Today on the Local Government News Roundup:

• Indi leaders united in condemning violence in public life
• Port Phillip calls for cruise gateway master plan
• Ballarat consulting on a leadership shake-up
• A censure and a referral to the OLG at Kempsey Shire
• Cessnock takes on a social media giant over online abuse videos
• Two more councils considering massive rate rises
• Whale carcass problems on two coasts
• and the London council cutting more than 500 jobs

and much more local government news from across the country and beyond.

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.

In this episode:

Victoria

Wangaratta Council has formally condemned violence and intimidation in public life, and expressed its support for Indi Federal Member Dr Helen Haines, who at the time of recording remains in a critical condition in hospital.

At a special meeting on Wednesday, the Council carried a resolution responding to the serious incident in Wangaratta on Monday, involving an alleged attack on Dr Haines.

The Council resolved to stand alongside Dr Haines, her family and staff, and commend local business owner Mr Ricky Jefferies, who intervened.

It does not make findings about the incident, which remain matters for the relevant authorities.

The special council meeting was also attended by MPs, mayors and CEOs from across the Indi electorate, in a show of solidarity.

City of Port Phillip leaders are calling for an urgent master plan to overhaul the Waterfront Place precinct surrounding Station Pier.

According to the Herald Sun, councillors and business advocates have branded the major cruise gateway a desolate car park that fails to welcome international visitors.

With more than one hundred thousand tourists expected to disembark this summer, the council wants smaller hospitality offerings and retail spaces to activate the precinct.

Advocates argue that state government partnership is now essential to transform the underutilised crown land into a vibrant public destination.

Bass Coast Shire Council has unanimously rejected a planning permit for a new McDonald’s restaurant in Cowes, going against its own officers’ recommendations.

According to ABC News, the proposal drew thousands of community objections over local planning scheme consistency and traffic concerns.

McDonald’s has indicated it is considering its options to progress the site, which could include an appeal to VCAT.

Bass Coast Shire Council has deferred adoption of its annual report, after the document was found to be missing the signed Auditor-General’s report.

According to the Sentinel-Times, a local resident raised concerns about the omission ahead of Wednesday’s meeting. Mayor Cr Brett Tessari then moved to defer the item until formal certification is received.

The annual report must be presented at an open council meeting by October the thirty-first, so an additional meeting is expected within the next week, depending on when the certified accounts are returned.

The City of Ballarat is reportedly reducing its executive leadership team from five directorates down to four as part of a broader cost-saving strategy.

The Courier reported that the restructure involves three department head redundancies and the integration of economic development, tourism, and community services.

Chief executive Evan King said the proposed model is currently open for staff feedback ahead of a final decision by the end of October. Projected cost savings have not yet been disclosed.

The City of Greater Geelong is warning dog owners to take every precaution, after new figures showed a rise in serious dog attacks.

According to the Geelong Advertiser, serious attacks increased fourteen per cent to one hundred and three in twenty twenty-five to twenty twenty-six. Norlane, Highton and Corio were the most heavily represented suburbs.

Council succeeded in all twenty-two animal-management prosecutions it brought in the same period. Executive director of city life Mr Anthony Basford said many attacks occur after dogs escape their property or aren’t properly controlled in public.

The City of Greater Geelong has removed a makeshift bike jump in Armstrong Creek, citing safety risks and the difficulty of emergency access.

According to the Geelong Independent, council officers assessed the Creekward Drive site and removed the jump on Monday. The City says its officers experienced aggressive behaviour from community members during the initial inspection.

Geelong C-E-O Ali Wastie said “occupational violence and aggression are never acceptable”. She urged residents not to build or use illegal jumps, saying removals are costly for ratepayers, pointing them to the Ocean Grove District Ride Centre, which opened in August.

Central Goldfields Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council, and the City of Ballarat are lobbying state election candidates for improved rail connections across the Greater Ballarat region.

Current timetables provide only two daily return services, prompting local mayors to push for expanded schedules to support workforce and student mobility.

The push aligns with advocacy from public transport user groups seeking higher frequency services.

Meanwhile, the City of Whittlesea has launched a community campaign urging the Victorian Government to commit to a full upgrade of Donnybrook Road.

The Council says rapid population growth has pushed the vital transport corridor well beyond its current capacity, resulting in heavy congestion for local commuters.

The advocacy is part of four key priorities for the city leading up to the state election.

Boroondara council officers say the council, not the Planning Minister, should control the redevelopment of the former VicRoads site in Kew.

The Age reported this week that a State Government masterplan proposes up to six hundred and thirty homes, with Minister Sonya Kilkenny to have the final say.

The council’s acting urban planning manager, Mr Jock Farrow, wrote that given the site’s former public ownership and strategic importance, the council is the more appropriate authority.

Mitchell Shire Council has finished installing new and upgraded CCTV cameras at seventeen sites, including kindergartens, libraries, sporting facilities and town centres.

Another thirteen locations are scheduled for the twenty twenty-six to twenty-seven financial year, under seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars in federal election commitment funding over three years.

New South Wales

Kempsey Shire Council has formally censured Councillor Noel Selby following an independent investigation into a Code of Conduct breach.

At its meeting on Tuesday, the council accepted findings that Councillor Selby posted a controversial comment, prompting councillors to ask for his resignation.

Because censure is the maximum sanction available at the local level, the matter has been referred to the Office of Local Government for consideration of further action.

Mayor Kinne Ring stated that the decision balanced procedural fairness with community standards regarding violence against women.

Cr Selby has reportedly said he will not resign, claiming that his Facebook account was hacked.

Cessnock City Council and the United Services Union have demanded the immediate removal of Facebook videos targeting staff following a roadside altercation last week.

CEO Natalia Cowley and Mayor Daniel Watton have raised concerns that circulating footage exposes workers to ongoing cyberbullying and compromises community safety.

Mayor Watton said social media platforms must act swiftly to prevent online abuse from translating into physical harm.

Union representatives have used the incident to advocate for expanded New South Wales workplace protection orders to cover local government employees.

A motion to restrict smart glasses in Maitland Council pools, libraries, and administration buildings has been deferred until next year to accommodate assistive technology needs.

The proposed ban, brought forward by Independent Councillor Mitchell Griffin, mirrors similar restrictions already adopted by Newcastle and Port Stephens councils.

Wingecarribee Shire Council has resolved to proceed with a cumulative thirty-four point four per cent special rate variation over three years, from twenty twenty-seven to twenty twenty-eight.

The application goes to I-P-A-R-T in February, after more than twenty-seven hundred pieces of community feedback. Mayor Cr Erin Foley stressed that lodging an application does not mean approval.

Separately, a council spokesperson confirmed that Cr Sara Moylan was removed from the chamber for the rest of the meeting after declining to retract remarks the Mayor ruled brought council into disrepute.

Kiama Municipal Council will consult with the local community before deciding whether to apply for a 20 percent Special Rate Variation to address its ongoing structural deficit.

The decision follows the adoption of a Revenue Improvement Strategy and Strategic Asset Review, which were developed under the New South Wales Government Performance Improvement Order.

Council will investigate alternative revenue measures, including visitor-funded initiatives and paid parking for non-residents, ahead of any potential submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.

The discovery of a baby whale carcass floating off Lurline Bay, forced Randwick Council to close both Maroubra and Coogee beaches yesterday as a precaution, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Officials said there are no immediate plans to remove the carcass from the difficult to access rock ledge, with local authorities coordinating with Gamay Rangers on a culturally sensitive approach.

Public access to the surrounding rock shelf walkways may be restricted to manage crowds and protect community safety.

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore has been awarded the prestigious Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award at the New South Wales Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, celebrating female leadership and equitable practices across the sector.

At the same ceremony held at Parliament House, Singleton Council also secured the Excellence in Gender Equity Award for its workplace initiatives and supportive policies.

Central Coast Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Ms Melanie Smith, has won the Champion of Change Award

The award recognises a leader who has driven cultural and structural change to advance gender equity at their council. Mayor Cr John McNamara accepted it on her behalf.

Ballina Shire Council has been fined $2,500 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority for misusing a herbicide near a Lennox Head waterway and failing to keep required records.

The investigation was launched following a community report, highlighting the importance of public vigilance in protecting local waterways and wildlife.

Glen Innes Severn Council and the University of New England have joined forces to establish the Highlands Hub as part of the SMART Region Incubator network, boosting local entrepreneurial opportunities.

Announced during New South Wales Small Business Month, this new partnership will connect regional innovators with university expertise, mentoring, and dynamic community events.

Queensland

Gold Coast City Council has split over a confidential land sale proposed to fund the purchase of a strategic parcel in the Health and Knowledge Precinct.

Governance committee chair Brooke Patterson opposed the plan, arguing there was no officer report or community consultation prior to the vote.

Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel defended the motion, stating that councillors had received information on the site ahead of the decision.

According to the Gold Coast Bulletin, Mayor Tom Tate subsequently moved an amendment to review a list of surplus land at a special budget meeting on November 27.

The Local Government Association of Queensland annual conference has adopted a motion from the City of Moreton Bay calling on the State Government to enhance privacy protections for election candidates.

The proposal advocates for a formal candidate registration system to replace residential address disclosures.

Delegates also backed additional security measures for elected members and council officers facing increased safety risks.

A former outdoor worker is pursuing more than $1 million in damages through the Supreme Court after suffering a lower back injury while spreading mulch at a park in Hervey Bay.

Fraser Coast Regional Council is defending the claim, arguing that the worker used the wrong equipment, ignored flat terrain, and reaggravated an existing condition.

According to the Courier Mail, the matter remains before the court with no hearing date yet set.

Noosa Council is preparing to refer approximately $7 million in long standing rates and charges to a debt recovery agent this month.

According to a report presented to the October ordinary meeting, total rates arrears stood at $11.7 million at the end of September.

The initial debt recovery action under the revised policy will target about 800 ratepayer accounts with debts overdue by at least 12 months, according to Noosa Today.

Residential properties account for the majority of the analysed arrears, while ratepayers with approved payment or hardship arrangements remain excluded from the referrals.

Tasmania

Tasmania is facing a major local government shake-up as council elections enter their final week, with statewide council seats reduced by 50 and several high profile mayors stepping aside.

According to ABC News, voter turnout has reached roughly 55 per cent.

Hobart City Council and the Launceston City Council are seeing distinct voter concerns centered around CBD parking availability, bicycle infrastructure, and commercial revitalisation, while Clarence City Council faces localised pressure over proposed sporting infrastructure fee increases.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission reminds residents that voting is mandatory, with all remaining ballot papers required to be handed into local council offices by 2pm on Tuesday.

West Tamar Council has farewelled Mayor Cr Christina Holmdahl and Cr Richard Ireland at its meeting on Tuesday.

Neither are recontesting at these elections.

Mayor Cr Holmdahl has served seventeen years, twelve of them as Mayor. She was also President of the Local Government Association of Tasmania and Vice-President of the Australian Local Government Association. Cr Ireland was first elected in twenty fourteen.

City of Clarence C-E-O Ian Nelson has responded to the announcement that Chambroad has been granted a major project permit for a hotel at Kangaroo Bay.

Mr Nelson said the decision, like the earlier decision on major project status, should have been deferred until ownership of the land is determined. He said the status sets “a very low threshold” for future major project applications in Tasmania.

The City says the decision does not affect its Supreme Court action to enforce a contract to buy the land back from Chambroad. That hearing is set down for April twenty twenty-seven.

South Australia

The District Council of Karoonda East Murray has announced the appointment of Anne Champness as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Champness previously served as the chief executive of the Tatiara District Council.

Mayor Caroline Phillips said the incoming CEO has a deep understanding of rural communities and strategic governance. Ms Champness is scheduled to officially commence her duties on November 16.

Western Australia

A 56-year-old Perth man has been charged after allegedly threatening staff and wielding nunchucks at the electorate office of Western Australian local government minister Hannah Beazley.

Police arrested the man nearby following the disturbance on Wednesday afternoon, charging him with offences including being armed in a way that may cause fear.

The incident follows a severe attack on federal independent MP Helen Haines in Victoria earlier in the week, prompting renewed concern for the safety of electoral staff.

According to the Guardian, the minister confirmed her staff were rattled by the confrontation, though no injuries were reported.

The City of Stirling has called on the federal government to intervene following the planned closure of the Westfield Innaloo post office.

Mayor Mark Irwin has written to federal ministers and Australia Post to oppose the shutdown, citing the needs of older residents and public transport users.

Australia Post intends to close the long-standing outlet due to declining use, leaving alternative branches about two kilometres away.

All Cottesloe beaches remain closed today following the removal of a whale carcass that washed ashore at Dutch Inn Beach yesterday morning.

The Town of Cottesloe transported the carcass to a waste management facility using an excavator by midday as a safety precaution.

Officials will reassess beach safety this morning in consultation with the Shark Response Unit.

Tourism industry leaders from across Australia have gathered in the City of Busselton this week for the Australian Regional Tourism Convention.

The event marks the fifth major conference hosted at Saltwater Busselton since it opened earlier this year.

The four day convention is providing a significant economic boost to local businesses during the shoulder tourism season.

The Town of Port Hedland will assume direct management of its regional visitor centre starting November 1, following a strategic review of the facility’s future operating model.

As part of the transition, the centre will temporarily close for refurbishment works until its scheduled reopening in late January 2027.

Core visitor services will continue to operate from the nearby Turtle Interpretive Centre managed by Care for Hedland during the closure period.

The Town of Mosman Park is weighing a new draft trading policy that could allow local eateries to extend alfresco dining areas in front of neighbouring sites.

According to PerthNow, the proposed guidelines aim to streamline public trading while maintaining a mandatory 1.5 metre pedestrian clearance along footpaths. Councillors are scheduled to vote on the policy at an upcoming meeting.

International

UK:

Westminster City Council is cutting five hundred and twenty positions, amounting to fourteen percent of its workforce, in a restructuring plan designed to save twenty-nine million pounds.

The reductions will target managerial and senior bands rather than frontline services.

The authority confirmed the measure is part of ongoing efforts to address a projected one hundred and sixty million pound funding gap by 2029. Affected staff will be expected to leave the organisation between April and December next year.

Ten councillors have resigned from the Ashfield Independents group following the fraud conviction of their former leader, according to the BBC.

The mass departure leaves the group sitting just one member away from losing its overall majority on Ashfield District Council.

Jason Zadrozny was found guilty of nine counts of fraud and four of tax evasion before his resignation, but he has since been given a seat on the council’s planning committee.

New government figures show that councils across England are on track to resurface nearly 7,000 miles of local roads this year, representing a 10% increase on the previous period.

Total road maintenance spending has reached £4.9 billion, supported by the national administration’s multi-billion-pound infrastructure funding programme.

This week the government announced that an additional £220 million in incentive-based funding has now been released to local authorities meeting strict performance targets.

USA:

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott summoned public safety leaders to City Hall this week following a recent spike in multi-victim shootings that threatens the city’s downward trend in gun violence.

According to reporting by The Banner, October has become the deadliest month of the year with 17 homicides recorded so far.

Police Commissioner Richard Worley said the department plans to intensify targeted traffic stops and increase direct community engagement in high-risk areas.

Meanwhile, city officials are working closely with community-based groups and violence interrupters to deploy additional local resources.

CANADA:

The mayor’s office in Windsor, Ontario said yesterday that local risks remain very low following an industrial chemical leak and tank explosion across the border in Toledo, Ohio.

Emergency services in Toledo ordered local evacuations and shelter-in-place directives after glycidyl methacrylate was released into the atmosphere.

According to the Canadian Press, prevailing wind patterns and distance are protecting the Canadian municipality from airborne hazards.

Municipal authorities continue to monitor air quality levels as international environmental ministries assess the ongoing containment operation.

An emergency motion requiring Montreal’s police chief to address serious misconduct allegations against officers within seven days was rejected on Monday by the city’s Mayor Soraya Martinez-Ferrada, according to Montreal CityNews.

The proposal, brought forward by the official opposition, sought immediate explanations regarding separate incidents at neighbourhood stations.

While the administration voted against an immediate address, a revised motion ensures the City of Montreal Public Security Commission will hold closed-door and public sessions regarding the ongoing investigations.

NZ:

According to Stuff, Rotorua Lakes Council has ejected one of its members following a heated disagreement over the administration of Crown-owned reserve land.

Councillor Robert Lee was removed from the chamber after challenging a proposal to relinquish the local authority’s role as the administering body.

Mayor Tania Tapsell called on councillor Lee to withdraw and apologise for comment made during debate, an order that he refused to follow.

That followed a threat of ejection