Today on the Local Government News Roundup, for 18th May 2022:
Darebin Council to identify opportunities to transfer stolen lands to traditional owners;
our last look at council advocacy outcomes from this federal election campaign; a major local milestone for a global tree planting program; a controversial decision to sell a council aged care business to be revisited; a new council campaign to tackle violence towards council staff; councils call for new military bases in Queensland; and a new mayoral vehicle purchase attracts criticism.
Listen on your preferred podcast app – links here www.podbio.me/lgnewsroundup, or direct link to this episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1726495/10636514
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Issue 124, LG News Roundup, 18th May 2022
Darebin Council to identify opportunities to transfer stolen lands to traditional owners….
That story heads the Roundup for the 18th May 2022.
Welcome to the Local Government News Roundup. I’m Chris Eddy.
Also today: our last look at council advocacy outcomes from this federal election campaign; a major local milestone for a global tree planting program; a controversial decision to sell a council aged care business to be revisited; a new council campaign to tackle violence towards council staff; and much more on this midweek edition of the Roundup.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster for all things local government.
Darebin council has unanimously resolved to commence a process of identifying opportunities to transfer council land to indigenous people.
A report in the Herald Sun this week says the Council wants to start a national trend of giving ‘stolen land’ to traditional owners to own and manage.
Such land transfers usually occur at the national or state level, as with the recent transfer of 312 hectares from the NSW government to Orange City Council and the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Reports suggest Darebin Council wants to set a trend for local governments in Victoria and nationally.
It’s understood that any land identified for transfer would be given to the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
Darebin council plan to give Melbourne ‘stolen land’ to traditional Aboriginal owners | Herald Sun
For the final time, let’s sample some of the latest federal election commitments of relevance to Victoria local government.
Federal Labor has committed $20M to get work under way on the Greenline project – a 4km promenade along the north bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne.
The City of Melbourne is seeking $100M from the state and federal governments for the landmark project. According to a report in the Herald Sun this week, the $20M would ensure planning work is finalised and enable construction to be commenced.
The council has committed $140m toward the project over the next four years, with $40m to be spent this coming year delivering floating wetlands and other early works.
Record build for city-shaping projects
Election 2022: Labor backs landmark Yarra River project | Herald Sun
Labor has committed $15M to the Victoria University Whitten Oval redevelopment, to help deliver a community focused precinct and construction of a new Western Bulldogs Community Foundation Centre.
Labor promises major investment to Whitten Oval redevelopment | Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay
Frankston City Council says it has secured $39.5M in election funding commitments from candidates for the seat of Dunkley.
However, it is still holding out hope for commitments to funding improvements to its 40 year old Pines Forest Aquatic Centre.
The mayor, Nathan Conroy, has this week joined other stakeholders to highlight the social, health and economic benefits of the aquatic industry.
With Federal and State elections looming, the council is seeking government support for a $31M redevelopment of the Frankston North facility. The council has committed $10.3M to the upgrade.
Council secures $39.5 million election funding commitments
Major support for Pines Pool advocacy – Frankston City Council
The federal coalition has announced a $1M commitment to improve the Seymour RSL facilities. The funding would provide an extension of the meeting hall and function area, improved facilities and a playground.
You will no doubt have noticed a number of swimming pool projects have received multi-million dollar funding promises during this election campaign. This is of course not a new trend, and I recommend to you an article from ABC News online this morning. It provides an analysis of previous election commitments for pool projects, the vast majority of which are yet to be delivered, and it reports on concerns about the level of debt that local councils will be forced to take on to deliver the projects.
Greater Shepparton city council is preparing to plant the 100,000th tree as part of the global One Tree Per Child program, founded by Olivia Newton John and John Dee.
The program was launched in Greater Shepparton in 2016, with the aim of planting one indigenous plant for every child in the municipality each year.
100,000 trees have been planted at 104 sites and 33 local primary and secondary schools since the commencement of the program.
The planting of the milestone tree will be celebrated at a special event on the 27th May.
One Tree Per Child celebrates 100,000 tree planting milestone – Greater Shepparton City Council
Victoria’s Briefs:
Indigo Shire has deferred consideration of a motion to open its briefing sessions to the public for a second time, after no nominations were received for a temporary chair for the item last night. The motion, submitted by Mayor Bernard Gaffney, was determined to have lapsed, and it’s understood it will again be listed on the agenda for the council’s meeting on the 28th June.
The design of the new Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre has been given the highest rating for sustainability from the Green Building Council of Australia.
The centre, which is currently under construction in Keilor Downs, will be the first indoor aquatic centre in the country to achieve a 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built rating. Only 16 buildings in Victoria have earned the six star design rating.
https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/mr/six-star-green-rating-for-brimbank-aquatic-wellness-centre
And Murrindindi Shire will soon be asking the community for views on the introduction of FOGO and glass recycling services. The council is joining with other north east Victorian councils in a joint tender for waste and recycling collection and processing services, in order to implement the state government;s circular economy policy.
https://www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/News-Media/Circular-Economy-Reform-in-Murrindindi-Shire
Greater Shepparton City Council last night failed to endorse a policy that had been developed to apply where a mayor or councillors is standing for election to federal or state government. The draft policy included guidance for when a candidacy is declared, leave of absence arrangements, use of resources and management of conflicting roles. However, no councillor was prepared to move the officer recommendation to adopt the policy, and the item lapsed.
Mayor Kim O’Keeffe recently announced she would stand for state Parliament in November as a Nationals candidate. She is expected to announce her intentions regarding her role as mayor and councillor in the coming weeks.
Still to come – a controversial decision to sell a council aged care business to be revisited; a new council campaign to tackle violence towards council staff; councils call for new military bases in Queensland; and a new mayoral vehicle purchase attracts criticism.
You’re listening to the Local Government News Roundup for 18th May 2022, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
The VLGA Connect channel on YouTube and podcast has some great new episodes waiting for you. This week, hear about an innovative new open library concept that is being expanded across Yarra City Council’s libraries and attracting attention from across the library sector. I interview Yarra Libraries manager Felicity Macchion in episode 274, available now.
And don’t forget to register for the global panel next week on the topic of Trust and Culture in local government. Panellists will include Lydia Wilson, Chair Administrator of the City of Whittlesea and a former local government CEO; Sue Weatherley, Director of City Strategy and Innovation at Georges River Council; and from the UK, Jonathan Carr-West, the Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit.
There’s a link to find out more and register in the show notes.
Now for some stories making news around Australia in local government this week:
The Australian Local Government Association says billions of dollars have been secured in funding commitments ahead of this weekend’s federal election.
ALGA President Linda Scott said these funding commitments from the Coalition and Labor will see more federal funding provided to every Australian suburb, town and region.
She said the funding includes a $500 million commitment from the Coalition – and a $750 million commitment from Labor – to extend the $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Cr Scott also said commitments from both parties have been received to continue to increase the untied Financial Assistance Grants that all councils receive; and Labor has committed $200 million per year to invest in disaster mitigation and resilience in response to advocacy from the sector.
A decision by Kiama Council to Sell its aged care business will be revisited after a rescission motion was lodged with the support of three of its councillors.
It’s understood the decision to sell the Blue Haven Illawarra business was passed by a majority vote of 7 to 2 in a confidential extraordinary meeting of the council last week.
The rescission motion is expected to be considered in camera on the 23rd May, and planned meetings with residents of Blue Haven, home care recipients and families will be held over until after the motion is dealt with.
Meanwhile, Kiama CEO Jane Stroud is continuing to meet with council and Blue Haven staff about the implications of a potential sale.
https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Rescission-motion-submitted-on-sale-of-Blue-Haven
A Sydney council has launched a new campaign to curb the number of assaults on its staff, including parking officers and rangers.
Cumberland City Council’s anti violence campaign comes after more than 65 incidents of physical or verbal assault were reported over a little more than 2 years, with many others believed to have gone unreported.
The community is being encouraged to see past the uniform, and Mayor Lisa Lake is calling for respect to be shown towards staff.
Other tools such as license plate recognition technology, body cams and staff training are being used as part of the campaign.
Councils in Central Queensland are calling for new military bases to be built in their region.
Livingstone Mayor Andy Ireland is supporting a defence strategy produced by the Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils, with suggestions including a new army barracks for Rockhampton, an RAAF base at Rockhampton Airport, and a school of armour at the Shoalwater Bay Training area.
Mayor Ireland said new bases in the region would enable quicker responses to strategic threats and better security for our northern approaches.
He said Central Queensland was an ideal location as it is already home to Australia’s most advanced military training area at Shoalwater Bay.
Livingstone Mayor advocates for new military bases in the region as part of CQROC Defence Strategy
At Port Stephens council in NSW, some councillors have questioned the decision to purchase an $86K mayoral vehicle, saying the Ford Ranger Raptor was not an efficient choice given the council’s financial status.
The News of the Area website reports Cr Giacomo Arnott has described the purchase as extravagant, while the mayor Ryan Palmer says the purchase was inline with policies and procedures and expressed disappointment it had turned into a political issue.
The purchase was revealed in a Council review of the quarterly budget, after which a motion to sell the vehicle was lost five votes to four.
Two large ice arenas originally planned and abandoned in South Australia appear to be getting a second chance, thanks to a major investment by a Victorian entrepreneur.
According to an Adelaide Advertiser report, the Mayor of the City of Marion has announced an agreement for a $20M development on a site currently occupied by a croquet club, with the council to have the option to buy the facility at the end of a 42 year lease.
The property developer, Ross Pelligra, is also reported to have met with Playford council to discuss reviving a stalled ice area project in the Elizabeth CBD.
The report says the projects were originally abandoned due to financial issues.
(Adelaide Advertiser)
The City of Fremantle has welcomed a state government commitment to invest more than $20M in the revitalisation of Victoria Quay.
$7.5M has been included in the state budget to enhance public space at the port, and investigate the relocation of vehicle shipping operations and livestock shipping from the port.
Mayor Hannah Fitzhardgine said the city sees the redevelopment of the historic port is vital to the ongoing revitalisation of the Fremantle city centre, and particularly welcomed the funding to relocate vehicle and livestock shipping.
She said the Future of Fremantle committee would continue to work closely with the state government to take advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity to reconnect central Fremantle to its waterfront.
Fremantle welcomes Victoria Quay investment
To the National Briefs now:
Sunshine Coast Council has made a significant $9.5M land acquisition to expand green spaces for recreation, sport and conservation purposes.
The purchase of 214 hectares at Meridian Plains is a long-term strategic acquisition, with final land uses to be determined through a future site assessment and master planning process.
A federal government commitment towards a regional university centre program in Port Lincoln has been welcomed by the local council. Mayor Brad Flaherty said the creation of a university centre in Port Lincoln has been a key long-term strategic objective for the council.
The council and federal government will each contribute $200K to upgrade an existing building to be a fit for purpose study hub.
An extraordinary election will be held this Friday in the Town of Port Hedland. There are six candidates contesting the election to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Warren McDonogh in February this year.
News Story – Statement regarding Council
Wagga Wagga City Council has renewed the contract of its General Manager, Peter Thompson. The council on Monday night resolved to reappoint Mr Thompson for a further five years.
Summary of Council’s 16 May 2022 Ordinary Meeting
The Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council will confer citizenship on 2,400 new Australian citizens this week. New residents from 90 countries will be welcomed across six citizenship ceremonies held across two days. It will bring the total number of new citizens welcomed to Parramatta this year to more than 3,000.
Parramatta welcomes 2,400 new Australian citizens in two days
NSW Councils have issued an open letter calling on all federal election candidates to commit to addressing the worsening housing crisis.
LGNSW President Darriea Turley said the state’s 128 councils are asking candidates to support a four point plan, including substantial long term federal investment in social housing, affordable rental housing, and a Royal Commission into the affordability and future of housing in Australia.
Open Letter Calling for Urgent Action on Housing
International Spotlight:
A conference planned to be held in Bath, England this week has been scrambling to find a venue after the local council rejected its booking. The World Council for Health is known for its anti-COVID-19 vaccine views, claiming them to be unsafe for use in humans.
In a statement, Bath and NorthEast Somerset Council said it believed the so-called ‘Better Way’ conference would be used in a way that would prejudice public health responsibilities, and has refused to accept the booking.
At Liverpool, the Deputy Mayor has stepped down from a role overseeing the council’s finances due to an error that cost the authority £10M.
A BBC report says the city was left on a more costly energy tariff due to mistakes, inaction and miscommunication.
Deputy Mayor Jane Corbett has handed finance responsibilities to the mayor, but will remain in the deputy position and is resisting opposition calls for her resignation.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-61483514
In Cornwall, there are calls for a referendum to decide whether the local council should have a directly elected mayor.
It’s understood that negotiations with the government about a new funding deal centre on having a directly elected mayor to provide the highest level of devolution.
Opponents say such a move would cost £1M per year, and point to the recent decision of Bristol voters to move away from the directly elected mayoral model. You can read more about that story at cornwalllive.com, link in the transcript for this episode.
Mayor for Cornwall ‘could cost taxpayers £1 million a year’
For extra credit, you can read the recommendations of a joint committee charged with paving the way for the new combined authority in Cumberland, England, due to take effect next year. The group has recommended that Andrew Seekings, CEO of one of the merging authorities, be appointed as the interim CEO of the new authority.
Allerdale Council CEO recommended for top job at Cumberland Council | News and Star
The ongoing saga at Otago Regional Council in NZ continues to play out in the media. An Otago Daily Times report this week provides insights into the mediation process between councillors and staff, as interim arrangements are pending after the departure this week of the council’s CEO.
No sign of ORC mediation as CEO exits | Otago Daily Times Online News
And a 33 year local government veteran is expected to be appointed as the new CEO of England’s Mansfield District Council this week. The personnel committee is recommending Adam Hill be appointed to the position. He is currently deputy CEO of Swansea Council in Wales.
New chief executive officer set to be appointed at Mansfield District Council
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.