Rate cap breach, intervention and a tragic loss - ft.Anne-Marie Cade #524

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A second Victorian council in breach of the rate cap
• Hume Council wins VCAT action against illegal earthworks
• New figures show the chronic underfunding that is holding back housing development
• A proposal to fund Pride Month activities under fire
• A council backs away from a special rate variation plan
• The Queensland government to send an adviser into Redland Council
• The tragic death of a WA deputy shire president in a bushfire

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

Also today:

Conflict resolution expert and former mayor Anne-Marie Cade has been watching councils elect their mayors, and has advice for navigating what can be a challenging period for some.

Chapters

• 2:10 Victorian Report
• 9:50 NSW Report
• 16:08 Queensland Report
• 18:32 TAS/SA/WA/NT Report
• 22:32 Global Report
• 26:32 Roundup Extra: Anne-Marie Cade

Transcript

Victorian Report

It’s been revealed that a second Victorian council has breached the state’s rate cap this year.

Alpine Shire Council has confirmed the breach, blaming it on a system error that led to rates being calculated incorrectly.

The error resulted in an average rate increase of 3.96% instead of the mandated 3% cap, collecting an extra $168,304 from ratepayers.

The mistake occurred when a rating system provider applied a classification change earlier than advised, throwing off the base rate calculations.

Council CEO Will Jeremy said there was no intention to exceed the cap, and there's no penalty or fine for the breach.

The Council will consider how to rectify the breach at its December meeting.

It is likely that it will adjust next year's rates to be at least $168,304 lower than they would otherwise be.

The breach is one of two reported by the Essential Services Commission in its annual compliance report on the rate cap- in September this year, Hindmarsh Shire Council admitted to an error that saw it raise nearly $4,000 above the cap.

The ESC said it was the first time since 2020/21 that the cap had been exceeded.

It also noted that Ballarat and Bayside Councils did not increase rates at all this year, and that higher rate caps had been approved for Hepburn and Indigo Shires.

Eight councils introduced new service charges to recover costs for waste management services.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has issued enforcement orders stopping illegal earthworks on three Sunbury properties.

The orders follow Hume City Council action over works that breached planning rules designed to protect the environment.

No further earthworks can proceed without council approval or a planning permit.

Council will monitor the sites to ensure compliance and thanked residents for their vigilance.

Northern Grampians Shire Council will review its community care services in light of major federal aged care reforms.

The new Aged Care Act shifts funding from block grants to fee-for-service models, allowing clients to choose their own providers, and CEO Brent McAlister says the council must determine whether to remain a service provider or shift to advocacy and navigation roles.

Community engagement will begin in January with surveys and workshops in Stawell and St Arnaud.

No decisions have been made yet, and the council emphasises this is a genuine consultation process.

Murrindindi Shire Council has released survey results on a proposed health service merger.

The 16-day survey attracted 278 responses about the voluntary amalgamation between Alexandra District Health and Eastern Health.

Most respondents expressed concern about potential impacts on local services and decision-making.

A smaller group supported the proposal, citing possible benefits like improved specialist access.

Mayor Damien Gallagher said the results reinforce the importance of ensuring the community is fully informed and actively involved.

He said the Council will share the results with both health boards to inform their decision-making.

Horsham Rural City Council has voted to commit funding to reopen The Wesley, the town's beloved performing arts venue closed since 2017.

A community fundraising campaign raised over $423,000, with Council contributing $2.28 million toward the $2.70 million project cost.

The venue is expected to boost the local economy by $300,000 annually through visitor spending.

Built in 1912, The Wesley was Victoria's only independent Performing Arts Centre when it opened in 1998.

Yarra Ranges Council has endorsed a new advocacy platform to guide its conversations with State and Federal Governments ahead of the 2026 State Election.

The priorities include safe road crossings on state-managed roads, more affordable housing, additional funding for the Yarra Valley Trail, and better public transport.

Mayor Richard Higgins says the platform reflects community feedback and expert analysis.

Key asks include funding for a new aquatics facility to replace the closed Kilsyth Pool and pedestrian crossings along the Warburton Highway.

Hepburn Shire Council has approved the sale of seven surplus properties, five of which have been earmarked for affordable housing development.

The decision follows community consultation that began in July 2025.

Proceeds from the sales will fund a financial reserve to support future grant applications.

Yarriambiack Shire Council has identified two former depot sites at Hopetoun as surplus to requirements, and has commenced community consultation on a proposal to sell the land.

The sites were identified as part of a review of the shire’s financial health, and a need to reduce expenditure.

Frankston City Council is addressing public concern over alleged illegal works and vegetation removal across the municipality, including along the foreshore.

Mayor Kris Bolam said the Council is working closely with the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on enforcement for coastal Crown land.

Earlier this year, a landowner was found guilty on multiple charges relating to unlawful mass vegetation removal at a Langwarrin property.

Council says development and sustainability must go hand in hand, with protecting foreshore, reserves and green spaces remaining a core priority.

Residents witnessing illegal vegetation removal are encouraged to contact Council's Planning Investigations Team.

Corangamite Shire Council has adopted structure plans for Camperdown and Terang, mapping out development for the towns over the next 15 to 20 years.

Mayor Kate Makin said the plans aim to support growth while protecting each town's unique character, following a year of community consultation.

Key priorities include more diverse housing options, better pedestrian access, and support for local businesses and tourism.

Both plans feature a two-storey height limit and rezoning of certain areas for residential and commercial use. They will now inform future planning scheme amendments to implement the recommendations.

Victorian Briefs

Monash Council has received $1 million from the Victorian Government to build a new library in Glen Waverley as part of a $100 million+ civic precinct.

Mayor Stuart James said the new library will serve as a hub for a community expected to boom over the next 10 years as new housing is delivered around the Suburban Rail Loop.

The City of Casey has won the 2025 National Growth Areas Alliance Strategic Foresight & Innovation Award for its Green Streets in Orana project, which plants 2 to 2.5 trees per lot to achieve over 30% canopy cover—more than double the industry standard.

The award was shared with the City of Armadale, WA for its advocacy priorities strategy.

The City of Greater Bendigo has unveiled a new Emergency Dashboard on its website to help residents access critical information during bushfires, floods, and other emergencies.

The dashboard features real-time warnings, weather updates, road closures, and relief centre locations, all in one mobile-friendly platform.

More than 82,000 new homes that could begin construction today remain unbuilt due to a lack of sewers, roads and other enabling infrastructure, according to the National Growth Areas Alliance.

Growth Areas account for just 5% of councils but are set to deliver 26% of new housing development, yet chronic underfunding is creating critical supply bottlenecks.

A third of all potential home builds are held up due to infrastructure lags, with some entire estates already living without connected sewerage.

The National Growth Areas Alliance is calling on government to urgently align commonwealth funding to where people want to live to meet National Housing Accord targets.

It says that without action, the planned 300,000 new homes in these communities won't be built by the 2029 deadline.

NSW Report

An experienced local government administrator has been appointed to oversee the separation of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

Peter Bascomb will guide the complex process of splitting the merged council back into two separate entities, and has already begun coordinating early planning and meeting with staff.

The Council said his expertise in managing complex structural change will be critical as the council navigates this sensitive process.

That news comes as work continues to finalise the referendum result at Snowy Valleys Regional Council.

A decisive 87 per cent YES vote on the weekend makes the outcome clear, but the final result will not be declared until December 15, and then it will be up to the local government minister to determine next steps.

Lane Cove Council is facing backlash over a proposal to grant up to $5,000 to local pubs and clubs to host drag shows during Pride Month 2026, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Labor councillor Katie Little says the grants would support the LGBTQIA+ community and boost business for local venues during a quiet time of year.

Conservative ratepayers argue the funding is inappropriate for the family-oriented area and should be directed to essential services instead.

The council will vote on the motion at its December 11 meeting.

Blacktown City Council has voted against applying for a Special Rate Variation.

The decision came after 42 days of community consultation that received more than 3,800 submissions.

Mayor Brad Bunting says the council respects the outcome but warns underlying financial challenges remain.

He said it was a close vote, and has pledged to continue looking at options to support the rapidly growing city.

The historic dive tower at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre has been temporarily closed following safety concerns raised by SafeWork NSW with the City of Newcastle.

Built in 1963, the tower is one of only two heritage diving facilities still operating in Australia. SafeWork inspections identified fall and slip risks on the tower and springboards.

The city is now conducting a risk assessment and consulting with the local dive club's 70 members about the facility's future.

Wingecarribee Shire Council has won a major court battle over illegal development works in Bowral.

The Land and Environment Court convicted property owner Serge Golman and Lake House Bowral Pty Ltd of serious planning breaches for unauthorised works that included extensions to a dwelling, conversion of farming stables into living quarters, and the destruction of over 5,000 square metres of protected forest.

The Court ordered combined penalties of $360,000 plus payment of the council’s costs.

Council says the judgment sends a clear message that unlawful development will be met with firm action.

Bayside Council is pushing for a train station at Bexley on the proposed Kogarah to Parramatta rail line.

The council says Bexley experiences significant traffic pressures from toll avoidance and limited public transport options. A station would improve access for residents and businesses while supporting revitalisation of the Bexley Town Centre.

Council will write to the Transport Minister and local MPs outlining the case for the station.

The Sydney Portugal Community Club in Marrickville has been approved by Inner West Council to host large-scale outdoor events.

The club can now hold five events with up to 5,000 patrons and ten smaller events with up to 3,500 patrons annually.

Mayor Darcy Byrne says it will strengthen the Inner West's position as Sydney's live music and entertainment hub.

The club aims to celebrate Portuguese culture while contributing to Marrickville's diverse community.

Farmers on the Western Plains have new drought resilience tools thanks to the Country Heartline Project.

Launched at Callubri Station, the tri-council initiative helps landholders build agritourism ventures and strengthen farm viability.

New resources include an Agritourism Startup Handbook and three curated visitor trails showcasing farm life, cultural heritage, and natural wonders.

The project is funded through the NSW Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, and is designed to create alternative income streams when seasonal conditions are challenging.

The three councils involved are Warren, Bogan and Coonamble Shires.

NSW Briefs:

Liverpool Plains Shire Council has officially opened the brand new Quirindi Aquatic Centre just in time for summer.

Construction of the $6.6M facility was funded through the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions Program.

Greg Hill has commenced his new role as General Manager of Coonamble Shire Council, moving from his previous role at Central Darling Shire.

Mayor Daniel Keady welcomed Mr Hill to the council on Monday, and thanked outgoing Interim General Manager Phillip Perram for his contribution to the shire in recent months.

Eurobodalla Shire Council has approved a proposal for Moruya to become officially recognised as an RV-friendly destination.

Overnight parking in the town centre has been ruled out of the two-year trial, with stays limited to approved caravan parks and camping grounds.

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Queensland Report

A governance adviser has been appointed to Redland City Council after it led Queensland with 114 councillor complaints in the last financial year.

Mayor Jos Mitchell has received at least 47 complaints since taking office in 2024, though she claims the anonymous system has been weaponised against her, according to the Brisbane Times.

The adviser will work with the council until May, focusing on leadership, communication, and councillor conduct.

Mayor Mitchell is also locked in a defamation lawsuit with the council's top legal officer.

The intervention follows calls from the mayor herself for external support. The identity of the adviser is yet to be announced.

Noosa Council is looking to thousands of empty bedrooms across the shire as a solution to the local housing crisis.

Most homes have three to four bedrooms but are occupied by just one or two people, and the Council is exploring ways to encourage homeowners to take in lodgers or local workers.

The initiative could help people share housing costs while providing much-needed accommodation for those struggling to find homes.

An innovative platypus monitoring project has revealed the platypus population in City of Moreton Bay is more widespread than initially thought.

The project has confirmed the presence of platypus – a species known for its elusive behaviour – in at least 37 creeks and rivers across the City.

It even positively detected platypus DNA in Conflagration Creek at a major industrial area.

The project – now in its third year - will help Council to safeguard platypus habitat though proactive management of the species and their environment to aid long-term survival.

Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, 1st December, at which will consider an item regarding the appointment of a chief executive officer.

While at Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, Michael Miller has taken up the CEO position in recent weeks, making the move from the Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation.

And Brisbane City Council's General Manager of Strategy and Network Services Jessica Paton is heading south to take up the Chief Executive Officer role at Metro Tasmania. She officially starts there on January 19.

Tasmania

The City of Launceston has unveiled a major organisational restructure that will impact up to 25 staff members, according to The Mercury.

Chief executive Sam Johnson insists that Project Shape is not about cutting costs, but aligning the council's structure with its strategic plan.

The affected workers, representing four percent of the 600-strong workforce, will be offered redeployment or voluntary redundancy.

The move comes as the council pursues ambitious goals including building 4,300 new homes by 2035 and growing the population by 30,000.

Employee benefits totalled around 55 million dollars in the latest financial year, the council's largest expense.

Kingborough Council has unanimously approved the Tasmania Devils' new high-performance centre in Kingston.

The new AFL and AFLW facility will include a full gymnasium, indoor training field, specialist rooms, and an 80-seat lecture theatre.

It will accommodate about 80 staff and feature public spaces including a cafe and merchandise store.

Construction tendering is set to begin early next year.

South Australia

West Torrens Council has been forced to scale back its ambitious 30-million-dollar redevelopment of Richmond Oval after failing to secure 23 million dollars in government funding.

The original plans included a new grandstand, netball courts, and expanded parking for the West Adelaide Football Club home ground.

Adelaide Now reported that the Council will now focus on upgrading the aging Grandstand and building new changerooms with its approved 7 million dollar budget.

Alexandrina Council has recognised 152 volunteers who contributed more than 7,300 hours of service over the past year.

The volunteers were honored at a special recognition event held at Centenary Hall in Goolwa, themed "Sustainability in Action."

More than 20 volunteers received certificates for 10 years or more of service, with four volunteers recognised for 15 years.

Western Australia

The small farming community of Ravensthorpe in Western Australia's Great Southern region is mourning the loss of its deputy shire president, who died while defending his property from a devastating bushfire this week.

ABC News reported that fifty-nine-year-old Mark Mudie was killed on Monday afternoon while operating a front-end loader to establish a firebreak on his family's farm at West River, near Ravensthorpe.

His vehicle became engulfed by flames as a fast-moving bushfire, described by authorities as "treacherous," swept through five-thousand hectares during peak harvest season.

Mark Mudie had farmed in the region with his wife Elaine for 35 years and was an experienced member of the local bushfire brigade.

In a statement, the Shire of Ravensthorpe said it was "devastated" by the loss, with thoughts going out to Mr Mudie's family, friends, and emergency services still working on the fire.

The tragedy comes just days after the death of former Shire President Keith Dunlop, who served the community for many years including as president from 2015 to 2023.

Mr Dunlop was also deeply involved in emergency services and led the shire through natural disasters including floods and drought.

The loss of two respected community leaders in quick succession has left Ravensthorpe reeling.

The Western Australian Cricket Association is seeking a 10-year exemption from paying City of Perth rates, worth up to two-point-five million dollars, according to ABC News.

Council staff have recommended rejecting the application when it comes before councillors on December ninth.

The WACA has already benefited from one-point-eight-eight million dollars in rates exemptions since 2013, paying just 10 percent of levied amounts.

With the WACA Ground set to reopen after redevelopment, officers recommend a phased return to full rates by 2028.

NT:

Alice Springs Town Council has confirmed the Civic Centre site as the location for a new 20-million-dollar purpose-built library.

The current library has outgrown its nearly 40-year-old building, with patrons often sitting on floors during busy periods.

The Northern Territory Government is partnering with the council on the project.

Councillor Valda Napurrurla Shannon Warntaparri has been endorsed as the new Deputy Mayor of Barkly Regional Council.

She's a Warlpiri and Warumungu woman who previously developed suicide prevention programs and worked as an Aboriginal interpreter.

Outgoing Deputy Mayor Noel Hayes remains as an elected member.

Global Report

NZ:

The New Zealand Government has announced plans to limit annual council rates increases to a maximum of 4% under a new regulatory model aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures on ratepayers.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts says the proposed system will establish a target range for rates increases, initially set between 2% and 4% per capita annually. The cap will apply from January 2027, with full regulatory implementation by July 2029.

Under the model, councils won't be able to exceed the upper limit without permission from a government-appointed regulator. Exemptions will only be granted in extreme circumstances, such as natural disasters.

Mr Watts warns that officials will monitor rates rises nationwide once legislation is enacted next year, and councils proposing increases beyond the cap may face intervention under the Local Government Act.

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Local Government New Zealand's interim chief executive Scott Necklen says the flexible approach is somewhat reassuring, but wants assurance the policy won't affect councils' ability to invest in core infrastructure.

Opposition parties have criticised the proposal. Labour's Tangi Utikere warns it will force councils to hike fees or cut services altogether, while the Greens' Celia Wade-Brown says capping rates does nothing to fix decades of infrastructure underinvestment.

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz notes that several councils are rebuilding infrastructure after severe weather events and need flexibility to deliver critical services in a timely way.

Targeted consultation with stakeholders begins today and runs through February 2026.

Mayors from Whanganui, Ruapehu, and Rangitīkei say the move was expected, but told the Whanganui Chronicle they are concerned about maintaining essential infrastructure investment and service levels within these constraints.

Whanganui already has the country's lowest rates rise at 2.2%, other some neighbouring councils have increases around 9% and face challenges reducing this to meet the proposed cap.

More sources:

1 News; Radio New Zealand; Stuff

UK:

Rochdale Council's chief executive, James Binks, has been suspended over allegations of inappropriate behaviour at Manchester City Council.

Council leader Neil Emmott announced the suspension on December 1st after an independent investigation substantiated a complaint. The complaint alleged that at last year's Christmas event, Mr Binks was "inappropriately touching and grinding" against a junior female employee at the Dirty Martini bar.

The review found the atmosphere "sleazy" and "creepy." HR director Mark Bennett witnessed the behaviour and intervened.

Councillor Emmott stated: "In light of these reports and the need to ensure that the reputation of the council is upheld, I have taken the decision to suspend James from work."

Mr Binks, appointed to the £200,000 role in January, has apologised but denied any sexual element. Rochdale Council is following normal processes.

An acting chief executive will be confirmed while the monitoring officer examines the complaint.

Sources:

Rochdale Times - Chief executive suspended as Rochdale Council investigates complaint

Manchester Evening News - Council chief executive suspended over allegations of inappropriate behaviour

The Supreme Court has ruled that Epping Forest District Council cannot challenge the Home Office's intervention in its failed bid to block asylum seekers from staying at the Bell Hotel.

The council had won an emergency injunction in August to close the hotel to migrants, but this was overturned by the Court of Appeal.

In November, the High Court dismissed the council's claim that housing asylum seekers breached planning rules.

The council announced last month that it would appeal the High Court's ruling, according to BBC News.

CANADA:

In Canadian municipal news:

It has taken Saskatoon City Council four days of deliberations to finalise its budget, methodically working through options to reduce spending. Among the tough decisions made - bus fares will increase for the first time in a decade, but a historic pool has been saved from closure.

Meanwhile in Edmonton, the council’s budget deliberations have just begun, with a 6.4 per cent property tax increase proposed to raise 2.28 billion dollars. But it needs 3.8 billion dollars to cover expenses as they stand.

The City of Calgary has become the first Canadian city to be certified bird-friendly for the third time by Nature Canada. The designation recognises municipalities that support birds throughout their life cycle, serving as an indicator of overall environmental health.

Roundup Extra:

Anne-Marie Cade - conflict resolution expert and former mayor on how councils can navigate a challenging time post mayoral elections.

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