The former Cootamundra and Gundagai shire names could return to council signs as plans to split the regional council progress. Cootamundra-Gundagai councillors have agreed how to divide cash reserves and recommended leaders for the two councils. Snowy Valleys Council is seeking state funding for an estimated $4.99 million separation cost. Its mayor met the local government minister to discuss a request for almost $2.9 million. Residents have until 1 November to complete a survey on financial options for the two proposed councils.
Tasmania's council elections are entering their final week, with a significant overhaul of local government on the cards. The number of councillors statewide is being cut from 263 to 213, and several high-profile mayors are not seeking re-election. Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds is among those leaving the role. Around 55 per cent of ballots had been returned as of Wednesday, according to the Tasmanian Electoral Commission. Voting is mandatory, and penalties of up to $42.60 may apply to those who fail to return their ballots by the deadline of 2pm on Tuesday, October 27.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is working to finish its transition plan before a December deadline for submission to the Office of Local Government. Once submitted, the office will prepare a proclamation establishing the two new councils. Council has decided that both new councils will keep the names and logos of the pre-merger councils and have no wards. Cootamundra Shire Council will have seven councillors and Gundagai Shire Council five. Both will be administered until elections scheduled for September 2028.
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The Subiaco mayor, David McMullen, says the city is not considering a merger with another local government. The statement follows the introduction of the Local Government Amendment and Repeal Bill 2026 to Parliament by Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley. The reforms include four-year election cycles and support for voluntary amalgamations. Mr McMullen said a report that Subiaco had been invited by the Town of Claremont to discuss amalgamation or boundary changes was incorrect. He said the city is financially secure and well governed, and will keep working with other councils through existing partnerships.
A bill proposing changes to council election cycles, vacancy processes and voluntary amalgamations has been introduced to the Western Australian Parliament. The Local Government Amendment and Repeal Bill 2026 would introduce four-year election cycles in which all council members face the polls together from 2031. It would also allow technology-assisted voting for people with disability and let extraordinary vacancies be filled by the next eligible candidate for up to three years after an election. The bill would remove the Dadour poll provision, making voluntary amalgamations easier.
South Australians are being encouraged to consider standing for council in the April 2027 elections. A statewide Shape Your World campaign, run by the Local Government Association of South Australia and the Electoral Commission of South Australia, offers free online resources to help people decide. Candidate nominations open on 26 January 2027 and close at noon on 9 February 2027. Voting is by postal ballot and closes at 5pm on 7 April 2027. The elections were moved from November 2026 at the Electoral Commission's request.
