Today on the Local Government News Roundup:

• A Ballarat councillor suspended after a live radio disclosure
• Indigo Shire CEO resigns after nine years
• Boroondara to introduce a sunset to sunrise cat curfew against staff advice
• Services cut in a budget crisis in Albury
• Councils unite against Inland Rail changes
• A vision for electric air taxis in SE Queensland
• An apology after a water meter bill shock at Western Downs

Listen now:

Victoria

An independent arbiter has found Ballarat City Councillor Damon Saunders engaged in misconduct, after he publicly disclosed Cr Tracy Hargreaves’ mayoral nomination during a live radio interview last November.

The finding, tabled at the Council’s meeting last week and published to the Council’s website, saw Doctor Meredith Gibbs rule the disclosure breached the Model Code’s respect requirements, though the nomination itself was found not to be confidential.

The Ballarat Courier reported that Cr Hargreaves said her attempts to address and resolve the issue informally were rebuffed because Cr Saunders refused to meet with her to discuss her concerns.

Cr Saunders said he was simply trying to provide as much information to the ratepayers as he thought it was appropriate to do so.

He is serving a two week suspension and must publicly apologise to Mayor Tracey Hargreaves.

Indigo Shire‘s chief executive officer, Trevor Ierino, has announced his resignation after almost nine years in the role.

Mr Ierino tendered his resignation on Monday, effective February next year, saying the time was right to move on from full-time executive leadership. He was reappointed in September 2022 for a four year extension.

Mayor Cr Sophie Price thanked him for his contribution, describing his tenure as one of steady leadership. Council says the transition will be managed in an orderly way over coming months.

Boroondara City Council has voted to introduce a sunset-to-sunrise cat curfew aimed at reducing predation on local wildlife.

The Herald Sun reports the decision was made despite council staff advising against the measure, pointing to data showing curfews are largely ineffective at managing the area’s estimated ten thousand unregistered and stray cats.

Under the new policy, owners of registered cats caught outside during prohibited hours face fines of one hundred and two dollars.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has upheld Whittlesea Council‘s refusal of a proposed Hindu temple in Woodstock, citing inadequate planning for bushfire and agricultural risks.

The North Central Review reports that while VCAT acknowledged that places of worship are permissible within the Green Wedge Zone, it ruled that safety considerations—specifically flawed evacuation plans—must prioritise the protection of human life.

The tribunal ultimately affirmed council’s original decision, finding the application failed to demonstrate a net community benefit.

Also from the North Central Review, Macedon Ranges councillors have pushed back hard against a state government plan for 2,300 new homes at Clarkefield.

At last week’s council meeting, elected members argued the township lacks the water, wastewater, schools and community infrastructure to support the growth, which could bring the population to around six times its current size.

Councillors want an independent planning panel to review the proposal before it reaches the planning minister, who’s due to decide in August.

People experiencing homelessness in Maribyrnong will soon have access to extra support, after the Victorian Government announced funding for a new homelessness outreach service.

Maribyrnong is one of ten locations sharing in a 27.8 million dollar statewide investment to help people sleeping rough connect with stable housing, health care and other services.

Maribyrnong Council Mayor Mohamed Semra welcomed the move, saying everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

The new outreach services are expected to begin later this year.

The City of Port Phillip is working with EPA Victoria to roll out a trial of fixed acoustic cameras to target hooning and excessive vehicle noise.

The cameras use AI to detect vehicles exceeding legal noise limits, with data potentially leading to Vehicle Testing Notices.

Council says the trial follows strong community advocacy and aims to improve neighbourhood amenity and road safety.

Strathbogie Shire Council is proposing to sell two parcels of council-owned land in Euroa to Inland Rail at market value.

The Railway Street and Scott Street sites will support expanded public parking, open space, and stormwater drainage for the station precinct redevelopment.

Ownership of the respective parcels will subsequently transfer to VicTrack and the Department of Transport and Planning.

Cardinia Shire Council has opened community consultation on a proposal to formally name the new suburb within the Pakenham East Precinct Structure Plan area Honora Fields.

The name honours local historical figure Honora Carney, whose family has held land in the district since the late nineteenth century.

Residents and stakeholders have until August 31 to provide feedback or lodge submissions via the council’s online engagement portal.

Regional advocacy group One Gippsland has represented the region on the global stage at the 2026 World Cities Summit in Singapore.

South Gippsland Shire Mayor Nathan Hersey participated in international forums focused on energy transition, regional infrastructure, and economic development.

The delegation highlighted local initiatives such as the Gippsland Circular Economy Hub while seeking international partnerships to ensure host communities secure long-term benefits from major energy projects.

The Australian Local Government Association has rejected proposals to condition federal Financial Assistance Grants on local housing targets.

ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett warned that penalising councils would risk core community services and infrastructure maintenance without accelerating home construction.

The peak body is urging the Productivity Commission to address enabling infrastructure, supply chain costs, and sector workforce shortages instead.

New South Wales

Albury City Council has voted six to two to cut services as it tries to plug a multi‑million‑dollar budget hole.

ABC News reported that Councillors have approved reduced opening hours at Lavington Library, and the Murray Art Museum Albury will close on Mondays.

The Visitor Information Centre at the LibraryMuseum will also become unstaffed.

The council says the changes are part of its Financial Sustainability Program and are expected to save around 110-thousand dollars a year.

The cuts come as the council considers seeking approval for a special rate rise of up to 42 per cent over two years, with public consultation closing this Friday.

Regional councils across New South Wales are uniting to oppose proposed administrative changes that would strip local governments of formal approval powers over Inland Rail level crossings.

Under the proposed framework, local road authorities would be reduced to a consultation role rather than retaining sign-off authority for crossing designs in their municipalities.

In a campaign led by Junee Shire Council, local leaders warn that removing local endorsement risks weakening road safety oversight, with The Daily Telegraph reporting that councils are calling on the Federal Government to abandon the changes.

Greater Hume Council has endorsed a motion opposing the conversion of productive agricultural land into large-scale renewable energy generation sites.

According to The Border Mail, the move coincides with Benalla Council exploring a regional coalition across northern Victoria to advocate for stronger local government input into state planning approvals.

The actions reflect growing concern among regional municipalities over farmland protection and the level of community consultation provided on major infrastructure projects.

Blue Mountains City Council is seeking fifteen million dollars in state and federal funding to permanently reopen the historic Lapstone Hill Tunnel following strong public turnout at recent community open days.

The proposed investment would cover crucial remediation, shared pathways, and safety infrastructure to establish a key active-transport connection between Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

Mayor Mark Greenhill said overwhelming community demand demonstrates the project’s potential to transform the dormant heritage asset into a regional destination.

Tweed Shire Council has launched a public education initiative to assist the region in preparing for rising sea levels and long-term tidal inundation.

The project focuses on how gradual ocean-driven tides differ from catchment flooding, highlighting risks to low-lying drainage systems and essential infrastructure.

Following community engagement and local mapping, council will consider future updates to both its Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan to strengthen regional resilience.

Lake Macquarie City Council has deployed thermal-imaging drones across key bushland corridors to map local koala populations and monitor native wildlife habitats.

Initial flight surveys covering more than 600 hectares have already identified six koalas—including a breeding mother and joey—alongside several other threatened species.

The spatial data gathered will provide local government planners with an essential evidence base to guide future biodiversity conservation and land-use planning decisions.

Shoalhaven City Council has launched a new Accelerated Development Assessment project to speed up decisions on development applications.

The program, supported by advice from Newcastle Council planners and the NSW Planning Department, aims to cut processing times by streamlining workflows and improving digital systems.

Council says it’s already meeting the state target of 105 days, and is aiming to beat the new 90-day target set for 2026–27.

Queensland

The Council of Mayors South East Queensland has released a new vision paper on advanced air mobility, exploring how electric take-off and landing aircraft could reshape transport across the region.

The paper, developed with Arup, points to faster hospital access for regional communities, four thousand six hundred new jobs, and a potential three point seven billion dollar economic uplift by twenty forty-five.

It builds on a twenty twenty-one partnership with Wisk Aero, with the next phase focused on infrastructure planning ahead of the twenty thirty-two Brisbane Olympics.

Gold Coast City Council has appointed Paul Callander, Executive General Manager for Strategy, People, and Performance, as acting CEO to step in for outgoing chief executive Tim Baker, who finishes officially in December. However, the Gold Coast Bulletin reports that Mr Baker will be on leave from this week until the end of his contract.

Western Downs Regional Council has apologised to residents after roughly 1,800 water meter replacements led to higher-than-expected bills.

Mayor Andrew Smith says a review found the new meters were reading accurately, but some replacements fell outside the standard billing period, extending the consumption window on affected notices.

Council has pushed the discount due date back to August the twenty-seventh and will offer credits to eligible customers, according to the Dalby Herald.

Livingstone Shire Council says Stage One of the Great Keppel Island wastewater treatment plant is now complete, with the first treatment operations underway and Great Keppel Island Hideaway connected.

The $12.75 million project is being jointly funded by council and the Queensland Government, and is part of the Great Keppel Island concept master plan.

Further connections to Fisherman’s Beach residents and public amenities are continuing, with full completion expected in September.

Queensland’s state government has announced a new 487-million-dollar Waste Reduction and Recycling Activation Fund.

The five-year package will back new and expanded recycling and resource recovery infrastructure across metro, regional and remote areas, aiming to cut landfill and create jobs.

It includes extra support for kerbside recycling, transport incentives for regional projects, and a 40-million-dollar boost to the Resource Recovery Boost Fund.

Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive officer Alison Smith said councils welcomed the return of transportation funding for recycled materials.

Tasmania

City of Hobart councillors have debated a confidential motion calling for an investigation into Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock over the removal of council lounge refreshments.

While councillors are bound by strict confidentiality obligations, councillor Marti Zucco confirmed the outcome will be made public in upcoming meeting minutes.

As ABC News reported, the matter was previously assessed by the Integrity Commission, which determined Cr Sherlock’s actions did not constitute misconduct.

Former air force medic and political campaigner Marilena Di Florio has nominated for deputy mayor of Glenorchy City Council ahead of Tasmania’s local government elections in October, according to The Mercury.

Ms Di Florio, who currently serves as a senior adviser to Veterans’ Affairs Minister Gavin Pearce, cited her extensive campaign experience and advocacy work in securing local infrastructure funding as key motivations for her bid.

She highlighted key priorities for the role, including transport connectivity, increased ratepayer engagement, and council-led initiatives to revitalise the municipality.

And The Advocate reports that West Coast Council has blown its legal budget, with new figures showing an extra five hundred thousand dollars spent — largely on payouts linked to historical cases and employment matters.

The June financial report reveals three hundred thousand dollars went on historical legal settlements, with staffing costs also running over budget due to restructuring and workers compensation claims.

The council has posted underlying losses of nearly four million dollars over four years, and is forecasting a further loss in 2026–27, but Mayor Shane Pitt says services won’t be affected.

South Australia

Barossa ratepayers are left picking up an eighty-thousand-dollar bill following a string of formal complaints against local councillor Bruce Preece, according to The Advertiser.

An independent investigation revealed the administrative and legal costs stem from seven conduct complaints against Cr Preece, including allegations he misused his title after being banned from a local soccer club.

Mayor Bim Lange confirmed total expenses have surpassed eighty thousand dollars, calling on councillors as community leaders to model respectful behaviour.

South Australia’s District Council of Peterborough is under pressure following allegations that 2.5 million dollars designated for its Community Wastewater Management System was redirected into general operations, according to The Advertiser.

The Essential Services Commission of South Australia has warned that the local government entity cannot afford an estimated 4.5 million dollar repair bill required to rectify cost overruns and system equipment failures.

With cash reserves falling below 300,000 dollars, the council has recently sought an emergency 500,000 dollar loan from the Local Government Finance Authority to maintain short-term liquidity.

Playford Council has backed a submission opposing a proposed activity centre and shopping precinct at Angle Vale, warning the development would severely impact the local road network.

Mayor Glenn Docherty noted that the Curtis and Frisby roads intersection already faces heavy traffic congestion, with staff advising that developers may need to contribute additional funds towards infrastructure upgrades.

As reported by The Advertiser, elected members are set to vote on the submission before the final decision is determined by the Planning Minister.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, Shire of Northam Chief Executive Officer Debbie Terelinck has resigned, citing family commitments.

Ms Terelinck joined the Shire in October 2023, having previously held executive roles with the Cities of Subiaco and Wanneroo in a local government career span in nearly 45 years.

Shire President Chris Antonio thanked her for her leadership. Recruitment for a new CEO begins next month, with no firm departure date yet set.

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale has appointed Frazer Sullivan as interim Chief Executive Officer, following a special council meeting on Monday.

Sullivan, currently the Shire’s Director of Corporate Services, will take up the interim role from the 15th of August after the resignation of CEO Paul Martin last week.

The WA Local Government Association has welcomed the WA Government’s announcement of $5.1 million in bushfire mitigation grants for 41 local governments.

The money will fund work on Crown land, including planned burns and building or maintaining firebreaks.

WALGA President Mark Irwin says councils are on the frontline of emergency response and best placed to identify local bushfire risks.

WALGA is calling for the grant program to be expanded to support more coordinated, on-the-ground mitigation.

International

UK:

Voters across Greater Manchester will head to the polls this Thursday to elect a new regional mayor following the resignation of Andy Burnham.

BBC News reports that Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig is contesting the post for Labour against a wide field of rival candidates.

The by-election will shape the future of local transport policy, regional development, and inter-council governance across all ten metropolitan boroughs.

Plymouth City Council has reported a 17 per cent increase in school-zone penalty charge notices over the past year, alongside escalating hostility towards civil enforcement officers.

The Plymouth Herald reported that local councillors were informed that driver aggression has led to failed recruitment drives for dedicated school enforcement roles, leaving councils struggling to curb dangerous drop-off behaviours.

To maintain safety around school gates, standard traffic wardens will now be deployed to schools with support from police community support officers.

USA:

The mayor of Stockbridge, GA has escalated his legal fight with city leaders, filing a lawsuit against the full city council, the city manager and the city attorney over the suspension of key administrative powers.

CBS News reported that the legal action asks a judge to immediately restore Mayor Jayden Williams’ authority while an investigation into allegations around spending and conduct continues.

Williams says he’ll address the allegations directly, and while he plans to cooperate with the city-appointed investigator, his team is also calling for an independent forensic investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

And in Chicago, mayoral candidates can start circulating nominating petitions ahead of the February 23, 2027 election. Eight campaigns have already announced and more, including a potential run by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, are expected to join the race.

CANADA:

Vancouver City Council has voted 7 to 3 to approve a major downtown rezoning application that will pave the way for the city’s three tallest towers, as reported by CBC News.

The decision allows developer Holborn Group to construct over 1,500 housing units, a 920-room hotel, and a dedicated off-site social housing tower with child-care facilities.

Councillors approved the application despite concerns that a broader tall buildings policy review has not yet been completed.

JAPAN:

A Japanese seaside town south of Tokyo is debating plans to build its first mosque, raising questions about local identity, according to the BBC.

In Fujisawa, some residents have protested, saying they fear the new Islamic site could change the community. Demonstrations have drawn large crowds, while hate speech and misinformation online have also prompted counter-protests calling for an end to discrimination.

Researchers estimate Japan’s Muslim population and overall number of foreign residents have grown sharply, and community leaders are urging dialogue and mutual respect to ease tensions.

NZ:

Auckland Council says its Local Alcohol Policy is showing positive early outcomes, with new report data revealing a seven per cent drop in alcohol-related harm incidents across the region during its first full year of operation.

The policy, which came into effect in late 2024, introduced a 9pm closing time for off-licence retailers alongside stricter location controls on new bottle shops.

Council licensing officers have reported strong business compliance, accompanied by a fall in late-night offences and lower emergency department presentations at Auckland City Hospital.

Invercargill City Council is spending more than five thousand dollars annually to remediate its Gala Street fountain following recurring soap suds pranks.

According to 1News, council staff are required to neutralise foam with vinegar roughly fifty times a year, diverting operational resources from scheduled tasks.

Elected members are now reviewing options for the asset’s future as part of broader discussions surrounding local water infrastructure and maintenance budgets.