Shock resignation, 2 month suspension, and an agenda setting emergency - #578

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:

• A shock Council CEO resignation
• A two month suspension for a Hobart councillor
• A mayor calls out disrespect after a disrupted council meeting
• A council’s special business levy challenged at VCAT
• More councils reveal the impact of fuel costs on service delivery
• The cost of a crackdown on homelessness
• E-scooters and e-bikes pose challenges for more councils
• Plus acting CEO appointments and election results

Transcript

Today’s Top Three

Central Highlands Council CEO Aaron Johansson has resigned his position effective immediately.

Mr Johansson joined the Queensland council in January last year. He was previously the CEO of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, and Charters Towers Regional Council.

The Council has appointed Gary Stevenson as interim CEO until mid-May, and is starting recruitment for a permanent chief executive.

Mr Johansson’s resignation comes on the heels of Councillor Gai Sypher last month. A by-election to fill her position has been set for 16th May, with nominations being taken this week.

A Hobart councillor has been suspended for two months ... after a conduct panel found several of her Facebook posts were offensive and disrespectful.

Councillor Louise Elliot must also write an apology to the Lord Mayor’s mother ... Margaret Reynolds ... within two weeks of returning to duties.

The decision follows complaints from Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds ... who said Cr Elliot shared personal information about Reynolds’ parents and made other political attacks online.

The panel found the posts had no legitimate purpose. Its findings will be tabled at the council’s meeting on Monday night.

Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor Donnie Grigau has called out “disrespect” from a small number of people in the public gallery at a council meeting this week.

In a statement, Cr Grigau said the meeting was disrupted when behaviour escalated during public question time ... despite reminders about the council’s governance rules.

He has reiterated that verbal abuse and personal remarks toward councillors or staff will not be tolerated ... and council has a duty to keep meetings lawful, safe and dignified.

Victorian Report

On Chapel Street in Melbourne ... traders are heading to VCAT... to challenge a special levy charged by Stonnington Council.

The Age reports that a group of ten businesses is arguing the fee ... on top of rates ... is meant to promote and improve the precinct ... but they believe it’s being used for basics like street cleaning and graffiti removal.

The public notice shows some properties pay up to about 25-hundred dollars a year ... and the scheme is forecast to raise almost five million over four-and-a-half years.

Traders say the strip is struggling with vacancies and safety concerns ... and they want a bigger say in how the money is spent.

Bayside City Council has dumped plans for a new mega kindergarten hub ... after a strong backlash from parents, according to a report from The Age.

The Council voted to abandon a proposal to replace two community kinders ... Hampton Community Kindergarten and Helen Paul Kindergarten ... with a 132-place children’s centre at Castlefield Reserve.

Families mounted a protest to the plans, and a petition was signed by six hundred people in just three days.

Council officers had argued the hub could unlock up to nine million dollars in state funding.

A community campaign to keep the 'Golden Arches' off Phillip Island is gaining major momentum.

As reported by the ABC News, a petition calling on Bass Coast Shire Council to reject a proposed McDonald's in Cowes has now surpassed four-thousand-one-hundred signatures. Opponents argue the fast-food giant would damage the town’s unique character and threaten local small businesses.

While McDonald's says the development would create up to 200 local jobs, residents are urging councillors to prioritise environmental health and local identity over multinational expansion. The planning application is expected to be a focal point for the council in the coming weeks.

Victorian residents are being warned of major service disruptions as local council workers prepare to strike on the day of the State Budget.

More than one thousand workers from eight Melbourne councils—including Melbourne, Yarra, and Darebin—will walk off the job on May 5th.

The Australian Services Union says the action follows years of wages falling behind the cost of living.

The strike is expected to halt bin collections, library services, and street cleaning.

HR Leader reports that while a temporary pause on work bans is in place to clear existing backlogs, the union warns that full industrial action will return if their demands for a fair pay rise aren't met.

Brimbank City Council has welcomed a State Government decision to extend free public transport until the end of May ... with half-price fares to follow for the rest of the year.

The council says it wrote to Victoria’s Transport Minister ... calling for longer fare relief ... more frequent and better connected bus services ... and safer cycling links.

It argues communities like Brimbank are hit hardest when fuel prices rise ... because public transport options are limited and many people have no choice but to drive.

Mayor ... Councillor Virginia Tachos ... says households are doing it tough ... and the council wants residents’ voices heard as cost-of-living pressures grow.

Whittlesea City Council has named its replacement for departing CEO Craig Lloyd.. at least for the time being.

The Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Environment, Debbie Wood, will take up the Acting CEO position from the 21st of next month.

Ms Wood has been part of the council’s executive team since 2020, and previously worked at Greater Bendigo, Casey and Hobart City Councils.

Mr Lloyd is taking on the CEO role at the City of Joondalup in Perth from late May, and Whittlesea has commenced the process of finding his permanent replacement.

The City of Casey has secured new funding to help protect one of Melbourne’s most threatened marsupials ... the Southern Brown Bandicoot.

The council has received 4.46 million dollars from the Victorian Government to build a 1.5 kilometre wildlife corridor ... linking key habitat from the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne towards Browns Road and the Botanic Ridge Estate.

Casey will add more than 418 thousand dollars ... and will lead revegetation works ... planting about 200 thousand indigenous plants over three years from autumn 2027.

Victorian Briefs

The City of Port Phillip is proposing a Local Law amendment to introduce a time limit on how long caravans, boats and trailers can be parked on Council land and roads.

After more than 70% of the community supported the change in late 2025, the proposal has moved to the next stage and would limit these vehicles to 14 days in any 60-day period.

Nominations are open for the second year of the MAVlab Innovation Awards, showcasing and strengthening innovation across the sector.

There are 13 categories, with submissions closing on the 24th June.

In Baw Baw, the community is being urged to come together next month ... for a candlelight vigil against family violence.

The vigil will be held on May sixth ... from six p-m ... at the West Gippsland Arts Centre.

The building will be lit purple ... as part of Domestic Violence Prevention Month.

NSW Report

Regional mayors in New South Wales say a national fuel crunch is turning into a local budget emergency ... and households could end up paying, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg ... chair of Regional Cities NSW ... and Albury Mayor Kevin Mack ... say soaring fuel costs are driving up everything councils do ... from road repairs to water treatment and emergency response.

In Albury ... Cr Mack says fleet costs have tripled ... leaving a twenty million dollar hole ... and a special rate rise of up to forty per cent is now being floated.

The group wants the state budget to fund transport subsidies ... roads ... and housing.

Maitland City Council is bracing for a massive budget hit, with rising diesel prices potentially adding one-hundred-thousand dollars a month to its operating costs.

As reported by the Newcastle Herald, the figure was revealed during a heated council meeting where a push to rapidly transition the city’s fleet to electric vehicles was rejected.

While supporters argued the move would protect the council from global fuel shortages, opponents labeled the plan a costly chase for 'net-zero goals' that would burden ratepayers.

Ultimately, councillors voted to stick with their current strategy, opting to reduce fuel reliance only where it is deemed 'financially prudent.

Byron Shire has a new face in the council chambers. Bangalow local Peter Doherty has been officially elected to the Byron Shire Council following a countback by the NSW Electoral Commission.

Doherty fills the vacancy left by former Councillor Asren Pugh, who resigned in March. Mayor Sarah Ndiaye welcomed the news, stating that Doherty’s previous experience as a regular in the public gallery will serve him well.

Doherty is expected to take his oath of office ahead of his first official meeting next Thursday, April 30th.

Manly’s historic Town Hall may soon have a new lease on life as a cultural centerpiece.

Northern Beaches Council has resolved to investigate a new path forward for the 87-year-old landmark after a feasibility study found that a Council-run performance space would be too costly.

Instead, the Council is now exploring an Expression of Interest process to attract private sector partners.

The goal is to transform the building into a vibrant entertainment and performance hub without the financial risk to the community. A detailed report on how to engage private investors is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

In Sydney’s east ... Randwick Council is proposing tougher rules for shared e-bikes ... after a surge in use and a spike in complaints about bikes blocking footpaths and driveways.

Its plan would create mandatory parking areas and “no-go” zones ... starting at Coogee Beach, Randwick Junction and Maroubra Beach.

Council says e-bike trips have more than tripled in two years ... from about 190 thousand in 2024 to more than 628 thousand in 2025.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Waverley Council is calling for more power and money to deal with a rapid increase in the number of shared e-bikes.

Councillors have voted to lodge a submission to a draft Transport for NSW policy... and to spend about 20 thousand dollars on more dedicated parking bays.

Bega Valley Council is urging the New South Wales Government to rethink proposed changes to Crown land management.

Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick says the proposals would shift costs and legal risk to councils ... including new liabilities and compliance duties ... without extra funding.

He warns regional councils already under pressure could face retrospective financial and legal exposure ... including around native title.

The state says it has deferred consideration of the bill ... to allow more engagement with stakeholders.

North Sydney Council is urging residents to think about car sharing ... as parking gets tighter and household costs rise.

The council says one shared car can replace several privately owned vehicles ... freeing up kerbside space for locals and customers.

Under its car share policy ... new dedicated bays are assessed case by case ... with consultation for nearby homes and businesses.

Council argues the payoff is fewer cars circling for a park ... less congestion ... and fewer emissions, and it’s pitching car share as a practical middle ground.

NSW Briefs:

The City of Parramatta is trialling monthly night markets at Boronia Park for one year, with the first one set for tonight.

Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter says the markets are meant to build local pride ... and give small businesses a boost ... as the suburb grows.

Wagga Wagga is betting on food and farm experiences ... to bring in new visitors ... and new income for local businesses.

The city council has launched “Second Season” ... a two-year program to help agritourism and hospitality operators develop visitor experiences ... with training and one-on-one mentoring.

Clarence Valley Council has been recognised on the national stage for its innovative approach to wildlife conservation.

The council took home a Granicus Digital Government Award for its 'Koalas in the Clarence' program. The initiative uses a live, interactive map that allows residents to become citizen scientists by reporting koala sightings in real-time.

Queensland Report

In Mackay ... a council crackdown on homelessness and anti-social behaviour along the riverfront has cost more than 200-thousand dollars, according to the Courier Mail ... and the council is now asking the Queensland Government for help to cover the bill.

The months-long action plan included daily clean-ups ... repairs to vandalised infrastructure ... and security upgrades ... alongside police and state support services.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the approach combined outreach and enforcement ... and that the number of people regularly sleeping rough along the riverfront has fallen from about 34 to around 13.

Fraser Coast councillor Lachlan Cosgrove has been appointed Deputy Mayor ... chosen by colleagues at this week’s council meeting to replace Sara Diana Faraj, who served for the past year in the role.

Cr Cosgrove was first elected in 2024.

Meanwhile, the council is setting out a long-term plan for how the region will manage cemeteries and memorial services as the population grows.

It has voted to begin a Community Facilities Strategy ... looking at everything from extending the life of existing cemeteries ... to identifying future sites.

Spokesperson Councillor Michelle Govers said the aim is a respectful, accessible and financially sustainable approach for families ... while giving people more choice.

On the Cassowary Coast ... council is drafting its first Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Plan ... a roadmap for how public spaces, events and services can work better for people with disability.

The council says the region has a higher than average disability population ... and community feedback has flagged inclusion as an area that needs attention.

It has hired Inclusive Consulting to help run workshops and a survey ... so residents, carers and support workers can shape the priorities.

Tasmania

The City of Launceston has confirmed it has no plans to scrap e-scooters, despite a move this week by Hobart City Council to ban the devices over safety and legal concerns.

As reported by The Mercury, Launceston officials say they will continue to support the program, which has seen more than 227,000 trips since its launch. While Hobart is looking to pivot toward e-bike programs, Launceston says its commercial partnerships with Beam and Neuron remain permanent.

A council spokesperson says while they continue to monitor rider behaviour and compliance, the scooters provide a popular transport option with no direct cost to local ratepayers.

Circular Head Council is taking a stand on regional isolation, armed with new data showing a desperate need for public transport.

As reported by The Advocate, a recent community survey revealed that while most residents want to use public services, the options simply don't exist.

General Manager Paul Gardner says the lack of transport is creating 'inequity' for the rural community, making simple trips for work or medical care a major challenge.

Mayor Gerard Blizzard says the council is now using these facts to lobby state and federal governments for a reliable local bus service or regional links to Burnie and Wynyard.

South Australia

In Adelaide’s south ... Onkaparinga Council is facing fresh warnings about its finances, according to Adelaide Now ... as it releases a draft 2026-27 budget.

Councillor Marion Themeliotis says a headline surplus of about 39-thousand dollars ... masks an underlying operating deficit of more than 367-thousand ... once money for renewing assets is stripped out.

The council says its accounting follows local government standards ... but admits the structural picture can be hard to see.

The budget includes a proposed 3-point-3 per cent rate rise ... and forecasts borrowings rising to 129 million dollars by mid-2027. Public consultation is open until May ten.

Kangaroo Island’s aviation capabilities have reached new heights following the successful landing of a premium Embraer Legacy 600 charter jet at the local airport.

The arrival of the thirty-million-dollar aircraft marks a significant milestone for the region’s tourism industry, proving the island can now accommodate large-scale, high-end private charters. Mayor Michael Pengilly says the successful landing is a testament to the recent multi-million-dollar airport upgrades.

The council expects this boost in accessibility to attract more international visitors and corporate groups, further strengthening the island’s position as a premier global destination.

Western Australia

The City of South Perth has extended the appointment of its Acting CEO Anita Amprimo, while its substantive CEO Liz Ledger remains on personal leave.

The minutes of a confidential session last week have been released, showing that Ms Amprimo appointment has been extended for the duration of the CEO’s absence, up to 12 months, or until alternative arrangements are made by the Council.

Global Report

UK:

The UK Local Government Association is warning that new national planning reforms risk undermining local democracy.

The government’s proposed changes, released as part of the Planning and Infrastructure Act, aim to speed up housebuilding by introducing mandatory delegation of decisions and capping the size of planning committees.

However, the LGA argues that these 'top-down' rules could create administrative bottlenecks and bypass community voices.

LGA Vice Chair Carl Cashman says councils must retain the power to make arrangements that suit their specific local needs. The association is urging the government to work more closely with planning teams to ensure efficiency doesn't come at the cost of local oversight

There is mounting concern in Cornwall over plans to bring back a weedkiller the local council stopped using a decade ago.

Cornwall Council wants to reintroduce glyphosate from next month, according to BBC News ... but in a diluted, targeted way.

But residents and councillors are raising questions about health and environmental impacts ... and they say towns and villages haven’t been given enough time to decide whether to opt out.

CANADA:

A Toronto councillor is asking taxpayers to foot the bill for his legal defense after being found in violation of the city’s Code of Conduct.

The Integrity Commissioner recently ruled that Councillor Chris Moise acted in a 'derogatory manner' during a heated exchange with a constituent last year.

While the Commissioner did not recommend a formal penalty, Moise has now submitted a request for the city to reimburse his legal fees incurred during the investigation.

Moise has maintained he was responding to persistent provocation and has expressed no regrets over the incident. CTV News reported that City Council is expected to weigh in on the reimbursement request at an upcoming meeting.

**Ottawa’**s Mayor is pushing back against the idea of the municipal government entering the grocery business.

As reported by CTV News, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says city-owned grocery stores are 'not a good idea,' arguing the public sector shouldn't compete with private retailers. The comments follow a proposal from Councillor Marty Carr to explore a municipal food strategy to tackle food insecurity.

While Council has agreed to develop a food strategy, they ultimately voted to remove the option of city-run stores from the study. Mayor Sutcliffe maintains that while the food crisis is a priority, the city's role should be supporting existing agencies rather than managing supermarket aisles.

NZ:

The Local Government Minister is demanding answers from the Kaipara District Council after it voted to withdraw from a proposed Northland-wide local government overhaul.

The reform, which had the initial support of all four Northland councils, aimed to streamline services across the region. However, RNZ reports that Kaipara councillors have now baulked at the plan, citing concerns over a loss of local voice and decision-making power.

Minister Simon Watts says he’s disappointed by the sudden change of heart and has requested an urgent briefing to understand the council’s pivot away from the regional collaboration.

SOUTH AMERICA:

To South America, and in Guyana ... Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore says the national government is trying to take control of the capital ... without holding local elections.

The Mayor said the People’s Progressive Party wants to “rescue” the city ... while starving City Hall of money and resources.

He has pointed to garbage trucks being delivered to other councils ... while Georgetown gets none; and says the city’s annual grant is tied to conditions ... as ministers try to dictate what the council can do.

The city council says it will fight plans in court ... including over control of streets and city facilities, according to News Source GY dot com.

USA:

They say the first few weeks at a new job are always the hardest, but the new City Administrator of a small Texas city really got the 'emergency' treatment.

According to the Star-Telegram, just five weeks into the job, Joe Ashton found himself the subject of a 911 call placed by the Haslet City’s Mayor Gary Hulsey.

The crime? A disagreement over who gets to set the City Council agenda. When Ashton politely refused to leave the room, the Mayor called in the Sheriff to settle the score.

The responding deputy noted there was no actual fight—just a very 'unorthodox' way of handling an office argument.

The Sheriff eventually ruled the Mayor didn't have the authority to kick Ashton out. It seems in Haslet, the only thing on the agenda now is a bit of awkward small talk at the water cooler.