Today on the Local Government News Roundup:

• The Victorian Parliament debates new changes to the Local Government Act
• Ararat Council names its next chief executive
• A bullying case against Liverpool’s mayor discontinued
• Bega Valley Shire condemns “disgusting” graffiti on a heritage bridge
• New bans covering the use of AI smart glasses at Brisbane Council’s 21 pools
• A Tasmanian councillor threatens legal action… against another Tasmanian council
• A major defence announcement welcomed in WA’s City of Cockburn
• and a 4 per cent rate cap flagged for New Zealand councils

Plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

Listen now wherever you listen to podcasts.

The Local Government News Roundup is supported this month by LG Innovate 2026: the national AI summit for local government, hosted by Davidson, in partnership with Amazon Web Services.

*FINAL DAYS* Purchase your tickets now at davidsonwp.com/lg-innovate-2026

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Symphony3 – simple, connected customer experiences; and Rath Engineering Development – smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience.

In today’s episode:

Victoria

A new bill to amend the Local Government Act in Victoria is being debated in the Parliament, with some amendments being circulated by the Government and the Opposition.

It’s understood a fix in response to the recent private prosecution crisis at Hepburn Shire Council will now be retrospective, which should also mean the reinstated councillors will have their withheld allowances reinstated.

However, Opposition moves to remove a requirement for CEOs to report vexatious conflict of interest accusations do not appear to have the support of the government.

For ongoing commentary on the debate, I suggest you follow governance professional Rhys Thomas on LinkedIn.

Ararat Rural City Council’s new chief executive officer has been revealed.

Phuong Au was announced at last night’s Council meeting as the successful candidate to succeed Dr Tim Harrison, who is stepping down from the role after eight years. He announced his departure in June.

Ms Au has been the council’s deputy CEO since last September, and previously held senior strategic roles at Ararat and Northern Grampians councils.

Mayor Bob Sanders said after the appointment decision last night that Ms Au was an outstanding candidate who “stood above the other candidates” that were interviewed for the position.

It’s understood her appointment is for a four year term, commencing 1st October.

In more Ararat news, Aradale Asylum has abruptly closed, with operators suspending all bookings and beginning to process refunds amid concerns about the site’s upkeep and safety.

The facility is the largest abandoned lunatic asylum in Australia, and the venue for unique ghost tours that have proven a popular tourist attraction.

Ararat Rural City Council says the closure will hit local tour operators and create immediate flow-on effects for accommodation and hospitality businesses.

It says the issues surrounding the site are complex, and that it remains committed to supporting the local business community.

The City of Casey is calling on the Victorian Government to reimburse the costs of removing graffiti from state-owned infrastructure, according to a report from ABC News.

Council data reveals that almost one third of all vandalism cleared by local contractors occurs on public assets such as rail corridors and road signage.

Mayor Michelle Crowther has requested a cost sharing arrangement to ensure ratepayer funds are protected while maintaining local amenity.

Meanwhile, the Council has released concept images for a new Cranbourne Hub community facility, with construction scheduled to begin early next year ahead of a planned 2029 opening.

The modern multi-storey development has been designed using community feedback to deliver improved safety, accessibility, and shared public spaces in the heart of Cranbourne.

Former Wyndham Mayor Preet Singh has reportedly been cleared of any wrongdoing by a Department of Justice investigation after using his Justice of the Peace status on a character reference for a convicted sex offender.

The Australia Today reported that an independent investigator found no grounds to strip Cr Singh of his JP title. Cr Singh was ultimately forced to resign the mayoralty as a result of the controversy.

In a cryptic Facebook post this week, Cr Singh said the truth has prevailed, after some stood against him with a motive.

The City of Greater Geelong has put a 1.28-hectare parcel of former parkland in Corio on the market, expecting to net upwards of 2.3 million dollars to boost council coffers.

The site was stripped of its reserve status over a decade ago due to safety concerns and lack of passive surveillance, and is now pitched as an ideal opportunity for residential townhouses, medical centres, or care facilities. More from Real Commercial dot com dot au.

The City of Whittlesea is urging state and federal governments to fund half the cost of a proposed aquatic and leisure centre in Mernda, after councillors endorsed a revised plan for the project.

The facility is now estimated at $85 million—down from around $122 million after scope cuts—with just $10 million in external funding committed so far.

Loddon Shire Council is set to prepare a mid-year financial sustainability report in a bid to identify savings targets and address forecast operating deficits exceeding $6 million this financial year.

The Bendigo Advertiser reports the council faces a potential $55 million cumulative deficit over the next decade, driven by rising asset renewal costs and rate-capping constraints.

Ahead of November’s state election, Mayor Dan Straub has pitched a $30 million infrastructure priority list to major political parties, seeking critical funding for local road maintenance, flood mitigation, and drainage upgrades.

Whitehorse City Council Mayor Kirsten Langford has joined around 1,500 residents rallying to save the historic seven-hectare Box Hill Brickworks site as public parkland.

Protesters are demanding the Victorian Government scrap planning controls that allow ten-storey developments while allocating just five per cent of the land for public open space.

New South Wales

A legal battle in Sydney’s south-west has come to a close after a bullying case brought against Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun was officially discontinued.

According to a Sydney Morning Herald report, the dispute was lodged in the Industrial Relations Commission by the United Services Union, which represents around 600 council workers, following a Facebook video posted by Mayor Mannoun. The union claimed the video, which featured images of staff engaged in industrial action and accused them of bullying the deputy mayor, targeted members and placed them at risk of harm.

The matter was resolved after both parties reached an agreement following a series of conciliation meetings. Under the terms, Mayor Mannoun formally reaffirmed his commitment to the council’s media policy, agreeing to resolve personal differences privately and refrain from content that could bring the council into disrepute. The union noted that the mayor also agreed to blur the faces of council staff in future social media posts.

Following the proceedings, Mayor Mannoun dismissed the case as a “waste of everyone’s time,” urging the union leadership to stop launching personal attacks and focus on community services.

Bega Valley Shire Council has condemned racist graffiti spray painted onto the historic Cuttagee Bridge over the weekend, describing the vandalism as a targeted attack on a community member.

The South Coast News reported that maintenance crews were dispatched Monday to clean the heritage structure, while police continue their investigations following formal complaints from residents.

Council Chief Executive Officer Anthony McMahon said the message was highly offensive, and disgusting, and urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

Coffs Harbour City Council has lost a legal battle in the New South Wales Land and Environment Court after attempting to block a massive digital billboard along the Pacific Highway.

Judges overruled the refusal, permitting advertising firm Gawk Outdoor to erect the rotating display after finding the Council’s strict local planning policies conflicted with state rules, according to adnews dot com dot au.

Lake Macquarie City Council has voted to investigate building new affordable housing on public land in Cardiff and Booragul through long-term leases with Community Housing Providers.

Under the plans, the council will retain full ownership of the sites. It will release an expression of interest to commence the process.

Also making news in NSW:

Hornsby Shire Council has secured NSW Government funding to investigate Purple Flag accreditation for Hornsby Town Centre, a move aimed at building a safer, more accessible and more vibrant night-time economy.

The grant will support assessment of the precinct against international standards and complements work already underway on the Hornsby After Dark initiative and a proposed Special Entertainment Precinct trial.

Shoalhaven City Council has endorsed a draft plan of management to convert an 11-hectare former landfill site in North Nowra into a community renewable energy hub.

The proposal aims to lease the remediated land for a solar array and battery storage system, transforming a long-term liability into a revenue-generating asset.

Community consultation is now required under statutory processes before Council can proceed with securing a leaseholder.

Bayside Council Libraries and the Nicole and Julie Fitzsimons Foundation have launched a new scholarship to support local young people pursuing further study in library science, history, education or literature.

The Julie Fitzsimons Library and History Scholarship offers a one‑off $1,500 grant and is open to eligible Year 12 and undergraduate students living in Bayside. It will be awarded annually, with the successful applicant to be announced at Rockdale Library in the first week of October.

The scholarship honours former library staff member and local historian Julie Fitzsimons, recognising her long-standing contribution to the community and love of learning.

ACT Government and University of Canberra leaders have signed a refreshed Civic Partnership Agreement, committing to six shared priorities aimed at boosting the capital’s knowledge economy and enhancing governance.

The updated agreement establishes a direct line of senior leadership accountability, introducing measures such as minimum 40 per cent elected representation on the UC Council and stronger alignment with local workforce skills needs.

Queensland

Brisbane City Council has introduced a blanket ban on non-consensual filming at all 21 of its public pools, targeting covert recording via AI smart glasses and other camera-enabled devices.

Lifeguards under the authority of the Council will soon be empowered to eject visitors who take photos or videos of others without explicit permission, reports ABC News.

Cloncurry Airport could face operational downgrades this wet season unless an additional 10 million dollars is secured to fully rehabilitate its damaged tarmac.

Cloncurry Shire Council Mayor Greg Campbell says failure to obtain the extra funding could force restrictions on heavier jet aircraft, potentially disrupting vital fly-in, fly-out mining services across North-West Queensland.

Industry Queensland reported the $10 million ask is needed to complete a broader $26 million upgrade of the airport.

Ipswich City Council is harnessing artificial intelligence and smart technology to revamp local infrastructure.

It is using AI-equipped garbage trucks to spot and fix thousands of potholes while rolling out automated, weather-responsive sprinklers at 14 local parks.

The Council says the tech push has already slashed pothole complaints by over 40 percent and significantly reduced wasted water across the city’s sporting fields.

Tasmania

Developer, and Northern Midlands Councillor Andrew McCullagh, is threatening legal action against Burnie City Council after his expression of interest to purchase land at Cooee Point was rejected.

The Advocate reported that Mr McCullagh offered over $6 million to build a hotel and precinct at the site, claiming he was previously led to believe he held the preferred submission.

Council general manager Shane Crawford says no agreement exists with any party, and councillors are set to vote on placing the parcel of land on the open market.

George Town Council has voted 6-1 to approve a proposal for a 288-megawatt AI data centre at Long Reach, despite receiving hundreds of public objections and a 6,000-signature petition against the development.

ABC News reported the decision makes proponent Firmus Technologies the state’s largest electricity user, though the facility will be subject to strict environmental and operational conditions imposed by the Council.

West Coast Council has officially rejected a request for temporary road closures from Targa Tasmania, prioritising a beloved regional angling event over the international tarmac rally.

According to the Mercury, Council General Manager Scott Riley told event organisers that requested closures directly clash with November’s long-standing Lake Burbury Fishing Competition.

The Council felt that shutting down key thoroughfares would restrict access for anglers, volunteers, and visitors, concluding that protecting the community fishing tradition outweighs the economic benefits of hosting the rally.

In response, Targa Australia representatives say they plan to continue discussions with council officials to resolve scheduling friction and minimise local disruption.

Targa Tasmania’s traditional race window shifted from autumn to November following safety overhauls after fatal crashes in recent years.

South Australia

Wattle Range Council has resolved to write to the South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, backing a push for fairer rating arrangements for electricity generators.

The council is supporting an advocacy campaign by Coorong District Council, which argues generation infrastructure has received favourable rating treatment since the state’s electricity assets were privatised around twenty-five years ago.

An L-G-A S-A report estimated councils are foregoing about six million dollars annually in potential rates revenue.

Coorong is urging reintroduction of the lapsed Statutes Amendment Rates Electricity Generation Bill.

Northern Territory:

NT Police have issued a caution to a 36-year-old man following an investigation into death threats made against Alice Springs Mayor Asta Hill.

The threats followed public criticism over a decommissioned council tent being used during a protest at Pine Gap.

Meanwhile, a motion before Alice Springs Town Council calls on the chief executive to apologise to Pine Gap leadership and overhaul asset decommissioning procedures, according to reporting by NT News.

Western Australia

The City of Cockburn has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of the selected site and boundary for the Henderson Defence Precinct, describing it as a major step toward a world-class shipbuilding and sustainment hub. The City says the project could support up to 10,000 jobs and become a significant national strategic asset.

Mayor Logan Howlett says the council’s priority is ensuring local businesses and workers benefit from the long-term programs and contracts tied to the precinct. City representatives, including CEO Daniel Simms, attended a Defence briefing in Henderson yesterday, where the City highlighted opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises across manufacturing, engineering, construction, logistics, technology and training.

The Mayor is also calling for early and meaningful engagement with WA industry as planning progresses, while flagging flow-on pressures for housing, transport, training and community infrastructure.

The City of Fremantle has temporarily paused redevelopment works at Hilton Park after receiving an elector petition against mature tree removals.

A Special Electors’ Meeting has been scheduled at Fremantle Town Hall next month to consider residents’ demands for a total halt on tree clearing across Council developments.

A Geraldton playground has been shut after testing found traces of highly toxic thallium in the sandpit at Fraser Gregory Park, prompting the City of Greater Geraldton to remove and replace the soft-fall material.

The Council says the contamination appears isolated to one sample and the source remains unknown, with further assessment underway, according to 7News.

International

NEW ZEALAND:

New Zealand Local Government Minister Simon Watts has announced the government plans to cap annual rate increases to a maximum of 4 percent.

While he says the cap will put a brake on excessive rises, he has confirmed the policy will only save the average household about $34 per year.

RNZ News reported the legislation won’t be introduced until next term, with full implementation to kick in for 2029.

Sector advocates warn the measure will severely hamper local infrastructure funding, though it’s understood exemptions will be considered for severe disasters and where prudent financial management can be demonstrated.

Gore District Council has withdrawn support for the government’s Head Start process, voting instead to let residents decide the future of local government amalgamation.

The council resolved to back the Local Government Commission process to ensure any proposed merger between Gore and Southland districts undergoes thorough public investigation.

Ultimately, any final reorganisation plan will be put directly to a community referendum, giving affected residents the ultimate say at the ballot box.

Regional mayors across New Zealand are voicing sharp disappointment after the National Party ruled out introducing a proposed bed tax to help fund local tourism infrastructure, according to RNZ News.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Queenstown Lakes Mayor John Glover accused the government of walking back on key regional agreements, warning that local ratepayers will continue to shoulder the financial burden of heavy visitor traffic.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended the move under a “no new taxes” pledge, insisting the government remains committed to supporting tourism regions through alternative funding options.

UK:

Proposals presented by the British Prime Minister could soon grant devolved mayors new powers to call in local planning decisions and bypass traditional approval processes for major housing and commercial developments, according to a report by The Guardian.

The policy targets projects exceeding 150 homes, commercial spaces over 15,000 square metres, or buildings taller than 30 metres, allowing regional leaders to either greenlight or block developments independently.

While ten devolved mayors support the reform to accelerate national housing targets, the Liberal Democrats have criticised the plan, claiming it strips authority from local Councils and undermines community decision-making.

Derby City Council has convened a rarely-used Investigating and Disciplinary Committee to scrutinise officer conduct following media reports of misconduct and the departure of its former chief executive.

BBC News reported that the authority has labelled the allegations inaccurate and misleading. A separate internal review into governance processes remains underway.

Suffolk County Council is expanding its roll-out of artificial intelligence tools to social work staff, following a pilot scheme that reduced administrative assessment times from three hours to 45 minutes.

According to the BBC, the software records and transcribes client interviews, though sector experts warn the technology must not replace human clinical analysis or serve as a shortcut to bridge budget shortfalls.

A BBC survey found nearly all English councils are incorporating AI strategies into their upcoming efficiency targets.

Newcastle City Council is considering scrapping its Late Night Levy on bars and venues selling alcohol between midnight and 06:00, following strong support for its abolition from local businesses, according to a report by the BBC.

Outside of London, Newcastle and Liverpool are the only UK local authorities still imposing the annual charge, which was introduced in 2013 to help fund city centre safety measures and policing.

Members of the licensing committee are set to vote on the proposal next week, with a final decision expected at full council in October.

SOUTH KOREA:

South Korea’s government and ruling Democratic Party are drawing fire for appearing to sideline Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon in a new housing-supply push. It includes a plan to shift redevelopment authority for smaller projects to district chiefs.

A particular flashpoint is Yongsan Park, a 76,000 square metre urban green space in downtown Seoul. A recent survey found two out of three Seoul citizens oppose public housing on the site.

Mayor Oh is strongly opposed to residential development inside the park. The Korea Times reported that government ministers are looking for ways to bypass the mayor on their housing plans.