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29body=Check%20out%20this%20story%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flgnewsroundup.com%2Fposts%2Fconsultation-frustration-accusations-of-neglect-and-highlighting-geelong-design-week-649%2F" aria-label="Share via email"> <svg width="16" height="16" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"><rect x="2" y="4" width="20" height="16" rx="2"></rect><path d="m22 7-8.97 5.7a1.94 1.94 0 0 1-2.06 0L2 7"></path></svg> <span>Email</span> </a> </div> </div> </nav> <header class="post-header"> <div class="post-topline"> <div class="post-meta-row"> <time datetime="2026-10-07T06:01:00"> <svg class="post-meta-icon" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"><rect x="3" y="4" width="18" height="18" rx="2" ry="2"></rect><line x1="16" y1="2" x2="16" y2="6"></line><line x1="8" y1="2" x2="8" y2="6"></line><line x1="3" y1="10" x2="21" y2="10"></line></svg> Wed, 7 Oct 2026 </time> <span class="post-meta-sep">·</span> <span class="post-meta-reading"> <svg class="post-meta-icon" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"><circle cx="12" cy="12" r="10"></circle><polyline points="12 6 12 12 16 14"></polyline></svg> 10 min read 30</span> </div> <div class="post-tag-wrap" data-pagefind-ignore> <div class="post-tag-row" id="post-tag-row"> <span class="post-pill">Canada</span><span class="post-pill">CEO</span><span class="post-pill">Mayor</span><span class="post-pill">New South Wales</span><span class="post-pill">New Zealand</span><span class="post-pill">Queensland</span><span class="post-pill">Tasmania</span><span class="post-pill">United Kingdom</span><span class="post-pill">United States</span><span class="post-pill">Victoria</span><span class="post-pill">Western Australia</span> </div> <button class="post-tag-toggle" id="post-tag-toggle" type="button" hidden></button> </div> </div> <h1 class="post-title">Consultation frustration, accusations of neglect, and highlighting Geelong Design Week â #649</h1> </header> <figure class="post-hero post-hero--portrait" data-pagefind-ignore> <img src="https://i0.wp.com/wp.lgnewsroundup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/graeme-milne.jpeg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" alt="" class="post-hero-img" loading="eager"> </figure> <div class="card poll-card poll-card--story story-poll-placement poll-card--hidden" data-poll-widget data-poll-variant="story" data-wp-base-url="https://wp.lgnewsroundup.com" aria-label="Weekly poll"> <!-- Placeholder shown while loading --> <div class="poll-placeholder" data-poll-placeholder hidden> <span class="poll-kicker">Weekly Poll</span> <p class="poll-story-intro">Have your say before continuing with the story.</p> <div class="poll-placeholder-body"> <div class="poll-placeholder-line poll-placeholder-line--wide"></div> <div class="poll-placeholder-line"></div> <div class="poll-placeholder-line"></div> <div class="poll-placeholder-line poll-placeholder-line--short"></div> </div> </div> </div> <section class="post-body wp-prose"> 31<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Today on the Local Government News Roundup:</p> 32 33 34 35<ul class="wp-block-list"> 36<li class="">Frustration in Victoria’s northwest as a council calls out an ill-timed consultation process</li> 37 38 39 40<li class="">Two city mayors accuse the government of neglecting a critical development precinct</li> 41 42 43 44<li class="">Clarence Valley calls for an investigator, but may get an administrator instead</li> 45 46 47 48<li class="">Maitland council overturns a controversial decision to sell community parkland</li> 49 50 51 52<li class="">Charters Towers Council wins a court challenge against its rating of mining land</li> 53 54 55 56<li class="">A councillor calls security… on his own mother,</li> 57 58 59 60<li class="">and we shine a spotlight on Geelong Design Week underway now in the City of Greater Geelong</li> 61</ul> 62 63 64 65<p class="wp-block-paragraph">All of that and more just ahead on Australiaâs number one local government podcast.</p> 66 67 68 69<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1726495" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Listen now wherever you listen to podcasts.</a></p> 70 71 72 73<div class="lg-episode-player" id="buzzsprout-player-19918250"><iframe src="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1726495/episodes/19918250-consultation-frustration-accusations-of-neglect-and-highlighting-geelong-design-week-649?client_source=small_player&iframe=true" loading="lazy" width="100%" height="200" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="Consultation frustration, accusations of neglect, and highlighting Geelong Design Week - #649"></iframe></div> 74 75<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the <a href="https://www.vlga.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victorian Local Governance Association</a>, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from <a href="https://www.symphony3.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Symphony3</a> – simple, connected customer experiences; and <a href="https://www.rathed.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rath Engineering Development</a> – smarter local government systems built from real on-the-ground experience.</p> 76 77 78 79<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Victoria</h2> 80 81 82 83<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A proposed two-hundred-and-forty-kilometre transmission line, an environment effects statement running to nine thousand, six hundred and ninety pages, and a harvest about to begin. On Monday, VicGrid put the V-N-I West E-E-S on public exhibition, and Buloke Shire Council says the timing could hardly be worse for the farmers most affected.</p> 84 85 86 87<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It follows last week’s decision by Buloke and Northern Grampians councils to withdraw from the E-E-S Technical Reference Group, citing concerns that their input wasn’t genuinely heard.</p> 88 89 90 91<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Joining me now is Buloke Shire Mayor, Cr Graeme Milne. Mayor Milne, welcome.</p> 92 93 94 95<p class="wp-block-paragraph">(Interview: Cr Graeme Milne, Buloke Shire Council)</p> 96 97 98 99<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For its part, VicGrid has told <em>ABC News</em> that acknowledges the councilsâ concerns and remains committed to working constructively with them as the project progresses.</p> 100 101 102 103<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Two inner city mayors are calling for urgent state funding for public transport to unlock development in Port Melbourne’s Fishermans Bend precinct.</p> 104 105 106 107<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>City of Melbourne</strong> Lord Mayor Nick Reece and <strong>City of Port Phillip</strong> Mayor Alex Makin say progress in Australia’
107s largest urban renewal area has stalled due to unfunded tram and rail links. They accuse the state government of a decade of neglect towards the precinct, <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/melbourne-city/progress-has-been-glacial-melbourne-mayors-demand-urgent-transport-funding-for-port-melbournes-fishermans-bend/news-story/f2f3844aa25b8eac0cade8b6189e4035">according to the Port Phillip Leader.</a></p> 108 109 110 111<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The mayors are urging the Victorian Government to commit to infrastructure delivery to help meet critical housing and employment targets for the inner-city precinct.</p> 112 113 114 115<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Warrnambool City Council</strong> has voted unanimously to fund a $17K annual shortfall to keep two school crossings operational after state government funding was withdrawn.</p> 116 117 118 119<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.standard.net.au/story/9363056/council-covers-16k-state-cuts-from-warranmbool-school-crossings/">The Standard reported</a> that the council had been notified by the Department of Transport that state support would end for the Bromfield Street and Queens Road sites near St Joseph’s Primary School.</p> 120 121 122 123<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Councillors strongly criticised the decision as an example of state cost-shifting onto local government, pledging to cover the costs while advocating for the funding to be reinstated.</p> 124 125 126 127<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Golden Plains Shire Council</strong> has welcomed an election commitment from the Victorian Labor Party to build <a href="https://www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au/news/council-welcomes-commitment-smythesdale-ambulance-victoria-station">a new Ambulance Victoria station in Smythesdale</a> if re-elected.</p> 128 129 130 131<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey says it would help address one of the most pressing needs for the Smythesdale community, and significantly cut response times for northern residents who currently rely on emergency services traveling all the way from Ballarat.</p> 132 133 134 135<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Disappointment for <strong>Monash Council</strong> after the Victorian State Government approved a 15-storey, 122-apartment development at the corner of Atherton Road and Atkinson Street in Oakleigh.</p> 136 137 138 139<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mayor Stuart James said the high-rise development <a href="https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/About-Us/News/2026/State-approves-15-storey-tower-in-Oakleigh">exceeds local vision and impacts neighborhood character</a>, though the State did adopt several of the council’s recommendations regarding waste, wind, and public realm improvements.</p> 140 141 142 143<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>GREATER SHEPPARTON CITY COUNCIL</strong> has lodged an official objection to <a href="https://greatershepparton.com.au/whats-happening/news/news-article/!/456/post/grahamvale-battery-energy-storage-system-concerns">a proposed 480 MW battery storage system</a> in Grahamvale over concerns regarding its location on prime irrigated agricultural land.</p> 144 145 146 147<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While the council supports the region’s renewable energy transition, it is urging developers to select alternative sites to protect vital agricultural infrastructure that has benefited from millions of dollars in public investment.</p> 148 149 150 151<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Melbourne City Council</strong> has voted to formalise <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/news/chengdu-sister-city">a new four-year sister-city partnership with Chengdu</a>, China, aimed at driving trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the two regions.</p> 152 153 154 155<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The council says the economic tie-up is already delivering local results, with the opening of a Chengdu hot-pot franchise expected to generate $24 million in turnover and create over 50 jobs in Melbourne.</p> 156 157 158 159<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Yarra City Council</strong> has <a href="https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/council-launches-campaign-to-save-public-housing-people-profit">launched a “Save Public Housing” campaign</a> in response to state government plans to redevelop the North Richmond estate, which would replace existing public housing towers with a mixture of social homes and commercial rentals.</p> 160 161 162 163<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Council is demanding an immediate pause on relocation and demolition plans until after the upcoming election, calling for full transparency and proper community planning.</p> 164 165 166 167<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Latrobe City Council</strong> has launched Forestree, <a href="https://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/Latrobe_City_Council_launches_Forestree_platform">
167an interactive online platform</a> providing live data on more than 63,000 public trees across its urban and rural townships.</p> 168 169 170 171<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The tool allows residents to explore over 600 species while tracking local canopy cover, tree health, and ongoing maintenance works.</p> 172 173 174 175<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The council says the new initiative supports biodiversity commitments and highlights more than 51,000 tree maintenance tasks completed over the past year.</p> 176 177 178 179<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New South Wales</h2> 180 181 182 183<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Clarence Valley Council</strong>, in northern New South Wales, is facing the prospect of suspension, after asking the State Government for help.</p> 184 185 186 187<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Thursday, councillors voted unanimously on a proposal from deputy mayor Cristie Yager, to request an independent investigation into council’s governance, administration, workplace practices and financial management.</p> 188 189 190 191<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The next day, the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, wrote to the council saying he is considering suspending the elected body and appointing an interim administrator. No decision has been made, and councillors can make submissions.</p> 192 193 194 195<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://thenorthernriverstimes.com.au/northern-rivers-local-news/clarence-valley-council-administrator-investigator/">According to The Northern Rivers Times,</a> Mayor Cr Peter Johnstone said, quote, “We were hoping for an investigator, and instead we get an administrator,” end quote.</p> 196 197 198 199<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Council was due to meet late yesterday to consider its response. Cr Johnstone holds concerns about what a suspension would mean for recruiting a new General Manager.</p> 200 201 202 203<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sydney’s <strong>Strathfield Council</strong> has reportedly voted to remove the Aboriginal flag from display outside its chambers, replacing it with an official council flag alongside the Australian and New South Wales flags.</p> 204 205 206 207<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.news24.com.au/politics/australian-politics/sydneys-strathfield-council-votes-to-stop-displaying-indigenous-flag-outside-its-offices-after-removing-acknowledgement-messages-from-welcome-signs/news-story/209a2733a78c0ad36e8422d289c3307d">News24 reported that</a> the decision was not unanimous, with two Labor councillors opposing the move.</p> 208 209 210 211<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It follows the council’s recent decision to alter local welcome signs by removing Indigenous acknowledgement text.</p> 212 213 214 215<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The council has also introduced a requirement for local businesses to feature English prominently on their shopfront signage.</p> 216 217 218 219<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Maitland City Council</strong> last night voted vote to rescind the proposed sale of a popular community parkland on Clift Street, following a months-long local campaign.</p> 220 221 222 223<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Fresh legal advice received by the Council’s General Manager on Friday reportedly revealed the land was never legally transferred in 1950 and remains classified as protected community land, making it ineligible for sale under current law.</p> 224 225 226 227<p class="wp-block-paragraph">GM Jeff Smith <a href="https://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/story/9362487/maitland-city-council-backflips-on-clift-street-park-sale/">confirmed to the Gloucester Advocate</a> that the proposed expression-of-interest process cannot proceed, prompting residents to advocate for further rezoning protections moving forward.</p> 228 229 230 231<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The council also resolved to conduct a thorough review of the process to date, seeking to ensure that a similar error does not occur in the future.</p> 232 233 234 235<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A developer who live streamed excavators in a bid to stop the demolition of a fire-damaged building has lost a 1.2 million dollar Supreme Court lawsuit, according to a report <a href="https://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/9362792/developer-loses-12m-coonamble-council-demolition-case/">from the Daily Liberal.</a></p> 236 237 238 239<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Coonamble Shire Council</strong> was found to have acted lawfully under statutory emergency powers to manage public safety and friable asbestos risks following the 2018 blaze.</p> 240 241 242 243<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The developer’s company, Bequick Pty Ltd, has now been ordered to pay the council more than 148,000 dollars in unpaid clean-up costs plus interest and legal expenses.</p> 244 245 246 247<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>The CITY OF PARRAMATTA</strong> has appointed Steven Head as its new interim Chief Executive Officer <a href="https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/council/latest-news/city-of-parramatta-appoints-steven-head-as-new-interim-ceo">for a 12-month term</a> beginning later this month.</p> 248 249 250 251<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mr Head brings extensive local government leadership experience from roles across <strong>HORNSBY SHIRE COUNCIL</strong>, <strong>URALLA SHIRE COUNCIL</strong>, <strong>WILLOUGHBY CITY COUNCIL</strong>, and <strong>KU-RING-GAI COUNCIL</strong>.</p> 252 253 254 255<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Queensland</h2> 256 257 258 259<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Queensland Land Appeal Court has dismissed a challenge by ASX-listed mining developer Citigold Corporation against <strong>Charters Towers Regional Council</strong> regarding the rating categorisation of dormant, flooded mining leases.</p> 260 261 262 263<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-townsville/land-appeal-court-rejects-citigold-challenge-to-charters-towers-mining-land-rates/news-story/48d6dd394f040816b3869fd7a4ee3d9a">The Townsville Bulletin reported</a> that Citigold disputed the council’
263s classification of its properties under a higher rate category and sought to overturn an earlier Land Court decision, arguing the sites were not actively being used for mining while under care and maintenance.</p> 264 265 266 267<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, the appellate court affirmed the original decision, finding the company maintained an ongoing intention to restart operations, and provisionally ordered Citigold to pay the council’s legal costs.</p> 268 269 270 271<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tasmania</h2> 272 273 274 275<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tensions escalated during a local government candidate debate in Tasmania when security was called to de-escalate an altercation following audience questions.</p> 276 277 278 279<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://pulsetasmania.com.au/news/ryan-posselt-calls-security-on-his-own-mother-after-extraordinary-blow-up-at-council-debate/">According to Pulse Tasmania</a>, <strong>Hobart City Council</strong> lord mayoral candidate Ryan Posselt requested security intervention after his mother became involved in a confrontation with rival candidates.</p> 280 281 282 283<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The incident occurred after another candidate publicly identified Mr Posselt’s father when he asked a question about controversial inner-city bike lane projects.</p> 284 285 286 287<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mrs Posselt later <a href="https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/deeply-ashamed-mayoral-candidates-mother-apologises-after-being-kicked-out-of-hobart-forum/news-story/d9af5254ececcbc91f55ee0aa0a542a0">issued an apology</a>, saying she deeply regretted her behaviour.</p> 288 289 290 291<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <strong>Local Government Association of Tasmania</strong> is calling for <a href="https://www.lgat.tas.gov.au/news-and-events/latest-news/lgat-calls-for-housing-reform-that-tackles-the-real-barriers-to-delivery">broader reform to boost housing supply</a>, arguing that planning approvals are not the primary barrier to delivering new homes.</p> 292 293 294 295<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The association wants Commonwealth and state leaders to direct funding into enabling infrastructure, strategic planning, and affordable housing to support local communities.</p> 296 297 298 299<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Western Australia</h2> 300 301 302 303<p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the <strong>Shire of Dundas</strong>, Peter Fitchat is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer on October 16th after eight years, having overseen the elimination of all debt while driving major infrastructure projects.</p> 304 305 306 307<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He will soon hand the reins to <a href="https://lnkd.in/p/gcCnD4bM">newly appointed Interim CEO Pania Turner</a>.</p> 308 309 310 311<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>TOWN OF CAMBRIDGE</strong> beaches extending from South City Beach to Floreat <a href="https://www.cambridge.wa.gov.au/About/News/Latest-News/2026/South-City-Beach-to-Floreat-beaches-remain-closed-due-to-high-bacteria">remained closed to all water activities</a> yesterday, following high levels of <em>E. coli</em> found in recent testing.</p> 312 313 314 315<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Authorities advise that the bacterial contamination is likely linked to a whale carcass removed from the area, and beaches will stay closed until further water testing confirms safe levels.</p> 316 317 318 319<h2 class="wp-block-heading">International</h2> 320 321 322 323<p class="wp-block-paragraph">UK:</p> 324 325 326 327<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Glasgow City Council</strong> has reached a new pay and grading agreement with the trade union Unison, averting a proposed fire-and-rehire scheme that threatened up to twenty-three thousand non-teaching staff.</p> 328 329 330 331<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The council agreed to protect wages for three years for the 11% of workers facing pay cuts, resolving a breakdown in negotiations over historical equal pay issues.</p> 332 333 334 335<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/oct/05/glasgow-city-council-reaches-pay-deal-with-union-to-avert-fire-and-rehire-plan">The Guardian reported</a> that Unison will now ballot its members on the deal over the next four weeks.</p> 336 337 338 339<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A cyber attack on a school management service run by <strong>Bristol City Council</strong> went undetected for four days, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cmed30pg4x7lo">according to BBC News</a>, before the system was shut down on September 25.</p> 340 341 342 343<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Police are now investigating the security breach affecting 87 local schools, while officials work to deploy secure replacement devices despite concerns over potential risks to sensitive data.</p> 344 345 346 347<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Hammersmith and Fulham Council</strong> is warning residents they could face a staggering 150% council tax hike after government funding cuts slashed their budget in half, leav
347ing a £160 million shortfall.</p> 348 349 350 351<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A 150% increase would raise typical property charges to over £2500. The council is considering its options ahead of a key cabinet vote next week.</p> 352 353 354 355<p class="wp-block-paragraph">USA:</p> 356 357 358 359<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>New York City Council</strong> has convened a landmark oversight hearing to examine artificial intelligence safety risks, <a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2026/10/05/new-york-city-council-ai-hearing-openai-meta-anthropic-google/3621791217612/">according to UPI dot com</a>.</p> 360 361 362 363<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Executives from OpenAI, Meta, Anthropic, and Google were scheduled to testify under oath, while Council Speaker Julie Menin said legal action is planned against Elon Musk’s SpaceXAI for failing to comply with a subpoena.</p> 364 365 366 367<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Council is currently evaluating a slate of proposed local legislation that includes mandatory third party safety checks and human kill switch requirements for AI deployments.</p> 368 369 370 371<p class="wp-block-paragraph">CANADA:</p> 372 373 374 375<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lawyers have <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/lawsuit-claims-city-of-montreal-bylaw-banning-insults-against-police-officers-is-unconstitutional/">filed a legal challenge</a> against a new municipal bylaw passed by <strong>Montreal City Council</strong> that bans insults, threats, and harassment against police officers and city employees.</p> 376 377 378 379<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The legal groups argue the measure is unconstitutional and violates freedom of expression, claiming that hefty fines ranging from $300 to $2,000 disproportionately penalise residents and stifle political speech.</p> 380 381 382 383<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A municipal election in Greater Sudbury for Ward 12 will proceed on October 26 despite the sudden passing of candidate Colin McKerral, <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/northern-ontario/article/municipal-candidate-for-city-council-in-sudbury-dies/">as reported by CTV News.</a></p> 384 385 386 387<p class="wp-block-paragraph">His name will remain on the printed ballot, but officials confirm any votes cast for him will not count toward the final results for <strong>Greater Sudbury City Council</strong>.</p> 388 389 390 391<p class="wp-block-paragraph">NZ:</p> 392 393 394 395<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Former New Plymouth and Taupo district councils chief executive Gareth Green has been tapped <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/10/05/tauranga-city-council-names-acting-ceo-amid-landslide-failures/">to serve as acting chief executive</a> at <strong>Tauranga City Council</strong>.</p> 396 397 398 399<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That follows last week’s resignation of Marty Grenfell in the wake of an independent review into January’s fatal landslide at Mount Manganui.</p> 400 401 402 403<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Council will meet on October 20 to determine the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive.</p> 404 405 406 407<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>AUCKLAND COUNCIL</strong> has relaunched <a href="https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/10/pothole-promise/">its annual Pothole Promise</a>, pledging to repair 95 per cent of reported craters on busy arterial roads within 24 hours.</p> 408 409 410 411<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Residents are encouraged to report road damage online to help maintenance crews keep up with repairs across the city’s 8,000-kilometre network.</p> 412 413 414 415<p class="wp-block-paragraph">ROUNDUP EXTRA:</p> 416 417 418 419<figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="200" height="300" src="https://i0.wp.com/wp.lgnewsroundup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/8dba7d05950e40c-CEO-Ali-Wastie-1.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-6122" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/wp.lgnewsroundup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/8dba7d05950e40c-CEO-Ali-Wastie-1.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/wp.lgnewsroundup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/8dba7d05950e40c-CEO-Ali-Wastie-1.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&
419ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/wp.lgnewsroundup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/8dba7d05950e40c-CEO-Ali-Wastie-1.jpg?resize=400%2C600&ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/wp.lgnewsroundup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/8dba7d05950e40c-CEO-Ali-Wastie-1.jpg?w=720&ssl=1 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" /></figure> 420 421 422 423<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Geelong Design Week is on from 1 to 11 October, and it’s the biggest program in the event’s history, with more than 100 exhibitions, talks, tours and performances across Greater Geelong.</p> 424 425 426 427<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The biennial event is staged in Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design. The 2024 edition drew more than 40,000 people across 86 events. This year’s flagship is the inaugural Victorian Regional Design Fair at the newly opened Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.</p> 428 429 430 431<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But design in Geelong isn’t only about the gallery and the market. It is also being applied inside council, to how services are planned and delivered. Joining me is Ali Wastie, Chief Executive Officer of the City of Greater Geelong. </p> 432 433 434 435<p class="wp-block-paragraph">(Interview: Ali Wastie, CEO, Greater Geelong City Council)</p> 436</section> <footer class="post-footer" data-pagefind-ignore> <a href="/" class="post-footer-back">← Back to newsfeed</a> <a href="/all-stories/" class="post-footer-browse">Browse all stories</a> </footer> <section class="comments-section" data-comments data-post-id="8779" data-wp-base-url="https://wp.lgnewsroundup.com" data-pagefind-ignore> <div class="comments-loading">Loading comments…</div> </section> </article> </main> </div> <aside class="page-sidebar"> <div class="card sponsor-card" data-sponsor-slot data-wp-base-url="https://wp.lgnewsroundup.com" aria-label="Sponsor placement"> <div class="sponsor-placeholder" data-sponsor-placeholder> <span class="sponsor-kicker">Supported by</span> <div class="sponsor-placeholder-body"> <div class="sponsor-placeholder-box"></div> <div class="sponsor-placeholder-cta"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ad-unit ad-unit--sidebar" data-ad-unit> <p class="ad-unit-label">Advertisement</p> <div class="ad-unit-slot"> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3802209200809836" data-ad-slot="3749251274" data-ad-format="rectangle" data-full-width-responsive="false"></ins> </div> </div>
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