Today on the Local Government News Roundup, the shortlist for a new name for Moreland City Council released; room for improvement in council fraud controls; Gippsland wins the rights to a major state sporting event; a councillor convicted of prohibited behaviour is sentenced; a demerger proposal the subject of a late night council meeting in Sydney; Queensland Councils found to be in breach of legislation; and an investigation launched into a former council’s role in the Mascot Towers incident.
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Transcript with links:
Issue 123, LG News Roundup, 15th May 2022
The shortlist for a new name for Moreland City Council announced.
That story leads the Roundup for the 15th May.
I’m Chris Eddy – also in today’s episode:
Room for improvement in council fraud controls; Gippsland wins the rights to a major state sporting event; a councillor convicted of prohibited behaviour is sentenced; a demerger proposal the subject of a late night council meeting in Sydney; Queensland Councils found to be in breach of legislation; and an investigation launched into a former council’s role in the Mascot Towers incident.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, your national broadcaster for all things local government.
The process to rename Moreland City Council has taken a major step forward when the Council endorsed a shortlist of three potential names.
The Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation conducted detailed research before presenting the three options to the Council, which were formally accepted and endorsed yesterday.
The three Woi-Wurrung words under consideration are Wa-dam-buk, meaning ‘renew; Merri-bek, which means rocky country; and Jerrang, meaning leaf of tree.
The community will be invited to have its say on the names through online and hardcopy surveys to be launched in the coming days, and the Council is expected to consider the feedback and determine a preferred name in July.
The Victorian Auditor General says inconsistent application of fraud controls across council grant programs is increasing the risk of fraud.
An audit of grant programs at six councils has found room for improvement in the identification of conflicts of interest; assessment of applications; documentation of decisions made; and the evaluation of grant program outcomes.
The six councils examined in the audit were Hume, Knox, Loddon, Southern Grampians, Warrnambool and West Wimmera.
The Auditor General has made 9 recommendations for all Victorian Councils about strengthening their fraud controls, and improving their guidance and training for grant related fraud. There was also one recommendation to Loddon Shire Council about reviewing its community planning grant process.
Fraud Control Over Local Government Grants | Victorian Auditor-General’s Office
Latrobe City Council and Bowls Victoria have entered into a landmark 5 year agreement to move the Victorian Open bowls tournament from Greater Shepparton to Gippsland, commencing in 2023.
The Victorian Open is the largest bowls event in the state, and the second biggest nationally. It began in Greater Shepparton 10 years ago, and it will make the move to Gippsland after this year’s event in November.
Latrobe Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan said the event will bring significant and long term benefits to the community, and inject millions of dollars into the local economy.
Bowls Victoria and Latrobe City announce landmark agreement
Election commitments:
A coalition government pledge of $3.2M for road upgrades in Corangamite Shire has been welcomed by its mayor Ruth Grstrein.
She says the three roads in Terang, Boorcan and Glenormiston North are high priorities for the community, and called on all candidates in the seat of Wannon to match the community. The federal funding would cover 80% of the cost of the road upgrades.
$4M in road improvements have been promised for Ararat, according to a report in the Ararat Advertiser.
Mayor of Ararat Rural City Council Jo Armstrong said the commitment for Mount William Road is welcome because it serves as the region’s main freight route, carrying agricultural products across the entire Wimmera Southern Mallee.
Cr Armstrong said the council has invested in emergency works in recent times to respond to failures of the road pavement.
(Ararat Advertiser)
Nillumbik Shire has published an election commitment tracker on its website.
The municipality takes in parts of three federal electorates, and the tracker shows a thus far imbalanced list of pledges.
The ALP has committed over $2M to Nillumbik Shire projects in the seat of Jagajaga, and $1M in McEwan. There are so far no election commitments for Nillumbik projects in the Menzies electorate and nothing from the federal coalition.
The economic potential of the Wimmera is set to be realised through a new investment attraction plan launched by Horsham Rural City Council this week.
The plan is underpinned by a campaign to make the Wimmera the most dynamic sustainability energy region in the country, as well as a major nature-based tourism destination.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said it is essential the Wimmera is promoted on a national and international platform to attract companies that will generate new employment opportunities for current and future residents.
New Council campaign to attract industry and investment
Here are Victoria’s briefs:
The CCTV network in Southern Grampians is set for an expansion, with an additional 10 cameras soon to be installed.
The second phase of the rollout follows the successful deployment of 20 cameras last year in Dunkeld, Coleraine and parts of Hamilton.
The new batch of cameras will focus on surrounding townships, major roads and licensed premises.
https://www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?page_Id=3472&h=0
Moreland council is seeking community feedback on the introduction of a cat curfew, which would mean cats are not allowed outside property boundaries at certain times.
Two types of curfew are under consideration – a 24 hour curfew, and a dusk to dawn curfew.
The Council is expected to receive the findings of the consultation in August, and make a decision on a cat curfew in October.
A Wyndham City operation to prevent the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products to children has resulted in a number of businesses receiving warning notices and infringements. The five month operation targeted 16 randomly selected retailers, with three fined for selling tobacco to people under the age of 18.
Action on illegal tobacco sales | Wyndham City
Still to come – a demerger proposal the subject of a late night council meeting in Sydney; a number of Queensland Councils found to be in breach of legislation; and an investigation launched into a former council’s role in the Mascot Towers incident; a SA Mayor called on to apologise for his behaviour.
You’re listening to the Local Government News Roundup for 15th May 2022, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
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Now for some stories making news around Australia in local government this week:
The potential demerger of Sydney’s Inner West Council has been the focus of an extraordinary late night council meeting this past week, with a proposal to establish a demerger committee defeated by one vote.
According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, the motion brought forward by some councillors, proposed the release of documents to the community, an engagement process and a commitment to a time-frame for the demerger process which was supported by 63 percent of voters in a plebiscite last year.
The motion was voted down by the bloc of Labor councillors without providing reasons for the opposition. It is the second time councillors have attempted to fast track the process.
It’s understood a business case and community engagement reports are due to be brought back to the Council by August this year.
Inner west demerger: Motion for more transparency defeated in council | Daily Telegraph
In Queensland, 12 councils have been found to be in breach of legislation by failing to have an internal audit function.
The finding is one of a number highlighted in the Queensland Auditor-General’s Local Government 2021 report released this week.
The auditor-general, Brendan Worrall, also found 6 councils that did have an internal audit function didn’t have any audit activity during the financial year.
15 councils still do not have an audit committee, despite several years of recommendations to do so.
The report also found that while financial sustainability of Queensland councils has marginally improved, 60 percent of councils are at either moderate or high risk of being financially unsustainable.
Six recommendations have been made to councils, in addition to prior year recommendations that remain unresolved.
The NSW State Government is launching an investigation into the conduct of the former City of Botany Bay, in relation to the 2019 Mascot Towers incident.
Residents were evacuated from the building after cracks were found in the car park, and the government has this week extended its accommodation assistance package for the seventh time.
Local Government Minister Wendy Tuckerman said the investigation would focus on the role played by the former City of Botany Bay, and to shine a light on any information that might help avoid a similar situation in the future.
She said relevant council documents from the period cannot be located and may be missing, but they are determined to gather as much information as possible on the issues that led to the defects in Mascot Towers.
Update on Mascot Towers accommodation assistance – Office of Local Government NSW
A Tasmanian mayor has attracted criticism from his own council after appearing in advertisements endorsing a federal election candidate.
At a recent Council meeting, Waratah-Wynard Mayor Robby Walsh was called on by fellow councillor Andrea Courtney to retract his endorsement of Liberal MP Gavin Pearce.
The Burnie Advocate quotes Cr Courtney as saying she was disappointed Cr Walsh would identify himself as mayor while endorsing a candidate.
Mayor Walsh told the meeting that he was not endorsing Mr Pearce as mayor, but rather mentioned his position to identify himself.
(Burnie Advocate)
Meanwhile, the Waratah-Wynyard councillor convicted recently of prohibited behaviour when he exposed himself three times to a mother and son on a Tasmanian beach, has been sentenced.
Darren Fairbrother has been fined $800, and his name placed on the Community Protection Offender Register for two years.
The Mercury newspaper reports that Cr Fairbrother has reported his conviction to the council’s general manager, and he is now reviewing his position on the council.
Fairbrother given $800 fine for flashing his penis at mother and son
A South Australian mayor is back in the news this week, after being asked to apologise for his behaviour at a recent Council meeting.
Grant District councillors called on the Mayor, Richard Sage, to apologise publicly and in writing after blaming the CEO and staff for a decision that was made by the council.
The Border Watch reports that a motion was brought by the deputy mayor, saying the mayor’s attempts to blame staff for council decisions was out of line. The motion was carried without debate by a clear majority of councillors.
(Border Watch)
The public inquiry into Wingecarribee Shire Council has heard a number of findings and recommendations as the inquiry approaches its conclusion.
Closing submissions were released last week, recommending the extension of the interim administration arrangements until the next round of council elections in September 2024.
A number of recommendations are also under consideration in relation to standardised induction and training of councillors, including workplace safety obligations and powers to manage disruptions caused by a minority of councillors.
Submissions on the recommendations can be made up until 23rd May, after which the Commissioner will determine final recommendations to go to the Ministerfor Local Government.
NSW’s Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has approved rate increase applications for five local government areas.
In Central Coast, a 15 percent increase will remain in place to 2031 to help repay $150M in emergency loans.
A special variation will allow a 16.9 percent increase in Hunters Hill next financial year, and 7.8 percent the year after.
While Snowy Valleys ratepayers will see a 15.7 percent increase next year, and 17.5 percent in the following year.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Increases have also been approved for Cumberland and Kyogle council areas.
A Federal Government investment of $43.5M in improving mobile coverage and broadband services in Queensland has been welcomed by the state’s peak body for councils.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said the digital divide has been stifling investment in rural and regional communities for too long, and the announcement of budgeted funding is welcome news for those communities.
21 projects around the state have been approved for funding of new mobile sites and fixed wireless networks, along with upgrades to existing mobile base stations and broadband services.
Regional connectivity upgrades welcomed – LGAQ
To the National Briefs now:
A new councillor has been welcomed at South Burnett in Queensland, after a by-election resulted in the election of Jane Erkens to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Roz Fohloff in March. Cr Erkens was officially signed in at a ceremony in the Council Chambers in Kingaroy on Wednesday.
Mayor Congratulates and Welcomes New Councillor – South Burnett Regional Council
Charters Towers Regional Council has appointed Martin Drydale as its Interim CEO, effective tomorrow. He has previously served as interim Director of Corporate and Community Services at the council. The appointment follows the resignation last week of Aaron Johansson from the CEO position.
Appointment of Interim Chief Executive Officer
Newcastle Council is exploring options for additional affordable housing in its city, as part of its 20 year local housing strategy. It has called for tenders to conduct a feasibility study into delivering affordable housing on sites owned by the city. Population forecasts predict demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings in Newcastle over the next 20 years.
The Town of Gawler has received international recognition for a $1.6M project to transform a through road into a beautified public place.
The Walker Place redevelopment received the Best Public Works Project of the Year under $2M at the IPWEA Australasian Excellence Awards, held last week in Adelaide.
Gawler’s Walker Place Redevelopment Receives International Award
Beam Mobility has won a tender to roll out e-scooters in Mackay in Queensland, as part of a 12 month trial commencing in July. Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the 300 e-scooters would be an option for residents and tourists to explore the region.
‘Wheely’ good fun on its way to Mackay
Logan City Council has launched a new promotional platform using cutting edge technology that has been developed locally.
Advisories and advertisements will appear as part of a looping slideshow on digital billboards, allowing the council to quickly reach and message the local community.
The Australian-first technology allows clients to bid for space on billboards when a vacant spot appears, and have their messaging appear quickly if their submission is successful.
The Council says the new technology highlights how it is fostering grassroots innovation within the city.
Billboard technology connects the community
International Spotlight:
In England, a newly elected councillor in Essex has lasted less than a week in the role, after he was dropped by the Conversative Party over social media activity.
According to a BBC report, Marco Lorenzini is said to have retweeted posts that were supportive of a far right activist and of racist remarks.
The Conservative Party leader said they had conducted a social media vetting process, but the candidate in question claimed to have no social media accounts.
His Twitter account under what’s described as an ‘unusual Twitter handle’ has since come to light.
Mr Lorenzini could have remained on the Council as an independent, but has reportedly chosen to resign instead, with immediate effect. A by-election will now need to take place.
Tories drop Harlow councillor for retweeting ‘racist’ posts – BBC News
To the US, where it seems mayors and other local officials have had an audience with President Joe Biden.
The Associated Press reported on Friday that the meeting was an opportunity for the President to ask state and local governments to devote more of the coronavirus relief funding on public safety and policing.
At least seven city mayors were believed to have been invited to the meeting, from such cities as Detroit, Houston, Tulsa and Toledo.
Biden meeting with mayors, police chiefs on Friday | AP News
The CEO of an embattled New Zealand council has resigned this week after 4 years in the job. Sarah Gardener’s contract with Otago Regional Council had 8 months to run, but she will leave the organisation next week.
A report in the Otago Daily Times outlines how tensions between councillors and staff have disrupted operations at the council, which is currently subject to two investigations – one ordered by councillors, and the other by the country’s Environment Minister.
ORC head to leave next week | Otago Daily Times Online News
For extra credit, you might these international local government stories of interest:
A new plan backed by the mayor of New York City aims to convert 25 percent of the city’s street space into pedestrian plazas, bike lanes and bus lanes by 2025.
NYC wants to take 25% of its street space away from cars in favor of a walkable/bikeable city
The city of Los Angeles is restricting watering of lawns to no more than two days per week, due to worsening drought conditions in California. The proposed reduction from three days per week needs to be approved by the city council, and would go into effect on 1st June.
LA to Restrict Lawn Watering as California Drought Tightens Grip – BNN Bloomberg
In Canada, the city of Calgary is expanding a successful pilot program that will permit public alcohol consumption in more areas of the city. The program requires residents to book an outdoor picnic table, and limits consumption to between the hours of 11am and 9pm.
‘You abuse it, you lose it’: City expands alcohol-in-parks program — with limits
And a new study of how local governments in the US responded to economic development challenges during the early stages of the COVID19 pandemic has found the crisis led to stronger relationships across municipal boundaries.
It has found officials have deepened relationships with other local governments, which have proven durable as municipalities continue to grapple with changing economic environments..
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0160323X221097711
That’s the latest from the Roundup, thanks to the Victorian Local Governance Association, your national broadcaster for all things local government. Subscribe to VLGA Connect on YouTube and podcast for regular sessions with local government identities and decision makers.
I’ll be back with more news from around the world of local government on Wednesday. Until then, thanks for listening and bye for now.