Local Government News Roundup

<p>Australia’s no.1 podcast for local government news and views, hosted by veteran media presenter and senior executive Chris Eddy. Brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.</p>

Project delays, waste issues, and another demerger?

On episode #332 of the Local Government News Roundup:All eyes are on the Victorian budget this week with delays and cuts predicted for major infrastructure projectsDisruptions expected from industrial action at Ballarat councilMelbourne councils in the news over waste collection issuesA Sydney community in shock after the sudden death of a popular mayorAnother NSW council looks at demerger optionsTownsville council chooses an interim CEOAdelaide council rates rises under the spotlightAnd big changes for councils in England after last week’s electionsPlus more news from around the world of local government. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

05-05
21:50

Councillors suspended, removed from office, and targeted by cybercriminals

On the Local Government News Roundup for Friday 3rd May:New governance and integrity standards for Victorian Councils unveiledA Melton councillor suspended and ordered to apologise over Facebook postsThe Tasmanian Premier critical of a Victorian CouncilThe results of a countback at Moonee Valley councilA NSW councillor removed from office for non-attendance at Council meetingsA two-term mayor announces she won’t contest the upcoming mayoral electionA newly elected mayor targeted by cybercriminalsand two council CEO appointments this week in Western AustraliaPlus more news from around the world of local government in Australia and beyond. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

05-02
23:44

Darebin monitored again, conduct reforms, and a corrupt conduct finding

On episode #330 of the Local Government News Roundup:Municipal monitors return to Darebin City CouncilGovernance and integrity reforms introduced to the Victorian ParliamentA Victorian mayor steps downICAC makes a corrupt conduct finding against former council and state government employeesTownsville’s new mayor the subject of an integrity investigationA council’s use of AI to more efficiently detect road defectsand council worker wages under the spotlight in the UK ahead of local elections this week.Plus more news from around the world of local government in Australia and beyond. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-30
26:31

Roundup Unfiltered - Kelly Grigsby, CEO Municipal Association of Victoria

Joining Chris Eddy on Roundup Unfiltered is Kelly Grigsby,  the Chief Executive of Victoria’s main peak body for councils - the Municipal Association of Victoria.Kelly takes time out to tell us what appealed to her about the MAV role and her plans to take the organisation through this election year and beyond.Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-29
24:11

Policy rejected, investigation ordered, and local democracy under attack

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:Ballarat councillors vote down a contentious policy on formal positionsTensions arise between heritage preservation and housing needsTraditional owners upset at a council’s changed position on 26th January eventsThe NSW Local Government Minister orders an investigation into Liverpool CouncilArmidale Council calls a halt to the New England Rail TrailThe threat to New Zealand’s international reputation from a fast track approvals planAnd opposition builds against a proposed bill in Canada described as a threat to local democracyPlus much more from around the world of local government in Australia and beyond. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-28
24:55

CEO suspended, Council on notice, and a Brazilian Butt Lift warning

Coming up on the Local Government News Roundup for Friday 26th April 2024:An interim CEO appointed in Victoria; a Council CEO stood down in Sydney; and another Queensland CEO departs after the recent elections A major sewage leak may lead to prosecution of Gold Coast City CouncilA WA council on notice from the government to clean up its actA major UK Council issues a warning about Brazilian Butt Lift proceduresAnd much more news from around the world of local government. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-25
23:18

Torn between two councils, and an 'old sexist trope'

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:A sexist newspaper cartoon about a council CEO prompts a complaint to the Press CouncilThe number of Melbourne parks with confirmed asbestos increases to 19Concerns that vulnerable residents will be left behind in a multimillion dollar housing estate redevelopmentA call for national standardisation of kerbside recycling binsA council worker fined over a grader crashHobart’s new city councillor revealedA mayor’s bid to decide a CEO appointment rejected by his councilQueensland councils facing a $2.2B infrastructure funding gapAnd new research on the declining levels of trust in government at all levels in the UK Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-23
22:23

After hours cyber attack, disendorsement fears, and garbage cafes

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:An after-hours service provider to local councils hit by a cyber attackA controversial apartment tower gets the green light in FrankstonA 24-hour cat curfew back on the agenda for Greater Geelong councilDisendorsement concerns for as many as 20 Labor councillors in NSWCouncils and the NSW government at odds over funding for water pollution testingNoosa Shire considering a congestion tax for touristsAnd the US council considering an innovative pay-to-foster scheme to reduce overcrowding in animal shelters Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-21
21:13

Supermarket deal questioned, CEO cleared and councillor dispute escalates

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:More sites impacted by the discovery of asbestos in Melbourne’s westResidents oppose a Banyule Council deal with WoolworthsMaribyrnong Council refutes claims it is responsible for the cancellation of a new venue’s opening eventWaverley Council to hold a community vigil for victims of the Bondi Junction tragedyTwo NSW Councils make CEO level appointmentsA dispute over a Tasmanian council’s GM recruitment takes another twistAnd the cost of Hong Kong’s first ‘patriots only’ council elections revealed Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-18
24:20

A 'devastating' decision, allegations refuted and a retraction ordered

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:Municipal monitors reappointed at Glenelg ShireA new council area caught up in the current wave of Asbestos contaminationA Sydney mayor determined to fight a devastating state government decisionA massive deal in the works between the Gold Coast and the NFLA mayor refutes allegations of threats against councillors, while another accuses councillors of corruption and collusionA new local government minister in South Australia Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-16
23:06

🔒 Subscriber Heads Up - 16th April 2024

Subscriber-only episodeA subscriber only heads up on breaking news stories we're following ahead of the next regular episode of the Local Government News Roundup.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-15
02:49

An 'inexcusable mistake', resignations and threats

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:The latest on asbestos investigations in Melbourne’s westThe closure of a netball facility due to recurring mouldA floating sauna project in the northeast ignites controversyA Sydney mayor responds to a tragic incidentNSW housing reforms progress, with mixed reactions from councilsAn embarrassing start to the new term for Brisbane City CouncilTownsville’s CEO the latest in Queensland to resign following recent electionsAnd councillors in Tasmania claimed they have been threatened with jail terms over a general manager recruitment process. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-14
23:22

Cost-shifting pushback, meeting disruptions, and another Qld CEO resigns

On the Roundup for 12th April 2024;Reaction to the return of monitors to Greater GeelongA Melbourne council to stop maintaining state government owned assetsCootamundra-Gundagai’s demerger proposal goes on public exhibitionPolice called to a meeting of Shoalhaven City CouncilA Tasmanian deputy mayor taking the step up to state parliamentAnother Queensland Council CEO resignsAnd a WA Mayor storms out of a public meeting amid accusations of misogynyPlus more local government news from across Australia and beyond. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-11
22:36

More monitors, asbestos updates, and CEOs depart

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup for 10th April 2024:Municipal monitors back at city hall in Greater GeelongInvestigations continue into asbestos discoveries in local parks, with more sites being testedBoroondara criticised over a plan to restore concrete roadsA NSW CEO announces retirement;A mayor advocates for councils to be stripped of more planning powersThe appointment of a new CEO for the City of Launceston announcedAnd another Queensland CEO resigns after a new council is sworn-inPlus more news from around the world of local government in Australia and beyond. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-09
23:41

Asbestos contamination spreads, and a "serious and ongoing deficit"

Today on the Local Government News Roundup:More asbestos discovered in parks across Melbourne’s westCalls for an overhaul of the Victorian disaster payments system as councils are left out of pocketA council to stop issuing building permits, while another opts to stay in the aged care spaceThe NSW council seeks a cash injection from the sale of a host of Council properties; while another to talk to its community about its serious and ongoing deficit problemAnd the mayor who wants council rangers to be able to arrest crime suspectsPlus more news from across the world of local government across Australia and beyond. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-07
23:24

CEO arrivals, departures and extensions, and a national government over-reach

On the Local Government News Roundup for 5th April 2024Council CEO arrivals, departures and extensions across three states A council in Melbourne’s west responds to discovery of asbestos at a local playgroundA new place naming policy to stand at Baw Baw Shire after a rescission motion fails to get the numbersDe-amalgamation on the agenda at a Sydney councilA controversial special council meeting in Alice Springs abandoned, just minutes after it beganThe NZ government criticised for over-reach into local government over the creation of Maori wardsAnd much more news from around the world of local government in Australia and beyond Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-04
22:16

A surprise resignation, no prosecution, and a most cantankerous council

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:The abrupt resignation of a councillor part way through a Council meeting;Reports that key Operation Sandon witnesses have been told they will not face prosecution;A Sydney council removes public forums from its formal Council meetings;An historic funding agreement for rebuilding roads and bridges in Lismore;New mayors take office in QueenslandA WA councillor under fire for his support of Russian President Vladimir PutinPlus more news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

04-01
22:28

A CEO resigns, a mayor concedes, and Sally Capp to step down

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:A Council CEO resignsGreater Geelong returns to the G21 allianceLatrobe’s future-focussed plan for municipal wasteWarrnambool to review animal shelter managementConstruction projects halted in ShoalhavenA cashless transition in DubboA long-standing mayor concedes defeat in QueenslandA Tasmanian mayor’s higher political ambitionsand arrests made over the 2018 alleged murder of a South American councillorand in breaking news, Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp announces she is stepping down.Plus much more news from the world of local government across Australia and beyond. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

03-27
24:12

A fringe takeover, a new museum, and local government plays matchmaker

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup for Monday 25th March 2024;Claims that fringe party groups are taking over the City of Greater Geelong;A $36M price tag for technology upgrades at Darebin;Brimbank to be the home for Australia’s first Vietnamese Museum;The NSW Government ordered to pay $200M to a local council;A remote council calls for government help to manage its water responsibilities;A former UK council leader found to have bullied staff, and creating a toxic environment;How local governments in Japan are using AI to play matchmaker to combat declining birth rates;and much more news from around the world of local government in Australia and beyond. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

03-24
22:03

Walkout halts Council meeting, and a new inquiry into local government sustainability

Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup, for Friday 22nd March 2024:A councillor walk out leaves a Council meeting without a quorumA council’s call for more collaboration and transparency on Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop projectA new federal inquiry into the financial sustainability of local governmentA council’s push to declare all meetings between councillors and local resident groupsThe performance of Queensland’s electoral commission under fire as complaints pile up from the weekend’s council electionsThe staggering cost to fix the parlous state of local roads across EnglandA group of mayors shining a light on the importance of Councils to a community’s health and wellbeingAnd much more news from around the world of local government in Australia and beyond. Support the Show.Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.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 Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities. Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.

03-21
27:54

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