Coulsons Creek Road reopens after five-year closure
Upper Hunter farmers celebrate as the critical Coulsons Creek Road reopens just before Christmas, ending a costly five-year detour. The $60 million project fixes a botched council upgrade.
Category : Local Government
New Toilet Blocks Fast-Tracked for Townsville Parks
Townsville City Council accelerates construction of new public toilets at Pallarenda and Rowes Bay parks after securing additional funding. Read about the local upgrade.
Sydney Islamic Centre Closed by Council Over Unauthorised Use
Canterbury Bankstown Council has shut down the Al Madina Dawah Centre, an unauthorised prayer hall linked to cleric Wissam Haddad. The centre lacked proper approval and has faced previous compliance issues.
Muswellbrook Shire proposes 29% mining rate hike
Muswellbrook Shire Council is consulting on a Special Rate Variation for mining land to address a looming $5 million annual revenue shortfall. The move aims to protect community services and fund economic transition.
Councillor Vera Dirou's $5000 Donation to Women's Centre
Townsville Councillor Vera Dirou has made a generous $5000 donation to the Women's Centre for a second consecutive year, supporting vital local services. Read about this inspiring community commitment.
McDonald's plan near Toukley Public School rejected
A $5 million McDonald's proposal opposite Toukley Public School has been formally rejected by Central Coast Council, ending a year-long community fight over traffic and safety concerns.
Canberra's outdoor pool crisis deepens as developers move in
Canberra faces a severe shortage of outdoor public pools as developers replace them with indoor facilities. With a population set to hit 800,000, experts warn the current trend is unsustainable. Read more.
Cairns cemetery buyback scheme yields just five more years
Cairns Regional Council's grave buyback scheme has secured only five additional years of burial space. Mayor Terry James calls for urgent state government action on new cemetery land.
Political Leaders Unite for $100M Townsville CBD Overhaul
Queensland's political leaders unite to back a major $100 million overhaul for Townsville's CBD revival, aiming to transform Flinders Street and boost the local economy. Read the full plan.
Former Cambridge Mayor Escapes Censure, Must Apologise
Former Town of Cambridge mayor Keri Shannon has been ordered to issue a public apology and pay costs but avoids formal censure by the State Administrative Tribunal. Get the full details.
Extra Police at Perth Beaches After Bondi Attack
Perth councils secure increased police patrols at iconic beaches like Cottesloe this weekend following Sydney's Bondi terror attack. Community leaders call for reassurance.
Inquiry says no Hawker land sale to Woolworths before consultation
A parliamentary inquiry has recommended the ACT government halt Woolworths' proposed land purchase at Hawker Village until extensive community consultation is completed. Read the details.
Melbourne Teen Riot: 15 Arrested, Police Injured
Chaos erupted in Melbourne's CBD as a large group of teens clashed with police, leaving officers injured and leading to 15 arrests. Full details on the disturbance and police response.
Newcastle maritime collection faces storage crisis
Newcastle's nationally significant maritime heritage collection is homeless as its lease expires in March 2026. Councillors clash over accountability and solutions for the 8,500-item cache.
Vincent Council Backs Safe Marketplace Trading Site
The City of Vincent moves to create a secure exchange zone for online marketplace deals, aiming to reduce scams and increase safety for residents. A detailed report is due in three months.
Skip bin screening proposal dumped in City of Canning
A push to conceal large skip bins from public view in the City of Canning has been rejected by council. The on-call service sees 1500 bins used monthly. Read the debate.
Wanneroo scraps $21m Scenic Park sports hub plan
The City of Wanneroo has abandoned its controversial $21.2 million Scenic Park sports hub proposal following strong community opposition. Read about the council's decision and future plans.
Fremantle Council Tightens Rules for New Small Bars
Fremantle Council has voted to change planning rules, requiring new small bars to seek approval to address noise issues. Find out what this means for the port city's nightlife.
Wollongong's $140M waste contract awarded to Remondis
Wollongong City Council has finalised a new seven-year domestic waste management contract worth over $140 million with Remondis, starting July 2027. Read the details of the deal.
Beeliar Reserve upgrade plan gets poor reception
Nearly half of Cockburn residents say a proposed $7 million upgrade for Beeliar Reserve and Community Centre is inadequate. Read the community's concerns and the council's response.
Cockburn Council to hear petitions after 8-year hiatus
Cockburn councillors vote 7-2 to bring public petitions back to council meetings, overturning a 2017 policy. The move aims to enhance local democracy despite staff concerns over cost.
East Fremantle audit blowout, report deadline missed
The Town of East Fremantle faces a doubling of audit fees and a missed deadline for its annual report, linked to the East Fremantle Community Park finances. Read the latest local government update.
Murray CEO Dean Unsworth named 2025 Local Government Leader
Shire of Murray CEO Dean Unsworth has been awarded the 2025 Local Government Leader of the Year title at the IPAA WA Achievement Awards. Discover his collaborative leadership and key achievements.
Canning Council Backs Mayor's World Cities Summit Trip
Canning Council votes 7-2 to fund Mayor Patrick Hall's trip to the 2025 World Cities Summit in Singapore, sparking debate over the city's global role and foreign-funded travel.
Birubi beach parking closure raises safety, traffic concerns
Port Stephens Council's decision to keep 105 car spaces closed at Birubi Point this summer has locals fearing for swimmer safety and predicting traffic gridlock. Read the full story.
Council seeks $3M for Great Ocean Road landslide fix
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.
South Perth joins opposition to $217.5m racetrack
The City of South Perth has voted to oppose the controversial $217.5 million Perth Street Circuit, citing poor consultation and better uses for public funds. Read the council's full stance.
Council calls for state cash to fix public toilets
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.
Melbourne councillor pledges fees to fight period poverty
A City of Melbourne councillor has vowed to donate her sitting fees to support menstrual charity Share the Dignity after a tied council vote. Discover the debate on local government's role in ending period poverty.
Babinda Pool closure fight: Councillor warns of town's soul
A Cairns councillor warns closing Babinda's iconic pool will 'rip out the town's heart'. Locals rally against the plan, fearing devastating social and economic impacts. Read the full story.
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