Intervention granted, a dysfunctional culture laid bare, and a tax-fighting bin chicken

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A win for a metro mayor in court
• A councillor resignation to trigger another by-election
• A culture of distrust and fear laid bare at Hobsons Bay
• All systems go in Frankston for a new friendship agreement 
• Resignations from two NSW council chiefs
• A groundbreaking report for the future of flood management in NSW
• A bin chicken enlisted to fight Queensland’s unpopular bin tax
• Calls for a controversial Tasmanian councillor to resign
• Plus pigeon eradication, a councillor pay rise, and resignation leaves an 18 year old in charge of a council.
• Also today on Roundup Extra, a concerning digital divide in how Australians interact with their local councils. We delve into a major new report with surprising findings.

Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com

On Tuesday, 22 July the VLGA and LGIU will host the next in its series of Global Executive Live Panels for 2025.

This webinar will explore the topic of Building the Local Economy and will be held online from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Panellists include:

• Dr Angela Jackson, Commissioner (Social Policy), Australian Productivity Commission
• David Marlow, Chief Executive, Third Life Economics 
• Merryn Tinkler, Manager Economy & Culture, Mount

Chapters

• 1:54 Victorian Report
• 9:11 NSW Report
• 15:30 QLD Report
• 18:58 TAS/SA/WA Report
• 26:45 Interview: Dr Joe Sweeney, IBRS

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

Stonnington Mayor Melina Sehr has been granted a two-year personal safety intervention order against Council Watch president Dean Hurlston.

The Age reported that Melbourne Magistrates Court ruled Mr Hurlston's social media posts and messages crossed the line from legitimate political commentary into targeted harassment.

Magistrate Michelle Hodgson found that "the gendered and personal undertones" of Hurlston's communications were intended to cause mental harm, citing posts that depicted the mayor as a Muppet character and made personal attacks regarding her mother's death.

She said the content showed "ample evidence of ill-will, spite and animosity” towards Cr Sehr, and she did not find Mr Hurlston to be a credible witness.

The intervention order prevents Hurlston from creating online forums targeting the mayor and requires him to maintain a two-metre distance. If breached, he could face up to two years imprisonment.

The order still allows for legitimate political commentary about the mayor's professional role, provided it is factual and not personally harmful.

The Herald Sun has reported that Cr Sehr is likely to pursue a defamation lawsuit against Mr Hurlston.

Further reporting: ABC News

Wodonga Councillor Hannah Seymour has announced her immediate resignation from the Lake Hume ward.

The Border Mail reported that Ms Seymour made the surprise announcement on social media on Monday night after attending her final council meeting.

Ms Seymour narrowly defeated former mayor Ron Mildren by less than 100 votes in the last year’s election, and has cited personal reasons for her departure, stating an opportunity has arisen interstate that will bring her closer to her support network.

The Council has confirmed that a by-election will be required to fill her vacancy on the council, with details yet to be announced.

A report on organisational and cultural issues at Hobsons Bay City Council has been publicly released this week.

The Listening and Support Process report summarises feedback gathered from 138 council staff members, detailing their experience of a culture of distrust, fear, bullying and systemic dysfunction.

A range of concerning findings included 28% of participants reporting poor mental health requiring medical intervention; allegations that leadership kept blacklists of employees they wanted to exit from the organisation; and a lack of confidence to speak up about unacceptable behaviours.

Report authors Brett Luxford and Jewil Fulton have made 23 recommendations for an action plan to address the issues in the organisation under new leadership.

Rural councils across Victoria are calling for urgent government action as drought conditions continue to worsen throughout the state.

Rural Councils Victoria chair and Campaspe Shire councillor Rob Amos has urged for a comprehensive drought resilience strategy, as entire communities—from farmers to local businesses—are feeling the strain.

Despite recent government measures to expedite interstate fodder access and streamline kangaroo control permits, Corangamite Shire mayor Kate Makin says more immediate support is needed.

The Bendigo Advertiser reported that that while Premier Jacinta Allan has been described as "engaging and listening," rural leaders are pushing for faster action, particularly for the 24 councils already identified in drought-affected regions.

In related news, Corangamite Shire yesterday announced it had allocated half a million dollars in its new budget for drought support, with specific programs to be funded yet to be confirmed.

The Latrobe Health Assembly has begun formal closure procedures after eight years, in what has been described as a devastating blow for the region.

The Latrobe Valley Express reported that strong local advocacy was unable to overturn a state government decision to withdraw the assembly’s funding.

The Assembly, which has supported over 50,000 residents through more than 200 locally-driven projects, will see its 27 active programs conclude as of June 30th.

Assembly Chair Tanya Rong described the situation as "shattering," calling the organisation "a movement powered by local community voices."

Campaspe Shire Council has just launched a new Emergency Dashboard to help residents stay informed during emergencies.

The online platform brings together real-time updates from emergency services, weather warnings, road closures, and relief centre locations all in one place.

Mayor Daniel Mackrell says the dashboard was developed after lessons learned from recent flood events and community feedback calling for a trusted, local source of emergency information.

The mobile-friendly tool integrates feeds from VicEmergency, the Bureau of Meteorology, and various utility providers, along with links to emergency radio stations and preparedness resources.

The City of Frankston is moving ahead with a friendship city arrangement with Annapolis, the capital of Maryland in the US.

Mayor Kris Bolam told me the arrangement has been in the works for some years.

…

After a self funded visit to Annapolis earlier this year, Mayor Bolam plans to return later this year to finalise the agreement, at a time when he believes stronger ties need to be formed.

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Tune in to VLGA Connect on Friday when I discuss a range of issues with Frankston Mayor Kris Bolam.

Victorian Briefs:

The Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal has determined a 3% increase in base allowances for Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors, effective 1st July.

Mayor and Deputy Mayor base allowances that take effect in December will also have the 3% increase applied.

The tribunal has also adjusted the value of the remote area travel allowance by 3%.

Wellington Shire Council has updated its Local Law to align with modern standards, ensure legal compliance, and reflect community expectations by making changes to fines, toilet facility access, smoking regulations, and pet ownership rules.

The amended Local Law includes the removal of gender-based restrictions on toilet facilities to support transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

It’s out for community consultation for now.

Moonee Valley City Council has announced an Australian-first exhibition exploring playground history from the 1930s to today.

The Playground Project Melbourne is now open at the Council’s Incinerator Gallery, featuring immersive installations and programs for all ages.

The exhibition will run for four months.

NSW:

Lithgow Council has voted down a motion for it to be renamed to Seven Valleys Council.

The motion from Cr Tom Evangelidis was put forward to align with a local tourism campaign and pointed to the Blue Mountains and Sunshine Coast Councils as examples of LGAs named after regions rather than towns.

The Lithgow Mercury reported that the motion came after the council decided to exclude Lithgow from an updated Seven Valleys tourism campaign.

Most councillors, including mayor Cassandra Coleman, did not support the idea for reasons of cost and existing name recognition in the broader political arena.

A groundbreaking report released this week could change the future of flood management in Lismore and the Northern Rivers region.

The CSIRO has completed Phase 2 of its flood modelling for the Richmond River Catchment, providing what Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg calls "the most detailed and scientifically robust flood mapping" the region has ever seen.

The report uses local data, remote sensing, and advanced modelling to give an unprecedented understanding of how floodwaters move through the catchment. Mayor Krieg says it offers not just insights into the catastrophic 2022 floods, but gives governments the technical confidence to invest in meaningful resilience measures.

With the modelling now complete, the Mayor is calling on the Australian Government to fund the implementation of CSIRO's forthcoming mitigation recommendations.

The 2022 flooding disaster alone has cost an estimated $16 billion, a figure that's expected to rise further.

Mayor Krieg has also renewed calls for a national insurance pool, citing the crippling premiums faced by Lismore residents and businesses.

In senior executive news this week:

Berrigan Shire Council has confirmed the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Karina Ewer after four years in the position.

At an Extraordinary Council meeting on Monday, Council formally accepted Ms. Ewer's resignation, which she submitted for family reasons.

Ms Ewer moved from Streaky Bay Council in South Australia in June 2021 on a five year contract.

It has since been announced that Ms Ewer is returning home to North Queensland to take up the CEO position at Charters Towers Regional Council in August.

Berrigan Council has scheduled another Extraordinary Meeting for next Monday, July 7th, to discuss the appointment of an interim CEO, while the recruitment process for a permanent replacement will commence immediately.

Greg Tory, who has served as General Manager of Lachlan Shire Council since July 2018, has resigned effective September 2, 2025, to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer with Glamorgan Spring Bay Council in Tasmania.

Mr Tory said he had mixed feelings about leaving, but is looking forward to new challenges in his new role.

Shoalhaven City Council has received a financial boost in its fight against illegal dumping, which has surged by a staggering 60 percent since 2023, according to the South Coast News.

The NSW Environment Protection Agency has provided nearly $80,000 to help combat the growing environmental threat. The funds will support education initiatives and the installation of deterrents including signage, bollards, and CCTV cameras.

Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White described the rising trend as "alarming," noting that council crews have removed approximately 450 tonnes of waste from public land over the past two years, at a cost exceeding $200,000.

Of particular concern is the impact on local wildlife, with Mayor White revealing that 156 endangered species in the region are threatened by illegal dumping activities.

Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts has launched a strong appeal to the State Government, demanding the Oxley Highway corridor between Wrights Road and Lake Road be designated as a priority infrastructure project.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Mayor Roberts described the situation as critical, with the highway already operating at capacity and handling more than 20,000 vehicles daily.

Council projections paint a concerning picture, with peak-hour travel times potentially increasing by up to 40 minutes by 2040 if no action is taken.

The Mayor expressed disappointment that no funding was allocated in the recent NSW Budget to address the issue, despite repeated calls from local officials.

Cumberland City Council has given the green light to a mass pigeon eradication program targeting non-native species in Granville, Merrylands, and Auburn.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the cull is set to begin August 1st, with private pest controllers being appointed to carry out the operation.

Local business owners have complained about pigeons 'taking over' shopping strips.

However, the plan has drawn criticism from animal rights advocates, with NSW Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst condemning it as 'animal cruelty' and a 'Band-Aid solution.'

Council officials say they are also implementing educational initiatives to reduce food sources and prevent repopulation.

Georges River Council has unanimously voted to take action against the rising tide of violence in grassroots soccer, according to a report from the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader. The decision comes following a disturbing incident at Gannons Park last month where police responded to reports of up to 40 fans and players engaged in a brawl.

Councillor Elaina Anzellotti, who proposed the motion, highlighted concerning statistics showing 150 recorded assaults at sports venues across New South Wales in 2024 alone.

The council will work with local sporting clubs, schools, and community groups to develop strategies promoting respectful conduct both on and off the field.

The mayors of Albury and Wodonga have reaffirmed their commitment to the Two Cities One Community partnership at a meeting held last week.

Albury Mayor Kevin Mack and Wodonga Mayor Michael Gobel, along with councillors from both cities, met in Wodonga to discuss future collaboration opportunities.

Mayor Mack highlighted that the partnership gives the border cities a stronger platform to address regional challenges, while Mayor Gobel expressed pride in what the partnership has achieved so far.

The councillors have scheduled another meeting in August to review their partnership agreement and identify specific priorities for the coming year.

NSW Briefs:

Ticketless parking fines are now banned in NSW.

The government flagged it would ban the practice last year, declaring it unfair.

Councils must now issue on-the-spot fines for parking related offences.

Willoughby City Council has announced its inaugural Literary Festival taking place over two weekends in July 2025 at Chatswood Library, featuring a diverse program of author talks, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.

The festival will showcase established writers like Jane Caro and Garth Nix as well as emerging talents, offering a celebration of books and creativity for readers and writers of all ages and interests.

The City of Canterbury Bankstown has launched a new education campaign targeting the misuse of disability parking spaces across the region.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of these spaces for people with mobility challenges and encourage proper display of valid permits.

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek says the council has issued nearly 6,000 fines since 2018 to those illegally using these spaces. Offenders face hefty penalties exceeding $680 and potential demerit points.

QLD:

Several million Queenslanders are facing a new financial burden this week as the State Government's controversial bin tax comes into effect.

From Far North Queensland to the Gold Coast, nineteen councils are now dealing with a significant reduction in waste levy offset payments, totalling nearly thirty million dollars.

Alison Smith, CEO of the Local Government Association of Queensland said Councils in waste levy zones will no longer receive the 100 percent offset previously paid by the state.

She said the offset has been crucial in preventing the levy from being applied to household bins.

The LGAQ has launched a campaign called "Bin the Tax," featuring an animated ibis nicknamed "Chooky the Bin Chicken" to raise awareness.

Local mayors are voicing strong opposition to the tax. Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett is calling on the Government to pause the tax until a full review is completed, while Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour says his council will be forced to pass on one million dollars in extra costs to households this year alone.

The State Budget estimates the waste levy will generate $477 million in revenue this financial year.

Cairns Council Mayor Amy Eden has removed a controversial social media video after several councillors claimed that it misrepresented their positions during a recent council debate.

The video, which featured edited excerpts from a council meeting where the mayor cast the deciding vote against a policy regarding councillor contact with developers, included red graphics labelling some councillors as voting "for red tape."

One councillor said the video created a "false narrative" and was edited to "make us sound stupid," while another requested its removal, describing it an "an unfair representation."

The Cairns Post reported that Mayor Eden has apologised behind closed doors and removed the content, but several councillors are still seeking a public apology.

Questions are being asked about whether the mayor's actions breached the Queensland code of conduct for councillors, which requires elected officials to "clearly and accurately explain local government decisions."

Suspended Townsville mayor Troy Thompson will receive a 2.5% pay rise despite being under investigation by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

The increase will push his annual earnings above $230,000, according to ABC News.

MR Thompson has stated that during the cost-of-living crisis no councillor should receive a pay increase and promised to donate any additional funds to local organisations and charities.

Tourists looking to escape to the warm waters of the Whitsundays may soon face new restrictions on where they can stay. ABC News reported that Whitsunday Regional Council has proposed zoning changes that would move short-term accommodation away from residential areas.

Mayor Ry Collins says the move aims to balance tourism needs with the housing concerns of local residents. The region is currently experiencing a rental vacancy rate of just 1.4 percent, well below what experts consider healthy.

The proposed changes come as the Whitsundays tops the list of Australia's most profitable regions for short-term rentals, with properties generating potential annual revenue of over $140,000.

Community consultation on the Whitsunday proposal remains open until July 26th.

Douglas Shire Council has issued cautionary advice for the dingo breeding season, recommending people walk in pairs for safety as the animals become more active and territorial.

Newsport reported that the advice follows concerns last year when a pair of young dingoes took up residence around the Port Douglas Sports Complex.

A Christmas Day attack on a pet dog prompted council intervention and widespread public debate about the protection and preservation of dingoes.

TAS:

There’s been another heated meeting of Burnie City Council, as a petition calling for Councillor Trent Aitken's resignation was tabled for discussion.

The Advocate reported that the petition with 749 signatures cited "hate speech, bullying, and anti-discrimination on social media" as grounds for Cr Aitken’s removal, particularly noting comments targeting the transgender community.

Deputy Mayor Giovanna Simpson said Aitken's comments risked damaging the council's reputation, and that many believe "his position is no longer tenable."

In a separate but equally contentious moment, Councillor Aitken's motion to remove the Acknowledgement of Country from council meetings was overwhelmingly defeated, with Aitken being the only councillor to vote in favour.

Councillor Aitken, who appeared wearing an Australian flag tie, declined to comment on whether he would resign.

Northern Midlands Council is facing community opposition to proposed changes to its Dog Management Policy that would limit residential properties to a maximum of two companion dogs.

The Examiner reported that the controversial amendments, designed to align with state legislation, would require a kennel license for residents wanting to keep more than two companion dogs or four working dogs on their property.

While some have argued the move could deter people from moving to the area and force current residents with three or more dogs to make difficult decisions about their pets, officials maintain the policy is not intended to separate pets from their owners, and that existing pet owners would only need to reduce numbers through natural attrition.

SA:

Tumby Bay District Council has decided against renewing the lease it's held since 1999, citing inability to fund ongoing maintenance of the iconic Eyre Peninsula structure.

The Advertiser reported that the announcement comes during a week when several other South Australian jetties have suffered severe storm damage.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis has reacted angrily, accusing the council of deliberately neglecting its responsibilities over several years.

He has warned that if the council fails to return the jetty in appropriate condition, the State Government may pursue legal action or even consider closure or demolition of the structure.

WA:

Seven regional councils across Western Australia are set to benefit from a major boost to water infrastructure, with more than $480,000 in funding announced through the State Government's Community Water Supplies Partnership program.

The program aims to build climate resilience in rural communities by improving local water infrastructure, with councils in Albany, Carnarvon, Kondinin, Menzies, Perenjori, and Plantagenet receiving support.

The funded projects include new water tanks, pumps, pipelines, bores, and dam upgrades.

The City of Rockingham has officially launched its Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside collection system, aiming to divert more than 12,500 tonnes of organic waste from landfill annually.

The FOGO program is supported by $861,000 in state government grant funding and will process collected organic materials into nutrient-rich soil conditioner.

National Briefs:

Mount Barker District Council is seeking artists to create a public artwork for the new Town Square with a budget of up to $150,000.

The commissioned piece should reflect Mount Barker's identity by connecting past, present and future, while enhancing the 2,000 square metre Town Square that forms part of the City Centre Project.

The Town of Port Hedland council has endorsed four road names for the Airport Precinct that honour significant local figures, including the late Julie Arif, councillor, historian and manager of the Port Hedland Visitor Centre and much-loved community member.

Private John Adams, Dixon's Caravan Park, and early aviators are also recognised in the names, which will be submitted for formal approval before being officially adopted.

The $8.9 million City of Cockburn redevelopment of Malabar Park has been opened with a community open day on the weekend.

The park has been transformed to include UCI-accredited BMX facilities and a pump track.

It now serves as a home for both the Cockburn BMX Club and Friends of the Community charity, and is being positioned to host national-level events that will benefit the local economy.

Global Roundup:

UK:

A troubling new report from the UK Local Government Association reveals that over half of local councillors are falling victim to misinformation campaigns, while abuse and threats remain at alarmingly high levels.

The LGA survey found that 52 percent of councillors have had false or misleading information about their personal or political conduct published publicly, with many warning about what they call "dangers to democracy."

Seven in ten councillors reported experiencing abuse or intimidation in the past year, with a quarter saying they or someone close to them had received violent threats. Even more concerning, 3 percent experienced actual violence while performing their civic duties.

The survey highlights significant disparities in who receives abuse. Female councillors, disabled councillors, LGBT+ individuals, and those from ethnic minority backgrounds all reported higher rates of intimidation and feelings of personal risk.

In Warwickshire, Reform UK councillor Rob Howard has resigned as county council leader after just 42 days in office, citing health concerns according to the Guardian.

The dramatic development leaves 18-year-old George Finch, Howard's deputy, temporarily in charge of the council. Finch, who was elected in May alongside Howard, has promised to keep the council in "steady hands" until a permanent replacement is selected.

Reform UK took control of Warwickshire County Council in the May local elections but fell short of an outright majority, securing 23 of the 57 seats.

USA:

Cities across America are finding themselves caught in a growing conflict between state sanctuary laws and federal immigration enforcement.

Smart Cities Dive dot com reports that several municipalities are now declaring themselves "non-sanctuary cities" in direct opposition to their state's sanctuary policies. From Huntington Beach, California to Grundy County, Illinois, local governments are passing resolutions pledging cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

In Huntington Beach, the city has gone further by filing a lawsuit challenging California's Values Act, which limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Meanwhile in Illinois, Grundy County Board Chairman Drew Muffler described their non-sanctuary declaration as partly symbolic, noting they're "between a rock and a hard place" due to dependence on state funding.

CANADA:

Toronto City Council has approved larger, more visible speed camera signage, and moved to limit consecutive tickets from a single camera before drivers receive notification.

Councillor Anthony Perruzza prompted the change by calling cameras "speed traps," claiming they're obscured and poorly marked.

CBC News reported that the move comes as camera vandalism is on the rise in the city, with five cameras damaged in two days and a camera in one location destroyed five times in six months.

The city expanded to 150 speed cameras in March.

NZ:

New Zealand’s Far North District Council has been ordered to pay more than $210,000 to former chief executive Blair King following his resignation in 2023.

The total cost to ratepayers exceeds $430,000 when legal expenses are included, according to information obtained by Radio New Zealand under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.

It continues what appears to be an unfortunate pattern for the council, with King being the third chief executive in recent history to leave under contentious circumstances with a substantial payout.

King, who resigned less than a year into his role, cited a "toxic" work environment and being "ghosted" by councillors.

ROUNDUP EXTRA:

A concerning digital divide has emerged in how Australians interact with their local councils. A major new report has revealed that our most financially vulnerable residents are significantly less likely to use online council services.

The study, conducted by IBRS and commissioned by TechnologyOne, found that 56% of financially struggling residents don't use any digital council services at all.

Dr Joseph Sweeney is a senior adviser with IBRS and he joins me now to discuss the findings of this research.

The complete Australian Digital Citizens 2025 report is available online.