In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• The Palestinian flag is coming down in Darebin
• A leadership crisis at the City of Ryde stretches into a second week
• Legal advice sought over a councillor’s claims at the City of Perth
• Repeated attempts to elect a deputy mayor at Merri-bek Council fail to deliver a result
• A so called ‘playground style’ spat earns a stern rebuke for two Moonee Valley councillors
• The sector pays tribute to a former Mayor of Lismore
• and a Councillor under fire for playing a computer game during a Council meeting

Plus more news from across Australia and beyond on the nation’s #1 podcast for local government news and interviews.

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 on your preferred podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Transcript for Episode #568

Lead Stories:

Here are today’s top three stories from around the nation:

After more than two years flying above Preston Town Hall … a Palestinian flag in Melbourne’s north is coming down. Darebin City Council has voted to stop flying international flags … unless a law requires it … and the flag must be lowered within ten working days … marked by a brief, respectful ceremony.

According to The Age, Mayor Councillor Emily Dimitriadis chaired a tense 90‑minute debate … with repeated warnings to the public gallery.

The new policy … moved by independent councillor Connie Boglis … also removes the chief executive’s discretion to approve community requests.

The council says feedback was clear … with more than 500 submissions … and most calling for no international flags.

The City of Ryde remains in a leadership vacuum, with the council’s top three executives still sidelined under a “wall of silence.”

More than a week after the CEO, Deputy, and Governance head were stood down pending an investigation, Mayor Trenton Brown has yet to speak publicly on the matter, other than confirming in his weekly column that the CEO is on leave.

It comes as new report from the Sydney Morning Herald links the crisis to a “serious probity concern” over the failed Civic Centre redevelopment.

Labor councillors are now calling for an urgent state government inquiry, arguing the public has a right to know who is running the city.

The City of Perth is understood to be seeking legal advice following a public dispute over a purported WorkSafe investigation.

Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves recently told a council meeting that the safety regulator was investigating the City’s administration and CEO Michelle Reynolds. However, the West Australian reported that both WorkSafe and the City have since confirmed that no such investigation exists.

The discrepancy has prompted the council to review the legal implications of the Deputy Lord Mayor’s claims.

Victorian Report

Now for more news from Victoria:

A five-month dispute between two Moonee Valley councillors, described as ‘playground style’, has ended with a stern rebuke from independent arbiter, Yehudi Blacher.

The spat began in September when former Mayor Ava Adams twice called Councillor John Sipek a “baby” as he left a briefing early.

Despite multiple apologies from Cr Adams, Cr Sipek insisted on a formal arbitration process that dragged on through Christmas.

The arbiter found the inability of both councillors to resolve the matter “reflects poorly” on them, noting the ordeal cost ratepayers $4,675.

No formal misconduct was found, but Cr Adams has been recommended for further training and a final written apology. Read more from the Herald Sun.

Merri-bek City Council remains without a Deputy Mayor after a voting deadlock – maintained through four attempts at a vote across two meetings.

The extraordinary election follows the one-month suspension of Councillor Jay Iwasaki for misconduct.

The vote between candidates Cr Liz Irvin and Cr Katerine Theodosis is locked in a five-all tie.

That’s after a first meeting on Wednesday, and a second on Thursday, at which there were two attempts each to elect the deputy.

A ten-minute recess was taken in both meetings in an attempt to break the stalemate, but each time, a second ballot returned the exact same result. Under the Local Government Act, an absolute majority is required to fill the position.

Council will try again, with a third meeting scheduled for tonight at 6:00.

It’s an identical situation to what occurred in Wyndham City Council in recent weeks, when three votes and two meetings were required to elect a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Wyndham City Council is looking to pull back the curtain on its confidential decisions.

A motion from Deputy Mayor Jasmine Hill—passed without debate this week—calls for a more “systematic” way to release in-camera information to the public.

Cr Hill argues that confidentiality should have a “clear lifecycle” and shouldn’t be the permanent default for council business.

The CEO will now prepare a report on how to make the release of past confidential decisions more proactive and consistent, with findings due at the next council meeting.

In Whittlesea … council has reaffirmed it will keep running its Family Day Care service … and plans to expand by accepting more educators.

The decision follows an independent review of the sector and regulations … and found expansion could boost local jobs … give families more options … and help the service stay financially sustainable.

Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox says council is proud to deliver a high-quality program … and believes it can grow while staying financially responsible.

Surf Coast Shire Council has confirmed that Robyn Seymour will continue at the helm of the organisation.

The Council has officially re-appointed Ms. Seymour as Chief Executive Officer for a further five-year term.

Mayor Liz Pattison praised the CEO’s leadership, citing her work on the Council’s 10-year strategy and her navigation of complex regional challenges.

The new contract ensures administrative stability for the Torquay-based council through to 2030.

In Kinglake … the local Community Bank branch is closing … and council says it could slow bushfire recovery.

Murrindindi Shire Council says the branch will shut on Friday June fifth … leaving residents about twenty five kilometres from the nearest full service bank in Hurstbridge.

Councillor Sandice McAulay … the portfolio councillor for economic development … says the timing is cruel … with people still dealing with insurance claims … grants and rebuilding after January’s fires.

Council is urging state and federal governments to intervene.

Mount Alexander Shire Council is demanding the federal government hold fossil fuel corporations financially responsible for the mounting costs of local climate disasters.

At its most recent meeting, the Council passed a motion calling for a national “Climate Pollution Levy” on coal, gas, and oil companies. The funds would be used to establish a National Climate Compensation Fund to help communities and local governments recover from extreme weather events.

Cr Lucas Maddock moved the motion after a string of disasters in the shire in the last five years—including the January 2026 fires, as well as recent droughts, floods, and hailstorms.

In addition to the levy, the Council is seeking a parliamentary inquiry into the 2025 National Adaptation Plan, citing a critical lack of funding for local government responses.

Victorian Briefs

A patch of privately owned land in Koo Wee Rup is under scrutiny … after reports of vegetation removal near habitat used by the Grey headed Flying Fox.

Cardinia Shire Council says the species is listed as vulnerable … and is protected under Victoria’s Wildlife Act.

The Council is assisting authorities … and monitoring the situation.

Moonee Valley Council has once again been recognised on a list of top workplaces for women.

The global WORK180 list included Moonee Valley as the only local government organisation in the ranking… it’s the fourth year in a row that the Council has received the recognition.

Ballarat has a new way to tell its story … with a local edition of Monopoly putting the city’s landmarks and favourite places on the board.

Mayor Councillor Tracey Hargreaves says it is a fun showcase for locals and a fresh hook for visitors. The Monopoly: Ballarat Edition is now on sale around Ballarat, including from the visitor information and garden outlets … and at the Eureka Centre and the Art Gallery.

NSW Report

Lismore is remembering a former mayor who helped shape the city for more than a decade … and was widely respected across local government.

Jenny Dowell OAM has died, aged seventy five, surrounded by family.

The Local Government Association of NSW says Dowell led with warmth and integrity … bringing people together and making others feel valued and heard.

She served on Lismore City Council from 2004 to 2016 … including eight years as mayor … and later worked with LGNSW as a teacher and facilitator.

Lismore Council says her legacy includes securing funding for the new regional gallery … and strengthening the sister city partnership with Yamato Takada.

Shoalhaven City Council has now been issued a Performance Improvement Order over its appointment of former Liberal MP Andrew Constance as general manager, according to ABC Illawarra.

It follows previous advice of the minister’s intention to issue a PIO, and monitor recruitment practices over concerns about the integrity of the process.

The order requires the council to submit three compliance reports this year, covering restructures, redundancies, and all senior leadership appointments since January last year.

Shoalhaven Council says its weekly fuel bill has jumped by about fifty seven thousand dollars.

The council is moving quickly to cut fuel use … encouraging staff to work from home where possible … and tightening the use of operational vehicles while keeping essential services running.

Mayor Patricia White says council should lead by example … easing local demand while taking pressure off ratepayers.

Chief executive Andrew Constance says the changes are short term and practical … including an earlier shift to the winter mowing schedule … which may mean longer grass in some areas … as the council monitors conditions.

Water and wastewater bills on the Central Coast are set to rise … under a draft decision from the state pricing watchdog.

IPART has released proposed maximum prices for Central Coast Council’s water business from July first.

Chair Carmel Donnelly says a typical household using 170 kilolitres a year would see bills increase by 8.7 per cent … plus inflation … in 2026 to 27 … then inflation-only rises for the following four years.

That would lift the average annual bill by about 129 dollars. IPART is taking submissions until May first … ahead of final decisions in June.

The Hunter River fish kill is still under investigation … but the NSW Environment Protection Authority says early signs suggest the worst may have passed.

Singleton Council has published the latest information from the EPA, which says teams have been taking daily water samples and following up community reports since Friday … with lab results being processed as a high priority.

Officers have since seen live fish, including juvenile fry … alongside fish that appear to have died last week.

As a precaution … swimmers are being urged to follow NSW Health advice and avoid drinking untreated river water.

The Blue Mountains is still living with a major detour … after the Great Western Highway was closed at Victoria Pass. Now the NSW Government has pledged fifty million dollars to strengthen the alternative routes taking the extra load.

Blue Mountains City Council says the upgrades should make travel safer and more reliable for locals … freight operators … and visitors.

Mayor Mark Greenhill says people are relying on these roads every day … and the work needs to move quickly while the main highway remains shut. Council is also asking for clearer timelines on when the Great Western Highway will reopen.

Parkes Shire Council has joined a regional “Other Ways to the West” campaign to reassure travellers that the Central West remains open and accessible despite the closure of the Great Western Highway.

The campaign was born out of concerns for the impact on local businesses, freight connectivity, and tourism across the region.

Gosford has been talked about for years … but Central Coast Council says it is time to move from plans to progress.

At an ordinary meeting … councillors have agreed to take the lead on a coordinated push to fast track renewal of the CBD and waterfront.

Mayor Lawrie McKinna says Gosford’s success will shape the region’s economic future … and council wants to turn potential into reality.

The resolution includes a Gosford Renewal Partnership with the State and Federal governments … a council led implementation taskforce … and a detailed business plan to guide investment.

Anyone considering building in Byron Shire should know… your next home or business may be all-electric by design.

The Council is considering changes to the Development Control Plan that would phase out new natural gas connections … leaving electricity as the only option for hot water, heating, cooling and cooking in new developments.

The push reflects moves by other NSW councils … and is driven by concerns about long-term costs … environmental impacts … and health.

Existing homes and businesses would not be affected … and properties already on gas would keep access.

Wollongong City Council has put a draft Community Safety Plan for 2026 to 2031 on public exhibition … focused on reducing crime and anti-social behaviour … and strengthening community wellbeing.

The plan builds on work with NSW Police and local services … and keeps programs like Safer Cities: Her Way … aimed at making public spaces feel safer for women, girls and gender diverse people.

Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown says council cannot do it alone … she is asking for public feedback until April thirtieth.

About Regional has reported on a leadership shake up at Eurobodalla Shire Council.

General manager Mark Ferguson is reviewing the organisation structure … and council says it will not comment further until the review is complete.

Insiders say the number of directorates could drop from four to three … and several senior staff have already left … including finance director Stephanie Speedy and former chief operating officer Kellee Pisanos.

NSW Briefs:

Former Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey has been named the Coalition’s Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.

The Member for Parkes will keep his resources role … but says the new portfolio reflects how central councils are to everyday services.

**Narrabri Shire Council’**s vacancy, after the resignation of Amanda Brown, will be filled via countback.

Applications from eligible candidates from the last election closed this week. The count will be run on Tuesday, with results are expected shortly after.

Coffs Harbour Council has voted to apply for membership of Regional Capitals Australia, after leaving in 2022.

Mayor Nikki Williams says working with other like sized councils opens doors to ministers and senior officials … and helps push local priorities as federal settings increasingly shape state and local budgets.

The next VLGA/LGIU Live Global Panel is on Thursday, 30 April 2026 05:30 PM to 7:00 PM

The Evolving Nature of Local Democracy: From Core Service Delivery to Broader Advocacy

Local government is experiencing a significant and ongoing transformation. Increasing pressure and evolving community expectations are reshaping councils’ roles, expanding them from the delivery of core municipal services to more active engagement in social, economic and environmental advocacy. This session will explore these shifts through a past, present and future perspective.

Queensland Report

Queensland councils have welcomed the State Government’s move to develop a statewide waste and recycling infrastructure roadmap … but say households still need relief from the waste levy flowing through to rates.

LGAQ President Mayor Matt Burnett says involving local government is a good start … and councils want to see real funding in the June State Budget.

He says the state’s levy offset has fallen to seventy per cent … and is set to drop again to sixty per cent from July … adding to cost of living pressure in 19 council areas.

LGAQ is urging the government to pause the cuts … return more levy revenue to councils … and back long term investment and education to reduce red bin waste.

Hervey Bay’s beach rules for dogs are changing again … and council says it is trying to make the map simpler for everyone.

Fraser Coast Regional Council has voted to start amending its animal management local laws … after the first stage of new dog zones began last month.

Animal Management spokesperson Councillor John Weiland says dog owners asked for clearer off‑leash and on‑leash areas … while other beach users wanted dog‑free swimming spots and better protection for wildlife.

Stage two … planned for later this year … includes a longer dog‑free stretch … a new dog‑free zone … and a seasonal shorebird protection area.

Whitsunday Regional Council will trial a strategic procurement pilot inside its Aviation team … aimed at improving efficiency … strengthening governance … and getting better value for money at Whitsunday Coast Airport.

Cairns Regional Council wants the state to act on disruptive behaviour in the CBD … and it is asking for new, targeted powers to do it.

Council is pushing for a Designated Business and Community Precinct … so police can use expanded twenty four seven powers in the city centre … alongside a larger on the ground presence.

And Ipswich City Council says this year’s CMC Rocks QLD was an outstanding success, drawing more than 25,000 country music fans to Willowbank Raceway over three days.

Next year marks the twentieth year of the festival, which Mayor Teresa Harding says is worth between thirteen and fifteen million dollars to the local economy.

Tasmania

A controversial proposal for a new zip line at Hobart’s Ridgeway Reserve is the subject of a petition to be tabled at Monday’s City Council meeting.

The company TAZZIP is seeking to build a one-point-one-kilometer line running from a thirty-five-meter tower near the reservoir down to the Waterworks Reserve.

Local residents have hit back… with a petition of over one hundred signatures citing concerns over noise, traffic, and threats to local wildlife.

Despite the backlash, TAZZIP managing director Shane Abel defends the project, stating that independent assessments show no negative impact on the area’s amenity.

According to reports in The Mercury, the project is expected to receive initial procedural consent from the Council CEO… paving the way for a formal planning assessment and a separate round of public consultation.

On cold winter nights in the Tamar Valley, smoke can get trapped close to the ground … and Launceston Council says wood heaters are a big part of the problem.

The City ****is asking residents to complete a short online survey … as it develops a domestic wood smoke plan.

It is seeking details on what people use to heat their homes … whether wood smoke affects their health … and what would encourage a switch to cleaner options.

Mayor Matthew Garwood says the evidence will guide steps like real time air quality information … and public awareness campaigns on running heaters efficiently.

After nearly eight years in local government … Derwent Valley councillor Jessica Cosgrove is stepping down.

Ms Cosgrove … a former deputy mayor and acting mayor … told New Norfolk News that she has handed her resignation to the council’s chief executive … with six months left before the next election.

She says it is not the ending she imagined … but points to sustained pressure and personal attacks as reasons for her decision.

Ms Cosgrove says she is now focusing on family … and her health and wellbeing.

Her resignation has taken effect, and her councillor profile has been removed from the Council website.

South Australia

A South Australian councillor is under fire after being caught playing digital solitaire during an official Council meeting.

Photos obtained by the Advertiser, show Norwood, Payneham, and St Peters Councillor Scott Sims engaged in the card game while council business was underway in a meeting last year.

Mayor Robert Bria described the behaviour as a “sickening lack of respect” for ratepayers.

This is not the first controversy for Councillor Sims, who has previously faced legal issues and a censure. The Local Government Association noted that elected members’ performance is ultimately judged at the ballot box.

A new set of governance resources is being rolled out for councils in South Australia … ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

The Local Government Association of South Australia says the updated guides reflect recent legislative changes … and are aimed at helping councillors and staff meet their obligations in day to day decisions.

The material covers issues like conflicts of interest … caretaker periods … remuneration … election signage … deputy mayor selection … and key governance documents.

More model policies are still being reviewed … including community engagement … complaints handling … fraud and misconduct … council committees … and service requests … with updated financial statement templates also due later this year.

The City of Victor Harbor has made a significant U-turn on its housing policy.

The City has officially reversed its position regarding the state’s downsizer stamp duty exemption, after carefully considering community feedback, according to Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins.

On behalf of the Council, she apologised for any unintended offence caused.

The Council will now write to the Treasurer to support the extension of stamp duty relief for seniors looking to downsize into smaller, more manageable homes.

Supporters of the reversal argue the move will help stimulate the local housing market and free up larger family homes in the region.

Buying a first home is hard enough … and in Mount Gambier … the council is trying to ease the first couple of years.

The City has endorsed a discretionary rate rebate for eligible first home buyers building a new home … or buying off the plan.

It would cover one hundred per cent of general rates … for up to two years … from July first next year … if the owner lives in the home.

Chief Executive Officer Paul Simpson says other charges still apply … but the rebate is short term help … while supporting local builders.

Western Australia

In Perth’s inner east … the Town of Bassendean has abandoned the planned sale of its council run Wind in the Willows childcare centres … after the only interested buyer pulled out.

Mayor Kathryn Hamilton says the status quo is not sustainable … with the service forecast to run close to a four hundred thousand dollar deficit by year’s end.

WA Today reported that the Council will now look for a not for profit to run the Ashfield centre … and will seek state or federal funding … while still signalling it intends to sell the Bassendean site.

A motorsport racetrack planned for Perth Park is facing a local roadblock … from the Town of Victoria Park, which has voted unanimously to recommend the State Government refuse part of the development.

The section runs along roads the Town controls.

Mayor Karen Vernon says council was forced to make the call without seeing community consultation results … after the Department of Planning told the Town to assess the application before public feedback closes on April second.

Council also points to missing noise modelling and environmental reports … and no full design for the entire track.

The WA Planning Commission will hold a hearing after consultation closes.

In Bunbury… flocks of little corellas are stripping trees… chewing through cables and fittings… and leaving sporting clubs with repair bills.

ABC News reports that even sirens and noise deterrents are not shifting them… including at Hands Oval… near the city’s new stadium.

Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel says more residents are calling for stronger action… and the city is urging people to report sightings… as it ramps up trapping and other controls.

Northern Territory:

Victoria Daly Regional Council says Northern Territory Police plan to withdraw a permanent presence … and deliver services from Katherine … about 90 kilometres away.

Mayor Brian Pedwell says locals feel blindsided … and worry it will erode safety and confidence … especially when emergencies already take time.

Deputy Mayor and Pine Creek Ward councillor Yvette Williams says businesses are anxious ahead of the peak tourism season … and residents fear more anti social behaviour.

The council is urging the Chief Minister to reconsider … and work with the community on a safe, sustainable solution.

Global Report

UK:

It is being billed as the biggest shake up of local government in a generation … with the UK government moving to end England’s two tier council system.

A written statement from Secretary of State Steve Reed says seventeen unitarisation proposals have been assessed … after consultation closed in January.

Subject to Parliament … the Government plans new unitary councils across Essex … Hampshire and the Solent … Norfolk … and Suffolk … with elections in May 2027 … and new councils due to start in April 2028.

Two Sussex areas are still undecided.

The statement also confirms in principle repayment of two hundred million pounds of Thurrock’s debt … and says new powers will allow direct intervention where councils take excessive borrowing risks.

London is trying to get homes out of the planning pipeline … and onto the ground.

The UK Government and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan have agreed a temporary package to unblock stalled sites … and speed up thousands of affordable homes across the capital.

It includes a fast track route for schemes with at least twenty per cent affordable housing … and time limited relief from the Community Infrastructure Levy to improve project viability.

Ministers are also expanding the Mayor’s power to call in applications for fifty homes or more … when a borough is minded to refuse.

A new pay offer for local government staff is now in front of the unions … with employers calling it full and final.

National Employers have put 3.3 per cent on the table … covering about 1.5 million council workers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland … at a cost they estimate at eight hundred and seventy million pounds.

Chair of the National Employers … Leeds City Council leader James Lewis … says for the lowest paid … on 24,796 pounds a year … the offer would mean pay has risen by 7,282 pounds since 2021.

LG Chronicle reported that Unison … Unite and the GMB are considering the deal.

CANADA:

Ontario is running out of time to tighten the rules for councillors who seriously misbehave … ahead of the province’s October municipal elections.

CBC News reported that the Progressive Conservative government’s Bill 9 … the Municipal Accountability Act … still needs a final vote and royal assent … and nominations are opening May first.

Municipal law expert John Mascarin says the bill is too slow and may never work … because removing a councillor would require a unanimous vote of the rest of council.

Municipal Affairs Minister Rob Flack says the goal is to pass it before the election … while critics warn candidates and councils need clarity soon.

In Sarnia … the council is pushing back against divisive comments made by one of its members.

A motion has been passed calling on councillor Bill Dennis to apologise to an Indigenous artist … and to First Nations chiefs and communities … after comments about a welcome mural at City Hall.

CTV news reported that Cllr Dennis did not attend the special meeting … but told reporters he will not apologise.

Council will also seek advice on possible human rights issues … and plans a formal thank you to the artist.

In Vancouver … supporters are stepping up to help Cr Sean Orr fund his defamation suit against Mayor Ken Sim.

A GoFundMe has topped forty four thousand dollars so far, according to Business in Vancouver.

Orr alleges Mayor Sim wrongly accused him of handing out illegal drugs … a claim Sim has apologised for … saying it was his mistake.

The lawsuit says the comments damaged Orr’s reputation … and seeks damages and an injunction to stop the allegation being repeated.

Sim’s office says the mayor will pay for his own legal defence … and will not comment while the matter is before the courts.