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.
A councillor suspended, disintegration concerns, and a 'dog' of a mayor
Weekend update, 30th September 2023, including:
A councillor suspended for three months for serious misconduct;
A Victorian council facing union claims of bullying leading to staff departures;
The only Australian local government to recognised on a most innovative company list;
A mayor concerned his council is about to disintegrate as it waits on a government demerger response;
A council and state government standoff over a major sporting event;
Councils act on multiple reports of marijuana poisonings in dogs in Queensland;
and a compromise on the use of a prayer at council meetings...
A Premier resigns, a short stay cap approved, and a mayor to fight conduct findings
On the latest update from the Roundup for 27th Sept 2023, the sector reflects on the end of an era as Premier Daniel Andrews announces his resignation;
More reaction to housing and planning reforms;
A disappointing planning outcome in Kingston;
A challenging insurance market leads a council to rethink the location a major community project;
A short stay rental cap approved for Byron Bay;
Some surprising outcomes in NSW mayoral elections;
A Hobart councillor referred to the state’s intregrity commission;
A WA mayor plans to fi...
Roundup Unfiltered - staff retention, CEO insights, and best practice community engagement
Available now for Friends of the Roundup subscribers is this month’s special edition of Roundup Unfiltered: featuring candid conversations about current issues of interest for the local government sector.
This bumper edition includes:
Fabian Dattner of the Dattner Group on the Exceptional Workforce - how regional councils can attract and retain the best people, and leadership insights to deal with wicked problems and challenges
Davidson senior partners Justin Hanney and Seamus Scanlon reveal what’s on the mind of Council CEOs across Australia from the latest Davidson Local Government CEO Index
Nic Hunter and...
Planning reforms, a GM sacked, and a misconduct finding
On the weekend update from the Local Government News Roundup for 23rd September:
The Victorian local government sector responds to the state government’s announced housing and planning reforms;
Councils react to the NSW state budget;
A council GM’s employment terminated at the third attempt;
Mayoral election results from across NSW;
A high profile mayor found to have engaged in misconduct;
Aggressive behaviour against and by council candidates in Western Australia, with one councillor charged with stealing
And a South Australian council appoints its new CEO...
Breaking News: Vic Government reveals housing, planning reforms
The Victorian State Government has released its awaited housing statement, and announced a new affordability partnership with the housing industry.
Reforms will include changes to planning processes and will have implications for local councils, especially in metropolitan activity centres.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things...
Turning the ridiculous into the embarrassing and absurd
On the midweek update from the Local Government News Roundup,
the state government set to reveal reforms to deal with a housing crisis, as councils hit back against claims they are to blame;
Council waste charges in the media spotlight this week;
A Melbourne council holding firm on Australia Day events;
The challenges faced by council-run regional airports;
A council to take on VicRoads maintenance responsibilities;
Local government funding highlights from the NSW state budget
A Lord Mayor’s call for pets on public transport criticised;
...An abrupt end, fines withdrawn and a defiant council
Today on the Local Government News Roundup,
A new Victorian state wide levy on short stay accommodation under consideration, as the government continues to contemplate changes to council planning powers;
A council forced to refund domestic animal fines due to a technicality;
The Insurance Council calls on Campaspe Shire to reconsider a controversial planning decision;
A NSW council takes the next step towards deamalgamation;
Mayoral election results from across NSW; CEO appointment news; a by-election result from Darwin;
And a UK council defies a government call to...
The Block pulls out of Hepburn, councillors in the news, and GM's sacking still up in the air
In today's midweek update,
A top rating television program pulls out of Hepburn Shire… for now;
A Maroondah councillor resigns, citing workload pressures and a lack of diversity on councils;
Merri-bek set to vote on the removal of bike lanes after a challenging trial;
A second vote on the sacking of a general manager delayed after the council loses its quorum;
A change to bin collection schedules proves controversial in Sydney;
Plus a crack down on unleashed dogs; a call for better cat management; and a council can...
Housing collision course, a new alliance, and funding concerns
Today on the Local Government News Roundup weekend edition, for the 9th September 2023:
The Victorian state opposition on a collision course with the government over plans to strip councils of planning powers;
A new council alliance launched;
A peak body responds to the concerns of a metropolitan mayor;
Proposed new water legislation rings alarm bells for the food bowl regions;
A new report says regional councils can do more to promote their affordability advantage to attract staff;
Mayoral election season begins in NSW;
Apple targets...
Perceptions of corruption, myth busting, and the end of an "horrific" situation
On the midweek Roundup for 6th September:
Moira Shire’s CEO resigns, a former CEO departs Greater Geelong, and Hindmarsh makes a CEO appointment;
A councillor ordered to apologise for social media posts found to be in breach of the councillor code of conduct;
Most Victorian Councillors think corruption is a problem in the state, according to a new survey;
Byron’s 60 day short term rental cap unlikely to come in before mid-2024;
An $8.5M cost blowout for a Council IT project;
A regional renaissance hailed as new...
Phones seized, appeal withdrawn, and corrupt conduct found
On the Local Government News Roundup for 2nd September 2023,
Councillors’ phones seized in an IBAC investigation;
Hume Council explains why it withdrew an appeal in a councillor conduct matter;
New short stay regulations a step closer in the city of Melbourne;
Three former NSW councillors found to have engaged in corrupt conduct;
5G critics on notice for abusing council meeting forums;
Council CEO appointments announced in WA;
A mayor pleads not guilty to drug charges;
And much more from around the world of loc...
An act of stupidity, and a council in limbo
On your midweek update from the Roundup for 30th August 2023:
A councillor escapes conviction after a self-confessed act of stupidity in a CEO recruitment processAs a new CEO takes the reins at Greater Geelong, the outgoing CEO reveals the organisation was on a path to insolvency;Councils front a senate inquiry into the cancellation of the Commonwealth GamesA survey reveals which councils are taking a position on the Voice referendumA NSW council in limbo as a demerger process drags onA contentious cat trapping program divides community opinion;and safety concerns in South Africa as a local councillor is...Aggressive behaviour, red tape and confusion, and a murder charge
On the Roundup today:
More councils call for an end to aggressive behaviour toward council staff;
Councils defend their record on housing development approvals;
An inquiry hears about confusion and bureaucratic red tape in the wake of last year’s major floods;
A Gold Coast councillor remains in office for the moment despite being charged with murder;
A threatened legal challenge as Adelaide City Council drops the prayer from its meetings;
Claims that a trespass ban on a Darwin councillor may be unconstitutional;
And a no...
🔒 Roundup Latest - 24th August - Councillor charged with murder
Subscriber-only episode
The latest from the Roundup for subscribers, including news of a Queensland councillor charged with murder.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; and supported by Snap Send Solve - helping keep shared spaces safe, clean and great to be in,
Links for stories referenced...
Court rules on arbiter's reason, a GM's termination stayed, and an 'evil and despicable' act
On the midweek update for 23rd August 2023:
A court rules that an arbiter provided inadequate reasons for a finding of councillor misconduct;
Rural Councils welcome new disaster recovery funding arrangements;
A regional mayor appeals for direct government communication, rather than by media;
A council’s general manager terminated one day, reinstated the next;
More Sydney councils move to bring their own bans on new gas connections;
A Tasmanian GM on indefinite leave and under pressure to resign;
An NT councillor banned from council buildings and meetings;
And a US mayor describes a...
Council Conversations - August 2023 - The intersection of AI technology and local government
Council Conversations is the monthly interview special from the Local Government News Roundup.
In the August 2023 edition, Chris Eddy speaks with:
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news...
Case dismissed, "abhorrent" behaviour, and a deputy mayor removed
On the weekend update for 19th August 2023,
Case dismissed - a win for Yarra Ranges and the sector in the Supreme Court;
Councils looking to name and shame over illegal tree removals;
Serious misconduct allegations dismissed at Benalla council;
A call for respect for parking officers facing escalating public abuse;
A deputy mayor removed mid-term;
Councillor conduct issues in the spotlight at a Queensland council;
And English councils asked to turn a blind eye to the law due to the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Scaling back kindergartens, huge legal bills, and a no-confidence vote
On your midweek Roundup for 16th August 2023,
More detail emerges of government plans for planning reforms;
Knox to scale back kindergarten provision, while another council considers its position;
A council’s massive legal bills revealed in a fight to stop a proposed quarry project;
The council meeting suspended after the mayor collapses;
A local health service gets the thumbs down from council;
A mayor’s move to remove a deputy mayor;
The councillor who says she won’t stand for re-election due to insults and intimid...
🔒 Roundup Latest - Removing local objections from development proposals, no-confidence motion and more
Subscriber-only episode
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; and supported by Snap Send Solve - helping keep shared spaces safe, clean and great to be in,
Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.
A council wins in court, others in trouble, and a mayor saves the day!
Coming up on the weekend update from the Roundup,
An ‘absurd’ bidding war between a council and the state government;
A court win for Merri-bek council and its community;
School crossing supervisors back on the job in Strathbogie;
New councillors set to take office at five councils;
A councillor censured by his council rails about the process and releases confidential documents;
CEO appointment and recruitment news;
A council cleared in a Mascot Towers investigation; while another apologises for making people think their homes were going to b...
🔒 Roundup Latest - Protest thwarted by online meeting, an 'absurd' bidding war and more
Subscriber-only episode
An exclusive Roundup Latest update for subscribers - criticism as Hobsons Bay takes its council meeting online; an 'absurd' bidding war between a council and the state government, and Sydney's Bayside Council in the clear over Mascot Towers.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes, regular breaking news updates, and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on...
A motion fails to launch, a community mobilises, and a silly and unbelievable plan
On the midweek Roundup,
A councillor’s bid for unfettered council question time fails to launch;
The local council response to Victoria’s first sobering up centre;
A community mobilises against a state government housing development;
The biggest management shakeup in 30 years on the Gold Coast;
An investigation into a suspended council labelled as a joke;
Another council de-amalgamation being explored;
And a UK mayor launches court action against an asylum seeker barge.
Support the Roundup and get...
Suspending a council, and a bizarre and heartless policy
On the weekend Roundup for 5th August 2023,
Council concerns over a new state government agreement with Indigenous groups;
Yarra Ranges Shire Council in court, and fined over powerline clearances issues;
A council call to stop the sale of state government owned land;
Tasmania’s Dorset Council suspended, and its mayor reprimanded in a code of conduct matter;
Pressure mounts on a NSW MP to give up his dual role as a councillor;
An extraordinary attack on a NSW mayor in state parliament;
And a US may...
"Premature, and in poor taste"
On the Roundup for 2nd August, 2023:
Operation Sandon targets dismiss the IBAC report as lies and half-truths;
A third Greater Geelong councillor resigns;
Ballarat council approves a trip to Türkiye;
Another metro council bypassed by state government fast tracked planning assessment;
A council CEO sacked after less than three months, and a mayor takes leave for health reasons;
Senior executive appointment news;
A council’s changed Acknowledgement of Country wording becomes controversial;
And claims that an English council’s funds were used to bu...
Bonus Episode: Technology Innovations in the City of Stirling
A special bonus episode the Roundup: host Chris Eddy is joined by Mayor Mark Irwin from WA's City of Stirling to talk about the innovative use of AI technology in community engagement, and the exciting announcement of Australia's first trackless tram which is headed to Stirling later this year.
Support the showSupport the Roundup and get access to special episodes, regular breaking news updates, and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you...
🔒 Roundup Latest - Another Geelong councillor resigns, and a disappointing loss for Ballarat
Subscriber-only episode
31st July 2023
Some of the latest stories we're following at the Roundup in an exclusive update for subscribers.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes, regular breaking news updates, and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; and supported by Snap Send Solve - helping keep shared spaces safe, clean and great t...
Major planning and governance reforms proposed; a council facing suspension
In this episode,
The Operation Sandon report is out and it makes sweeping recommendations for major reforms to local government planning and governance;
A long running lawsuit against Greater Dandenong is dropped;
A councillor suspended for one month for misconduct;
Another councillor resignation at Strathbogie Shire;
A Tasmanian council on the brink of suspension;
A NSW mayor sets the record straight on referendum signage;
And the WA councils introducing new social media rules for councillors.
Support the R...
🔒 Roundup Latest - Operation Sandon released, a court case dropped, and a councillor resigns
Subscriber-only episode
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes, regular breaking news updates, and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; and supported by Snap Send Solve - helping keep shared spaces safe, clean and great to be in,
Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting...
Stripping planning powers, an apology, and overseas trips canned
Today on the Roundup,
A developer loses his latest bid to stop the release of IBAC’s Operation Sandon report, as reports emerge of a plan to strip decision making powers from councils;
Two councils reject proposals for overseas delegations;
A council apologises for distressing ‘eviction’ letters;
A council CEO’s employment terminated over allegations;
Calls for an investigation into allegations about a Council CEO’s relationship with a serial letter to the editor writer ;
And in a Roundup exclusive, the WA council bringing the first trackless tram to Au...
🔒 Roundup Latest - Overseas trip abandoned, a council apologises, and a resignation
Subscriber-only episode
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes, regular breaking news updates, and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; and supported by Snap Send Solve - helping keep shared spaces safe, clean and great to be in,
Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting...
🔒 Roundup Latest - Councils plan overseas trips; a serving Mayor passes away
Subscriber-only episode
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes, regular breaking news updates, and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; and supported by Snap Send Solve - helping keep shared spaces safe, clean and great to be in,
Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting...
Blocking Sandon, banning things, and a CEO stood down
Today on the Roundup weekend edition, 22nd July:
A last minute attempt to stop the release of the Operation Sandon report;
A Council call for a ban on commercial kangaroo shooting, while another will stop fossil fuel advertising on its buildings;
A regional council to require photo ID to attend council meetings;
A new mayor elected at Toowoomba;
Councillors coming and going in NSW;
And a Council CEO reportedly stood down in the NT
And much more ahead in your roundup of news from across t...
Council Conversations - July 2023 - Flood recovery, virtual fencing, and waste to energy solutions
On the July edition of the Roundup's interview special, Council Conversations:
The rural shire flood recovery project recognised with a National Local Government Award;
Learn about one of the new Council projects using AI technology to save native wildlife from ending up as roadkill;
And we check on two Victorian councils that have received funding from Recycling Victoria’s bioenergy fund to explore new technologies and solutions for waste to energy.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes, regular breaking news updates, and th...
🔒 Roundup Latest: A late bid to block Sandon report; inappropriate councillor conduct; and a No to EV chargers
Subscriber-only episode
A breaking news update for Roundup subscribers with the latest headlines from around the local government sector.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes, regular breaking news updates, and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; and supported by Snap Send Solve - helping keep shared spaces safe, clean and great to be...
🔒 Roundup Latest: CEO stood down, new Council ID requirements, interim CEOs appointed & more
Subscriber-only episode
A breaking news update for Roundup subscribers with the latest headlines from around the local government sector.
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes, regular breaking news updates, and the full back catalogue of episodes by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; and supported by Snap Send Solve - helping keep shared spaces safe, clean and great...
Shock and disappointment as regional Victorian Commonwealth Games scrapped
On the Roundup for 19th July 2023,
Shock and disappointment across regional Victoria as its hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games is scrapped - I’ll have a roundup of all the reaction to yesterday’s announcement.
Reaction also to sweeping new reforms to tackle gambling harm;
Tasmania’s government takes forced amalgamations off the table; and then announces a surprise move to remove some planning powers from councils;
A twist in the countback process to fill a vacancy at Strathbogie Council;
Irresponsible dog owners in the sights of government and council...
"Absurd and ridiculous" ward boundary proposals, and late night concerns
On your weekend update from the Roundup for 15th July, all roads lead to Echuca for the Rural Councils Victoria forum;
Victoria’s electoral review proposals labelled as absurd and ridiculous;
Concerns about late night council meetings at a regional council;
A rural councillor denied a six month leave of absence;
A sporting champion denied a major civic honour;
A mayor’s outrage over a public gallery member’s hand signal;
And two US mayors step down this week after public outcry over their social media activity.
S...
An unusually emotional meeting, and an absolutely appalling process
On an all-new edition of the Local Government News Roundup for 12th July 2023,
Councillors moved to tears over a move to evict people living on an industrial estate;
Wellington Shire vows to hold nothing back in its fight over a native timber industry shutdown;
A word of warning for the government about taking over council planning laws;
Council and community partnerships delivering results;
A Sydney council’s staff protest a forced end to hybrid working arrangements;
Tasmania’s proposed council mergers labelled “an appalling process”
And much...
A perfect storm welfare crisis, and cost shift challenged
On the weekend update for 8th July 2023,
A regional council to test the market for its CEO position;
Frankston Council responds to government intervention on a planning matter;
A perfect storm welfare crisis described in Ballarat;
A council calls for help on a government cost shift;
A long serving Queensland mayors announce retirement;
Crowds expected to witness the 3D printing of a council building;
A war of words between a council and an airline continues;
And democracy takes another hit in Hong Kong.<...
Councils in court, and an experiment stopped in its tracks
Coming up on the midweek update from the Local Government News Roundup:
The City of Melbourne votes for stability with its choice of a new CEO;
A release date revealed for the long-awaited Operation Sandon report;
A regional council closes its public gallery, while another is challenged in the Supreme Court for a similar decision;
An independent review into the financial model for local government in NSW to get under way soon;
A controversial child care decision at a Sydney council; while a rural council might soon be coming o...
