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.
Beach tragedy, landbanking, award winners and a burial boom
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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, and Council Reforms
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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...
Melbourne Protests, Kingston's Second Monitor, Townsville Mayoral Race, and WA's Compulsory Voting Debate
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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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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 Commission of Inquiry outcomes, a CEO sacked, and a massive fraud
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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
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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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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
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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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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
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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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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
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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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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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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the na...
Landslide inquiry report, a nonsensical decision, and AI manipulation
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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
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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
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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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“Beyond disgraceful”: councils taking a stand
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Taking a stand against abuse towards frontline council workers and elected representativesCouncils push back on electricity reforms, lifeguard funding and planning call-insRural NSW councils look to the future after devastating economic blowsA council’s planned tribute to rock band AC/DCStriking staff to be locked out from today in Townsvilleand commissioners appointed and the remaining councillors removed from the troubled Town of Port Hedland Councilplus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond
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Sweeping meeting changes, a censure overturned, and an un-resignation
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Another council raises concerns about a surprise renewable energy zone proposalAn urgent call for animal foster carers in GippslandSweeping changes announced for council meetings in NSWA censured Parramatta councillor’s court winA Council GM un-resigns and gets a new five year dealCouncils rejectingphone tower proposalsThe toll mounts from a stubborn algal bloom in South Australiaand the city looking to limit resident’s smartphone usePlus more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond
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Dog attack alarm, funding wins, and more industrial action
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Alarm over a disturbing increase in dog attacks in East GippslandThe growth of data centres raises water concerns in HumeAn admission that a controversial roundabout should never have been builtFunding wins for five regional NSW CouncilsCompensation calls for sacked Ipswich councillors rejectedIndustrial action launched against a Tasmanian councilA long serving South Australian council CEO to step downA Port Hedland councillor pushing back against government interventionAnd jail for UK worker convicted of fraud against multiple councilsPlus more local government news from across...
Council shutdown, charged Mayor stands aside, and intervention for two councils
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Alpine Shire Council shuts down as a police manhunt continuesA metro mayor facing charges stands asideMany Melbourne councils predicted to fall short of government housing targetsSydney councils at odds with the state government over planning proposalsGovernment intervention looms for two WA councilsCEO appointments and resignations in Victoria and New South WalesConcerns over leaked details of a CEO’s employment conditionsCounting continues in key NT mayoral racesand more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Kingston monitors, tight mayoral contests, and a 'gut-wrenching' attack
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Monitors announced for KingstonMoorabool’s toxic waste fight with the EPA continuesA waste-to-energy surprise in HumeA former mayor attempts a by-election comebackA NSW councillor fails to block a second suspensionNT mayoral election counts on a knife-edgeSurprising recommendations for a boundary change in SAand trio of Tasmanian councillors hit back at hurtful online claimsplus more of the latest news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond.
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Levy discontent, demerger referendum, and a major restructure
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Levy discontent grows as rates notices go outA council’s major restructure plan announcedCasey Council backtracks on controversial local lawsAnother potential NSW council demerger moves a step closerSweeping reforms announced for council elections in South AustraliaAn historic appointment for Western Australian local governmentplus executive appointments, resignations and election results from across the countryplus more of the latest news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond.
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Overwhelmed and Overworked: Addressing Burnout in Councils
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In this episode, we dive into the pressing issue of burnout and overwhelm within local government.
Join us as we explore insights from Zoe Dattner, CEO of the Dattner Group, who shares stories and findings from a recent event focused on the relentless drive to do more with less.
Discover the risks of this growing pressure, the impact on strategic goals, and practical tools like the "three lens filter" to help navigate these challenges.
Find out how local government leaders are addressing these issues and fostering a...
Well Travelled Executive Series #12 - Michael Tudball
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Another insightful episode in the Well Travelled Executive Series, featuring Michael Tudball, a seasoned leader in local government.
From his beginnings in audit and risk to becoming a council CEO, Michael shares his unique journey through various councils across Victoria.
Discover his experiences as a mayor, his passion for community development, and his strategic roles in economic growth and infrastructure.
Michael's story is a testament to dedication and leadership in shaping vibrant communities, and one of challenges and triumphs in the public sector.
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Reprogramming Local Government (Generative AI in Action)
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In this special episode of the Local Government News Roundup, Chris Eddy explores how generative AI is beginning to transform councils in Victoria.Â
This episode features real-world stories of councils trialling AI chatbots, document search tools, and AI agents, as well as bold discussions about what might come next – from robot building inspectors to AI-supported service delivery.
Guests include James Plozza from Warrnambool City Council, Broderick McIntyre from Greater Bendigo Council, Justine Resta from ALGIM Australia, Fergal Coleman and Sarah Jayne Webb from Symphony3, and consultant Lisa Bennetto. Together, the...
Well Travelled Executive Series #11 - Rebecca McKenzie
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In this episode of the Well Traveled Executive Series, Chris Eddy sits down with Rebecca McKenzie, the outgoing CEO of Glen Eira City Council, to explore her public service journey from the UK to Australia.
Rebecca shares her insights on the evolving landscape of leadership, the importance of diversity in governance, and the highlights and challenges of her career to date.
Discover how her HR background shaped her approach to leadership and why fostering diversity is crucial for thriving communities.
An inspiring conversation about the future of...
Final warning, inquiry revelations, and a formal caution
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A final warning over a controversial sea wall in FrankstonTwo rural councils challenge the Victorian Government over drought funding inequitiesMaribyrnong Council the latest to consider funding private security measuresMore revelations from the Liverpool Council public inquiryThe cost to ratepayers of a failed council merger revealedA major sporting infrastructure setback in RedlandA formal caution for a Tasmanian councillorFresh voter fraud concerns in Adelaideplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Misconduct allegation dismissed, formal frustration, and demerger optimism
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On your Monday morning edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A mayor’s misconduct complaint against a councillor dismissedWhitehorse council’s multi-million dollar fight with SRLBuloke formalises its frustration with the state governmentA wave of demerger optimism in NSWRising Tide stands firm on protest plans in NewcastleSunshine Coast Council bypassed over festival developmentA Council’s large rate increase prompts a call for legislative changeAnd a Tasmanian mayor facing a no-confidence motionplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Dangerous precedent, Council raided, and demerger approved
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Moorabool Shire faces a $1/2M clean up bill after a loss at VCATA council and union meet to discuss workplace culture concernsA sacked street sweeper wins compensation, and is now considering a tilt at federal politicsA dramatic raid on a Sydney councilThe green light for a demerger of Cootamundra-Gundagai CouncilA marathon Council meeting fails to come to a decision on mayoral misconduct allegationsand the heavy toll of vandalism on councils in northern Tasmaniaplus more local government news from around Australia and...
Agency underfunded, dangerous dogs, and a shock resignation
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Claims of underfunding from another Victorian integrity agencyA council’s call for stronger powers to act on dangerous dogsA councillor demanding a public apology from her councilLiverpool’s public inquiry gets underwayA NSW mayor calls out keyboard warriorsA shock resignation from a Qld Council CEOControversial new Council by-laws under attack in South Australiaand a local government member association CEO is moving onPlus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Toothless tiger, un-Australian planning rules, and suspension upheld
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Serious concerns raised about the effectiveness of Victoria’s local government inspectorateCouncillors brand planning changes “un-Australian”A Councillor fails in a bid to overturn a three month suspensionFurther delays in a Council’s General Manager appointment processA QLD mayor cleared again of conduct breach allegationsA controversial Council website to be overhauleda WA council sounds the alarm on coastal erosionNedlands awaits the appointment of commissionersAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
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$1.5B cost-shift, costly legal disputes, and amalgamation debate reignites
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Moorabool puts its case to VCAT over an EPA clean up orderA fight to stop a proposed new McDonald’s restaurant in DarebinThe Victorian Government denies a council’s kangaroo harvesting requestA new report puts a number on government cost-shiftingA tragedy in Townsville involving a council waste truckThe cost of councillor conduct legal disputes revealed in Adelaideand the council amalgamation debate reignites in Western AustraliaPlus Ballarat Deputy Mayor Cr Ben Taylor reveals the council's approach to collecting an unpopular state government tax...
Punching down, a suspension, and an imminent dissolution
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Turmoil in Perth as a councillor exodus triggers a council’s dismissalA council challenges the EPA at VCATA suspension for a veteran Merri-bek councillorA mayor’s anger over anti-semitic attacks in MelbourneCEO resignations and appointments, and a failed recruitmentA mayor’s relief as a high profile murder trial concludesA Queensland council’s 25 per cent rate increaseand more local government news from across Australia and beyond.Support the show
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Hateful attacks condemned, toxic claims rejected, and a dramatic skyline change
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Hateful attacks condemnedClaims of a toxic council workforce rejectedReaction to new drought support measuresA disappointing state government funding cutAn innovative road reconstruction project failsA dramatic change coming to Sydney’s skylineAnother NSW Council CEO resignationA former Queensland mayor plans a comebackand Perth councils put on notice by the governmentPlus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the na...
