Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- Another mayor steps aside to run for State Parliament
- The City of Melbourne’s new position on January 26
- Two Councils withdraw from they call a ‘tokenistic’ consultation process
- A Council apology after wombats were inadvertently impacted by a rabbit control program
- Clarence Valley Council calls for an investigation into its own governance
- An indefinite delay for Coober Pedy’s return to democracy
- A serious misconduct opinion against a former WA council manager
- Plus more mayoral elections and CEO movements
All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
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In this episode:
Victoria
Gannawarra Shire Council, in the state’s north, will hold an unscheduled meeting later this month to elect a new mayor, following the resignation of Cr Garner Smith from the role on Wednesday.
Cr Smith stepped down after declaring he will vie for the Murray Plains seat as a One Nation candidate at the November State election. He remains a councillor, and won’t take leave due to the ongoing absence of another councillor.
The new mayor will serve until the annual mayoral election on November the eighteenth. Deputy Mayor Cr Ross Stanton is Acting Mayor in the meantime.
Two Victorian councils have withdrawn from the technical reference group for the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West project, known as VNI West.
Northern Grampians and Buloke shire councils have written to the Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, saying they never had a genuine opportunity to raise the issues that mattered most to their communities.
Northern Grampians Deputy Mayor Cr Justine Hide has described the process as “tokenistic”.
Both councils say they will keep engaging with VicGrid ahead of the EES inquiry, scheduled for February.
Nillumbik Shire Council has launched an investigation after wildlife volunteers reported that wombat burrows were blocked during a rabbit control program.
According to Yahoo News Australia, volunteers documented more than twenty blocked burrows. They reopened twelve active burrows and recovered two wombats alive. It is not known how many animals were harmed.
Council says it is deeply saddened, has asked its contractor for a full report, and that urgent investigations are underway. The state’s Conservation Regulator has also been contacted.
Manningham City Council has voted against introducing a separate kerbside glass recycling service, citing high costs, regulatory uncertainty, and strong opposition from local residents.
According to the Council, 88 percent of surveyed community members opposed the dedicated glass bin, which was estimated to require $2.66 million in upfront costs.
Mayor Cr Jim Grivas said, “…we believe it would be premature to commit significant resources before the state government releases the service standards and supporting regulations.”
The City of Melbourne has voted to recognise January the twenty-sixth as Australia Day, in line with the federal and Victorian governments.
Councillors also asked management to look at other ways of marking the day, including a return of the Australia Day parade down Swanston Street.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece told me the position is a practical one.
“So last night the City of Melbourne voted to recognise the twenty sixth of January as Australia’s national day as determined by the Australian government and Victorian government as well.”
I asked whether that changes the council’s position or keeps the status quo.
“look, there’s a change of emphasis there. that’s probably the best way of casting it. there was support for investigating the return of the Australia Day parade in Melbourne. That’s I guess a tangible change.”
According to the Herald Sun, a parade could cost as much as two million dollars once traffic management and tram disruptions are included. Any change to the date itself rests with the Commonwealth and Victorian governments.
In response to the City of Melbourne’s vote, Darebin City Council issued a statement reaffirming its 2017 stance opposing celebrations on January 26 out of respect for First Nations communities, and continued its call for the federal government to move the national day.
The Victorian Parliament’s Local Government Legislation Amendment (Stronger Communities) Bill has received royal assent.
Among the changes to the Act, a councillor can now only be stood down following a prosecution brought by a law enforcement agency, closing the gap exposed at Hepburn Shire.
A controversial inclusion is the new Fair Jobs Code.
Shadow Minister for Local Government Beverley McArthur said a Coalition government, if elected in November, would scrap the Fair Jobs Code and its regulator within its first one hundred days, and launch a red tape review of the Local Government Act.
Brimbank City Council has welcomed this week’s Federal and State government announcement that stage two works on Melbourne Airport Rail will start within weeks.
The works include a new seven-point-four kilometre line from Albion to the edge of the airport precinct, with a new Keilor East Station to be built by twenty thirty-one. The Coalition has also committed to delivering that station by the same date.
Mayor Cr Virginia Tachos said timing for the final stage, and for the Sunshine Superhub, remains unresolved. Council is continuing its “Rail Before Runway” campaign, calling for the full link to be delivered before Melbourne Airport’s third runway opens in twenty thirty-one.
The Eastern Region Group of Councils has strongly criticised state planning changes requiring local governments to manage building inspection reports outside the state’s Building Activity Management System.
Group members Knox City Council, Manningham City Council, Maroondah City Council, Whitehorse City Council, and Yarra Ranges Council, argue the Victorian Government is transferring administrative costs to local ratepayers instead of fixing its own inadequate central database.
Peak bodies are calling for standalone building permit levy revenues to be reinvested into upgrading system infrastructure rather than imposing extra red tape on local councils.
Merri-bek City Council has welcomed a commitment from the Victorian Government to duplicate the Upfield train line between Gowrie and Upfield stations alongside key level crossing removals.
Mayor Cr Nat Abboud praised the bipartisan support from the Labor and Green parties, while calling on the Coalition to match the pledge to ensure the multi-million dollar public transport upgrade stays on track without further delays.
Hume City Council also welcomed the commitment, while emphasising that further investment, including reconfiguring the City Loop and extending rail services to Wallan, is still needed to support rapid growth in Melbourne’s north.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE COUNCIL has approved the installation of ballasted shipping container barriers along Penny Lane to protect three McCrae households from ongoing landslide risks.
While the council maintains it is not liable for the 2022 and 2025 landslides, Mayor Stephen Batty said the cost-effective safety measure will help displaced residents return home as soon as regulatory approvals are cleared.
Debate surrounding the Two Cities One Community cross border agreement has resurfaced, following a narrow vote by Wodonga Council to adopt its latest priorities statement.
According to the Border Mail, the four to three vote highlighted persistent skepticism among several councillors regarding the tangible value of formalised collaboration with Albury City Council.
Concerns were raised that the partnership functions largely as public relations, with ongoing disputes over the site selection for the regional hospital redevelopment cited as evidence of limited progress.
In northeast Victoria, five key organisations have united to launch the Wangaratta Growth Alliance, a strategic partnership aimed at securing crucial infrastructure and housing funding to support a target population of 40,000 by 2040.
Led by the Rural City of Wangaratta, regional leaders are taking their coordinated pitch straight to the state government to unlock vital development dollars for long-term water security, healthcare, and community expansion.
New South Wales
Clarence Valley Council, in northern New South Wales, has made two significant governance decisions at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday.
Councillors unanimously resolved to ask the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, and the Office of Local Government to undertake an independent investigation into the council’s governance, administration, operations and financial management since January the first, twenty twenty-two.
Deputy Mayor Cr Cristie Yager proposed that investigation, and said it should identify any problems, recommend improvements, and make its findings public where the law allows.
The request follows a controversial September mayoral election process and the subsequent termination of the GM’s contract.
In a separate item, councillors resolved to receive a report on the implementation of the council’s Modernised Salary Structure, including its financial implications and the risk of workforce destabilisation.
Mayor Cr Peter Johnstone raised concerns that costs beyond the first two years had not been clearly modelled. The reported cost is five hundred and ninety-two thousand dollars in twenty twenty-six to twenty-seven, rising to one point two million dollars the following year.
Liberal councillor Sean Carmichael is facing potential party expulsion after publicly breaking ranks with Woollahra Council to back state housing and transport plans, according to the Daily Telegraph.
In a letter to Premier Chris Minns, the former deputy mayor has urged the government to proceed with the proposed Woollahra train station, directly contradicting the council’s active campaign against state-led rezoning.
The internal dispute has been linked to an unsuccessful leadership challenge against re-elected Mayor Sarah Dixson.
Albury City Council has voted to scale back the re-development budget for Lavington Swim Centre to 25 million dollars after initial estimates reached 45 million dollars.
According to the Border Mail, the Council has endorsed using 472,000 dollars from the current budget for scope optimisation and concept design, while expressing scepticism over consultant costs.
Mayor Kylie King confirmed the 25 million dollar spending cap will require final council sign off before construction begins.
Maitland City Council has scrapped plans for a new sportsground on Billabong Parade in Chisholm, after a protected bird was found on the site.
The Latham’s Snipe is protected under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and council says its presence makes the 4.5 hectare site unsuitable for the sporting fields and facilities required.
The land will instead become public open space, with potential walking trails, natural playspaces and large open areas. Council says it will keep looking for other locations for sporting facilities, in line with its Community Infrastructure Strategy.
Community members in Gunnedah have launched a petition demanding the Aboriginal flag be displayed in council chambers after Gunnedah Shire Council voted to fly only the Australian flag.
The decision came after Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke successfully moved an amendment against a proposed draft policy aligned with national protocols, prompting local First Nations representatives and community groups to push back ahead of the public feedback deadline. More from the New England Times.
BAYSIDE COUNCIL has launched an investigation after several mature Coastal Banksia trees were illegally cut down along the foreshore reserve at Brighton-Le-Sands.
To protect replacement plantings and restore native habitat, the council has installed CCTV and placed a shipping container featuring a black cockatoo mural to block the vandalised views.
An extraordinary meeting of Yass Valley Council has been scheduled on October 14, 2026, to address a critical financial sustainability crisis following a year-long review of cash reserves, debt, and infrastructure backlogs.
Central Coast Council haselected Councillor John McNamara as its new Mayor for a two-year term during an Extraordinary Council Meeting this week, alongside newly elected Deputy Mayor Rachel Stanton.
Mayor McNamara plans to adopt a back-to-basics approach focused on infrastructure improvements, financial scrutiny, debt management, and restoring community confidence.
At MidCoast Council, Cr Alan Tickle has been elected the new Mayor and re-elected Cr Jeremy Miller as Deputy Mayor. Cr Claire Pontin remains on the council after nearly five years as mayor, during which she secured crucial funding for regional road repairs and infrastructure projects.
Strathfield Council this week elected Councillor Sandy Reddy as its new Mayor and Councillor Esther Kim as Deputy Mayor. Councillor Reddy takes over leadership from outgoing Mayor Benjamin Cai, committing to collaborative decision-making and project delivery across the Strathfield Council area.
At Shoalhaven City Council, Councillor Selena Clancy has been elected as the new Deputy Mayor alongside Councillor Matthew Norris as Assistant Deputy Mayor. Mayor Patricia White welcomed the newly elected leaders, praising their extensive experience and dedication to supporting the local community’s civic operations.
Greens Councillor and former GP Clare Willington has been elected Mayor of Randwick City Council, taking over the role from Dylan Parker. The newly appointed Deputy Mayor is Masoomeh Asgari.
Bayside Council has elected Cr Christina Curry as its new Mayor for a two-year term and Cr Scott Morrissey as Deputy Mayor for one year. They take over from outgoing Mayor Cr Edward McDougall and Deputy Mayor Cr Heidi Lee Douglas.
And at Cumberland City Council, there’s a new mayor in Cr Joseph Rahme, a councillor of 14 years. Cr Michael Zaiter was elected deputy mayor.
Queensland
Cairns Regional Council has unanimously rejected Mayor Amy Eden’s proposal for free year-round green waste disposal.
Ms Eden has copped criticism from fellow councillors for bypassing standard procedures and attempting to force through a policy that would add up to $32 to ratepayer bills.
The Cairns Post reported that her mayoral minute was labelled an “abuse of process” and “poor policy,” by councillors arguing the service shift away from a user-pays model would unfairly burden ratepayers who do not utilise waste transfer stations.
Michelle Hobson has been officially declared the new Division 1 councillor for Townsville City Council after securing 54.41% of the final preference vote on her birthday. Her primary rival, Michael Pugh, conceded defeat in the by-election as Ms Hobson prepares to step into the role and focus on disaster preparedness and return on rates for local residents.
Logan City Council is set to consider major changes to its flood mapping and planning policy at a Special Council meeting next week, which could reduce the overall number of properties included in the flood overlay mapping by 56.8 per cent.
Following community feedback and independent technical advice, the proposed update to the Council’s flood portal will focus mapping on the 1 in 100 annual chance flood event and remove extreme scenarios like the Probable Maximum Flood.
Tasmania
Late nominations have completed the candidate field for Tasmania’s 2026 local elections, bringing the statewide total to 441 candidates following extra interest in King Island Council and Tasman Council.
The extra round was needed after there were insufficient nominations initially to fill the available positions.
With extra nominations securing two final vacancies on King Island Council and one on Tasman Council, postal ballot packs will begin reaching Tasmanian voters on Monday, October 5, ahead of voting closing on October 27.
A candidate for election to Northern Midlands Council is facing community backlash after sending unsolicited text messages to local voters using contact details sourced via the Labor Party.
Adam Barnett initially claimed the phone numbers were obtained through the Tasmanian Electoral Commission, according to the Examiner.
But election officials have clarified that phone numbers are not provided to candidates, prompting him to apologise and halt any further text messages to residents.
The City of Hobart has launched a new three-year Safe City Liaison trial this week.
Three officers are now on CBD streets to support local businesses, assist vulnerable community members, and identify safety concerns before they escalate.
Working alongside Tasmania Police, the team aims to boost public confidence and keep the city centre safe and welcoming.
South Australia
The South Australian Government is moving to delay, indefinitely, Coober Pedy council’s return to an elected body.
The council has been in administration since twenty-nineteen. It had been due to take part in the April twenty-twenty-seven elections.
Local Government Minister Rhiannon Pearce told parliament the council is not ready. A recent bill would allow a staged, hybrid model of governance.
According to the ABC, no new end date has been set.
The Remuneration Tribunal of South Australia has reclassified Mid Murray Council into a higher payment tier, resulting in a lift of annual mayoral allowances to over $100,000 and councillor pay to $25,242.
Adelaide Now reports that the increase has not gone over well with local business owners in flood-affected Mannum, who have criticised the 64 per cent allowance boost as excessive during a cost-of-living crisis.
Mayor Simone Bailey says the increase is necessary to attract future leaders to local government.
Western Australia
The WA Corruption and Crime Commission has formed an opinion of serious misconduct against a former Shire of East Pilbara manager.
A report tabled in State Parliament yesterday found Bevan Klein, the Shire’s former Manager Operations, failed to disclose relationships with contractors, bypassed tender and quotation requirements, and solicited gifts and benefits.
WA Police are considering whether to commence criminal proceedings.
The Shire says its CEO referred the matter to the Commission, and that its procurement policies have since been strengthened.
Commissioner Michael Corboy said local governments face particular procurement vulnerabilities, and policies must be “rigorously applied with effective monitoring, governance and reporting systems.”
Tensions within the City of Perth council have spilled over during a public meeting, following the official termination of chief executive Michelle Reynolds last week.
According to WA Today, Councillor Catherine Lezer walked out of chambers after being repeatedly interrupted by Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds while attempting to explain her response to a public question regarding contact with the former CEO.
The confrontation highlights the council’s ongoing governance challenges, as a formal inquiry is conducted by the Western Australian Local Government Inspector.
The Town of Claremont has voted unanimously to explore potential merger options with neighbouring councils like the Town of Cottesloe, the Shire of Peppermint Grove, and the City of Nedlands.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley welcomed the move, according to ABC News, promising to meet with local leaders next week to discuss potential funding options and examine how shared resources could save local ratepayer dollars down the track.
The Town of East Fremantle has announced that its CEO, Jonathan Throssell, has resigned after three years in the role.
The Town says the outcome was reached by mutual agreement and is not related to misconduct, performance concerns or any finding of unsatisfactory performance. Mr Throssell has departed the organisation, and the Council says it will not comment further on what it describes as a confidential employment matter.
The Shire of Gingin has appointed Zac Donovan as its new Chief Executive Officer, with his term set to begin on January 4, 2027.
Currently serving as CEO for the Shire of Koorda, Donovan brings extensive experience from previous executive roles at the Western Australian Local Government Association and various media organisations. Temporary CEO James Bayliss will continue to lead the council until Donovan formally takes over early next year.
The City of Fremantle Council has voted unanimously to push ahead with the Hilton Park oval redevelopment, clearing the way for 26 trees to be removed to make room for a new junior football field despite fierce community pushback.
WA Today reported that Councillors expressed concerns about the bitter online debate surrounding the plan and awarded the construction contract, while also agreeing to review the council’s tree retention and community consultation policies over the next year.
The City of Belmont has launched a trial of a new meeting format running through to March 2027, replacing Agenda Briefing Forums with a direct Public Statement Time during Ordinary Council Meetings.
Community members can now address the Council directly, while public access to agendas, minutes, and livestreams remains unchanged.
International
NZ:
Auckland Council has voted to bring back in-person booth voting for the 2028 local elections, ending a 36-year reliance on postal-only balloting.
The decision follows a comprehensive review aimed at restoring public confidence, resilience, and security to local electoral systems.
Officials estimate a ten-day voting period would cost up to 40 million dollars, though staff are investigating options to cap the final budget closer to 20 million dollars.
Meanwhile, Waikato civic leaders are advocating for a comprehensive review of local election processes following low participation rates across the region, according to reporting by the Waikatao Times.
Waikato District Council Mayor Aksel Bech and Hamilton City Council Mayor Tim Macindoe have expressed concerns over declining postal voting engagement, with turnout in their respective districts dropping to 35% and 33%.
Calls for reform in the sector include suggestions to align local government elections with future national parliamentary polls.
Greater Wellington Regional Council has launched a formal prosecution against Wellington City Council and water service provider Tiaki Wai, laying ten charges each over unlawful sewage discharges at the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant.
According to RNZ News, the charges follow an extensive investigation into raw sewage spills along the city’s south coast and failures to comply with an abatement notice. Both organisations face potential fines running into millions of dollars, with Wellington City Council confirming it is cooperating fully with the court process.
UK:
Cornwall Council chief executive Kate Kennally is reportedly on sick leave and unlikely to return, according to council insiders speaking to the Local Government Democracy Service.
Ms Kenally is believed to have taken a sudden leave of absence at the start of September.
The Council has put interim leadership in place as it prepares to navigate upcoming budget decisions and key priorities.
Cheshire East Council is interviewing this week for an interim chief executive, though officials warn the required daily rate will likely exceed the role’s $253,440 budget.
The cash-strapped authority has been without a permanent leader since May following the departure of its previous chief exec. It has previously paid up to £1,380 per day for interim coverage. (Source: Northwich Guardian)
Cumberland Council has appointed Jo Atkinson as its new chief executive. Ms Atkinson is currently the deputy chief executive, and has more than 25 years of public sector experience.
She will officially assume the leadership role on January 1, 2027, succeeding Andrew Seekings upon his retirement at the end of December.
CANADA:
Calgary City Council has voted almost unanimously in favour of a national unity motion affirming the city’s place in a united Canada ahead of next month’s Alberta separation referendum.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas urged the Council to take a firm stance against independence, warning that separation could trigger massive capital flight and cost the province up to $170 billion over five years. The motion passed with a 14-1 vote, according to CBC News.