Local Government News Roundup
Australiaâs 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.
Intervention granted, a dysfunctional culture laid bare, and a tax-fighting bin chicken
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A win for a metro mayor in courtA councillor resignation to trigger another by-electionA culture of distrust and fear laid bare at Hobsons BayAll systems go in Frankston for a new friendship agreement Resignations from two NSW council chiefsA groundbreaking report for the future of flood management in NSWA bin chicken enlisted to fight Queenslandâs unpopular bin taxCalls for a controversial Tasmanian councillor to resignPlus pigeon eradication, a councillor pay rise, and resignation leaves an 18 year old in charge of a council.Als...Funding disadvantage, a damn disgrace, and a problematic proposition
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The Victorian Government accused of holding back crucial infrastructure fundingA surprise bank branch closure angers a rural councilA council introduces body worn cameras for council officersInnovative council waste management and animal control initiativesThe massive investment from councils in tackling climate change- and a call for more government assistanceSydney Council enters a controversial stadium debateA popular NYE fireworks show under threatAnd a council merger under consideration in Western AustraliaPlus MAV Chief Innovator in Residence, Bonnie Shaw, talks to Chris about the exciting...
Unfair dismissal, private security furore, and historic council budgets
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A council worker wins an unfair dismissal caseA hard-fought win for Techno Park residents in Hobsons BayA controversial funding decision in WyndhamThe fields are set for two by-electionsA regional councilâs zero per cent rate increaseHistoric $1B plus budgets for two Queensland councilsA Tasmanian mayor describes the personal toll after a five year campaign against his councilA WA Council to put its CEO position to marketAnd major structural changes flagged for councils in the UKAll of that and more just ahead on...
Dysfunctional budget debacle, mayoral challenge, and a rate cap warning
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A suspended councillorâs legal troubles resolvedA mayorâs budget challenge to the rest of the countryAn apology called for after a councillor was wrongfully accused of theftThe shock passing of two sector leaders in NSWSydney Council takes aim at gas appliances, and the unsightly proliferation of rubbish binsA Queensland councilâs dysfunctional budget debacleNew general manager appointmentsAustralia used as a cautionary tale against rate capping in New ZealandAlso today, a new resource for councils to help meet the rapidly growing demand...
Procedural vandalism, toxic dysfunction, and a costly decision
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The Victorian Government releases its response to an inquiry into local government fundingTwo new members elected to the VLGA boardAbove average satisfaction for two western Victorian councilsAn acting mayor accuses colleagues of procedural vandalismA pay dispute in Townsville gets nastyA councillorâs call for complainants to pay costs of unsuccessful actionsand a report exposes a dysfunctional and psychologically unsafe councilPlus Chris speaks with Clinton Jury from LGA South Australia, after his surprise announcement last week that heâs moving on from the...
Liquor licence loss, democracy returns, and a âtoxicâ debate
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Another council introduces security measures for its meetingsConcerns as councils are set to lose a say in liquor licence decisionsBallarat Council hit with an EPA fineA council returning to elected representation after more than a decadeA NSW Council General Manager resignsThe cost of a tropical cyclone for one Queensland councilA councillor ordered to apologise for âtoxicâ commentsand warnings for the autonomy of local government in New Zealandand more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Multi-million dollar mistake, job cuts clash, and election bill shock
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Councils consider legal options over an unpopular state taxA multi-million dollar parking fine error at Merri-bek CouncilThe latest Victorian Council CEO to call it quitsGolden Plains finally gets its last councillorA mayor and union clash over planned job cutsA controversial policy voted down on a Mayorâs casting voteTownsville workers vote to go on strike, andAdelaide Council and the State Government at odds over a controversial golf course planplus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.Learn more about Sm...
Election rejected, concerning loophole, and a trivial complaint crackdown
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
More drama at Golden Plains as a countback winner rejects a spot on the CouncilHigher rates flagged for owners of derelict Melbourne propertiesA building surveyor loophole raises concernsA crackdown on trivial councillor conduct complaints in NSWCouncils make big moves on beach and pool safetyA SA council calls for state help as it forecasts massive debt to accommodate growthAnd anger in Edinburgh ahead of the Oasis reunion concertsplus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Bargaining tension, CEO movements, and a councillor reprimanded
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Contention over a push for multi-council enterprise agreementsThe ESC releases its annual rate capping reportA new CEO announced, and support for another dealing with personal attacksWins and disappointments for NSW councilsA Council General Manager announces retirementA council pay dispute resolved in Queenslandand a councillor suspended after a budget debate becomes heatedAll of that and more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond.
Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
On Tuesday, 22 July...
Honours, awards, resignations and interventions
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A metro council exploring legal options to challenge the stateâs ESV levyA controversial mayor returns to workVictorian councils recognised for excellenceLocal government contributors make the Kingâs Birthday Honours listA former mayor and a current mayor announce surprise resignationsStaff cutbacks proposed at Gold Coast, while the Sunshine Coast delays its budget due to internal reporting concernsand a WA council accused of belligerence as the state government steps inplus more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond.
Result stands, flag furore, and a nauseating attack
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Result stands - VCAT rules on fraudulent votes in the city of KnoxA flag furore at a Victorian councilA council rejects a peer-reviewed flood studyRetirement announced for Council CEOs in two statesAn advocacy win for NSW councils on fire service assetsA Queensland mayor under investigationA costly by-election set for Mackay Counciland e-scooters suspended after a pedestrian death in Perthand much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
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Project pushback, alliance pullback, and a cheeky council campaign
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A new operating model for G21 as councils withdraw fundingAn Acting CEO becomes interim as a Council recruitment moves aheadCouncils pushing back on housing and infrastructure projectsA NSW Councilâs CEO appointment moves to final stepsA new guideline released on free speech in local governmentA cheeky campaign to bring a major retailer to a rural shire, andA mayor survives a leadership challengeChris is joined today by Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens to talk about the push to get a major retailer ba...
Abhorrent levy, dismissal warning, and CEOs and councils part ways
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A levy pause for farmers and more drought assistance announced - but some councils say it's not enoughThe WA council on notice for potential dismissalTwo Queensland councils sever ties with their CEOsThe massive flood cleanup under way in NSWA councilâs controversial decision on burial fees for stillborn childrenA new leader on the Regional Movers Index, as more people give up capital cities for regional Australiaand much more local government news from around Australia and beyond.
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A monitor for Hobsons Bay, Council-Government clashes, plus CEO appointments and councillor resignations
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A municipal monitor sent in to Hobsons BayCEO appointments in three states, as two former Council CEOs make a return in VictoriaGreater Geelong to stay in aged care service deliveryHigh profile councillors resign in New South Wales and QueenslandA South Australian council rocked by three Councillor resignationsHobart Council headed for a stadium conflict with the Tasmanian Governmentand a war of words between the NZ Prime Minister and capital city mayorand Chris is joined by newly appointed Central Goldfields CEO Peter Harriott...
Aged care pressure, wage talks impasse, and targeting online abuse
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Pressure on Greater Geelong council to remain in aged care servicesA last minute reprieve for a Stonnington animal shelter operatorCouncillors call for action on online abuse and misinformationSnowy Monaroâs new CEO announcedAn impasse in wage negotiations in NoosaA mayorâs demands for an overhaul of the council complaints systemand maximum pay limits reduced for Council CEOs in South AustraliaPlus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
On...
Formal warning, turmoil in the top end, and a unique border rivalry
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Indigo Shire gets the go-ahead for a revenue-neutral rate cap variationMore council winners from the Victorian state budgetA formal warning for a Council CEOA councilâs massive infrastructure program unveiledA unique border rivalry in State of Origin weekA policy backdown on wood heatersA new councillor, a new General Manager,and more turmoil in the Top End as an entire council is dismissedPlus Zoe Dattner joins Chris to shine a light on the increasingly concerning issue of employee burnout at councils around th...
Budget disappointment, alleged corrupt practices, and a mayor reprimanded
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Sector reaction to the Victorian State BudgetCouncils united against a new state tax - we hear from MAV President Jennifer Anderson on next steps now the legislation has passedDisaster support announced for 16 NSW councilsA contractor fired from a council sports field projectA tourism first in regional NSWA Queensland Mayor reprimanded for breaching behavioural standardsThe shocking murders of a city mayorâs personal assistant and adviserand much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Commission of Inquiry launched, a new Mayor elected, and challenging fake news
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
The Whittlesea Council Commission of Inquiry is underwayGolden Plains elects a new MayorA leadership transition revealed for Cardinia ShireA Sydney councilâs new housing plan alternativeKiama Council hits back at false media claimsA major council property transaction confirmed on the Gold CoastA controversial rates proposal for retirement villages draws criticismand a councilâs innovative approach to cat containment lawsPlus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
<...âComplete travestyâ, âunfair and cruelâ - new tax draws swift response
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Victorian councils respond to a contentious new state government taxA community push to save a regional saleyards from closureWinners and losers from IPARTâs rulings on special rate variationsA ban on live events in Sydney parks draws criticismTownsvilleâs suspended mayor launches a petition to have the council sackedand a WA council on notice as the minister threatens interventionPlus much more of the latest local government news from Australia and beyond.
Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
<...A surprise un-retirement, mayoral medical dramas, and a warning for sniggering councillors
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A mayor resigns, as the suspension of another takes effectThe surprise un-retirement of a former Council CEOA Melbourne council to trial 30km speed limitsMedical dramas for two NSW mayorsIPART makes its ruling on 6 special rate variation applicationsThe eye-watering cost of NSWâs road maintenance backlog revealedA group of Queensland councillors under investigationand a Lord Mayor lays down the law to âsniggeringâ councillorsAlso today, what can your council do to help with the transition to electric vehicles? Chris is joined by Cameron Riming...
Another mayor suspended, higher rate cap approved, and a call to âlift the toneâ
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
A rural mayor suspended after an arbitration processHepburn gets the all clear for a 10 per cent rate increaseIntense debate over a controversial inner city artworkMore councils join the fight against a new state government taxA Sydney council calls for new planning rules to be suspendedProtests against another Queensland councilâs homelessness approachAnother council exiting from aged care servicesand a new campaign to âLift the Toneâ as abuse and intimidation takes a tolland more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
L...
Whittlesea woes, Golden Plainsâ plight, plus ridiculous arguments and lame excuses
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Election voided - Whittlesea Council down another councillorDysfunction at Golden Plains under the spotlightGreenline cut and more bike lanes planned in the city of Melbourneâs new budgetThe results are in from a review of Newcastle City CouncilA deputy mayor resigns citing the pressures of the role and low payA veteran Council CEO announces retirementand a mayor calls out fellow councillors over the outcome of a breach of conduct investigationLearn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
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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 months, andControversy swirls around English councils under new leadership.All of that and more just ahead...
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 offLearn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
On Tuesday, 22 July the...
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 Councilâs 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 councilâs 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.
Le...
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 monitorâs 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.
Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
On Tuesday, 22 July the VLGA and LGIU will host the next in its series of Global Executive Live Panels for 2025.
This webinar will explore...
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.
Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
On Tuesday, 22 July the VLGA and LGIU will host the next in its series of Global Executive Live Panels for 2025.
This webinar will explore the...
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.
Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
On Tuesday, 22 July the VLGA and LGIU will host the next in...
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 StrathbogieMelbourneâs 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 progressLearn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
...E-scooter companies bail, biosecurity waste anxiety, and âdangerous and irresponsibleâ 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, andPerthâs Lord Mayor bids farewelland more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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Casey's law pause, airport deal takes off, and âdeliberate calculated chaosâ
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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 colleaguesBulokeâs mayor confident a cancelled festival will returnA NSW councillor under renewed fire for ongoing behaviourA call for an ICAC investigation into a councillorâs 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 sectorâs peak bodyLearn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
On Tue...
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 Councilâs 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 decisionsLearn more about SmartGlue at ww...
Shock document leak, showdown looms, and an âimproper and unlawfulâ 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 Whittleseaâs mayoral crisis drags onA spate of recycling truck fires prompts more warnings from councilsA regional NSW councilâs 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.
Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com<...
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 - Whittleseaâs 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 Governmentâs new planning lawsLearn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
On Tuesday, 22 July...
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 Alfredâs arrivalA regional CEO stepping downA lord mayor taken to task over social mediaAnother council to auction properties over unpaid ratesA councilâs win in court over illegal tree removal,plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com
On Tues...
Sleeping rough controversy, CEOs in the news, and an âunbelievably stupidâ proposal
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In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
Mornington Peninsulaâs new CEOPort Phillip urged to reconsider a controversial sleeping rough proposalBuloke Council allows a festival to go aheadBallaratâs vandalism troubles continueThe results of Victoriaâs 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 Australiaâs number one local go...
