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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
$3M win, costly mistake, and three strikes for controversial councillor - #512
In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A $3M VCAT win for Glen Eira over the Melbourne Racing Club
- Battery storage push back in Baw Baw
- A costly infringement mistake in Yarra Ranges
- Aged care reforms place new obligations on councillors
- NSW’s most controversial councillor suspended for a third time
- Councils take a stand against new meeting rules
- Disaster role locked in for Queensland mayors
- A staff exodus raises concerns at a Tasmanian council
- and a call for compulsory voting at South Australian council elections
plus more new local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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 Report
Glen Eira City Council has successfully secured a three million dollar levy from the Melbourne Racing Club following a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal ruling handed down last week.
The tribunal's decision means the Melbourne Racing Club will have to pay the money to the council as part of its plans to subdivide land at the historic Caulfield racecourse for sale to Mount Scopus private school, according to the Australian.
The levy replaces the normal requirement to set aside eight percent of subdivided land as public open space - a condition that applies to residential, industrial, and commercial developments in the municipality.
The Melbourne Racing Club had contested the levy, arguing it would impose a substantial burden that could jeopardise the entire $150M land deal.
The tribunal rejected these arguments, ruling that the racing club must pay the levy if it wants to proceed with the subdivision.
For Glen Eira Council, the three million dollars represents a major win in ensuring developers contribute to public amenities when subdividing land. The funds will go towards improving public open spaces and community facilities across the municipality.
A bus belonging to self-proclaimed sovereign citizen Adam David Tucker has finally been removed from Williamstown's Nelson Place after three months.
Tucker, who claims he's no longer an Australian citizen and isn't subject to local laws, had been living in the dilapidated bus despite numerous complaints from residents and businesses.
Hobsons Bay City Council initially said the situation was too risky to resolve without extensive police back-up due to the Dezi Freeman manhunt, but Council officers swooped on Friday morning in a joint operation with Victoria Police, towing the bus away.
The Age reported that Tucker failed to appear in court last week on eight matters, resulting in a warrant for his arrest and forfeiture of his bail.
Sovereign citizen’s bus deemed too risky for council officers
Baw Baw Shire Council and local farming communities are pushing back against large-scale battery storage proposals threatening prime agricultural land.
Two battery energy storage system projects at Shady Creek and Yarragon North are being assessed by the Victorian Government, bypassing local council input.
Mayor Danny Goss says generational farming families feel blindsided by industrial-scale developments on land that's supported food production for decades.
The council has written to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny expressing concerns about soil contamination, loss of farmland, and the lack of community consultation.
Council and community unite against proposed battery projects
Yarra Ranges Council has uncovered technical errors in thousands of parking and animal-related infringements issued over the past two decades.
An internal audit revealed parking fines issued between 2005 and 2025 were incorrectly charged, while animal infringements from 2014 to 2023 used invalid wording.
The council is offering partial refunds for affected parking fines and full refunds for animal infringements.
Residents can apply for refunds online from November 5th, with claims available for the next 12 months.
Council CEO Tammi Rose apologised for the inconvenience and pledged to prevent future errors.
Council identifies technical errors in infringements, offers refunds
Central Goldfields Shire Council has secured an agreement with VicRoads to continue operating a full-service agency in Maryborough.
The deal ensures licence testing and vehicle inspections will remain available locally without additional cost to ratepayers.
Mayor Grace La Vella called it a positive outcome after difficult negotiations and thanked VicRoads and political representatives for their support.
The council CEO Peter Harriott warned of possible temporary service reductions in November due to delayed staff training and recruitment.
The agreement will be regularly reviewed to ensure financial sustainability.
VicRoads agency will continue at Central Goldfields Shire Council
Kingston Council has reassured older residents that its AccessCare program will continue providing high-quality in-home support despite major federal aged care reforms taking effect this November.
Mayor Georgina Oxley says while funding arrangements may change for some Home Care Package clients, the council's commitment to helping residents live independently and safely in their own homes remains unchanged.
The AccessCare team, which has served the community for over 30 years, is encouraging residents to reach out early with any questions or concerns about the reforms.
The new aged care legislation also brings in new provisions deeming councillors as responsible persons.
Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers explained these new provisions to me on VLGA Connect this week:
For more on this emerging issue, watch or listen to the latest episode of VLGA Connect, available now on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.
VLGA Connect - Friday 31 October 2025
VLGA Connect - Friday 31 October 2025 - VLGA Connect
Greater Geelong Council has deferred a decision on the future of a former senior citizens hall in Whittington after deep divisions emerged over social housing versus community use, according to the Geelong Advertiser.
The Geelong Society of Operatic and Dramatic Arts wants the site for its operations, backed by local MPs, but officers have recommended social housing instead.
Councillors approved the sale of three other properties while rejecting another two, with a Belmont site now earmarked for 40 per cent public open space and social housing.
The debate highlighted tensions over council's role in delivering social housing, with some councillors arguing the term has become misunderstood by ratepayers.
A report on the Drysdale site's future use will return to council by March next year.
Sunbury will mark the 150th anniversary of The Ashes in 2027, following a decision of Hume City Council.
Sunbury Life reported that the town holds a unique place in cricket history as the birthplace of the legendary rivalry between Australia and England.
In 1877, Lady Janet Clarke presented English captain Ivo Bligh with an urn containing symbolic ashes at Rupertswood Estate.
The Council will develop community-led activities including school projects, exhibitions, and historical displays, aiming to boost local pride, tourism, and economic benefits ahead of the major international sporting event.
Ashes spark Sunbury celebration plans : Sunbury Life
Registration is now open for councils to participate in the 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey.
Local Government Victoria has appointed Klein Research as the new supplier following an extensive review and competitive tender process.
The updated survey will combine telephone interviewing with online surveying and improved analytical capabilities.
Klein Research brings over 30 years of market research experience and will maintain comparability with historical data while introducing measured enhancements.
Councils can register directly through Klein Research's online portal without undertaking their own procurement process. Alternatively, councils can opt to procure an alternative provider as long they meet the required minimum standards.
Survey Account Registration - Klein Market Research
Victorian Briefs
Picture: Greater Shepparton City Council
Greater Shepparton's RiverConnect program is gearing up to protect turtle nests as nesting season approaches in November and December.
Three species of freshwater turtle call the region home, but foxes prey on around 95 percent of nests, devastating local populations.
Residents are urged to report any turtle sightings through the TurtleSAT app and contact RiverConnect if they spot a nesting turtle.
Turtles on the move across Greater Shepparton
Corangamite Shire is trialling new split-compartment waste trucks that can collect glass and recycling bins simultaneously.
The trucks, clearly marked to avoid confusion, have two compartments that keep materials completely separate.
The trial begins this week and will run until year's end.
Split trucks improve kerbside collection efficiency
Glen Eira City Council is considering introducing a cat curfew to protect local wildlife and keep felines safer.
The council is exploring three options: a night-time curfew from sunset to sunrise, a 24-hour curfew, or maintaining the current approach with no restrictions.
Neighbouring councils including Port Phillip and Bayside already have cat curfews in place.
Cat curfew to be discussed at upcoming Council meeting
Following requests from some councillors to extend the deadline for the 2025 VLGA Victorian Councillor Census, the VLGA has responded.
Councillors will now have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 5 November to complete the Census.
This is the last chance for councillors across Victoria to have their say and help inform and influence important conversations across the local government sector. The Census takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Every Councillor has been emailed a unique link to the Census.
If you have any questions, or need your direct link to be resent please contact census@vlga.org.au or call the VLGA directly.
NSW Report
Councillor Andrew Thaler from Snowy Monaro Regional Council has been issued his third suspension notice, effective November sixth.
The NSW Office of Local Government ordered the three-month suspension under the Local Government Act for misconduct breaches.
The violations relate to social media posts and online comments made between May and August this year.
The secretary found Thaler showed no remorse and demonstrated an ongoing risk of engaging in conduct that poses serious risks to others' health and safety.
Thaler must apologise in writing within fourteen days, specifying the misconduct. The suspension runs through to February 5th next year.
Under Local Government Act provisions, Thaler now faces automatic disqualification from holding civic office for five years due to three suspensions.
Thaler has lodged an application to stay the latest suspension.
Councillor Andrew Thaler issued notice of suspension
Andrew Thaler suspended from Snowy Monaro Council for the third time | About Regional
Central Darling Shire now has its first Council in over a decade, with three elected and three appointed councillors coming together under a new Rural and Remote Council model.
The NSW Government said it was introducing the structure to restore democratic representation while maintaining stable governance in the remote region.
Former administrator Bob Stewart will chair the council alongside elected members Peter Sullivan, Max Bradley, and Daniel Fusi.
Appointed councillors include Fiona Kelly, a Barkindji/Ngiyampaa woman and school principal, and former Auburn MP Barbara Perry.
The NSW Government is providing $6M to support the council's financial stability as it transitions out of administration.
Central Darling Shire to have first Council in 12 years
A Bayside councillor has challenged proposed restrictions on council meeting participation, calling them an attempt to silence democratic debate.
The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reported on Cr Chris Saravinovski’s opposition to draft code changes to limit councillors to one motion and two questions per meeting.
He argued the restrictions would silence both councillors and the community they represent, noting current motion averages are only marginally higher than the previous term.
The council unanimously supported removing these limitations from the draft code.
Councillors also criticised state government imposed provisions banning pre-meeting briefings, saying they prevent councillors from making well-informed decisions on complex matters.
The draft code controversially requires councillors to stand when the mayor enters chambers, drawing comparisons to courtroom protocol.
The amended draft will now undergo 28 days of public consultation.
Attempt to 'silence the community': Objections to new Baysde Council meetings code
Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout has slammed changes to council meeting rules as a city-centric response to metropolitan council behaviour.
Cr Tout says the government imposed changes, banning private briefings and requiring in person attendance by councillors, will unfairly punish regional councils doing the right thing.
The new code will prevent councillors from dialling into meetings remotely, making it harder for those with full-time jobs to fulfil their civic duties.
Cr Tout warns meetings will run longer with more questions and deferrals as councillors lose the ability to discuss items in workshops beforehand.
He is calling on communities to make their voices heard, after regional councils unsuccessfully lobbied Minister Ron Hoenig to reconsider the new rules.
Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White is demanding urgent action from the NSW Government to tackle illegal tobacco sales after a spike in crime linked to local tobacconists.
A recent suspicious fire at Sanctuary Point shops has raised concerns about a pattern of arson attacks across the city.
Council has requested planning system changes to force tobacconist stores through formal development approval processes.
There are currently nine vape shops operating in the Nowra CBD alone.
Mayor calls for crack down on illegal tobacco
Bega Valley Shire Council is rolling out a six-month trial of Return and Earn bin baskets across Bega, Eden and Merimbula starting Monday.
The baskets will be attached to public bins, letting people drop in eligible bottles and cans for others to collect and recycle for the ten-cent refund.
Council's Waste Education Officer says it's about keeping recyclables out of landfill and giving the community a chance to benefit.
The trial runs until April 2026, with council monitoring usage and feedback. If successful, the scheme could be expanded across the shire.
Council trials Return and Earn bin baskets across the shire
Lake Macquarie City Council is headed to the NSW Supreme Court to fight workplace bullying allegations from a long-term employee.
Development planner Louise Cooper was sacked on October 23, just weeks after filing her case, according to the Newcastle Herald.
The court stepped in, calling the termination "pre-emptive and quite inappropriate," forcing the council to reinstate her on paid leave.
Cooper claims she faced retaliation after making disclosures about another employee's behaviour in 2022.
The council denies all allegations and has moved to strike out her claim, with the hearing set for November 6.
Inner West Council has adopted its Fairer Future plan to deliver between 20,000 and 30,000 new homes over 15 years.
The plan includes significant amendments following community consultation, reducing density in Marrickville, Dulwich Hill and Ashfield by approximately 5,000 homes.
The Council will establish a 500 million dollar infrastructure fund to deliver new open spaces, transport links and community facilities.
Groundbreaking social housing reforms include redeveloping five council-owned car parks for 350 social housing dwellings and allowing churches to redevelop their lands with 30 percent social housing requirements.
Inner West's Fairer Future plan adopted - Inner West Council
NSW Briefs
Snowy Monaro Council will ask the community for their opinion on investigating a Council demerger through its upcoming Community Satisfaction Survey.
The question will note the estimated cost of approximately $500,000 for the preparation of a demerger business case.
Council meeting recap: Wednesday 29 October 2025
Shoalhaven City Council has adopted an updated River Entrance Management Policy to help reduce flood risk at Shoalhaven Heads and surrounding communities.
The policy enables council to act swiftly and make informed decisions to minimise flooding impact on low-lying areas.
Shoalhaven River Entrance Management Policy adopted
The City of Coffs Harbour has launched a comprehensive 72-page investment prospectus aimed at attracting domestic and international investment to the region's five-billion-dollar economy.
The prospectus highlights the coastal city's population of 81,000, its position on the Pacific Motorway between Sydney and Brisbane, and major developments including the 2.2 billion dollar Coffs Bypass and a proposed 600 million dollar movie studios project.
Coffs Harbour unlocking tomorrow, today
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Queensland Report
Queensland mayors will automatically lead local disaster recovery efforts under sweeping reforms announced by the state government.
The changes follow a bitter dispute at Ipswich City Council where Mayor Teresa Harding was controversially replaced as chair of the local disaster management group by opposing councillors.
ABC News reported that new reforms will also lock in mayors as lead spokespeople for council media and public relations.
The changes will form part of the Empowering Councils Bill expected to be introduced to parliament later this year.
Mayors to lead local disaster recovery efforts after long-running dispute
Central Highlands Regional Council has endorsed a major organisational restructure to strengthen local service delivery.
The number of senior management positions will be reduced from 25 to 20, with most roles now community-facing rather than back-office positions.
Mayor Janice Moriarty says the changes will help council work more effectively with the community.
CEO Aaron Johansson says they're cutting red tape and putting more resources on the frontline. The new structure takes effect from this month.
Council endorses new organisational realignment - Central Highlands Regional Council
Noosa Council has expressed deep condolences following the tragic death of a young woman at the Cooroy Sports Complex.
The incident occurred during a football activity on Thursday evening.
Mayor Frank Wilkie says the heartbreaking event has deeply saddened the community, and the Council is assisting with support services for family, friends and community organisations.
All football activities at the club have been suspended until further notice.
Noosa Council statement on tragedy at Cooroy Sports Complex
Douglas Shire Council is looking at ways to develop a fairer funding model for tourism infrastructure after welcoming more than 700,000 visitors in the year to March 2025.
The cost of supporting the visitor economy is currently carried by a small number of local ratepayers.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon says Council wants to ensure the financial burden is shared more sustainably while continuing to invest in tourism and essential services.
News Bites (Ordinary Council Meeting)
Moreton Bay Council has teamed up with a high-tech company to install 16 sensors providing real-time heat and humidity updates at flying fox roosts.
The data will be used by wildlife carers to respond during heat-stress events as spring heatwaves hit and summer approaches.
Flying foxes begin to suffer when temperatures exceed 38 degrees, with fatalities occurring at 42 degrees.
Moreton Bay helping flying foxes keep cool
Cairns is gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026 with a year-long program of free community events.
Cairns Regional Council has endorsed $193,000 in Community Partnerships funding to bring the celebrations to life.
The program will feature heritage, arts, sport and cultural events including the Cairns Ukulele Festival and CARMA Multicultural Festival.
An additional $60,100 has been approved for local Christmas celebrations and other community initiatives.
Cairns ready to shine for its 150th anniversary
Tasmania
The Advocate reports of claims of turmoil at West Coast Council, with up to 22 staff departures in recent months.
The exodus is reported to have left critical gaps, including the loss of the town planner and most of the planning team.
The council is also dealing with multiple legal issues, including unfair dismissal claims, a sexual harassment case, and ongoing investigations into a 2023 workplace death.
Council management says the organisation is going through a period of change, which it claims is common for small councils.
Questions after spate of resignations at council, claims of cultural issues
South Australia
Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins is calling for compulsory voting to tackle dismal turnouts in South Australian council elections, according to InDailySA.
Just 33 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in the 2022 local government elections, costing nearly nine million dollars.
Cr Jenkins wants reforms including mandatory training for councillors and better remuneration to attract younger candidates.
She says the changes already announced by the state government don't go far enough.
Local Government Minister Joe Szakacs says his reform package follows extensive consultation with councils and community members.
The City of Mount Gambier has proposed reclassifying short-stay rentals like Airbnbs as commercial properties, not residential.
The change would see rates jump to 250 percent of residential rates from mid-2026, falling to 200 percent over three years.
The council says it's fair because these properties generate income and strain infrastructure like hotels do.
But owners say it's a money grab that'll push up prices for tourists.
ABC News reported that the proposal only targets properties rented out more than half the year.
SA council considers classing short-stay rentals as businesses
The District Council of Mount Remarkable has appointed Marc Gardner as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Gardner brings over 25 years of local government experience from senior roles in regional Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Mayor Stephen McCarthy says Gardner's proven track record in delivering positive outcomes made him the ideal choice.
The new CEO will officially commence in January 2026.
Mr Gardner says he's excited to work alongside the committed Council and community in what he calls "a beautiful part of the world".
Western Australia
The City of Cockburn says it has no plans to use artificial intelligence to manage its finances, after a resident asked if it would adopt AI or modern processes to control spending after last year's $4.2M deficit.
Corporate services director Carissa Bywater says AI in procurement is still emerging with no WA local government using it yet, according to PerthNow.
The city is exploring how AI could improve processes but won't implement it until legislation changes.
Meanwhile, Cockburn has found an unexpected $154,000 to add to its budget surplus bringing the total to nearly $447,000.
AI kept out of council finances
The resources sector is calling on the Western Australian government to consider merging regional councils.
The mining lobby wants state intervention as the fight over council rates in regional areas intensifies, according to WA Today.
The push comes amid ongoing tensions between mining companies and local governments over rating arrangements.
Industry representatives argue consolidation could improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs in regional areas.
Mining lobby wants state to merge regional councils as rate fight heats up
Northern Territory:
Darwin City Council has passed a transparency motion after a chaotic 45-minute debate marked by confusion over costs and procedures.
The motion, introduced by Councillor Ed Smelt, calls for an annual community satisfaction survey and improved meeting agendas.
NT News reported that cost estimates range up to $400k, with the Lord Mayor questioning where funding would come from.
All 12 councillors present voted in favour, though Councillor Mick Palmer returned too late and said he would have voted against.
The motion now requires officers to report back on delivery and costs by August 2026.
Global Report
UK:
More than 100 business and charity leaders have called on ministers to lead the country toward a shorter working week.
The appeal comes after Local Government Secretary Steve Reed criticised South Cambridgeshire council for implementing a four-day week trial.
Council leader Bridget Smith defended the policy, saying it's saved nearly £400,000 annually and staff are completing 100% of work in 32 hours.
At least 430 UK companies have adopted shorter weeks, covering over 13,000 workers.
Another 25 councils are reportedly planning to trial four-day weeks next year.
Business and charity leaders urge ministers to lead England’s transition to four-day week
A Reform UK councillor has jumped ship to the Conservatives after growing uncomfortable with Nigel Farage's party.
James Buchan, who won his Dartford seat in July, said he was particularly troubled by Reform's plan to scrap indefinite leave to remain for non-EU migrants.
The councillor accused Reform of lacking experience and relying on rhetoric rather than practical solutions.
He said he wanted to be able to look his family in the eye and distance himself from the party's policies.
Reform sources have called on him to resign and fight a by-election.
Reform councillor defects to Tories after becoming 'uncomfortable' with party
USA:
In Washington, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown has declared a city emergency to fast-track funding for homeless services as federal shutdown impacts mount.
Spoeksman dot com reported that the move will add 50 shelter beds and mobile medical units while 83,000 county residents face losing food stamp benefits starting Saturday.
Federal workers nationwide are going unpaid in the second-longest shutdown since Donald Trump's previous term, affecting 1.4 million people.
The city's new tough-on-camping ordinance is also pushing more homeless residents toward shelters and services.
Brown warns families may have to choose between food and rent, calling it "a different kind of quiet hurricane."
The City of Bend, Oregon paid its equity and inclusion director $86,000 to resign after he'd already submitted his resignation, according to reporting from Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Andrés Portela III initially sent a detailed letter alleging he faced racist incidents and was excluded from departmental decisions.
Days later, he submitted a much shorter resignation letter without any complaints, shortly before receiving the settlement.
City officials say the payout was justified to manage legal risk, citing what they called inconsistent behaviour from Portela.
The city is conducting an independent review of his discrimination complaints.
Bend paid its equity director $86K to resign after he’d already quit. Here’s what happened
CANADA:
London, Ontario city councillors are considering a hefty pay increase from just under seventy thousand to over ninety-four thousand dollars after the next election.
The head of the city workers' union says if council gets a thirty-five percent raise, his members should too.
Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis argues it's an apples-to-watermelons comparison, noting councillors lack union benefits and job security.
The union leader fires back that city workers are also underpaid compared to other municipalities.
Council makes its final decision on the controversial compensation package November fourth.
‘Give us a 35 per cent increase’: Inside Workers’ Union leader on City Council’s pending pay hike
NZ:
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has fired a warning shot at Wellington, telling the Government to show more respect for the city that drives a third of New Zealand's economy.
In his inauguration speech, Brown said his landslide re-election victory was a clear mandate to push harder for Auckland's interests.
Stuff reported that he's demanding a formal "city deal" with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon that would give Auckland more funding and decision-making power.
Brown also announced plans to strip Auckland Transport of its decision-making authority and turn it into a service delivery body.
Auckland mayor sends warning to Government in inauguration speech
Wellington's new mayor Andrew Little says a supercity-style council for the region is all but inevitable.
He wants to discuss the amalgamation idea with the community, noting that residents increasingly see themselves as part of a unified region.
Little is also pushing for a review of the controversial 139-million-dollar Golden Mile upgrade at council's first meeting next month.
He's met with all councillors and remains confident they can work constructively despite past infighting.
The mayor plans to meet with government ministers to make the case that Wellington is ready to engage with central government.
Wellington's new mayor Andrew Little says supercity-style council 'all but inevitable'
