Levy backdown, mayor resigns, and a raffle debate - #526

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A government back down on the controversial Emergency Services levy
• Alpine Shire’s mayor resigns after less than two weeks in the role
• A rural NSW council commences a special rate variation process
• Rowing clubs upset over a Sydney council’s swimming pool plan
• Townsville's new mayor wins his first political test
• A Gold Coast councillor's raffle ticket purchase on a corporate card sparks policy debate
• Hobart council to shift focus to compliance after a new AFL stadium is approved
• An infrastructure review reveals governance failures at a Tasmanian council

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

Chapters

• 2:08 Victorian Report
• 10:07 NSW Report
• 14:29 Queensland Report
• 17:02 TAS/SA/WA/NT Report
• 21:05 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Report

The Victorian Government has backed down on controversial tax increases for the Emergency Services Volunteers Fund.

Property owners faced steep rises, with some farmers looking at tens of thousands of dollars in extra charges.

The government will now delay increases for investment properties until July 2027 and freeze rates for farmers for two more years.

Treasurer Jaclyn Symes says the delay will give authorities time to get their processes right.

Councils have consistently advocated strongly about the impact of the levy, particularly on primary producers.

Greater Shepparton City Council was one of the first to respond to the news.

It welcomed the decision saying it would provide crucial relief to farmers and growers facing ongoing challenges.

Mayor Shane Sali said, "Although this is a win and a significant reprieve for many, we will continue the discussions and our ongoing advocacy”.

Rural Councils Victoria hailed the announcement as a victory for its sustained advocacy. While it welcomed the further delay, it said more changes are needed, and that it will keep fighting the levy until it is dead and buried.

The mayor of Alpine Shire Council has resigned after less than 2 weeks in the role.

Gareth Graham stepped down from the position on Friday and will remain as a councillor.

Deputy Mayor Cr Sarah Nicholas has assumed the responsibilities of mayor until the Council elects a new mayor.

No further information has been provided as to the reason for Cr Graham’s decision. CEO Will Jeremy said more details would be forthcoming regarding a mayoral election this week.

The State Government has applied an interim Erosion Management Overlay to high-risk landslip areas across Yarra Ranges Shire. The move comes as Amendment C225, which proposes updated landslip mapping based on modern technology, undergoes independent review.

Current mapping dates back to the 1990s using aerial photography from the 1960s. The interim overlay will remain in place until October 2027 or until the amendment is finalised, ensuring developments in at-risk areas proceed safely.

A controversial proposal to build more than 1000 homes on the Cranbourne Golf Course will now be decided by Caseycouncillors in February.

The Star reported that Councillors have called in the planning application for 750 Glasscocks Road under land use planning protocols introduced after the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry.

The application has received more than 50 formal objections from the community.

Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen says councillors believe the proposal is of significant interest due to its potential impact on local amenity, infrastructure and employment.

It will be the first major planning application to be decided by Casey's newly elected councillors under the new protocols.

Hume City Council will explore ways to reduce growing rate arrears across the municipality, which have risen to 45.75 million dollars.

Councillor Kate Hamley put forward [a motion at the Council’s November meeting](file:///Users/chriseddy/Downloads/MINUTES-24-NOVEMBER-2025-OPEN.pdf), asking rates hardship be addressed, and that its financial hardship policy be reviewed.

Agreed actions include exploring incentives for payment plans and directly engaging with affected ratepayers to understand why they haven't paid.

At tonight’s meeting, the Council will consider [formalising feedback on draft ministerial guidelines](file:///Users/chriseddy/Downloads/AGENDA-8-December-2025-Open.pdf) on the payment of rates and charges.

The City of Port Phillip has welcomed news that it will receive 1.5 million dollars per year to support active and sustainable transport initiatives.

The funding comes from the Victorian Government's commitment to reinvest congestion levy revenue into affected communities.

Port Phillip's share is part of a 15 million dollar annual investment secured through recent amendments to state taxation legislation.

Corangamite Shire Council has announced new lower speed limits for three suburban roads to improve community safety.

Bowen Street in Camperdown has dropped from 60 to 50 kilometres per hour, complementing new pedestrian outstands and traffic calming measures installed in April.

Baynes Street in Terang has also been reduced to 50 kilometres per hour following resident concerns about heavy truck traffic.

And Park Lane in Camperdown has been cut from 80 to 60 kilometres per hour due to increased pedestrian and cycling activity along a new concrete path.

All changes required approval from the Department of Transport following traffic assessments and community consultation.

Moira Shire Council has unveiled a plan to increase urban tree canopy coverage by 15 per cent over the next decade.

The council will plant 2400 additional trees on public land between 2025 and 2035, expanding on the existing 16,000 registered trees.

Council says appropriate consultation will be undertaken and there will be opportunities for community input in landscape planning and tree species selection.

Victorian Briefs

The VEC has declared the result of a countback to fill a vacant position on Benalla Rural City Council.

Vincent Michael Branigan will take the place of Nathan Tolliday, who resigned recently for work reasons.

Bass Coast Shire Council has secured 1.7 million dollars in federal funding to rebuild the Stewart Road Bridge in Kernot.

The Australian Government's Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program will cover the bulk of the 2.2 million dollar project.

The bridge has been closed due to safety concerns after repeated overload impacts, forcing residents and emergency services to take lengthy detours.

The Rural City of Wangaratta has announced it will host Champions League Basketball's 3X3 Australia event in January, featuring two days of basketball competition for all ages and skill levels.

The event is Australia’s premiere 3X3 basketball event, combining elite sport with grassroots participation.

NSW Report

Muswellbrook Shire Council has launched consultation on a Special Rate Variation targeting only mining land to secure the region's financial future.

The proposed 29 per cent increase would raise an additional six million dollars annually to protect essential services as local mines approach closure.

Residential rates will rise by 3.1 per cent, the lowest in the Hunter region.

Mining rate revenue is expected to drop by 25 per cent over the next decade due to mine closures, slashing five million dollars from Council's annual income.

Local rowing clubs are upset about Inner West Council plans to build a three-point-eight million dollar swimming pool on Iron Cove in Sydney's Parramatta River.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports on concerns that the project threatens a historic two-thousand-metre rowing course that's been in use since the eighteen-eighties.

More than one-thousand rowers from thirteen clubs and schools use the course for training and competitions.

The council has reduced the size of the pool in response to concerns, but rowers say safety and heritage issues remain unresolved.

The Inner West Local Planning Panel will consider the proposal on Tuesday.

Central Darling Shire Council has held its first meeting under the new Rural and Remote Council model, marking the end of more than ten years under administration.

New councillors were sworn into office on December 4th, with Councillor Daniel Fusi unanimously elected as Deputy Chair.

The council tackled a lengthy agenda including setting 2026 meeting dates, reviewing audited financial statements, and appointing consultants to develop the Community Strategic Plan.

The historic meeting signals a fresh start for the shire after years of administrative oversight.

Wagga Wagga City Council has determined that it has no policy to strip former cricketer Michael Slater of his Sporting Hall of Fame honour.

The Daily Advertiser reported that the debate has dragged on for 19 months, despite Cricket NSW recently removing Slater’s honours following domestic violence convictions.

A recent council workshop on renaming the former Michael Slater Oval ended without consensus, with no formal decision-making taking place.

The oval has been nameless since councillors voted to remove Slater's name in May 2024.

Councillor Tim Koschel has resigned from Wagga Wagga City Council, effective from 31 January 2026.

The council has formally noted the resignation, and expressed appreciation to Cr Koschel for his dedicated service to the City , including his role as Chairperson of Riverina Water County Council and his contribution across three Council terms.

The process for filling the casual vacancy will be by the countback method, as previously resolved by the Council.

Lake Macquarie Council has appointed a recruitment consultant to advance its search for a new Chief Executive Officer, after the resignation of Morven Cameron in August.

Local Government Management Solutions will assist the council’s performance review panel, which has had a change - Councillor Michael Hannah has stepped away from the panel, replaced by Cr Kate Warner.

The council is [expected to ratify the next steps](file:///Users/chriseddy/Downloads/Agenda-Ordinary-Council-Meeting-8-December-2025-reduced-file-size.pdf) in the process at its meeting today.

NSW Briefs:

Cabonne Council has adopted a new Generative AI strategic policy that enables staff to explore AI productivity tools while maintaining human oversight and protecting community data through safeguards like data de-identification and mandatory verification of AI outputs.

The policy explicitly prohibits the use of AI to make decisions on behalf of council, keeping all decision-making authority with staff.

Orange City Council has introduced free parking at the Ophir Car Park from December 3rd to Christmas Eve to support local businesses during the festive shopping rush.

Council is also trialling a portable traffic signal to ease congestion and help vehicles exit the city centre car park more smoothly.

If successful, similar measures could be rolled out for future busy periods like Easter.

Lismore City Council has unveiled its 2025 Community Upcycled Christmas Tree, marking a decade of staff building large-scale festive displays from recycled materials.

This year's tree features more than 150 upcycled kerbside bin lids wrapped in fairy lights and decorated with recycled toys from the Revolve Shop.

Queensland Report

Townsville's new mayor Nick Dametto has won council approval for three adviser positions despite some lingering concerns following the previous mayor's conduct.

Councillor Andrew Robinson warned he wouldn't place blind trust in the new mayor but ultimately supported the motion, according to the Townsville Bulletin.

The advisers will focus on legal and media, policy development, and business development.

Only Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney voted against, saying she'd support two advisers instead of three.

Former mayor Troy Thompson had his bid for three advisers rejected in 2024 after councillors said they didn't trust his judgement.

Redland City Council will vote this week on whether to support LGAQ opposition to a proposed state law.

The bill would automatically remove councillors from office if they nominate for Queensland Parliament.

Redland Bayside News reports that the LGAQ believes councillors should stay in their roles while campaigning, and a council report warns the change could trigger costly by-elections.

A December 17 deadline approaches for member councils to submit their votes.

A Gold Coast councillor's use of her corporate credit card to buy a 350-dollar raffle ticket has triggered a debate about expenditure policy.

Councillor Brooke Patterson won a 24,000-dollar car at a charity event. Mayor Tom Tate says the car will be donated back to charity, according to the Herald Sun.

There are now calls for a review to prevent councillors purchasing raffle tickets with council funds, with the matter will be decided at the next council meeting in January.

Noosa Council is moving to strengthen its role in reducing gambling-related harm.

Councillors have voted to explore a policy position on electronic gaming machines on council-owned and trustee land.

Mayor Frank Wilkie says the aim is a clear framework for decisions about installing or expanding gaming machines on council land.

The council will also consider reinstating membership with the Alliance for Gambling Reform.

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery will be closed until the New Year due to water damage from roof leaks during heavy rainfall last month.

While the main gallery is closed for damage assessment and repairs, exhibitions and programs continue at the Crows Nest Gallery and Rosalie Gallery.

Toowoomba Cr Melissa Taylor said officers are assessing the full extent of the damage, and more information will be provided in due course.

Tasmania

Hobart's acting lord mayor says the council must respect parliament's decision to approve the $1.13 billion Macquarie Point AFL stadium, according to Pulse Tasmania.

The council had formally opposed the project, citing heritage, environmental and planning concerns.

Acting Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock said the council’s focus will now shift to compliance and enforcement of planning conditions.

The 23,000-seat roofed venue will become home to the Tasmania Devils AFL team, with completion scheduled for 2029.

Kingborough Council has released independent reviews into two major infrastructure projects that ran months over schedule.

The Summerleas Road underpass and Kingston bus interchange both suffered significant delays due to governance failures and ignored expert advice.

The bus interchange sat finished but unusable for nearly 18 months because the design didn't account for proper bus turning radius.

The road closure blew out from eight weeks to 20 due to utility issues and environmental surveys done reactively.

Mayor Paula Wriedt said the council has already begun implementing 11 recommendations to strengthen future project delivery, according to Pulse Tasmania.

South Australia

The Local Government Association of South Australia is calling for nominations from regional CEOs to join its Advisory Group.

A vacancy has opened following the resignation of Bridget Mather from Coorong District Council.

The successful candidate will attend at least four meetings annually starting February 1st.

It is a voluntary position with no payment offered. Applications close January 9th.

The South Australian Premier and Cabinet ministers will be in Adelaide Hills for a Community Cabinet meeting tomorrow, December 9.

The council has encouraged community members to register to attend and ask questions at the forum, which follows a community bbq at 4.30pm.

Western Australia

Western Australia is establishing a Panel of Monitors to support local governments and prevent dysfunction from January 2026.

The Local Government Inspector will appoint monitors to work with councils facing performance issues or compliance challenges.

Monitors will observe meetings, review practices, and help resolve issues collaboratively—but they won't act as investigators.

Ideal candidates need expertise in governance, finance, conflict resolution, or stakeholder engagement.

Applications from aspiring monitors close 4pm Wednesday, December 17th, 2025.

An illegal multi-day music festival in the Carbunup area has been shut down before it started.

City of Busselton staff teamed up with WA Police and conservation authorities to cancel the event after the organiser failed to obtain any required approvals including risk management plans, bushfire plans, or liquor licenses.

Mayor Phill Cronin said drone surveillance is being used to monitor for similar illegal activities across the region.

The City of Fremantle's newly-built changeroom facilities at South Beach have been repeatedly vandalised over recent weeks, prompting swift repairs and increased security patrols.

The City is reviewing CCTV footage and has deployed community safety officers to monitor the area more closely.

Residents are being urged to report any vandalism or antisocial behaviour to Crimestoppers to help protect the public amenities.

NT:

E-scooters and bikes are back online in Darwin, after they were removed before Cyclone Fina hit the region recently.

And the council has now extended Beam's contract for another two years until December 2027.

Since launching in December 2023, the service has clocked up nearly 950,000 trips and over one million kilometers.

New Apollo Lite e-bikes designed for easier riding will soon join the Darwin fleet.

Global Report

UK:

Reform UK has revoked the membership of Ian Cooper, leader of Staffordshire County Council, following allegations of racist online abuse.

The Guardian reported that Cooper allegedly called London Mayor Sadiq Khan a "narcissistic Pakistani" and said Justice Secretary David Lammy should not be allowed in parliament as a first-generation migrant.

The party said Cooper failed to declare social media accounts during candidate vetting.

Cambridge City Council has admitted making an error after claiming it removed "underused" public bins in the historic city, according to a report from BBC News.

The council now says no underused bins have been removed to date, contradicting its August statement about a trial to ensure bins were in the right place.

The authority also made a second mistake in a Freedom of Information response, incorrectly stating that zero waste was recycled from city centre bins.

council has apologised for the errors and says it's working to improve internal checks.

The Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner has cleared the mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh Amanda Grehan of any conduct breaches following a complaint.

The allegation stemmed from an October council vote on "innocent victims" of the Troubles, where Grehan cast the deciding vote along party lines.

The commissioner concluded there was no evidence of code of conduct violations. Some councillors have condemned the complaint as politically motivated and vexatious.

USA:

The Mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana, Tyrin Truong has pleaded not guilty to charges of malfeasance, public intimidation, and theft, according to WDSU News.

The 26-year-old mayor was indicted following his January arrest in connection with a drug and prostitution investigation.

State police linked the operation to dangerous controlled substances including opioids and MDMA.

Six others were arrested in the investigation, which began when authorities learned of a drug trafficking organisation in Bogalusa.

Mr Truong's next court hearing is scheduled for January 14th.

New York City Council announced on Friday that had overridden mayoral vetoes on four bills.

One measure caps rent contributions for voucher holders at 30 percent of monthly income, blocking proposed increases to 40 percent.

Two bills require large employers to report pay data and mandate annual pay equity studies to address gender and racial disparities.

The Council also passed legislation requiring quarterly payments to nonprofits with city contracts to address chronic late payment issues.

Additional measures passed by the Council include water safety programs, mental health training for construction workers, and the establishment of a permanent Office of the Census.

CANADA:

Edmonton city councillors have locked in a 6.9 per cent property tax increase for 2026, higher than the originally planned 6.4 per cent.

The rate jumped after council approved 11 million dollars for the city's tourism body, Explore Edmonton.

CTV news reported that the average homeowner will pay an extra 245 dollars in taxes next year.

The City of Vancouver has laid off approximately 30 non-unionised staff members following a decision to freeze property taxes next year.

The cuts are part of Mayor Ken Sim's "Zero Means Zero" initiative to find 120 million dollars in savings.

City leadership is reviewing structures and staffing, with additional changes expected in early 2026.