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?
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.
NSW Department of Education to publish public school capacity for non-local students from 2026. Find out which Illawarra schools have space and the new transparent enrolment system.
Melrose High School rejected dozens of out-of-area applications despite capacity, as ACT introduces enrolment caps to balance student numbers across government schools. Read the full story.
Relive May 2025 in Canberra: David Smith narrowly holds Bean against Jessie Price, and the Lanyon community saves its beloved Point Hut Dog Exercise Area. See the gallery.
Annual reports show two Illawarra council CEOs received higher pay packets than Premier Chris Minns. Explore the figures and the reasons behind the salaries.
Three men were rescued from a capsized vessel off Shoal Bay after encountering large waves. Marine police responded to the early morning incident on January 1.
The illegal spearing of a protected blue groper on the Central Coast has reignited community fury and calls for a marine protected area near Terrigal. Discover why this 'puppy dog of the sea' is so vulnerable.
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.
Police renew search for a woman missing in remote South Australia. Concerns mount as authorities seek public help to locate her. Follow the latest updates.
Two 15-year-old girls arrested over alleged assault of a 13-year-old at Mordialloc Beach. Police seek witnesses and the man who intervened. Incident followed chaotic teen brawl at same location.
A desperate search for a 34-year-old fisherman missing from Shell Cove's Bushrangers Bay has been scaled back. Emergency services combed the area for two days without success.
Wollongong and Shellharbour councils announce altered bin collection schedules over Christmas. Find out your new collection days and extra recycling services.
Andy Pobjoy, owner of Geelong's Piano Bar, announces his bid for Liberal Party preselection in the seat of Corangamite. Discover his platform and local political ambitions.
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.
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.
Two rodeo bulls caused chaos in Pakenham, Melbourne, leading police and cowboys on a three-hour chase through residential streets. Watch the dramatic footage.
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.
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.