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?
An Adelaide City Councillor moves to pull funding from Writers' Week, proposing a rival 'guerilla festival' for 2026. Explore the potential impact on the city's cultural landscape.
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.
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 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.
The Town of Cambridge has paused all unplanned upgrades to community facilities and open spaces for 12-24 months. The move aims to develop a strategic master plan for future recreation investments. Have your say in the upcoming consultation.
Wollongong and Shellharbour councils announce altered bin collection schedules over Christmas. Find out your new collection days and extra recycling services.
Surf Coast Shire Council urgently requests $3 million from the state government to repair a complex landslide on the Great Ocean Road. The damage threatens the iconic route's stability and safety.
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.
Newcastle Council urges state government to provide special disaster funding for 16 households displaced by the New Lambton landslip, facing financial ruin and trauma as insurance support runs out. Read the full story.
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.
Internal emails show the Australian Research Council is planning staff cuts despite an expanded workload. Senator Pocock accuses the ARC of a secret restructure. Read the full investigation.
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.
Surf Coast Shire confronts a $12 million rehabilitation bill for the Anglesea tip site. Council explores funding options as community awaits solutions. Read more.
South Australia becomes the sole state without government funding for its homelessness peak body, raising concerns about sector advocacy and support services during housing crisis.
Audit reveals Douglas Shire Council paid former employee triple their wage as contractor. Investigation uncovers serious procurement breaches and governance failures.
Townsville's new mayor Troy Thompson demands Queensland government fully fund $50 million road upgrade for Kings Road. Local residents frustrated by delays.
Katter's Australian Party Senator Dametto pledges collaboration with Townsville's new mayor, advocating for critical infrastructure projects and economic growth.
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.
Federal government pledges $15.4 billion for South Road upgrades and new Adelaide parklands. Historic investment to transform transport and green spaces.
Up to 350 CSIRO research roles face cuts nationally, putting Newcastle's 150 energy research positions in limbo until early 2026. Learn how this impacts Australia's clean energy future.
Western Australian parents and students deliver emotional letters to state parliament protesting the education funding crisis. Read their powerful stories and demands for change.
Maitland Council expresses disappointment as cruise ships cancel visits following Newcastle's approval of Rising Tide protest, costing local businesses millions.