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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
Call for scrutiny, higher councillor pay and fairer funding - ft. Nat Traeger, #510
In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A call for scrutiny as major new planning reforms unveiled without consultation with councils
- The fight against the ESVF continues
- Liverpool’s mayor under renewed attack in a public inquiry
- A move to slash short term rental caps in Sydney
- A Queensland mayor wants to reduce councillor numbers
- Hobart councillors make the case for higher pay
- An Adelaide councillor to apologise for a breach
- and a South Australian Council CEO resignation
- Plus a Council CEO’s call for fairer local government funding - Nat Traeger from the District Council of Robe on Roundup Extra later in this episode.
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Victorian Roundup:
The Victorian Government has introduced what it has called the biggest planning reform in decades, cutting red tape and speeding up approvals to deliver more homes.
The new system creates three separate approval pathways - with stand-alone homes to take just 10 days, townhouses 30 days, and larger apartments 60 days to approve.
Third-party appeal rights will be restricted to directly affected neighbours only, ending delays caused by objectors living far from proposed developments.
The government expects the reforms to unlock more than $900 million in economic value annually, and bring Victoria's "old-fashioned NIMBY planning laws" into the modern era.
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/biggest-planning-shake-decades-will-deliver-more-homes
Peak body, the MAV has responded, calling for comprehensive parliamentary scrutiny of the legislation.
The group’s President, Cr Jennifer Anderson said councils had not been consulted. She said rather than consulting the planners whose job it will be to make the new provisions work, the government has chosen to impose them without testing.
The MAV is concerned that several critical issues won’t be addressed by the reform bill, and its CEO Kelly Grigsby said that speed should not come at the expense of quality and safety.
Maribyrnong City Council is demanding the state government slash proposed building height limits around inner-west train stations, according to the Star Weekly.
Draft plans would allow 12-storey apartments along Barkly Street in West Footscray, but the council wants this cut to six storeys.
A petition by West Footscray residents argues the towers would overshadow homes, parks and streets, reducing liveability.
The council's submission also calls for Middle Footscray's proposed six-storey limit to be reduced to four storeys.
The state government says it's building more homes near stations to maximise benefits from the Metro Tunnel.
Campaspe Shire has revealed it will pay 1.44 million dollars to the state government as its first quarterly payment under the controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
The council says ratepayers will contribute 8.4 million dollars this financial year, a 28 percent increase on the previous levy, according to Stock and Land.
Mayor Daniel Mackrell says councils are bearing the administrative burden and community backlash while acting as collection agencies for the government.
Protest rallies against the levy will be scaled back during the fire season but opponents promise to ramp up campaigning in marginal seats next year.
Mitchell Shire Council has escalated its fight against the Emergency Services and Volunteer Levy, passing a motion to call for its complete repeal.
The levy would see residential rate bills rise 35 per cent, commercial properties 70 per cent, and primary producers up to 150 per cent.
Despite a one-year pause for farmers, Council says the burden on rural communities is unsustainable. ‘
Mayor John Dougall says the state is using councils as tax collectors, punishing struggling families and farmers.
Council will formally request the Treasurer remove the levy from households and primary producers.
https://ncreview.com.au/2025/10/28/council-makes-statement-on-esvf/
Still in Mitchell Shire, and the Council has endorsed five key projects as top priorities ahead of next year's state election.
The list includes the Beveridge Train Station and rail electrification, Greenhill Recreation Precinct, Hilldene Employment Precinct, Kilmore Secondary School, and the Kilmore Bypass.
Councillors say Beveridge, with a population approaching 10,000, desperately needs rail infrastructure as the region continues to grow.
The push for Kilmore Secondary School was described as urgent, with the town being Victoria's largest without a public high school.
https://ncreview.com.au/2025/10/28/mitchell-shire-council-makes-its-shopping-list/
Indigo Shire deputy mayor Jane Dowsley is calling for a review of the council's community grants program with regard to fairness and transparency.
Her motion to last night’s Council meeting argued that multiple grant categories have created potential overlap and administrative inefficiencies.
More than $160K in ratepayer funds is allocated annually across various grant streams.
This year, over 60 community organisations received $127K through three council grant programs.
Councillor Dowsley said the review should be completed before the next budget to strengthen community trust in decision-making.
https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/9097748/indigo-shire-council-to-discuss-community-grants-review/
A countback for Torquay Ward in Surf Coast Shire was deferred by a day this week due to technical difficulties.
The countback, originally scheduled for Monday morning, was moved to Tuesday morning.
The successful candidate, Eric Menogue, is now required to return a written declaration that they are still qualified to be a councillor within 48 hours.
The Geelong Advertiser reported that preferences help elevate Mr Menogue past Greens candidate Phoebe Crockett, who had nearly 600 more first preference votes.
New FOGO and glass recycling collections start Monday in the City of Ballarat.
The council is completing final deliveries of 9,000 lime green FOGO bins and 53,000 purple glass bins across the municipality.
FOGO bins will be collected fortnightly, while glass recycling will be picked up every four weeks.
Mayor Tracey Hargreaves says the new services will divert thousands of tonnes of waste from landfill annually, with food scraps transformed into compost for local parks.
https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/countdown-one-week-go-until-fogo-and-glass-collections-start
The City of Boroondara has installed Victoria's first pole-mounted EV chargers, delivering 100% renewable power to electric vehicles.
The chargers are faster and cheaper to install than traditional options, with power readily available from overhead poles.
Two pilot chargers in Ashburton can charge two vehicles simultaneously at up to 22kW per vehicle.
Mayor Sophie Torney says the chargers are a game-changer for apartment dwellers and renters who can't install chargers at their properties.
Victorian Briefs:
Councillor Geoff Akers has been elected as Deputy Mayor of Greater Shepparton City Council for a one-year term.
This is Cr Akers' first time in the role since joining Council in 2024.
Greater Dandenong Council has issued a warning after residents reported receiving SMS reminders to pay rates they had already paid.
Authorities say it’s likely a scam and are urging residents to verify payment requests through official channels such as apps, websites, or invoices.
https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/contact-us/news-and-media/possible-rates-sms-scam
Melbourne's western councils have launched a new tourism website to boost visitor numbers to the region.
Lovewestside.com.au showcases dining, events, attractions and accommodation across six western councils including Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong.
The platform features interactive maps and practical transport advice for visitors.
https://news.brimbank.vic.gov.au/unlock-the-heart-of-melbournes-west-lovewestside-com-au/
A reminder that Councillors across Victoria have until this Friday to complete the 2025 VLGA Victorian Councillor Census. The Census is open to all current councillors across the state, not just councillors who are VLGA members. This is your chance to have your say and help influence and improve the working landscape for councillors. We know many of you have started completing the Census but for your feedback to count you must complete and submit the Census by this Friday. Don’t miss your opportunity to create meaningful change across the local government sector.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Liverpool councillor Peter Ristevski has launched a scathing attack on Mayor Ned Mannoun during the latest sessions of a public inquiry into governance issues at the council.
Cr Ristevski accused the mayor of poor leadership and lack of transparency.
The inquiry is examining allegations of misconduct within the council.More from the Sydney Morning Herald.
Liverpool inquiry: Sydney councillor Peter Ristevski unleashes on Mayor Ned Mannoun
The City of Sydney is looking at slashing the short-term rental cap from 180 days to just 60 days per year, according to ABC News.
The move aims to free up more housing for long-term residents amid the city's ongoing rental crisis.
The Council will investigate the feasibility of the change and its potential impact on the accommodation market.
If approved, the stricter rules could significantly reduce the number of properties available on platforms like Airbnb. A report on the proposal is expected in coming months.
The Mayor of Cobar, Jarrod Marsden, has expressed deep condolences following a deadly underground explosion at Endeavour Mine early yesterday morning.
Two workers were killed and a third is in hospital with hearing damage and shock after the incident at 3:45am.
The mine, located 40 kilometres north of Cobar, has suspended operations while SafeWork NSW investigates.
Mayor Marsden says the tight-knit community is deeply impacted and urges residents to check in on one another.
The recently acquired mine had only resumed operations earlier this year.
https://www.cobar.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MAYORAL-MEDIA-RELEASE-Endeavor-Mine.pdf
Shellharbour Council is considering a spectacular drone light show to welcome the new year.
The proposal would replace traditional fireworks with an environmentally friendly alternative, which it’s believed could become a signature event for the region.
The Illawarra Mercury reported that community consultation will gauge public support, with a final decision will be made in the near future.
Shellharbour council floats new year drone light show. | Illawarra Mercury | Wollongong, NSW
QantasLink will introduce new morning flights from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.
The additional services will improve connectivity for the Northern Rivers region, providing better options for business travelers and tourists.
Ballina Shire Council says the expansion strengthens the airport's role as a regional hub.
New QantasLink morning flights from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport | Ballina Shire Council
Meanwhile, Newcastle Airport has launched direct Jetstar flights to Bali, marking the Hunter region's entry into international travel.
The service operates three times weekly and is expected to carry more than 70,000 passengers annually.
It's a full-circle moment as Jetstar operated its very first commercial service from Newcastle back in 2004.
Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson was on the inaugural flight.
She said a $250 million airport expansion is unlocking major opportunities for tourism, business, investment and jobs for Port Stephens and the greater region.
Albury's mayor has used his casting vote to combine the Albury Awards with Australia Day celebrations at Noreuil Park on January 26.
The Border Mail reported that the decision came despite appeals from the 2025 citizen of the year and 2024 young citizen of the year to keep the awards separate.
Mayor Kevin Mack cited council finances as the key factor, with the move expected to save 25 to 30-thousand dollars.
Mental health advocate Richard Hendrie warned having awards on Australia Day would exclude Indigenous people who have suffered disenfranchisement.
https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/9097748/indigo-shire-council-to-discuss-community-grants-review/
Kiama's Changing Tides Festival has been cancelled and won't return in future years.
The event promoters announced the decision on Friday, disappointing the local music community.
The festival had become a highlight of Kiama's events calendar, bringing significant economic and cultural benefits.
Kiama Council said it was not involved in the cancellation decision but shares the community's disappointment.
NSW Briefs:
The NSW Country Mayors group has commended a decision by Westpac Bank to open a new Regional Service Centre in Moree, marking a significant reinvestment in regional NSW after closing its branch there in 2023.
The opening comes amid a broader trend of bank closures across rural and regional Australia, with over 2,100 branches shutting down nationwide between 2017 and 2023.
https://nswcountrymayors.com.au/nsw-country-mayors-commends-westpac-for-regional-opening/
Shoalhaven City Council has endorsed the Keeping Cats Safe at Home initiative, which aims to protect native wildlife and improve cat welfare.
The initiative promotes keeping cats indoors or in enclosed outdoor spaces. Local wildlife groups have welcomed the council's decision.
Council supports Keeping Cats Safe at Home | Shoalhaven City Council
The City of Ryde has extended its agreement with Water Polo NSW for another five years.
Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre will remain the home base for the sport across the state.
The facility was the main venue for water polo at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where Australia's women won gold.
QLD:
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell wants to cut the number of the city’s councillors from ten to seven, claiming it would save more than 750-thousand dollars and improve decision-making.
But Redland Bayside News reports that the plan has split the council and community, with critics warning fewer representatives would weaken local engagement and disadvantage island communities.
Some councillors say the savings would be modest compared to the overall budget, and any real rate relief might only come from amalgamation.
The proposal would need state government approval.
https://redlandbaysidenews.com.au/redlands-council-debate/
Ipswich City Council is leading a push for greater transparency in local government rates across Queensland.
The council successfully moved a motion that was carried at the LGAQ Annual Conference calling for a state government website to compare rates and charges.
Mayor Teresa Harding says the current system makes it difficult for residents to compare what different councils are charging.
She said the website would ensure an accurate and fair comparison of rates and charges across councils.
https://insidelocalgovernment.com.au/ipswich-city-council-leads-call-for-rates-transparency/
Moreton Bay has secured $1.5M in federal funding to expand its CCTV network.
The council already operates more than eighteen hundred cameras across the region, one of the largest networks in Queensland.
The system sends over nine thousand automated alerts to police annually and has contributed to a four percent reduction in motor vehicle theft.
Mayor Peter Flannery says the expanded network will further boost community safety and help crack down on crime and vandalism.
The Queensland Government has locked in fifteen million dollars for a dedicated wildlife hospital at Dakabin in the City of Moreton Bay.
The State has signed the funding agreement, with Council contributing a three million dollar land parcel for the facility.
Mayor Peter Flannery says injured wildlife will now be treated locally instead of traveling up to two hours to Wacol or Beerwah, boosting survival rates.
Two historic timber bridges in the Sunshine Coast's Yandina area are set to be demolished despite community opposition.
The Ninderry Road Bridge, dating from 1930, and the Yandina Rail Bridge from 1891 are both heritage-listed but have deteriorated beyond repair.
Sunshine Coast Council says the structures pose safety risks due to rot and termite damage.
https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2025/10/27/tragedy-historic-bridges-set-to-be-dismantled/
A Logan Village resident has challenged the accuracy of new flood maps that label half her property as “high risk,” despite it never flooding above ankle depth in 33 years.
Julie Bond told ABC News that the maps could unfairly inflate her insurance costs to more than $10,000 a year.
Logan City Council says it must include extreme “probable maximum flood” scenarios under state planning rules.
The Queensland government has pledged to review the policy amid growing community concern.
Noosa Council is ramping up education efforts for dog owners following state law changes that increase fines for dogs not under effective control to 834 dollars.
Local laws officers are conducting off-road patrols to inform pet owners about the new regulations and responsible pet ownership.
The council is taking an education-before-enforcement approach and installing new signage at beaches to clarify where dogs are permitted.
Mayor Frank Wilkie says the goal is to ensure pets and people are kept safe while enjoying Noosa's beaches.
Douglas Shire Council has thrown its support behind a plan to make Port Douglas and parts of the Great Barrier Reef a Whale Heritage Area.
The globally recognised status celebrates responsible whale and dolphin tourism and community-led conservation.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon says whale sightings are often the highlight of trips to the Ribbon Reefs, giving visitors another reason to choose Douglas Shire.
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TAS:
A Hobart alderman says councillors should earn up to $120,000 a year to attract quality candidates to local government, according to the Hobart Mercury.
Marti Zucco argues current pay levels deter skilled professionals and younger people from running for council.
He’s called for a major overhaul, saying “if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.”
Hobart City Councillor John Kelly also supports raising council pay to attract more skilled professionals, noting that Brisbane councillors earn $168,000 plus a full-time assistant compared to Hobart's much lower rates.
He told ABC Radio that running Hobart, with its $184 million operating budget and 540 employees, requires experienced business people and that the current talent pool is insufficient.
Kelly believes higher pay would enable a more diverse range of qualified candidates to afford serving on council,.
Hobart City Council says it received 305 complaints in the 2024-25 financial year, more than double the previous year's 140.
But the council says improved record-keeping is largely to blame, not deteriorating service, according to Pulse Tasmania.
The figure includes 106 complaints from the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre, which weren't previously captured - but when those are excluded, complaints still rose 42 percent to 199.
Parking problems at the aquatic centre topped the list with 63 complaints about lack of spaces during peak times.
SA:
Adelaide City Councillor Mary Couros will publicly apologise after an Ombudsman investigation found she breached the Local Government Act.
The investigation revealed Couros sent text messages to a fellow councillor during a May council meeting while she was outside the chamber due to a conflict of interest.
The messages related to a discussion about public toilet facilities in North Adelaide, near a business where her partner is a shareholder.
Ombudsman Emily Strickland found Couros intentionally sought to influence the discussion through the other councillor.
Couros has accepted the findings and will apologise at Tuesday night's council meeting.
Bridget Mather will step down as CEO of Coorong District Council in January 2026 after six years.
Mayor Paul Simmons praised her transformational leadership, saying she leaves the Council well-positioned for continued success.
Ms Mather says her departure comes at a natural transition point ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
The Council will commence the recruitment process for a new CEO soon.
Kangaroo Island Council is waiving boat launching fees at five council-managed ramps for a full year to help the local fishing community recover from an algal bloom.
The free access runs from November 1st to November 30th next year, and is fully funded by the South Australian Government's Algal Bloom Fish Recovery Program, costing ratepayers nothing.
Mayor Michael Pengilly says removing launch costs will keep fishing accessible during the recovery period, even with reduced bag limits in place.
The $65K state contribution offsets the council's temporary loss of revenue.
The District Council of Ceduna has opened applications for its chief executive position.
It follows the departure of Timothy Coote, who has commenced with Narrandera Shire Council as its new General Manager this week.
Applications for the role close on 3rd November.
WA:
The City of Bayswater is calling on local businesses to have their say on a new draft Economic Development Strategy covering the next decade.
The strategy aims to cut red tape, support small operators, and create more jobs across the city's four town centres and industrial areas.
Mayor Filomena Piffaretti says businesses want less barriers and more support—and that the plan delivers exactly that. With more than 6,400 businesses, most of them small operators, Bayswater is one of Perth's most culturally diverse business communities.
Residents are being asked to help shape the future of the Swan River as part of the Windan-Guildford Locality Plan.
The plan covers the stretch between Windan Bridge and Guildford and will guide decisions on environmental protection, recreation, culture, and climate adaptation.
The project is a collaboration between the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Bayswater, Belmont, Swan, Vincent and the Town of Bassendean counciils.
The City of Belmont has rolled out a five-year Community Safety Strategy aimed at making neighbourhoods safer through partnerships and prevention.
Mayor Robert Rossi says community safety is a top priority, and while the City isn't the police, they're working closely with them to support local efforts.
The strategy builds on existing initiatives like CCTV and 24-hour security patrols while introducing new programs to tackle the root causes of safety issues.
A groundbreaking artificial reef installed off C.Y. O'Connor Beach has won a WA Coastal Award for Excellence.
The City of Cockburn's North Coogee engineered fringing reef, installed in 2022, has reduced wave height by 10 percent and wave energy by 20 percent while creating a thriving marine habitat.
Research shows fish species doubled within a year of installation, and the reef is now a snorkellers' paradise covered in algae, seaweed, and mussels.
The City of Armadale is paying tribute to Ken Brown, a beloved volunteer and former Shire Engineer who's passed away after more than 55 years of service.
Ken was a fixture at the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre, leading tours and captivating visitors with his storytelling at the Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum.
His volunteer work extended far beyond tourism—he served as Father Christmas at local events, joined the Bush Fire Brigade, and supported the Breast Cancer Group.
Mayor Ruth Butterfield says Brown's warmth and deep love for Armadale made him a much-loved figure who'll be long remembered.
https://my.armadale.wa.gov.au/service/news-and-media-releases/tributes-flow-for-a-local-legend
Global Roundup:
UK:
Bankrupt Woking council is set to receive an unprecedented £500 million taxpayer bailout from the UK government.
It comes as part of a major reorganisation of local government in Surrey, where twelve councils will be merged into two new unitary authorities.
Woking declared itself effectively bankrupt two years ago after racking up more than £2 billion in debt from failed property investments under previous Conservative leadership.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed said the government had little choice but to step in given the scale of the financial crisis.
The Guardian reports the new councils will come into force in April 2027 following elections in May 2026.
An Exeter councillor who wore her council lanyard to a protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers has been cleared of all complaints against her.
Alison Sheridan faced accusations of bullying, harassment and bringing the council into disrepute.
BBC News reports that the council's monitoring officer has ruled she had exercised her right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.
Sheridan called it "a victory for free speech," saying her political opponents had tried to "cancel" her.
The officer noted that while it might be preferable for councillors to attend protests in a personal capacity, there's no legal bar to doing so as a councillor.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y0lw54qzyo
Liverpool City Council has taken four years to respond to a resident’s Freedom of Information request about funding repairs to Everton Library, according to BBC News.
Kevin Robinson-Hale says the delay shows a “lack of accountability” and highlights poor transparency at the council.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has warned the council it could face contempt of court if it fails to fix its backlog.
The council admits its response times are unacceptable, despite investing more than £250,000 to improve.
🔗 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czdrn6yvl6mo
CANADA:
Ottawa City Council has approved four solar panel projects, marking a significant step forward for renewable energy in the capital.
The projects still need provincial approval before construction can begin.
Currently, solar power accounts for just 2.2 percent of Ontario's electricity generation, but Councillor Cathy Curry says reliable, green energy is now essential for attracting businesses to the region.
Experts predict solar energy will become increasingly competitive as technology improves and costs fall.
NZ:
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has sparked controversy after suggesting he might step down before completing his term.
Brown quickly clarified he intends to serve his full second term, calling his comments a hypothetical response, according to a Radio New Zealand report.
Under New Zealand law, if a mayor resigns with less than 12 months remaining, councillors can nominate a replacement without a by-election.
If more than 12 months remain, a by-election must be held.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577090/what-happens-if-a-mayor-resigns-mid-term
TURKEY:
Istanbul’s imprisoned mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has been brought to court for questioning over new espionage allegations.
The opposition leader, already jailed on corruption charges he denies, is accused of links to a man allegedly spying for foreign states.
Hundreds of supporters rallied outside the courthouse, condemning what they call a political crackdown.
Critics say the probe is part of President Erdogan’s broader effort to silence the opposition.
Imamoglu’s case has reignited nationwide protests and international concern over Turkey’s judicial independence. https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/imprisoned-mayor-of-istanbul-is-to-be-questioned-over-espionage-charges/
Roundup Extra:
In this conversation, Nat Traeger, CEO of the District Council of Robe, discusses the significant funding challenges faced by local governments, particularly in relation to tourism and infrastructure demands.
The conversation highlights the disparities in funding allocations, the impact of tourism on local services, and the financial sustainability of the council amidst rising costs and heritage asset management.
Traeger advocates for a fairer funding model that considers the unique challenges faced by coastal councils like Robe.
