Secretive, expensive, chaotic: elections expose what's wrong with local councils

Melburnians are heading to the polls in one of the most dysfunctional rounds of local government elections since the Kennett government's reform of the sector in 1994.

Rates, roads and religion

Perhaps it was the police officers stationed at the door, or the outright ban on public questions and photographs – but the air rippled with tension at Narre Warren's council chamber the night the mosque was rejected.

Council pamphlets riddled with spelling and grammatical errors

For many candidates, it's not been their policy positions that have stood out. Instead, it's been their struggle with the English language.

Casey Council embroiled in another race and religion row

For some, it doesn't take much to be branded a terrorist, or at least some sort of lookalike.

Sixty historic trees saved from Metro Tunnel destruction

Historic Melbourne parkland in danger of permanent tree loss due to Metro Tunnel construction has been saved from damage, after it was found the shallow tunnelling proposed for the area could damage CityLink infrastructure.

Parking inspectors walk off the job for grand final weekend

Dozens of Melbourne's parking inspectors have walked off the job and will not be issuing fines over the grand final weekend, according the Australian Services Union.

Melbourne's high-rise nightmares take a tall toll

• EXCLUSIVE

We have watched them sprouting up all over Melbourne, transforming our streets and skylines with their promises to solve the housing affordability crisis. But many of those closest to the booming apartment industry say they wouldn't buy one.

Prank turns Carlton Gardens pond to crimson lake but richer hues won't last

The water in a fountain and nearby lake at the Carlton Gardens have been turned a deathly shade of red.

Anti-racism campaigner pepper-sprayed by police

• UPDATED

An anti-racism campaigner has been pepper sprayed after resiting police during a peaceful protest in Melbourne's CBD.