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Local Government News Roundup
Australia’s no.1 podcast for local government news and views, hosted by veteran media presenter and senior executive Chris Eddy. Brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Local Government News Roundup
Walkout, countback take 2, and busker shock - ft. Fabian Dattner, #511
In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A Surf Coast councillor walks out of his first meeting after a suspension
- Count backs and resignations continue in Victoria, as mayoral election season begins
- An audit reveals a $50M asset overvaluation and 'extreme risk' in Parramatta
- Controversial changes to busking rules in Sydney
- North Burnett moves to forcibly sell six properties over $200K rates debt
- Gold Coast says no to free early parking despite resident petitions
- A warning that reorganisation threatens local democracy in the UK
- Also today - Fabian Dattner drops by to preview an upcoming event on the importance of celebrating milestones and achievements, and moving beyond the token sausage sizzle.
Register for the Art of Celebration, 12th November.
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Victorian Roundup:
Surf Coast Shire councillor Paul Barker has walked out of his first council meeting after returning from a month-long suspension, according to the Geelong Independent.
Barker was interrupted during debate over a public lighting policy when Councillor Libby Stapleton called a point of order, saying his comments were disrespectful to staff.
After being directed by the mayor to continue without showing disrespect, Barker muttered "this is anti-democratic" before packing up and leaving.
The mayor called a five-minute break following the dramatic departure.
Barker abruptly leaves meeting | Geelong Independent
Meanwhile, a further delay in filling the missing seat at the table - another countback will be required after the successful candidate at this week’s countback, Eric Menogue, did not return a declaration of qualification within the required 48 hours.
The VEC has set another countback for next Wednesday 5th November to fill the seat vacated by Rebecca Bourke in September.
Surf Coast Shire Council, Torquay Ward countback
The Victorian mayoral election season is underway, with Moonee Valley City Council last night electing Cr Rose Iser to the position, succeeding Cr Ava Adams.
Cr Iser received 5 votes from her colleagues, in a two way vote with former mayor Samantha Byrne who received 4 votes.
Cr Phil Burn was elected Deputy Mayor in a 5-4 vote over Cr Hamish Jones.
Benalla Rural City Councillor Nathan Tolliday has resigned effective immediately after accepting a position as an Electorate Officer with Annabelle Cleeland MP, which disqualifies him from serving on Council under the Local Government Act.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn thanked Cr Tolliday for his dedicated service as the youngest Councillor in the city's history, and Council will now work with the Victorian Electoral Commission to fill the vacancy.
The City of Greater Geelong has seized a fake corpse Halloween decoration from a Highton man's nature strip after a complaint it was offensive.
The Geelong Advertiser reported that Adam Belcher returned home to find part of his decorations missing and a note from a local laws officer saying they'd impounded the plastic human hanging from his tree.
The decoration was directly across from Christian College, which recently lost a student in a tragedy.
The Council says the decoration was removed out of respect for the grieving school community.
Wodonga Council has voted 4-3 to contribute $17,852 towards hiring a professional lobbyist to campaign for a new Albury Wodonga Hospital.
The decision came after an hour of heated debate at Monday's council meeting, with some councillors arguing elected representatives should lead the advocacy instead of external lobbyists.
The funding brings the total war chest to $72,500, with contributions from six regional councils.
Albury Council will determine the tender scope at its November 10 meeting, with hopes of appointing a lobbyist by year's end.
Last-minute motion tries to flip council's spending on hospital lobbyist
Mornington Peninsula Shire has scrapped footpath trading fees for the next twelve months, giving local businesses a major boost.
The decision marks the first major update to the footpath trading policy since 2008.
The amnesty period means all application fees for outdoor dining, seating and displays will be waived.
Mayor Anthony Marsh says the move will help traders grow and add buzz to local streets.
Footpath fees waived for traders - MPNEWS
Corangamite Shire Council is formally opposing the Federal Government's proposal to lower default speed limits on regional roads.
The plan would reduce speeds on sealed roads outside built-up areas to as low as 70 kilometres per hour.
Mayor Kate Makin says the real problem isn't speed but the condition of deteriorating rural roads.
Council opposes Federal speed limit plan
City of Casey councillors have unanimously backed an urgent motion calling for the state government to fast-track approval for signal changes at Pattersons and Tuckers Road in Clyde North.
Residents report multiple crashes every week at the notorious intersection.
The Department of Transport has told council the application will take another four to six months to process.
Casey Council pushes for fast-tracked signal upgrade | Berwick Star News
TV legend Pete Smith is calling on Port Phillip Council to relocate a heritage plaque honouring Graham Kennedy's childhood home in Balaclava.
The plaque, installed in 2019, has been hidden behind real estate fencing and can't be seen by the public.
Mayor Louise Crawford says council has reached out to the property owner to move the plaque to a more visible location.
"Graham Kennedy's legacy must be preserved" | TV Tonight
Maribyrnong City Council has endorsed new local laws requiring authorised officers to be trained in the city's homelessness protocol.
The amendment to the local law comes as officers assist private security guards in a six-month trial aimed at reducing crime in Footscray's CBD.
The Star Weekly reported that concerns were raised by the Footscray Community Response about security guard behaviour, but all councillors voted to continue the trial.
The new Community Local Law 2025, which also includes stricter land use controls and enhanced heritage protections, takes effect on November 17.
Homeless protections added to local laws | Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay
Hepburn Shire Council has reappointed Bradley Thomas as Chief Executive Officer for another four years.
Thomas has been leading the organisation since May 2021.
Mayor Don Henderson says the decision, confirmed at a council meeting this week, provides continuity and stability as the council implements its new plan.
Bradley Thomas reappointed as Council CEO
Hobsons Bay Council has rejected a proposal to adopt formal role statements for its mayor and deputy mayor ahead of November elections, according to the Star Weekly.
The recommendation referenced the Whittlesea council inquiry, where the mayor was suspended for failing to perform his duties adequately.
Supporters argued the statements would strengthen governance and clarify expectations, but opponents questioned the timing and said the roles were already defined in the Local Government Act.
The motion failed 3-2, with the mayor abstaining.
Mayoral role statements rejected | Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay
Victorian Briefs:
Brimbank City Council has won a Geographic Naming Award for renaming a local park to yaluk barring, meaning River Trail in Woi-wurrung language.
The 231-hectare park holds deep cultural significance for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people and contains many Aboriginal archaeological sites.
yaluk barring wins a Geographic Place Naming Award - Brimbank News
Greater Dandenong Council has voted to scrap its fortnightly meetings and return to a monthly schedule for the first time in 28 years.
The change takes effect from November 13th, with the time saved earmarked for mandatory councillor training, according to the Endeavour Hills Star Journal.
The decision wasn’t unanimous, with Deputy mayor Sophie Tan among those to oppose the move. She warned that waiting a month between meetings could delay urgent community matters.
Dandenong Council scraps fortnightly meetings | Endeavour Hills Hallam Doveton Star Journal
Ararat Rural City Council has put out a call for community-minded residents to join its growing volunteer program.
Local residents can apply for a range of roles to support events and services, with a particular focus right now on the visitor information centre, library and town hall.
Call Out for Local Volunteers to Help Make a Difference | Ararat
NSW Report
An audit of Parramatta City Council has found the council had overstated the value of some assets by more than $50M, and says its Riverside Theatres redevelopment project is an “extreme risk” of failure.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports today that the confidential report raises questions about the council's financial management and project oversight. It was inadvertently published in council business papers, before being redacted.
Councillors discussed the report findings at an extraordinary meeting this week, where it also determined a process to elect a new CEO after terminating the employment of Gail Connolly earlier this month.
‘Extreme risk’: The confidential report exposing Parramatta Council’s finances
The Mayor of Mosman is calling on the state government to slow down its push for increased housing density in the harbourside suburb.
Under the government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, Mosman must deliver at least 500 new homes by 2029, but Mayor Ann Marie Kimber warns infrastructure like water and stormwater systems can't keep up.
The policy allows developers to build up to six-storey apartments within 400 metres of town centres, overriding council controls.
Planning Minister Paul Scully has rejected calls to pause the policy, saying Mosman must do its bit to boost housing supply.
Sydney City Council is reconsidering rule changes that would restrict buskers to just six spots along George Street.
The new rules would limit performing hours to 11am to 10pm and ban busking outside designated sites, sparking shock and outrage from the busking community.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore has responded saying council has not banned busking, but made changes for safety reasons following the light rail introduction.
The Lord Mayor has directed council staff to review George Street again with a view to increasing busking opportunities, according to 9News.
'We have not banned busking': Mayor responds to council rule backlash
A Sydney developer has been fined $36,000 for illegally removing protected trees from a construction site in Padstow Heights.
The developer admitted to removing a native Australian weeping lilly pilly, two evergreens, and a magnolia tree without council consent between March and April 2024.
City of Canterbury Bankstown inspectors discovered the illegal removal after receiving reports from community members.
The developer initially claimed an architect had told him permission was granted, but later accepted full responsibility in court.
The Council says it will ensure the unlawfully removed trees are replaced.
Tamworth Regional Council has voted seven to two in favour of working towards gender parity and diverse representation on the council.
The motion, put forward by Councillor Ryan Brooke, acknowledges that Tamworth is the only council in New South Wales with no female councillors.
The decision commits council to engaging with diverse community groups to encourage minority participation in civic leadership.
Council Meeting Update - 28 October 2025 | Tamworth Regional Council
A community battery project proposed for Narrabri's town hall car park will not proceed at any council site after councillors voted against entering a licence agreement.
Narrabri Shire Council investigated relocating the Geni.Energy project to the saleyards site, but infrastructure upgrades would have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Councillors raised concerns about inadequate community consultation and the lack of community benefit, with the project offering just one dollar a year for three ratepayer-funded car parks.
Battery project unable to proceed at council sites - The Courier
Murrumbidgee Council is working to fix strong sewage odours and brown water problems affecting Darlington Point residents.
Two critical aerators at the sewerage treatment plant have malfunctioned in recent months, with one already replaced and the second expected back in coming weeks.
Mayor Ruth McRae said the odour carries into town when wind blows from the north.
She has apologised for the inconvenience and assured residents that drinking water remains safe and is regularly tested.
Council addressing water and sewer concerns in Darlington Point
Mid-Western Regional Council has voted to continue providing beverages after meetings, rejecting a proposal to end the practice.
Councillor Rod Pryor argued the arrangement risked damaging public trust, despite the overall cost being just over one thousand dollars per year including non-alcoholic drinks.
The motion was defeated eight votes to one, with several councillors saying they'd received no community complaints about the practice.
Council will keep funding refreshments after motion drives heated debate
NSW Briefs
Councillor Linda Campbell has been elected Deputy Lord Mayor of Wollongong for another year. The election took place at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Monday 27 October.
Councillor Linda Campbell elected Deputy Lord Mayor of Wollongong
Scott Groat has been elected Griffith deputy mayor, edging out Councillor Jenny Ellis 5-4 in a recent council vote.
The 62-year-old has vowed to push for more common sense, flexibility and transparency in decision-making, according to Region Riverina.
New Deputy Mayor elected by Council
The New South Wales Government has announced nearly $250,000 in funding to conserve 27 war memorials across the state.
Minister for Veterans David Harris made the announcement in Orange yesterday.
Orange City Council was among the recipients, receiving over $12,000 for the Newman Park Great War Memorial Avenue,
Funding announced to conserve war memorials to ensure service and sacrifice is honoured across NSW
Edward River Council has partnered with River Region Early Education to address a critical childcare shortage by developing a new one-hundred-and-ten-place childcare centre in Deniliquin.
Currently, around sixty-nine percent of children in the Edward River area don't have access to childcare, with waitlists exceeding three hundred families.
ERC & River Region Early Ed Join Forces to Tackle Childcare Shortages
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Like Brimbank Council, where SmartGlue Integration is helping their team replace a maze of disconnected tools with one connected workflow.
Talk to the team at Symphony3 to find out more about how SmartGlue can help your Council provide simple, connected customer experiences.
Queensland Report
North Burnett Council is moving to forcibly sell six properties to recover more than $200,000 in unpaid rates.
The Courier Mail reported that six property owners account for nearly 10 percent of the council's total $2 million rates debt.
Some properties have had rates overdue for three years or more, with one property alone owing almost $80,000.
Two of the properties have previously failed to sell at auction due to issues with access and infrastructure.
The council will vote on the unprecedented debt recovery action at Wednesday's meeting.
An Ormiston resident has been formally restricted from contacting Redland City Council after a months-long campaign against the $1.70 fee for paper rates notices.
CEO Louise Rusan ruled that Emmanuelle Rousseau's ongoing correspondence constituted "unreasonable customer conduct" and "unreasonable persistence."
The 12-month order bars phone calls and limits communication to written form only, with no further questions about the paper notice charge permitted.
Free early parking will not return to Burleigh Heads despite resident backlash, with Gold Coast City Council officers recommending a review continue for another 12 months.
More metered parking will be needed across the Gold Coast as the population races toward one million, officers say.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that two petitions requested a return to previous 9am to 5pm metered times, while a third sought a trial of 30-minute free morning parking.
Nine regional councils have secured funding to update their planning schemes and deliver more housing across Queensland.
The $1.4 million investment is part of the state government's $12.5 million Scheme Supply Fund.
Councils including Balonne Shire, Goondiwindi Regional, and Somerset Regional will use the funds to remove barriers to development.
The scheme has now approved $9.6 million in total funding to local councils.
Crisafulli Government fast-tracks new housing for nine regional Councils
The appointment of Norfolk Island Regional Council Administrators Scott Mason and Gary Mottau has been extended until 31 December 2026.
Minister Kristy McBain says the Australian Government remains committed to restoring local democracy on Norfolk Island.
The timeline for inaugural elections of the new Norfolk Island Assembly has also been extended to allow meaningful community engagement.
Beaudesert and Canungra are getting a major security upgrade with new CCTV cameras funded by the state government and Scenic Rim Regional Council.
The $300,000 investment will install high-quality surveillance across both town centres to deter crime and protect local businesses.
Mayor Tom Sharp says the cameras will build confidence for residents, visitors and investors alike.
Local business chambers have strongly endorsed the move, calling it a proactive step for community safety.
Western Downs Regional Council has been named Employer of the Year by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia.
The council manages Queensland's largest road network, spanning over 10,000 kilometres, and currently supports 38 apprentices and trainees as part of its recruitment strategy.
Women make up 67 per cent of managers in the works department, well above the national engineering average of 9.9 per cent.
The council was also nominated for several infrastructure project awards at the ceremony.
Council wins coveted public sector employer of the year award
TAS:
Derwent Valley Council has formally rejected the Tasmanian Government's plan to reduce councillor numbers from eight to seven.
The council warns the reforms could undermine local representation and increase governance risks in regional communities.
Key concerns include loss of diversity in decision-making, potential quorum problems, and negative public perception of fewer councillors receiving higher pay.
The council has proposed alternatives including flexible representation bands and phased implementation.
Mayor Michelle Dracoulis says the changes must preserve democratic representation while addressing remuneration concerns.
Derwent Valley Council statement on local government reform - New Norfolk News
Derwent Valley Council is hunting for a new CEO after current chief Ron Sanderson said he'll only reapply for one more year.
Sanderson wants to stay on through the 2026 local government elections and finish key projects including the Bushy Park pool restoration.
The council is pushing for a longer-term appointment to provide stability.
Applications close on November 10th.
Council on the hunt for new CEO
Devonport City Council has unanimously rejected plans to introduce fortnightly food and garden organics collections for local businesses.
The Advocate reported that the decision followed an inconclusive survey and concerns about the $165,000 cost for just 128 food businesses.
Survey results showed 55 per cent of businesses would only consider the service at no additional cost.
Mayor Alison Jarman says the council hasn't given up and will explore other waste reduction methods.
'We will get there': Council scraps idea to introduce FOGO to businesses
SA:
Kimba Council has two new members following supplementary elections.
Robyn Harris and Toni Scott have been confirmed as the successful candidates in preliminary results.
Mayor Dean Johnson congratulated the pair and said the Council looks forward to welcoming them on board.
New councillors elected to Kimba Council - 5CC
The Pichi Richi Marathon has been named South Australian Winner for Best Small Regional Event at the Australian Event Awards 2025.
The 43rd annual marathon, held on June 29th, attracted 272 competitors and featured a relocated finish line in Quorn's CBD, which boosted spectator engagement and supported local businesses.
Flinders Ranges Shire Mayor Ken Anderson praised the volunteers and organisers, saying the award recognises the incredible effort behind this signature regional event.
https://www.frc.sa.gov.au/community/latest-news/media-release-marathon-a-state-winner
WA:
The City of Perth has elected Councillor David Goncalves as its new Deputy Lord Mayor.
Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds says the newly formed council is ready to tackle an important year ahead, and the team is focussed on transforming Perth into a world-class capital city.
City of Perth Deputy Lord Mayor Elected
Busselton City Council has appointed Cr Kate Cox as its deputy mayor.
Four freshly elected representatives have been sworn into the City of Albany council following a tightly fought local government race. Paul Terry retained his position as deputy mayor in a secret ballot, defeating Lynn MacLaren six votes to two. {
Four sworn to Albany council, Terry holds off deputy contest
The City of Wanneroo has elected Central East ward councillor Paul Miles as its new deputy mayor. Councillor Miles won the position by secret ballot at a special council meeting on Tuesday, defeating three other nominees.
City of Wanneroo elects new deputy mayor - Yanchep News Online
Councillor Karlo Perkov has been elected deputy mayor of the City of Stirling by his fellow councillors after winning his fourth election in Hamersley Ward.
Matthew Woodall has been chosen as the City of Melville's new deputy mayor after first holding the position in 2017. The City of Fremantle elected Councillor Fedele Camarda while Councillor Mark Bain was elected unopposed in Canning. Councillor Phoebe Corke has replaced Councillor Chontelle Stone as Cockburn's deputy mayor after preferences went her way. The Town of East Fremantle elected Councillor Lucinda Maywood as deputy after former deputy Tony Natale became mayor.
All change at the top for councils
A winning candidate in the Gingin local government election has declined to take his seat on the council despite finishing third in the vote count.
Maarten Kornaat formally declined the position of councillor before the swearing-in ceremony, citing private reasons.
The next highest polling candidate Robert Kestel was invited to fill the vacancy and accepted the position.
Councillors re-elected Linda Balcombe as shire president and Frank Peczka as deputy shire president at their October meeting.
Gingin councillor-elect declines to take seat on the council - Yanchep News Online
Darwin's council chamber has delivered a brutal verdict on new Lord Mayor Peter Styles' leadership ambitions.
Twelve of thirteen elected members voted against endorsing him for the presidency of the NT Local Government Association.
Councillors opted to endorse long term councillor Peter Pangquee for the role instead, according to the NT News.
Global Report:
UK:
The District Councils' Network has issued a strong statement following the government's decision to proceed with local government reorganisation in Surrey.
The DCN, representing district councils across England, has warned that the move threatens the principle of local democracy. In their response, the organisation emphasised that "local government must remain local" – arguing that larger unitary authorities could distance decision-making from the communities they serve.
The Surrey reorganisation will see the county's eleven district and borough councils, and Surrey County Council, merged into fewer unitary authorities, a change the government says will improve efficiency and service delivery.
However, the DCN has raised concerns that residents could lose their direct connection to councillors and that the unique character of local areas may be overlooked in favour of a one-size-fits-all approach.
The organisation is calling for any reforms to prioritise community engagement and ensure that local voices continue to shape the services that matter most to them.
‘Local government must remain local’ – DCN responds to Surrey decision
Communities Secretary Steve Reed has reignited debate over a four day week working policy at South Cambridgeshire District Council, according to the Local Government Chronicle.
In a letter to Liberal Democrat leader Bridget Smith, Reed expressed concern about declining performance in housing services, including rent collection and repair satisfaction.
The council says it has saved nearly £400,000 annually and improved staff retention by 41%, while an independent review found 22 of 24 performance indicators either improved or stayed the same. The four-day week was made permanent in July after a successful trial period.
Reed criticises South Cambs four-day week approach
Dumfries and Galloway Council is planning to install sensors at public toilet entrances to count how many people use them each day, according to Yahoo News.
The council currently operates 58 public toilets across the region at an annual cost of around £550,000 for staffing, maintenance and cleaning, and Councillors are seeking to explore potential changes to toilet locations across the region.
People-counting devices will be installed in January as part of a review to ensure resources are properly allocated.
The review will examine the current state of facilities and whether demand varies at different times of year.
Council to track numbers using public toilets
USA:
In California, Milpitas City Councilmember Evelyn Chua is facing scrutiny after allegedly violating city procedures by attempting to secretly schedule a closed-session meeting without proper authorisation.
Interim City Manager Deanna Santana has resigned after just weeks on the job, citing tense interactions with Chua and feeling disrespected, according to MilpitasBeat dot com.
The councilmember allegedly directed staff to organise a confidential meeting with no staff involvement, potentially violating California's Brown Act.
The council was expected to formally discuss potential censure of Chua at a meeting this week.
In Alaska, the new city manager of Kodiak is leaving the position after just seven weeks on the job.
The city says the separation is mutual, though details about the reasons for the departure remain limited.
It marks another quick turnover in the city's top administrative position and raises questions about stability in Kodiak's city leadership, according to KMXT News.
Kodiak's city manager to leave after just 7 weeks, city says the separation is mutual
In Florida, Palatka City Manager Marcia Carty will remain in her position despite an ongoing investigation into allegations of creating a toxic work environment and micromanaging staff.
Yahoo! News reported that commissioners voted unanimously to impose strict new conditions, including a thirty-day administrative leave for training and policy review.
Carty will face evaluations at thirty, sixty, and ninety days before returning to full duties.
Police Chief Jason Shaw will serve as acting city manager during her leave.
Palatka City Commissioners approve new terms for City Manager Marcia Carty amid investigation
CANADA:
North Bay City Council has voted to suspend Mayor Peter Chirico's pay for two months after he violated the code of conduct.
An integrity commissioner found fifty-five hundred dollars of personal expenses charged to a city credit card were inappropriate.
The violations included hockey season tickets, golf memberships, and personal meals claimed as business expenses.
Chirico says all personal expenses have been repaid in full. The mayor still faces investigations by Ontario Provincial Police and the inspector general of policing.
Councillors sanction North Bay, Ont. mayor for expenses scandal
London, Ontario, a council committee has voted to give councillors a 35 percent pay hike, boosting their base salary from around $70,000 to over $94,000 starting next term.
The committee also approved severance pay for councillors who lose their seats in elections, offering up to four weeks of additional pay based on years of service.
Supporters argue the increase will attract more diverse candidates and reflect the demanding nature of the job.
But critics say the timing is wrong, with many residents facing economic uncertainty and questioning whether council has delivered enough value.
The final decision will be made by full council on November 4th.
NZ:
Wellington's Mayor-elect Andrew Little has named Ben McNulty as Deputy Mayor for the new Council term.
McNulty topped the polls in the recent local body elections and will serve an 18-month appointment.
Mayor-elect Little says the shorter terms will keep councillors focused and accountable to residents.
A new structure includes several committees covering finance, infrastructure, social issues and the environment.
Both leaders will be officially sworn in at Thursday's inauguration ceremony.
Eight out of ten newly elected councillors in the Far North are women, marking one of the highest rates of female representation in New Zealand local government history.
The councillors and re-elected Mayor Moko Tepania were sworn in at Kaikohe Memorial Hall. Veteran councillor Ann Court, starting her tenth term, says women bring collaborative qualities to the council table.
Far North voters also bucked nationwide trends by returning Mayor Tepania with more votes than his two rivals combined. The district retained its Māori ward by a majority of more than 2,700 votes despite mandatory referenda seeing 24 out of 42 districts nationwide ditch theirs.
Far North has one of the highest rates of female representation in local government history
A Friday extra:
Fabian Dattner on the importance of celebrating milestones and achievements, and moving beyond the token sausage sizzle.
