NSW councils
Sydney council rates are going up. Blame the fuel crisis
Many councils are planning to increase “domestic waste management” charges to cover the cost of running the trucks.
- David Barwell
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- Exclusive
- City life
Crackdown on tree poisoning as Sydney council takes alleged vandal to court
It is the first time the Inner West Council has been able to prosecute somebody for the offence that is “notoriously difficult” to prove.
- Cindy Yin
How forests the size of tennis courts transform Australian cities
You’ve heard of tiny homes, but what about tiny forests? It’s a growing movement in Australia, based on Japanese ideas.
- Caitlin Fitzsimmons
- Exclusive
- Sydney councils
Sydney council boss and senior staff placed on leave after secret four-hour meeting
The decision was made after councillors were called to a closed-door meeting with just a few hours’ notice.
- Anthony Segaert and Cindy Yin
Council to be stripped of hiring decisions after Constance appointment
The decision to appoint former NSW minister Andrew Constance as the new chief executive of a South Coast council was described “as jobs for Liberal mates”.
- Alexandra Smith
Looters are raiding Laura’s crumbling home. She’s powerless to stop them
Victims of a shock landslip will probably never return to their homes, but a dispute between council and the state government has left them in limbo.
- Jessica McSweeney
Three in four major council projects delivered late or over budget
And the cost of entry to the very late and over-budget North Sydney pool has been revealed.
- Cindy Yin
- Exclusive
- Australian economy
Australians love their councils – but still want to get rid of them
We rely on them for roads and rubbish collection – and a new poll shows people think councils are our best level of government.
- Shane Wright
The major changes coming to NSW local council meetings in 2026
Ratepayers at 128 NSW councils will be barred from speaking at meetings, and if they want to be heard must have their say one week earlier, among other changes.
- Cindy Yin
What’s up, what’s down: The price changes and new laws coming to NSW in 2026
An extension of the $60 toll cap is the main source of relief at the state level, but there are also new rules over gas, as well as behavioural standards for councillors.
- Aidan Elwig Pollock