Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- A regional mayor steps down ahead of a run for State Parliament
- The state opposition pledges to scrap the mandatory glass recycling bin rollout
- A NSW mayor and a councillor censured,
- While two councillors in two different states have been ejected from council meetings
- Worksafe charges a Tasmanian council over a fatal workplace incident
- An Adelaide councillor resigns, and is set to challenge for the Lord Mayor’s position
- Plus a WA Shire President to step down,
- and local government reorganisation decisions announced in England.
Plus Chris Weber and Simon Adcock are here to preview an upcoming Symphony3 webinar on successful IT project delivery in local government.
Listen now:
Victoria
Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor, Cr Kate Kendall, has resigned from the mayoralty, effective close of business Friday the twenty-fourth of July.
Cr Kendall says she’s stepping down to contest the state seat of Macedon at the upcoming Victorian election in November.
She’ll remain on council as a ward councillor.
Cr Kendall was elected Mayor eight months ago and says she’ll work with the CEO and Deputy Mayor over the coming week to hand over mayoral duties.
The Victorian Coalition has promised to scrap the state’s mandatory fourth household recycling bin if elected.
Under the opposition’s plan, local councils would regain the power to decide their own waste management systems, bypassing the state’s purple-lidded glass bin directive.
The Coalition also intends to review and potentially expand the state’s Container Deposit Scheme.
The policy decision follows a joint campaign by at least thirty-five local councils, which found eighty-three per cent of surveyed residents oppose the mandated glass-only bin due to rising setup and household costs.
Hume City Council, the first Victorian council to formally reject the mandate in May 2025, has welcomed the election commitment, and has called on the Labor government to follow suit and hand waste management decisions back to local government.
The Municipal Association of Victoria says governments must work together to manage the fast-growing impacts of artificial intelligence.
The MAV has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of a national AI framework and a new Office of AI, and says local councils need a clear role in that coordinated approach.
The association is now forming a National AI Working Group for Local Government, with the Australian Local Government Association, building on projects like an AI procurement register and research into AI in statutory planning.
The MAV says councils should adopt AI with transparency, inclusivity and strong safeguards against risks like misinformation and harassment.
Unlocking Avalon Airport’s potential is now a key election push in Greater Geelong.
The City of Greater Geelong and G21 councils are calling for bipartisan backing for major infrastructure investment, including a proposed one‑billion‑dollar regional infrastructure fund and an airline attraction fund to grow passenger and freight services.
They say targeted upgrades could unlock more local jobs, new business opportunities, and stronger supply chains across the region.
East Gippsland Shire Council has unveiled twelve key advocacy priorities ahead of the 2026 Victorian Election.
Mayor Jodie Ashworth said the council’s priorities focus on critical regional needs that rely on state government funding, including a requested 1.5 billion dollar statewide regional road maintenance package and a new emergency department for Bairnsdale Hospital.
Other priority projects include drainage upgrades for flood resilience in Lakes Entrance and infrastructure to unlock housing development in Lucknow.
The Melbourne International Film Festival has expanded its footprint into regional Victoria, naming Warrnambool as an official regional host for its upcoming August program.
Last week, Warrnambool City Council announced the partnership, which will see ten acclaimed local and international films screened over two weekends at the Capitol Cinema – including the opportunity to see Sam Neill’s final performances in a feature film.
Mayor Ben Blain said the initiative strengthens the municipality’s winter events calendar and reinforces the city’s standing as a highly entertaining regional hub.
New South Wales
Albury City Council has formally censured Mayor Kevin Mack over comments made at a public rally calling for a new Albury–Wodonga hospital.
The Border Mail reported that Councillors discussed the matter in a confidential session last week, later voting to reprimand Mack for breaching the council’s code of conduct.
They considered his behaviour to be “improper” and likely to bring the council into disrepute.
Cr Mack has declined to detail the comments, calling the decision a caution and saying the council should now “move on.”
Meanwhile, an AI-generated social media attack targeting Cr Mack has sparked concerns over the impact of digital misinformation on local officials.
A “wanted” poster accusing the mayor of financial crimes appeared on a ratepayer group Facebook page following proposals for significant rate rises to address a council deficit.
The image has since been removed.
Meanwhile, Councillor Mack confirmed council job losses are looming as operations are trimmed, though specific numbers are yet to be determined.
The council announced last week that it has reduced its projected General Fund deficit from over $22 million to $18.9 million through an organisation-wide savings program, as consultation with the community on three potential Special Rate Variation options remains open until the end of this month.
An escalation at a Tweed Shire Council meeting on Thursday saw New South Wales Police called to escort a councillor from the chamber.
Councillor Kimberly Hone was expelled by a four-three vote after refusing to retract or apologise for statements regarding fellow members and the Northern Regional Planning Panel.
Cr Hone did not leave the chamber after the resolution, at which time the police were called for assistance.
The council said the action was taken in accordance with the state’s Model Code of Meeting Practice.
Moree Plains Shire Council has formally censured Councillor Kelly James following an independent investigation into multiple code of conduct breaches.
The resolution, passed at Thursday’s ordinary meeting, relates to disruptive behaviour and acts of disorder at council meetings between December and February.
Council has referred the matter to the Office of Local Government for further action under misconduct provisions.
This marks the third time Councillor James has been censured for similar misconduct since 2024.
Wollongong City Council has partnered with Canva to launch a global-first local government pilot.
The initiative uses Canva’s Global Goals Platform to expand community engagement and gather feedback for the city’s strategic planning.
Residents are being invited to submit their priorities directly through a dedicated portal, with the council planning to publish the collected data as an interactive visualisation to inform future service delivery.
Sutherland Shire Council will write to the NSW transport and roads ministers requesting a deferral of Lime’s shared e-bike service.
The council wants the rollout paused until the state government’s new micro-mobility regulatory framework is independently reviewed.
Under recent legislation, NSW councils are required to provide shared schemes, but Sutherland Shire is seeking further advice on how the rules will manage parking, safety, and amenity impacts before operations begin.
Cessnock City Council will lodge formal objections against two large-scale battery storage developments proposed for Rothbury.
The council voted 7-6 to prepare urgent submissions of objection, arguing that the side-by-side Sunshine Estate and Rothbury projects constitute inappropriate industrial clustering in a rural tourism zone.
Because both proposals are declared State Significant Energy Developments, they bypass local council approvals, leaving the final decision to the New South Wales government.
The submissions will raise concerns about visual, noise, and environmental impacts.
Dubbo Regional Council has decided to review the Wiradjuri Tourism Centre project after rejecting all tenders, with every bid coming in over budget.
Council says rising construction costs and ongoing delays mean the project, as planned, is no longer financially sustainable.
A new assessment will consider what can be delivered within current funding constraints.
Queensland
The City of Gold Coast has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture to help establish their region’s first professional lifeguard service.
The agreement builds on a 36-year friendship agreement and will facilitate biennial training and knowledge-sharing between the Gold Coast Lifeguard Service and the Kanagawa Lifesaving Association.
In other news, the City has expanded its Beach Access Program, installing three new beach wheelchair lockboxes across the coastline to improve accessibility for residents and visitors.
Tasmania
West Coast Council has faced the Burnie Magistrates Court after being charged by WorkSafe Tasmania over a fatal workplace incident.
The safety regulator has laid two charges alleging the council failed to comply with its health and safety obligations following the death of a worker in his 30s, who was found beneath a ride-on mower in November 2023.
Lawyers indicated the matter may be resolved without a full hearing, and the case has been adjourned to September for pleas.
Pulse Tasmania reports that prosecutors are still gathering documents.
There was drama at a meeting of Circular Head council last week, resulting in a councillor being ordered to leave the chamber.
The Advocate reported how Mayor Gerard Blizzard ejected Councillor Rodney Flowers from the meeting, with Councillor Flowers then trying to address the council from the public gallery as a ratepayer.
Cr Flowers, a known climate change denier, later said he didn’t want make a statement about anything in particular, and just wanted to prove a point.
Mayor Blizzard defended his decision, saying that councillors cannot use public question time to bypass meeting procedures.
Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, on Tasmania’s east coast, has appointed Nick McGuire as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a national recruitment process that drew twenty-five candidates.
Mayor Cheryl Arnol says McGuire’s broad local government experience, including senior roles in Queensland and most recently as Manager of Economic Development at the City of Hobart, set him apart from a strong field.
McGuire starts on Monday the third of August, on a four-year performance-based contract.
South Australia
Adelaide South Ward councillor Henry Davis has resigned from his position, effective immediately, and says he will challenge incumbent Jane Lomax-Smith for the lord mayoralty.
According to The Advertiser, Davis has concerns about the council culture and administration.
A council spokesperson confirmed that under the Local Government Act, a supplementary election will not be required to fill the vacancy. Elections are due next April.
Adelaide Hills Council has reversed its controversial rating proposal following strong community pushback, just days after dismissing its chief executive.
According to The Advertiser, the finalised Annual Business Plan locks in a 6.8 per cent rate increase, scaled back from the original 7.6 per cent draft.
Mayor Nathan Daniell said the budget balances community priorities with long-term financial sustainability.
The decision follows the sudden departure of CEO Greg Georgopoulos last week, who has since initiated legal action against the council regarding his exit.
The Cities of Marion, Charles Sturt, and Port Adelaide Enfield have launched a strategic artificial intelligence partnership with Adelaide consultancy Bailey Abbott.
The multi-year collaboration focuses on co-designing practical AI use cases, building long-term capability, and establishing strong governance structures to safeguard data privacy.
Bailey Abbott will invest more than one million dollars into the initiative, which aims to safely improve service delivery and efficiency across the three local government areas.
The councils will retain full ownership and control of their data throughout the roll-out.
Western Australia
The Shire of Coorow has announced the resignation of Shire President Guy Sims, effective September 15th.
Councillor Sims, who has served the local government for nine years, will remain on the council until his term expires in 2027.
The council expects to elect a new president at its September ordinary meeting.
Cockburn Council will ask WA’s Fisheries Minister to create a 50-metre no-fishing zone around the engineered reef at C.Y. O’Connor Beach.
The move follows community consultation, with 68 percent backing the sanctuary for safety and habitat protection.
The Minister and DPIRD will make the final call.
The Shire of Dardanup has acknowledged the passing of former Councillor and Shire President Danny Harris.
Mr Harris served on the council from 1988 to 1995, and again from 2011 to 2018, leading the local government authority as President for three years.
Flags at the Eaton Shire office were flown at half-mast to mark his decades of community service and his funeral in Dardanup.
The Shire of East Pilbara is mourning the death of long‑serving councillor and former Deputy Shire President Lang Coppin OAM.
Coppin served more than 46 years on Council, from 1977 until retiring in 2023, and was a strong advocate for remote roads and essential services across the region.
He received an Order of Australia Medal in 2013 and was named Freeman of the Shire in 2024.
International
NZ:
The next chief executive of Christchurch City Council will be a Kiwi.
Mayor Phil Mauger confirmed last week that three New Zealanders are the only candidates still in the running for the job.
The Press reported that more than 120 people from New Zealand and Australia applied for the role, left vacant after Mary Richardson stepped down in May.
A committee including the mayor, deputy mayor, and three councillors has interviewed five shortlisted applicants — and will now put three finalists to the full council of 17 for a final decision.
The bones of a Wellington supercity proposal are taking shape as councils rush to meet central government’s August deadline.
RNZ reports regional mayors are discussing a single unitary council with one regional mayor, supported by a layer of five devolved community councils.
While proponents argue the model will streamline decision-making, Wellington Deputy Mayor Ben McNulty has cautioned that managing the complex integration will not be a cheap rates-saving cure.
Marlborough District Council has voted to expand community consultation ahead of a potential merger with Kaikōura, according to a report by Radio New Zealand.
While Kaikōura preferred a northern partnership over Canterbury alternatives, Marlborough councillors have emphasised that the Head Start process remains strictly voluntary.
Detailed financial and asset due diligence is now underway to draft a preliminary outline proposal due to central government by August 9.
UK:
In the United Kingdom, the Local Government Secretary has announced a fresh round of local government reorganisation decisions, covering fourteen areas across England.
The changes will see one hundred and thirty-four existing councils replaced by thirty-eight new unitary authorities.
Announcing the decisions in the House of Commons late last week, Secretary of State Steve Reed described the programme as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise council structures.
He told Parliament the changes would improve local government for more than 15 million people, resulting in more than 250 fewer senior posts and nearly 3,000 fewer councillors, with projected net savings of around £1 billion by the end of 2032–33.
Areas affected include Lancashire, Gloucestershire and Nottinghamshire. Elections to most new councils are expected next May, ahead of vesting day of 1 April 2028.
Some MPs described proposals for their areas as “utterly unacceptable” and “a disgrace,” and decisions for some areas, including Cambridgeshire, have been put on hold.
Bristol City Council has voted to become the UK’s first official “city of harm reduction”, shifting its response to drug use toward support rather than punishment.
Local Gov reported that the motion, brought by Green councillors, calls for expanded harm reduction services, sector-led training, and better preparation for night-time workers dealing with drug emergencies.
It also urges the government to rethink the Misuse of Drugs Act, amid record-high drug poisoning deaths in the city.
CANADA:
To Canada, and there was anger in Ontario’s Hamilton City Council chambers last week, as councillors voted 10-to-6 to reject a proposed one-year ban on new data centres.
The reversal comes after a lengthy closed-door legal session. Officials warned a moratorium would leave the city vulnerable to costly lawsuits and could kill major technology investments, including a massive proposed facility at the Steelport industrial site.
The decision was met with heavy boos from residents in the gallery, who had gathered a 1,000-signature petition raising alarms over massive water use, noise, and environmental impacts.
Windsor City Council is considering covering some home security costs for every councillor, after Mayor Drew Dilkens warned that threats and harassment have escalated as civility in public debate declines.
CBC News reported that the idea was discussed in a closed-door meeting last week, and city administration has been asked to produce a report outlining options and the financial impact.
Any program wouldn’t take effect until the next council term, after October’s municipal election.
ROUDNUP EXTRA:
Joining Chris today are:
Chris Weber, a management consultant at LG Outcomes, with a career spanning several regional and rural councils, including six years overseeing information services at Tamworth Regional Council.
Simon Adcock, founder of LG Technology Solutions, and spent twenty-five years in senior executive roles inside local government, including as CIO and Chief Operations Officer.
Together they’re presenting a Symphony3 webinar on what actually makes council IT projects succeed or fail.
Symphony3 Webinar – IT Projects in Local Government – details and registrations here.