Local Government News Roundup
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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.
Levy backdown, mayor resigns, and a raffle debate - #526
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Last Sunday at 8:00 PM
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A government back down on the controversial Emergency Services levyAlpine Shire’s mayor resigns after less than two weeks in the roleA rural NSW council commences a special rate variation processRowing clubs upset over a Sydney council’s swimming pool planTownsville's new mayor wins his first political testA Gold Coast councillor's raffle ticket purchase on a corporate card sparks policy debateHobart council to shift focus to compliance after a new AFL stadium is approvedAn infrastructure review reveals governance failures at a Tasmanian councilAl...
"Subverting democracy", councillors suspended and accosted - #525
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A Merri-bek councillor to be suspended for misconductA councillor accosted in public over a controversial pool decisionThe NSW Council set to fly the Palestinian flagEnvironmental vandalism under investigation by Noosa CouncilA Queensland council’s calls for help with a recent crime spikeA South Australian mayor resigns, effective immediatelyand Perth’s Lord Mayor abandons a controversial workplace culture reviewAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
Plus we go live to Las Vegas in the...
Rate cap breach, intervention and a tragic loss - ft.Anne-Marie Cade #524
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12/02/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A second Victorian council in breach of the rate capHume Council wins VCAT action against illegal earthworksNew figures show the chronic underfunding that is holding back housing developmentA proposal to fund Pride Month activities under fireA council backs away from a special rate variation planThe Queensland government to send an adviser into Redland CouncilThe tragic death of a WA deputy shire president in a bushfireAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
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Overwhelming demerger vote, city turmoil, and "concerning misrepresentation" - #523
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11/30/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Councils get behind a global campaign to end gender-based violenceA disappointing decision to close a community poolA referendum returns an overwhelming vote for deamalgamation of Snowy Valleys CouncilNewcastle’s Deputy Lord Mayor cops criticism from a local MPA council offers a $10,000 reward following a tree vandalism incidentA mayor’s decision to go to the Winter Olympics under fireA Tasmanian mayor survives an attempted no-confidence motionTurmoil at the City of Perth as its Acting CEO resigns, andThe shire that wants to be a cityAl...
Award winners, and a "grossly unfair"situation - #522
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11/27/2025
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Winners announced in the inaugural Mary Rogers Awards for women in local governmentHepburn Shire calls for urgent action after an attack on its CEOThe latest mayoral election resultsA new LGNSW President electedSydney Council's controversial $20 million planter box contractTownsville’s former mayor found to have lied about his military serviceA councillor resigns in the wake of a strip club scandalUK mayors getting powers to introduce tourist taxesAnd warnings the NZ government's local government restructure threatens Treaty obligationsPlus more news from across the world of lo...
Housing first, claims refuted, and a community devastated - ft.Georgia Forde #521
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11/25/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A Victorian-first housing initiative launched in FrankstonBallarat refutes claims about a waste processing tenderThe latest mayoral election results from around VictoriaLiverpool’s Mayor on the stand at a public inquiryMore NSW Councils considering special rate variationsA Muswellbrook Shire Council community devastated by the loss of century-old hall;Deficient procurement processes under the microscope at Douglas Shirea proposal to merge Hobart and Glenorchy councils deferred to an el...Alleged assault, housing feud, and mayor reprimanded - #520
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11/23/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A Council CEO allegedly assaulted in a dispute over planning applicationsA legal review prompts a tender process overhaul for a regional councilVictorian mayoral elections heading into the home stretchThe Sydney Lord Mayor’s housing feud with the Premier escalatesA contentious vote on flags in the chamber at Federation CouncilA proposal to merge two Tasmanian councils on Hobart’s agenda this weekA mayor reprimanded over treatment of the council’s general managerAnd bullying claims put the spotlight back on Adelaide City CouncilAll of tha...
Planning alarm, avoidable failures, mayor removed - #519
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11/20/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Peak bodies sound the alarm over Victoria’s planning overhaulNew landslide erosion measures in Mornington PeninsulaThe Victorian Ombudsman finds government and council failures caused a retirement village flood disasterThe result of the Townsville mayoral election is officialA population boom in the City of Ipswich confirmed by new dataA Hobart councillor takes Federal Court actionA South Australian mayor’s term ended early by fellow councillorsAnd a warning that new legislation could bankrupt some WA councilsPlus much more news from across the world of l...
CEO health battle, mayoral updates, and illegal dumping crusade: ft.Martin Taylor, #518
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11/18/2025
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Coming up on the Local Government News Roundup for Wednesday, 19th November:
Baw Baw Shire’s new CEO takes leave after breast cancer diagnosisThe Borough of Queenscliffe appoints an acting CEO for three monthsA Greater Bendigo councillor resigns citing work commitmentsMore Victorian councils announce new mayors and deputy mayorsMerri-bek scales back controversial cat curfew proposalNSW Premier meets with western NSW councils on a youth crime responseKu-ring-gai's alternative housing plan approved by the GovernmentTownsville has a new Mayor, as voters say No to Troy ThompsonMount Gambier Council attracts online ridiculeand a $2M bill fo...Drink driving scandal and a Christmas lights controversy - #517
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11/13/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A rural mayor on leave after being caught drink driving in a council carFrankston appoints its first female CEOInjecting room reversal at YarraMore mayor and deputy mayor elections decided around VictoriaA councillor working remotely from the other side of the country sparks criticismA sudden GM resignation shocks a NSW councilClarence Valley facing an alleged governance crisisA Christmas lights controversy at a South Australian counciland a WA mayor apologises after a tree removal mistakeand much more news from across the world of...
Diplomatic incident, resignations, and the future workforce - ft.Sue Wilkinson, #516
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11/11/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Two Victorian Council CEOs are stepping downMore Victorian mayoral elections resultsA Wyndham councillor embroiled in a diplomatic incidentA call for major public transport upgradesA new Federal inquiry into local government fundingPressure to overturn Cumberland Council’s drag storytime banParramatta won’t appeal a Supreme Court decision overturning a councillor censureGold Coast’s biggest ever development project moving forwardand back to the polls for five NT CouncilsPlus, LGPro President Sue Wilkinson on preparing for the local government workforce of the future.
All...
Peril pitch, budget slashed, and a pigeon furore - #515
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11/09/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Mildura launches bold campaign for Melbourne's controversial Yellow Peril sculptureA council’s budget deficit slashed by $290M in under a yearKingston Council asked to consider role statements for its mayor and deputyA Council plan to slash rates for some, while hiking charges for othersA pigeon baiting furore in a NSW townWagga to save a century old bridge from Inland RailTownsville’s waste collection woes, as its mayoral by-election is just days awayPlus water recycling and SunSmart firsts in South Australia.All of that...
Name change, shock resignation, and dumping threat - #514
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11/06/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A Whittlesea street faces name change after royal title strippedSurf Coast’s vacant Torquay ward seat filled after second countbackVictorian councils elect new mayorsA ambitious plan to transform car parks into 18-storey apartment towersShoalhaven Councillor appears in court and resigns immediatelyClarence Valley’s Mayor condemns an MP for "misuse of parliamentary privilege"Shellharbour appoints its new CEOA heated cemetery debate in QueenslandResidents threaten to dump rubbish at a council chambers over a cashless tip policyWest Coast Council defends turnover as third of staff resi...Rejection, failure and enforcement - ft. Lisa Scomazzon, #513
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11/04/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Greater Dandenong mayor rejects independent workplace culture investigationCity of Ballarat admits responsibility for a million dollar failed road repairNorth Sydney Council proposes rate increases up to 54% after previous rejectionGold Coast Council issued enforcement order after 7 million litres of sewage spillsQueensland councils face $40,000 annual cost for weather data previously free from Bureau of MeteorologyFormer Town of Cambridge mayor loses appeal against code of conduct breach findingsLondon boroughs face ÂŁ4 billion funding gap with bankruptcy risk for up to half by 2028Mexican mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo R...$3M win, costly mistake, and three strikes for controversial councillor - #512
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11/02/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A $3M VCAT win for Glen Eira over the Melbourne Racing ClubBattery storage push back in Baw BawA costly infringement mistake in Yarra RangesAged care reforms place new obligations on councillorsNSW’s most controversial councillor suspended for a third timeCouncils take a stand against new meeting rulesDisaster role locked in for Queensland mayorsA staff exodus raises concerns at a Tasmanian counciland a call for compulsory voting at South Australian council electionsplus more new local government news from across Australia and beyond.
...Walkout, countback take 2, and busker shock - ft. Fabian Dattner, #511
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10/30/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A Surf Coast councillor walks out of his first meeting after a suspensionCount backs and resignations continue in Victoria, as mayoral election season beginsAn audit reveals a $50M asset overvaluation and 'extreme risk' in ParramattaControversial changes to busking rules in SydneyNorth Burnett moves to forcibly sell six properties over $200K rates debtGold Coast says no to free early parking despite resident petitionsA warning that reorganisation threatens local democracy in the UKAlso today - Fabian Dattner drops by to preview an upcoming event on...Call for scrutiny, higher councillor pay and fairer funding - ft. Nat Traeger, #510
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10/28/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A call for scrutiny as major new planning reforms unveiled without consultation with councilsThe fight against the ESVF continuesLiverpool’s mayor under renewed attack in a public inquiryA move to slash short term rental caps in SydneyA Queensland mayor wants to reduce councillor numbersHobart councillors make the case for higher payAn Adelaide councillor to apologise for a breachand a South Australian Council CEO resignationPlus a Council CEO’s call for fairer local government funding - Nat Traeger from the District Council of Robe on R...A new era, a health battle and copycat motions
#509
10/26/2025
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Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A new era for Hobsons Bay Council as it announces its next chief executiveGippsland earns a place on the world stageA Lord Mayor’s health battleCouncillors accused of copycat motions on housing in NSWService cuts and workforce reallocations flagged at a Queensland council,While another allays fears of a burial crisisA controversial Tasmanian councillor reveals his future plansand defamation proceedings from a CEO against his former council in WAPlus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Beach tragedy, landbanking, award winners and a burial boom
#508
10/23/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Frankston Council to step up beach safety measures after two tragic deathsConcerns over plans to add private security cameras to Melbourne’s CCTV networkLandbanking accusations from by an inner city Council CEOConcerns raised about new NSW councillor conduct reformsThis year’s Women in Local Government award winners announcedA new trial to crack down on vehicles blocking drivewaysThe alarm sounded on infrastructure and crowded cemeteries in Queenslandand more election surprises in Western AustraliaPlus more of the latest local government news from around Aust...
Assault charge, housing pressures, council reforms- ft. Mark Dupe #507
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10/21/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Yarra’s Mayor charged with assaultAnger from Kingston Council over a controversial development approvalDisappointment as Ballarat loses a major sporting event52 jobs to go as the axe falls at Shoalhaven CouncilThe NSW Premier threatens councils over housingNew reforms announced for local government in QueenslandA misconduct finding against a South Australian mayorand more election outcomes in Western AustraliaPlus, an interim CEO’s views on new reforms set to shake up council meeting practices in NSW from next year. Mark Dupe from Berrigan Shir...
Protests, second monitor, and compulsory voting debate - #506
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10/19/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Condemns Immigration Protest ViolenceKingston’s second monitor announcedWodonga’s new councillor questions the use of a hospital lobbyistVictoria’s new Police Chief Meets Regional Councils on CrimeCentral Darling Elects its First Councillors in DecadeAlbury Council’s Deficit Cuts to be Revealed TonightA Record Nine Candidates to Contest Townsville’s Mayoral By-ElectionWA’s Local Government Minister Flags Compulsory Council Voting, after a low election turnoutand much more news from across the world of local government.
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“Ill-founded and misconceived” - legal disputes, improvement orders
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10/16/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The VEC calls for legislative change for Victorian council electionsA new CEO for Buloke, and a familiar face returns to Wodonga CouncilBrimbank embroiled in legal disputesWorkplace improvement notices placed on Shoalhaven Council for councillor safetyNSW Council CEO news, including a new GM and a twist in the Parramatta sacking sagaThe investigation into Townsville’s former mayor is completeCalls for Redland Council to be sacked, as its Mayor votes against the annual reportIndefinite leave for a WA Council CEOAll of that and mo...
Whittlesea Inquiry, CEO sacked, massive fraud- ft. Paul Tatchell #504
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10/14/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Another monitor for Whittlesea as a Commission of Inquiry report raises serious governance concernsMaribyrnong’s Mayor back at work as his legal proceedings endCouncils unite against an unpopular taxA council lobbying for councillor term limitsParramatta Council sacks its CEOA Queensland council loses nearly $2M to a sophisticated fraudand while WA’s Shire of Coolgardie avoids suspension, a rural councillor does not.Plus on Roundup Extra, Moorabool Mayor Paul Tatchell on his ongoing dispute with the EPA over illegally dumped toxic waste, and why...
"Frivolous and vexatious" - legal battles, disputes and asbestos
#503
10/12/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A suspended mayor’s court challenge edges closerA rural mayor calls for sector support for its battle with the EPAA NSW councillor resigns, amid reported financial troublesAsbestos contamination concerns widen in LiverpoolA copper smelter rescue package welcomed in QueenslandA council calls for help in the fight against tree vandalismA long running legal battle thrown outA bloodbath for incumbent mayors in New ZealandSupport the show
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Landslide findings, prayer rejected, and crime wave concerns
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10/09/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The MacRae Landslide Board of Inquiry report is out, along with the government’s responsePrayer rejected - a petition fails to return the Lord’s Prayer to Bass Coast Council meetingsA charity given notice to vacate by Greater Dandenong CouncilDate set for a de-amalgamation referendumShoalhaven’s new CEO rejects claims he’s not qualified for the jobA new councillor for Moreton BayWater concerns in Cairnsand voters go to the polls for local council elections in New ZealandAlso today, a NSW town living i...
Councillor restricted, urgent plea, and new misconduct laws
#501
10/07/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A councillor’s workplace restrictions strengthened after an investigationNorthern Melbourne councils unite to demand transport improvementsA push to return the Lord’s Prayer to a rural council’s meetingHorsham Council condemns a spate of offensive, racially motivated materialAlbury’s Mayor meets with the NSW Premier about hospital servicesA call for financial transparency at a metro Sydney councilA major CCTV investment to boost community safety in a NSW townAn urgent call for respect for staff at a large Queensland councilAnd badly behaved Tasmanian councillors face dis...Toxic behaviour and a shocking trend in episode #500!
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10/05/2025
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It's episode 500 of the Local Government News Roundup!
Coming up in this episode,Â
A new report of a toxic culture among former Brimbank councillorsA new Victorian flood hazard rating system draws mixed reviewsThe sad passing of a NSW Council’s General ManagerA country mayor sounds the alarm over a disturbing trend of crime in his townA council reversal leaves an industry in turmoilFresh accusations of misleading claims by former Townsville mayor Troy ThompsonA CEO admits his Council needs to improve its community engagementand much more news from across the...
Grim determination, political bastardry, and by-election date set
#499
10/02/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A victory for community activism in Hepburn ShireA new award program honouring women in local governmentA CEO recruitment process comes under investigationA council fined over a sewage dischargeWorkers protest possible redundancies at Liverpool City CouncilThe date is set for Townsville’s mayoral by-electionTwo South Australian councils appoint new CEOsand election controversies in Western AustraliaPlus more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Controversial appointment, corruption perceptions, and rate pegs
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09/30/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Perceptions of corruption run high in Victorian local governmentNew cat confinement laws come into effect in MelbourneNSW Council rate pegs revealed for next yearShoalhaven’s controversial CEO appointmentA milestone for a local government employment programTownsville Council chooses postal voting for its mayoral by-electionAnd England’s councillors to be allowed back into the sector’s pension schemeAlso 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 som...
"Systemic shortcomings", a funding dispute, and a controversial resignation
#497
09/28/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
More councils take issue with funding for beach lifeguard servicesTownsville’s controversial mayor resigns, but the long running saga is not overCalls for publication of Council FOI requestsA council’s $2M parking machine overhaulA Sydney area council CEO reportedly negotiating a contract exitA major financial restructure for a Queensland councilA string of supplementary election results from South AustraliaA costly by-election in WA after a surprise resignationand controversy over CEO recruitment at a NZ counciland much more local government news from across Aust...
Sandon in court, resignations, elections, and another councillor suspended
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09/25/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Baw Baw Shire appoints a new CEOA surprise councillor resignation on the Surf CoastOperation Sandon finally reaches a courtroomCEO appointment news from NSWA controversial flouride decision in QueenslandA South Australian mayor resigns after months of turmoilA Tasmanian councillor suspended for code of conduct breachesand tensions flare in Perth’s Lord Mayoral contestPlus European cities under pressure from overtourism, and provincial intervention raises concerns in Canada.Support the show
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CEO resignation, high-rise protest, and a surprise restructure
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09/23/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Merri-bek Council CEO Cathy Henderson resigns to head up WorkSafe VictoriaGates demolished as Yarra’s mayor declares a long running dispute overSydney Council urging stronger state action on illegal vapesResidents protest a high-rise development planA breakthrough in a Queensland council’s industrial dispute, as another commences a surprise restructureDeputy mayor appointments in NSW, and by-election results and a high profile resignation in TasmaniaPlus, Regional Capitals Australia Acting Chair Kevin Mack on the policy changes needed to unlock the potential of regional capi...
Suspension, rate cap error, and a return to democracy
#494
09/21/2025
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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 monthA win at VCAT for Wyndham City CouncilGeelong to show its colours in AFL Grand Final weekA remote NSW community votes for its first new Council in more than a decadeThe home of Tamworth’s famed Golden Guitar under reviewNew deputy mayors elected across NSWThe latest from Townsville’s ongoing mayoral dramaHobart Council reviewing its position on an AFL stadiumplus more local government news from around Australia and beyo...
Melton mayhem, Mornington macropods, and a mayoral ultimatum
#493
09/18/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A political storm engulfs Melton CouncilWallabies saved from euthanasia on the Mornington PeninsulaMayors unite over deteriorating road conditionsSweeping planning changes to accelerate housing development in NSWTownsville’s suspended mayor asked to show why he shouldn’t be sackedA boundary change recommendation rejected by SA’s local government ministerand tensions flare at a Tasmanian council meetingSupport the show
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“Bureaucratic nightmare” - disaster funding, earthquakes and a dead whale
#492
09/16/2025
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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 governmentVictorian councils concerned about disaster funding delays, while NSW councils deal with earthquakes and a dead whalePort Phillip steps up advocacy on extended Grand Prix timelinesA reprimand for Townsville’s suspended mayorA deputy mayor found in breach of conflict of interest rulesA Council CEO resigns,and a WA Council’s future hangs in the balanceSupport the show
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“Clearly oppressive” - Slug Gate case dismissed, urgent briefing, facilities closed
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09/14/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Case dismissed - the latest twist in the Greater Dandenong Slug Gate sagaUrgent briefing for Yarra Council on a VCAT e-scooter challengeA life or death decision looming for kangaroos and wallabies at Mornington Peninsula ShireCouncil financial management concerns laid bare in a new Auditor General reportPet ownership limits spark backlash for a NSW councilVandalism and asbestos dumping lead to council facility closuresTownsville’s suspended mayor found in breach of the code of conductand the WA premier flags more local government election reforms ahead...
"Blindsided" - high density surprise, suspension push, and clickbait and chaos
#490
09/11/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Plans for new high density precincts unveiled in MelbourneLiverpool Councillors move to have the city’s CEO suspendedA mayor distances her council from expected job lossesFrom Gore to Walcha - a trans-Tasman leadership transitionThe spectre of Operation Sandon hanging over Casey City CouncilA budget blow for the City of Nedlandsand claims of clickbait and chaos at a Reform UK led councilSupport the show
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Landslide inquiry report, a nonsensical decision, and AI manipulation
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09/09/2025
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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 concernsCEO level appointments in Victoria and NSW, and a contract extension in QueenslandA controversial shark net trial up in the air in NSW, but the affected councils want it to proceedIndustrial action looms for another Queensland councilNominations are in for WA council electionsand the UK has a new local government minister...
A mayor’s health battle, a new Lord Mayor, and a bygone prayer
#488
09/07/2025
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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 linkAn acting mayor appointed as a country mayor deals with health challengesAnother council drops a Christian prayer from its meetingsA bitter housing dispute between a council and the state government in Sydney’s eastCessnock the latest council to explore a special rate variationA Council CEO’s interstate travel under scrutinyA new Lord Mayor for Darwinand arrests over an alleged housing fraud at a London councilPlus Cr Adam Worling from the...
“Hateful narratives”: a world first strategy, and toxic culture rejected
#487
09/04/2025
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Charges laid after seven years of Operation SandonMayors facing down discrimination and hateful narrativesA world first anti-semitism strategy launchedShoalhaven Council rejects claims of a toxic cultureA council under pressure to change its community visionA general manager appointment, and another councillor resignationNZ Police accused of inaction over online death threats against councillors, andThe growing resistance movement against data centres across the USplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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