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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A victory for community activism in Hepburn Shire
• A new award program honouring women in local government
• A CEO recruitment process comes under investigation
• A council fined over a sewage discharge
• Workers protest possible redundancies at Liverpool City Council
• The date is set for Townsville’s mayoral by-election
• Two South Australian councils appoint new CEOs
• and election controversies in Western Australia

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

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Perceptions of corruption run high in Victorian local government
• New cat confinement laws come into effect in Melbourne
• NSW Council rate pegs revealed for next year
• Shoalhaven’s controversial CEO appointment
• A milestone for a local government employment program
• Townsville Council chooses postal voting for its mayoral by-election
• And England’s councillors to be allowed back into the sector’s pension scheme

Also today, Cr Moira Berry, Chair of Peri Urban Councils Victoria is here with a plea to state and federal governments for support for housing development in some of the state’s rapidly growing but potentially overlooked council areas.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• More councils take issue with funding for beach lifeguard services
• Townsville’s controversial mayor resigns, but the long running saga is not over
• Calls for publication of Council FOI requests
• A council’s $2M parking machine overhaul
• A Sydney area council CEO reportedly negotiating a contract exit
• A major financial restructure for a Queensland council
• A string of supplementary election results from South Australia
• A costly by-election in WA after a surprise resignation
• and controversy over CEO recruitment at a NZ council

and much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Baw Baw Shire appoints a new CEO
• A surprise councillor resignation on the Surf Coast
• Operation Sandon finally reaches a courtroom
• CEO appointment news from NSW
• A controversial flouride decision in Queensland
• A South Australian mayor resigns after months of turmoil
• A Tasmanian councillor suspended for code of conduct breaches
• and tensions flare in Perth’s Lord Mayoral contest
• Plus European cities under pressure from overtourism, and provincial intervention raises concerns in Canada.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Merri-bek Council CEO Cathy Henderson resigns to head up WorkSafe Victoria
• Gates demolished as Yarra’s mayor declares a long running dispute over
• Sydney Council urging stronger state action on illegal vapes
• Residents protest a high-rise development plan
• A breakthrough in a Queensland council’s industrial dispute, as another commences a surprise restructure
• Deputy mayor appointments in NSW, and by-election results and a high profile resignation in Tasmania

Plus, Regional Capitals Australia Acting Chair Kevin Mack on the policy changes needed to unlock the potential of regional capitals across the country.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Suspended - a Surf Coast councillor to sit on the sidelines for one month
• A win at VCAT for Wyndham City Council
• Geelong to show its colours in AFL Grand Final week
• A remote NSW community votes for its first new Council in more than a decade
• The home of Tamworth’s famed Golden Guitar under review
• New deputy mayors elected across NSW
• The latest from Townsville’s ongoing mayoral drama
• Hobart Council reviewing its position on an AFL stadium

plus more local government news from around Australia and beyond.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A political storm engulfs Melton Council
• Wallabies saved from euthanasia on the Mornington Peninsula
• Mayors unite over deteriorating road conditions
• Sweeping planning changes to accelerate housing development in NSW
• Townsville’s suspended mayor asked to show why he shouldn’t be sacked
• A boundary change recommendation rejected by SA’s local government minister
• and tensions flare at a Tasmanian council meeting

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Councillor numbers to be slashed under a new Tasmanian Government proposal for local government
• Victorian councils concerned about disaster funding delays, while NSW councils deal with earthquakes and a dead whale
• Port Phillip steps up advocacy on extended Grand Prix timelines
• A reprimand for Townsville’s suspended mayor
• A deputy mayor found in breach of conflict of interest rules
• A Council CEO resigns,
• and a WA Council’s future hangs in the balance

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Case dismissed - the latest twist in the Greater Dandenong Slug Gate saga
• Urgent briefing for Yarra Council on a VCAT e-scooter challenge
• A life or death decision looming for kangaroos and wallabies at Mornington Peninsula Shire
• Council financial management concerns laid bare in a new Auditor General report
• Pet ownership limits spark backlash for a NSW council
• Vandalism and asbestos dumping lead to council facility closures
• Townsville’s suspended mayor found in breach of the code of conduct
• and the WA premier flags more local government election reforms ahead

plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Plans for new high density precincts unveiled in Melbourne
• Liverpool Councillors move to have the city’s CEO suspended
• A mayor distances her council from expected job losses
• From Gore to Walcha - a trans-Tasman leadership transition
• The spectre of Operation Sandon hanging over Casey City Council
• A budget blow for the City of Nedlands
• and claims of clickbait and chaos at a Reform UK led council

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• The McCrae Landslide Board of Inquiry report has been submitted to government - what are the likely implications for the local government sector?
• Moorabool continues to challenge the EPA over transparency concerns
• CEO level appointments in Victoria and NSW, and a contract extension in Queensland
• A controversial shark net trial up in the air in NSW, but the affected councils want it to proceed
• Industrial action looms for another Queensland council
• Nominations are in for WA council elections
• and the UK has a new local government minister

Plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Two big city Mayors call for the reinstatement of a missing transport link
• An acting mayor appointed as a country mayor deals with health challenges
• Another council drops a Christian prayer from its meetings
• A bitter housing dispute between a council and the state government in Sydney’s east
• Cessnock the latest council to explore a special rate variation
• A Council CEO’s interstate travel under scrutiny
• A new Lord Mayor for Darwin
• and arrests over an alleged housing fraud at a London council

Plus Cr Adam Worling from the City of Sydney joins Chris for Roundup Extra, and more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Charges laid after seven years of Operation Sandon
• Mayors facing down discrimination and hateful narratives
• A world first anti-semitism strategy launched
• Shoalhaven Council rejects claims of a toxic culture
• A council under pressure to change its community vision
• A general manager appointment, and another councillor resignation
• NZ Police accused of inaction over online death threats against councillors, and
• The growing resistance movement against data centres across the US

plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Taking a stand against abuse towards frontline council workers and elected representatives
• Councils push back on electricity reforms, lifeguard funding and planning call-ins
• Rural NSW councils look to the future after devastating economic blows
• A council’s planned tribute to rock band AC/DC
• Striking staff to be locked out from today in Townsville
• and commissioners appointed and the remaining councillors removed from the troubled Town of Port Hedland Council

plus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:

• Another council raises concerns about a surprise renewable energy zone proposal
• An urgent call for animal foster carers in Gippsland
• Sweeping changes announced for council meetings in NSW
• A censured Parramatta councillor’s court win
• A Council GM un-resigns and gets a new five year deal
• Councils rejecting
• phone tower proposals
• The toll mounts from a stubborn algal bloom in South Australia
• and the city looking to limit resident’s smartphone use

Plus more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Alarm over a disturbing increase in dog attacks in East Gippsland
• The growth of data centres raises water concerns in Hume
• An admission that a controversial roundabout should never have been built
• Funding wins for five regional NSW Councils
• Compensation calls for sacked Ipswich councillors rejected
• Industrial action launched against a Tasmanian council
• A long serving South Australian council CEO to step down
• A Port Hedland councillor pushing back against government intervention
• And jail for UK worker convicted of fraud against multiple councils

Plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Alpine Shire Council shuts down as a police manhunt continues
• A metro mayor facing charges stands aside
• Many Melbourne councils predicted to fall short of government housing targets
• Sydney councils at odds with the state government over planning proposals
• Government intervention looms for two WA councils
• CEO appointments and resignations in Victoria and New South Wales
• Concerns over leaked details of a CEO’s employment conditions
• Counting continues in key NT mayoral races

and more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Monitors announced for Kingston
• Moorabool’s toxic waste fight with the EPA continues
• A waste-to-energy surprise in Hume
• A former mayor attempts a by-election comeback
• A NSW councillor fails to block a second suspension
• NT mayoral election counts on a knife-edge
• Surprising recommendations for a boundary change in SA
• and trio of Tasmanian councillors hit back at hurtful online claims

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

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Levy discontent grows as rates notices go out
• A council’s major restructure plan announced
• Casey Council backtracks on controversial local laws
• Another potential NSW council demerger moves a step closer
• Sweeping reforms announced for council elections in South Australia
• An historic appointment for Western Australian local government
• plus executive appointments, resignations and election results from across the country

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

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this episode, we dive into the pressing issue of burnout and overwhelm within local government.

Join us as we explore insights from Zoe Dattner, CEO of the Dattner Group, who shares stories and findings from a recent event focused on the relentless drive to do more with less.

Discover the risks of this growing pressure, the impact on strategic goals, and practical tools like the "three lens filter" to help navigate these challenges.

Find out how local government leaders are addressing these issues and fostering a healthier work environment.

Access free resources on this topic from the Dattner Group here.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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Another insightful episode in the Well Travelled Executive Series, featuring Michael Tudball, a seasoned leader in local government.

From his beginnings in audit and risk to becoming a council CEO, Michael shares his unique journey through various councils across Victoria.

Discover his experiences as a mayor, his passion for community development, and his strategic roles in economic growth and infrastructure.

Michael's story is a testament to dedication and leadership in shaping vibrant communities, and one of challenges and triumphs in the public sector.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this special episode of the Local Government News Roundup, Chris Eddy explores how generative AI is beginning to transform councils in Victoria. 

This episode features real-world stories of councils trialling AI chatbots, document search tools, and AI agents, as well as bold discussions about what might come next – from robot building inspectors to AI-supported service delivery.

Guests include James Plozza from Warrnambool City Council, Broderick McIntyre from Greater Bendigo Council, Justine Resta from ALGIM Australia, Fergal Coleman and Sarah Jayne Webb from Symphony3, and consultant Lisa Bennetto. Together, they share candid reflections on risk, reward, collaboration, and why the biggest risk might be doing nothing at all. 

The episode was recorded with the support of Symphony3 - helping local governments deliver simple, connect customer experiences - and the AWS Builders Studio in Melbourne.

Symphony3 has made a range of free AI resources available for local government - you can find them here. 

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this episode of the Well Traveled Executive Series, Chris Eddy sits down with Rebecca McKenzie, the outgoing CEO of Glen Eira City Council, to explore her public service journey from the UK to Australia.

Rebecca shares her insights on the evolving landscape of leadership, the importance of diversity in governance, and the highlights and challenges of her career to date.

Discover how her HR background shaped her approach to leadership and why fostering diversity is crucial for thriving communities.

An inspiring conversation about the future of local government and the role of authentic leadership in driving change.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A final warning over a controversial sea wall in Frankston
• Two rural councils challenge the Victorian Government over drought funding inequities
• Maribyrnong Council the latest to consider funding private security measures
• More revelations from the Liverpool Council public inquiry
• The cost to ratepayers of a failed council merger revealed
• A major sporting infrastructure setback in Redland
• A formal caution for a Tasmanian councillor
• Fresh voter fraud concerns in Adelaide

plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.

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On your Monday morning edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A mayor’s misconduct complaint against a councillor dismissed
• Whitehorse council’s multi-million dollar fight with SRL
• Buloke formalises its frustration with the state government
• A wave of demerger optimism in NSW
• Rising Tide stands firm on protest plans in Newcastle
• Sunshine Coast Council bypassed over festival development
• A Council’s large rate increase prompts a call for legislative change
• And a Tasmanian mayor facing a no-confidence motion

plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

Support the show

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 - simple, connected customer experiences.

Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.