"Subverting democracy", councillors suspended and accosted - #525

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A Merri-bek councillor to be suspended for misconduct
• A councillor accosted in public over a controversial pool decision
• The NSW Council set to fly the Palestinian flag
• Environmental vandalism under investigation by Noosa Council
• A Queensland council’s calls for help with a recent crime spike
• A South Australian mayor resigns, effective immediately
• and Perth’s Lord Mayor abandons a controversial workplace culture review

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

Plus we go live to Las Vegas in the states where Fergal Coleman from Symphony3 is at the AWS reInvent conference getting the lowdown of where AI technology is taking us in the very near future.

Chapters

• 2:24 Victorian Report
• 8:58 NSW Report
• 12:25 Interview: Fergal Coleman at AWS reInvent in Las Vegas
• 21:14 QLD Report
• 24:09 TAS/SA/WA Report
• 28:47 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Report

Merri-bek Councillor Adam Pulford will be suspended for 14 days after an arbiter make a finding of misconduct for breaches of three of the standards of conduct in the Model Councillor Code Of Conduct.

A complaint was made by Cr Oscar Yildiz, alleging that the breaches occurred during debate on an agenda item about rainbow crossings.

Cr Yildiz alleged that Cr Pulford’s comments during debate personalised rather than engaged respectfully on the issue.

Cr Pulford was criticised for his use of the word "duplicitousness" and failing to pause sufficiently during debate.

Arbiter Matthew Evans found that Cr Pulford did not treat Cr Yildiz with dignity, fairness, objectivity, courtesy and respect; and that his demeanour and lack of restraint in his personal remarks likely diminished public trust and confidence in the council.

The Arbiter considered Cr Pulford’s partial apology for the hurt caused and full cooperation with the Arbitration process in determining a 14 day period of suspension.

He chose not to impose the requirement for an apology, considering that the outcome of the process should be “corrective not performative.”

The suspension will take effect next week after the Arbiter’s report is tabled at the Council’s December 10th meeting.

A Moyne Shire councillor has been verbally abused and given the middle finger over the decision to close Port Fairy's Belfast Aquatics pool.

The Standard reported that Councillor Karen Foster was accosted at a service station on Saturday morning by an angry resident.

The incident follows council's announcement that two million dollars worth of repairs are needed at the facility.

A petition to save the pool has attracted more than fifteen hundred signatures.

Councillor Foster, a former mayor of the shire, is calling for respectful debate despite community anger over the closure.

Source: The Standard (Warrnambool, Australia), December 4, 2025

The Department of Health has confirmed the first detection of Japanese encephalitis virus in mosquitoes for the 2025-26 season in the Horsham area.

The virus was found in mosquito traps as part of Victoria's Arbovirus Disease Control Program.

Yarriambiack Shire and Horsham Rural City Council have issued alerts to residents to protect themselves by wearing long clothing, using repellent and removing stagnant water around homes.

Vaccinations are available for locals over two months old from local pharmacies and health centres.

Warrnambool City Council has missed out on one million dollars in state government funding for the Friendly Societies Park oval upgrade.

The council will now tip in an extra three hundred and fifty thousand dollars to keep the one point seven three million dollar project alive.

South Warrnambool Football Netball Club has also increased its contribution to two hundred thousand dollars.

Source: The Standard (Warrnambool, Australia), December 4, 2025

Warrnambool City Council's infrastructure and environment director David Leahy is leaving after five years in the role.

Mr Leahy, a former chief executive of West Wimmera Shire, oversaw some of Warrnambool’s biggest projects of the past decade including the library, Reid Oval and the new boat ramp.

He plans to stay in Warrnambool and pick up short-term work rather than fully retire, according to the Standard. (4th December 2025)

Murrindindi Shire Council has released draft guidelines for renewable energy development, open for community feedback until February 8, 2026.

The guidelines respond to growing concern about large-scale energy projects and their impact on farming, tourism, and the local landscape.

Deputy Mayor Anita Carr says the framework puts community values first, demanding genuine engagement, transparency, and tangible local benefits from developers.

The guidelines emphasise protection of significant landscapes, partnership with Traditional Owners, and clear criteria for project siting and decommissioning.

Council is urging all residents to review the draft and share their views on The Loop, their online engagement platform.

Frankston City Council is investing $10 million into the transformation of Nepean Highway, joining the Federal Government's $50 million election commitment for a total $60 million project.

The revitalisation will turn the highway into a safe, people-focused boulevard with improved connections between the city centre and waterfront.

Planned upgrades include safer pedestrian crossings, cycling paths, street trees, and traffic calming measures along the entire corridor.

Mayor Kris Bolam says the investment will encourage visitors to stop in Frankston rather than simply drive through.

After nearly 10 years of planning and three years of construction, Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens this Friday with 114 kilometres of world-class trails.

The network in East Gippsland Shire includes trails for every skill level from family-friendly green trails to double-black gravity descents with up to 590 metres of vertical drop.

The opening weekend features official ceremonies, shuttle rides, live music and a film premiere.

The park has created around 30 full-time jobs during construction and is set to transform Omeo into one of Australia's premier mountain biking destinations.

City of Port Phillip has welcomed a 12 million dollar Victorian Liberal Party election commitment for a new school hall at St Kilda Primary School.

The commitment was announced by Member for Prahran Rachel Westaway and would fund a multi-purpose indoor hall and performing arts space.

The facility will support school assemblies, performances and sporting activities while creating opportunities for local events and community programs.

Council praised St Kilda Primary School's vigorous advocacy campaign for the project.

Victorian Briefs

The City of Casey is proposing to rezone two parcels of farming land in Cranbourne for residential development to meet growing housing demand near the town centre.

An environmental assessment confirms the land is suitable for homes, despite being near two former landfill sites.

Warrnambool's first pump track is now open, funded by a $150,000 Australian Government grant as part of the Council's efforts to enhance active recreation along the Merri River corridor.

Mayor Ben Blain said he expected the facility to be an instant hit, as it opens just in time for summer.

Latrobe City Council has endorsed funding for three major events with a combined economic impact of more than six-point-five million dollars.

The events include the 2026 Motorcycling Australia ProMX, the 2027 Football Victoria Country Championships and a five-year agreement for the Traralgon Junior International Tennis Championships from 2027 to 2031.

NSW Report

Wollongong City Council will fly the Palestinian flag for four days from today outside the Council Building on Burelli Street.

The symbolic gesture recognises the local Islamic community's contributions and follows a Council resolution from August that reaffirmed Wollongong as a City for Peace.

The move comes after the Australian Government's recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations in September.

Bayside Council has issued a statement defending its decision to end its lease with the family behind Le Sands restaurant after more than 40 years.

Council says the Antonopoulos family repeatedly breached their lease agreement and owes more than one hundred thousand dollars in outstanding payments.

The Brighton Pavilion building is now in need of substantial repairs worth an estimated one-point-five million dollars, with many defects attributed to lack of maintenance by the former tenant.

Work is underway to repair the building and reactivate the Pavilion for community benefit.

Shoalhaven City Council has raised concerns about the proposed location for a new school in the region.

The council believes the site may not be suitable for educational purposes. Issues include access, infrastructure, and environmental factors that could impact students and staff.

Mayor Patricia White is calling for further consultation with the state government, and the council is urging planners to consider alternative locations that better meet community needs.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has organised a rally to save the Wests Tigers following the dismissal of all independent directors from the club's board.

The rally will be held on Saturday, December 31st at Pratten Park, with fans marching to Wests Ashfield Leagues Club to demand the resignation of the Holman Barnes Group Board.

Mayor Byrne is calling on the NRL and Liquor and Gaming NSW to intervene in the club's governance crisis.

He says the same people responsible for fifteen years of failure have now seized total control.

Balranald Shire Council has triumphed from hundreds of nominations to win at the 2025 Community Achievement Awards for New South Wales and the ACT for transforming the Balranald Discovery Centre precinct.

The project won the Council Crown Land Management Excellence Award for the upgrade of Heritage Park Reserve with interactive technology, new pavilions, and facilities that blend modern infrastructure with local heritage.

NSW Briefs:

Leeton Shire Council has won a Local Government NSW Environment Award for the exceptional success of its Food and Garden Organics waste service.

The kerbside FOGO service, introduced in July last year, achieved a 60 percent diversion of organic waste from landfill in its first week with just 0.3 percent contamination.

Kiama Council has unveiled a new online policy portal to improve public access to council policies.

The digital platform aims to make it easier for residents to find and review important council documents.

Five local operators have joined the City of Newcastle's Product Mentoring Development Program, aiming to develop bookable tourism experiences to tap into the city's $1.5 billion annual visitor market.

With Newcastle Airport expanding international routes, the program is helping businesses create experiences that give tourists more reasons to stay longer.

Fergal Coleman from Las Vegas

Queensland Report

Noosa Council is investigating a deliberate act of environmental vandalism at Sunshine Beach.

Six native trees have been poisoned, with bore holes drilled and chemicals applied.

The affected species are all critical for dune stabilisation and wildlife protection.

The Council’s Director Development and Regulation Richard MacGillivray said

Grab:

Mr McGillivray said the council would be carrying out rehabilitation works and installing temporary signage to deter others from similar actions.

Police Minister Dan Purdie has promised more State Flying Squad detectives will arrive in the South Burnett next week to tackle a recent crime spike.

The Minister met with Attorney-General Deb Frecklington, senior police and council representatives on Tuesday to discuss juvenile crime and community safety concerns.

The ministers acknowledged more work needs to be done following serious concerns raised by South Burnett and Cherbourg councils.

Hervey Bay Airport has recorded its strongest month ever with 21,654 passengers passing through in October.

Melbourne and Sydney routes are averaging 92 percent capacity, with passenger numbers up 7.26 percent from September.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour says the record numbers are fantastic news for the Fraser Coast economy and tourism sector.

Cook Shire Council has secured federal funding through the Solar for Public Facilities Program for major solar upgrades at the Cooktown Events Centre and Bloomfield Hall.

The Events Centre will receive undercover solar parking similar to a recent installation at Council's main building, helping cut its $100,000 annual electricity bill.

Mayor Robyn Holmes says the upgrades will help rein in escalating operational costs while maintaining community services.

Scenic Rim Regional Council has secured three major state and national awards to close out 2025, including a Silver Award at the Australasian Reporting Awards.

The Beaudesert Town Centre Revitalisation Project earned two honours at the IPWEA conference: Road Safety and Public Works Project of the Year.

The region also won Gold for Excellence in Food Tourism at the Queensland Tourism Awards for the Scenic Rim Eat Local Movement.

CEO David Keenan says the wins place the Scenic Rim among the better-performing regional councils in Queensland.

Tasmania

Thirty council-managed roads in the Clarence City Council area are set for a speed limit review after strong community feedback.

Residents nominated 75 roads during the Safer Speeds, Safer Roads engagement, with six additional roads now added to the shortlist.

The review aims to reduce crash risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers on busy local routes.

Half of all community responses focused on speed limits, while others raised concerns about pedestrian crossings and road design.

Mahalia White-McColl has won the 2025 Kingborough Council Acquisition Award for her sculpture "Still Standing".

The piece combines recycled steel and ceramic mounted on an old sawmill cog. Its unique glaze is made from hardwood ash from local Tasmanian fires.

Acting Mayor Clare Glade-Wright praised the work for its artistic merit and environmental themes. The sculpture will be added to the Kingborough sculpture trail.

Five Tasmanian councils will share in $2.2M from the federal government, as part of a $50 million national program to upgrade community facilities with energy-efficient technology, including solar panels, batteries, and electric heating systems.

Meander Valley, Latrobe, Sorell, Burnie and George Town councils will be funded under second round of the government’s community energy upgrades fund.

The City of Launceston has won an Excellence Award from the Local Government Association of Tasmania for using Minecraft as a community engagement tool.

Since 2021, Launceston has used LiDAR scans to create Minecraft maps of the city, allowing gamers to explore local landmarks like Cataract Gorge and City Park.

More than 800 Northern Tasmanian students tested the maps during National Science Week, and Mayor Matthew Garwood says it's given young people a chance to reimagine their city's open spaces and urban planning.

South Australia

Mayor Robert Walsh has resigned from the District Council of Franklin Harbour, effective December 2nd.

Cr Walsh served the community for eleven years with what council calls high distinction and integrity.

Deputy Mayor Rachel Deer is now acting in the mayoral role, while Council seeks advice from the Electoral Commission on conducting a supplementary election to fill the vacancy.

The City of Mount Gambier has formally opposed the Federal Government's Environment Protection Reform Bill.

The Council fears the legislation gives too much power to the Environment Minister to approve projects in the national interest without proper consultation.

Mayor Lynette Martin says the changes risk reducing transparency and limiting community input on critical decisions.

Council is particularly concerned about impacts on the Limestone Coast's agricultural land and groundwater resources.

Peterborough District Council has appointed Deirdre Albrighton as Acting CEO until November 2026.

Kristen Clark, who's been Acting CEO since May, will transition to a consultant role focusing on finance and infrastructure.

Ms Albrighton will oversee governance, community engagement, and the 2026 council elections, while Mr Clark will continue critical strategic work including the Long Term Financial Plan and Asset Management Plan.

The arrangement ensures a smooth transition through the upcoming local government election process.

Western Australia

Perth's Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds has abandoned his controversial $125,000 workplace culture review after intense public backlash and legal challenges, throwing the City of Perth into crisis according to ABC News.

The review, which Reynolds pushed through with just six minutes' notice to councillors, has sparked accusations of poor governance and misuse of public funds.

The decision prompted the resignation of acting CEO Peta Mabbs, who published a scathing report declaring the rushed decision unlawful.

Mabbs' departure has added to the turmoil at the council, which is already facing significant scrutiny over its handling of the matter.

Angry ratepayers packed Tuesday's council meeting, with some questioning why the funds weren't being allocated to pressing issues like homelessness and public safety instead. Others directly accused the mayor of poor governance in approving such a significant expenditure with minimal deliberation.

WA Today reported that Reynolds now plans to refer the workplace culture concerns to the incoming Local Government Inspector rather than proceeding with the external review. He maintains he acted in good faith over staff welfare concerns raised by former employees.

A revocation motion to formally cancel the workplace review will be voted on at next week's council meeting, where councillors will have the opportunity to reverse the controversial decision that has engulfed Perth's local government in controversy.

Global Report

UK:

Reform UK has reportedly launched an urgent investigation into Staffordshire County Council leader Ian Cooper over alleged racist social media posts.

The activist group Hope Not Hate claims to have found posts on an X account linked to Cooper, including one stating foreign nationals shouldn't sit in Parliament.

Nine Labour MPs and Conservative councillors have called for his immediate resignation, according to BBC News.

In breaking news, the UK government has delayed mayoral elections in four English regions—Greater Essex, Norfolk & Suffolk, Hampshire & the Solent, and Sussex & Brighton—from May 2026 to May 2028, citing the need for more time to complete local government reorganisation into unitary authorities.

The delays have been criticised as "subverting democracy," with concerns that further elections may be cancelled, while the government maintains that the postponement allows for proper establishment of combined authorities before mayors take office.

Dublin City Council has reportedly withdrawn a controversial proposal to rename Herzog Park, which honours former Israeli President Chaim Herzog.

The move faced strong criticism from Irish officials and Israel, with concerns it could be seen as antisemitic, according to Y Net News.

BBC News has reported on how West Dunbartonshire Council attempted to hire external contractors to remove flags from lampposts after council workers faced verbal abuse from members of the public, but no bids were received for the work.

The flags, which were put up following a social media campaign linked to anti-asylum seeker protests, are banned under Scottish road laws. Similar incidents of worker intimidation have occurred in other Scottish councils including Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Highway workers in Cambridgeshire have faced a shocking wave of abuse while on the job.

BBC News reported that since November 2024, there have been 29 instances of threatening behaviour and four assaults on staff. Incidents include spitting, bottle throwing, hair pulling, and a woman ramming her vehicle into barriers.

Workers are now wearing bodycams to combat the violence.

USA:

Thirty-five county clerks from across Colorado are urging Governor Jared Polis to keep convicted former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters in state custody.

The clerks say Peters' illegal actions have led to heightened threats against election workers and erosion of voter confidence, and releasing her would send the wrong signal and pander to ongoing attacks on election integrity.

Boston has joined eleven other jurisdictions in suing the Trump administration over changes to a critical homelessness program.

The changes threaten forty-eight million dollars in annual funding that supports over two thousand formerly homeless households in Boston.

Mayor Michelle Wu warns the new restrictions could push more than eleven hundred Bostonians back onto the streets.

New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has announced a bipartisan Local Government Advisory Group to guide her transition into office.

According to Insider New Jersey, the group comprises elected officials from across New Jersey who will provide expertise to ensure local communities have a voice in the new administration.

CANADA:

London City Council has narrowly voted to extend the city's e-scooter pilot project by six months after nearly banning the devices immediately.

There was a push for an outright ban, due to overwhelming complaints about dangerous and inconsiderate behaviour by riders.

The pilot will expire next May.

A garbage truck driver in Toronto has been fatally struck while working on his route.

The 66 year old man as an employee of Toronto City Council, and it appears he was struck by his own vehicle. Police are investigating the incident.

Calgary Council has cut climate funding and boosted transit spending as its budget talks continue. CTV News reported the decision has sparked debate about the city's priorities in addressing environmental concerns versus transportation infrastructure needs.

NZ:

The Wanaka App has reported more reaction to new central government reforms of local government in New Zealand.

Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton has warned that the government's new rates cap will disproportionately impact infrastructure-stressed rural councils like his.

Radio New Zealand reported the district faces significant challenges with ageing bridges, heavy tourism loads, and major capital needs, but lacks alternative funding sources.

Queenstown Lakes District Council mayor John Glover has expressed concern that the reforms that are being portrayed as reducing bureaucracy but in reality also aim to merge smaller district councils.

Central Otago mayor Tamah Alley noted the proposals signal a pathway toward unitary councils and stressed the importance of local people making local decisions.

Wellington City Council has installed motion-activated cameras on Matairangi Mount Victoria after deliberate vandalism targeting mountain bikers.

Logs, stumps and timber have been fastened to trees at rider height on several trails, creating serious injury risks. Fencing and signage have also been removed in various locations.