Diplomatic incident, resignations, and the future workforce - ft.Sue Wilkinson, #516

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Two Victorian Council CEOs are stepping down
• More Victorian mayoral elections results
• A Wyndham councillor embroiled in a diplomatic incident
• A call for major public transport upgrades
• A new Federal inquiry into local government funding
• Pressure to overturn Cumberland Council’s drag storytime ban
• Parramatta won’t appeal a Supreme Court decision overturning a councillor censure
• Gold Coast’s biggest ever development project moving forward
• and back to the polls for five NT Councils

Plus, LGPro President Sue Wilkinson on preparing for the local government workforce of the future.

All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.

Chapters

• 2:18 Victorian Report
• 10:12 NSW Report
• 16:12 QLD Report
• 18:17 TAS/SA/WA/NT Report
• 22:12 Global Report
• 26:06 Roundup Extra: Sue Wilkinson, President LGPro Victoria

Transcript

Victorian Report

Brendan McGrath is stepping down as CEO of the Rural City of Wangaratta after nearly 12 years at the helm.

McGrath will work until Christmas before taking leave in January, with an external recruitment process for his replacement set to begin shortly.

In the new year, McGrath will join North East Water as General Manager leading commercial innovation and digital transformation.

His tenure at Wangaratta saw major developments including the Sports and Events Precinct, the award-winning Ned Kelly Discovery Hub, and the revitalisation of the Railway Precinct.

Mayor Irene Grant has praised his profound contribution and lasting legacy to the region.

The Borough of Queenscliffe has announced that CEO Martin Gill will finish up on November 28th after agreeing to an early end to his contract.

He has been with the borough since 2019, and it’s understood he had almost a year left on his contract.

Mayor Di Rule thanked Mr Gill his contribution, and said the council has engaged recruitment firm McArthur to find a permanent replacement.

Cr Rule said she's excited about bringing fresh energy to the organisation.

An announcement about an interim CEO appointment is expected soon.

Mayoral elections are in full swing across Victoria, with more than 20 councils expected to conduct their elections this week.

Results from 10th November:

Ballarat City

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves, Deputy Mayor Cr Ben Taylor 10/11/25

Greater Bendigo City

2026/26 - Mayor Cr Thomas Prince, Deputy Mayor Cr Karen Corr 10/11/25

Northern Grampians Shire

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Karen Hyslop, Deputy Mayor Cr Justine Hide 10/11/25

Pyrenees Shire

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Damian Ferrari, Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Wardlaw 10/11/25

Results from 11th November:

Ararat Rural City

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Bob Sanders; Deputy Mayor Cr Teli Kaur 11/11/25

Campaspe Shire

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell, Deputy Mayor Cr Tony Marwood 11/11/25

Golden Plains Shire

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey, Deputy Mayor Cr Emma Robbins, 11/11/25

Yarra Ranges Shire

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Richard Higgins, Deputy Mayor Cr Gareth Ward 11/11/25

Follow the results as they come in on the Local Government News Roundup website here.

The Herald Sun has reported on a diplomatic incident involving a Wyndham Councillor, who allegedly invited Chinese officials to Australia without authorisation.

Councillor Larry Zhao allegedly sent a letter on council letterhead inviting six delegates for a business trip, claiming it was "on behalf of Wyndham City Council".

The Australian Embassy in Beijing flagged the letter when the delegates used it to support visa applications.

The Council has confirmed the letter was not authorised, and Cr Zhao denies sending it.

Wyndham Council said it would not be making comment on any potential investigations involving individual councillors.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti has expressed condolences after a drowning tragedy that claimed the lives of a woman and child this week.

Cr Memeti made the comments at Monday night’s Council meeting, after which a minute’s silence was observed in the chamber.

The mayor also acknowledged the emergency services personnel who attended the scene at the Dandenong Creek on Monday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Pyrenees Shire’s new mayor has made a statement extending condolences over the tragic deaths of a family of three in a car accident at Stoneleigh yesterday.

Cr Damian Ferrari said his thoughts were with everyone affected, including family and friends of the victims, and the emergency responders at the scene.

Victoria's independent infrastructure body is calling for major public transport upgrades over the next five years.

Infrastructure Victoria wants the government to increase train services in Melbourne's north and west, extend eight tram routes, and create six new express bus networks.

The thirty-year plan also recommends making off-peak fares cheaper to boost passenger numbers, according to the Guardian.

Long-promised tram connections to Fishermans Bend and Chadstone are included in the proposals.

The sixty-five billion dollar plan aims to accommodate four million more residents expected over three decades.

Kingston Council will seek a tribunal review of the state government's approval for the former Kingswood Golf Course development.

Mayor Georgina Oxley says the council wants to push for major improvements the Dingley Village community deserves.

Key concerns include infrastructure design, traffic impacts, loss of native vegetation, and affordable housing provisions.

The council argues this once-in-a-generation redevelopment will permanently change the fabric of Dingley Village.

Council maintains meaningful collaboration with the state government is still possible to address their concerns.

Merri-bek Council is set to vote on a strict 24-hour cat curfew that could take effect from April 2027, according to the Herald Sun.

The proposal comes after community consultation showed 55 per cent of residents support some form of curfew, with many backing the tougher all-day confinement over a night-time-only rule.

The council is also introducing mandatory desexing for all new cat registrations starting this November.

Officers say the move will protect native wildlife and improve cat welfare.

If approved, Merri-bek will join more than 40 Victorian councils with cat restrictions.

Victorian Briefs

Brimbank City Council has announced the launch of a new SkyBus Sunshine Express service between Sunshine Station and Melbourne Airport, departing every 30 minutes, seven days a week.

It's Melbourne's first 100 percent electric SkyBus route.

Mayor Thuy Dang says western suburbs residents no longer need to travel into the city first to reach the airport.

Bass Coast Shire Council won a national award for sustainability innovation.

Its Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program united 12 local businesses to rethink waste and resources.

Mayor Rochelle Halstead congratulated participants, saying it reflects growing community commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles.

Public toilet vandalism across Campaspe Shire has cost over seven thousand dollars in eight weeks.

Four facilities were targeted, including Kyabram's Transit Centre Toilets where damaged toilet pans and basins cost thirty-five hundred dollars to repair.

Mayor Daniel Mackrell says the funds could have been better used for community benefits, and has urged residents to report suspicious activity to police.

A federal inquiry has been launched into local government funding across Australia.

The House of Representatives Committee wants to examine financial relationships between different levels of government and identify barriers to infrastructure delivery.

The inquiry will also investigate workforce challenges and labour practices affecting councils.

The Committee aims to determine if current funding mechanisms match local governments' evolving responsibilities.

Queensland’s peak councils body LGAQ has backed the federal inquiry into local government funding but wants a June 2026 deadline for reform.

It says councils are stretched to breaking point with rising costs and flatlined federal funding, as cost-shifting from other levels of government has ballooned to more than $360 million annually in Queensland alone.

Submissions are open until February third, twenty twenty-six.

NSW Report

The Daily Mail reports that an LGBTQI activist group is pushing to overturn Cumberland City Council's ban on drag queen story readings at council facilities.

The ban was passed in February last year despite no requests ever being made for such events.

Libertarian councillor Steve Christou, who initiated the ban, is calling on residents to rally against the overturn attempt.

Rainbow Cumberland has launched a petition that had gained 275 signatures as of Sunday.

The council maintains it has never hosted a drag storytime event and stands by its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Parramatta Council has voted not to appeal a Supreme Court decision that overturned the censure of councillor Kellie Darley.

Cr Darley was censured last year after criticising the council's one million dollar partnership with the Parramatta Eels.

The Supreme Court found the disciplinary process denied her procedural fairness.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the council has spent 11 million dollars on legal expenses since 2022.

Cr Darley says she looks forward to receiving the public apology the Local Government Minister says she is owed.

Division over the firing of Gail Connolly as chief executive of Parramatta continue to split the council chamber, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Ms Connolly was sacked barely halfway through her contract following months of mounting tension.

The dismissal came in a confidential late-night council meeting after a string of crises, including a damning Supreme Court judgment.

Despite her controversial tenure, Labor councillor Patricia Prociv plans to move a motion recognising Connolly's achievements, citing 81 awards won during her leadership.

The Forbes Advocate reports that Forbes Shire Council has appointed experienced senior executive Steven Dunshea as its interim general manager, following the passing of former general manager Steve Loane OAM.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the appointment would ensure continuity and stability for the council and community, while a formal recruitment process is undertaken for a permanent appointment.

Mr Dunshea retired in 2022 but has been available for interim appointments, most recently working at Snowy Monaro Regional Council.

Yass Valley Council is holding an extraordinary meeting tonight to consider launching community consultation on a proposed Special Rate Variation.

The SRV would secure funding to maintain current service levels and address essential infrastructure needs across the region.

Community feedback will be sought through a public exhibition period running from November 13th to December 10th.

Council will then decide in January whether to formally apply to IPART for the rate increase.

Hawkesbury City Council has pushed back its Food Organics Green Organics bin system from July 2027 to July 2029.

The delay will allow time for a groundbreaking waste trial using black soldier fly larvae to convert organic waste into fertiliser, biofuel and livestock feed.

The twelve-month trial starts in January 2026 and could divert 20 tonnes of waste daily from landfill.

If successful, Council will seek exemption from the NSW Government's 2030 FOGO mandate.

It hopes the trial could save ratepayers money while generating new revenue streams for Council.

A bronze replica of the sculpture JOY has been unveiled in Darlinghurst, nearly 30 years after the original was removed.

The artwork by artist Loui Fraser honours inner-city sex workers and marks NSW's pioneering role in decriminalising sex work.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore says the reinstallation helps rebalance Sydney's public art collection.

Former Penrith Mayor and Councillor Pat Sheehy has passed away.

Pat was first elected in 1987 and served as Mayor three times between 1994 and 2007.

In 2005 he was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for service to local government and the Western Sydney community.

NSW Briefs:

Wollongong City Council is seeking feedback on its updated Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy, with one key change affecting orange zone beaches.

The proposal would simplify timed access for dogs on leash to before 9am and after 5pm year-round, replacing the current system that varies between summer and winter.

The Kempsey Regional Saleyards have officially opened after a $9.5M redevelopment.

The modern facility will support local farmers and the agricultural industry across the Macleay Valley as well as boost the local economy and create jobs in the region.

Griffith City Council will introduce a Food Organics Garden Organics collection service from July 2027.

Mayor Doug Curran says education will be key to helping households understand what goes in each bin.

Council is also exploring NSW EPA funding which could contribute up to 500,000 dollars.

The NSW Government has approved an $800,000 funding increase for ICAC to deal with a surge in corruption inquiries.

The additional funding will create a fourth investigations team.

ICAC has reported an 80 per cent increase in referrals from government agencies and councils since 2018-19.

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Queensland Report

The Gold Coast is moving ahead with what's being called its biggest ever development project in Norwell Valley.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported the proposal would deliver 40,000 residential and industrial lots across former cane fields in the city's north.

Gold Coast City Council has voted to negotiate costs with developers and establish a working group with the state government.

A growing flying fox colony in Gympie has the local council considering a property buyback scheme for affected residents, according to ABC News.

Homeowners near Commissioners Gully say the bats are causing noise, stench, and health concerns with dead bats found in yards.

Mayor Glen Hartwig says dispersal methods aren't working and is calling on state and federal governments to fund solutions.

Researchers warn flying foxes are critical pollinators for native species despite the problems they cause for residents.

Bundaberg Council is demanding urgent state action on homelessness and illegal tobacco sales, according to a report from the Courier Mail.

Mayor Helen Blackburn has written to the Health Minister calling for increased enforcement resources and transparency around illegal vape shops.

The council says regional communities can't tackle these growing problems alone.

Two motions at the state Local Government conference called for better funding and accountability from state and federal governments, with both receiving the support of Queensland council representatives.

An innovative social housing project at Underwood has won top honours at the 2025 Logan Urban Design Awards.

The Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works development on Cristaldi Avenue was praised for its excellence in responsive, inclusive and sustainable design.

Judges highlighted the successful delivery on a sloping site and the creation of homes around a central garden spine.

Logan City Mayor Jon Raven says great design is shaping the city's future and making it attractive for business and investment.

Tasmania

George Town Council has announced the official commencement of construction on George Town's new indoor aquatic, health and wellbeing centre.

The state-of-the-art facility will feature a heated 25-metre pool, warm-water program pool, gymnasium, and allied health suites.

It replaces the existing outdoor pool that only operated from October to March.

The project is jointly funded with 15 million dollars from the Australian Government and 2.5 million from the Tasmanian Government.

Huon Valley Council is calling for warning signs at boat ramps about antibiotic use in nearby salmon farms.

Health advice urges recreational fishers not to eat fish caught within three kilometres of salmon pens being treated with florfenicol.

The Department of Health says there's no evidence of harm, but fishers may want to avoid exposure to antibiotic residues.

The council wants signs with QR codes linking to real-time updates on affected areas.

South Australia

Around 40 holiday cabin owners at Beachport's Southern Ocean Tourist Park have been banned by the local council from using their units over summer due to fire safety concerns, according to ABC News.

Wattle Range Council discovered the cabins don't meet 2019 state regulations, with units sitting less than three metres apart.

It is awaiting an engineer's report next month, but any safety improvements are unlikely to be completed before summer ends.

It’s believed some owners may appeal the decision through SACAT, arguing their units predated the new regulations.

Mid Murray Council is selling nine properties to recover more than 100-thousand dollars in unpaid rates as a last resort measure.

The properties, mostly vacant land, will go under the hammer on November 20 after years of unsuccessful efforts to recoup the funds.

Originally 70 properties owed a combined 746-thousand dollars in rates dating back seven to 14 years, but council has since recovered 456-thousand dollars through payments and arrangements.

It follows similar sales by Loxton Waikerie and Peterborough councils earlier this year.

The District Council of Mount Remarkable has bid farewell to acting CEO Martin Borgas after nearly 18 months.

He has taken up the CEO position at the Southern Region Waste Resource Authority.

The Council has appointed Richard Dodson as Acting CEO until Marc Gardner takes up the role in January.

Western Australia

Staff underpayment issues and legal matters will be the subject of a Special Council Meeting for City of Nedlands tonight.

The meeting at 5pm will also deal with the approval of 2023/24 audit fees.

Nedlands Council is currently under the control of three commissioners following mass resignations and dismissal of councillors by the local government minister in July.

The Shire of Narrogin will celebrate the reopening of its restored Historic Railway Station Goods Shed with a community event on November 17th.

The heritage-listed building, originally constructed in 1922, has undergone extensive restoration including new roofing, guttering and wall sheeting funded by the Federal Government's infrastructure program.

The shed now houses the historic Pm706 steam locomotive as part of Narrogin's Railway Heritage Precinct.

Shire President Leigh Ballard says the project preserves an important piece of the town's railway history.

Northern Territory

Five Northern Territory councils are heading back to the polls to fill six vacant positions after failing to secure candidates in August elections.

NT News reported that the former Central Land Council chair Matthew Palmer has been elected uncontested to MacDonnell Regional Council, despite being ousted last year over controversial statements. Ex-

Litchfield mayor Doug Barden is making a comeback bid as councillor after losing the mayoral race with 42 percent of the vote.

Voting opens November 17 at multiple locations across the Territory, including mobile polling stations visiting remote Arnhem Land communities.

A total of 12 candidates have been nominated, with three councillors already elected uncontested.

Global Report

UK:

Liverpool City Council has unveiled a bold new anti-racism action plan following input from over 1,200 residents and 550 staff members.

The plan includes zero-tolerance policies, improved diversity in leadership, and measures to counter racial misinformation.

A community oversight group will hold the council accountable for progress.

The "This is Liverpool" campaign launches alongside the plan to celebrate the city's diversity and promote inclusion.

Sheffield City Council is grappling with a significant deterioration in its finances, facing a £20m budget gap, according to BBC News.

Key services under pressure include adult and children's social care, SEND transport, and homelessness support.

The council has implemented a six-month recruitment freeze and tight controls on non-essential spending to contain costs.

Despite saving £4.6m, persistent overspending continues to challenge the authority.

USA:

New figures show Americans are abandoning flood-prone neighbourhoods for the first time since 2019, according to Insurance Journal dot com.

High-risk counties lost 30,000 domestic residents last year, reversing pandemic-era migration trends.

Miami-Dade County in Florida saw the biggest exodus, losing more than 67,000 people.

Rising insurance costs and recent hurricanes were cited as factors driving residents away from coastal areas.

Greater Phoenix in Arizona is developing a multi-jurisdictional digital twin to tackle regional issues like traffic congestion, housing affordability, and heat mitigation.

Route Fifty dot com reported that the virtual replica will span five cities including Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa, integrating data from Google Maps, local governments, and AI systems.

The technology will allow planners to test urban development scenarios virtually before committing resources to physical projects.

The initiative could help standardise data across jurisdictions and improve connectivity between separate transit systems, as well as streamline construction processes by consolidating different cities' building regulations into one platform.

CANADA:

Calgary's new city council has received its first look at a proposed 2026 budget, the final year of a four-year plan approved by the previous council.

Global News reported that the budget includes over 300 million dollars in new spending on transit, housing, infrastructure, and public safety.

It proposes a 3.6 percent overall property tax increase, with typical single-family homes facing a 5.8 percent hike.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas has vowed to cut that tax increase in half through efficiency measures.

Council will begin its budget deliberations later this month.

Meanwhile in Saskatoon, the council is looking at the largest property tax increase in city history, according to CBC News.

An historic high of 8.23 percent is being proposed for next year, the highest increase since 2014.

The city says the increase is needed due to population growth and inflation, as its population is set to top 300,000 - an increase of around 35,000 since 2022.

NZ:

Greater Wellington Regional Council has become the second public transport authority in New Zealand to achieve Living Wage accreditation.

The move means all council suppliers, including transport operators, must pay staff at least the Living Wage.

Chief executive Nigel Corry says it's "the right thing to do" to improve conditions for the lowest paid workers.

The accreditation particularly benefits cleaners and security guards working across the public transport network.

Auckland Council has declared zero tolerance on illegal dumping as figures reveal more than 2,000 tonnes of waste is dumped illegally in the city each year.

The council issued 599 fines in the past financial year – nearly double the previous year's total.

Enforcement includes increased camera surveillance at hotspots, with fines of up to $400 and prosecutions carrying penalties up to $30,000.

A recent court case saw a vehicle owner fined $750 plus costs for refusing to identify those responsible for dumping.

Roundup Extra:

Sue Wilkinson, the President of LG Pro Victoria and CEO of Yarra City Council, shares her insights into two critical strategies shaping the future of local government: workforce development and diversity and inclusion.

As local governments face numerous challenges and opportunities, these strategies offer a roadmap for fostering a more dynamic and inclusive workforce.