Urgent boost, unfair funding, and a mayoral showdown – #599

Today on the Local Government News Roundup: Listen to this episode now: Victorian Report Mount Alexander Shire Council has appointed Michael Annear as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr Annear currently serves as Director Infrastructure and Development, a role he’s held since 2021, and has more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning local government […]

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Mount Alexander Shire Council appoints Michael Annear as new CEO

Date: 18th June 2026 Mount Alexander Shire Council has appointed Michael Annear as its new Chief Executive Officer, promoting from within its senior leadership team. Mr Annear has served as Council’s Director Infrastructure and Development since 2021, where he oversaw strategic planning and policy work, secured additional external funding, and led improvements in capital works […]

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Deadlock broken, budget showdown, and an affront to local democracy – #598

Today on the Local Government News Roundup: Listen to this episode now: Stories in this episode: Victorian Report A major disruption for Victorian local government today as an estimated 1,500 council workers march on State Parliament. The 24-hour strike, organised by the Australian Services Union, impacts eight Melbourne councils—including Darebin, Hume, and Greater Dandenong. Frontline […]

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Mornington Peninsula Council elects new Mayor

Councillor Stephen Batty is the new Mayor of Mornington Peninsula Shire, after the council reconvened last night to ultimately break a voting deadlock from last week. The election followed the resignation of Anthony Marsh, who recently transitioned to state politics as the Member for Nepean. Mayor Batty pledged to focus on community advocacy and service […]

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Broken funding model, bin-top basket spread, and a mayor ghosted – #597

On the Local Government News Roundup today: The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony 3, and Rath Engineering Development. Listen to this episode now: Stories in this episode: Victorian Report From ABC News, calls are growing for a major reform to Victoria’s public […]

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Benched again, red fleet win, and gutter politics – #596

Today on the Local Government News Roundup: The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony 3, and Rath Engineering Development. Listen to this episode now: Stories in this episode: Victorian Report The private prosecution against senior figures at Hepburn Shire Council has intensified, with new allegations […]

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Mansfield Shire CEO reappointed for four more years

Date: 12th June 2026 Mansfield Shire Council has renewed the contract of Chief Executive Officer Kirsten Alexander for a further four years – extending her tenure which began in 2022. Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, who chairs council’s CEO Employment Matters Committee, said the reappointment reflected confidence in Ms Alexander’s leadership and the organisation’s direction. He […]

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Rubbish move, ICAC grilling, and a failed transparency push – #595

On the Local Government News Roundup today: The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony 3, and Rath Engineering Development. Listen to this episode now: Stories in this episode: Victorian Report Merri-bek City Council has voted to transition from weekly to fortnightly general rubbish […]

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Merri-bek Council votes for fortnightly rubbish collection despite community opposition

Date: 11 June 2026 Merri-bek Council has voted to end weekly rubbish collection across its municipality, moving to a fortnightly service from July 2027 — despite significant community opposition and petitions signed by more than 3,400 residents. The decision was carried six votes to four at Wednesday night’s council meeting, with Mayor Nat Abboud and […]

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