Community groups and councils in the Parkes electorate have until 5pm on Monday, 2 November to seek up to $20,000 for small infrastructure projects. Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey says expressions of interest for Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme close on that date. Each electorate has $150,000 available. Eligible not-for-profit groups can receive funding covering up to 100 per cent of project costs, while councils must contribute at least 50 per cent. Expressions of interest go to Mr Chaffey's office.
The cost of cleaning up an illegally dumped tyre has risen 41 per cent in two years, a new national report has found. Councils paid an average of $31 to recover each tyre in 2024–25, up from $22 in 2022–23, lifting their annual bill to $7.5 million. State land managers spent a further $1.3 million clearing tyres from parks, forests and roadsides. Tyre Stewardship Australia chief executive Lina Goodman said motorists were effectively paying twice, once at the tyre shop and again through rates.
Tyre Stewardship Australia has launched a new national program to help councils use tyre-derived crumb rubber in road construction for the first time. Eligible councils receive $250 per verified tonne used, up to 100 tonnes and $25,000 per project. A total pool of $550,000 is available, allocated first come, first served. Chief Executive Lina Goodman said the program aims to boost demand for recycled tyres and build confidence in the road sector. Funding applies to asphalt projects across Australia, and to spray seal projects in the Northern Territory only. Applications are now open.
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People who illegally clear or poison trees in NSW could face court-imposed penalties of up to $500,000 under new reforms. Corporations could be fined up to $2.5 million. Councils will gain the power to pursue civil penalties on both public and private land for the first time. On-the-spot fines will double for individuals to $6,000 and triple for businesses to $18,000. Councils will also be able to stop tree clearing work and enforce replanting. Planning Minister Paul Scully said the reforms respond to community anger over recent tree vandalism cases.
Women working in New South Wales local government have been honoured at a ceremony at Parliament House. Ministers Ron Hoenig and Jodie Harrison hosted the Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government. The awards drew a record 188 nominations, two-thirds from rural and regional councils. Winners include frontline staff, senior executives, councillors and mayors from councils across the state. The ministers said they hope the awards will encourage more people to pursue careers in local government.
Women's Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West has released the first Respect 2040 Regional Report Card, tracking gender equality efforts across workplaces, councils, education, health, sport and community groups. The inaugural report, covering July 2025 to June 2026, draws on contributions from 23 organisations. Chief executive Jodie Hill said it shows where action is happening and where greater focus is needed, describing it as a starting point. Fifteen community groups and sporting clubs completed active bystander training or violence prevention programs.
The Australian Government has dropped plans to cut its disaster recovery funding contribution from 75 per cent to 50 per cent. The change would have cost NSW councils an estimated $800 million or more. Hay Shire Council General Manager David Webb welcomed the decision.
Illegal waste dumpers across Greater Geelong are being put on notice under a new state government crackdown. Greater Geelong will partner with the Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce at sites where councils report rising unlawful dumping. Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes said drones and long-range cameras will be used to find dumped rubbish and identify those responsible. EPA executive director of operations Rachel Gualano said councils are being encouraged to help, adding that solutions will be tailored to each site. Residents who spot illegal dumping can report it to EPA Victoria.
Four Victorian councils will work with the state's Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce to target dumping hotspots. Hume, Banyule, Melton and Greater Geelong will use drones, surveillance cameras and extra officers to identify offenders. The Environment Protection Authority is also deploying drones that detect gases. The taskforce has issued 22 clean-up orders and identified 18 new leads. Convicted individuals can face fines of about $800,000 or five years' imprisonment. Victorian Minister for Environment Jaclyn Symes said the new technology makes it harder for dumpers to hide.
A growing number of Victorian councils are moving to ban smart glasses from pools, childcare centres, playgrounds and recreation centres. Sixteen of the state's 79 local authorities are investigating or introducing such measures. Frankston City Council has resolved to look at further restrictions, and the City of Melbourne has installed signs prohibiting smart glasses at its pools and recreation facilities. Disability advocates want exceptions for people with accessibility needs. Behavioural scientist Stephen Fisher says signs and bans are unlikely to deter people who intend to harass or secretly record women.
Melbourne councils and Melbourne Water have launched the Coalition for a Swimmable Birrarung, aiming to bring river swimming back to the inner city by 2050. The launch took place on October 19 at Deep Rock in Yarra Bend Park, where Lord Mayor Nick Reece and other supporters went into the water. The coalition will work with government agencies, Traditional Owners and community groups to improve water quality. Testing will begin to assess the river's suitability for swimming within the City of Melbourne, and a spatial audit will identify three waterfront opportunities.
Council leaders from across Queensland have gathered in Cairns for the state's annual local government conference, which runs until Wednesday. Hosted by the Local Government Association of Queensland, the event covers housing, infrastructure, cost shifting and disaster funding. Delegates will vote on more than 100 motions that, if passed, will shape the sector's advocacy agenda. Premier David Crisafulli will deliver the keynote address on Tuesday. Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the mayors' united concerns over disaster recovery funding recently prompted a response from the Commonwealth.
New South Wales councils have welcomed the decision to abandon proposed changes to how Commonwealth financial assistance grants are distributed. The Local Government Grants Commission has confirmed the current methodology will stay. Councils had warned of major losses, including about $20 million a year for Central Coast Council and $16 million for Wollongong City Council. Commission chair Linda Scott said the draft was dropped after feedback from councils and peak bodies.
The federal government has dropped planned changes to disaster recovery funding that would have made states, territories and councils pay up to 50 per cent of recovery costs. Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the decision on Friday. The Commonwealth currently pays up to 75 per cent. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli welcomed the reversal, while Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said councils should not be responsible for disaster recovery funding. Local leaders in the Far North had strongly opposed the changes.
Seven Perth councils will roll out 40km/h speed zones on local roads over three years, backed by $2.285 million in funding. The Perth Inner-City Group project will combine speed limit changes with community education and research. The rollout starts in Vincent, which introduced a 40km/h limit across its local roads between 2018 and 2023. Perth Inner-City Group spokesperson David MacLennan said a pedestrian or cyclist has a 60 per cent chance of surviving a crash at 40km/h, compared with 20 per cent at 50km/h. Funding comes from the State Government and the Federal Government.
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Charters Towers Regional Council has welcomed the Federal Government's decision to keep its contribution of up to 75 per cent under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The government has dropped plans to move to a 50-50 split, following advocacy from councils across Queensland. Mayor Liz Schmidt said the decision removes financial pressure on councils and communities recovering from natural disasters. She thanked the Local Government Association of Queensland for leading the united campaign. The council says the funding certainty will support future recovery and reconstruction projects.
The Australian Local Government Association has begun the second phase of its Disability Inclusion Project. Representatives from 38 councils are taking part in a two-year program aimed at turning disability inclusion plans into practical results. The first meeting of the national Community of Practice was held on 7 October 2026. Members elected an executive group, with Alexandra Bignell from the City of Casey as Chair. Members identified six priority areas, including accessible communication, inclusive employment and evaluating outcomes. The project will share resources, webinars and case studies to help councils put their commitments into practice.
Councils across South Australia will share $5 million in funding for 16 cycling infrastructure projects. Announced on 12 October, the latest round of the State Bicycle Fund provides grants of up to $200,000 for construction, upgrades and design work. Projects span metropolitan Adelaide and regional areas. They include new shared-use paths, safer pedestrian crossings and upgrades to existing cycling routes. The funding aims to support safer walking and cycling for people travelling to work, school and public transport.
