Latest Episodes

Skills shortage, debate rejections, feral pigs and corellas - #557

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:Concerns over council finances persist, as the Victorian government’s Big Build is blamed for a growing sector skills shortageA council closes the book on a misconduct in...

March 02, 2026 • Season 6 • Episode 557 • 30:21

Merger smackdown, mayors for Parliament, and Australia Day differences - #556

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:Inner Melbourne mayors float a potential merger, and get a smackdown from the PremierA metro Council wants to raise rates by 5 per cent, and a rural council sounds the al...

February 27, 2026 • Season 6 • Episode 556 • 28:58

Suspended mayor, failed merger plan, and market failure - ft. Robert Hicks #555

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:The mayor of one of Victoria’s largest councils suspended for one monthWangaratta Council appoints its new CEOA proposal to merge two NSW councils fails to get o...

February 25, 2026 • Season 6 • Episode 555 • 39:36

Improper tax grab, transparency questions, and a test of municipal agility - #554

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:Wyndham Council demands refund over an "improper land tax grab"Indigo Shire shuts down misinformation about a historic carriage collectionTransparency questions ...

February 23, 2026 • Season 6 • Episode 554 • 26:25

GP blow, costly blunder, and 4 day week reversal - #533

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:Excitement turns to disappointment as Bass Coast loses the MotoGP to South AustraliaA costly mistake for a rural Victorian councilMornington Peninsula’s Mayor co...

February 20, 2026 • Season 6 • Episode 553 • 26:52

Fan Mail

Hi Chris, can you please report on the City of Yarra narrowing their bike lanes. Mayor Jolly was extremely disrespectful and racist to members of the public. Would appreciate it if you could have a look at this. Here are some time stamps since it was a long meeting. 39 minute mark: community submissions begin. 2 hour and 52 min mark: Cr Wade moves the officer recommendation to keep the lanes as they are, and complete permanent designs including trees, etc. Cr Crossland and McKenzie vote with Cr Wade. 3 hour mark: the vibe shifts, the mood is aggressive and hostile comments.

Australia

Chris Eddy

Host