Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- A personal safety intervention order for Stonnington’s Mayor is overturned
- Yarra calls an Extraordinary Meeting in response to government housing plans in North Richmond
- A backlash leads to the withdrawal of 42 parking fines issued by the City of Whittlesea
- Public hearings conclude in the Federal Government’s inquiry into local government financial sustainability
- Clarence Valley Council without a mayor after a procedural error with its election
- An early leader as counting gets underway to fill a vacancy on Townsville Council
- and a new inquiry into Perth City Council draws criticism; the minister calls it due diligence
All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
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Featured in today’s episode:
Victoria
A Melbourne County Court judge has overturned a personal safety intervention order taken out by Stonnington Mayor Melina Sehr against Council Watch president Dean Hurlston.
According to The Age, the judge found that Mr Hurlston’s social media posts — including one depicting Cr Sehr as Miss Piggy — were protected political speech about council governance, and not harassment driven by legal malice.
Mayor Sehr says she’s seeking further legal advice, while Council CEO Dale Dickson pledged to continue supporting and protecting the safety of employees and councillors, particularly women.
An Extraordinary Meeting of Yarra City Council has been called for Tuesday evening, after a government announcement on the future of the North Richmond public housing estate.
Homes Victoria has revealed a plan to nearly triple dwellings on the North Richmond estate, from about one thousand to three thousand.
The meeting agenda includes the annual financial statements, and a report on the North Richmond Housing Precinct Redevelopment.
Officers are recommending the Council reaffirm its opposition to blanket demolition and privatisation, and call for a pause on procurement until after the state election on November the twenty-eighth.
The State Government says there’ll be no reduction in social housing on the site.
The City of Whittlesea will revoke a series of parking fines issued at local football matches after community backlash.
Council says 42 infringement notices—each worth 627 dollars—were issued at sports grounds in August for illegal parking on council reserves – but CEO Dan Hogan said a review showed that many of the instances didn’t warrant such a large fine.
The council will cancel those fines, reimburse anyone who’s already paid, and review similar penalties issued since local laws changed in July 2024.
Surf Coast Shire has announced a refund program for motorists who were overcharged on parking fines due to a 23-year-long administrative error.
Affected drivers can expect to receive between $30 and $60 in compensation, with Surf Coast Shire establishing a dedicated claim website early next month. (Source: Bay93.9)
In a bid to support rapid population growth, Melton City Council is urging political parties to fund a complete upgrade and duplication of Taylors Road all the way to Leakes Road.
While the state government recently pledged $170 million to duplicate a stretch in the neighbouring City of Brimbank, Melton Mayor Lara Carli says the full corridor upgrade is crucial to relieve severe traffic congestion and improve safety for residents.
MARIBYRNONG CITY COUNCIL says it is fast-tracking strategic planning for Tottenham and West Footscray to safeguard local amenities and manage industrial development, including new data centres.
The initiative will guide future transport, freight, and open-space improvements while bolstering the council’s advocacy for multi-million-dollar government infrastructure funding.
The Federal Government has concluded public hearings for its inquiry into local government financial sustainability after two and a half years of evidence.
The Australian Local Government Association has called for immediate Commonwealth action on council funding, citing growing pressure from housing, cost of living, and natural disasters.
Peak body representatives stressed that local sectors, including the City of Sydney and rural regional councils nationwide, require predictable funding models rather than short term competitive grants to deliver essential community infrastructure.
New South Wales
A procedural error in the election of the mayor at Clarence Valley Council has left the council without a mayor.
After a tied vote between Cr Peter Johnstone and Cr Ray Smith, regulations required the result be settled by drawing lots, with the drawn councillor declared elected.
But the General Manager Laura Black mistakenly advised the opposite — that the drawn councillor would be eliminated.
Cr Smith’s name was drawn, yet Cr Johnstone was declared Mayor.
Council is seeking legal advice within 14 days, and Cr Johnstone has resigned the position of mayor pending a new vote.
Brewarrina Shire Council has extended the contract of General Manager David Kirby for another five years following a strong annual performance review.
Mayor Tom Stanton has praised Mr Kirby’s leadership in guiding the region through record funding initiatives, debt reduction, and multi-million dollar infrastructure projects.
Shellharbour City Council has launched a two year pilot program to exempt mobile tiny homes on suitable residential land from standard development applications.
As reported by About Regional, the local approvals policy allows landowners to bypass traditional development fees and long assessment delays provided the vehicles comply with utility connection and setback requirements.
Regional sector leaders view the framework as a replicable blueprint for local governments across New South Wales seeking immediate solutions to housing affordability.
Byron Shire Council is urging local ratepayers to check its online calculator to understand a proposed 35 per cent land rate increase over three years, clarifying that the change applies only to ordinary land rates rather than total bills.
General Manager Mark Arnold said the proposal aims to fix operating deficits and maintain local services. Public feedback is open until October 30. (Source: Northern Rivers Times)
Wagga Wagga City Council has locked in a new 50-year lease with Defence to continue operating Wagga Wagga Airport as a crucial regional hub for the Riverina.
The long-term deal guarantees local control over the shared facility at RAAF Base Wagga, according to Australian Aviation.
Edward River Council has moved to the next stage in securing the future of the Deniliquin Medical Centre, green-lighting negotiations with a preferred operator after an independently assessed expressions-of-interest process.
Four submissions were received, and council says due diligence is now underway, with the successful bidder to be named once agreements are finalised.
LISMORE CITY COUNCIL has launched a new state-of-the-art kerbside waste collection fleet, funded by a $5 million grant from the New South Wales government.
The eight high-tech trucks feature advanced safety monitoring and real-time tracking technology to streamline collections, boost local recycling rates, and save ratepayer funds.
CESSNOCK COUNCIL has unanimously adopted a historic five-year Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Plan, becoming the first local government area in the Hunter to launch such a initiative.
The strategy aims to tackle a 21.4% surge in local domestic violence assault incidents by enhancing community education, supporting frontline services, and advocating for increased government funding. (Source: 2HD)
Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Chris Hanna has been re-elected for a third term, securing his leadership through to September 2028.
He will be joined by newly elected Deputy Mayor Tanya Higgins, as the council focuses on managing regional affairs and multi-million dollar investments for the community.
Wentworth Shire Council has re-elected Mayor Daniel Linklater and Deputy Mayor Peter Crisp unopposed at its recent Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday.
CESSNOCK CITY COUNCIL has unanimously elected local business owner Sarah Pascoe as its new Deputy Mayor.
She takes over the 12-month role from outgoing Deputy Mayor Tracey Harrington, working alongside Mayor Dan Watton.
Cr Reece Byrnes has been elected as the new Mayor of Tweed Shire Council, stepping into the top job alongside newly elected Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis.
He takes over leadership from outgoing Mayor Chris Cherry, pledging to focus on local housing affordability, water security, and essential services for the region.
Wingecarribee Shire Council has elected Councillor Erin Foley as the new Mayor and Councillor David Kent as Deputy Mayor for the next two years.
Cr Foley says her focus will be on delivering for families and young people, improving roads and communication, and strengthening the council’s financial sustainability.
Temora Shire Council has re-elected Councillor Rick Firman as Mayor and Councillor Graham Sinclair as Deputy Mayor for the next two years.
Cr Sue Heins has been re-elected for a two-year term as Mayor of Northern Beaches Council, alongside newly elected Deputy Mayor Ruth Robins, who will serve a 12-month term.
Queensland
Michelle Hobson has taken an early lead in the Division One by-election for Townsville City Council, holding over 37% of the preliminary vote count ahead of rival Michael Pugh, according to the Townsville Bulletin.
Just under half the votes were tallied as of yesterday, with counting continuing to determine who will replace retiring council member Paul Jacob.
The CITY OF MORETON BAY has welcomed the State Government’s announcement that Rockhampton will host the rowing events for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mayor Peter Flannery said his council supports the decision as a win for regional Queensland.
Moreton Bay will continue planning to turn its proposed Petrie site into a world-class training facility.
BLACKALL-TAMBO REGIONAL COUNCIL is taking steps to secure additional industrial land in Tambo by applying to purchase a 66-hectare portion of the town’s common reserve from the Queensland Government.
The council hopes the proposed expansion will unlock long-term economic growth and provide crucial space for local businesses looking to establish or expand in the area.
Paroo Council has endorsed the Queensland South West Six brand style guide as the basis for a new regional drive tourism product across the six SWQROC shires, replacing the Natural Sciences Loop.
The project is funded by Queensland’s Remote Area Board Program, and will progress once all six councils endorse it.
Local landmarks in Gympie have turned light blue — including the Town Hall Clock Tower and Lake Alford fountain — to support Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
The illuminated initiative aims to encourage local men to speak with their doctors and prioritise early detection.
Tasmania
West Coast Council is pushing back against a proposed cut to Service Tasmania opening hours in Queenstown — from 32-and-a-half hours a week to just 16.
The council says the move would hit residents across the remote West Coast, with the nearest alternative in Burnie, and argues many locals can’t easily access online services.
The state government says visitation data shows demand is lower. Consultation on the proposed reductions is open until October 2. (Source; Pulse Tasmania)
Latrobe Deputy Mayor Vonette Mead has officially entered the race for the top job, facing off against former Liberal politician Brett Whiteley and One Nation member James Redgrave in the upcoming Latrobe Council local election.
The Advocate reports that the contest guarantees a brand-new leader for the Latrobe Council, with current Mayor Peter Freshney choosing not to recontest.
Dorset Council has extended the appointment of Acting General Manager Jayne Miller through 31 March 2027 to ensure stability ahead of local government elections.
The incoming council will select a permanent replacement, while day-to-day operations and community services continue as normal.
South Australia
The Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association has re-elected District Council of Kimba Mayor Dean Johnson as President and Lower Eyre Council Mayor Jo-Anne Quigley as Vice President for a second two-year term.
The leadership duo will continue pushing state and federal governments for multi-million dollar investments in vital housing, roads, water security, and digital connectivity across the region. (Source: Inside Local Government)
Western Australia
Local Government Inspector Tony Brown has formally commenced his three-month inquiry into the City of Perth, following five months of preliminary monitoring that exposed ongoing governance issues. It’s understood a report from monitor Carol Adams led Mr Brown to decide an inquiry is necessary.
PerthNow reported that the move has drawn sharp criticism from Western Australian Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas, a former Perth Lord Mayor, and local ratepayer groups. They argue that further investigations only prolong political instability rather than providing immediate resolution.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has defended the process as necessary due diligence, while council leadership confirmed the city will fully co-operate as it begins implementing a recommended twelve-point remedial plan.
The Shire of Coolgardie has officially appointed Sabine Taylor as its new Chief Executive Officer following a endorsement by Council last week. Ms. Taylor previously led the Shire of Wyalkatchem and Murweh Shire Councils.
Developers behind a major hotel and apartment project in Claremont have been granted a half-price parking rate, reducing their total bill to $616,800 after the local authority doubled its daily bay fees.
The Town of Claremont Council voted to honour the original $50-a-day rate to prevent unfair costs, while directing a portion of the revenue toward supporting local businesses impacted by construction. (Source: PerthNow)
City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin has defended proposed verge parking laws aimed at restricting caravans, boats, and trailers on residential streets. Speaking on Radio 6PR, he said safety concerns and increasing urban infill have pushed vehicles onto public verges.
International
UK:
The UK Local Government Association says abuse and intimidation against councillors is getting worse, with over half of more than 1,500 councillors surveyed reporting an increase in the past year and around two in five feeling personally at risk.
While police forces now provide personal safety advisors for candidates and councillors, many who report incidents to police feel the response is inadequate, and the LGA is calling for stronger formal arrangements to tackle poor behaviour.
Mayors across England are set to get new powers to overrule local councils on major planning applications, under government proposals.
The move would cover developments of more than 150 homes, large commercial sites, or buildings over 30 metres.
Ministers say it will speed up housebuilding and regeneration, but Conservatives warn it could weaken local decision-making. (Source: BBC News)
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has instructed lawyers to challenge government funding cuts following a proposed 94% council tax hike in Wandsworth, reports BBC News.
The opposition party blames an annual $110 million shortfall caused by central funding reallocations, while government officials defend the changes as a fair update to support high-need areas.
Burnley Council is locked in a fierce dispute after leader Afrasiab Anwar proposed a motion defending the Falkland Islands’ right to self-determination.
Opposing councillors from Reform UK slammed the debate as “political grandstanding,” arguing that taxpayer dollars should be spent solely on local affairs rather than international relations. (Source: BBC News)
CANADA:
Nine people are running for mayor in Prince George, making it B.C.’s busiest mayoral race this fall.
Three candidates have held elected office before, including incumbent mayor Simon Yu and councillors Garth Frizzell and Kyle Sampson.
Voters head to the polls next month, with public safety, homelessness and downtown development dominating the agenda, reports CBC News.
NZ:
Wellington City Council has issued an apology over its $600,000 spend on a new library website, following an independent review that revealed key shortcomings in procurement, oversight, and overall value for money.
The review found the project was rushed and over budget by up to half a million dollars compared to typical government sites, prompting the council to pledge full accountability and sweeping changes to its procurement process.
Auckland Council’s farms have successfully curbed roaming dog attacks on livestock using protective “llama-guards.” The move has cut loss rates down to just seven lambs this year compared to a devastating 142-lamb kill that cost $19,000 last January.
To further boost sustainability, the council has also introduced low-methane Romney rams across its 1,500 hectares to breed hardier, lower-emission sheep. (Source: RNZ)
