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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
Name change, shock resignation, and dumping threat - #514
In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A Whittlesea street faces name change after royal title stripped
- Surf Coast’s vacant Torquay ward seat filled after second countback
- Victorian councils elect new mayors
- A ambitious plan to transform car parks into 18-storey apartment towers
- Shoalhaven Councillor appears in court and resigns immediately
- Clarence Valley’s Mayor condemns an MP for "misuse of parliamentary privilege"
- Shellharbour appoints its new CEO
- A heated cemetery debate in Queensland
- Residents threaten to dump rubbish at a council chambers over a cashless tip policy
- West Coast Council defends turnover as third of staff resign this year
- WA Local Government Minister announces new collaborative roundtables
- A UK Council spends £200,000 correcting a typing error
All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
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.
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Victorian Report
A street in Whittlesea City Council named after Prince Andrew could be changed after King Charles stripped his brother of royal titles, according to 9News.
The Council says it's received enquiries from locals about finding a new name for Prince Andrew Avenue in Lalor.
The council has engaged Geographic Names Victoria about the issue and needs demonstrated support from a majority of residents to proceed.
Phoebe Crockett has been selected to fill the vacant Torquay ward position on Surf Coast Shire Council following a second countback.
The Bellarine Times reported the Anglesea resident and Greens member received 1,501 first preference votes in last year's election.
The VEC confirmed the election of Ms Crockett yesterday after she completed her declaration of qualification within the required 48 hours.
The vacancy follows Rebecca Bourke's resignation in September, less than a year into her first term.
A previous countback saw Eric Menogue selected, but he opted not to take the seat due to work commitments.
https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/bellarinetimes/news/greens-candidate-claims-council-seat/
Mayoral Election updates:
Councillor Debbie Taylor-Haynes has been elected Mayor of Bayside City Council. The Beckett Ward representative steps up from deputy mayor, and takes over from Hanna El Mouallem in the mayoralty.
https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/news/cr-debbie-taylor-haynes-elected-mayor-bayside
Councillor Dennis Heslin has been re-elected Mayor of Southern Grampians Shire Council for the next twelve months. Councillor Helen Henry was elected Deputy Mayor, after 12 months in which the council has chosen not to have a deputy.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HSgwx3U66/
Cr Tim Meyer has been re-elected to serve as Mayor of West Wimmera Shire Council for another 12 months. It’s the fourth time Cr Meyer has held the position since first being elected to Council 2020. Cr Helen Hobbs was elected deputy mayor.
In results from last night:
At Manningham City Council, Cr Jim Grivas has been elected mayor for the forthcoming year, taking over from Cr Diedre Diamante - who will support the new mayor in the deputy mayor role.
At the City of Melton, the Council has gone with experience, appointing Cr Lara Carli as its new mayor - she has served as mayor twice before, and deputy mayor on three occasions.
Cr Dr Phillip Zada was elected to serve as deputy mayor.
https://www.melton.vic.gov.au/News-Media/Cr-Lara-Carli-elected-Mayor-of-City-of-Melton
Merri-bek City Council has unveiled plans to transform six council-owned car parks in central Coburg into more than a dozen apartment towers.
The Age reported that the ambitious redevelopment would deliver over 1,000 homes, with towers ranging from seven to 18 storeys.
The council aims for up to 30 percent of new homes to be social and affordable housing.
The project includes a 60 million dollar library, shops, parks and multi-deck car parking, and could take 10 to 15 years to fully deliver.
The mayor of Wangaratta, Irene Grant, says council resources will be stretched thin, preparing for the rollout of a solar farm development the community doesn’t want.
Cr Grant was speaking after the Planning Minister approved the Meadow Creek Solar Farm, against the wishes of more than 500 formal objectors, including the council.
Cr Grant said it was “obvious the State Government is prepared to sacrifice the beautiful King Valley and the North East of Victoria for some very dubious renewable targets”
The City of Melbourne's new Community Safety Officers have begun patrolling inner-city hotspots, according to CBD News.
Eleven uniformed officers are working seven days a week in what Lord Mayor Nick Reece says is the biggest shake-up to safety arrangements since PSOs were introduced almost 15 years ago.
The officers have powers to enforce local laws, issue directions and make arrests, and they're equipped with protective vests, body cameras and handcuffs.
The two-million-dollar program drew more than 600 applications for the eleven roles.
Meanwhile, The Age has reported on Wyndham City Council’s six-month trial of private security patrols in Truganina, at a cost to ratepayers of $372K.
Two marked patrol cars will operate between 10pm and 6am, with unarmed officers trained to call police when they spot suspected crimes.
Critics have slammed the initiative as a "leaf blower" solution that will simply push problems into neighbouring areas.
The proposal divided the council, ultimately passing by six votes to five.
Warrnambool City Council is reportedly seeking a new builder and operator for its affordable housing project after the original community housing provider withdrew.
The Standard reported that the project, which received fast-track state approval in October, will deliver up to 50 modular homes on former saleyards land in Dennington for key workers like doctors, nurses and teachers.
The Council hopes to award a contract by March 2026 for the development, which is one of four key worker housing projects underway in the city.
Frankston and Kingston Councils have signed a "Nepean Partnership" to meet regularly and collaborate on future projects.
The agreement was officially signed off by both councils at their respective public meetings last week, according to Bayside News.
A Partnership Steering Group comprising each council's mayor, CEO and key officers will meet quarterly to oversee implementation.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has reportedly backed out of the partnership amid a bitter fallout with Frankston Council over a recent advocacy trip to Canberra.
https://baysidenews.com.au/2025/11/05/kingston-and-frankston-sign-council-partnership/
Victorian Briefs
Whitehorse City Council and Deakin University have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their partnership.
Mayor Andrew Davenport says the agreement provides a framework to boost outcomes across employment, education, training, community health and wellbeing, and the environment.
A Partnership Steering Group will meet quarterly to oversee implementation and progress.
Greater Dandenong City Council has won the 2025 Cities Litter Award at the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards.
The council's waste services team was recognised for their "Bin It or Take It Home With You" campaign., which educates the community about proper litter disposal and raises awareness of its harmful environmental impact.
Knox City Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Councillor Expenses and Support Policy.
The review includes proposals for new "Councillor Listening Posts" to enhance community engagement.
Community feedback closes November 30th.
https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/news/supporting-councillors
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NSW Report
Shoalhaven City councillor Jason Cox has resigned, with immediate effect.
Mayor Patricia White has released a statement yesterday confirming the resignation after discussions with Mr Cox earlier that day.
Mayor White said there were matters before the court about which she could not make any further comment.
The South Coast Register reported that Mr Cox faced Nowra Local Court on Wednesday, charged with common assault and damaging property valued at less than $2,000, following an incident on Tuesday night.
It’s the second councillor resignation in recent months following that of Natalee Johnson in August, and will be the third time a recount will be needed since the elections last year.
https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/9106021/shoalhaven-councillor-resigns-amid-legal-issues/
Clarence Valley Mayor Ray Smith has condemned NSW Greens MLC Dr Amanda Cohn for what he calls a blatant misuse of parliamentary privilege.
Dr Cohn used parliament last month to allege misconduct and dysfunction within the council, based on discussions with Deputy Mayor Greg Clancy.
An extraordinary council meeting descended into chaos, with members of the public ejected and two councillors walking out.
Councillors voted seven to two to support a complaint to the Parliamentary Ethics Committee.
The mayor says he'll lodge a Citizen's Right of Reply to correct the record and defend the council's achievements.
Muswellbrook Shire Council has launched an independent investigation into the Richard Gill School's transfer to the Melos Education Group.
Mayor Jeff Drayton says an external investigator with legal expertise will examine the gifting of land and money when the school was established, as well as board decisions.
The move follows strong community concern over a lack of transparency in the transfer process.
Shellharbour City Council has appointed Wayde Peterson as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Peterson has been Acting CEO since February and previously served as Executive Director Business Enterprises.
The 45-year-old Illawarra local started his career at Council as an engineering cadet in 2000.
Mayor Chris Homer says Peterson's leadership and strategic vision will be invaluable for the city's future.
Motorists in western New South Wales are being urged to be "truck aware" as harvest season brings increased heavy vehicle movements on rural roads.
Weddin Shire Council has shared information about the Be Truck Aware campaign, which will use radio, social media and variable messaging signs to remind drivers to take extra care, wear seatbelts and manage fatigue.
Transport for NSW says 85 percent of fatal crashes on country roads involve a country resident.
The campaign also highlights increased rail movements, with variable message signs installed at key level crossings across the region.
Maitland City Council says it's made great strides towards a greener future in the two years since adopting its first Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
The council will switch to 100 percent renewable energy across all facilities from January 1st, and has upgraded 5,000 streetlights to LEDs.
More than 13,000 native seedlings have been planted across biodiversity corridors, with over 1,100 volunteer hours logged at community events.
Balranald Shire Council is cracking down on unmetered water theft across Balranald and Euston townsites.
Council says unmetered water use occurs when water is accessed without an operational meter or Council approval, and may be treated as water theft under relevant legislation.
The unauthorised use places an unfair burden on the community and compromises water management systems.
Council is conducting a follow-up program to ensure accurate water usage recording and fairness in billing.
NSW Briefs:
Kiama Council is warning that its Post Office Box was compromised between Monday morning and Tuesday morning this week.
Mail items in transit to Council during that window may have been impacted.
Residents who posted mail to Council in recent days have been urged to contact Customer Service to confirm receipt.
https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Council-mailbox-compromised
A dead tree along the New England Highway at East Maitland has been painted bright blue as part of a grassroots mental health awareness initiative.
Maitland City Council has partnered with the Blue Tree Project to spark conversations about mental health and remind the community they're not alone.
Mayor Philip Penfold says one in five Australians aged sixteen to eighty-five experienced a mental disorder in the past twelve months.
Wagga Wagga City Council has completed the first stage of its Lake Albert Pipeline and Precinct Renewal project, with embankment stabilisation works addressing erosion around the lake.
The broader project includes remediation of two point seven kilometres of foreshore and construction of a six point two kilometre pipeline from the Murrumbidgee River.
Queensland Report
Cassowary Coast Council has deferred a cemetery policy after heated debate over vases, according to the Cairns Post.
Councillors clashed over proposed rules that would ban glass or breakable items, including vases, from graves.
Deputy Mayor Nick Pervan wanted vases removed from the banned list, saying they've been a tradition for years, while others were reportedly confused about the distinction between glass items and vases.
The policy will be redrafted after councillors couldn't reach agreement and voted to defer the decision.
North Burnett Regional Council has voted to shift Australia Day celebrations to local towns.
The council will continue managing Australia Day awards but is handing over event hosting to community organisations in six major towns from 2026.
Local award winners will be presented their awards in their own communities by divisional councillors.
The move aims to give communities ownership of the day and allow them to celebrate in ways that suit their preferences.
https://northburnett.qld.gov.au/mayoral-media-release-4-november-2025/
The Whitsundays will welcome back free travellers from April next year.
Whitsunday Regional Council will reopen Proserpine's RV Rest Stop for the dry season, offering 48-hour stopovers for self-contained vehicles.
Council modelling predicts the move could inject up to 1.7 million dollars annually into the local economy.
Mayor Ry Collins says it's a small investment with a big return for local businesses.
https://www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/news/article/318/council-reopens-proserpine-rv-rest-stop
Ipswich City Council has reviewed its Cyber Security Policy as part of its four-year improvement cycle.
The update reflects the rapidly changing digital landscape, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence.
Councillor Paul Tully says local governments are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals, and the revised policy emphasises the role of all staff, contractors and volunteers in protecting the organisation.
The City of Moreton Bay's first dedicated wildlife hospital is a step closer to reality.
The Council has granted the Wildlife Hospital Foundation a one-dollar-per-year lease for land at Dakabin.
The facility will treat injured native animals locally, cutting travel times of up to two hours.
The State Government recently committed 15 million dollars to the project.
Sunshine Coast residents can now access instant development guidance through a new AI-powered tool.
The AI Development Assistant helps homeowners understand planning requirements for projects like sheds, granny flats and renovations.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli says the service is available any time, making the process less stressful and confusing.
https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/news/new-tool-simplifies-access-to-development-advice-anytime
Tasmania
Burnie residents are threatening to dump rubbish at council chambers over a new cashless tip policy, according to Pulse Tasmania.
From Monday, November 10, the Mooreville Road waste facility will stop accepting cash payments.
Angry locals say the move will make the facility inaccessible to elderly residents and those without cards.
Some have warned the policy could lead to more illegal dumping in bushland, but the council says the change improves safety and efficiency.
West Coast Council's general manager Scott Riley is defending the organisation after nearly a third of its 75-strong workforce resigned this year.
Riley says the turnover is "completely expected" during periods of change and refutes union claims of cultural problems.
The departures come amid administrative blunders including a week-long vehicle registration lapse and accidental publication of confidential information about sexual harassment claims.
Mr Riley told ABC News he welcomes any investigation into the council's operations.
South Australia
The South Australian Local Government Association has launched a research project to measure the economic and social value of community centres across South Australia.
Councils will soon receive surveys to gather data on services and programs offered at both council-owned and independent centres.
South Australia is the only state where half of all community centres receive no baseline government funding, forcing councils and volunteers to bridge the gap.
The research will build an evidence base to support advocacy for fair funding, with other states already providing universal baseline support.
Wattle Range Council is installing four electric vehicle charging points at its new Millicent office on North Terrace, according to a report from SouthEast Voice.
The building came in 450-thousand dollars under its 10-million dollar budget, allowing council to pursue additional green initiatives.
Solar panels generating 130 kilowatts of power will be installed in the car park, meeting 80 percent of the office's energy needs.
A battery backup system will keep the office running during blackouts, and Council Chief Executive Ben Gower says the council is transitioning its fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles.
https://sevoice.com.au/council-connects-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-to-new-office/
Western Australia
Western Australia's Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has announced the establishment of new collaborative roundtables for the sector.
The initiative will explore long-term sustainability and strengthen collaboration between local and state government.
The roundtables follow advocacy by LG Professionals WA as part of their submission on the proposed Local Government Amendment Bill.
Minister Beazley made the announcement at the LG Professionals WA Annual State Conference.
The Shire of Manjimup has approved plans to convert a suburban home into accommodation for nine seasonal farm workers.
ABC South West reported that the decision comes as the region faces tight housing conditions, with a similar approval recently granted for a 12-worker camp on a rural property.
Local residents have raised concerns about increased noise, traffic safety risks, and disruption to the neighbourhood's character, and Councillors were divided on the issue, with Shire President Donelle Buegge casting the deciding vote.
The approval is valid for 12 months, during which time the Shire will develop a policy on workforce accommodation.
The Town of East Fremantle's CEO, Jonathan Throssell, has been awarded life membership by Local Government Professionals WA.
With over 30 years in local government, Mr Throssell has held CEO positions at the shires of Derby-West Kimberley and Mundaring.
Global Report
USA:
More than 2 million New Yorkers voted in this year's mayoral race, the highest turnout since 1969, according to the NY Times.
Democrat Zohran Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a competitive three-way contest.
Experts credit the surge to stronger candidate matchups, increased Asian American political engagement, and a return to competitive races.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/04/nyregion/nyc-mayor-election-turnout.html
There were many other municipal elections this week - here are a few of the results that have caught our eye.
Incumbent Democratic Mayor Aftab Pureval has defeated Republican challenger Cory Bowman in Cincinnati's mayoral race.
Pureval, who first took office in 2022, won the all-party primary back in May with more than 80 percent of the vote. The city also elected nine council members from a field of 26 candidates, with Democrats dominating the local races, according to WLWT dot com.
In Lewisville, North Carolina, voters have chosen Democrat Billy Carter for mayor, while the six council seats were evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. The historic election marks a shift for the small town as it manages rapid growth, as reported by Journal Now.
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield has defeated megachurch pastor Reverend Solomon Kinloch to become the city's first woman mayor.
Sheffield will replace three-term Mayor Mike Duggan, who's running for Michigan governor as an independent.
And in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Democrats Patrick Flynn, Tom Schuster, and Sean McAndrew won all three contested City Council seats in Tuesday's election.
Council President Gerald Smurl, running as an independent, lost his reelection bid after dropping out of the Democratic primary.
Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti won her own reelection in a landslide, according to the Times Tribune.
UK:
There’s good news and not-so-good news from UK councils this episode. Starting with the not-so-good:
Newcastle City Council's legal department is facing a budget overrun of £773,000 this year, bringing total costs to £2.5m.
The bill has surged due to a sharp rise in repair claims on council homes, now reaching 80 per month compared to 50 per year previously.
Staff shortages have forced the council to hire expensive agency workers after recruitment campaigns failed.
Councillors have called the figures "quite shocking" as legal staffing problems persist.
More on that story from BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93dv9xpx3wo
Bristol City Council has spent nearly £200,000 correcting a typing error on council tax bills.
Residents received bills with correct amounts, but percentage increases for police and fire services were accidentally swapped.
The council has now introduced additional sign-off steps to prevent similar mistakes.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c051066d523o
Dorset Council plans to sell off 78 unused sites over the next five years to raise £46.7m.
The assets include old garages, vacant offices, former school sites, and parcels of land.
The council says the move will unlock opportunities for new homes and make every penny count.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c874rzg92weo
Norfolk County Council has rolled out artificial intelligence technology to analyse care records of 12,000 elderly and vulnerable adults.
The AI system identifies those most at risk of falling, prompting social workers to review care plans and install safety equipment like grab rails.
The authority says around 40 percent of care home admissions follow a fall, with thousands of hospital admissions annually related to falls.
BBC News reported that the successful pilot involving 1,250 residents has now been expanded county-wide.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c14pvmnd1y0o
CANADA:
London City Council has voted nine to six in favour of a 35 per cent pay hike for councillors next term, raising base pay to over $94,000.
The increase ties councillor salaries to the 70th percentile of full-time income in London.
Deputy mayor and budget chair roles will see an additional eight per cent boost.
However, the council rejected a proposal to introduce severance pay for defeated members and extra compensation for committee chairs, according to CTV News.
Vancouver City Council has approved budget overruns totalling $21.6 million for police and fire services.
The Vancouver Police Department went $17 million over budget, largely due to overtime costs and the controversial Task Force Barrage on the Downtown Eastside.
Opposition councillors criticised the five million dollar task force for bypassing proper approval processes through the police board and council.
Mayor Ken Sim acknowledged "mistakes were made" in the approval process.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services accounted for $4.6 million in fleet maintenance cost overruns.
NZ:
Wellington City Council has admitted a major blunder that saw 172 drivers wrongly fined for speeding.
9News reported that the council failed to properly register a 50 kilometre per hour speed limit change, meaning the signs weren't legally enforceable.
At least one driver lost their licence due to the error before police were alerted and stopped issuing tickets.
The council had changed the limit from 70 to 50 after building a roundabout but used the wrong legal process.
Police have now refunded all fines and removed speed limit signs until the issue is resolved.
The fitout of the council’s new headquarters is taking shape.
The building will house 1,200 staff and consolidate workers currently spread across multiple temporary locations.
The council says it's saving between 140 and 160 million dollars over the lease term.
Staff will begin moving in early 2026, coinciding with the reopening of the Central Library and Civic Square.
