Unplanned leave, historic leadership team, and escalating dysfunction - #528

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Victoria’s mayoral election season is over as the last Council makes a historic decision
• Albury Council’s CEO takes unplanned leave amid financial crisis
• Maitland Council votes to return historic gaol to NSW Government
• City of Perth dysfunction escalates
• Bass Coast launches petition to secure MotoGP beyond 2026
• The reason behind a country mayor’s resignation revealed
• Redland City Mayor's scathing attack leaves officers in tears
• A reprieve for flannelette shirts in Orange, 
• and Kuala Lumpur's first woman mayor removed after 16 months

Plus more news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond.

Chapters

• 2:08 Victorian Report
• 10:25 NSW Report
• 16:31 Queensland Report
• 20:09 TAS/SA/WA Report
• 24:00 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Report

Cr Gareth Graham has shed light on his decision to resign as Mayor of Alpine Shire Council just days after his election.

Cr Graham cited a lack of preparedness for the complex governance responsibilities following mandatory mayoral training in Melbourne.

He said the community deserves a leader fully equipped to meet any challenge.

He will continue serving as a councillor, and the position of mayor will need to be filled through a new vote by the Council.

Frankston City Council has elected an new leadership team this week.

Cr Sue Baker, in her second term on the council, takes over the mayoralty from Cr Kris Bolam. She will be supported by Cr Cherie Wanat in the deputy mayor position.

With the impending arrival of new CEO Tenille Bradley, it also marks the first time the city will be led by an all female leadership team.

Frankston was to be the final council to conduct mayoral elections this year, but of course we now await a new vote at Alpine Shire to fully complete the list.

Cr Baker's election as mayor brings the number of female mayors to 33, representing 42 per cent of the state's 78 mayors and one chief administrator (Moira).

On Wednesday, Hepburn Shire Council closed the Creswick Hub after three separate incidents of threatening behaviour and intimidation of front-line staff.

The incidents occurred on different days this week, involving the same staff members, who were said to be very shaken by the incidents.

The Council said while the majority of the community is respectful, behaviour of this kind against Council staff is occurring too often from a select few who cross the line.

It apologised for the inconvenience, ahead of reopening the Hub on Thursday afternoon.

Stonnington City Council has unanimously voted to install a Menorah on the balcony at Stonnington City Centre for Hanukkah 2025.

The decision follows an earlier deferral, to allow for more discussion, but seen by some as a failure to provide support in a time of rising anti-semitism.

The Council has also endorsed a Hanukkah Carnival including a ceremonial candle lighting at Malvern Gardens on December 16.

Mayor Melina Sehr says the decision reflects values of inclusion, respect and community connection central to Stonnington.

Council will develop a new Civic Recognition Policy in the first half of 2026 to provide broader recognition of cultural festivals.

A bid to revoke Mornington Peninsula Shire's new planning matters policy has failed in a tied 5-5 vote, according to the Mornington News.

Councillor David Gill attempted to have the policy decision overturned, arguing it was rushed through with insufficient public scrutiny and restricts councillors' ability to raise planning matters with the community.

But Deputy mayor and meeting chair Paul Pingiaro cast the deciding vote against the revocation, saying the policy was urgently needed after four years without any planning framework.

Greater Geelong City Council has refused to permanently add purple glass recycling bins to its waste collection, voting instead for a provisional contract-based service.

The Geelong Independent reported that councillors have advocated for expansion of the successful Container Deposit Scheme rather than the state-mandated four-bin system.

The decision puts Geelong alongside 30 other Victorian councils pushing back on the purple bin rollout due to costs and efficiency concerns.

In more Geelong news, the council has also adopted a new master plan for the Geelong Waterfront, to guide development and investment in the popular precinct.

Priority projects include artificial reef pods at Western Beach to fight erosion, upgrades to Poppy Kettle Playground, and a new basketball and netball area.

The plan proposes reimagining Cunningham Pier through private partnership and creating a Yarra Street plaza for outdoor dining and events.

An implementation strategy is being prepared with staged delivery to use a mix of funding including new leases, partnerships and grants.

Darebin City Council will vote on a comprehensive flag policy at its meeting on December 15th.

The policy aims to provide clear guidelines for flying flags at council sites, including national flags and community-requested flags.

The Palestinian flag currently flying at Preston City Hall is recommended to remain until the end of February 2026 out of consideration for ongoing conflicts. In the meantime, the Council proposed to engage with Islamic stakeholders to explore alternative ways to support community cohesion.

Bass Coast Shire Council has launched a petition calling on the Victorian Government to secure a long-term contract for the MotoGP at Phillip Island beyond 2026.

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix has been held at Phillip Island since 1997 and delivered 54.6 million dollars in economic benefit to Victoria in 2023.

The race drew more than 71,000 attendees and supported 284 full-time jobs, with 29.4 million dollars in direct local spend.

Mayor Rochelle Halstead has conducted a string of interviews in a media blitz on the issue, and the petition attracted hundreds of signatures in its first day.

Council has partnered with regional tourism bodies and neighbouring councils in the campaign.

The former Murtoa Kindergarten Building has been demolished this week, marking the end of an era for the community.

Yarriambiack Shire CEO Tammy Smith said the old facility, which held many fond memories, required significant investment and has been replaced by the modern Early Learning and Childcare Centre at Murtoa College.

The Council successfully advocated for state government funding in 2022 to build the new integrated centre.

The demolition site will be maintained while Council works with the Murtoa Progress Association to determine future use for the crown land.

Victorian Briefs

Swan Hill Mayor Stuart King has taken over as the new Chairperson of the Murray River Group of Councils this week.

The appointment was confirmed this week a the group’s meeting in Kerang, at Gannawarra Shire’s new Glasshouse venue.

Cr King succeeds Loddon mayor Dan Straub as chair of the alliance of six Victorian councils along the Murray from Mildura to Moira.

The City of Wyndham has launched a new interactive map displaying ownership and management of roads across the city.

The map makes it easy for people to see who is responsible for a particular road, whether it be council, the state government or a private landowner.

Strathbogie Shire Council is hosting an online session on 17 December 2025 to help families understand new social media age restrictions that prevent under-16s from using certain platforms.

Mayor Cr Scott Jeffery said these changes affect many families and highlighted the importance of community support in keeping young people safe online.

Darebin City Council is mourning the passing of former Mayor and Councillor Rae Perry AM.

Rae served as a Councillor from 1998 to 2004 and as Mayor in 2004, following a distinguished career as a nurse, midwife and union organiser.

She founded the Darebin Women's Advisory Committee and was the first woman elected as national president of the Australian Local Government Association in 2004.

Rae was recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia in 2020 for her work in Victorian Local Government.

NSW Report

Albury Council's chief executive Frank Zaknich has reportedly taken unplanned leave, weeks after chief financial officer Justin Finlayson resigned after 11 years.

The Border Mail reported that the moves come as councillors express shock over the city's financial deficit, which is much higher than the 11 million dollars initially reported.

Long-serving councillor Darren Cameron says he's never experienced such a dramatic shift in financial assumptions during his time in local government.

Deputy chief executive Bridgett Leopold has been appointed temporary CEO, while Ryan Hastie has taken over as chief financial officer.

Mayor Kevin Mack says the matters are highly sensitive HR issues that cannot be discussed at this time.

Maitland City Council has voted to hand back ownership of the iconic Maitland Gaol to the NSW Government.

The council has stopped redevelopment work at the site, which closed in 2024 due to fire and electrical safety concerns.

Recent estimates put the cost of restoring the site to modern standards at around 30 million dollars.

Council's General Manager Jeff Smith says using ratepayer funds for the restoration is unsustainable given other service delivery priorities. The council hopes the State Government can realise the site's future tourism potential.

Griffith City councillor Mark Dal Bon can continue wearing flannelette shirts to meetings after a tied vote on eliminating the 'business casual' dress code requirement.

Region Riverina reported Mayor Doug Curran used his casting vote to break the four-all deadlock in favour of scrapping the dress code.

The vote was part of a broader debate on a new meeting code mandated by the NSW Government from January 2026.

Despite some objections, the new code passed 6-2, with council planning to write to the minister about their concerns about some of mandatory code requirements.

Orange City Council has appointed a new chief executive officer.

Mayor Tony Mileto announced the appointment of Scott Maunder after a special council meeting held on Tuesday night.

Mr Maunder has been the council’s director of community recreational and cultural services for thirteen years. His executive experience has been gained in both public and private sector roles.

Mr Maunder replaces Barry Omundson who has been the council’s interim CEO since August. The vacancy was created by the decision of David Waddell not to seek a contract extension in March, after six years in the position.

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported on resistance from two Sydney councils to a state government plan to build more than 9000 homes in Cherrybrook, near the metro station.

Hills Shire Council has unanimously rejected the proposal, warning it could overwhelm infrastructure and undermine years of strategic planning.

And while Hornsby Shire Council supports the development in principle, it wants fewer homes and guarantees on infrastructure funding.

The plan would see building heights reach 28 storeys in the town centre, with up to 9350 homes built over 36 years.

Planning Minister Paul Scully says the precinct is crucial for restoring housing choice in Sydney.

Port Stephens Council is pushing for a high-speed rail stop at Newcastle Airport as part of the proposed Newcastle to Sydney line, according to the Newcastle Herald.

It’s been described as a "game-changer" that would benefit tourism, business and families across the Hunter region.

The council will write to federal MP Meryl Swanson and Infrastructure Minister Catherine King seeking support for the airport location.

The first stage of the national high-speed rail project would connect Newcastle to Sydney, with a business case currently being assessed by Infrastructure Australia.

Mid Western Council has caught illegal dumpers on camera at its Rural Waste Transfer Stations, which are meant only for out-of-town residents without kerbside collection.

General Manager Brad Cam said illegal dumping was “never acceptable”, especially as the council’s waste facilities in Mudgee, Gulgong and Kandos are free to use for household goods.

The incident, in which a range of bulky items was dumped including a large satellite dish, is under investigation with potential fines incurred of up to $25K for individuals, and $50K for corporations.

The City of Parramatta has revealed plans for a new aquatic and leisure centre, recreation facilities and community hub in Epping.

West Epping Park and Cox Park have been identified as potential locations for the aquatic centre, with the Rawson Street carpark earmarked for a community hub and expanded library.

Council plans to reopen the existing Dence Park pool in the short to medium-term, subject to State Government funding.

Once the new permanent aquatic centre is built, Dence Park will be transformed into an outdoor recreational precinct with youth facilities including a skate park.

Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter says the analysis ensures future investment reflects the community's needs now and in the future.

NSW Briefs:

Kempsey Shire Council is undertaking urgent work on Norfolk Island Pine Trees at South West Rocks.

Large seed clusters have developed rapidly this year due to optimal growing conditions, posing a safety hazard to the public.

Council is asking for the community's patience as they prioritise public safety.

North Sydney Council will hold an Extraordinary Meeting on January 19th to consider a proposed special rate variation.

The variation aims to restore financial sustainability and service resilience for the council.

The council is expecting a strong turnout from interested observers and will arrange overflow seating with live streaming in Hutley Hall for those who can't fit in the main chambers.

The organisers of Kiama's Jazz & Blues Festival have announced the event will not proceed in 2026, a decision Kiama Council Mayor Cameron McDonald described as disappointing for the community after nearly 40 years of the festival's cultural and economic contribution.

Mayor McDonald said the Council had recently approved a $7,000 grant for the 2026 event, and it is exploring alternative events or modified programs in partnership with local venues and artists.

Queensland Report

Townsville City Council will need to appoint a new deputy mayor, after Cr Ann-Maree Greaney officially stood down from the role after this week’s ordinary Council meeting.

Mayor Nick Dametto thanked his fellow councillor for her time in the role over the last 12 months, serving as Acting Mayor of Townsville during what he described as a tumultuous time in local government.

A Special Council Meeting will be held this Friday at 1:30pm, where councillors will vote to appoint a new Deputy Mayor.

It’s been reported that Redland City Council officers were left in tears after Mayor Jos Mitchell delivered a scathing attack on the new Corporate Plan during its adoption debate.

The Redland Bayside News reported that Mayor Mitchell voted against the five-year plan, citing poor engagement with young residents and lack of detail under the plan's five pillars.

Fellow councillors hit back, claiming she failed to attend workshops and provided no feedback during development.

That Toowoomba Council parking strategy I told you about in our last episode has already been put on the backburner, after fierce community backlash.

The plan would have forced schools and sporting clubs to manage parking during peak times, with teachers expected to monitor drop-off zones.

The Toowoomba Chronicle reported that Councillors this week have now to defer the strategy, reversing an earlier 6-5 vote to proceed at committee.

The Queensland Teachers' Union slammed the proposal as "ill-conceived," saying policing parking isn't a teacher's job.

Council will now hold a workshop in February to explore alternative reforms including pay-by-plate technology and improved lighting at car parks.

Fraser Coast Regional Council is offering major discounts on infrastructure charges to encourage diverse housing and unlock development in slower areas.

Eligible townhouses, dual occupancies and aged care facilities in residential zones will receive a 75 percent discount on fees.

A separate 27 percent discount applies to new residential subdivisions in Maryborough and surrounding towns, cutting the cost per lot from 34,500 to around 25,000 dollars.

The two-year incentive package starts in January 2026 and will be reviewed as part of council's investment attraction strategy.

Burdekin Shire Council has adopted a new Economic Stimulus Policy for Development Incentives aimed at reducing infrastructure charges to make the region more competitive for investment and encourage new development.

The policy establishes a transparent process for assessing fee reduction applications and supports the Council's Corporate Plan objectives of fostering business growth, attracting investment, and increasing housing availability.

Mackay Regional Council has extended its partnership with the Gold Coast SUNS Football Club through to 2028, following news of a massive development windfall.

Property developer Certainty Wealth will invest over half a billion dollars in the region, creating eleven hundred residential lots after being introduced to Mackay through a SUNS business delegation in 2024.

Since 2019, the SUNS partnership has boosted AFL participation by 15 percent in Mackay, with female participation up 20 percent.

Cairns is preparing for a landmark year with council endorsing the official program for Cairns Celebrates 150 Years.

The celebrations kick off on New Year's Eve with a family concert.

More than 80 events delivered by council, community groups and local organisations will roll out throughout 2026, with additional activities to be added.

Tasmania

Burnie City Council has unanimously approved the Heybridge Converter Station for the Marinus Link project despite fierce community opposition.

The facility will serve as Tasmania's gateway for a 1500-megawatt undersea cable to Victoria.

Residents have raised concerns about noise, visual impact, and the site's toxic legacy from the former Tioxide factory.

Mayor Teeny Brumby and one other councillor declared a conflict of interest and did not participate in the vote, according to a report from the Mercury.

Launceston councillors were last night set to decide on a new 2026 meeting schedule that separates planning decisions into dedicated monthly sessions, according to the Examiner.

The proposal scales back ordinary council meetings to once every four weeks, down from the current three-weekly schedule.

Thirteen planning authority meetings would be held in intervening weeks, open to the public and focused solely on development applications.

Council officers say the new format would cut the number of closed-door workshops.

South Australia

Martin Kennedy has been elected as the new Councillor for Mudla Wirra Ward on Light Regional Council.

The former Senior Sergeant brings 40 years of police service and extensive community leadership experience to the role.

Kennedy, a local resident of more than two decades, currently serves on multiple local boards, and Mayor Bill Close says his governance and leadership experience will be a great asset to the region.

The City of Charles Sturt has joined Welcoming Cities, a national network supporting councils to build inclusive communities.

Mayor Angela Evans says the move reinforces the city's commitment to ensuring everyone feels valued and belongs.

The initiative strengthens the council's focus on cultural diversity and social connections.

Western Australia

The ongoing turmoil at the City of Perth is making headline news.

7News this week reported claims from the council’s CEO Michelle Reynolds that the new Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds was behind a plot to remove her, through the now abandoned $125,000 cultural review.

The Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has expressed concerns about the dysfunction, referring the matter to the incoming Local Government Inspector who begins work on 1st January.

South Perth Council will vote next week on formally opposing the state government's 217-million-dollar Burswood racetrack project.

Councillor André Brender-A-Brandis warns the development could bring more hooning and antisocial behaviour to South Perth.

The City of Perth and Town of Victoria Park have already rejected the plans, but WA Today reports the government is pressing ahead, recently tendering for a hospitality provider despite community opposition.

Cockburn Council has voted to adopt a new planning policy to protect trees on private land and enhance the city's tree canopy.

Nearly 80 percent of residents who responded to consultation supported the policy.

The policy requires development approval before removing or damaging regulated trees, including those 8 meters tall or taller.

It now awaits approval from the WA Planning Commission and Minister for Planning, which could take six to twelve months.

Shire of Laverton CEO Phil Marshall has given notice of his intention to step down in late 2026, at which time he will have served more than eight years in the role.

His current contract expires in April 2027.

Mr Marshall said he has flagged his intentions now to give the council suitable time and “clear air” to conduct a recruitment process and ensure a smooth transition.

He’ll finish with the shire on the 23rd November next year.

Global Report

NZ:

Hamilton City Council is hunting for savings to meet Government rate-capping targets, but councillors say staff jobs are mostly safe, according to the Waikato Times.

They say the focus will be on cutting external spending like consultants and contractors rather than core services.

Some reductions may occur through attrition and delayed hiring for vacancies.

The Government's plan caps rate rises at 4% per year by 2029, well below Hamilton's projected 12.5% increase for 2028-29.

Napier Council's new mayor Richard McGrath has failed in his bid to strip voting rights from Māori committee members on council standing committees.

Cr McGrath admitted to minimal consultation before proposing the change at only his second full council meeting.

Stuff reported that more than 40 members of the public attended, including Māori leaders, but the mayor refused to let them speak.

Deputy mayor Sally Crown and other councillors successfully moved to retain the Māori members' voting rights, calling McGrath's proposal a "gross misjudgement and disrespect".

The motion passed with seven councillors in favour and four against.

Wellington City Council will reconsider options for the iconic City to Sea bridge following Government reforms to earthquake-prone building standards.

The council had previously voted to demolish and replace the bridge, which is connected to the earthquake-prone Capital E building.

It’s now believed the reforms may allow for greater flexibility in strengthening options that weren't previously available.

Officers will bring updated advice on costs and alternatives to council in February.

MALAYSIA:

Kuala Lumpur's first woman mayor has left her post after just 16 months, sparking renewed calls for elected mayors in Malaysia's capital, according to a report from the Straits Times.

Maimunah Mohd Sharif, a former UN-Habitat executive director, departed with little explanation in November, raising questions about transparency in city governance.

Under her leadership, the city achieved its first budget surplus in over a decade and resolved more than 90 per cent of public complaints.

KL residents have no say in how their city is run, with all decisions made by federally appointed officials rather than elected representatives.

Advocacy groups say the lack of local elections has allowed property developers to reshape the city for tourists and short-term rentals rather than residents' needs.

UK:

Police were called to remove protesters from a Staffordshire County Council meeting this week, in the midst of a storm over the social media activity of the former Reform UK leader.

Ian Cooper resigned on Tuesday following a party inquiry into posts allegedly linked to him.

BBC News reported that another council member has been drawn into the controversy - Cabinet member Chris Large denies writing racist content on a shared TikTok account.

Protesters demanded more resignations before they would leave.

The council's acting leader condemned racism and promised complaints would be handled through proper standards processes.

The leader of Worcestershire County Council's Reform UK group has issued a legal threat to a Labour councillor, demanding he stop mentioning her name in public videos.

BBC News reported that Councillor Ed Kimberley has been told to cease publishing content about Reform UK after posting clips criticising the party as "the nasty party" and denouncing right-wing extremism.

Reform leader Jo Monk claims the videos have led to public harassment against her.

Kimberley says he has no intention of removing the videos, arguing it's important to have robust political debate.

CANADA:

Transit workers in Regina have voted eighty-three percent in favour of a strike mandate in response to proposed service cuts in the city's budget.

The cuts include ending service at ten-thirty PM, removing three low-ridership routes, and reducing weekend express service.

Council Administration says the cuts would save twelve-point-four-eight million dollars but could impact forty-nine full-time employees.

City council is scheduled to debate the budget on December 15th.

Timmins City Council has voted against reprimanding two councillors who were found to have violated the code of conduct.

Councillors John Curley and Bill Gvozdanovic made disparaging public comments about Mayor Michelle Boileau after she abruptly ended a council meeting in June.

The city's integrity commissioner ruled the councillors violated the code but council voted five to three that the ruling itself was sanction enough.

Councillors said it's time to move past the issue and focus on tackling problems instead of people, according to CTV News.

Ottawa City Council has approved its 2026x budget with a vote of twenty-one to four, according to CTV News.

The budget includes a three-point-seven-five percent property tax increase and a two-point-five percent transit fare increase.

Council also approved free transit for riders eighteen and under on weekends and holidays, as well as free service for youth in July and August.

The transit budget passed despite concerns about spending levels, with improvements funded by projected diesel fuel savings. A four-hundred-eighty-four-million-dollar police budget also passed after lengthy debate.