Drink driving scandal and a Christmas lights controversy - #517

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A rural mayor on leave after being caught drink driving in a council car
• Frankston appoints its first female CEO
• Injecting room reversal at Yarra
• More mayor and deputy mayor elections decided around Victoria
• A councillor working remotely from the other side of the country sparks criticism
• A sudden GM resignation shocks a NSW council
• Clarence Valley facing an alleged governance crisis
• A Christmas lights controversy at a South Australian council
• and a WA mayor apologises after a tree removal mistake

and much more news from across the world of local government.

Chapters

• 1:52 Victorian Report
• 11:23 NSW Report
• 16:52 QLD Report
• 18:47 SA/WA Report
• 22:47 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Report

Macedon Ranges Mayor Dom Bonanno has admitted to drink driving and speeding in the mayoral vehicle on October 31st.

He was caught on McGeorge Road in Gisborne South with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit.

Cr Bonanno will lose his license for six months and has returned the mayoral car.

He's taking personal leave until late November and won't stand for re-election as mayor.

The mayor has apologised to his family, council, and community for the lapse in judgment.

Frankston City Council has appointed Tennille Bradley as its new Chief Executive Officer, making her the first woman to hold the position in the council's history.

Ms Bradley will join from the City of Greater Geelong in mid-January 2026, bringing extensive experience in major project delivery and organisational transformation.

She has overseen significant city-shaping initiatives in Geelong, including the $449 million convention centre and central city revitalisation projects.

The appointment comes as Frankston undergoes major transformation, with unprecedented public and private investment reshaping the city.

Mayor Kris Bolam says Ms Bradley's leadership will accelerate Frankston's momentum as it transitions from a town to a thriving metropolitan city.

Yarra City Council has reversed its support for North Richmond's injecting room, calling for it to be relocated.

The Age reported that the council now describes the facility as the "greatest public policy disaster" in Victoria's history.

The council passed a motion on Tuesday evening demanding urgent action, with residents saying the area has become a place of "misery and grief".

Mayor Stephen Jolly told the Herald Sun the facility is the only one in the world located next to a primary school, with surrounding streets becoming a "dumping ground for syringes".

Local residents and businesses have long complained about crime and amenity issues around the site.

The state government established the medically supervised injecting room in 2018 as a trial to reduce overdose deaths.

Stonnington councillor and former mayor Jami Klisaris is suing the president of the Council Watch group, Dean Hurlston, for defamation over social media posts.

The Herald Sun reported that the lawsuit alleges Hurlston published false sexual harassment claims and offensive content, including manipulated images of Klisaris.

Ms Klisaris claims the posts caused serious harm to her reputation as both a councillor and solicitor.

Mr Hurlston denies the allegations and says his defence will reveal damaging information about Stonnington council.

The legal battle follows a separate court order prohibiting Hurlston from harassing another former Stonnington mayor, Melina Sehr - an order that he reportedly intends to appeal.

Surf Coast councillor and former mayor Liz Pattison’s decision to work remotely from Western Australia since August has sparked criticism from a fellow councillor who says it "fails the pub test".

Cr Pattison, who represents Torquay ward, has not taken any leave during her three-month absence and has attended some council meetings online.

The Geelong Advertiser reported that for four weeks, the Torquay ward had no on-ground representation due to Pattison's absence and the suspension and resignation of two other councillors.

Cr Pattison says she remains committed and council systems allow for full remote participation.

11th November:

Loddon Shire

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Dan Straub - fourth mayoral term since election in 2020

Monash City

2025/26 -Mayor Cr Stuart James, Deputy Mayor Cr Elisha Lee

It’s the third time as mayor for Cr James after serving in 2019/20, and in 2021/22.

12th November:

Baw Baw Shire

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Kate Wilson, Deputy Mayor Cr Suzanne Allen

Both are first term councillors.

Hindmarsh Shire

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Ron Ismay, Deputy Mayor Cr Rosie Barker

Reelection for second consecutive mayoral term for Cr Ismay

Hume City 2025/26 - Mayor Cr Carly Moore, Deputy Mayor Cr Ally Watson

First four-time elected mayor in Hume’s history.

Kingston City

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Georgina Oxley, Deputy Mayor Cr Sarah O’Donnell

Re-election for Cr Oxley, second consecutive term

Maroondah City

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Linda Hancock, Deputy Mayor Cr Paul MacDonald

Cr Hancock steps up from Deputy Mayor last year

Moorabool Shire

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor, Deputy Mayor Cr Jarrod Bingham

There were three nominations for both positions, and the first time in the leadership roles for both councillors.

Port Phillip City

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Alex Makin, Deputy Mayor Cr Bryan Mears

Cr Makin was previously the mayor of Maroondah in 2010 - one of the state’s youngest at the time.

Whitehorse Council

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Kirsten Langford, Deputy Mayor Cr Kieran Simpson

A fresh team

Wyndham City 2025/26 -[Mayor Cr Josh Gilligan, Deputy Mayor Cr Preet Singh](https://www.facebook.com/100064621722055/posts/pfbid03YDxsohRckJBFN4Um68wz29N6t1E52UfFtEx6MW4j3Mq1Fc3iRo8FPk8rX7ZwZ9ml/?)

Second time as mayor for Cr Gilligan after being the city’s youngest mayor in 2019/20.

Yarra City

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Stephen Jolly, Deputy Mayor Cr Sharon Harrison

2nd consecutive term as mayor for Cr Jolly

Yarriambiack Shire

2025/26 - Mayor Cr Andrew McLean, Deputy Mayor Cr Corinne Heintze

Cr McLean steps up from Deputy Mayor last year.

13th November:

Greater Dandenong City 2025/26 - Mayor Cr Sophie Tan, Deputy Mayor Cr Phillip Dahn

Last year’s deputy mayor steps into the mayoralty, while the council’s youngest councillor takes on the deputy mayor role. Both councillors were the only ones nominated for their respective positions.

A follow up from a story earlier this week - Kingston Council held a special council meeting at which it considered a recommendation from municipal monitors to adopt role statements for the office of mayor and deputy mayor.

After some considerable debate, a motion to adopt the role statements was lost on the casting vote of the Chair, Mayor Georgina Oxley.

A subsequent motion to refer the statements to a Governance and Policy Committee for review was adopted by the Council.

The Glenferrie Festival has been cancelled after 32 years, with organisers blaming an $80,000 fee increase from Boroondara City Council, according to the Herald Sun.

The traders association says the council required 60 extra toilets, additional security, and engineer sign-offs for every ride and marquee.

The festival draws 110,000 visitors annually and raises funds for local charities, schools and sporting clubs.

The Council maintains the event hasn't been cancelled and says it wants to work with organisers, but the traders insist the decision is final for this year, with hopes to bring the festival back in 2027.

Greater Shepparton City Council is sounding the alarm over the Federal Government's expanded water buyback scheme under the Restoring Our Rivers Framework.

The council warns that an additional 130 gigalitres of voluntary water purchases on top of the 1400 already bought threatens the viability of local agriculture, horticulture and food processing.

Mayor Shane Sali says the decision could drive up food prices, impact local jobs and risk future food security for all Australians.

The council is calling on the government to pause further buybacks and work with regional communities on alternative environmental solutions.

Victorian Briefs

A countback to fill a vacancy on Benalla Rural City Council will be held online on Wednesday 3rd December at 10.30am.

The extraordinary vacancy is due to the resignation of Cr Nathan Tolliday for work reasons.

West Wimmera Shire Council has unanimously voted to reappoint Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout for another five-year term.

Mr Bezuidenhout has led the organisation since 2021.

Mayor Tim Meyer praised the CEO as "high calibre" and said the council is "very privileged" to have him.

Frankston City Council is ramping up support for the city's most vulnerable residents with expanded outreach services.

The Monash University Social Work Clinic will now operate three days a week and open a second site at Carrum Downs Library.

Council is also providing $12,000 to the Frankston Life Street Chaplaincy Program, which uses trained volunteers to offer practical help and emotional support on the streets.

Support for the Roundup comes from Symphony3, helping councils provide easier and faster access to services.

Like Brimbank Council, where SmartGlue Integration is helping their team replace a maze of disconnected tools with one connected workflow.

Talk to the team at Symphony3 to find out more about how SmartGlue can help your Council provide simple, connected customer experiences.

NSW Report

Hornsby Shire Council has accepted the resignation of General Manager Steven Head, who is stepping down after six years in the role for personal reasons.

The Chronicle reported that the resignation came suddenly at a Council meeting, taking councillors by surprise.

During his tenure since 2018, Head oversaw major projects including the Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan and Hornsby Park transformation, while maintaining the council's strong financial position through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Glen Magus, Director Corporate Support, has been appointed as Acting General Manager to ensure continuity during the transition period.

There are reports of a governance crisis at Clarence Valley Council, where councillors have called for a reset, according to the Northern Rivers Times.

Councillor Cristie Yager has proposed a workshop to clarify the roles of the general manager and councillors following a chaotic extraordinary meeting.

Two councillors walked out of the meeting, which was called to respond to parliamentary criticism from Greens MLC Dr Amanda Cohn.

Councillor Lynne Cairns says the mayor should have sought an independent investigation into the allegations rather than attacking Dr Cohn.

The tensions centre on transparency concerns including legal disputes and the controversial termination of caravan park sites.

Shellharbour Council is divided over a motion calling for urgent repairs to the historic Shellharbour Breakwater, according to Region Illwarra.

Councillors Kellie Marsh and Craig Ridding pushed for formal action to address the monument's degradation, with the motion passing on the acting mayor's deciding vote.

The breakwater is managed by Transport for NSW Maritime Infrastructure, not the council.

Local MP Anna Watson has already met with maritime officials who deemed the structure "structurally sound" but in need of minor remediation work.

Yass Valley Council has decided to defer a decision about a Special Rate Variation consultation process while it undertakes a deeper review of alternative financial options.

The Council has directed further work be done to identify efficiency measures, explore non-rate income opportunities, and verify the rating database.

The council will also update growth projections and conduct modelling of longer-term SRV options if still required.

A report on the findings will be presented to council in March 2026.

The City of Ryde has raised urgent concerns with the NSW Department of Planning over a proposed Woolworths development in Gladesville.

Council says the project features excessive building height and density, with inadequate affordable housing provisions.

The development is part of significant growth across the local area, raising fears about cumulative impacts on transport and infrastructure.

The Council said it supports increased housing supply but insists it must be balanced with community needs and infrastructure capacity.

The South Coast News has sat down to talk with Mark Ferguson, the newly appointed general manager of Eurobodalla Shire Council.

Mr Ferguson had been acting in the role since April, and is a former general manager of Coffs Harbour, Pittwater and Northern Beaches councils.

He told the paper that Eurobodalla offered the challenge he was looking for after decades in the sector.

He said his first major focus will be on implementing the Batemans Bay Master Plan, a 75-year vision extending to 2100, which he described as “bold and courageous”.

City of Parramatta Council is calling for an exemption from the Housing Delivery Authority process, due to its strong track record on housing targets.

The council has exceeded its five-year housing targets by 126 percent and achieved the highest number of regionally-significant applications in NSW last financial year.

Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter says the HDA risks creating an infrastructure deficit with 7,500 dwellings already proposed beyond current planning frameworks.

Kempsey Shire Council is developing a coordinated response to complex social issues including homelessness, community safety and management of public spaces.

The Council is exploring a multi-agency roundtable to bring together state government departments, police and local service providers for better collaboration.

Chief Executive Andrew Meddle says the approach aims to keep public spaces safe while treating people experiencing homelessness with dignity and compassion.

Northern Sydney councils have come together to tackle the housing crisis while preserving community character.

The Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils hosted a forum this week, bringing together mayors, councillors, and Planning Minister Paul Scully.

Councils are pushing for strategic planning that includes affordable housing, essential infrastructure, and protection of heritage and green spaces.

NSROC President Mayor Tanya Taylor stressed that thriving communities need high-quality local services delivered alongside new housing.

NSW Briefs:

A countback election will be held on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 to fill a casual vacancy on Gilgandra Shire Council.

The vacancy has occurred due to the resignation of Councillor Ashley Walker.

Griffith City Council has been awarded 2.5 million dollars through the Australian Government's Community Energy Upgrades Fund.

The funding will deliver the Griffith Net Zero Facilities Upgrade Program, electrifying the indoor pool complex and installing solar and battery storage across water and wastewater sites.

Lake Macquarie City Council is rolling out five streetside electric vehicle charging stations as part of a state-wide pilot program.

The council has partnered with EVX to install chargers on existing power poles at locations including Belmont, Charlestown, and Warners Bay.

It's part of an ARENA-funded project targeting residents without off-street parking.

The trial will run for 12 months starting early 2026.

Wagga Wagga City Council has approved the creation of an Airport Special Purpose Committee to guide the future of one of the Riverina's key regional assets.

Three councillors have already been appointed, with up to five external experts being sought through an expression of interest process.

The move comes as the airport's current lease with the Department of Defence expires in June 2026.

Queensland Report

Gold Coast Council is investigating a dramatic cut to building heights at Palm Beach, potentially reducing beachfront developments from 13 storeys down to just four.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that the move comes after councillors backed a push to explore policy changes, though residents are warned any reforms could take up to three years to implement.

The council has already approved 18 tower developments in the area since 2020, ranging from eight to 18 levels in height.

Councillors say the city must balance community concerns with the need to build 185,000 homes by 2040 as the population reaches one million.

Previous attempts to lower height limits were rejected by the former state government over housing supply concerns.

North Burnett Regional Council says the library and customer service building at Gayndah will be inaccessible for some time after a car crash in the early hours of November 2nd.

Two men were taken to hospital following the incident in which a car crashed into the building, causing major structural damage.

South Burnett Today reported that the Council has moved customer services to an adjacent building and relocated library services to a boardroom with limited operations.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is urging candidates in the upcoming state by-election to support a 26.75 million dollar investment package.

The funding would improve boat ramps at Forrest Beach, upgrade sewage infrastructure in Lucinda to enable housing and tourism growth, and establish a new recycling facility near Ingham.

Mayor Ramon Jayo says the projects will deliver better connectivity and a more sustainable future for the region.

Voting takes place on Saturday 29 November.

Logan City Council is hosting the annual Pest Fishing Cup on November 23rd to tackle invasive fish species.

Anglers are invited to target carp and tilapia in Scrubby Creek at Marsden.

Last year's competition removed 90 kilograms of pest fish from local waterways.

After the fishing wraps up, one thousand Australian bass fingerlings will be released into the creek.

South Australia

Onkaparinga’s Mayor Moira Were has cancelled the community's Christmas light competition for the second year running, according to the Advertiser.

It reported that the decision has left locals disappointed, particularly those who've invested heavily in their festive displays.

Ms Were is currently attending a climate summit in Rio de Janeiro, a trip that sparked controversy among fellow councillors last month.

The competition has been replaced with other initiatives including a drawing competition for children.

An urgent motion was raised at Tuesday's council meeting to reinstate the competition but was lost by six votes to four after a heated debate.

But in a curious twist reported by the Advertiser today, the council’s deputy mayor Lauren Jew is believed to be promoting her own South Coast Christmas Lights competition, and has not commented on whether she should have declared a conflict of interest ahead of the Council decision on Tuesday night.

A South Australian woman has won a four-year legal battle against the City of Playford over a $104 parking fine.

ABC News reported that the woman was fined for double parking outside a school in 2021, but she argued she was stuck in traffic and couldn't move without breaking road rules.

The Court of Appeal agreed, finding she had a valid defence that was never properly considered at her original trial.

The council withdrew the charge and was ordered to pay over $10,000 of her costs, which amounted to more than $50,000.

It says it pursued the case to protect the integrity of South Australia's expiation system.

Wattle Range Council is demanding a public briefing from state mining officials after expressing dissatisfaction with Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis, according SE Voice.

The council has called for all mineral mining proposals in the region to be halted pending an independent scientific assessment.

Councillors say the minister failed to address their concerns about protecting local water resources and the forestry industry and they’re pushing for independent oversight.

The dispute centres on a strip-mining proposal from Australian Rare Earths, which is currently in the scoping phase.

Flinders Ranges Council is seeking expressions of interest for a comprehensive brand and logo refresh.

The nearly 30-year-old logo will be modernised while maintaining recognisability and the current blue colour scheme with ochre tones.

Expressions of interest close 5pm Thursday, November 20th, 2025.

Western Australia

The Town of Victoria Park has discovered 46 trees were mistakenly removed during redevelopment of Elizabeth Baillie Park and its hospitality precinct.

Only 11 trees were approved for removal due to poor health or safety requirements.

Mayor Karen Vernon called the discovery "deeply disappointing and very embarrassing" for the council, which prides itself on environmental stewardship.

The council is investigating what went wrong with site management and will plant more than 94 new trees to offset the losses.

The City of Belmont has been accused of censoring community voices after editing council meeting footage, according to PerthNow.

A question from a resident about a seniors club bus contract was removed from both the YouTube livestream and official minutes.

The Belmont Resident and Ratepayer Action Group says the editing amounts to censorship, not transparency.

The city has defended the decision, citing confidentiality provisions under the Local Government Act.

The City of Stirling has voted to ban fishing at around sixteen lakes and wetlands after reports of wildlife being injured by fishing hooks.

PerthNow reported that the move follows RSPCA reports of seven cases of animals hurt near Roselea and Princeton lakes, including allegations minors deliberately hooked a black swan.

The proposal expanded during a heated council debate that Mayor Mark Irwin called a "complete mess."

All councillors except the mayor voted for the ban, which will go to community consultation early next year.

Global Report

NZ:

An Australian mayor has warned New Zealand councils about the dangers of rates capping.

Sue Heins from Northern Beaches Council told a meeting in Wellington that the 40-year-old system in New South Wales has led to reduced services and delayed infrastructure repairs.

She said Councils are facing difficult choices between fixing critical issues like collapsing seawalls or unsafe community centres.

Wellington and Wairarapa mayors have expressed concern about introducing such a system in New Zealand.

The Local Government Minister Simon Watts has said he will advance rate cap policy discussions before year's end, according to 1News.

UK:

Asylum seekers will continue living at The Bell Hotel in Epping after a council lost its High Court battle to remove them.

Epping Forest District Council argued the hotel owner flouted planning rules, but the judge dismissed the claim.

The hotel has housed 138 asylum seekers and became the focus of protests over the summer following a sexual offences case.

The Home Office says the ruling allows it to continue closing asylum hotels in an orderly programme.

English district councils are losing 268 million pounds a year due to a Government funding freeze on temporary accommodation support.

The District Councils’ Network says the average authority is down 1.6 million pounds annually, which is enough money to build over 1,100 social homes across district areas.

Fresh analysis reveals the freeze is draining cash-strapped councils at an alarming rate and the shortfall is having a major impact on housing provision.

UK local authorities have spent at least 70,000 pounds removing unauthorised flags from public spaces, after the 'Operation Raise the Colours' campaign.

The Observer sent more than 380 FOI requests to councils, finding that Medway Council alone spent over 11,000 pounds taking down 727 flags.

Yorkshire councils forked out more than 30,000 pounds on removals.

Cash-strapped authorities say the costs are adding to their financial pressures.

USA:

In Washington state, Spokane City Council has voted six to one to uphold the Mayor Lisa Brown's emergency order providing resources for homeless residents.

The Spokesman reported that the declaration allows the city to bypass normal contracting processes to quickly fund fifty shelter beds and homeless outreach teams.

The emergency measure comes amid federal food assistance cuts and new anti-camping enforcement powers for police.

Council members modified the order to cap costs at five hundred thousand dollars from the general fund and set an end date of December thirty-first.

In Delaware, Wilmington City Council has passed a resolution calling on city departments to cut ties with any entities collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

USA Today reported that the move targets companies like Avelo Airlines, which operates from Wilmington Airport and has been used for ICE deportations.

Council member Shané Darby says the resolution is a preventative measure to ensure public dollars don't support immigration enforcement operations.

All thirteen council members voted in favour, though the resolution doesn't change city code.

CANADA:

The City of Vancouver is preparing to cut approximately 400 positions to accommodate Mayor Ken Sim's property tax freeze for 2026.

Two-thirds of the cuts are expected to hit unionised workers as the city searches for $120 million in savings, according to CTV News.

Staff had recommended a five to six percent tax increase to maintain services, but the council majority voted for the freeze instead.

Union leaders have warned the cuts will have far-reaching consequences for public services across Vancouver.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/vancouver-facing-400-job-cuts-amid-mayors-property-tax-freeze/

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is demanding the City of Winnipeg cancel its in-house podcast after spending nearly $35,000 on production.

The show, "Our City, Our Podcast," has just 81 subscribers.

The city has defended the podcast, but officials have not commented on whether the podcast will continue.

Critics call it a failure that's wasting taxpayer money on content nobody's watching.