On your Friday 17 April edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A string of CEO resignations, affecting four states
• A $15M court decision with sector-wide implications
• Industrial action at some Melbourne councils escalates
• Police are called, as Liverpool’s by-election descends into chaos
• The council pausing green waste collections to save on fuel
• A Councillor steps down after months of controversy
• A costly cleanup after a run of vandalism in Kiama
• Queensland councils staring into a financial black hole
• And scrutiny on a Council’s interstate fact finding trip

plus much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

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 #575:

Today’s Top Three

The City of Joondalup in Western Australia is getting a new leader.

Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd has been appointed as the council’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Lloyd has spent the last six years at Whittlesea, leading through a period of administration, the return of councillors in 2024, and a Commission of Inquiry last year.

He takes up his new role in late May.

Changes are coming to Hawkesbury City Council following the resignation and departure this week of General Manager Elizabeth Richardson.

During her five-year tenure, Richardson is credited with a massive expansion of the city’s infrastructure program and leading the community through several major flood recoveries. Mayor Les Sheather praised her ‘exceptional leadership,’ noting she leaves the council in a much stronger financial position.

Director of Infrastructure Will Barton has stepped in as Acting General Manager, while the search for a permanent replacement begins. The Mayor assures residents it remains ‘business as usual’ for the city.

Charters Towers Regional Council is searching for a new leader this week after the shock resignation of CEO Katrina Ewer.

Ms. Ewer—who took the role last August—stepped down without notice on Monday, with Mayor Liz Schmidt describing the exit as “sudden” but citing a “lack of fit” for the organisation.

Former CEO Martin Drysdale has been brought out of the wings to lead the council in the interim.

Victorian Report

A boundary fence at a suburban cricket oval has ended up in the Supreme Court … and cost the City of Whittlesea more than 15 million dollars.

Jordan Woolnough was training at Laurimar Recreation Reserve in Doreen … when he jumped a fence to reach nearby nets … caught his foot … and fell … leaving him quadriplegic.

Justice James Gorton found the council was negligent … for not installing a pedestrian gate where people regularly crossed.

The council says it is considering an appeal, according to the Herald Sun.

Tune in to this week’s VLGA Connect episode, when Tony Raunic joins me to unpack that decision, and the implications for councils more broadly.

Industrial action impacting some Melbourne councils is escalating … with Merri-bek Council library staff joining the action this week, according to the Brunswick Voice.

Union members have already imposed bans that affect parking fines … inspections … mowing … street cleaning … and in some streets … household rubbish collection.

Maribyrnong City Council says protected industrial action is starting to show up in its day to day services.

The council says it is shifting staff to protect public safety … but warns some work may be delayed or limited … including street cleaning … mowing parks and sports fields … and some customer service and permit processing.

It also says parking enforcement may be reduced in some areas, but residential kerbside rubbish collection is not affected.

Both councils say they are continuing to bargain in good faith … and asking residents for patience as talks continue.

Yarra City Council has voted to revive an affordable housing plan in Collingwood … five years after a public clash with the Victorian government.

The council will seek expressions of interest to lease a council car park site near Collingwood Town Hall … aiming for at least 50 rentals for key workers.

Mayor Councillor Stephen Jolly says the project is about backing people priced out of the area … not just homeowners.

There’s anger on Mount Macedon … where conservation groups say Parks Victoria has begun removing trees and shrubs … including rare Snow Gums … after the Planning Minister approved a pathway that sidesteps a refusal from Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

The Victorian National Parks Association says the work is being driven by lobbying to restore viewlines at the memorial cross … and it wants an immediate halt … plus the release of ecological assessments and decision documents.

Campaigner Ben Gill says a Macedon Ranges Council decision has been over-ridden througimagesh a backdoor process, which undermines confidence … and may not meet laws requiring impacts to be avoided first.

FIFA World Cup fever is building in the City of Hume … and the council is looking at local live sites so people can watch together close to home.

Councillor Naim Kurt has pushed for select match screenings in June … with officers asked to scout venues in Broadmeadows first.

The Star Weekly reported that councillors want to provide options around the municipality so people don’t have to head to Federation Square.

The first proposed screening is Australia versus Türkiye … at 1pm on Sunday June 14.

Greater Shepparton City Council is stepping up its push to make sure local voices shape the next Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Mayor Shane Sali and Deputy Mayor Geoff Akers have met with Murray-Darling Basin Authority officials … and state and federal representatives … to press the region’s case as Australia’s food bowl.

The Council is urging residents and industry to lodge submissions before May 1.

Yarriambiack Shire Council is making its pitch ahead of the state election … laying out what it says the region needs next.

Mayor Andrew McLean says the council has sent its priority projects to state MPs … urging support.

Top of the list is funding for roads … with more heavy vehicle traffic expected from energy and mining proposals.

Housing infrastructure and upgrades to community hubs also feature strongly on the list of priorities.

Victorian Briefs

A by-election has been set for Kingston City Council’s Melaleuca Ward, following the resignation of Councillor Tess Law.

Election day is the 1st August, with voting to be conducted by post. Nominations open on 15th June.

In Horsham … the idea of a bypass is moving from talk to process.

The Council’s new Bypass Planning Community Reference Group has held its first meeting … to help decide whether a route around town is needed … and where it might go.

The group will draft criteria to assess options … before taking its findings back to the community.

A new Welcome to Country video has been created by Gannawarra Shire Council as a local statement of respect and continuity.

The first public screening was held recently at The Glasshouse… celebrating the children, young people and Elders who helped make it.

Chief executive Geoff Rollinson says it reflects today’s Aboriginal community … and will be used when an Elder cannot attend … including at monthly council meetings.

NSW Report

Police were called to a polling booth yesterday after Liverpool Council’s by-election reportedly descended into chaos.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that officers arrived at the scene following heated confrontations between a councillor and a candidate, and allegations of voter intimidation. Witnesses described a “volatile” atmosphere that left some residents feeling unsafe to cast their ballots.

The New South Wales Electoral Commission is reportedly monitoring the situation, though no arrests have been confirmed.

The Herald describes the situation as escalating, with more to come. Follow the story at smh-dot-com-dot-au.

Upper Lachlan Shire Council has announced a pause on green waste collections, as a fuel-saving measure.

Council says kerbside pickups will stop from Monday, April 27 … so limited fuel can be kept for essential operations … during ongoing supply uncertainty.

The move was agreed at the April 16 council meeting. Mayor John Culhane says the decision was difficult … but necessary to keep critical work running without disruption.

A new survey finds half of all council workers in New South Wales are struggling with fuel costs … with four in ten paying at least 50 dollars extra each week … and two in ten more than 100.

Seven in ten say existing allowances are not covering the rise … and one in ten are considering leaving local government.

The United Services Union has now filed for a new award … seeking guaranteed work from home rights and a 50 per cent lift in fuel subsidies … from 83 cents a kilometre.

A run of vandalism in Kiama has led to a costly cleanup.

The Council says sculptures in the Kiama Sculpture Walk have been knocked over at Black Beach Reserve … toilet blocks in town have been damaged … a bin was set alight … and glass bottles smashed at Coronation Park.

Acting Mayor Melissa Matters says finances are tight … and ratepayers should not have to fund repairs for what she calls mindless vandalism.

Qantas says it will temporarily suspend its direct Coffs Harbour to Melbourne flights from May 18 to June 14 … as it cuts services across the country.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams says the break will be inconvenient for travellers … and could hit inbound tourism.

She says the City expects Qantas to honour existing bookings … and to avoid price spikes on the Coffs to Sydney route as passengers are rerouted.

In Wagga Wagga … Charles Sturt University is handing the Riverina Playhouse back to the city council … ending more than forty years at the venue.

Council will resume control from the first of July.

CSU Acting Chief Operating Officer Sandra Sharpham says the handover should strengthen arts and community events … while preserving the playhouse as a cultural asset.

Council’s Director Economy, Business and Workplace Fiona Piltz says bringing it under the Civic Theatre’s management will expand what the theatre can offer … and it will feed into plans for a future entertainment centre and cultural precinct.

Also in Wagga Wagga … a long-running debate over a new CBD hotel has ended with a narrow vote, according to the Daily Advertiser.

Councillors have approved a five-storey, 30-room project on Peter Street … four votes to three … after the developer sought a change to parking rules.

Councillor Frank Standfast has resigned from Winton Shire Council, effective 30 April 2026.

Mayor Cathy White acknowledged and thanked Cr Standfast for his service to the community.

A by-election will be held to fill the vacancy.

The NSW Country Mayors Association has created a new honorary role … naming three former chairs as its inaugural Patrons.

Emeritus Mayors Katrina Humphries from Moree Plains Shire … Ken Keith OAM from Parkes Shire … and Jamie Chaffey MP formerly of Gunnedah Shire … are being recognised for years of leadership.

Current chair Mayor Rick Firman OAM of Temora Shire says being chosen by peers to lead the group is a major commitment … and the association’s growth to eighty nine member councils reflects that work.

A formal presentation is planned later this year.

In Balranald … council has issued a warning that fuel supply problems are being felt on the ground … with flow on effects for local business.

In a statement … Mayor Louie Zaffina links uncertainty around fuel availability and cost … to pressure on farm operations and the wider supply chain.

Cr Zaffina says regional communities need clear information and support … to avoid disruptions compounding existing strain in the dairy industry.

NSW Briefs:

Dubbo Regional Council has reported the theft of a 2.5m high Carob Tree from Victoria Park in Dubbo.

The council said yesterday that it was reviewing CCTV footage following the theft of the tree, roughly valued at $1,200.

In Tamworth … a new public artwork is being planned to greet visitors at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre.

A local sculptor, Adam Humphreys, has designed a pair of steel horses … built from hundreds of rods … posed while grazing.

And Wingecarribee Council has changed the configuration of seating in its council chamber, for safety reasons.

The changes are in response to concerns about the meeting environment, with the aim of ensuring the space supports professional debate.

Queensland Report

Queensland councils say they are staring into a financial black hole … as a major federal infrastructure program nears its end.

The Local Government Association of Queensland is urging Treasurer Jim Chalmers to lock in ongoing funding … before the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program expires on June 30.

LGAQ president … Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett says the program pays for roads … sports grounds … and local facilities … and the smallest communities will be hit hardest.

In south west Queensland … a regional mayor is pushing back against a new federal message on fuel use.

Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole says the government’s “Every little bit helps” campaign … asking Australians to limit driving … ignores the reality of remote communities.

She says farmers, small business and tourism operators cannot swap to public transport … and fears the ads will discourage visitors at a time when local fuel supplies are already uncertain.

As the fuel crunch drags on … Redland City Council has added a new map to its disaster dashboard, pulling in daily prices and whether different fuels are available at individual service stations … including on North Stradbroke Island.

Council is encouraging residents to bookmark the dashboard … and check the “Fuel Status” layer before heading out.

If you’re looking for a national dashboard, giving you independent fuel reserve and pricing transparency from every state, check out Aussieoilwatch.com – built by our friends at Rath Engineering Development. And already providing lots of useful data to thousands of users across Australia – and if you follow it on Facebook, you’ll see daily updates at 6am and 6pm.

Ipswich has just taken out a new title … Queensland’s fastest growing city.

New figures show the city grew 3.5 per cent in the year to June 2025 … adding more than nine thousand residents.

Mayor Teresa Harding says that growth reflects a lifestyle people are choosing … and a local economy now valued at about fifteen billion dollars.

In Far North Queensland … the price tag for getting the Daintree Ferry back on the river is landing on the local council.

Douglas Shire Council says flood damage in early March kept the crossing shut for four weeks … and the total hit could reach one point eight million dollars … once repair work and lost revenue are counted.

But the Cairns Post reports that the state agency that runs disaster recovery funding has told the council the ferry is unlikely to qualify … because it charges a fare and is treated as a commercial asset.

In Townsville … a council crackdown on dilapidated buildings is being branded a failure.

A local law passed in 2020 promised fines of up to 26 thousand dollars for owners who let CBD properties fall into ruin.

But six years on … the Townsville Bulletin reports not a single fine has been issued … and long‑running eyesores like the old Dimmeys building remain.

Mayor Nick Dametto says the rules left council doing the cleanup work … then chasing owners for the bill … something he says is not fair on ratepayers.

Tasmania

After a term described as ‘scandal-plagued’, long-serving Launceston City Councillor Danny Gibson has resigned, effective immediately.

After fifteen years on the council—including a stint as Mayor—Gibson says the ‘significant toll’ of recent months led to his decision to step away. The move follows a period of heavy controversy and intense public scrutiny over historical allegations, which he has consistently denied.

Gibson maintains his pride in his years of service to the community but says it is time to focus on his personal well-being. A recount will be held to fill his seat on the council.

Major reforms to Tasmania’s local government sector have cleared a significant hurdle, passing the House of Assembly yesterday.

Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent says the Targeted Reform Bill modernises thirty-year-old legislation to elevate conduct standards and boost council accountability.

Developed alongside the Local Government Association of Tasmania, the changes focus on improving the strategic capability of the state’s twenty-nine councils.

The Bill now moves to the Legislative Council, with the government aiming to have the new standards in place well ahead of the 2026 local elections.

In Tasmania’s north west … a boundary dispute at Boat Harbour has ended in court … with former Waratah Wynyard councillor Darren Fairbrother pleading guilty to trespass and injuring property.

Prosecutors say he sprayed pink paint on a neighbour’s eaves last November, according to the Advocate … and then returned a month later to shift her security cameras away from his house … captured on CCTV … partly shielded by an umbrella.

In court … Mr Fairbrother told Magistrate Katie Edwards he believed the eaves crossed his boundary … and he was trying to make that point. He said the cameras felt like an invasion of privacy.

The magistrate placed him on a six month good behaviour bond … without recording a conviction.

South Australia

Adelaide councillors are being asked to look hard at a fast fix for a long-running problem … safer cycling in the CBD.

A motion from Councillor Eleanor Freeman calls for pop‑up bike lanes … built with temporary barriers and paint … so routes can be tested quickly as fuel prices surge.

Cr Freeman says Adelaide has wide streets … but no plan for rapid bike infrastructure when travel habits change.

InDaily SA reports that the proposal also flags secure bike parking … e‑bike charging … and better connections from suburbs into the city.

A report is due by September … with trials possible in 2026 or 2027.

The Local Government Association (LGA) of South Australia has issued a reminder that new workplace protection laws designed to safeguard public-facing council staff will come into effect next month.

And with the November 2026 local government elections approaching, the Remuneration Tribunal has officially begun its review of council member allowances. The deadline for submissions has been extended to 1st May.

Western Australia

A council trip meant to inform development of a new aquatic centre is drawing scrutiny in Perth’s south-east … after five City of Gosnells representatives visited a lagoon-style pool in New South Wales.

Your Local Examiner reported that the two-day trip to Campbelltown cost about 9,366 dollars … paid through elected member training allowances.

Mayor Terresa Lynes and CEO Ian Cowie say the visit was due diligence for a project that could cost around 50 million dollars … and that there is no comparable facility in Western Australia.

The West Australian has published an apology to Perth Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves.

It says it wrongly asserted in an article in March that the Deputy Lord Mayor had falsely claimed he lodged a WorkSafe claim against the city CEO and administration at the city’s February council meeting.

The masthead has withdrawn any suggestion that Deputy Lord Mayor Goncalves misled or lied to council, and apologised to him for any harm or damage caused.

In Kalgoorlie-Boulder … a national review is backing the city’s long-running argument that regional aged care funding is not keeping up with the real costs of distance.

The federal review used Kalgoorlie-Boulder as a case study … finding the remoteness classification system can miss the pressure of workforce shortages and higher operating costs in isolated service hubs.

Deputy Mayor Terrence Winner says it matters because without staff … local services suffer.

The review recommends Kalgoorlie-Boulder be listed as an aged care “Priority Area” … a move the city says could support more stable, long-term funding for providers across the Goldfields.

Global Report

UK:

In the UK … a new pay tally is renewing scrutiny of council budgets.

The TaxPayers’ Alliance says 4,733 local authority employees took home more than one hundred thousand pounds in total remuneration last financial year … up 827 on the year before.

It says 1,255 earned at least one hundred and fifty thousand … and 366 topped two hundred thousand.

The group says its Town Hall Rich List has tracked an eightfold rise since 2005.

USA:

In Ft. Deposit, Alabama … a former mayor and a former city council candidate have been arrested … in an investigation into alleged absentee ballot fraud in last year’s city election.

WAKA News reported that former mayor Jacqulyn Boone and former council candidate Steven Thigpen are charged with unlawful use of absentee ballots … a Class C felony.

Both were declared winners in August 2025 … but the election was later set aside over irregularities … and a special election was held in January.

Under Alabama law … the offence carries up to ten years in prison.

CANADA:

In Vancouver … Mayor Ken Sim is asking council to take the next formal step toward a Major League Baseball team … as the league openly talks about expansion.

According to SportsNet, a motion due April 22 would direct city staff to launch an expression of interest … to find an ownership group with the money, experience and a workable plan to run a franchise.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has already said another Canadian club could make sense. But there are practical hurdles … including whether B.C. Place can be adapted for baseball … after renovations made the stadium less suitable.

Also from Vancouver, news this week of a new kind of hotel … floating in Coal Harbour.

CTV News reports that the City Council has approved a 250 room vessel from Finnish company Sunborn International … to be moored beside the convention centre.

Sunborn says the plan is temporary … and there is no firm timeline for arrival.

The City of Ottawa is trying a new way to tackle the problem of finding a family doctor.

CTV News reported that City Hall has hired its first “primary care ambassador” … a two‑year pilot role meant to coordinate with health providers and help recruit and retain doctors and nurse practitioners.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says the appointment will help make the system more connected and responsive for patients.

It’s estimated Ottawa needs about 270 new primary care providers … and more than 200,000 residents are without one.

NZ:

The ACT Party is launching a legislative bid to strip unelected representatives of voting rights on local council committees across New Zealand.

Leader David Seymour announced the campaign this week, seeking to amend the Local Government Act. He argues that only democratically elected officials should hold decision-making power over public funds and policy.

The move specifically targets arrangements in regions like the Far North and New Plymouth, where iwi and hapū appointees currently hold voting seats.

ACT describes the current system as a “democratic backslide,” while critics warn the move could undermine long-standing partnership agreements between local government and Māori.

SOUTH AFRICA:

In South Africa’s North West province … a forensic probe is raising fresh questions about accountability inside Tswaing Municipality.

Investigators say acting municipal manager Sello Maroga was paid a full municipal manager’s salary … even though rules required only an allowance topping up his provincial pay.

According to The Citizen, the report also finds council unlawfully extended his secondment beyond the term set by the provincial department … leaving the extension legally void.

The mayor has demanded answers … and wants the money repaid.