Suspended, cleared, nominated and investigated - #551

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A one month suspension for a Southern Grampians councillor
• Predictions Mornington Peninsula Shire’s mayor will enter the race for a seat in State Parliament
• Victorian councils push back on state planning moves
• A Tamworth councillor cleared of vandalism charges
• Contenders emerging for Newcastle’s vacant Lord Mayor position
• A Queensland mayor calls for an investigation into cost overruns
• and Auckland’s mayor pours cold water on a merger proposal

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

Smarter local government systems, built from real on-the-ground experience

Chapters

• 1:47 Victorian Report
• 8:05 NSW Report
• 13:51 Queensland Report
• 15:59 TAS/WA Report
• 19:07 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Report

Southern Grampians Shire Councillor Katrina Rainsford has been suspended for one month, effective February 11th.

Mayor Dennis Heslin said an independent arbiter has found Ms Rainsford engaged in misconduct, breaching the Councillor Code of Conduct on six separate occasions between May and July last year.

The application for arbitration was made by the Mayor and five other councillors, relating to behaviour in various settings including a CEO facilitated meeting, a business forum, a press interview and in emails.

Arbiter Noel Harvey OAM described it as a "sustained course of conduct" inconsistent with standards of integrity and respect, though he acknowledged her strong commitment to community advocacy.

The arbiter noted that the suspension isn't intended as punishment, but rather as an opportunity for reflection before resuming councillor duties. During this time, Ms Rainsford will be unable to represent constituents.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has joined the Liberal Party and is expected to seek preselection for the upcoming Nepean by-election, according to a report from the Herald Sun.

Cr Marsh was granted special dispensation by the party's state executive to apply despite not meeting the two-year membership requirement.

This latest development comes after he publicly ruled out running for state politics last month, saying he had "no ambitions" to enter Spring Street.

The by-election was triggered by former Liberal deputy leader Sam Groth's shock exit from politics.

Former Frankston councillor and mayor Nathan Conroy is also expected to be among those contesting the by-election, the date for which is expected to be announced this week.

The City of Kingston is fighting a proposal to rezone a former Brighton landfill site in Heatherton for residential development.

The Council has raised serious concerns about potential health risks for future residents due to the site's toxic history.

The Victorian Government will decide on the rezoning without public consultation, sparking outrage from the council and some locals.

A panel hearing is scheduled for March 4th to consider the application by developer Leaf Corporation.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj has accused the Victorian Planning Minister of ignoring community concerns over a proposed Coles supermarket at Point Lonsdale.

It's been five months since he wrote to Minister Sonya Kilkenny requesting a review of the development.

Local residents fear the project will damage the area's character, hurt small businesses, and threaten the sensitive coastal environment.

The Mayor says he supports development but not at any cost. The state government has yet to respond.

The City of Stonnington is challenging the State Government's proposals for increased building heights around activity centres, saying it wasn't properly consulted.

Draft plans propose buildings up to 16 storeys near train stations in suburbs including South Yarra, Prahran, and Windsor.

Mayor Melina Sehr says council's own strategies already deliver the government's housing targets while protecting local character.

Murrindindi Shire Council is calling for urgent support after January's bushfires destroyed 193 homes - nearly half of Victoria's total losses.

Mayor Damien Gallagher is seeking a two-month extension to the Victorian Parliamentary inquiry submission deadline, saying communities are still in early recovery.

The Council is also demanding locally delivered mental health services, warning that the current $6.9 million funding model requires travel up to two-and-a-half hours away, creating barriers for traumatised residents.

Mansfield Shire Council is continuing its opposition to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) tax.

Mayor Steve Rabie said the tax has resulted in a 70% increase in costs for commercial businesses, with the average commercial property now paying $1,472 compared to $864 under the previous Fire Services Levy.

He is calling on the state government to scrap the unfair tax, particularly given that local small businesses have already suffered significant revenue losses due to the recent Longwood fire emergency and tourism closures.

Work has officially started on a major redevelopment of Bendigo Art Gallery, marking the City of Greater Bendigo's largest ever civic project.

The project is expected to create 260 construction jobs and 170 ongoing positions when the gallery reopens in 2028.

Local company Fairbrother Construction will deliver the build, funded by state government, council, and philanthropic contributions.

The gallery has been completely emptied, with all artwork safely stored during construction.

Moira Shire Council has closed the Quinn Street walking track in Numurkah indefinitely after asbestos was found in soil along the track's edge.

The contamination was discovered during levee construction works when topsoil was removed and later reinstated.

The Council says the risk is low but remediation work will proceed, including removal of affected material and installation of protective barriers.

Melbourne's west is getting a major boost for electric freight with Wyndham Council approving a $9.7 million charging hub in Laverton North.

The Werribee News reported that the facility on Maria Street will feature 28 charging bays for heavy vehicles—one of the largest dedicated truck charging stations in the region.

Victorian Briefs

The National Trust is relocating historic carriages from storage in Beechworth to heritage properties across Victoria.

The decision comes after Indigo Shire Council explored options to keep the collection locally, but it says it lacks the facilities and resources required.

Two new digital information screens have been installed by Colac Otway Council in Memorial Square and at the Colac Visitor Information Centre.

The interactive touchscreens provide 24-7 access to information on local attractions, walking trails and events.

Colac Otway Shire Council has launched a survey to measure how recent fires and flash floods have affected local businesses.

The three-week survey is open to all industries including tourism, retail, agriculture and trades.

NSW Report

A Tamworth Regional Councillor has been cleared of vandalism charges over a graffiti attack on a local business.

The Northern Daily Leader (13th February 2026) reported that Councillor Mark Rodda faced court last week over the incident at the Central Hospitality Group building in March last year.

CCTV footage showed his car near the scene, but the magistrate said she couldn't conclude beyond reasonable doubt that he was responsible.

The court heard there had been animosity between the 57 year old councillor and the business on social media before the attack.

Speaking outside court, Cr Rodda said he was glad the case was over and a weight had been lifted.

Shoalhaven City Council has voted to accept a proposed Performance Improvement Order from the State Government.

At an extraordinary meeting Friday morning, councillors agreed to fully cooperate with the Office of Local Government.

Council will engage an independent professional to review materials related to concerns raised in the order.

The decision must be formally communicated to the Minister for Local Government by February 20th.

Former NBN News weather presenter Gavin Morris is among those to announce a run at the Lord Mayoralty of Newcastle, after Ross Kerridge’s recent resignation.

Mr Morris will stand as an independent. He was recently let go at NBN News after 17 years, in job cuts before the station was sold.

TV Tonight reported that he is now searching for a campaign manager, funding, and volunteers.

Meanwhile, long term Newcastle councillor Declan Clausen has announced his bid to seek Labor preselection for Lord Mayor. He’s been on the council for eleven years, including seven as Deputy Mayor.

Snowy Valleys Council has announced the appointment of Jessica Quilty as its new General Manager for a three-year term.

Mayor Julia Ham says the appointment will provide strong and stable leadership as the council works through the de-amalgamation process.

Ms Quilty joined Snowy Valleys Council in 2023 as Director of Community and Corporate and has been serving as Acting General Manager for the past 12 months.

She brings 19 years of local government experience across New South Wales metropolitan and rural councils.

Ms Quilty will serve until the establishment of two new councils in September 2028.

Bathurst Regional Council is investigating options to improve its challenging financial position.

A report going to this week's council meeting proposes developing a detailed financial sustainability strategy.

General Manager David Sherley says cost shifting, rising expenses and decreasing federal funding are making it difficult for councils across Australia.

The strategy will look beyond 2026 and consider all options, though no decision has been made on pursuing a Special Rate Variation.

Gwydir Shire has lost one of its most dedicated community servants with Councillor Marilyn Dixon's resignation due to medical reasons.

First elected in 2012, Dixon served four terms and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2017.

Her vacancy will be filled through a countback election, with results expected on March 17th.

Mayor Tiffany Galvin says Marilyn’s contribution to the Shire will never be forgotten. She was a life member of multiple community organisations and a tireless advocate for the region.

More Councils in the news:

An unauthorised mural honouring aid worker Zomi Frankcom will remain on a heritage-listed council building in Braidwood, after Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council voted to keep the artwork.

It was painted overnight without permission in September last year, according to About Regional.

News dot com au reports that Northern Beaches Council has banned bikini-only attire on its free Hop, Skip and Jump bus. Passengers must now cover swimwear before boarding.

The policy follows complaints about hygiene concerns from wet, sandy clothing affecting seats and passenger comfort.

Angry Cessnock residents will march Wednesday at 5:30pm from Darwin Street to the council car park, protesting council's financial crisis, and its application for a nearly 40% rate increase.

According to the Newcastle Weekly, protesters question how council's finances collapsed so quickly - from requesting a minimal rate variation two years ago to now seeking 40%.

NSW Briefs:

Parkes Shire Council has secured more than $8 million in federal funding for two major road safety projects. They are two of only 30 successful projects approved nationally.

Mayor Neil Westcott thanked community members who wrote letters of support for the applications.

Georges River Council says it cut development application determination times by 40 per cent last year.

The average timeframe dropped from 256 days in January to 157 days in December.

The refusal rate was also reduced by 24 per cent.

Bega Valley Shire Council is partnering with the NSW Government on a comprehensive leak detection project across its water network.

The program will survey more than 541 kilometres of water mains using advanced acoustic technology to locate hidden leaks that are impossible to detect from the surface.

It’s part of a state government program to help regional councils save millions of litres annually.

Queensland Report

Scenic Rim Regional Council has approved a $1.6M budget reallocation to complete the Gallery Walk car park project on Tamborine Mountain.

The project's cost has now ballooned to 6 million dollars, up from an initial estimate of 4.4 million.

Mayor Tom Sharp has called for an independent investigation into the cost overruns and apologised to the community.

He says the findings will be made public to rebuild trust following several budget blowouts on local infrastructure projects.

A South Burnett Council garbage truck caught fire in Blackbutt on Friday while servicing the area.

The driver was forced to dump the burning contents onto Emerson Road around 12:30pm.

Burnett Today dot com reported that it was a hazardous materials spill, and that a 100 metre exclusion zone had been put in place, with authorities urging residents to stay clear of the affected zone.

More than 50 Queensland landholders face having their properties auctioned off to recover unpaid rates, according to Queensland Country Life.

Lockyer Valley has the largest number with 34 properties earmarked for sale.

South Burnett Regional Council auctioned three properties last week, including a 69-hectare Inverlaw property.

Isaac Council advertised the intention to sell 10 properties last week, while Gympie Council resolved late last year to sell 10 properties to recover unpaid rates.

Councils say it as a last resort after extensive efforts to work with property owners.

K'gari is setting a benchmark for recycling in remote locations with contamination rates at just three percent.

The comingled recycling service rolled out at Eurong and Happy Valley in September has delivered exceptional results, according to Fraser Coast Council.

It says the low contamination rate means recyclable materials can actually be recovered and reused.

The success is credited to residents and businesses who've taken the time to sort waste correctly.

The rollout forms part of Council's waste management and resource recovery strategy for the island.

Tasmania

The Local Government Association of Tasmania has released Internal Migration Profiles for every council area in the state.

The profiles, developed by Dr Lisa Denny using recent ABS data, show how people are moving in and out of local communities.

The data is part of the Future Populations Network initiative. Council leaders can now access detailed information about population movement in their areas.

Western Australia

Some election news out of Western Australia:

Simon Robinson and Andrew McRae have been sworn in as Councillors for the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, filling vacancies left by recent resignations.

They will serve the remainder of the four-year term, ensuring full Council representation for the community.

Derek Jones has been elected unopposed to the Shire of Yalgoo Council. The election was to be held in March, but Mr Jones was the only nomination, and was declared elected last week, for a term ending in October 2029.

Fremantle Community Legal Centre has partnered with the Department of Housing and Works to launch the Keeping Homes, Keeping Futures pilot program, providing early intervention support for public housing tenants at risk of eviction in Fremantle.

The 12-month Early Tenancy Intervention Network (ETIN) pilot connects at-risk tenants with tenancy advice, advocacy, and local support services to stabilise tenancies and prevent avoidable evictions before issues escalate to court.

It is currently the only pilot of its kind in WA, making the City of Fremantle the lead testing case for this early-intervention homelessness prevention model.

The City of Subiaco Mayor David McMullen has written to residents as consultation on a new civic building and gardens enters its final month.

The concept design is for a three storey building, similar to the Old Council Chamber and Administration Centre, with significant community spaces.

Mayor McMullen said the community has so far expressed priorities for green spaces, accessibility, and preserving the site's history.

The feedback will be independently analysed before being presented to Council.

The City of Armadale is supporting a new two-year pilot program called Operation Greenprint at Sienna Wood, led by developer Stockland.

The initiative aims to improve how trees are planted and maintained in new developments across growing communities.

Mayor Ruth Butterfield says local government can't deliver greener neighbourhoods alone and praised Stockland's proactive approach.

The program will trial different planting methods, tree selection, and community involvement to create a model for future developments.

Global Report

NZ:

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has raised concerns about Kaipara District Council's proposal to merge with North Rodney under local government restructuring, according to a report from the NZ Herald.

The plan would create a new local government entity combining Kaipara with Auckland's North Rodney area.

Mayor Brown's opposition signals potential challenges ahead for the restructuring bid.

The proposal is part of broader local government reform discussions in the region.

USA:

Smart Cities Dive reports on new research that shows every dollar not spent on disaster resilience could cost communities up to thirty-three dollars in lost economic activity after a disaster strikes.

The report from Allstate and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that in hurricane-prone areas, resilience funding can prevent the loss of more than seventy thousand jobs.

Only fifteen percent of emergency managers believe the U.S. is very prepared to manage a typical disaster.

The study identifies six key investment areas where every dollar invested in mitigation could save an average of six dollars in future disaster costs.

The Mayor of Dillon, Montana, John McGinley has abruptly resigned during a heated city council meeting, citing stress from ongoing tensions over transparency and communication.

Subsequent to his dramatic resignation, a special meeting descended into bickering over procedural issues, including whether the mayor’s unsigned resignation letter was valid.

The city is now accepting applications for his replacement, with a decision expected March 4th, according to Montana Public Radio.

**New York City'**s beloved bodega cats are getting a shot at legal recognition despite technically being illegal in food stores, according to a report from RTL.

Around a third of the city's ten thousand corner shops are thought to have a resident cat that helps control mice and attracts customers.

City council member Keith Powers has proposed legislation to shield bodega cat owners from fines and provide free vaccinations and spaying services.

But animal welfare groups warn the measure doesn't go far enough, saying many cats suffer from poor care or abandonment.

UK:

In UK local government news, several councils have been given permission to raise council tax above the usual 5% cap to address financial pressures.

Meanwhile, electoral innovations are on the horizon as flexible voting options, including early voting centres, will be piloted during upcoming local elections to improve voter accessibility.

And in Peterborough, the city council has gained its first Reform party councillor in a by-election, marking a shift in the local political landscape.

More on those stories from Local Gov dot co uk and BBC News.