenty-seven-year-old Sean Gleeson secured the top spot on the ballot paper, with former Mayor Troy Thompson drawn second and resigned Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto in fourth position. The full postal vote will be distributed from Brisbane on Monday, with results to be tallied from 6pm on election night and a final deadline of November 25.
Queensland's Crisafulli government is facing a new "jobs for mates" controversy after appointing former Flinders Shire mayor Jane McNamara as chair of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
McNamara's appointment is complicated by her links to a disgraced council CEO who faced substantiated allegations of corrupt conduct while she was mayor of Flinders Shire.
The opposition has labelled the appointment process outrageous, according to ABC News.
The chief executive of Torres Strait Island Regional Council, James William, has been removed from his position following a secret meeting as the council faces critical financial challenges and crumbling infrastructure. The council is grappling with a net deficit of fifteen point one million dollars, failing water and sewage systems, and questions over transparency in awarding major contracts worth forty-eight million dollars. A Queensland Audit Office investigation is currently underway, with results expected to be tabled in parliament early next year.
Cairns Regional Council has applied for nearly $300,000 in state government grants to deliver vital clean-up and habitat restoration works across the region.
The funding applications, submitted under Queensland's Environmental Clean-Up and Local Conservation Program, target priority sites in the northern, central and southern regions affected by extreme rainfall events.
Projects are expected to commence in April 2026 and will focus on removing storm debris, stabilizing creek banks, and restoring vegetation as part of the Reef Guardian Action Plan.
National Briefs:
TAS:
The Housing Industry Association has criticised Kingborough Council for what it calls "development dysfunction", saying excessive red tape and delays are preventing people from building homes. The council has introduced a Planning Start Work Notice requirement, which the HIA describes as unnecessary bureaucracy, with some projects delayed for over a year before construction can begin. Kingborough Council defends the notices, saying they ensure planning permit conditions are met before work starts and maintains it is reviewing processes for efficiency.
Latrobe is facing a childcare crisis as the Catholic-run Latrobe Early Learning Centre prepares to close in December, leaving families without childcare options in a region where centres are already at capacity. Mayor Peter Freshney says the council has identified a solution working with Lady Gowrie to establish an alternative facility, but needs $450,000 in federal funding after securing $200,000 from the state government. Without the funding, families will face difficult choices including cutting work hours, resigning from jobs, or potentially seeking unregulated and unsafe childcare alternatives.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/hobart-mornings/latrobe-child-care-peter-freshney/105898022
Huon Valley Council is taking action to combat coastal erosion affecting the region. The council has released information about its strategies to protect coastal areas from the impacts of erosion and climate change. Details of the council's erosion management plans are outlined in their official media release.
Devonport City Council has reported a $2.9 million surplus for the 2024-25 financial year, its fifth consecutive surplus, while reducing borrowings by $1.1 million. The council invested $19.6 million in capital works and continues to benefit from its Living City urban renewal program, with Mayor Alison Jarman highlighting the city's position as a prime location for business development. The better-than-budget result was driven by increased bank interest and higher returns from the Dulverton Waste Management Authority.
https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/9087166/devonport-city-council-surges-ahead-with-29m-surplus/
WA:
Bruce Reynolds has been elected as City of Perth Lord Mayor for a two-year term expiring in October 2027. Counting is currently underway for four vacant councillor positions, with results to be announced in due course. The Lord Mayor-elect and successful councillors will be officially sworn in at a ceremony at Council House on Tuesday, 21 October 2025.
https://perth.wa.gov.au/news-and-updates/all-news/city-of-perth-2025-election-lord-mayor-announced
Ben Lawver has been elected Mayor of Fremantle, defeating the incumbent Hannah Fitzhardinge. Fedele Camarda, Andrew Sullivan, Pip Slaughter and Melanie Clark have been elected as councillors for their respective wards. The successful candidates will be sworn in at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Wednesday.
Three frontrunners have emerged in the race for Albany's council with more than half of primary votes counted. Former Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens leads with over 1200 votes, followed by incumbent councillor Tom Brough with just under 900 votes and Robert Sutton with about 700 votes. The race for the fourth councillor position remains tightly contested.
Shane Van Styn, Natasha Colliver, Tim Milnes and Serena Giudice have been elected to the Greater Geraldton council. Former mayor Van Styn secured 34 percent of votes in his return to council after a two-year break, while Deputy Mayor Colliver received 13 percent. A record 9,450 community members voted in the election, representing 31.6 percent of eligible voters.
Western Australia's Local Government Minister is warning that voting in council elections could become compulsory if voter turnout continues to decline, with participation rates expected to fall below the usual 30 to 32 per cent average for last weekend's poll.
Hannah Beazley says she's concerned about voter fatigue after three elections this year and is also considering reforms to introduce full four-year council terms to replace the current two-year half spill model.
The minister acknowledged that widely-reported council dysfunction across the sector in recent months may have also discouraged voters from participating in local government elections.
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder says it has not adopted a formal position on a proposed boundary adjustment with the financially troubled Shire of Coolgardie, despite the Local Government Minister's comments this week suggesting the city was willing to merge.
Mayor Glenn Wilson says the council endorsed only a draft proposal to satisfy the State Government's request for a joint submission, but the city's preferred option is not finalised because the shire failed to provide all required information.
The clarification comes after Minister Hannah Beazley decided not to suspend the Shire of Coolgardie, instead giving it a year to address its dire financial crisis.
Global Report:
UK:
Norfolk County Council has backed a £1 billion devolution deal that will transfer powers over transport, housing, and education from Westminster to Norfolk and Suffolk. The agreement, which includes a 30-year investment fund, requires the creation of an elected mayor for both counties, with elections scheduled for May next year. The deal has sparked controversy over the new combined authority's political makeup, with opposition parties criticising the Conservative-led council for excluding district councils and other parties from voting rights.
https://www.dissmercury.co.uk/news/25547480.norfolk-council-backs-1bn-devolution-deal-new-mayor/
Suffolk County Council has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine's Poltava Regional Military Administration to strengthen collaboration on economic development, agriculture, and tourism. The agreement was signed by council leader Matthew Hicks and Poltava administration head Volodymyr Kohut at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds. The partnership aims to facilitate joint research, student exchanges, and business partnerships between the two regions, which share common strengths in agriculture, engineering, and digital technology.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4pdg79mmdo
Lancashire County Council's Reform UK-led administration has refused to support a call for the government to permanently ban fracking in the county. The council voted for an amended motion that replaced references to fracking with "extracting shale gas" and called for continuing the moratorium while commissioning an independent review of domestic energy sources. Labour councillors criticised the move, saying Lancashire residents have already made clear their opposition to fracking, which was effectively banned in 2019 following earthquakes at the Preston New Road site.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy517l3y7do
USA:
In Florida, the Palm Bay City Council voted three to two to censure Councilman Chandler Langevin following derogatory social media posts about Indian Americans, which prompted calls for his removal by Governor Ron DeSantis. The censure restricts Langevin's ability to place items on the agenda without majority approval and removes him from city boards and committees, though he and his attorney plan to file suit claiming the action violates his First Amendment rights. In a separate four to one vote, the council also moved to hire an outside attorney to investigate potential ethics violations by Langevin.
The Lansing City Council has unanimously passed a resolution declaring the city an "LGBTQ+ Welcoming City," condemning violence and harassment against the LGBTQ+ community. The resolution comes after weeks of safety concerns from residents following a September incident at a local bar, and supports access to gender-affirming care while calling for disciplinary action against those who discriminate. Community advocates say this is a positive first step, but they're continuing to push for the creation of an LGBTQ+ board and funding for security measures at LGBTQ+ businesses.
CANADA:
The City of Vancouver is launching an Exempt Voluntary Separation Program, offering some staff members the opportunity to retire early or leave their positions voluntarily. The move follows a city council decision to prepare a draft budget identifying approximately $120 million in savings to freeze property tax rates for 2026. City Manager Donny van Dyk announced the program after a staff town hall addressing budget questions.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/city-of-vancouver-to-offer-separation-program-for-staff/
London City Council is reviewing a decision that removed bedroom limits for additional residential units after a developer proposed two buildings with 32 bedrooms total on a former single-family lot. Councillors Corrine Rahman and Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis have introduced a motion to limit additional residential units to two bedrooms each and cap their size at 80 percent of the main dwelling's floor area. The Planning and Environment Committee will consider the proposed changes on October 21st as neighbours express concerns about the impact of oversized developments on their communities.
PHILIPPINES:
From the Philippines, the Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of Borbon town Vice Mayor Noel Dotillos for grave misconduct after he approved 570,000 pesos in anniversary bonuses in 2019 without proper appropriation ordinances. Dotillos, who was serving as municipal mayor at the time, has been stripped of his civil service eligibility and permanently barred from holding public office. The former mayor has filed a motion for reconsideration, defending his 30-year government service record and arguing the funds were properly distributed to employees.
Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/10/18/regions/ombudsman-orders-dismissal-of-vice-mayor/2203073
