Sydney councils
Bat boom sparks backlash as 50,000 flying foxes descend on Sydney suburb
A colony of 50,000 bats has set up camp in a Sydney suburb, leaving residents battling noise, droppings and odour – and authorities searching for answers.
- David Barwell
Latest
Connolly asked about using 'dead rabbit' to stall exit negotiations
At the ICAC's public inquiry into Gail Connolly and other staff at the City of Parramatta, Connolly is asked about the death of an executive director's child's pet rabbit and if she used it to stall the negotiations for the exit of a staff member.
‘I shouldn’t have said that’: Sacked Parramatta council boss makes concessions on the ICAC stand
Connolly is accused of subverting recruitment practices, disclosing confidential information for her own benefit and spying on council staff and an elected official.
- Anthony Segaert
Short-term rental crackdown sparks housing row on Sydney’s most famous beach
Short-term rental rules across Australia’s most internationally recognised beachside strips could be overhauled in a move to ease a housing crisis gripping Sydney.
- David Barwell
The ‘vibes’ that made a council boss think she’d be sacked a year before she was
Connolly has returned to the ICAC for a fourth day, as she answers questions about information she gave to councillors about the exits of senior staff. Follow live.
- Cindy Yin and Anthony Segaert
Sacked council CEO denies saying staff ‘dressed like homeless people’, ICAC hears
On her third day as a witness at the inquiry, Gail Connolly was asked about the departures of former staff members.
- Anthony Segaert and Cindy Yin
The youth skate park on a collision course with eastern suburbs residents
For 13 years, the idea has progressed and halted, in a battle that has involved everyone from activist neighbours to a prime minister. Now, construction has begun.
- Cindy Yin
The CCTV images that helped sink a Sydney hostel’s rooftop visions
Residents of two high-end Sydney apartment blocks say they have spent years pleading for a decent night’s sleep. Now they’ve clocked up a significant victory.
- David Barwell
- Exclusive
- ICAC
As Parramatta ICAC inquiry hears of alleged corrupt conduct, councillors debate its severity
“There are different levels of corruption”, one councillor told her colleagues about the allegations aired at the ICAC.
- Anthony Segaert
ICAC Operation Navarra as it happened: Ousted Parramatta Council CEO Gail Connolly breaks down again as she tells ICAC she sent anonymous email
Gail Connolly is accused of spying on staff and a councillor and misusing council information, processes and public money. Follow live.
- Ellie Busby and Anthony Segaert