Overwhelming demerger vote, city turmoil, and "concerning misrepresentation" - #523

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Councils get behind a global campaign to end gender-based violence
• A disappointing decision to close a community pool
• A referendum returns an overwhelming vote for deamalgamation of Snowy Valleys Council
• Newcastle’s Deputy Lord Mayor cops criticism from a local MP
• A council offers a $10,000 reward following a tree vandalism incident
• A mayor’s decision to go to the Winter Olympics under fire
• A Tasmanian mayor survives an attempted no-confidence motion
• Turmoil at the City of Perth as its Acting CEO resigns, and
• The shire that wants to be a city

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

Chapters

• 2:09 Victorian Report
• 8:41 NSW Report
• 15:23 Queensland Report
• 17:17 TAS/SA/WA Report
• 21:45 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Report

Local governments across the country are taking part in a global campaign to end violence against women which is now underway.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign commenced last week and runs through December 10.

Hobsons Bay City Council is using the campaign to demand greater state government action as family violence incidents in the municipality surged 12 percent last year.

Emergency department presentations are up 56 percent in two years.

Mayor Diana Grima and community partners have written to state ministers and local MPs calling for more crisis accommodation, mental health services, and affordable housing.

The Altona Theatre will be lit orange throughout the campaign.

Peak body, the MAV, is supporting Safe and Equal, who are leading Respect Victoria’s campaign this year.

The closure of the Port Fairy pool and fitness centre is now confirmed to be permanent, after its recent shut down due to the discovery of mould in the building.

Moyne Shire Council, and leaseholder Belfast Aquatics, have confirmed a cost of more than $2M to save the facility.

The current lease expired yesterday, and the council says it has no plans for the facility to continue operating.

Mayor Jordan Lockett acknowledged the impact of the decision on the community, and the disappointment of many residents.

He said the council is developing an aquatic facilities strategy to inform future investment and service provision in community pools, which is expected to come before the Council by next June.

Cardinia Shire Council has announced that the Pakenham Outdoor Pool won't reopen this summer due to weather-related construction delays.

Essential upgrade works including structural repairs, resealing, and new fencing require dry conditions to complete properly.

The Council says it is prioritising quality over speed to deliver improved facilities.

The upgraded facility is expected to reopen for the 2026-27 summer season.

Melton City Council is pushing the Victorian government to fast-track electrification of the Melton rail line.

The Star Weekly reported that the council wants full funding committed, including new stations at Thornhill Park and Mount Atkinson.

The state government says rebuilding Sunshine Station is the first step toward electrification.

The council is calling for a transparent timeline and delivery alongside the Sunshine Super Hub upgrade.

Darebin City Council has deferred a decision on a memorial for late councillor Gaetano Greco until next year.

The Council received a report at its meeting last week canvassing various options for a memorial, including the naming of a park, a cultural centre or an appropriate artwork.

The Mayor Emily Dimitriadis and Cr Angela Villella will lead consultation with former Cr Greco’s family, before a further report comes back to the Council in March.

Former Macedon Ranges Shire mayor Dominic Bonnano is taking a six month leave of absence, in the wake of a recent speeding and drink driving incident in the mayoral vehicle.

The leave of absence will go through til late May, during which time he will not receive a councillor allowance.

Stonnington councillors are seeking an extension of time to receive a report from an animal management taskforce which has been looking at options for the future provision of animal management and welfare services in the city.

A potential regional pound and in-house delivery options are part of the review.

The extension request will be considered by the Council at its 1st December meeting.

Glen Eira City Council has resolved to develop a stand-alone two-year anti-semitism strategy.

The strategy will be informed by best practice models and community consultation, as a short-term response and foundation for a future social cohesion strategy.

The council will also monitor antisemitism trends on an ongoing basis, and advocate for additional resources and partnerships to strengthen community resilience.

Loddon Shire Council is revising its advocacy priorities ahead of the 2026 Victorian Election.

Childcare access will now be prioritised across the entire shire, not just the northern region.

Mayor Dan Straub says the update ensures leaders know what matters most to local communities.

The Council advocates for fair childcare access but doesn't provide or control these services.

The last priorities update was done before the 2025 Federal Election

Latrobe City Council is tackling CBD anti-social behaviour with new outreach program.

The Council has allocated thirty thousand dollars to develop a community outreach model connecting vulnerable people with support services.

The initiative will focus on high-traffic areas like CBDs and transport hubs, using trained staff to de-escalate situations.

The Council says the move addresses retailer and community concerns about safety, and comes after the State Government failed to provide requested support including more Protective Service Officers.

The City of Greater Bendigo won Gold at the 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards in the Local Government Award for Tourism category, marking its sixth consecutive year as a finalist with four gold and two silver awards achieved during this period.

The Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre has won silver in the Visitor Information Servicing category.

The award recognises innovative initiatives including the TAC Pause Stop program, and support for major events like GT Nationals.

Victorian Briefs

Cardinia Shire Council will reduce its meetings to once a month starting in February, integrating town planning matters into general meetings and starting an hour earlier at 6pm.

The new schedule was adopted at the council’s Annual Meeting last week.

Colac Otway Shire is inviting mobile food vendors with unique, creative menus to participate in a Summer Food Truck Trial from December to April at Lake Colac Foreshore and Memorial Square.

Applications must be submitted by Friday 12 December 2025.

The City of Greater Bendigo has become the first regional council and third in Australia to achieve Welcoming Cities Accreditation at the Excelling Level under new national standards.

The accreditation recognises the city’s commitment to cultural diversity, Aboriginal reconciliation, and social cohesion, and strengthens its reputation as a national leader in inclusion.

Regional Capitals Australia has appointed Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Josh Black as its new Chair, with Tweed Shire Council Mayor Chris Cherry as Deputy Chair.

The organisation represents nine million Australians living in or relying on regional capitals.

Cr Black outlines the group’s priorities for the coming months:

(Grabs)

Cr Black takes over from Peter Carter, who resigned in August, and acting Chair Kevin Mack.

NSW Report

A referendum on the future of Snowy Valleys Regional Council has returned an overwhelming YES vote for de-amalgamation.

By the close of counting on Saturday night, more than 87% of votes were in favour of returning the amalgamated council to two separate entities based on the boundaries of the former Tumbarumba and Tumut Councils.

The two shires were involuntarily joined in 2016.

The Border Mail this morning reports on reaction to the result.

Snowy Valleys Mayor Julia Ham said there was still “red hot fury” felt by residents over the merger, and that was reflected in the referendum result.

Former Tumbarumba and Snowy Valleys Mayor Ian Chaffey said it was a clear message that rural Australians didn’t like being dictated to by the urban component of our society.

Once a final result is confirmed, the issue will go to the Minister for Local Government to determine the next steps. A demerger is estimated to cost nearly $5M and will take at least two years.

MP Tim Crakanthorp has criticised the City of Newcastle’s deputy lord mayor Charlotte McCabe after she postponed debate on ongoing safety issues in Beaumont Street until December.

The Newcastle Herald reports that the Hamilton precinct has been plagued by antisocial behaviour, including used needles and human waste.

Cr McCabe defended her decision, saying the late item, circulated on the day of the November meeting, didn't meet urgency requirements under meeting rules.

Meanwhile, business owners and residents say the problems demand immediate action.

Mr Crakanthorp called the deferral "disappointing and simply not good enough", while Cr McCabe said in a statement posted on her Facebook page that there had been "concerning misrepresentation" about the decision she made as the chair.

Cr McCabe is currently acting as Lord Mayor, while Ross Kerridge is on a leave of absence until February while he undergoes treatment for cancer.

Yahoo News reports that a Sydney council is offering a ten-thousand-dollar reward after two red bottle brush trees were deliberately poisoned near Manly Beach.

The trees, which once brightened Reddall Street, now stand brown and dead, allegedly targeted to improve ocean views.

Northern Beaches Council has erected warning signs and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

The council said it takes the vandalism very seriously and is conducting a full investigation.

Upper Hunter Shire Council has slammed the revised transmission line route for the New England Renewable Energy Zone, calling community consultation inadequate.

Mayor Maurice Collison says the route cuts through productive farmland and passes over 18 homes, contradicting EnergyCo's own guidelines to avoid clusters of homes and agricultural land.

The Council will write to EnergyCo and NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe demanding investigation into using existing transmission corridors.

Kempsey Shire Council has held a roundtable with NSW Government agencies and local services to address homelessness and social issues in the area.

Key barriers identified include inadequate funding and a shortage of affordable housing.

Council CEO Andrew Meddle says they're committed to supporting lead agencies while respecting the dignity of every individual.

Illegal camping at Forth Street is being addressed, with fencing to be installed once occupants are relocated.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council is urging residents to report unsafe e-bike and e-scooter riding directly to state authorities.

News of the Area reported that concerns have been raised about dangerous riding in the town centre, particularly around the Town Green and Southern Breakwall.

Emergency data shows a 627 percent increase in e-bike injuries since 2019, with four child fatalities recorded since July.

The council will publish clear information on its website about reporting procedures and regulatory responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Transport for NSW has decided to repair rather than replace the Port Macquarie Southern Breakwall, ending the long-standing debate about full replacement.

Mayor Adam Roberts aid the news will come as welcome relief to many in the community, and has offered support for a potential new project to widen the breakwall footpath to accommodate increasing pedestrian traffic.

NSW Briefs:

The NSW Government has awarded funding to Shoalhaven City Council to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure at two public sites in Vincentia and Ulladulla.

Dungog Shire Council has opened consultation on a suite of strategic planning documents, to address housing, infrastructure and environment needs over the next 15 years.

The documents include a local housing strategy for delivering a minimum 2,400 new homes by 2041. Consultation is open until 21st December.

Ballina Shire Council is set to duplicate two critical bridges to improve evacuation routes and ease congestion.

The Fishery Creek Bridge on River Street and Canal Bridge on Tamarind Drive will be expanded to four lanes each. Construction is expected to begin in February and finish in the second half of 2027, backed by 40 million dollars from the Australian Government's Emergency Response Fund.

Queensland Report

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate will bill ratepayers for a trip to Italy to carry the Winter Olympics torch in late January and February.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that the announcement has angered councillors who are dealing with budget cuts and staff redundancies.

Mayor Tate says he'll meet with sporting officials to secure events for the 2032 Games and visit a modular housing factory.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli has declined to attend, citing local priorities.

Quilpie Shire Council has abandoned plans for a new aquatic centre after costs blew out to more than 36 million dollars.

Mayor Ben Hall says five years ago the project could have been built for around half that amount, according to InDaily Queensland.

But instead, the council will now undertake remediation works to extend the life of the existing pool.

Dog-related complaints continue to pile up across Redlands Coast and Brisbane, with councils dealing with reports almost daily, according to Redland Bayside News.

Redland City Council received 330 complaints about negative dog behaviour in the past financial year, while Brisbane City Council has dealt with more than 1500 animal incidents so far this financial year.

Strengthened penalties came into force in July 2024, including on-the-spot fines for failing to keep dogs under control.

Five dog breeds are now considered high risk and banned in Queensland.

North Burnett Regional Council has formalised a new partnership with Bundaberg Tourism to boost tourism outcomes across the region.

The partnership aims to raise the profile of the North Burnett within the wider Bundaberg region brand.

Local tourism operators, accommodation providers and hospitality businesses can now access a 25 percent membership subsidy to join Bundaberg Tourism.

Tasmania

A no-confidence motion against Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis has been defeated.

Tasmanian Country reported that Councillor Wayne Shoobridge’s motion failed to secure support from fellow councillors.

The move followed ongoing Code of Conduct complaints against the Mayor, which were previously dismissed by a hearing panel.

Mayor Dracoulis thanked councillors for their confidence and has confirmed she'll run for re-election next year.

About 500 Westbury residents have signed a petition opposing Meander Valley Council's plans to change their town hall.

The Examiner reported that community members say they're not being heard after recently fighting off a prison proposal.

The Council is considering two options: refurbishing the hall into shared office space for $500,000, or building new offices and keeping the hall for $1.1 million.

Residents say the hall is critical for community groups like the local garden club, which has used it since the 1940s.

Mayor Wayne Johnston insists that public access to the hall was always intended to continue.

South Australia

Yankalilla District Council is reviewing its rating structure to rebalance how rates are distributed across different property types.

It says the aim is to ensure fairness and long-term sustainability without increasing overall revenue.

The community is invited to participate through information sessions, online feedback, and direct contact with council staff across two phases of consultation.

The City of Mount Gambier is also well advanced with its rating review. A special meeting has heard from seven speakers, presenting their views to elected members on proposed changes, including concerns about the classification of short-stay accommodation.

Submissions are being reviewed by the Council, along with financial modelling, before it makes its decision on the rating structure.

A new mural by South Australian artist Taylr Jay is being painted on the Woodside CFS building to celebrate the history and dedication of CFS volunteers in the Adelaide Hills community.

The Council says the artwork has generated strong local interest and will serve as a colourful tribute to the volunteers who protect the region.

The City of Playford recently marked the 70th anniversary of the inauguration of the town of Elizabeth.

The milestone was acknowledged at a civic ceremony, conducted by Mayor Glenn Docherty.

The town was named after Queen Elizabeth II, and established as a satellite city of northern Adelaide to attract British migrants and support rapid post-war industrial growth.

Western Australia

The City of Perth is in turmoil after its acting CEO Peta Mabbs resigned amid a dispute over a $125,000 workplace culture review ordered by new Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds.

Ms Mabbs has declared the review unlawful and a poor use of ratepayer funds, saying no workplace culture issues had been identified in recent assessments.

ABC News reported that the review was pushed through with minimal notice and no debate, raising concerns among councillors who voted against it.

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has expressed concern and indicated she's willing to intervene if necessary.

The saga has exposed deep divisions within the council just weeks after the new lord mayor took office.

The City of Stirling has shelved controversial plans to restrict free-roaming cats after admitting the proposal would likely be rejected by a state legislation review panel.

The proposed laws would have required permits for cat owners living within 200 metres of protected wildlife areas, affecting over 12,000 residents.

The city estimates roaming cats kill more than 360,000 native animals annually in the district.

PerthNow reported that State Government amendments to the Cat Act are expected next year, giving councils stronger powers to enforce responsible cat ownership.

The NT News reports MacDonnell Regional Council in the Northern Territory has been charged after a two-year-old boy drowned at a Kintore early learning centre in December 2020.

Kumanjayi Jurrah was locked inside a swimming pool complex when carers took other children back inside.

NT WorkSafe alleges the council failed to ensure the child's safety and maintain a safe work environment.

The council could face penalties up to $4.5 million if found guilty.

The case is listed for mention in court today.

The Shire of Harvey is investigating reclassification to city status as its population approaches 32,000.

The Council has approved a 15-thousand dollar budget for community consultation starting in February.

The change would see the shire president's title upgraded to mayor.

A final report is expected in May 2026.

Source: Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda, November 25, 2025 - Page 41-42

The Shire of Irwin has elected Cr Isabelle Scott as the new Shire President and Cr Andrew Gillam as Deputy Shire President following recent council elections.

Cr Scott, a councillor since 2017, and Cr Gillam, serving since 2018, bring extensive experience and commitment to supporting the community's growth and wellbeing.

Global Report

NZ:

Westland Council Mayor Helen Lash has warned that uncertainty around local government reforms could trigger an exodus of council staff to Australia, according to the Otago Daily Times.

Under government proposals, three West Coast mayors will replace all seven regional councillors to form a territorial board.

Mayor Lash stressed that regional council staff jobs are secure and their expertise will be critical during the transition period.

She has also defended the need for council staffing levels, saying modern compliance requirements have made larger teams essential.

UK:

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council has confirmed that historical data was copied and taken in cyber attacks targeting three London councils last week.

The council is now checking whether the stolen information includes personal or financial details of its 147,500 residents.

Westminster City Council and Hammersmith and Fulham Council were also affected due to joint IT arrangements, causing significant disruption to services and phone lines.

The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation, with no arrests made yet.

Residents are being urged to be extra vigilant with calls, emails and text messages as the stolen data could end up in the public domain. Read more from BBC News and The Guardian.

Rugby Borough Council has broken ranks with other Warwickshire councils by supporting a single county-wide unitary authority.

Politicians from all three parties backed the move, opposing the north-south split favoured by the county's four other district and borough councils.

And Rugby councillors want the new authority to be based in their town.

BBC News reports on the decision that came as a deadline for submissions to the government expired at the end of last week.

Andrew Crookham has been appointed as **Lincolnshire County Council'**s new chief executive, and he’s been given one immediate task: cut £1 million from the senior leadership team.

Council leader Sean Matthews says the savings target shouldn't be difficult given the salaries involved, according to Yahoo News.

Mr Crookham is taking over from Debbie Barnes is retiring after nearly 20 years with the council.

CANADA:

Vancouver City Council has rejected a motion to lower the municipal voting age to 16, according to CTV News.

The motion, brought forward by Councillor Pete Fry, was voted down, with those opposed saying the decision isn't within the city's authority and falls to the province.

The motion had noted that 16-year-olds can work, pay taxes, and drive, and that research shows a younger voting age fosters lifelong civic engagement.

Meanwhile, the council has approved a zero per cent property tax increase for the upcoming year, which means residents will see no change to their municipal property tax bills.

Details of likely cuts to services are yet to be disclosed.

US:

Sacramento City Council is moving to repeal a 76-year-old law that bans the sale of comic books depicting crime to minors, according to the LA Times.

The 1949 ordinance, which has never been enforced, was born out of mid-century fears that comics could inspire violence and delinquency.

Advocates say the repeal recognises the educational value of comics and protects against potential future censorship.

The committee also voted to establish an annual "Comic Book Week" in September. The measure now heads to the full council for approval.