Today on the Local Government News Roundup:

• AI smart glasses on the agenda for more councils
• A VCAT decision to cost Boroondara a big payout
• An innovative fix for the housing shortage proposed on the Surf Coast
• ICAC hears of intense political manoeuvring at Strathfield Council
• Sydney’s Town Hall Square project halted by the state
• A long serving Council General Manager set to depart
• Redland denies its mayor a medical leave request
• and more NSW mayoral election results

All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.

Listen now wherever you listen to podcasts.

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.

*Note that today’s episode includes the result of the mayoral election in Clarence Valley, NSW. Subsequent to publishing, the council has withdrawn its mayoral announcement with further advice pending.*

Featured in today’s episode:

Victoria

Bass Coast Shire Council is the latest council to consider banning AI-powered smart glasses from its facilities, including local pools, libraries, and civic halls, over privacy and surveillance concerns.

Councillor Mat Morgan introduced the motion to address potential recording loopholes, citing particular concern for family safety and privacy in public spaces.

A report will come back to the Council by the end of year exploring the logistics and implications of a ban.

Warrnambool City Council, Southern Grampians Shire, and Corangamite Shire Council have ruled out specific bans on smart glasses, maintaining that existing privacy laws and facility recording rules sufficiently cover the emerging tech.

The West Vic Brolga reported that those councils reportedly favour relying on current state regulations or potential national legislation.

And the Eastern Melburnian reports that Monash, Boroondara, Whitehorse, and Knox councils currently have no plans for a specific ban, citing difficulties with enforcement in public spaces and a need for higher-level government regulation. Monash Mayor Stuart James says the issue is bigger than council, and a broader, consistent response is needed from other levels of government.

Boroondara Council has reportedly been hit with a $900,000 legal payout, according to The Herald Sun. It follows the firing of a local laws officer who could not fit into the municipality’s small fleet cars due to a workplace injury.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal found that the council had failed to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the worker, paving the way for the hefty anti-discrimination payout.

The Council says its reviewing the judgement and its implications.

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that Greater Shepparton City Council acted lawfully on reasonable business grounds when denying a visitor services officer’s request to partially work from home.

The decision followed a roster reorganisation by the council following safety concerns over a nuisance member of the public, which meant staff hours had to directly align with public opening times.

HR Leader dot com reported that the decision confirmed that operational requirements and staff safety measures ultimately took priority over the employee’s personal flexible working preferences.

The Victorian Government has decriminalised begging across the state, sparking concern from Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece over a lack of consultation.

The Herald Sun reported that the decision has left the city searching for municipal bylaw options to regulate begging and connect vulnerable individuals with support services.

Lord Mayor Reece said the government hadn’t consulted local councils before passing the legislation, which he said was a total surprise.

Brimbank City Council has temporarily suspended women’s-only swimming sessions at Sunshine Leisure Centre following a serious safety incident involving unruly behaviour among patrons on Sunday.

Mayor Virginia Tachos has rejected claims that the pause was due to protests or transgender exclusion. An investigation and risk assessment are currently underway to determine when the program can safely resume.

Casey City Council has resolved to launch a 21-day community consultation to gather public feedback on data centre developments, following growing concerns over energy, water, and local amenity impacts.

According to a report by the Berwick Star News, councillors unanimously called on the Victorian Government to establish a clear statewide planning framework and mandate public notification for all future applications.

The feedback collected by November will inform broader policy recommendations, though the process will not directly affect the pending assessment of a major data centre proposed for Clyde North.

Loddon Shire Council has been unsuccessful in its bid for federal funding under the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program for the Inglewood Streetscape redevelopment.

Despite the setback, the Council says it remains committed to the project, which is estimated to cost more than six million dollars.

Planning and design work completed to date will now be used to determine which elements can be delivered using the one million dollars previously allocated by the council.

Buloke Shire Council has joined Rural Councils Victoria’s “Invest in Rural Victoria” campaign, ahead of November’s state election. Council confirmed its support at its meeting this week.

The campaign calls on the state government to commit to a one billion dollar Productivity and Growth Fund, covering roads, housing, and community infrastructure such as pools, libraries and sporting facilities.

Buloke will install campaign signage across the shire and host a candidate forum in the lead-up to the poll.

Surf Coast Shire is proposing a novel fix for its housing shortage — a pilot to convert twenty short-stay rental properties in Lorne into long-term homes.

Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton told me the shire is in talks with the state government over a grants incentive: ten thousand dollars for owners who commit to a two-year lease, thirteen thousand dollars for three years.

“Let’s not always feel like we need to build new houses.”

With around five hundred properties on short-term rental across the broader Torquay area, Cr Stapleton says even a small shift could ease pressure on essential workers.

“Taking 20 of those will provide homes for our health care workers, childcare workers.”

No funding commitment has been made yet, but Cr Stapleton says talks with government have been productive, and Lorne could become a test case for other tourist towns facing the same rental squeeze.

New South Wales

Evidence before the Independent Commission Against Corruption has detailed intense political manoeuvring within Strathfield Council following the 2021 local government elections.

As reported by Sydney Morning Herald, former mayor Matthew Blackmore told the inquiry that informal agreements regarding mayoral support are standard practice, though such deals are frequently broken.

The Operation Rosny public inquiry continues to examine allegations of misconduct, surveillance, and potential breaches of public trust involving current and former Strathfield Council elected members.

The New South Wales State Government has exercised legal powers under environmental planning legislation to halt the City of Sydney Council’s proposed 150 million dollar Town Hall Square redevelopment, according to a report by News24.

Planning Minister Paul Scully ordered the suspension of all development applications for the project until independent assessment advice is formally received on its regional and state significance.

The decision pauses plans to demolish seven CBD buildings and create a four-thousand square metre civic plaza, placing the council’s major precinct transformation project on hold indefinitely.

Albury City Council says it has no involvement in a proposed artificial intelligence mega-centre at the former Ettamogah paper mill.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the clarification followed community backlash over potential impacts on regional power and water supplies.

Local politicians are calling for strict grid protections and clarity on the economics of the proposal before tech firm Sharon AI lodges any formal development application.

In more Albury news, the Council is reportedly planning to raise developer infrastructure fees in Thurgoona-Wirlinga from $20,000 to $30,000 per lot to help plug a growing debt gap.

The Border Mail reports that modelling shows the proposed 50 per cent fee increase could raise an extra $7.3 million over a decade, slightly easing the financial burden on local ratepayers.

Singleton Council has voted 7-3 to commission an independent probe into its controversial $7.2 million tender for a timber-framed dome enclosure at the Singleton Gym and Swim.

According to reporting from the Singleton Argus, the external review will examine procurement policy compliance, probity advice, and potential conflicts of interest surrounding the contract awarded to Kingston Building Pty Ltd.

Councillors also requested a detailed staff report on contractual provisions for terminating the contract and any associated financial liabilities, following public opposition to the decision.

Waverley Council’s controversial plan to build 3,000 homes in Bondi Junction has been paused after a random tie-breaking ballot handed control to Labor and Greens-aligned councillors.

Incoming Mayor Steven Lewis won the mayoral lottery to secure leadership of the Council, pledging to review community concerns while outgoing Liberal Mayor Will Nemesh stepped down following two years in office.

Cr Keri Spooner was elected deputy mayor, also in a random ballot. (Source: The Daily Telegraph)

The development plan pause has drawn sharp criticism from the New South Wales Planning Minister Paul Scully.

He told the Daily Telegraph that a change in mayor doesn’t make housing needs disappear, and that he is disappointed councillors were so quick to “discard plans for more housing.”

Parkes Shire Council‘s long-serving General Manager, Kent Boyd, has announced he won’t seek a further contract extension, ending thirty-four years with council, including fifteen as G-M.

Mr Boyd will take accrued leave from the end of October, with his contract concluding in July next year.

Mayor Neil Westcott acknowledged Boyd’s contribution, including his role in establishing the state’s first Special Activation Precinct.

Director Andrew Francis will act as G-M from October the thirtieth, while council begins recruiting a permanent replacement.

Coolamon Shire Council has been ordered to pay more than $1,100 to a former mobile librarian following a dispute over allowance claims.

Regional Riverina reported that the NSW Industrial Relations Commission ruled in favour of the worker, finding that he was entitled to both a first-aid allowance and a “camp out” allowance after staying overnight in caravan park cabins with no local facilities to purchase meals.

MidCoast Council faces a five million dollar annual funding cut from July next year under proposed state changes to how federal grants are distributed.

Mayor Claire Pontin has warned the shortfall will force service reductions across the region and hit an already struggling local road network.

She says the proposed changes in distribution of funds are not equitable.

Now for more of the latest mayoral election results:

Councillor Cameron McDonald has been re-elected as Mayor of Kiama Municipal Council following a narrow five to four vote at Tuesday night’s Ordinary Meeting.

Second-term councillor Stuart Larkins was elected as Deputy Mayor, while newly elected councillor Stanley Jarrett was officially sworn in prior to proceedings.

Parkes Shire Council has re-elected Councillor Neil Westcott as Mayor unopposed for a further two-year term following an ordinary council meeting. He will be joined by newly elected Deputy Mayor Councillor Joy Paddison, who succeeds Councillor Marg Applebee in the role.

Kempsey Shire Council has appointed Councillor Arthur Bain as its new Deputy Mayor following a unanimous vote by elected members.

NBN News reported that during the same meeting, the council also tabled a detailed flood study designed to help mitigate future natural disasters in the Upper Macleay.

Bland Shire Council has made history by electing Councillor Lisa Minogue as its first female Mayor.

Taking over from outgoing Mayor Brian Monaghan after eight years, Mayor Minogue will lead alongside newly elected Deputy Mayor Malcolm Carnegie until 2028.

Ku-ring-gai Council has elected Kim Wheatley as its new Mayor, with Councillor Matt Devlin taking on the role of Deputy Mayor. Mayor Wheatley, who previously served as Deputy, expressed her honour at leading the council to deliver on local priorities.

Narrandera Shire Council has re-elected its current leadership team, returning Neville Kschenka as Mayor and Sue Ruffles as Deputy Mayor. Mayor Kschenka, who has held the role since 2016, will lead the regional council alongside Cr Ruffles for another two-year term.

GREATER HUME COUNCIL has re-elected Councillor Lea Parker as Mayor and Councillor Ben Hooper as Deputy Mayor for two years, during a statutory meeting on Wednesday.

The pair will continue in their respective leadership roles until September 2028.

Clarence Valley Council has elected Councillor Peter Johnstone as its new Mayor after his name was drawn from a hat following a tied vote and a crucial abstention. He will serve alongside newly appointed Deputy Mayor Cristie Yager for the remainder of the current term.

Orange City Council has a new deputy mayor. Councillors elected Jamie Stedman to the position at a meeting on Tuesday night. At the same meeting, Council supported a review of how it names streets and other public places, looking particularly at women whose contributions may have been historically under-recognised.

UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL has elected Cr Gregory Harris as its new Mayor alongside Cr Rob Cameron as Deputy Mayor during yesterday’s Ordinary meeting.

Councillors extended their gratitude to outgoing Mayor Paul Culhane for his service to the local community.

Cr Susannah Pearse and Cr Wayne Tighe have been re-elected unopposed as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council for another two-year term.

Mayor Pearse has highlighted recent achievements including debt reduction and $54 million spent on shire road flood recovery, while confirming key projects like a 50-metre pool and a new pound remain top priorities.

Regional Capitals Australia has told a Senate inquiry that regional airports are at breaking point, with new modelling showing seventy-three per cent are operating at a loss. R-C-A Chair, Cr Josh Black, addressed the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee on Friday the eleventh of September.

“The fact is that regional communities are being hit twice, once to maintain their airports through rates and then through high airfares.”

Cr Black said local governments, who mostly own and run these airports, are being left to carry infrastructure costs that state and federal governments — and their communities — rely on.

“The Australian Government could take immediate action in the May twenty twenty-seven Budget by backing R-C-A’s two-hundred-million-dollar Regional Airport Fund ask.”

R-C-A wants sustained airport funding, fairer security costs and protection for essential routes built into a national aviation framework.

Queensland

Redland City Council has voted 6-3 to reject a leave request from absent Mayor Jos Mitchell for its September meeting.

According to The Courier Mail, the decision leaves Mayor Mitchell without council protection for her ongoing medical absence, which began in May.

Under Queensland local government legislation, repeated unapproved absences across a two-month timeframe could result in the office being declared automatically vacant and trigger a by-election – an outcome that it’s believed would be a first to affect a mayor in the state.

Redland City Council’s Acting Mayor Julie Talty has defended the local authority’s financial position, rejecting social media claims that its high cash reserves represent spare money to reduce rates.

She clarified that the cash figure is merely a temporary snapshot, with much of the funds already committed to key infrastructure, employee wages, and restricted financial reserves. (Source: Redland Bayside News)

There’s internal tension at Ipswich City Council after councillors voted to allow the council’s media team to assist individual councillors with drafting personal communications.

According to The Brisbane Times, Mayor Teresa Harding opposed the decision, and has publicly argued that utilising council resourcing for individual councillor statements drains ratepayer funds without delivering public benefit.

However, supporting councillors have pushed back against the Mayor’s stance, asserting that the policy update simply levels the playing field and ensures all elected members have a voice.

Moreton Bay Council workers maintaining Centenary Lakes have been temporarily relocated to the Caboolture Depot following ongoing verbal abuse, threats, and site hazards.

According to reporting by The Sentinel News, one in seven staff members across the City of Moreton Bay has experienced workplace violence or aggression.

In response to the rising safety concerns, the Council has launched a Spread Kindness campaign urging community members to treat local government employees with respect.

Fraser Coast Regional Council has unanimously voted to scope major infrastructure upgrades for the River Heads boat ramp precinct, aiming to expand capacity at the vital K’gari gateway.

Councillors also approved plans to draft an Urban Design and Placemaking Strategy for the Maryborough city centre to address safety issues and spur local commercial growth, according to The Chronicle.

Logan City Council has trialled drone technology to drop fire-starting spheres during a 44-hectare planned burn at Birnam Range Reserve.

Mayor Jon Raven said the precision aerial method allows the council to carry out bushfire mitigation quickly and safely, while helping local wildlife escape along preserved corridors.

Tasmania

One Nation has criticised candidates in the upcoming Hobart City Council election for involving uniformed high school students in their campaign activities.

But Mayoral candidate Tiffany Ashdown has defended the strategy, arguing that young people have a legitimate voice on issues such as housing and climate change that directly shape their future.

Pulse Tasmania reported the debate comes as hundreds of students were expected to rally on the Parliament lawns in protest against One Nation.

South Australia

Freedom of Information documents obtained by ABC News have revealed the Federal Government urged the City of Charles Sturt to submit a six million dollar sports precinct proposal before detailed planning or costings were conducted.

The South Australian council originally requested one point two million dollars for site lighting, but was approached by federal representatives to expand the scope to host a local soccer club.

While the Coalition has questioned the due diligence of the five million dollar election pledge, the council noted the initial figures were early estimates subject to further community consultation and formal master planning.

Western Australia

The City of Fremantle has paused redevelopment works at Hilton Park following a Special Electors’ Meeting attended by nearly 300 community members on Tuesday night.

Electors narrowly voted in favour of a motion calling for an immediate halt to mature tree clearing across the municipality, alongside two additional motions regarding alternative site investigations and improved community engagement.

All carried motions will be formally considered by the City of Fremantle at its Ordinary Meeting of Council on Wednesday, 23 September.

The City of Joondalup is considering the establishment of additional coastal dog exercise areas as local petition pressure grows, according to a report by PerthNow.

A petition signed by 1,118 residents will be formally presented to elected members, requesting a new off-leash location along the rocky stretch of Burns Beach.

Council officers are currently drafting a comprehensive ten-year dog management plan, with potential new beach locations to go before council in November.

Meanwhile in neighbouring Wanneroo, Yanchep residents have urged the council to reject plans for a 43.5 million dollar foreshore redevelopment, over severe environmental and safety concerns regarding a proposed coastal boardwalk.

Local campaigners claim conditions set by councillors have not been met, though the City of Wanneroo maintains that exact alignments remain subject to further detailed investigations before work proceeds.

International

NZ:

Local Government Minister Simon Watts has stood firm following a clash with Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, insisting that democracy is non-negotiable after the Government moved to strip voting rights from non-elected members on council committees.

The dispute has prompted Mayor Brown to threaten an exit from the Auckland Deal, sternly warning the Minister to stay out of Auckland Council‘s democratic affairs. (Source: NewstalkZB)

USA:

In the United States, the Stockbridge City Council in Georgia has voted three to nil to impeach and remove Mayor Jayden Williams from office following an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct, as reported by USA TODAY.

The investigation found evidence of financial irregularities involving city credit cards and fuel cards, as well as concerning communications with a teenager.

Interim Mayor Elton Alexander confirmed that the city now has six months to schedule a special election to fill the vacant mayoral seat.

USA Today reports that Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens will introduce legislation at the upcoming Atlanta City Council meeting to establish new privacy safeguards and audit controls for law enforcement’s use of Flock license plate cameras.

The proposed regulations follow a wave of officer dismissals across Georgia over unauthorised personal tracking, prompting local officials to balance police tools against potential multi-million dollar privacy liabilities.

CANADA:

Ontario’s Big City Mayors coalition is intensifying its push for the provincial government to review mandatory treatment legislation, as local councils struggle with worsening mental health, addiction, and homelessness crises.

According to a report from Municipal World, Burlington City Council Mayor Marianne Meed Ward says the proposed review would determine if involuntary care can be safely used alongside expanded voluntary treatment and supportive housing.

The City of Barrie and other member municipalities are backing the initiative, urging cohesive provincial action following the rollout of the group’s updated recovery campaign.

UK:

St Albans City and District Council has increased fixed penalty notices for major fly-tipping offences to £3,000 in a bid to tackle illegal dumping across urban and rural areas.

Local authorities were granted powers by the UK government to raise fines up to £5,000, but the council opted for a lower maximum to ensure penalties remain enforceable and less likely to be contested in court. (Source: yahoo!news)

Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council are set to decommission and sell off a long-mothballed waste treatment centre after failing to secure a new operator for the site.

Leaders from both councils confirmed the move following a comprehensive review, reassuring residents that local rubbish disposal services will continue without disruption.

An Oxfordshire village has overwhelmingly voted to secede from the United Kingdom in a symbolic protest over government plans to house up to 1,200 asylum seekers at a nearby former military site.

Residents of Piddington, situated within Cherwell District Council, declared their community the “Principality of Piddington” after 285 villagers voted in favour of breaking away to highlight their concerns over local safety and infrastructure. (Source: The Guardian)