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.
Consultation frustration, accusations of neglect, and highlighting Geelong Design Week - #649
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Frustration in Victoria's northwest as a council calls out an ill-timed consultation processTwo city mayors accuse the government of neglecting a critical development precinctClarence Valley calls for an investigator, but may get an administrator insteadMaitland council overturns a controversial decision to sell community parklandCharters Towers Council wins a court challenge against its rating of mining landA councillor calls security... on his own mother,and we shine a spotlight on Geelong Design Week underway now in the City of Greater GeelongLearn more about SmartGlue...
Case dismissed, exclusion order dropped, and an existential threat - #648
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
An assault charge dismissed against Yarra's mayorA council's open letter to the community about a controversial funding sourceLeeton consults on Special Rate Variation proposalsA media exclusion order dropped after five monthsData centre powers stripped from Queensland councilsNo charges over Hobart's snack-gate scandaland a warning of an existential threat to local government in the UKFind out more at www.lgnewsroundup.com
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A tokenistic process, a wombat apology, and a delay for democracy - #647
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Another mayor steps aside to run for State ParliamentThe City of Melbourne's new position on January 26Two Councils withdraw from they call a 'tokenistic' consultation processA Council apology after wombats were inadvertently impacted by a rabbit control programClarence Valley Council calls for an investigation into its own governanceAn indefinite delay for Coober Pedy's return to democracyA serious misconduct opinion against a former WA council managerPlus more mayoral elections and CEO movementsand much more local government news from around Australia and beyond.
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An early mayoral departure, a service reversal, and a CEO un-terminated - #646
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Moonee Valley's mayor stepping aside earlyMornington Peninsula's Meals on Wheels reversalA Council CEO sounds the alarm on state planning rule changesICAC hears allegations of illegal surveillance and blackmail at a Sydney councilMore history making mayoral elections in NSWA WA Council CEO's employment un-terminatedA New Zealand CEO resigns after a damning report into a fatal landslideand more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
Read more and find story links at www.lgnewsroundup.com
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Rate cap stays, GM dismissed, and insults outlawed, ft. Philip Joseph - #645
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Proposed changes to Victoria's rate capping framework off the tableThe council calling for a rethink on backpacker visa capsYet another Council General Manager dismissedMore turmoil at LiverpoolGold Coast workers reject the council's latest pay offerA Hobart councillor ordered to undergo media trainingWA councils move on smart glassesand the council making it illegal to insult its officersPlus Philip Joseph, Head of Digital Solutions at Symphony3, tells us about a new whitepaper, "Governing in the Age of Disruption", a must-read for every Council CEO.
<...Health scare, CEOs terminated, and amalgamations paused - #644
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Greater Geelong's deputy mayor on the mend after a mid-meeting medical scareMornington Peninsula Shire to revisit its aged care exit planCEO level terminations in New South Wales and Western AustraliaKu-ring-gai withstands pressure from protestors over a controversial synthetic turf field projectIpswich Mayor and councillors at loggerheads over media policyA Tasmanian Council orders a review of its response to a dog attackNZ council amalgamation decisions delayedand more NSW mayoral election resultsPlus more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond.
<...Data centre win, funding losses, and smart cities summit, ft. James Sankar - #643
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
New data centre rules hailed as a win for communitiesWinners and losers speak up about proposed grant funding changes in NSWGold Coast Council begins its search for an Olympic-era CEORevelations of a vehicle fleet rort uncovered at Redland CouncilThe surprising numbers from the candidate pool for Tasmania’s council electionsA CEO and three councillors gone from a WA Council in one weekAnd later in the episode, Australia's smart communities movement, "Leave No One Behind," and what to expect at Australian Smart Communities Summit 2026. Ja...
Intervention order overturned, parking fine backlash, and necessary due diligence - #642
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A personal safety intervention order for Stonnington’s Mayor is overturnedYarra calls an Extraordinary Meeting in response to government housing plans in North RichmondA backlash leads to the withdrawal of 42 parking fines issued by the City of WhittleseaPublic hearings conclude in the Federal Government’s inquiry into local government financial sustainabilityClarence Valley Council without a mayor after a procedural error with its electionAn early leader as counting gets underway to fill a vacancy on Townsville Counciland a new inquiry into Perth City Council draws criticism; the...Leave denied, funding setback, and a novel housing fix - #641
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
AI smart glasses on the agenda for more councilsA VCAT decision to cost Boroondara a big payoutAn innovative fix for the housing shortage proposed on the Surf CoastICAC hears of intense political manoeuvring at Strathfield CouncilSydney’s Town Hall Square project halted by the stateA long serving Council General Manager set to departRedland denies its mayor a medical leave requestand more NSW mayoral election resultsplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Stonnington suspension, legal costs questioned, and a new inquiry - #640
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Councils lining up to introduce bans on smart glassesA four week suspension handed to a Stonnington councillorA new mayor in Greater SheppartonAn integrity body’s lack of funding exposedQuestions about a councillor’s access to funding for legal defence costsNew and returning mayors announced at NSW councilsGold Coast Mayor Tom Tate’s dramatic exit from a press conferenceand a new inquiry launched into the City of PerthAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s only dedicated local government news podcast.
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Election shake-up, rate notice errors, and escalating consultancy costs - #639
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
City of Melbourne elections set for a shake-upYarra moves forward with a potential ban on smart-glassesHepburn apologises for errors in its rates noticesMaladministration claims at Liverpool not supported by inquiry findingsA long running tiny home dispute reaches its conclusion in courtKiama searching for solutions to a $3.8M budget gapand criticism aimed at Gold Coast Council over escalating staff and consultancy costsand more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Mayoralty relinquished, smart glasses ban, and a colossal white elephant - #638
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Greater Shepparton’s Shane Sali relinquishes the mayoraltyA push to ban smart glasses from a Melbourne councillorA call for stronger benefit sharing from data centresBlacktown confirmed as a creditor of a collapsed housing developerGlen Innes Severn to respond to a proposed PIOMayoral elections continue in NSWBrisbane City challenged over a $30M rates billand the reaction after a major shake-up of UK councils put on holdPlus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Sali’s preselection, political theatre, and a public censure- #637
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Victorian Councils welcome a pledge to reinstate country roads and bridges fundingAnother mayor to step aside ahead of the state electionA NSW council to remove indigenous references from gateway signageAccusations of political theatre in northern QueenslandA deferred vote on removing Welcome to Country from a council’s meetingsA surge in racist abuse as Tasmania’s council elections approachAnd a public censure for a Western Australian councillorand more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Rates notice error, mayoral confusion, and the cost of conduct - #636
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A calculation error forces a Melbourne council to reissue its rates noticesVictorian councils make pitches for election commitmentsThis year’s Mary Rogers Awards winners announcedAlbury City appoints its new CEOMayoral elections begin in NSW, as a long standing mayor bows outThe Parramatta ICAC hearings officially endConfusion over who has been leading the City of Hobartand more local government news from around Australia and beyond.
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Data centre stand, childcare outrage, and council overruled - #635
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Councils take a stand on data centresA mayor’s outrage over childcare inactionSadness after the desecration of two war memorialsSydney Council to rule on extended fast food opening hoursExpanded Australia Day events at Bondi rejected by Waverley CouncilA decisive NO vote on a wage deal at Gold Coast City CouncilA new contender for Lord Mayor of Hobart emergesand Council CEO pay rises in the news in South Australiaand more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Allowances shake-up, the prayer returns, and mayoral oil portraits - #634
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A council CEO set to depart for the UKGreater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali declares his state election intentionsA shake-up of allowances for Victorian councillorsOpening prayers to return to Shoalhaven Council meetings,as the mayor extends her leave of absence for health reasonsA 44 year council career comes to an end in MuswellbrookGold Coast set to privatise its aquatic centresand New Zealand’s new rates cap draws a swift sector responsePlus, a South Australian council prompts debate after commissioning mayoral portraitsand yet more local government ne...
Bill debated, disgusting graffiti condemned, and a new rate cap announced - #633
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
The Victorian Parliament debates new changes to the Local Government ActArarat Council names its next chief executiveA bullying case against Liverpool’s mayor discontinuedBega Valley Shire condemns “disgusting” graffiti on a heritage bridgeNew bans covering the use of AI smart glasses at Brisbane Council’s 21 poolsA Tasmanian councillor threatens legal action… against another Tasmanian councilA major defence announcement welcomed in WA’s City of Cockburnand a 4 per cent rate cap flagged for New Zealand councilsand more local government news from around Australia and beyond.
...Minister sued, questionable email, and “regulated into paralysis” - #632
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A former mayor sues a former local government ministerA suspension and an apology ordered for two Kingston City councillorsAn outgoing Wyndham councillor takes a parting shot at the sectorA rescission motion looms at Shoalhaven CouncilA tight race in the Kiama Council by-electionAn illegal dumping case thrown out after the council fails to turn upQuestions about a suspended Council CEO’s use of official emailplus much more local government news from around Australia and beyond.
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Campaigning councillors, unhappy councils, and a damning landslide review - #631
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
100 days out from a state election, and the list of Councillors running for state Parliament continues to growAs does the list of Councils unhappy with the Victorian GovernmentALGA welcomes an extension to Commonwealth Home Support Program contractsThe death of four dogs prompts calls for a NSW Council GM to resignNew guidance released for next month’s mid-term mayoral elections in NSWAnother new CEO appointment announced by a Queensland Council,as a Tasmanian Council GM announces his departureand systemic council failures found to have led to a...A new mayor, a last minute reprieve, and local govt reforms locked in - #630
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Casey Council Picks a New MayorCampaspe Names an Interim CEOBayside Council Grants A Temporary Reprieve For Brighton Beach Bowls ClubA $3M Oval Plan Becomes a $20M Problem for Ku-ring-gai CouncilA Council GM’s Harrassment Case Ends in a ConvictionNew CEOs appointed at Western Downs and Central Highlands CouncilsTasmanian Local Government Reforms Locked Inand Potential Legal Action after a South Australian Councillor’s ResignationPlus Jim Magee's view on an election commitment to mandate weekly rubbish collectionsLearn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
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Suspected vote tampering, a CEO quits, and a monitor extension request - #629
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Kingston by-election result sent to VCAT over alleged postal vote tamperingLatrobe welcomes a new councillorNorth Sydney’s new pool shut days after a long-awaited reopeningNew powers for NSW Councils as nation-first shared e-bike laws come into effectQLD Government may step in over Moreton Bay’s homelessness camp trialBarunga West Council’s CEO quits after five monthsSouth Perth votes to keep a government monitor around a bit longerplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Transparency push rejection, no “gutless” apology, and a “pokie palace” blast - #628
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Hepburn Shire confirms its Interim CEO arrangementsA Murrindindi Shire councillor resigns, as a former mayor is set to return to Wyndham CouncilThe Hills Shire rejects a transparency push amid ICAC scrutinyThe mayor refusing to apologise for “gutless” rate-rise critics commentRedland Council targets its own mayor in a conduct submissionWhile Logan’s Mayor comes out strong against a “pokie palace” planPlus a new Council CEO appointment in South Australiaand a push to ban data centres fails in Perthplus more local government news from around Australia...
Mayors stepping down, forced garbage collections, and a mass CEO exodus - #627
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Casey’s mayor to step down to contest the state electionThe Victorian opposition says it will force weekly rubbish collections on CouncilsThe Mayor of Shoalhaven takes leave after a serious health diagnosisA Sydney council looking to make English signage compulsory in local businessesA leaked report uncovers decades of water and sewerage neglect at Redland CouncilThe death of a serving councillor in TasmaniaA controversial Burnside councillor resigns ahead of a damning report findingand concerns that remuneration caps have caused a mass CEO exodus in South Australia...
A call for calm, a hefty fine, and a big city crackdown - #626
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A call for calm from Mildura’s mayor after a shocking event in the town centreHepburn Shire councillors back at work, and ready to appoint an interim CEOMore Victorian councillors set to contest the state electionA NSW council hits back after the OLG declines to act against one of its councillorsA hefty fine for the illegal clearing of native trees in SydneyA Tasmanian council GM and Mayor at odds with a former state MPThe deadline for NZ Council amalgamation proposals has arrivedand how one of th...Charges dropped, mysterious departure, and sector first working week - #625
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Criminal charges against Hepburn Council droppedYet another change in local government minister in VictoriaAn investigation into alleged electoral fraud wraps upAustralia’s first council to adopt a four day working weekThe mysterious departure of a NSW Council GMLockyer Valley announces its preferred candidate for CEOand the NZ councillor asked to leave two public events in one weekAlso today, a preview of LG Innovate 2026 - the AI conference for local government, with Vanessa Huxley from Davidson.
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Administration pending, dysfunction rejected, and Snackgate referral - #624
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Ministerial confirmation that an administrator is coming for Hepburn ShireStonnington weighs fixes to blunt $4.1m congestion levy hitWyndham security patrol trial endsBroken Hill backs the lifting of the NSW uranium banCairns Council rejects “dysfunction” claimsHobart’s deputy lord mayor referred to police over “Snackgate” allegationsand the shock death of a serving New Zealand Council CEOand more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Monitor IBAC referral, critical copper losses, and the end of an era - #623
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Kingston City Council refers monitor invoices to IBACBacklash as Shoalhaven approves $14m sale of 20 propertiesGreater Bendigo to hand maternal & child health services back to the state governmentA win for Woolworths; Wingecarribee Council’s supermarket refusal overturnedCairns Regional Council hit by major copper cable theft affecting critical water infrastructurePeterborough District Council adopts 12% rate rise after wastewater fund diversion revelationsWanneroo shelves proposed council splitClarence City Council reveals the cost of Neil the elephant seal’s recent visitand much more local government news from across Australia and...
A budget crisis, bill shock and a surprise cat curfew - #622
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A Ballarat councillor suspended after a live radio disclosureIndigo Shire CEO resigns after nine yearsBoroondara to introduce a sunset to sunrise cat curfew against staff adviceServices cut in a budget crisis in AlburyCouncils unite against Inland Rail changesA vision for electric air taxis in SE QueenslandAn apology after a water meter bill shock at Western DownsLearn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
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Suspension stayed, unrelenting personal attacks, and a desperate attempt at deflection - #621
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Rate cap overhaul predictedBallarat to keep family day care runningHepburn names its interim chiefA rotating mayoral model rejectedA councillor suspension stayed, pending appealAn art exhibition sparks backlashThe unrelenting personal attacks behind a CEO’s resignationA three month suspension for a South Australian councillorAnd secrecy surrounds decision making about a WA Council CEOplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Loophole call, CEO comings and goings, and a mayor to retire - #620
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Wyndham selects a new mayorMore calls for the private prosecution loophole to be closed in VictoriaWhittlesea’s new CEO revealedTwo Queensland Council CEOs announce their departuresAn interim GM appointed in NSWWagga Council under fire for its approach to rough sleepersOne of Tasmania’s longest serving mayors set to retireCalls for a Hobart councillor’s behaviour to be investigatedConduct dispute expenses on the agenda at Northern Midlandsand much more of this week's local government news.
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Wyndham mayor resigns, masterplan backlash, and short stay pushback - #619
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Wyndham’s mayor finally succumbs to pressure and resignsCritical votes loom at two councils on the future of childcare and family day care servicesLiverpool calls for a rethink of a 1.4 billion dollar road upgrade projectTown centre masterplans spark backlash across three Sydney region councilsCouncil CCTV systems helping police find wanted vehiclesPushback on Hobart’s short stay rental ban proposalAnd a new CEO appointed at WA’s City of NedlandsLearn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
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Mayor resigns, councillors censured, and a council charged - #618
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A regional mayor steps down ahead of a run for State ParliamentThe state opposition pledges to scrap the mandatory glass recycling bin rolloutA NSW mayor and a councillor censured,While two councillors in two different states have been ejected from council meetingsWorksafe charges a Tasmanian council over a fatal workplace incidentAn Adelaide councillor resigns, and is set to challenge for the Lord Mayor’s positionPlus a WA Shire President to step down,and local government reorganisation decisions announced in England.Plus Chris Weber and Si...
Unnecessary political pontificating, a costly payroll error, and e-bikes out - #617
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Hepburn’s governance crisis continues, as the council insists its budget is compliantA $600,000 payroll error at the City of StonningtonThe end of e-bikes in YarraThe sector calls for new disaster recovery funding arrangements to be scrappedA NSW council CEO gets a new contractA tense meeting in Cairns as the Mayor makes a second admission of wrongdoingA councillor resignation in Townsvilleand for the second consecutive episode, new CEO appointments in South Australia and Western AustraliaAlso today, National Growth Areas Alliance CEO Bronwen Clark talks to...
“Purposeful manipulation” - a council crippled - #616
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Hepburn Shire Council crippled by councillor stand-downs, in what the council calls a purposeful manipulation of the Local Government Act - the latest on the governance crisis is coming upPlus new court action against the government, this time from Boroondara CouncilA NSW councillor suspended from officeBlacktown opts for a reduced special rate variationGold Coast Council’s CEO seeks legal advice on a proposed leadership reviewNew Council CEOs appointed in South Australia and Western AustraliaAll of that and more just ahead on Australia’s numb...
Hepburn crisis deepens, green wedge alarm, and demeaning conduct warning - #615
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A Governance Crisis Deepens at Hepburn - Now the Mayor has Been Stood DownA Court Orders Penalties and Dogs Destroyed After an AttackCasey Flags Green Wedge AlarmA Mayor Moves to Quell Wind-Farm “Heavy Haul” FearsA Controversial Traffic Plan Reversed After Community BacklashHobart Councillors Warned Over “Demeaning” ConductA Sacked CEO Launches Legal ActionAnd a Warning for SA Councils Over Confidential Information LeaksLearn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
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Councillor passes, corruption probe set, and a CEO contract terminated - #614
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Tributes flow after the death of a Greater Bendigo councillorMelton’s push for rail electrification ramps up after a V/Line outageLiverpool Council awaits a crucial inquiry reportA $30,000 fine for Blue Mountains Council over a toxic spillA second misconduct finding in a month for Cairns’s MayorAn insurance payout dispute in LauncestonAdelaide Hills parts ways with its CEOand more super council proposals put forward in New ZealandLearn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
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Fraud investigation, WFH ruling, and the body-worn cameras for council officers - #613
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Greater Shepparton fraud probe - seven men interviewed;A Macedon Ranges worker loses a work from home challengeAnother aged care service exit confirmedCouncil overruled on Wollongong tower projectPolitic opportunism accusations from a mayor’s familyHobart’s Lord Mayor and the Tasmanian Premier at oddsA monitor installed at another WA councilPlus body-worn cameras - how one council has updated its policy in the face of rising aggression towards council officers - South Burnett Regional Council CEO Mark Pitt is Chris's guest on Roundup Extra.Learn more...
Governance reset hampered, cricket pitch scrutiny, and a ground-breaking AI report - #612
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Cricket pitch management under scrutiny after the tragic death of a local footballerThe VLGA’s CEO resigns after nearly a decadeLiverpool Council to sue the OLG over an alleged failure to actA governance reset hampered by a mayor’s extended absenceAI traffic signals get the green light in QueenslandA UK Council’s climate emergency vote delayed - due to extreme heatand we dig in to a new report on the use of AI in Victorian councils - and how governance is struggling to keep paceLear...
Glass bin pressure, rate increase warning, and an attack on transparency - #611
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
A councillor quits, triggering a by-election for Banyule CouncilPressure on the Victorian government to scrap next year’s glass bin rollout planA warning to NSW councils thinking about big rate increasesNew councillor access rules in Brisbane called an attack on transparencyA Tasmanian Council GM resigns after turbulent timesA rethink on Australia Day at Adelaide HillsA council CEO finds the devil in the detail of proposed new disaster recovery funding rulesand more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Unacceptable violence, gag outrage, and by-election request denied - #610
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Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Hume’s Mayor condemns “unacceptable” violenceVictoria’s Code of Conduct under fire for gagging councillorsKiama’s bid to forego a costly by-election blockedA NSW Council CEO set to retireA Queensland mayor’s warning over the government’s disaster funding shake-upA solid waste budget blunder in TasmaniaA failed attempt to remove a WA Council mayoral carand a new Council CEO appointed in the NT
All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
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