CEO health battle, mayoral updates, and illegal dumping crusade: ft.Martin Taylor, #518

Coming up on the Local Government News Roundup for Wednesday, 19th November:

• Baw Baw Shire’s new CEO takes leave after breast cancer diagnosis
• The Borough of Queenscliffe appoints an acting CEO for three months
• A Greater Bendigo councillor resigns citing work commitments
• More Victorian councils announce new mayors and deputy mayors
• Merri-bek scales back controversial cat curfew proposal
• NSW Premier meets with western NSW councils on a youth crime response
• Ku-ring-gai's alternative housing plan approved by the Government
• Townsville has a new Mayor, as voters say No to Troy Thompson
• Mount Gambier Council attracts online ridicule
• and a $2M bill for contaminated FOGO cleanup in Western Australia

Also today, a councillor’s crusade against illegal dumping - Martin Taylor has literally written the book on the issue and he’s here to tell us what he would do address the increasingly costly issue.

Chapters

• 2:09 Victorian Report
• 11:04 NSW Report
• 17:40 QLD Report
• 20:48 SA/WA Report
• 23:41 Global Report
• 27:43 Roundup Extra: Cr Martin Taylor, City of Whittlesea

Transcript

Victorian Report

The newly appointed CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council has been forced to take unplanned leave after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Tilla Buden will be on leave for the foreseeable future, and acting CEO arrangements have just been announced.

In a statement, the Council said it fully supports Ms Buden as she focuses on her health and wellbeing.

Ms Buden was appointed to the CEO position at Baw Baw in September and was due to commence in the role this week.

Former Bayside CEO Mick Cummins has stepped in as acting CEO until mid-December.

Michael Tudball has been appointed Acting CEO of the Borough of Queenscliffe for a minimum period of three months.

The appointment will take effect 1st December, after the departure of Martin Gill, who recently came to terms with the Council, ending his employment contract early.

Greater Bendigo councillor John McIlrath has resigned his position, effective immediately.

Cr McIlrath announced his resignation at Monday's Council meeting, citing work-related time commitments as the reason.

Mayor Thomas Prince and CEO Andrew Cooney acknowledged Cr McIlrath's contribution to the city in a statement issued yesterday.

As Greater Bendigo has single member wards, a by-election will be required to fill the extraordinary vacancy, with details to be announced.

Mayoral election results

Boroondara - Cr Wes Gault, Deputy Mayor Cr Shima Ibuki - first time as mayor and deputy for both councillors

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall, Deputy Mayor Cr Timothy Hanson - second consecutive term as Mayor for Cr Dougall

Warrnambool - Ben Blain, Matt Walsh - Cr Blain continues as mayor for a third consecutive term.

Strathbogie Shire 2025/26 - Mayor Cr Scott Jeffery, Deputy Mayor Cr Claire Ewart-Kennedy - Cr Jeffery takes on the mayoralty for the first time after serving as deputy mayor for the past year. Cr Ewart-Kennedy steps back from mayor into the deputy role.

Swan Hill - Cr Stuart King, Cr Terry Jennings - third consecutive term for Cr King as mayor. He takes on Chair of Murray River Group of Councils from next month.

Colac Otway Shire 2025/26 - Mayor Cr Jason Schram, Deputy Mayor Cr Phil Howard

Whittlesea City - 2025/26 - Mayor Cr Lawrie Cox, Deputy Mayor Cr Blair Colwell Casey - Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen, Deputy Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther Surf Coast - Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton, Deputy Cr Tony Phelps

Hepburn - Mayor Cr Tony Clark, Deputy Mayor Cr Shirley Cornish

Mornington Peninsula - Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, Deputy Mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro

Banyule - Mayor Cr Alison Champion, Deputy Mayor Cr Rick Garotti - new leadership team

Mount Alexander - Mayor Cr Toby Heydon, Deputy Mayor Cr Matthew Driscoll - two nominations for mayor - Cr Heydon successful over former mayor Cr Rosie Annear. He steps up from DM. Cr Driscoll previously held the deputy mayor role in 2022/23.

Glen Eira - Mayor Cr Simone Zmood, Deputy Mayor Cr Li Zhang - three nominations for the position of mayor; and two for deputy mayor

Merri-bek Council has scaled back its controversial cat curfew proposal after community opposition.

The Herald Sun reported that a compromise position will see cats registered before April 2027 subject to a night-time curfew from 7pm to 7am, while new cats registered after that date must be kept indoors around the clock.

The decision followed heated debate, with over 400 residents opposing any curfew due to concerns about housing insecurity and pet welfare, while others argued cats should be contained like dogs to protect wildlife.

The new rules take effect in April 2027, requiring outdoor enclosures or leashed walks for confined cats.

Maribyrnong Council has welcomed the State Government's decision to introduce truck restrictions on Williamstown Road once the West Gate Tunnel opens next month.

The No-Truck Zone will be enforced on weeknights from 8pm to 6am and over weekends from 8pm Friday to 6am Monday, joining other residential streets already under similar restrictions.

Mayor Pradeep Tiwari says the move will improve safety and reduce pollution and noise for residents.

The restrictions align with long-standing advocacy by both Council and the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group.

Meanwhile, Advocacy alliance LeadWest of which Maribyrnong is a part, is pleased with news that Melbourne's west will get more than 1500 extra weekly bus services from December seventh.

The Victorian Government has announced two new bus routes and additional services for suburbs including Tarneit, Truganina and Laverton.

LeadWest says the investment is essential for Australia's fastest-growing region.

A contract has also been awarded for the Melton Line Upgrade, which will boost passenger capacity by fifty percent from 2027.

Chair of LeadWest, Melton Cr Dr Phillip Zada, said the group will continue to push for full electrification of the Melton line as part of the Western Rail Plan.

Murrindindi Shire Council has secured funding from AusNet's Energy Resilience Community Fund for a mobile generator.

The trailer-mounted unit will strengthen emergency preparedness across the region.

It can be deployed to Emergency Relief Centres and community hubs during severe weather events and power outages.

Recent storms have highlighted the need for flexible backup power in the geographically diverse Shire.

The generator will support essential services including lighting, heating, and communications from early next year.

A three-hundred-million-dollar potato processing plant has been approved for Dooen in Victoria's Wimmera region.

Horsham Rural City Council says it’s a huge tick for the region's agricultural community.

Farm Frites will establish its first southern hemisphere factory at the Wimmera Agriculture and Logistics Hub, creating two hundred and fifty local jobs.

The facility will process up to two hundred and fifty thousand tonnes of Australian potatoes annually when it opens in twenty twenty-seven.

The plant will supply frozen potato products to major fast-food chains including KFC and Hungry Jacks.

Boroondara Council has warned that Victoria's housing fast-track plans will significantly reduce tree cover, making it unrealistic to increase canopy targets**.**

The Age reported that the council currently has 24 percent tree coverage, down from 25.7 percent in 2022.

New low-rise development codes require only 10 to 20 percent canopy coverage on private land, well below the state's 30 percent goal.

Council officers say their hands are tied by state planning laws that limit tree protection on private properties.

The state government says it's strengthening tree protection and providing 9.5 million dollars in grants for new tree planting.

Victorian Briefs

Benalla is set to get a state-of-the-art pump track at Fawckner Drive, with World Trail Pty Ltd designing and building the $1.42 million facility funded by the Victorian Government and council.

The track will cater to riders of all ages and skill levels.

The City of Melbourne has expanded its citywide 15-minute free parking initiative through the EasyPark app to all metered street parking bays.

Additionally, old P5, P10, and P15 signs are being replaced with 'No Parking' signs that allow two-minute pick-up and drop-off stops within three metres of the vehicle.

Mitchell Shire Council's new four-bin kerbside collection service has successfully diverted over 55% of household waste from landfill in its first six months, with contamination rates dropping significantly from 12.4% to 3.5%.

The system includes separate bins for general rubbish, mixed recycling, glass, and food and garden organics, helping the community progress toward the council's 2030 target of diverting 80% of waste from landfill.

NSW Report

NSW Premier Chris Minns has met with councils from Walgett, Brewarrina, Coonamble and Bourke to discuss responses to youth crime in Western NSW.

The Premier has committed to the State Government funding youth programs over Christmas, a review of all youth service funding across the region, and exploration of on-country residential diversion programs.

Walgett Shire Mayor Jasen Ramien praised the Premier's genuine engagement and understanding of regional challenges.

The Premier's Department will lead the funding review with input from local councils to identify service gaps and failures.

Ku-ring-gai Council's alternative housing plan has been approved by the NSW Government, following more than 12 months of consultation and planning.

The Council's plan offers an alternative to the state's transport-oriented development policy, which would have seen over 20,000 new dwellings built near four train stations.

The approved plan delivers the same number of homes while protecting heritage buildings and preserving tree canopy in the affected suburbs of Gordon, Killara, Lindfield and Roseville.

Mayor Christine Kay says the plan has been substantively accepted after detailed consideration by the Department of Housing, Planning and Infrastructure.

The Council will further consider the gazettal at next Tuesday's meeting, along with a report on its legal action against the government.

An application to stop construction work at the Orange Regional Sporting Precinct has been dismissed by the Federal Government's Heritage Department.

The application was lodged under Aboriginal heritage protection laws, claiming the area was significant under Aboriginal tradition.

Orange City Council says it undertook extensive consultation with the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council and Indigenous Elders during the approval process.

Mayor Tony Mileto said the decision supports the work council put into the project before construction began.

The NSW Electoral Commission has scheduled a countback election for Tuesday 9 December to fill the Shoalhaven City Council vacancy left by Jason Cox's resignation.

The process will use preference data from the September 2024 election, with candidate applications open from 24 November to 4 December, and no requirement for residents to vote again.

Coffs Harbour City Council has unanimously voted to protect the Clarence-Coffs regional water catchment from mineral exploration and mining.

The Clarence Catchment Alliance has welcomed the decision as "a no-brainer" given the area is in one of NSW's highest flood risk zones, according to the Clarence Valley News.

Councils are calling on the NSW Government to stop fast-tracked blanket approvals for mineral exploration in flood-prone water catchments.

Both Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour councils are now pushing for legislative reform to ban mining exploration in the catchment.

Ballina Shire Council is facing growing opposition to a Special Rate Variation that would increase rates by more than 26 percent over five years, according to Ballina News Daily.

Former councillor Jeff Johnson and aged-care worker Pip Carter say the rise will hurt struggling residents and small businesses already dealing with cost-of-living pressures.

Critics claim Council's consultation is biased, with no option to oppose the increase without nominating service cuts.

All ten sitting councillors have voted to progress the proposal.

A controversial rate rise proposal by Hawkesbury City Council was facing strong community opposition ahead of a crucial vote last night.

The Council was set to decide whether to proceed with a Special Rate Variation that's drawn fierce criticism from residents, according to the Hawkesbury Gazette.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald says he does not support 14-storey developments in Kiama, calling them too high and out of character.

A developer has asked the NSW Government to declare an Akuna Street site a State Significant Development to permit a 14-storey building, while the council defends its planning controls in court.

Separately, the state government has declared council's Shoalhaven Street Precinct rezoning project State Significant.

The mayor stresses no buildings have been approved yet, and images shown are illustrative only, with public consultation to follow through normal planning processes.

Griffith councillor Jenny Ellis is pushing ahead with plans to install a public community piano in the town, despite her motion failing to get support at a recent council meeting.

The ABC TV program The Piano funds delivery of secondhand pianos to towns, and Cr Ellis will apply for Griffith to participate in the next series.

Region Riverina reported that if unsuccessful, Cr Ellis plans to proceed anyway with support from local music and art groups, using donated pianos and volunteer artists to paint them.

She says vandalism is rare with such projects worldwide, and the piano would be installed in a secure location at Griffith Central shopping centre.

Regional councils are calling on the federal government to enforce bonds on airlines using their airports, according to ABC News.

Albury City Council says it's owed almost one million dollars from Rex, Virgin Australia, Bonza and Jetgo.

Wagga Wagga and Mildura councils are also owed significant amounts from failed carriers.

Albury Mayor Kevin Mack says the government needs to look at underwriting airlines if they can't demonstrate viability.

A Senate committee inquiry will examine regional airline failures and their impact on local communities.

NSW Briefs:

Brewarrina Shire Council has secured nearly $1.4 million in combined state and federal funding for critical local infrastructure upgrades.

More than $1.2 million will go towards upgrading Brewarrina and Goodooga aerodromes, including runway resealing, new lighting systems and safety improvements that will enhance emergency medical services and regional connectivity.

A Young High School student has seen his creative vision become reality after winning Hilltops Council's Design a Roundabout competition.

Johann Rothe's design has been installed on a roundabout near IGA in Young, featuring flowers, shrubs and landscaping elements.

The City of Newcastle has backed a proposal for the city's first permanent rainbow crossing, according to the Newcastle Weekly.

The crossing will be installed at intersections on Beaumont Street in Hamilton, marking a significant shift from 12 years ago when council crews removed chalked rainbow crossings.

Warren Shire Council has completed three new electric vehicle charging stations across the region.

The 22-kilowatt chargers are now operational, jointly funded by Council and the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Queensland Report

Townsville has a new mayor, with former Katter’s Australian Party MP Nick Dametto declaring victory in the by-election after securing more than 61% of the 43,000 votes counted so far.

Premier David Crisafulli congratulated Dametto and said the government looks forward to working with him, while acting mayor Ann-Maree Greaney conceded.

Former mayor Troy Thompson, under a still-to-be-released CCC report into his credentials, has about 6% of the vote and says the community should hold leadership to high standards.

About 40% of postal ballots are yet to be received, with counting to continue ahead of an expected formal declaration by the electoral commission. More from ABC News.

Redland City Council's General Manager of Organisational Services, Amanda Pafumi, has resigned, marking the eighth senior executive to leave in just 16 months.

The departure follows a string of high-profile exits including the former CEO and Chief Financial Officer, raising concerns about leadership instability at the council, according to Redland Bayside News.

Staff say the constant turnover is unsettling for the workforce, with some speculating budget pressures may be driving the exodus.

The resignations come amid escalating tensions, with Mayor Jos Mitchell currently pursuing legal action against another senior council executive.

Queensland Local Government Minister Ann Leahy has rejected a petition with 1,495 signatures calling for Redland City Council to be dismissed, stating the situation does not meet the legal threshold for dismissal under the Local Government Act 2009.

While declining to intervene, the Minister has committed to closely monitoring the council and providing governance support to address community concerns about alleged dysfunction.

Fraser Coast Regional Council has temporarily shut down its Maryborough Customer Service Centre after asbestos was detected in dust from construction work above the office.

CEO Ken Diehm says staff safety is the top priority and the centre will be professionally cleaned.

A temporary pop-up service centre opens at the Brolga Theatre on Tuesday.

Updates will be posted on Council's website and social media.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reports that Gold Coast Council has put the brakes on plans to relocate its chambers from Evandale to Bundall amid growing budget concerns.

Mayor Tom Tate says the shovel-ready project has been paused to ensure community projects are delivered strategically.

The move would have freed up the HOTA precinct for cultural expansion, including a proposed Lyric Theatre.

Council sources say several councillors expressed concern about spending ahead of budget sessions.

The chamber relocation will now be reconsidered as part of a broader Bundall precinct masterplan due in early 2026.

Gold Coast City Council has sparked outrage after ordering a homeowner to rip up her artificial front lawn following a single complaint.

The City says fake turf on nature strips poses safety hazards and can become trip hazards if not maintained.

Residents who fail to comply face on-the-spot fines of $834.

The council defends the ban, citing heat concerns and potential obstruction of underground infrastructure.

New verge guidelines are now being developed to clarify what's acceptable on nature strips.

South Australia

A teenager in Mount Gambier has been charged after placing googly eyes on the town's iconic Blue Blob sculpture.

The Advertiser reported that the prank has sparked international attention and ridicule aimed at the Mount Gambier Council.

Critics worldwide are questioning why police resources are being spent on prosecuting harmless street art, and the council is facing backlash for taking legal action over what many see as a lighthearted joke.

Social media users are calling on authorities to "fight actual crime" instead.

A recent algal bloom hit beaches around Ardrossan on the Yorke Peninsula, leaving kilometres of coastline covered in marine life.

The City of Onkaparinga sent two staff members and a specialised beach-cleaning tractor to help local crews, highlighting the collaboration between councils to protect the state's coastline.

All costs were covered by the SA Government's Algal Bloom response funding.

A beach rake is used to collect all debris including sea wrack, but is only used when hand collection isn't feasible.

Western Australia

Ratepayers are facing a $2 million bill to clean up contaminated FOGO waste in WA's South West.

ABC News reports that the Bunbury Harvey Regional Council's facility stopped processing organic waste last December due to high contamination levels.

About 20,000 tonnes of contaminated material, including PFAS "forever chemicals", needs to be removed and sent to landfill.

The City of Bunbury and Shire of Harvey will each contribute up to $1 million to the clean-up.

The Council admits it was underprepared for the volumes received, with up to 30 per cent contamination in some trucks.

The Town of Victoria Park's CEO has refused to sign off on a development application for the controversial Burswood racetrack, leaving the decision to council.

PerthNow reports that the $217.5 million Perth Entertainment and Sport Precinct requires the Town's approval for works on State-owned roads it manages.

While staff recommended the council authorise the CEO to sign, community groups are urging councillors to reject it.

The City of Wanneroo is set to wipe more than $740K in overdue library fees dating back 25 years, affecting over 13,000 members.

PerthNow reports that the move comes as part of a trial to abolish all library fees, aimed at breaking down barriers and encouraging greater community access to library services.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Cabinet, along with Premier Roger Cook, have visited the City of Bunbury for a meeting in the Council chambers, where they praised the city's natural environment, vibrant community, and energy transition efforts.

The council has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to strengthen government relationships and engage in dialogue for the city's betterment.

Global Report

UK:

Three Leeds City Council planning department staff arrested in a corruption investigation have been released without charge and returned to work.

BBC News reported that ten people remain under investigation from a total of thirteen arrests made since December 2024.

A family court judge has expressed concern after a council agreed to pay £289,000 for a teenager's 17-week specialist placement.

Liverpool Family Court heard the child, involved in organised crime and at risk of exploitation, would benefit enormously from the outdoor activity centre placement.

Judge Steven Parker said local authorities are at the mercy of the private sector due to a lack of suitable accommodation.

BBC News reported the placement costs £17,000 per week, which the judge described as "astronomical".

From The Guardian, news that two-thirds of English councils haven't prosecuted a single landlord in three years, despite receiving 300,000 complaints from tenants about unfit homes.

Fewer than 2% of tenant complaints led to formal enforcement, with councils prosecuting just 640 landlords between 2022 and 2024.

Nearly half of local authorities didn't fine a landlord during this period.

USA:

In news from California:

Los Angeles City Council has voted twelve to one to urge transportation officials to abandon a five-hundred-million-dollar gondola linking Dodger Stadium to Union Station, according to ESPN.

Critics say a study shows it would do little to reduce traffic, while supporters claim it would ease congestion for fans.

The project is backed by former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, but it faces an uphill battle, with a full council vote expected next year.

Mayor Karen Bass, who has previously indicated support for the project, must now decide whether to sign off on the council's resolution.

Stockton City Council has unanimously voted to refer allegations of financial misconduct to state and county investigators following claims that a former interim city manager promised nearly one million dollars without approval.

Stocktonia dot org reported that Vice Mayor Jason Lee has escalated the matter by requesting a state audit, citing concerns over fiscal stability and control failures.

The council also voted to create a committee to investigate Lee himself, a move that he's calling a political witch hunt.

CANADA:

Ottawa is moving ahead with its proposed "bubble zone" bylaw despite new federal anti-hate legislation.

The bylaw would prohibit protests within a certain distance of schools, places of worship, and other vulnerable infrastructure.

Council directed staff to develop the bylaw within nine months, with a bubble of up to 80 metres around protected areas.

Opponents say the bylaw would stifle dissent and clamp down on peaceful demonstration.

Regina City Council is looking to amend zoning bylaws to allow manufactured homes across residential neighbourhoods.

The move is part of efforts to address housing availability in the city.

The initiative reflects growing interest in alternative housing solutions to meet community needs.

Toronto City Hall raised the Palestinian flag for the first time on Monday, marking the 37th anniversary of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence.

The move came after an Ontario court dismissed an injunction request from a Jewish advocacy group that argued the flag has been associated with violence.

Toronto joins other Canadian cities including Mississauga, Brampton, and Calgary in flying the Palestinian flag.

JAPAN:

The mayor of Tomari village in Hokkaido has announced plans to approve the restart of the No. 3 reactor at the Tomari nuclear power plant, making it the first among five local governments to respond to the central government's restart request.

Mayor Tetsunori Takahashi cited village assembly approval and broad resident support as key factors in the decision, emphasising that safety remains the top priority.

The restart now awaits consent from three neighbouring municipalities and Hokkaido prefecture, with local assemblies already showing support through petitions from economic organisations, according to the Japan Times.

Roundup Extra:

Today on Roundup Extra, I’m joined by Whittlesea councillor and now former mayor as of last night, Martin Taylor, to talk about his crusade against the scourge of illegal dumping.

I also ask him about his reflections on the first year of the return of elected councillors to Whittlesea, where he took over as mayor after the local government minister suspended Aidan McLindon from the role earlier in the year, preceding a Commission of Inquiry.