Resignation bombshell, boycotts and by-elections - #581

Coming up today:

• Marsh wins Nepean, triggering a by-election on the Mornington Peninsula
• Wyndham’s leadership crisis deepens, with councillor boycotts, and now a resignation
• A troubled Sydney pool development is heading to court
• Tempers flare in North Queensland, as the local government minister resists calls to step in
• A funding gap leaving country towns high and dry
• Cessnock announces its new General Manager
• A Tasmanian deputy mayor in the hunt for a seat in state Parliament

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

Plus the Roundup flashback machine takes us back to this week in 2021.

Transcript

Today’s Top Three

The Liberal Party has comfortably held the state seat of Nepean, with Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh claiming victory in Saturday’s by-election.

Marsh defeated independent Tracee Hutchison with over sixty-three per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote, despite a significant primary surge from One Nation.

The win means Marsh must now resign his seat on the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, triggering a local by-election for the Briars Ward in the coming months - and of course, a new election for the office of Mayor.

According to governance expert Rhys Thomas, if Mr Marsh resigns his councillor position by the 8th May, the by-election to fill his ward seat will be held on 1st August.

But if waits until after that date, the by-election take place on 3rd October.

North Sydney Council is heading to the NSW Supreme Court, launching legal action against architects and builder over the troubled North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment.

The project is now about four years behind schedule and has more than doubled its original budget, with the revised construction contract sum sitting at 93.6 million dollars and total project costs forecast at 122 million.

Council says construction is complete and an occupation certificate has been issued, but hundreds of defects and disputed claims remain — including more than 11 million dollars in variation claims.

According to the North Sydney Sun, the builder Icon says outstanding items needed for practical completion will be finished by mid-May, with the court matter due back for directions on May 22.

Tempers flared at a Tablelands Regional Council meeting last week, as residents vented their fury over a controversial plan to sell off or decommission community assets.

One resident accused the council of "backroom deals" regarding the 92 properties currently under review, while a gallery outburst briefly forced a halt to proceedings.

The Cairns Post reported that despite the outcry, Local Government Minister Ann Leahy has refused to intervene, stating the $800 million portfolio review is a matter for the council.

Mayor Rod Marti says engagement will continue, but with 260 more assets potentially on the chopping block, the community is demanding full transparency.

Victorian Report

Wyndham City Council has been rocked by the immediate resignation on Friday of former Mayor, Dr Jennie Barrera.

In a scathing parting statement, Doctor Barrera described the current environment at the council as "untenable" and "impossible."

She took direct aim at the current leadership, after all councillors have passed a motion of no confidence in the sitting Mayor, who she says has refused multiple requests to step down.

Dr Barrera, a councillor of five-and-a-half years, says she cannot support the message this deadlock sends to the community.

She will continue in her professional role as CEO of the Wyndham Community and Education Centre.

Earlier, Cr Peter Maynard, another former mayor, announced he had emailed the Council CEO Stephen Wall and all councillors advising that he would boycott all briefing sessions chaired by the mayor, and seek separate briefings from officers as needed.

Cr Maynard said he would also carefully consider attendance at in-person public meetings, given the continued refusal by Cr Singh to resign the position of mayor.

This follows a decision by Cr Larry Zhao to boycott last week’s online Council meeting, in protest at Cr Singh returning to the chair just 24 hours after the passing of a no-confidence motion by the Council.

The resignation of Cr Barrera on Friday came within hours of the Victorian Government’s announcement that it will appoint two municipal monitors to Wyndham City Council in a bid to restore community confidence and ensure high standards of governance.

Minister for Local Government Paul Hamer has nominated Jim Gifford and Jo-Anne Mazzeo to the roles. The appointments, which are subject to final administrative processes, will see the monitors remain in place for a nine-month term, running from 11th May.

Jim Gifford is a seasoned local government expert who recently served as a Commissioner on the Whittlesea Commission of Inquiry, while Ms Mazzeo possesses extensive experience specifically regarding councillor conduct matters and governance frameworks.

The monitors will be tasked with a broad remit, focusing on the council’s service delivery, internal culture, staff wellbeing, and decision-making procedures.

Kingston City Council is continuing its advocacy on a proposed 932‑lot redevelopment of the former Kingswood Golf Course, saying it is seriously flawed.

The Council is warning of flood risks, tight rear laneways that may stop Council rubbish trucks, and significant aircraft noise from nearby Moorabbin Airport.

Officers want an independent review of flood modelling and a stronger say over technical designs.

Ararat Rural City Council is urging drivers to slow down and park legally near Ararat West Primary School ... after a child was struck by a vehicle last week.

Council says no stopping zones, bus zones and other restrictions are there to protect kids ... and warns double-parking and blocked sightlines can lead to near misses.

Community Safety Officers and Victoria Police will step up enforcement in coming weeks.

Swan Hill Rural City Council is moving to crack down on residential properties operating as unapproved rooming houses, following community concerns.

Council officers carried out compliance inspections in January after reports from locals, and say several properties have since been brought into line.

Council’s Director of Development and Planning, Michelle Grainger, says resident and community safety is the top priority, with rooming houses required to meet strict safety and regulatory standards.

Following advocacy from the Towong Shire community and council, Victoria’s Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer bushfires will host an online “open mic” session for those residents this Wednesday.

Speaker spots are capped at 20, with a strict three-minute limit per person. Registrations close on Tuesday — or earlier if all places are filled.

NSW Report

Regional leaders are sounding the alarm over a "funding gap" they say is leaving country towns high and dry.

Regional Capitals Australia has welcomed a new Productivity Commission inquiry into water reform, calling it a vital chance to fix a system that "locks out" local projects.

RCA Chair, Councillor Josh Black, says while regional cities are expected to drive the nation’s food, energy, and housing goals, they lack the direct funding needed to upgrade ageing infrastructure.

New data reveals nearly half of Australia’s regional capitals already face annual water shortages, with over seventy-five percent of councils naming infrastructure upgrades as their top priority.

The group is urging the Federal Government to grant local councils direct access to the National Water Grid, warning that without secure supply, regional growth will grind to a halt.

The identity of Cessnock City Council’s new General Manager has been revealed.

Award-winning executive Natalia Cowley has been named as the incoming GM, bringing a heavy-hitting financial background to the role. Ms. Cowley is a Fellow Chartered Accountant known for leading one of the state's largest financial turnarounds at Central Coast Council.

Mayor Dan Watton says her disciplined leadership is exactly what the region needs as it navigates a path toward long-term financial sustainability.

Ms. Cowley, who already calls Cessnock home, officially starts the job on June 29th.

That creates a vacancy at Moree Plains Shire Council, which has announced it will commence a process to replace Ms Cowley in the role very soon.

Central Darling Shire Council has approved a short-term three million dollar line of credit with Westpac to cover expected cash flow shortages in May and June, according to the BackCountry Bulletin.

The council says the problem isn’t structural debt, but timing — with grant-funded projects and road maintenance contracts requiring upfront payments, while reimbursements arrive later.

Pressure has also increased after recent storm damage, with around three million dollars in repair costs paid before funding claims are processed.

The council says the facility will only be used if needed, with interest charged only on amounts drawn, and the balance is expected to be cleared by the end of June.

Federation Council is moving to streamline management of key tourism assets in Urana ... exploring a single contract to run the caravan park, waterfront pavilion and foreshore facilities.

Council says it’s about cutting overheads and improving the visitor experience, with clear performance targets for any operator.

The current contracts will be extended until 30 November while modelling and a tender are prepared.

Orange City Council has launched its ‘We Live Here. We Work Here.’ campaign ... reminding residents Council staff are locals too.

CEO Scott Maunder says most contact is respectful ... but abuse, threats and profanities cross the line, and in extreme cases Council can refuse service.

He says criticism is welcome ... just keep it civil. The first video in the series is now on Council’s Facebook page.

Kiama Council is testing the market for long-term lease or joint‑venture partners for its five Coast Holiday Parks ... after several unsolicited proposals from experienced operators.

Council says it’s not selling the parks, but wants to see if private investment could help improve its long-term finances and support the 2026–27 budget.

An Expression of Interest process will be conducted before a selective tender.

Lismore City Council is starting early work on long‑term waste planning ... looking at whether Blakebrook Quarry could suit a future regional landfill.

Council says the current landfill at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre may hit capacity in seven to ten years ... and approvals for any new facility can take a decade or more.

Mayor Steve Kreig says no decision has been made ... and locals can follow updates at lismore dot nsw dot gov dot au slash newlandfill.

String-and-corkboard conspiracies, AI-generated attacks, and claims of "brutal, crass politics."

It’s all exposed in a new Sydney Morning Herald investigation into Liverpool City Council, which it says ****is teetering on the edge of administration as a bitter feud between Mayor Ned Mannoun and his rivals reaches a breaking point.

From allegations of doxxing to a deputy mayor driven to resignation by a "psychological mess," the infighting has left the region's leadership in shambles.

As a state inquiry looms, the Herald asks if it is too late to stop the rot.

NSW Briefs:

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will get a $7 million Low Cost Loans Initiative boost ... to help build the $152 million Cowarra Water Treatment Plant.

The State Significant Infrastructure project is designed to support more than 5,300 new homes ... by delivering a reliable filtered drinking water supply as the region grows.

Newcastle City Council has signed off on a trial of CCTV cameras along Beaumont Street in Hamilton ... aiming to curb violent and anti-social behaviour in the busy precinct.

Councillors backed a trial of up to three years, with cameras installed at defined locations, conditional on the NSW Government covering less than half the cost.

Wollongong City Council says while it backs a statewide framework for shared e-bikes ... it wants proper funding and the power to set local rules.

Council’s submission to Transport for NSW warns compliance and safety enforcement could fall on councils ... without enough revenue to do it well.

Queensland Report

Lockyer Valley Regional Council is urging locals to switch to the free Bureau of Meteorology Weather app ... as it ends its paid Early Warning Network alerts on 31 July.

The Council says the BOM app offers broader coverage, warning notifications for up to three locations, plus forecasts and radar — including offline access.

Existing subscribers have been notified, and Council says critical updates will still be available via radio and its Disaster Dashboard.

Southern Downs and Warwick communities are mourning the loss of former mayor Ron Bellingham ... a long-time local business and community leader.

Mr Bellingham was mayor of the former Warwick Shire Council for eight years, and became the first mayor of the newly amalgamated Southern Downs Regional Council in 2008.

Warwick Today and Stanthorpe Today noted he is being remembered for his work with Warwick Tourism and Events and local community groups.

Tasmania

In the Tasmanian Legislative Council elections, independent candidate Clare Glade-Wright is locked in a "too close to call" battle for the southern seat of Huon.

Primary vote counting shows the Kingborough Deputy Mayor trailing incumbent independent Dean Harriss by less than three percent. Analyst Kevin Bonham told ABC News that Mr. Harriss’s lead may not be enough to hold off Cr Glade-Wright once preferences are distributed later this week.

Cr Glade-Wright says the strong showing for independents proves voters are weary of major party politics. Final results are expected to take several days as postal votes arrive.

Kingborough Council is investigating a data breach after a property dataset was briefly made public online ... due to a technical configuration issue.

Council says the exposed information was limited to property addresses and owner or occupier names ... with no financial details, ID documents, dates of birth or contact details.

Access has been removed and a forensic review is under way.

Glenorchy City Council has formally noted the State’s Greater Hobart Rapid Bus Network business case ... and says it will keep working with government as the detailed plan is developed.

Mayor Sue Hickey says the project could make it easier for locals to get to Hobart for jobs and appointments ... while taking cars off the road.

The Council wants early clarity on station locations and corridor design ... and says any planning changes and access upgrades must be properly funded.

Ulverstone got a playful new nickname for the week ... with Central Coast Council dubbing the town “UlversTones+I” ahead of Tones and I’s show at the Sound Shell on the weekend.

The Mayor Cheryl Fuller says it was a fun thank you to locals who backed a grassroots campaign to bring the artist to town ... in what was expected to be one of the largest events to be held on the Central Coast.

King Island Council is trialling a different way to handle kerbside waste ... baling and wrapping it at the Charles Street site before trucking it to Perenna Landfill.

The Council says the move should cut wind‑blown litter and extend landfill space ... but it’s also warning against metals, e‑waste, wires and green waste in household bins.

Trucks will get cameras, bins may be left behind, and fines may apply.

South Australia

Roxby Downs holds the title for South Australia’s most expensive place to live, and the bill is about to get even steeper, according to Adelaide Now.

New data reveals residential rates in the mining town were 44 percent higher than the state average last year, with another four-point-two percent hike expected this July. For an average home, that’s an extra hundred dollars a year.

Administrator Roy Blight says the town’s remote location and static population make high costs unavoidable to maintain 200-million dollars in local infrastructure. Despite the squeeze, long-term locals say the community spirit is worth the price tag.

The Messenger reported that Gawler’s only cinema says it could shut its doors unless annual Council rates are reduced ... the church-run Murray Street venue is now about $26,000 in arrears.

Co-owner Jodie Habermehl says rates have jumped from around $12,000 a year to more than $17,000, leaving the cinema running at a loss.

Gawler Council CEO Chris Cowley says the rebate request didn’t meet policy criteria.

Western Australia

The Shire of Carnarvon is preparing for a new chapter following the formal resignation of Shire President Eddie Smith.

After nearly twenty years of service, including a seven-year stint as President, Mr. Smith stepped down this past Friday. His tenure was marked by major local milestones, including the restoration of the One Mile Jetty and the development of the town’s artificial reef.

Deputy Burke Maslen will serve as Acting President until an extraordinary election is held to fill the vacancy. Further details on the upcoming vote will come from the Electoral Commission soon.

The owner of a controversial 200-metre Colorbond fence in Cockburn is taking the City of Cockburn to the State Administrative Tribunal ... that’s after the Council refused retrospective approval, saying the solid metal fence doesn’t meet rural fencing expectations.

The owner says they followed planning advice and offered design changes, but now a full hearing could cost about $30,000.

The fence was built over snake concerns and to keep pets in, according to the west dot com au.

The City of Bayswater has switched off free public Wi-Fi in the aquatic area at Bayswater Waves in Embleton ... in the interests of about safer, distraction-free supervision.

PerthNow reported that Council officers told a meeting the change supports the Watch Around Water programme, reminding families that lifeguards can’t replace parents’ attention.

Under the guidelines, children under five must be kept within arm’s reach ... and under-10s must stay in clear line of sight.

The City of South Perth has paid tribute to Bill Grayden AM, Western Australia’s longest-serving MP and a decorated World War Two veteran, who served in Syria, the Middle East and Papua New Guinea.

Grayden represented South Perth and had a political career spanning federal and state parliaments from 1946 to 1993.

The city will fly flags at half-mast on the day of his funeral.

Global Report

UK:

Highland Council says it’s accepted a “serious offer” for an 18th-century marble bust of Highland landowner Sir John Gordon — valued by auctioneers at around three-point-one million pounds.

The council says the buyer has five months to raise the money, but can’t be named due to a confidentiality agreement.

A local museum in Invergordon has told the BBC it’s behind the bid, with the proceeds intended to benefit the town’s community fund.

Also from BBC News, Shropshire Council staff and councillors have faced abuse and threats linked to the removal of unauthorised Union flags from lampposts and street furniture.

The council says the flags pose safety risks, can damage infrastructure, and cost residents money to take down — with past removals costing around thirteen thousand pounds.

Officials insist they’re not banning patriotism, but they do oppose attaching items to public street lighting without permission.

Police are being urged to act where harassment crosses into criminal offences.

USA:

New York City lawmakers are looking to keep robotic policing strictly non-lethal with the introduction of the "Asimov Act."

Named after the famed sci-fi author, the bill would legally ban the NYPD from arming its robot fleet with weapons or explosives.

While the department says its robots are currently unarmed, supporters want the ban locked into city law to prevent future escalations. USA Today dot com has more on that story.

It also has news on how Los Angeles city leaders are exploring a proposal to grant noncitizens the right to vote in municipal elections.

The motion, introduced by Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, would open city-level races—including Mayor and City Council—to all residents regardless of citizenship status.

It has opened up a debate on whether voting should remain a privilege reserved for citizens.

If approved, the measure could appear on the November ballot.

CANADA:

Windsor residents can no longer hire Bird e-scooters and e-bikes ... with the City ending its five-year pilot.

The programme started on the riverfront, then expanded across parks and road reserves.

A report to Council says there were more than 471,000 rides, with four medical incidents and 28 non-medical incidents.

City staff say talks are continuing with Bird Canada about bringing the service back.

Halifax City Council has shelved plans to require new housing developments to include affordable or below-market homes ... after a report found it could make projects unviable and push up rents.

Councillor Shawn Cleary says rising land, labour and material costs leave little room to mandate discounted units.

The Affordable Housing Association says governments should instead back more not-for-profit builds. Council may revisit the idea later, according to CTV News.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim says losing the Whitecaps is "not an option," and is calling on the B.C. government to help keep the MLS franchise in the city.

The plea follows reports that the league is exploring a relocation to Las Vegas due to stadium profit challenges at BC Place.

Vancouver City News reports that Mayor Sim is pushing for a "bridge deal" with the province to buy time for a potential new stadium at Hastings Park.

However, the province notes it already allows the team to play at BC Place for free and has no interest in buying the club.

SOUTH KOREA:

South Korean local councils are under fire for a string of bizarre legislative proposals labeled a waste of taxpayer money, according to Chosun Daily.

From mandatory earthworm protection to official surveys on single-use items, critics say the ideas are impractical and distracting.

The most controversial is a plan to designate President Yoon Suk Yeol’s birthplace as a historical site—a move that opponents have dismissed as purely political.