.png)
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
A new era, a health battle and copycat motions
Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- A new era for Hobsons Bay Council as it announces its next chief executive
- Gippsland earns a place on the world stage
- A Lord Mayor’s health battle
- Councillors accused of copycat motions on housing in NSW
- Service cuts and workforce reallocations flagged at a Queensland council,
- While another allays fears of a burial crisis
- A controversial Tasmanian councillor reveals his future plans
- and defamation proceedings from a CEO against his former council in WA
Plus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
Victorian Local Governance Association
The VLGA is an independent organisation supporting councils and councillors in good governance.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.
Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
Victorian Roundup:
Hobsons Bay City Council has appointed Phu Nguyen as its new chief executive officer, effective January 19, 2026.
Mr Nguyen, currently CEO of South Australia's City of Onkaparinga, grew up in Melbourne's western suburbs and brings extensive local government experience from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
He moved to Onkaparinga in mid-2023 from Campbelltown City Council in NSW where he was Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Director of City Governance.
Phu has been tasked with rebuilding governance and culture at Hobsons Bay after a period of turmoil, which saw the CEO and some senior executives suspended while an investigation was conducted into concerns about safety in the workplace.
Mayor Cr Daria Kellander says Mr Nguyen stood out for his expertise in governance and culture, and his understanding of issues facing Melbourne's west.
He takes over from interim CEO Kerry Thompson who has led the council organisation since March.
At Onkaparinga, Mayor Moira Were said she is incredibly sad to see Phu leave.
“I will miss Phu and I’m sure I will not be alone. We had an effective working relationship, but I understand and respect that Phu is putting his family first,” Mayor Were said.
“Phu has navigated us out of financial sustainability concerns and supported organisational culture change so the organisation can deliver the best outcomes for our community. He will be missed.”
Recruitment for a new Onkaparinga CEO will commence immediately to ensure a smooth transition.
More on how the announcement is being reported in South Australia a little later in this episode.
Gippsland has been selected to participate in a European Union research initiative on sustainable urban development, with regional leaders set to represent the area at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona next month.
One Gippsland Chair and South Gippsland Shire Councillor Nathan Hersey said the region's inclusion acknowledged Gippsland as "diverse and ambitious with global relevance."
Grab3
Cr Hersey said participation in the program could help attract investment and create new jobs: grab4
Next month, Cr Hersey and Latrobe City Council Mayor Cr Dale Harriman will represent One Gippsland at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2025 in Barcelona as guests of the International Urban and Regional Cooperation programme.
Victoria's Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has met with the Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils to discuss infrastructure and housing targets, with the region expected to accommodate 85,550 new homes by 2051.
Council leaders told the Minister that population growth must be supported by critical infrastructure including roads, water, sewerage and public transport to maintain community liveability.
The alliance, representing six western Victorian councils and their combined communities, called for early collaboration between local and state governments in planning reform processes.
Fourteen councils in Melbourne's north-west, representing more than 2.4 million residents, will conduct a large-scale Emergency Relief Centre exercise next month at Mickleham North Community Centre.
The annual drill will test the region's ability to respond swiftly to disasters by simulating a real-life emergency scenario and assessing the provision of immediate relief including shelter, first aid, food and water.
Hume City Council's Emergency Management team responds to multiple events each year including bushfires, flooding and storms, with the exercise designed to strengthen coordination and ensure no community is left behind during a crisis.
Hume City Council has voted to explore the creation of a ceremonial crest or coat of arms to mark the city's 30th anniversary.
Sunbury Life reported that the proposal was put forward by Cr Naim Kurt.
The emblem would serve as a heritage symbol for civic occasions and formal events, rather than replacing the council's corporate logo.
Council officers will now prepare a report on design options, costs, and community involvement opportunities.
https://sunburylife.au/council-backs-plan-to-design-city-crest/
Roundup some Council related stories in the media:
Disability advocates in Stawell are calling for urgent repairs to broken and uneven footpaths that are preventing elderly and disabled residents from moving safely around their community.
ABC News reported that local councils are struggling to prioritise footpath maintenance amid tight budgets and competing infrastructure demands, with the Municipal Association of Victoria saying councils need more funding support from state and federal governments.
While councils are required by law to have disability access plans, advocates say more action is needed to ensure communities remain safe and accessible for all residents.
In Melbourne’s southeast, the Dandenong Star Journal reports on the resignations of three senior managers from Greater Dandenong Council within days of each other.
Chief Financial Officer Michelle Hansen is departing for City of Boroondara after 14 years, while Manager of Governance Nicole Rudden and Chief Engineer David Fice have also left for roles at other councils.
https://dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/news/2025-10-26/exec-exodus-council-cfo-top-managers-quit/
The Bendigo Advertiser (27th October 2025) reports that Mount Alexander Shire Council has dispelled rumours that the Hungry Jacks burger chain was planning a restaurant for Castlemaine.
The rumour generated as much excitement as it did concern from community members, leading to questions at a council meeting about planning status and risk assessments.
Mayor Rosie Annear told the meeting the rumour started on social media and rapidly gained momentum, causing an amount of panic.
She confirmed that there was no planning application for a Hungry Jack’s restaurant in Castlemaine at this time.
Victorian Briefs:
The Victorian Government has appointed Dan Star KC as an independent mediator to help residents affected by the McCrae landslide return to their homes.
Star will facilitate discussions between affected landowners, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, and South East Water to agree on necessary mitigation and remediation works.
A three-month deadline has been set for the mediation process.
A park in Yarragon has won the 2025 Excellence in Geographic Naming Award.
Angela Malacarne Park honours a beloved teacher who taught at the site for nearly 40 years.
Baw Baw Shire Council is planning an opening event for the park later this year.
https://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Latest-News/New-page-6
A groundbreaking 3-bin waste system in the northeast cross border region is celebrating its 10th anniversary with remarkable results.
Since 2015, the initiative has diverted more than 390,000 tonnes of waste from landfill and achieved an impressive 84% recycling rate.
Organics contamination sits at just 0.17%, among the lowest in Australia.
The system now covers 66,000 households across AlburyCity, Wodonga, Indigo Shire and Federation Councils.
https://www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/About-Council/Our-news/Latest-news/A-decade-of-waste-wise-success
National Roundup:
NSW:
Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge has taken leave from civic duties to undergo medical treatment.
The Mayor's office confirmed the leave of absence but has not disclosed details of the medical condition, other than that it requires ongoing treatment.
The Newcastle Herald reported that Cr Kerridge has asked that his privacy be respected, and that he would provide more details when his expected outcome becomes clearer.
Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe will assume leadership responsibilities during this period.
Meanwhile, the Herald reports that Newcastle City Council is unlikely to meet the state government's ambitious target of 11,100 new homes by 2029.
The council says it has little control over actual housing construction despite approving developments, and is calling for infrastructure funding, particularly for the Broadmeadow precinct which could deliver 20,000 homes.
A heated dispute has erupted at Wollongong City Council after Labor Councillor Dan Hayes accused Greens councillors across New South Wales of coordinating copycat motions against state housing reforms.
Greens Councillor Deidre Stuart defended her motion opposing the planning bill, saying it was legitimate collaboration between party members concerned about reduced environmental protections and community consultation.
Region Illawarra reported that the controversy has highlighted growing tensions between the Labor majority and Greens minority on the council, which has eight Labor councillors and three Greens representatives.
https://regionillawarra.com.au/party-politics-boil-over-at-wollongong-city-council/75655/
Bayside Council is cracking down on vehicles blocking private driveways.
The council acknowledges residents are frustrated when driveways are blocked, restricting property access, and current enforcement options of issuing fines don't provide immediate relief.
The Council will now investigate options including towing offending vehicles at no cost to residents.
Last week Waverley Council announced a 12month trial under which vehicles found blocking driveways would be towed, after receiving more than 2,000 complaints about the issue in one year.
https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/your-council/latest-news/council-cracks-down-illegal-parking
Lake Macquarie's youngest ever mayor, Adam Shultz, has declared his intention to seek re-election in 2028, according to the Newcastle Herald.
The 42-year-old Labor mayor says he's thoroughly enjoying the role after completing his first year, citing the Hunter Sports Centre upgrade and a strategic partnership with Central Coast Council as key achievements.
The council is still recovering from an alleged arson attack that partially destroyed their headquarters and is searching for a new CEO.
The Newcastle Herald reports that a Port Stephens councillor will bring an urgent motion to withdraw support for the state government's powered vessel exclusion zones trial.
The trial would ban motorised vessels including jet skis from select waterways from December 24 to January 26.
Councillor Mark Watson says there's been no proper consultation with businesses and tourism operators and is calling for the council to withdraw support until there's open and transparent community consultation.
Transport for NSW says trial locations are being selected from evidence-based criteria and an independent evaluation will follow.
Lismore City Council has adopted a zero-tolerance approach after staff at the Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre were subjected to verbal abuse, threats, and assault, including having urine-soaked paper thrown at them.
Mayor Steve Krieg condemned the behaviour, saying staff deserve to feel safe at work and that perpetrators will face bans and police referrals.
The council is working with Richmond Police District to increase their presence around the facility in coming weeks.
The Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown, Bilal El-Hayek, has made history by becoming the first sitting Mayor to meet with Lebanon's Head of State during a visit to the Presidential Palace in Baabda.
Canterbury-Bankstown is home to more than 55,000 residents of Lebanese descent, the largest Lebanese community in Australia.
Long-time Penrith councillor and former mayor Kevin Crameri has passed away after a three-year battle with cancer.
Mr Crameri served 50 years in local government, first elected in 1974 and ending his career last year. He served as mayor twice.
https://westernweekender.com.au/2025/10/breaking-former-mayor-kevin-crameri-has-passed-away/
NSW Briefs:
Newcastle's former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes has received the Emeritus Mayor Award from Local Government NSW. The honour recognises her leadership, innovation and advocacy during 16 years of service to the city. Ms Nelmes led Newcastle to become the first NSW council to transition to 100 per cent renewable energy.
Councillor George Cecato has been re-elected as Deputy Mayor of Coffs Harbour City Council for another 12-month term.
Cr Cecato was first elected to council in 2016.
https://insidelocalgovernment.com.au/coffs-harbour-deputy-mayor-re-elected/
Wagga Wagga City Council is painting street trees purple to highlight those vandalised through poisoning or illegal pruning.
Staff say they look after street trees as if they were their own and vandalism is distressing.
The purple paint campaign aims to educate residents about the importance of leaving tree maintenance to council.
https://regionriverina.com.au/tree-poisoning-in-wagga-sees-council-turn-to-purple-paint/109422/
QLD:
Toowoomba Regional Council is preparing for tough conversations ahead as it seeks to save 15 million dollars.
Mayor Geoff McDonald says service cuts and workforce reallocations are on the table following a year that saw revenue drop 36 million dollars despite rate increases.
The council posted a small surplus of just 639 thousand dollars, but only due to early payment of federal grants.
With 200 vacant positions in a workforce of 1700, the council is reviewing all services to determine what can be cut or done more efficiently. Read more on that story from the Toowoomba Chronicle
While Queensland is facing a burial boom that could leave some cities short on grave sites within the next decade, Bundaberg Regional Council says it has no immediate space crisis.
It has moved to reassure the community it has capacity for well into the future, after the issue was highlighted by LGAQ at its conference last week.
Some local cemeteries are already closed to new burials, and the Courier Mail reports that cremation is becoming the preferred option for many Australians due to lower costs and flexibility.
Fraser Coast Regional Council has responded to community frustrations about anti-social behaviour in the Maryborough CBD.
The Council says its powers are limited, with only Queensland Police able to move people on or deal with criminal behaviour.
It has called for more support around housing, mental health and addiction services, which it says are the real drivers behind the behaviour.
https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/news/article/2459/statement-on-maryborough-cbd-concerns
Redland City Council has lost another court battle after a Planning and Environment Court judge overturned the council's refusal of a childcare centre in Birkdale.
Judge David Kent ruled the single-storey facility would be compatible with the residential area and meet a demonstrated need for childcare places in the region.
The decision adds to a string of costly legal losses for the council, according to the Courier Mail.
A Sunshine Coast councillor has moved to clear up confusion after dog owners raised concerns about beach access following the endorsement of a five-year shorebird conservation plan.
Councillor Taylor Bunnag says dogs have not been banned from North Shore beach, despite speculation on social media, with the plan focusing on protecting high-value shorebird habitat during seasonal periods.
Under a separate draft dog exercise plan yet to be considered, a small seasonal closure would be introduced at the Maroochy River mouth, but this would be offset by new off-leash space at Mudjimba beach. More from the Sunshine Coast News.
Cairns Regional Council has conducted Operation Zona, a large-scale disaster preparedness exercise simulating a severe tropical cyclone.
About 120 participants from local, state and federal agencies, including the Australian Defence Force, tested disaster coordination systems at the Local Disaster Coordination Centre in Woree.
Mayor Amy Eden said the exercise is crucial for strengthening collaboration and ensuring the region is ready for cyclone season.
Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council has been recognised with the Audit and Risk Committee Award for South-East Queensland at the LGAQ annual conference.
The award acknowledges five years of excellent risk audit ratings. Council representatives say the recognition is a tribute to their Audit and Risk Committee's vital role in identifying and managing high-risk areas across the organisation.
https://southburnett.com.au/news2/2025/10/22/cherbourg-council-wins-award/
Rockhampton Regional Council is calling on Mount Morgan residents to reduce their water consumption after several weeks of high usage across the region placed local reservoirs under strain.
While water sources remain at healthy levels, the council says treatment plants are struggling to keep up with demand, particularly Mount Morgan's smaller facility which hasn't been reaching optimal fill levels between peak periods.
The Glenmore treatment plant has been processing twenty-six million litres more per day in October compared to September.
TAS:
Former Launceston mayor Danny Gibson won't recontest his council seat at next year's local government elections.
Cr Gibson has served on council since 2011 and was elected mayor in 2022 before stepping down as mayor last year amid media reports about his working with vulnerable people status.
The ABC has reported allegations from young men that Gibson made unwanted sexual advances. He announced his decision at last week’s council meeting.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-24/danny-gibson-not-recontesting-launceston-council/105932428
The City of Burnie's redeveloped Arts Centre will officially open on November 10, marking a major cultural milestone for the city.
The $20 million project has transformed the former civic centre into a hub for art, museums, performances and community events.
However, the Advocate reported that local arts groups say deep wounds remain from the council's 2021 cuts that axed 16 staff and shut down key cultural venues.
They say while they're ecstatic about the new facility, it doesn't fully heal the damage from that period.
https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/9096638/burnies-new-arts-centre-to-open-despite-past-cuts/
Glenorchy City Council is set to vote on a new policy that would allow crews to remove graffiti from private properties for the first time, according to Pulse Tasmania.
Council officers removed more than 4,400 instances of graffiti between July 2024 and September 2025.
Under the new proposal, crews could clean graffiti up to one metre down private driveways if it's visible from arterial roads or is racist, obscene or offensive.
The expanded program includes two new vehicles, three additional staff members and specialised cleaning equipment.
Offensive graffiti would be removed within one working day under the plan.
SA:
Onkaparinga Council CEO Phu Nguyen has resigned after just over two years to take up a role with Hobsons Bay Council in Melbourne.
The announcement follows controversy over ratepayer-funded travel to Brazil for Mayor Moira Were and two other mayors.
The three are attending a climate change conference in Rio de Janeiro, with travel costs covered by the Local Government Association.
A council spokesman insists Nguyen's resignation is unrelated to the Brazil trip controversy.
A beloved sculpture of a mother kangaroo and joey has vanished from Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island.
The artwork, created by local artist Phil Baines, was commissioned by the council and has become a cherished community feature.
Mayor Michael Pengilly has condemned the theft as a wanton act that disrespects both the artist and ratepayers.
Ratepayers are up in arms over Campbelltown Council's 61-million-dollar civic centre proposal, according to the Adelaide Advertiser.
Three options are on the table, including one with a 500-seat performing arts centre that would operate at a loss.
A petition opposing the plans has gathered more than 250 signatures, with concerns about a possible 12-storey high-rise.
Mayor Jill Whittaker has defended the consultation process as fair and comprehensive, and says while many community facilities don't turn a profit, the council would work to minimise any operating shortfall.
WA:
Former City of Nedlands CEO Bill Parker has launched defamation proceedings against the City over a press release issued following a critical auditor-general report.
The media release, published in October 2024, came after the auditor-general rejected the city's 2022-23 financial audit, making it the only council out of 137 to receive a disclaimer of opinion.
Mr Parker, who left Nedlands in 2023 to take up a position at the City of Wanneroo, is seeking damages and an injunction to have the release removed from the council's website.
The 2025-26 cruise season has launched in Fremantle with the Crown Princess, the largest of 26 ships expected this season.
The City of Fremantle will provide complimentary shuttle services and welcome ceremonies, building on last season's $289.5 million economic impact.
Fremantle has been announced as the home port for the Sapphire Princess from 2027, which is projected to generate $142 million in economic impact.
The City of Melville has adopted its first Cat Local Law, coming into effect on Saturday, October 25, to protect native wildlife while promoting responsible cat ownership.
The law introduces cat prohibited areas at 64 reserves and parks, with a three-hundred-dollar infringement for violations, and limits households to two cats unless previously registered.
The law follows two rounds of community consultation as part of the City's 2022-2026 Cat Management Plan.
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, a global program that helps people with non-visible disabilities signal when they need extra support.
One in five Australians has a disability, with 85 percent being invisible, and participants can wear sunflower lanyards, badges or wristbands available at Shire facilities.
The move follows the Shire's six consecutive Most Accessible Communities in WA Awards and training for staff to provide tailored support.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Lambeth Council has welcomed the government and Mayor of London's emergency housing measures, highlighting its strong record of delivering affordable housing despite challenging market conditions.
The council recently approved a development with over 360 homes including 56 percent social and affordable housing, and is progressing major regeneration schemes at Clapham Park and Brixton Station Road.
Council leaders say they support measures to speed up delivery, but will continue to push for higher percentages of affordable housing than the proposed 20 percent threshold to address the borough's crisis of 28,000 households on the waiting list.
A former Conservative council leader in Scotland has been convicted of defrauding a woman he was in a relationship with out of £188,000, according to BBC News.
Andrew Polson, 53, convinced a 72-year-old woman to give him money for property investments, but secretly put the properties solely in his own name.
The former East Dunbartonshire Council representative was also found guilty of embezzling over £9,000 from a Christian charity radio station where he served as director.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpd2ep4py6wo
Limerick Council’s chief has expressed disappointment after the city's mayor criticised staff standards on local radio.
Dr Pat Daly told staff their professionalism is deeply appreciated.
Mayor John Moran had claimed he'd sent back proposals that weren't "good enough".
The Limerick Post reported that Councillors say the public row is damaging Limerick's ambitious new government model.
https://www.limerickpost.ie/2025/10/24/council-boss-expresses-disappointment-at-mayors-remarks/
Cornwall Council has launched a campaign encouraging parents to put down their phones and engage with their children.
BBC News reported that the "Phones Away - Talk and Play" initiative highlights how face-to-face interaction supports early childhood development.
Research shows excessive parental phone use can interfere with children's brain development. Officials stress it's not about judgment, but about prioritising moments that matter most.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2dreed7p0zo
Stoke-on-Trent Council has removed six rough sleeper encampments in just two weeks.
Council leader Jane Ashworth says the camps are bad for homeless people and nearby residents alike.
The authority is working with police and will continue clearing unauthorised sites.
The council insists it's offering support to get rough sleepers into safe accommodation, wityh nearly two million pounds has been approved for homelessness services this year.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c803k3j9r09o
USA:
A Los Angeles City Council candidate is under scrutiny after failing to report outside income from his consulting firm for three years, according to the LA Times.
The city's Ethics Commission has rejected a proposed seventeen thousand five hundred dollar fine for Jose Ugarte, with some commissioners calling for a steeper penalty of around twenty thousand dollars.
Ugarte currently serves as deputy chief of staff to Councilman Curren Price, and has attributed the violations to a clerical reporting error.
in Florida, the town council of Palm Beach has enacted strict new regulations for e-bikes and electric mobility devices following state legislation that expanded local authority.
The Council unanimously approved measures banning the devices from sidewalks and trails, requiring riders to carry government-issued ID, and prohibiting anyone under fifteen from operating them in public areas.
USA Today reported the regulations come after several local accidents, including a fourteen-year-old knocked unconscious on the Lake Trail in 2023.
In Minnesota, a controversial zoning change has been approved by Hermantown City Council, enabling next steps for a massive data centre project that has been fiercely opposed by residents.
The vote came after nearly six hours of public testimony, with more than 50 speakers urging the council to reject or delay the decision.
The proposed $650 million development would include up to four buildings, each the size of five football fields, and take up to a decade to complete.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/10/21/hermantown-data-center-moves-forward-despite-opposition
Early voting has begun for New York City's mayoral race.
New Yorkers are choosing between progressive Democrat Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Andrew Cuomo, who re-entered politics after resigning as governor in 2021.
The Guardian reported that the race has highlighted divisions within the Democratic party and issues of affordability and cost of living. Election day is November 4th, with early voting running through November 2nd.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/25/early-voting-new-york-new-jersey
CANADA:
Four new councillors have been elected to Edmonton city council following this week's municipal election.
Global News reported that in one ward, a transit worker defeated a former councillor, campaigning on infrastructure as his top priority.
Another candidate secured victory by just one vote, while a police sergeant and an entrepreneur were also successful.
The four rookies will join eight incumbents when the new council is sworn in Wednesday.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11493666/edmonton-city-council-new-members/
Stratford City Council has unanimously approved the establishment of a new warming centre at local Church, set to open seven days a week with extended hours throughout the winter months.
The facility will provide resting spaces, refreshments, and hot meals for people in precarious situations, with overnight staffing including social workers and security.
The centre has secured $350,000 in funding for 2025 and 2026, and the city is launching a volunteer recruitment and fundraising campaign called Not One More Night.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/stratford-council-unanimously-approves-new-warming-centre/
NZ:
Brenda Ralph, a second-term councillor and former council staffer of 18 years, has been appointed deputy mayor of Ruapehu District Council.
Radio New Zealand reported that at least three councillors put themselves forward for the role, and Mayor Weston Kirton selected Cr Ralph based on her ability to work alongside him and her day-to-day availability for the role.
Ralph will be formally appointed at the council's inaugural meeting on Wednesday.
