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.
Council turmoil, serial pest suspended, and controversial new council leadership
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Unrest at Golden Plains - a councillor resignation and the mayor on a leave of absenceA warning of broader implications for the sector after a Federal Court decisionA community group vows alternative action after its council funding was terminatedThe NSW government responds to inquiry recommendations on local government fundingA serial pest councillor suspended over abusive social media postsA South Australian council loses its third CEO in 18 monthsAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
...Climate alliance exit, driveway crackdown, and firepit storm
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A climate alliance loses another council memberA testy exchange between a council and a local MPA move away from carbon offsets by a regional councilMelbourne Town Hall set for its largest gathering everA council crackdown on parking across drivewaysA former council CEO charged with frauda long running aquatic centre dispute finally resolveda storm over firepits prompts a council rethinkand a unique mayoral charity event set to cast offThe VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22...
Council court defeats, workers locked out, and a seismic political shift
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Council court defeatsA Melbourne council takes a strong stand against the Suburban Rail LoopAnother municipal monitors report is releasedA major restructure for a Sydney councilContinued disruptions to a NSW Council’s meetings prompts a major process reviewWorkers locked out in Noosa as an industrial dispute escalatesThe Tasmanian council making news for all the wrong reasonsand a seismic shift in England in the latest Council electionsAlso today, a new survey reveals the extent of the planner shortage in local government - Regional Ci...
Alliance turmoil, court action, and an outsourcing snag
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A council alliance loses a memberA mayor granted an interim court orderAn election signage dispute could be headed for courtA snag for a northeast council’s childcare centre outsourcing planThe passing of a long serving metro Melbourne councillorA new approach to combatting abandoned shopping trolleysA Qld council reverses course on EV infrastructure - againPlus CEO appointment news, council workers on strike, and councils under fire for promoting vaccine scepticism.And much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Catching Up - Inquiry, Suspension, Appointments and Resignations
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The Local Government News Roundup is back, and in this edition we catch up on the major news of the last month.
Including:
A commission of inquiry for Whittlesea Council as its mayor is suspendedA Kingston councillor stood down pending legal proceedingsA raft of CEO resignations and appointments from across the countryA monitor’s report released, and the cost of a previous commission of inquiry revealedA major restructure for a Queensland counciland a court voids the election of four Adelaide City CouncillorsPlus much more news from around the lo...
Well Travelled Executive Series #10 - Stephen Wall
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Today's guest on the Local Government News Roundup's Well Travelled Executive Series is Stephen Wall, the CEO of Wyndham City Council in Victoria.
Stephen has held local government roles in three states, in a career that has led him to the CEO position at one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons...
Well Travelled Executive Series #9 - Alastair Dawson
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Today's guest on the Local Government News Roundup's Well Travelled Executive Series is Alastair Dawson, an experienced council CEO and university sector executive, who most recently served as interim CEO of Livingstone Shire Council in Queensland.
Alastair joins Chris to discuss his unique career path, in which he has occasionally courted controversy.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Addressing a pressing issue for local government, this webinar will explore the experiences and lessons from...
Well Travelled Executive Series #8 - John Nevins
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Today's guest on the Local Government News Roundup's Well Travelled Executive Series John Nevins, whose career in public service spans nearly four decades.
For more than 10 years, he was the CEO of Kingston City Council in Melbourne.
John reflects on the early years of Council amalgamations in Victoria, the changes to the sector, and how he dealt with a major health scare along the way.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Addressing...
Budget letdown, lighting the Sunraysia, and a pothole ultimatum
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A let down for councils in the latest Federal BudgetA new CEO for StrathbogieMelbourne’s Keys to the City process under reviewLocal residents look for council help to stop high rise apartmentsThe exciting new art installation coming to MilduraA controversial pool ID policy up for reviewCalls for a crackdown on illegal vape storesA council incentive to keep a local butcher shop openand UK Councils on notice from the PM to publish their pothole progressThe VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Gl...
E-scooter companies bail, biosecurity waste anxiety, and “dangerous and irresponsible” actions
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
E-scooter operators bail on the City of YarraHepburn Shire denies its rate increase proposal is linked to a failed development projectA northeast community concerned about biosecurity wasteA call for a delay to the glass recycling bin rolloutStartling bullying claims about a NSW councilBack to the drawing board for a GM recruitment processPlus a Queensland CEO stepping downLaunceston Council calls in the Police, andPerth’s Lord Mayor bids farewelland more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
The VLGA an...
Casey's law pause, airport deal takes off, and “deliberate calculated chaos”
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A controversial local law to be reviewedRail announcements hailed by local councilsA councillor levels accusations at colleaguesBuloke’s mayor confident a cancelled festival will returnA NSW councillor under renewed fire for ongoing behaviourA call for an ICAC investigation into a councillor’s new roleShare bike companies on notice from a Sydney councilThe resignation of a long-serving mayorA WA Council CEO appointment; andAnd another NZ council to leave the sector’s peak bodyThe VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live P...
Frustration and anger, resignations demanded, and an anti-semitism first
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The Mayor of Whittlesea calls for the resignation of the Council’s CEO and monitorsA call for patience from the Mayor of Greater DandenongHepburn Shire responds to the leaking of the Rex reportA local government first strategy to tackle anti-semitismA General Manager calls timeAn apology from a Gold Coast councillorQueensland councils sound the alarm over rising insurance costsHobart pressing ahead with a controversial bike lane projectAnd uncertainty continues at a WA council unable to make major decisionsThe VLGA and LGIU are ho...
Shock document leak, showdown looms, and an “improper and unlawful” action
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The shock leak of a confidential report into a longstanding issue at Hepburn ShireA showdown looms as Whittlesea’s mayoral crisis drags onA spate of recycling truck fires prompts more warnings from councilsA regional NSW council’s cash flow warningAn urgent call for an investigation into financial concerns at a regional airportPerth councils push back on the use of NDAs and cost-shiftingand much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next...
Mayor banned, e-scooter fee hike, and a billion dollar rail plan
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Banned from Council premises - Whittlesea’s mayoral crisis deepensSafety concerns force another Council to meet onlineHepburn Shire to apply for a higher rate capYarra lifts e-scooter fees by 400 percentA CEO resigns after an extraordinary Council meetingA councillor censured for comments on social mediaA new partnership agreement for state and local government in QueenslandAdelaide campaigns for 50 cent bus fares, andCritics take aim at the UK Government’s new planning lawsThe VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on T...
Meeting forced online, spending reviews, and a planning ultimatum
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Threats of violence push a Council meeting onlineNew alliances to tackle common issuesMAV board election results are inSix NSW councils given an ultimatum on development assessment timesThe councillors pushing for spending reviews at their councilsAttention turns to clean up across cyclone impacted communitiesPlus a new CEO appointment, a lord mayor elected to parliament, and a unanimous vote of no confidence in an embattled US mayorAlso today, Liz Joldeski from Mainstreet Australia on the link between place making and community safety.
<...Parliamentary shame, dogs in pubs, and council positions in jeopardy
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Councillors embroiled in a Parliamentary shutdownA cancelled funding agreement under reviewIPART considers a public hearing on a controversial rate increase proposalA call to relax restrictions on dogs in pubsA council sets the record straight on property sales due to rate arrearsA court ruling puts four seats on Adelaide City Council in jeopardyAnd sweeping changes for UK councils that could see them stripped of planning powersPlus Chris is joined by Alice Jeffcott from Market Creations Agency to talk about how they are...
Councils brace for Alfred, a stop work order, and a cancelled festival
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The last minute cancellation of a troubled festivalA retaining wall coming down after a Council stop work orderSafety concerns shut down a major council facilityNSW and QLD councils brace for Alfred’s arrivalA regional CEO stepping downA lord mayor taken to task over social mediaAnother council to auction properties over unpaid ratesA council’s win in court over illegal tree removal,plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Pane...
Sleeping rough controversy, CEOs in the news, and an “unbelievably stupid” proposal
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Mornington Peninsula’s new CEOPort Phillip urged to reconsider a controversial sleeping rough proposalBuloke Council allows a festival to go aheadBallarat’s vandalism troubles continueThe results of Victoria’s first ever councillor census revealedA Bendigo director named CEO of Murray River CouncilA NSW Council CEO on leave as an investigation commencesSoutheast Queensland councils working overtime as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, andAlarm bells for the sustainability of six South Australian councilsAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local go...
A dismissive response, confidentiality agreements, and a wasteful spending review
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A dismissive response to a group of councils’ concernsA council’s zero tolerance stand on harassmentNegative social media prompts a policy reviewA mayor backs his GM and staffAn extremely embarrassed veteran councillor charged with drink drivingA so-called gag policy withdrawnLocal government targeted in a DOGE style spending review in Floridaand Fergal Coleman from Symphony3 drops by to talk about his recent whirlwind tour of local governments in New Zealand.The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thur...
Environmental destruction, defamation risk, and a lost quorum
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Environmental destruction outrage in KingstonMore changes at the CEO level of Victorian councilsA council meeting recording taken offline amid defamation concernsApplause for a council’s stand on a controversial energy projectA councillor move to ban Welcome to Country acknowledgements falls flatWagga Council fears lives at risk from inland railStrike action in BrisbaneCouncillor resignations, including five from one WA CouncilAnd the Canadian council back from the brink after a mass resignationPlus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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A strong arm approach, rising tensions, and a chorus of condemnation
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
New housing targets and concerns about a strong arm approachOpposition to a new emergency services levy growsA shock CEO resignation and more senior execs on the moveCouncils review their approach to unpaid ratesIndustrial action considered at WingecarribeeRising tensions over a council’s approach to homeless peopleMore local government election reforms planned for TasmaniaAllegations of technology misuse targeting a US city managerand more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Ex...
IBAC complaint, investigation call, and a $2B lifeline
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Whittlesea’s embattled mayor digs in and hits backA call for an investigation into a ratepayer groupA controversial theatre plan droppedTough new action on abandoned trolleysA motion of no confidence blockedA city seeks a $2B lifelineConduct concerns at a South Australian councilExceptional financial support for UK councilsPlus, a conversation about the mental well-being of councillors and how it is impacting communities and democracies.The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.
...Protests, a plea for help, and a landfill train wreck
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A council meeting adjourned as tensions boil overMelbourne’s new tougher stance on graffitiA call for state government help on tree vandalism in NSWand the cost of vandalism escalates for a Tasmanian councilProtests directed at Queensland councilsA new CEO announced for RedlandA South Australian Council hands back two iconic landmarks to the stateand fierce opposition to an election promise in Western AustraliaPlus more local government news from around Australia and beyond.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Gl...
No confidence, a legal dispute, and a collective sigh of relief
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Mayors under pressure to resign from withinBrimbank calls for rail before runway in a new campaignMore than half a million failure to vote notices on their way to VictoriansAn interim federal report into local government sustainability releasedCouncil spending under the microscope in NSWMackay CEO Resigns Amid ControversyA former CEO launches legal action against a councilPlus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22...
Resignation pressure, hospital protest, and escalating safety concerns
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A metro mayor under pressure to resignA hospital protest is headed for the steps of ParliamentA monitor’s verdict on a rural CouncilKiama’s industrial dispute resolvedA CEO takes leave as a mayor issues a warning to councillorsEscalating safety concerns at a Queensland councilplus General Manager resignation and appointment newsand much more local government news from around the country and beyond.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.<...
Mayoral misconduct, malicious attacks, and councils win in court
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A step towards open briefings at Greater DandenongA Council CEO condemns malicious attacks on staff and councillorsVictorian first e-bike and e-scooter parking installed in YarraMayors found guilty of misconduct and privacy breachesA contentious Welcome to Country motion voted downA win in court for a Queensland counciland bin worker strikes escalate in a major UK cityand much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22...
Chaotic meeting, rates boycott call, and a hiring freeze
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Chaotic scenes as another council considers a major rate increaseAnd a former PM’s extraordinary call to boycott council ratesA council’s move to ensure political neutralityCompeting petitions on a name change proposal in DandenongA hiring freeze for one of the country’s largest councilsDysfunction brings a North Queensland council to a minister’s attentionAdelaide Council under fire over green space and parking plansand UK councillors step aside as a messaging scandal widensThe VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executiv...
Transparency push, administration call, and a global rat problem
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A new push for open councillor briefing sessionsA council’s planning policy under fireA positive step in the fight for a new Albury Wodonga hospitalAn administration call for a NSW councilA sector leading anti-racism strategy launched, as Mayors unite to condemn religious violenceCouncil travel expenses under the spotlightA mayor defends his city from sensationalist news headlines, andRat numbers out of control in cities worldwideThe VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm...
Urgent arbitration, mass councillor exodus, and apology ordered
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
An urgent arbitration request against a MayorMornington Peninsula’s move to open briefings takes a step forwardPerformance improvement ordered for Snowy Monaro councilA mass exodus from a Tasmanian and a Western Australian CouncilGold Coast Council responds to anger over parking finesA Lord Mayor ordered to apologise for a breach of the ActAnd in the UK, elections delayed and mergers approved, but some are left disappointedAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
The...
Double dipping hypocrisy, beefed up security, and a tree crisis
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A Council CEO calls out double-dipping hypocrisyA war of words between a mayor and a state PremierOngoing anti-semitic activity prompts a united call for actionIncreased security following more vandalism at Ballarat’s Botanic GardensA former long serving Lord Mayor calls time on her local government careerSydney councils faced with a tree crisisA former capital city CEO takes on an interim roleand Canadian councils on the frontline of a US trade warAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one...
Mayoral allegations, staff and councillors abused, and a problematic organisational culture
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Allegations of conduct breaches by a metro mayorA call for an end to speculation after a CEO’s suspensionThe council appealing a Fair Work Commission ruling to the Federal CourtAbuse and threats towards staff and councillors at a Sydney councilAnother council to consider a hefty rate increaseA second Qld mayor claims she is being silencedA WA council split on the appointment of a new CEOand a major UK Council could become the first to introduce monthly bin collectionsAll of that and mo...
Meetings disrupted, CEO terminated, and an extraordinary political attack
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Council meeting disruptions: a gallery cleared, councillors walk out and another is evictedProtests over a proposed 40% rate riseA Council CEO terminated after an investigationPutting the spotlight on illegal dumpingA peak body rejects claims that councils are responsible housing supply problemsand attempts to put a potential merger of two NZ councils back on the agendaAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Pa...
A CEO suspended, protests and bans, and the polar opposite of a credible witness
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Turmoil at Victorian councils: a CEO is suspended, and accusations are levelled against anotherA Council CEO is stepping downProtests planned against a Sydney council’s rates planJet-skis, greyhound racing and e-scooters in the sights of mayors and councillorsMore resignations and appointments from around the sectorA former Canadian councillor found guilty of fraud, andLocal Government stalwarts recognised in Australia Day honoursand much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Pa...
No amalgamations, panel plug pulled, and a damning report released
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Council amalgamations ruled outThe plug pulled on a sector leading engagement panelBack to the drawing board for a partially constructed council youth hubMayors speak out on funding rejections and rate cappingA Sydney mayor’s clickbait criticismA suspended mayor under fire for social media attacks on councilAnd a Tasmanian mayor quits after the release of a damning board of inquiry reportAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
The VLGA and LGIU are host...
A sweeping review, charges laid, and protestors march
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Current and former councillors eyeing higher political officeJeff Kennett calls for a sweeping review of Victorian local governmentProtestors to march on City Hall on the Gold CoastKiama Council's Blue Haven sale headed for the Industrial Relations CommissionCharges laid over last year’s Lake Macquarie Council blazeA council’s stolen data released onlinePotholes in the news in EnglandEarly results from the introduction of congestion pricing in New York Cityand the former mayor on a mission to help councillors manage conflict with civility
Citizenship mandate, a rule change, and a crackdown
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
An opposition pledge to mandate council citizenship ceremonies on January 26thA narrow miss for a council worker caught in a landslideUnruly teenagers banned from a council’s swim centresA council Administrator resignsA presidential rule change for LGNSWCouncillors elected by countback and a recountViolent incidents prompt a homeless sites crackdownand much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.
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Misinformation, conviction, and a council name change
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Victoria's biggest council election donors revealedCouncils speak up to correct misinformationCounting the cost of damage from illegal NYE fireworksCouncils fined for pollution incidentsAnd an embattled councillor asked to repay legal and PR fees, andThe council proposing to change its nameand much more news from across the world of local government on Australia's #1 local government podcast.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Addressing a pressing...
Questions for the minister, resignation pressure, and decision time in England
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A new shadow local government minister in VictoriaA councillor push to restore Australia Day activities on the Surf CoastSnowy Monaro councillors have questions for the local government ministerCouncil alcohol policies in the newsRenewed calls for a Tasmanian councillor’s resignationA panel of monitors on the way for Western AustraliaAnd councils consider their future under major reforms proposed in EnglandPlus special guest Brent McAlister, CEO of Northern Grampians Shire Council checks in after a recent bushfire emergency in the region.
Th...
A flawed system, demolition defended, and roosters out!
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The MAV says Victoria’s latest rate cap highlights a flawed systemGeelong’s monitors’ term expires with no news on what happens nextCouncils push back on kerbside glass recycling plansA change of leadership at LGNSWAnother NSW General Manager resignsPlus: a demolition defended, a Council goes online amid safety concerns, and a City bans roosters after a run-in with a jogger!All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting...
New minister, rate cap announced, and office abolished
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On the Local Government News Roundup for 24th December 2024:
A new local government minister for VictoriaNext year’s rate cap announcedBallarat prepares to support fire fightersThe NSW local government minister defends a proposed ban on private councillor briefing sessionsThe Ipswich garbage collection strike is overCEO appointments in three statesand the UK office of local government to be shut downPlus more news from across the world of local government.
The VLGA and LGIU are hosting their next Global Executive Live Panel on Thursday 22 May from 5.30pm to 7pm.
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