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?
A controversial Teralba development is back, proposing 24 lots and a sewer pump station. Residents previously cited traffic, bushfire and flooding concerns. Read the latest.
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.
Queensland and Western Australia are forecast to lead Australia's property market in 2026, driven by major infrastructure projects. Experts identify the key suburbs to watch for growth. Discover where to invest now.
Annual reports show two Illawarra council CEOs received higher pay packets than Premier Chris Minns. Explore the figures and the reasons behind the salaries.
A Townsville man's property was inundated with raw sewage following heavy rain, causing a health hazard. He demands action from the council. Read the full story.
A Kiama developer has successfully added a fifth level to a Surf Beach apartment complex via the Land and Environment Court, securing approval for five extra units. Read the full details and conditions.
Muswellbrook mayor Jeff Drayton defends council's approval process for the $50 million Denman Park Estate, as developer warns project is at 'brink of commercial unviability'. Read the full story.
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.
Plans for the old Bulli Hospital site redevelopment have been revised, with Landcom proposing a two-stage subdivision due to complexities along the southern boundary. Read the latest.
Plans lodged to replace the 50-year-old Boat Harbour Motel in Wollongong with a dual-tower apartment complex featuring affordable housing. Public exhibition open until February 9.
Townsville businessman Troy Thompson has suffered another legal defeat in his long-running dispute with the Townsville City Council over a CBD property. Read the full details of the court's decision.
A series of contentious planning decisions by the City of Greater Geelong council has left the local development community sharply divided, with some projects approved and others rejected.
Wollongong and Shellharbour councils announce altered bin collection schedules over Christmas. Find out your new collection days and extra recycling services.
Newcastle councillors demand the return of a state fund to offset unpredictable mine subsidence costs, arguing its 2023 scrapping has stalled housing projects and $3B in investment.
Perth CBD's transformation hinges on a cycle: residents need amenity, amenity needs residents. Developers like Finbar's Ronald Chan see well-designed apartments as key to unlocking true city living.
The NSW government's draft planning framework proposes merging the Hunter and Central Coast into a single region. The Property Council calls for a clear metropolitan strategy to unlock housing and jobs.
A beloved 80-year-old rain tree in Cairns, deemed dangerous, must be removed. The extensive root damage has also condemned the adjacent family home, leaving owners devastated.
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.
WA's Property Council erupts over a new $300 million CBD parking tax, warning it will cripple Perth's economic recovery and hurt workers. Read the full details.
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.
Newcastle Council approves changes to an eight-storey Hall Street development, swapping one-bedroom units for three-bedroom apartments in response to market demand. Read the full details.
A development application for seven four-bedroom townhouses near the Mount Ousley interchange has been submitted. The proposal cites proximity to transport and the University of Wollongong as key benefits. Read the details.
Perth dental surgeon Jacky Chan has been struck off for four years after secretly photographing up women's skirts. Read the full details of the tribunal's ruling.