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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
Beach tragedy, landbanking, award winners and a burial boom
In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Frankston Council to step up beach safety measures after two tragic deaths
- Concerns over plans to add private security cameras to Melbourne’s CCTV network
- Landbanking accusations from by an inner city Council CEO
- Concerns raised about new NSW councillor conduct reforms
- This year’s Women in Local Government award winners announced
- A new trial to crack down on vehicles blocking driveways
- The alarm sounded on infrastructure and crowded cemeteries in Queensland
- and more election surprises in Western Australia
Plus more of the latest local government news from around Australia and beyond.
Victorian Local Governance Association
The VLGA is an independent organisation supporting councils and councillors in good governance.
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Victorian Roundup:
The tragic death of two people, swept from Frankston Pier during extreme wind conditions on Wednesday, has prompted Mayor Kris Bolam to extend condolences to their families on behalf of the community.
Frankston City Council is urging residents and visitors to heed Bureau of Meteorology warnings about strong gusts, rough seas and dangerous coastal conditions.
The council has committed to enhancing beach and foreshore safety over summer, including additional lifeguard patrols, increased signage and clearer communication about hazardous conditions.
The City of Melbourne reportedly plans to add 60 privately owned security cameras to its CCTV network, quadrupling the number of private cameras currently monitored by council staff.
The Age reported that some councillors have expressed concern about increased public surveillance by private businesses, and that business interests could influence the network's operation.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece has defended the expansion, saying it's a smart way to put more eyes on the street and help police keep the city safe.
Melbourne City Council has voted to oppose the Victorian government's mandated work-from-home policy, with nine councillors including mayor Nick Reece supporting the motion, according to the Herald Sun.
With CBD office occupancy at just 64 percent and retail spending 18 percent below pre-pandemic levels, the council is calling for a more flexible approach as Premier Jacinta Allan prepares to introduce legislation establishing a right for employees to work from home two days per week.
More than 20 sites in central Footscray with planning permits to build over 4,000 apartments are sitting idle, with some remaining undeveloped for more than ten years, according to Maribyrnong City Council and reported today by the Age.
Council chief executive Celia Haddock has accused property owners of landbanking and called for "use it or lose it" rules to be considered in Victoria's planning law review, as the suburb faces a housing shortage despite approved developments.
But the Urban Development Institute says developers are finding it challenging to make apartment projects financially viable in Melbourne, even in prime locations like Footscray, due to high construction costs and taxes.
City of Casey councillor Lynette Pereira has successfully moved a motion calling for greater transparency around the municipality's involvement in the South East Metropolitan Advanced Waste Processing partnership.
Cranbourne News reported that the motion passed unanimously, and directs officers to seek assurances from the SEMAWP Board about governance, probity and legal compliance, with particular attention to changing regulations and ongoing legal action against the State Government.
A report outlining the board's response will be presented to council by February 2026.
Strathbogie Shire Council has updated its approach to Australia Day events following extensive community consultation with around 800 residents.
The Council will now support community-led Australia Day events through existing grant programs, with councillors able to attend if invited, in a move designed to respect both those who celebrate and those who view the day as a time for reflection.
The decision came after feedback through phone polling, surveys and direct discussions with community groups and the Taungurung Land and Waters Council.
Hume City has elected its first-ever Youth Council, with twelve young people chosen by more than 3,300 voters aged 11 to 17 across 19 polling locations.
The newly elected members will be sworn in in December and serve a twelve-month term starting in January 2026, with a ten-thousand-dollar budget to deliver their priorities.
The Youth Council is part of a pilot program partnership between Hume City Council and the Foundation for Young Australians, also being delivered in Queensland and New South Wales.
Noojee has been selected as one of two Victorian towns for the Healthy Forest Plans Pilot, receiving a four-million-dollar investment announced by Premier Jacinta Allen.
The funding is part of a thirty-million-dollar government plan to unlock 1.8 million hectares of state forests in Gippsland and North East Victoria following the end of native timber harvesting.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss welcomed the announcement, noting the town's three-year "Shaping the Future of Noojee" project has been working to support economic transition and create jobs aligned with community values.
https://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Latest-News/New-page-1
Swan Hill Rural City Council has launched an Expression of Interest process to explore leasing or management options for the Swan Hill Regional Livestock Exchange following a strategic review and community consultation.
Mayor Stuart King says the facility holds deep importance for primary producers across the region who rely on it for business operations.
Council's Director of Infrastructure, Leah Johnston, says the EOI process aims to identify investment opportunities and a sustainable management model to secure the facility's long-term future.
Victorian Briefs:
The Mornington Peninsula's Mayoral Charity event has raised a record $61,278 for eleven local community organisations through a recent sold-out MayDay Cruise event.
Mayor Anthony Marsh said more than 250 guests contributed to the most successful Mayoral Charity fundraiser in recent memory.
Latrobe City Council is backing Gambling Harm Awareness Week, running from 27 October to 2 November, with the theme 'Set before you bet'.
Gambling losses in Latrobe City totalled 50.1 million dollars to electronic gaming machines alone in 2024-25, equivalent to 829 dollars per adult, which is 254 dollars more than the Victorian average.
Bayside City Council has announced that the Sandringham Family Leisure Centre pool will reopen on November 10th, following a seven-month upgrade that included steel framework repairs, deck improvements, and changeroom renovations.
Public swimming hours will initially be limited to select weekday and weekend times.
The Council is also seeking community feedback on future aquatics and leisure facilities through its Recreation Strategy consultation, which closes November 25th.
https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/news/your-marks-sandringham-pool-reopening-soon
The City of Greater Bendigo has adopted its 2025-2029 UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy Action Plan, building on four years as Australia's first UNESCO gastronomy designation.
Mayor Andrea Metcalf praised the collaborative effort involving nine local government areas, Traditional Owner groups, industry partners, and the Victorian Government in creating the holistic strategy.
National Roundup:
NSW:
LGNSW President Phyllis Miller has raised concerns about new legislation to reform councillor conduct.
If passed, the legislation will lead to the creation of a one-stop-shop for misconduct matters and improving transparency and accountability.
LGNSW supports the intent but has asked whether the Land and Environment Court is the appropriate jurisdiction for significant conduct matters, particularly those involving bullying and sexual harassment.
The peak body has called for a working party to guide implementation and ensure the legislation protects both councillors and staff while maintaining safe workplaces.
https://lgnsw.org.au/Public/News/President-Message/2025/PM102125.aspx
The 2025 Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government have celebrated outstanding achievements of women across NSW councils, with winners announced at Parliament House.
More than 100 nominations were received across various categories including elected representatives, alternate pathways, and champions of change from both metro and regional areas.
The awards, now in their 18th year, recognise the invaluable contribution women make to local government, with female representation on councils reaching a record 40.5 per cent at last year's elections.
Local Government NSW President and Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM has received the highest honour, winning the Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award.
Twenty-year-old Rani Diggs from Gilgandra Shire Council has won the Young Achievers Award for her excellence as a roads grader operator.
Tweed Shire Council's Director of Sustainable Communities and Environment, Naomi Searle, has been awarded the Champion of Change Award, recognising her outstanding leadership in supporting women's participation at council.
Mosman Councillor Carolyn Corrigan has won the metropolitan Elected Representative Award for her outstanding work advancing female representation in local government. Councillor Corrigan, who served as Mosman's first popularly elected female Mayor from 2017 to 2024, founded the annual Mosman Walk for Women and has been widely recognised for mentoring and supporting other women entering public life.
https://mosman.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/carolyn-corrigan-wins-women-local-government-award
Waverley Council has approved a twelve-month trial to tow vehicles blocking driveways, following more than two thousand complaints from residents in the last financial year.
Parking officers will respond to complaints within three hours during rostered hours, relocating offending vehicles to the nearest legal parking space.
The initiative aims to increase deterrence against illegal parking and improve response times for affected residents.
https://insidelocalgovernment.com.au/waverley-council-to-trial-driveway-towing/
Glen Innes Severn Council has finalised the purchase of the former Dimmys building behind McKenzie Mall for 1.7 million dollars, along with surrounding car park space, to address critical safety and compliance issues at its current facilities.
The new civic facility will house council staff and include a purpose-built council chamber that can be reconfigured for community meetings, with occupation expected by the end of 2026.
General Manager Bernard Smith says the 6 million dollar relocation project is the most cost-effective solution identified over the past 15 years and can no longer be delayed due to fundamental safety risks.
Far South Coast NSW councils are chasing approximately two hundred thousand dollars in unpaid airport fees from REX Airlines following the carrier's voluntary administration.
Bega Valley Shire Council is owed one hundred and forty-four thousand dollars for Merimbula Airport, while Eurobodalla Shire Council is owed fifty-five thousand for Moruya Airport.
Both councils say they will continue to seek payment, though it's unclear if the outstanding amounts will be recovered.
https://www.2ec.com.au/local-news/far-south-coast-councils-chase-rex-for-unpaid-debts/
Eurobodalla Council is urging residents to stop flushing so-called flushable wipes, which are creating costly fatbergs in the sewer system.
Despite advertising claims, the wipes don't break down like toilet paper and instead combine with fats and oils to create massive blockages that are hazardous, expensive and time-consuming to remove.
Just last week, crews removed four metres of clogging wet wipes from a pipe at Narooma, despite the sewer being cleared just weeks before.
https://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/latest-news/2025/wet-wipes
Kiama Council has refused a development application for Jamberoo Action Park after the site was being used to store a significant number of new vehicles without proper consent.
Council became aware of the issue two to three months ago and has been working with the property owners to resolve it.
The car park and overflow areas were being operated as a transport depot, a use that is prohibited in rural zones.
https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Council-statement-parking-at-Jamberoo-Action-Park
Lismore City Council has voted to continue leading the Richmond Tweed Regional Library as the Executive Council beyond June 2027, following an independent review that identified governance and financial challenges.
The Northern Rivers Times reported that the decision includes transferring branch library staff to their respective local councils by 2027 to improve local accountability, while maintaining the cooperative model that currently serves over 227,000 residents across 12 branches.
Other member councils are expected to finalise their positions by December before a new Deed of Agreement is negotiated.
Narrandera Shire Council is warning dog owners to properly secure their animals after several recent incidents of roaming dogs attacking and killing livestock on neighbouring farms.
Under New South Wales law, farmers are legally entitled to use any means necessary to stop dogs attacking their livestock, and can also take civil action against owners to recover costs.
Council is urging residents to regularly check fencing, never allow dogs to roam unsupervised, and ensure all dogs are registered and microchipped.
NSW Briefs:
Bayside Council's fifty-one million dollar transformation of a former landfill site into the Barton Park Recreational Precinct has won the prestigious Master Builders Award for Sporting Facilities.
The twelve-hectare state-of-the-art development, supported by eighteen million dollars in New South Wales Government funding, sets a new standard for sustainable urban development in the region.
Kiama Council has announced the appointment of members to its Finance and Major Projects Advisory Committee.
The committee will provide strategic advice on financial matters and major projects across the local government area.
Fairfield City Council will this weekend officially open the newly transformed Endeavour Sports Park in Fairfield West, a major development that Mayor Frank Carbone describes as a game-changer for local sport lovers.
The landmark $16M development supports a wide range of sports including soccer, football cricket, basketball, volleyball, netball, and pickleball.
Maitland City Council is developing its first Social Strategy aimed at strengthening community wellbeing and building a more connected city.
The strategy will work with government agencies, community services and local groups to identify service gaps and prepare for challenges like population growth and changing social trends.
QLD:
Queensland councils are sounding the alarm over critical infrastructure funding shortfalls, with new research revealing nearly half of the state's unsealed roads are in poor condition and timber bridges pose safety risks.
The Local Government Association of Queensland says an additional nineteen billion dollars in state and federal funding is needed to repair or replace ageing assets, including water and wastewater infrastructure that's reaching a crisis point.
Council leaders are calling for urgent government partnership to address these gaps before community safety and liveability are further compromised.
Queensland is facing what's being called a "burial boom" as cemeteries run out of space, with the Local Government Association warning some areas could exceed capacity within ten to fifteen years.
The association's research highlights mounting pressure from the state's growing, ageing and diversifying population, with councils struggling to find suitable land for cemetery expansion.
The LGAQ is calling on the state government to develop a strategic, statewide approach to address challenges including land supply constraints, cultural needs, financial viability and long-term management of end-of-life infrastructure.
https://www.lgaq.asn.au/News-and-Media/News-articles/Grave-concerns-about-burial-boom
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has welcomed Queensland Government reforms to the Local Government Act that will protect mayors from being stripped of their spokesperson duties by fellow councillors.
The changes come after a January motion by Councillor Paul Tully attempted to remove the mayor as spokesperson on council matters, exposing a legislative gap that allowed councillors to diminish mayoral powers.
Under the new reforms, mayors will retain their role as council's lead spokesperson while councillors continue to communicate with constituents on local issues.
Redland City mayor Jocelyn Mitchell says the proposed changes don't go far enough to address concerns that processes are being weaponised for political purposes, according to a report from the Brisbane Times.
While Premier David Crisafulli announced plans to remove conduct breaches from the councillor conduct framework, Mayor Mitchell has pushed for an independent external body to handle all conduct complaints instead.
The mayor maintains the current system lacks transparency and natural justice, with anonymous complaints referred back to councils meaning elected representatives can vote on complaints they may have lodged themselves.
Brisbane City Council is pushing for the federal government to count household pets in the national census, according to ABC News.
The Council is arguing the data would help deliver better parks, facilities and programs for domestic animals and their owners.
The motion gained support at this week's Local Government Association of Queensland conference, with council representatives saying good data drives good decisions for responsible pet ownership.
However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has already ruled out including the topic in the twenty twenty-six census. It said it needs to prioritise topics based on public value and limit the burden on households.
Sunshine Coast Council has voted to phase out long-term tenants at Dicky Beach Holiday Park through a natural attrition policy, meaning vacant sites will be converted to short-term tourist accommodation.
The controversial decision, passed six votes to four, affects 82 permanent residents who say the changes will devalue their homes, though current tenants won't be forced to leave.
The policy aims to align Dicky Beach with five other council-managed parks and address state government concerns that long-term occupation contradicts the recreational purpose of the reserve land.
https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2025/10/20/council-votes-to-phase-out-long-term-park-tenants/
TAS:
A new one-point-six million dollar walking track is set to be developed in Tasmania's Dial Range, boosting tourism in the state's North-West.
The announcement comes as Central Coast Council made what's being described as an unprecedented decision to block logging in the area.
The move marks a significant shift toward prioritising tourism over timber in the region.
A Huon Valley Council team has been crowned national champions at the Australian Disaster Resilience Challenge, showcasing Tasmania's emergency management capabilities on the national stage.
The team, led by Environmental Sustainability Manager, Dr Malcolm Johnson, competed against other councils and emergency services from across Australia in a series of disaster response scenarios.
SA:
Port Pirie Regional Council has welcomed a major US-Australia Critical Minerals deal that could bring a hundred million dollar investment to the Nyrstar Port Pirie Smelter.
The agreement follows a meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Albanese, resulting in a thirteen billion dollar deal to secure critical mineral supply chains.
Mayor Leon Stephens says the potential investment represents strong international confidence in Port Pirie's skilled workforce and industrial capabilities.
SA Property Council chief Bruce Djite is urging the South Australian government to review Adelaide City Council's authority over the state's economic centre.
He told Adelaide Now that councillors elected by fewer than one thousand votes hold excessive influence over decisions affecting the entire state's economy.
The Property Council's election platform calls for a Minister for Adelaide and suggests the council should be limited to local matters like roads, rates, and rubbish.
WA:
Western Australia's acting electoral commissioner has declared the recent council elections successful despite ongoing concerns about the postal voting system.
The elections saw a voter turnout of approximately 30 percent, consistent with previous years, though some candidates and voters raised issues about ballot delivery and collection.
The Electoral Commission is reviewing the process and considering recommendations for future improvements to the voting system.
Acting electoral commissioner labels WA council elections successful despite concerns - ABC News
Picking up on more notable election results now, and there’s already been a resignation of a new councillor before they were even sworn-in to the office.
Max Szulc, the third councillor-elect at the Shire of Ravensthorpe, submitted his resignation before the first Council meeting. The council will seek approval for an extraordinary election to be conducted early next year.
Rachel Gibson was elected Shire President, and Mark Mudie is deputy shire president for the second time.
https://www.ravensthorpe.wa.gov.au/news/rachel-gibson-elected-shire-president/692
Five councillors have been officially sworn in following the City of Busselton Council Election. Peter Adams, Anne Ryan, Herman Dykstra, Mikayla Love, and Max Mueller will join Mayor Phill Cronin and four other councillors to form a nine-member council.
https://www.busselton.wa.gov.au/news/city-of-busselton-councillors-sworn-in/943
Bruce Reynolds has been sworn in as the nineteenth Lord Mayor of the City of Perth alongside five newly elected councillors. Cr Reynolds steps up from deputy Lord Mayor, but was fulfilling the lord mayoral duties since March since this year.
Councillor Phillip Blight has been elected Shire President of Wagin for the ninth time at a special council meeting. Four newly elected councillors were sworn in alongside Blight, with Bryan Kilpatrick continuing in his role as Deputy President.
A change of leadership at the Town of Claremont, with Peter Telford elected as the new mayor.
At the Town of Cottesloe, Melissa Harkins was elected as the new Mayor, with Lorraine Young transitioning from Mayor to Councillor. Brad Wylynko, Helen Sadler, and Chilla Bulbeck were re-elected as Councillors.
https://www.cottesloe.wa.gov.au/news/local-government-election-results/325
At the City of Gosnells, six councillors were elected to serve until October 2029. The results showed voters backing a mix of experienced representatives and newcomers, with three first-time councillors joining three re-elected members. Voter turnout stood at 31 percent.
City of Wanneroo voters have largely returned incumbent councillors to their seats, with six of seven up for re-election keeping their positions. Former councillor Hugh Nguyen has made a comeback in the South-West ward, defeating Natalie Herridge who had held the seat since 2021.
Jaysen Miguel has been re-elected as Mayor of Bunbury. Four councillors were elected from 13 candidates, including three re-elected members and one newcomer, Julie Broad.
https://www.bunbury.wa.gov.au/news/election-wrap-up
Global Roundup:
UK:
The government and Mayor of London have announced emergency measures to tackle the housing crisis in the capital, including a fast-tracked planning route for developments with at least 20 percent affordable housing and temporary relief from development levies.
The Mayor will gain new powers to review and call-in housing schemes, while an initial £322 million will fund a City Hall Developer Investment Fund to accelerate construction.
The measures aim to unlock tens of thousands of homes across London, which has been facing a perfect storm of high construction costs, interest rates, and regulatory challenges that have stalled housebuilding.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-measures-announced-to-ramp-up-housebuilding-in-london
In Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council is set to submit a holding objection to plans for nine 180-metre wind turbines after councillors reacted angrily to officers' recommendations.
The council was asked by the Scottish government for its views on the wind farm, which would have a maximum generating capacity of 50 megawatts.
Councillors expressed frustration that community objections were being disregarded, with several stating that local voices should have greater weight in planning decisions.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8xvyqydl1o
Freedom of information requests have revealed that not a single prosecution for illegal wood burning has been made in England over the past year, despite 15,195 complaints and just 24 fines being issued by local authorities.
The Guardian reported that in smoke control areas alone, complaints surged by 65 percent, with campaigners warning that the lack of enforcement is leaving people exposed to harmful smoke from the UK's leading source of fine particulate pollution.
Health experts have called for a phase-out of domestic wood burning in urban areas, noting that air pollution causes up to 36,000 premature deaths annually in the UK.
Cumberland Council, in northwest England, has launched a region-wide campaign to tackle abuse against public-facing staff, with the message that behind every uniform is a person who deserves respect and dignity at work.
The initiative will see selected team members wearing bodycams to record abusive behaviour, with footage handed to police for potential prosecution, while surveillance technology will monitor high-risk areas.
The campaign will begin with Highways and Transport teams before expanding to all council departments.
https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/news/2025/cumberland-council-launches-new-anti-bullying-campaign
USA:
Providence City Council has urged Rhode Island courts to offer remote virtual hearings due to the increased presence of immigration officers near courthouses, which has created fear and uncertainty among residents.
The council passed a resolution calling for virtual hearings to allow people to access the legal system without the threat of detention by ICE, following estimates that more than 20 people have been detained outside state courthouses since July.
The measure directs Providence's municipal and probate courts to accommodate remote hearings beginning November 1st, building on technology expanded during the COVID pandemic.
In Florida, My13News reports that Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin has filed a lawsuit against the city after his fellow council members voted 3-2 to censure him over controversial comments about Indian Americans on social media.
The censure prohibits Langevin from speaking during committee and council reports and requires majority approval to place items on the agenda, but his attorney Anthony Sabatini claims this violates his client's freedom of speech.
Langevin has also drawn criticism for using official city letterhead to request a pardon for a convicted supremacist leader.
CANADA:
Voters across Alberta delivered a stunning rebuke to incumbent mayors in municipal elections this week, with more than a dozen sitting mayors defeated in what marks one of the most significant political turnovers in recent memory.
Cross Border Interviews reported that the wave of change swept from Calgary, where Jyoti Gondek lost to Jeromy Farkas, to smaller communities including Lacombe, Wetaskiwin, and Barrhead, where voters chose fresh leadership.
Many of the newly elected mayors are current councillors, signalling a desire for change while maintaining local experience.
https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/post/alberta-votes-25-mayors-defeated-across-alberta
Calgary's mayor-elect Jeromy Farkas has outlined his priorities following his narrow victory, pledging to repeal blanket rezoning and focus on safety, affordability, and council unity.
Farkas, a former councillor running as an independent, defeated Communities First leader Sonya Sharp by just 584 votes in a race where incumbent Jyoti Gondek finished third.
The council will have its lowest female representation in more than a decade, with just two women securing seats on the 15 member council, down from five in the previous term.
Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark has been re-elected after a turbulent 18 months that saw her sanctioned by council for breaching the city's code of conduct.
A judge later struck down most of those sanctions, calling them disproportionate and unreasonable.
Clark defeated former provincial politician Drew Barnes by approximately 750 votes and says she hopes council can undergo conflict resolution training moving forward.
