A federal inquiry examines the worsening financial state of Australian local governments, with Hunter councils highlighting unsustainable costs from climate change, tourism, and state mandates. Will it lead to real change?
Discover five exciting new cafes and restaurants in Perth to visit this summer, from buzzy Cottesloe eateries to a coastal club in Yanchep. Your guide to the best new food and drink spots.
Less than 5% of Cessnock households responded to a survey on a proposed 39.9% rate increase, with 82% opposed. Council faces a crucial vote amid claims of survey bias and cost-of-living concerns. Read the full story.
Newcastle ratepayers demand answers as council CEO's $608k package exceeds the Premier's pay. Former councillor reveals how Hunter coal mines triggered a 'relativity' salary spiral across local government.
Lake Macquarie City Council reveals a draft $80 million capital works plan for 2026-27, with over half earmarked for its fire-damaged Speers Point administration building. Discover the community projects set to benefit.
Global pop star Addison Rae cooled off at Cottesloe Beach before her high-energy Wildlands Festival performance, telling the Perth crowd she 'wants to live here'. Read more.
Annual reports show two Illawarra council CEOs received higher pay packets than Premier Chris Minns. Explore the figures and the reasons behind the salaries.
Perth's beloved Sculpture by the Sea exhibition is back for 2026 after a year's absence due to a federal funding cut. The free event runs from March 6-23. Read more.
A Port Stephens canoe club's missing trailer, thought stolen for scrap, was discovered impounded by council rangers. Read how a mix-up over registration led to the costly confusion.
Wollongong and Shellharbour councils announce altered bin collection schedules over Christmas. Find out your new collection days and extra recycling services.
Perth councils secure increased police patrols at iconic beaches like Cottesloe this weekend following Sydney's Bondi terror attack. Community leaders call for reassurance.
Newcastle councillors are urging the NSW government to fund a major upgrade of public toilets, citing high costs and the need for accessibility. A state inquiry backed their call.
Newcastle councillors have deferred a major plan to revitalise Civic Park and surrounds, citing a $70 million price tag and more pressing community priorities like safer streets and drainage.
Code of conduct complaints at Newcastle City Council have doubled in two years, costing ratepayers over $62,000. Nine complaints were lodged, with four still pending. Read the full report.
East Fremantle councillors have unanimously voted to receive superannuation payments, backdated to the October elections. The move aligns the Town with larger councils.
Townsville City Council is recruiting 30 new staff in a major 'back to basics' drive to improve core services like parks, roads, and waste. Mayor Troy Thompson leads the overhaul.
Cottesloe councillor Katy Mason has resigned and is moving to Nedlands. She is considering running in the upcoming Nedlands council election. Read the full story.
The WACA's CEO has formally requested a 10-year exemption from council rates, worth an estimated $2.5 million, to aid the historic ground's financial future. Read the full story.
Perth fashion blogger Rahnee Bransby announces engagement to long-term partner Jian with a golden hour proposal video, following a stressful eviction from their Cottesloe home earlier this year. Read the full story.
WA Government to extend planning controls along Fremantle train line for medium to high-density housing. Local councils express concern over existing plans being overridden.
Recent council decisions show common sense in short supply as official petitions get sidelined. Discover how local governance is being undermined across Australia.
Audit reveals Douglas Shire Council paid former employee triple their wage as contractor. Investigation uncovers serious procurement breaches and governance failures.
WA Planning Commission now controls development around 10 train stations, sidelining local councils' years of planning work. Cottesloe, Mosman Park affected.
Joondalup residents face potential service cuts as the city council confronts a $20 million operational deficit. Learn how this budget crisis could impact your community.
Maitland Council expresses disappointment as cruise ships cancel visits following Newcastle's approval of Rising Tide protest, costing local businesses millions.
Kiama's historic police residence faces severe deterioration with falling gutters and overgrown vegetation. Council unanimously backs motion seeking state government assistance for restoration.
Cottesloe's beloved Ol' Buoy coffee kiosk has ended its winter break, serving coffees, acai bowls, and burgers beneath the Indiana Tea House for its fifth summer.
Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud warns next year's budget will be the 'hardest ever' as council works to meet state government requirements for financial recovery.
Wollongong Council has approved halving developer contributions for new hotels to 1%, sparking debate over lost revenue versus tourism incentives. Read the full story.
Four Albion Park residents petition Shellharbour Council for an acoustic barrier and double glazing to combat 'unhealthy' traffic noise and pollution from Ashburton Drive.