WA's new Local Government Inspector Tony Brown has selected his first council for proactive monitoring following recent controversies. Discover the details and what it means for governance.
A Geelong resident with a disability accuses the council of discrimination for refusing to seal a dangerous, potholed court. Belmont locals demand action on the safety hazard.
Four teenagers have been charged by Cairns police following a series of alleged car thefts and break-ins across the city. Read the latest on the police investigation.
ACT government confirms no dive pool at new Commonwealth Park aquatic centre, raising fears the facility may be lost forever. Community groups react with anger and scepticism.
Cairns Mayor Terry James faces fierce criticism from local MPs for leading the city's disaster management group from overseas during a cyclone alert. Read the full story.
Fed-up Geelong residents launch a bizarre protest over dangerous potholes, placing a historic toilet, traffic cones and phallic art in a major road crater. Read the full story.
Newcastle Herald readers speak out on federal MP allowances, the city's CBD revitalisation, and a writer's festival controversy. Read their unfiltered opinions.
Geelong Council unveils new Australia Day plans after cancelling the longstanding event. Discover the fresh approach and community-focused activities for 2025.
Victoria Park Council swiftly removed 'hateful' graffiti in Welshpool. Mayor Karen Vernon condemns the act, reaffirming the town's commitment to inclusion and diversity. Report urgent issues directly to council.
Geelong councillor Troy West faces intense criticism after labelling firefighters 'useless' in a social media rant. The backlash includes calls for his resignation.
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?
Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan's plan to remove the city's colourful waterfront bollards has been halted by Deputy Mayor Stretch Kontelj. The iconic landmarks will stay for now.
Yass Valley Council rejects moving the ACT border to keep lucrative Parkwood housing land, citing a 'substantial and growing revenue base' crucial for its financial future.
WA councils claim a loophole allowing some not-for-profits to dodge rates is costing them vital revenue for services. WALGA demands a $200k review to fix the system. Read more.
The Palaszczuk government cannot say when vital repairs to flood-damaged Mount Spec Road will be finished, leaving Paluma residents and businesses in limbo. Read the latest.
The Singleton Waste Management Facility will reopen on Monday following a major tip face fire in late December. Council crews worked around the clock on remediation. Read the latest updates.
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.
Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson hits back at critics as Jetty Road businesses report a bumper summer season following controversial street upgrades. Discover the full story.
Motorists in Torquay are being hit with fines due to unclear street parking signage. Discover the affected streets and how to avoid a penalty.
Townsville City Council crews are working overtime to repair hundreds of potholes plaguing city roads after heavy rain. See the impact and repair efforts.
Wollongong City Council will deploy surveillance cars to monitor timed parking zones from February 2026, replacing manual tyre chalking. The one-year trial aims to improve efficiency and turnover in high-demand areas.
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.
The husband of Murray-Wellington Shire President Linda Balcombe faces court over alleged harassing phone calls to a fellow councillor. Read the latest on this political scandal.
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.
Upper Hunter councillor Troy Stolz withdraws his application to join One Nation, citing discomfort with party policies and a lack of support for his key issues of gambling reform and whistleblower protection.
Geelong's 'WTF' campaign tackles a missing chicken, potholes, and more. Discover how the council's $1.2 million plan aims to fix community gripes. Read the full story.
Newcastle Herald readers share views on the 'loan' ferry's future, a cervical screening scare, and regional population growth. Discover the community's voice on local issues.
WA's first Local Government Inspector, Tony Brown, now has full powers to oversee councils, issue fines up to $24,000, and recommend suspensions. The reforms aim to stamp out poor conduct.
From a heroic water rescue to a shocking daylight robbery, revisit the viral video moments that captured Geelong's attention and sparked major conversations in 2025.
Annual reports show two Illawarra council CEOs received higher pay packets than Premier Chris Minns. Explore the figures and the reasons behind the salaries.