A crisis of confidence as a rift emerges between Greater Geelong and the State Government, and MAV accuses the state government of taking a cheap shot at the sector.
Those developments lead this edition of the Local Government News Roundup.
Also today: a new mayor at Greater Shepparton; Moyne appoints its new CEO, while another Victorian CEO gets a new contract; NSW councillors subject to complaints and calls to stand down; the culture at WA councils in the news and much more council news ahead.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, your national broadcaster for all things local government.
Listen to this episode by selecting from the list on this page, or find the link for your preferred podcast app here.
Transcript with links:
Issue 131, LG News Roundup, 12th June 2022
A crisis of confidence as a rift emerges between Greater Geelong and the State Government, and MAV accuses the state government of taking a cheap shot at the sector.
Those developments lead this edition of the Local Government News Roundup.
Welcome to the bulletin for the 12th June. I’m Chris Eddy.
Also today: a new mayor at Greater Shepparton; Moyne appoints its new CEO, while another Victorian CEO gets a new contract; NSW councillors subject to complaints and calls to stand down; the culture at WA councils in the news and much more council news ahead.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, your national broadcaster for all things local government.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher has announced that she will step down from the role next Wednesday and return to the position of Councillor.
Cr Asher has served as Mayor since October 2019, and her current 2 year term was due to expire in November.
She had only returned to the mayoral role last week after an unsuccessful bid for election to Federal Parliament as a Liberal candidate.
With concerns expressed by some councillors that the role would be more politicised following the campaign and the election of a federal Labor government, Cr Asher said this week that she had never mixed the political and community representatives of the role – and that party politics has never been welcome or accepted in the chamber during her time as mayor.
However, she said, it has become apparent that the best thing for achieving progress is to have a change of mayor.
In a letter to the editor published in Saturday’s Geelong Advertiser, Mayor Asher sought to correct the record on some of the media reports since announcing her resignation.
She was critical of local federal members Libby Coker and Richard Marles for excluding her from dealings with the council since the election, and says one Labor aligned councillor had threatened a motion of no confidence – a move that she says was politically motivated and designed to force a vacancy in the mayoral office.
A special council meeting has been scheduled for 7pm Friday 17th June to conduct a mayoral election, with the new mayor to serve through to the next mayoral election which is expected to take place in November.
Resignation of Mayor Stephanie Asher – City of Greater Geelong
https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/news/item/8da49f8374be21a.aspx
On the heels of Mayor Asher’s announcement came news of a rift between the Council and the State Government, with five state MPs signing a letter expressing a lack of confidence in the city’s ability to deliver projects.
On Friday, the Geelong Advertiser quoted parts of the letter, which it said was signed by Labor MPs Lisa Neville, Gayle Tierney, John Eren, Christine Couzens and Darren Cheeseman.
According to further reports, the concerns have been backed by the Premier Daniel Andrews on a visit to the city on Friday morning.
In the letter, the MPs have warned that the government will prioritise projects that do not need the involvement of the city, and they’ve threatened to exclude Greater Geelong from planning for the Commonwealth Games.
The city’s CEO Martin Cutter expressed bitter disappointment in the way the MPs had raised their concerns through the media, rather than holding direct, information discussions with the council. He also said their letter contained a number of significant inaccuracies.
‘Lack of confidence’ in city’s ability to deliver key projects: state
Martin Cutter offended by MPs’ criticism of project delivery as Dan Andrews weighs in
Victoria’s peak body for councils, the MAV, has criticised the State Government after the introduction of new legislation regulating council financial hardship policies.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, the MAV described the proposed legislation as a kick in the guts, and criticised a lack of clear and consistent guidance since the release of the introduction of the new Local Government Act in 2020.
MAV President David Clark said the announcement of the new legislation was a cheap shot, and that the government was bent on grandstanding rather than governance.
He called on the government to work respectfully with the local government sector and work to reduce the rating burden by dealing with the range of rating anomalies that exist across the state.
In other news this week…
At Moyne Shire, the Interim CEO Brett Davis has now been confirmed in the position for the next four years.
The Council on Tuesday resolved to appoint Mr Davis to the role, succeeding Bill Millard who stepped down earlier in the year.
Mr Davis has been at Moyne as Director Economic Development Planning since January 2020, and was previously Executive Director Regional Victoria with the Victorian Planning Authority.
https://www.moyne.vic.gov.au/News-Media/Moyne-Shire-Council-appoints-new-CEO
Mornington Peninsula Shire will announce tomorrow that it has reappointed CEO John Baker on a new contract term of 4 years.
Mr Baker’s contract was due to expire in November. It’s understood that the Council resolved to offer the new contract last Tuesday.
Mr Baker took over from Carl Cowie at Mornington Peninsula in late 2018.
In Greater Shepparton, where Cr Kim O’Keeffe stepped down as mayor earlier in the week, an election to fill the mayoral vacancy has been held.
First term councillor Shane Sali was elected to serve out the current mayoral term, which is due to expire around late October, early November.
Cr Anthony Brophy will continue in the role of Deputy Mayor.
Cr Shane Sali elected as Mayor for Greater Shepparton City Council
A 10 month enterprise bargaining process at the City of Moreland, which led to recent industrial action, has been concluded with a resounding YES vote from staff on the pay offer.
On Friday, the Herald Sun reported confirmation from the Council’s CEO Cathy Henderson that 83 per cent of staff had voted for the offer, despite a campaign of opposition from the Municipal and Utilities Workers Union.
Over 500 workers were reported to have taken industrial action last month, affecting garbage collection, library services and open space maintenance.
Moreland City Council strike: Industrial action causes rubbish bin collection delay | Herald Sun
Briefly now:
Hindmarsh Shire Council has welcomed the 12th silo installation in the Silo Art Trail across the Wimmera Mallee region.
The new artwork at Arkona, by internationally renowned street artist Smug, acknowledges the importance of country tennis to small regional communities.
Hindmarsh Mayor Melanie Albrecht said the council was looking forward to increased tourist numbers visiting the Arkona artwork as well as the nearby Albacutya Silo at Rainbow.
The state government has awarded $5M to eight councils for storm cleanup and recovery after destructive storms across the central highlands region 12 months ago.
Hepburn and Moorabool Shires are among those to receive the funding. The Bendigo Advertiser reports that the Hepburn funding is being put towards Daylesford Spa Country railway cleanup, while Moorabool will use it to replace funds already expended on recovery activities.
(Bendigo Advertiser, 11-6-22)
A community hub identified in Ballarat City council’s ten year plan will be fast tracked thanks to a state government grant of more than $2M.
Ballarat Mayor Daniel Moloney said the new community and early years hub at Alfredton is needed to meet demand from rapid growth in the city’s west.
He said the government funding meant detailed design could commence with a view to opening the facility in 2024.
Still to come – NSW councillors subject to complaints and calls to stand down; the culture at WA councils in the news; while others receive awards and recognition; and council frustration with the NSW planning portal bubbles over.
You’re listening to the Local Government News Roundup for 12th June 2022, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Now for some stories making news around Australia in local government this week:
The mayor of Randwick council has rejected claims of a conflict of interest alleged against him in a complaint to ICAC.
The Southern Courier reports that independent councillor Noel D’Souza has lodged a complaint alleging deliberate and intentional actions in relation to a $10M demolition and rebuilding of a surf life saving club of which the mayor, Dylan Parker, is a member.
Cr Parker declared a non-pecuniary interest in the matter as a volunteer lifesaver, and has described the complaint as vexatious, and the kind of ‘grubby politics that people are sick of.’
The motion to approve the refurbishment of the club was passed unanimously in April.
The culture at some Western Australian councils is in the spotlight this week, as a group of female Perth councillors reveal their experiences of being harassed, intimidated, verbally abused and physically grabbed in their council workplace.
WA Today has highlighted recent examples of poor behaviour by elected representatives and constituents, leading to calls for more action from the local government minister.
Experiences by councillors at Wembley, Bayswater, Town of Cambridge and others are being used to call for an audit of the sector for bullying, harassment and intimidation – with Victoria’s current culture review highlighted as an example to follow.
Minister John Carey said the sexist and misogynist behaviour was unacceptable, but the current legislation provided limited powers to act. He said significant reforms to the local government sector in WA would be introduced to the Parliament soon as a priority.
South Perth Council has adopted a new code of conduct that will require councillors to disclose affiliations or employment relationships with political parties.
The move follows the introduction of similar arrangements at Bayswater and Belmont councils.
The ABC reports that the code was passed by a vote of 7 to 1. WA’s shadow local government minister described it as a retrograde step that will lead to more formal participation by political parties in local government.
https://www.abc.net.au/perth/programs/mornings/local-government-party-politics-register/13914100
The cities of Cockburn and Melville in WA have been recognised by Reconciliation Australia for a series of collaborative workshops empowering staff to support First Nations workmates.
The “Let’s Talk About Racism” initiative has been showcased in the 2021 Reconciliation Action Plan Impact Report.
The program enables participants to influence other non-Aboriginal staff with their increased awareness and understanding of racism and create cultural competency and safety within the organisations.
Cockburn was the first Perth metropolitan Local Government organisation to produce a RAP in 2011, with Melville following in 2013.
An Orange City Councillor has been called on to resign, over recent comments that have angered the local cycling community.
The presidents of local triathlon and cycling clubs said Cr Kevin Duffy should at a minimum apologise for saying he’d like to “scatter a few” cyclists while discussing speeding issues at a recent Council meeting.
A subsequent apology at last Tuesday’s council meeting has been described as not being genuine.
The Central Western Daily has reported that the Orange Triathlon Club President believes further action should be taken, and the councillor is no longer suitable to be on Council.(Central Western Daily, 11-6-22)
Federation council in NSW has expressed its absolute frustration with the NSW Planning Portal, which it says is making it hard to do business due to unprecedented inefficiencies.
Mayor Pat Bourke said rather than meeting the aim of a more efficient system, it was actually creating additional administrative burden – a frustration that is shared by other councils across central NSW.
He said councils are having to employ extra staff at a time when the sector was experiencing a significant shortage of planners.
Mayor Bourke has called on the state government to review the system and adapt it to increase efficiencies and processing times.
https://www.federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au/News-Media/Planning-Portal-is-making-it-hard-to-do-business
Coffs Harbour City Council has voted to oppose a state government master plan for the city’s Jetty Foreshore Precinct, over concerns that public open spaces along the foreshores will not be adequately protected.
Mayor Paul Amos says residents want open space retained in the precinct for leisure and recreational needs, and the council believes the draft plan does not reflect this.
The Council is also concerned about lack of car parking in high use areas, the impact of tall buildings on open space, and other inconsistencies with council strategies and earlier plans.
The draft master plan is currently on exhibition for public comment.
In today’s National Briefs:
The former CEO of Queensland’s Charters Towers Regional Council has been named the new CEO of Goulburn Mulwaree Council in NSW.
Aaron Johannson has been successful in a nationwide search, and brings extensive local government experience and a background in mining, education and financial management.
He takes up the position on 11th July on a five year contract.
Fremantle’s Walyalup Civic Centre has scooped the pool at the Australian Institute of Architect’s WA Awards, taking out 4 awards and a commendation, including the top prize.
The building, designed by Fremantle’s Kerry Hill Architects, won the George Temple Poole Award at last week’s ceremony, at which work on the historic Fremantle Town Hall was also recognised with the Heritage Architecture Award.
Walyalup Civic Centre takes out WA’s top architecture award | City of Fremantle
A new councillor has joined the Town of Port Hedland in WA after a recent extraordinary election. Jason Keller has been sworn in after receiving 524 votes in the election, and will serve for the remainder of the council term which expires in October 2023.
Six candidates will contest an extraordinary election on 8th July to fill a vacancy on Cockburn council. The election is required due to the resignation of former councillor Chamonix Terblanche.
The election will be conducted by postal vote.
https://www.cockburn.wa.gov.au/elections#election
Sadly, we note the passing of a former mayor and councillor of over 30 years on the District Council of Mt Remarkable in South Australia. Trevor Roocke served as chairman of the council and later mayor from 1985 through 2011, and served on the Local Government Association state executive committee among other local government and community activities. He passed away on the 24th May, at the age of 80.
(Adelaide Advertiser, 11-6-22, p.52)
For extra credit this week, check out an article from The Guardian which looks at research conducted by CSIRO which reveals that work by local governments to reduce litter has led to 30% less plastic pollution on our coast lines.
The survey covered 183 coastal sites in six states, and looked at the impact of waste reduction strategies and policies introduced by councils. It found an average decrease in plastic and other litter of 29%, and a highest recorded decline of 79%.
And now to the International Spotlight:
A plan by the city of Paris to fell more than 40 trees near the Eiffel Tower has been discarded after petitions and protests from locals.
EcoWatch reports that the city was planning to create more tourist facilities near the tower, along with reducing traffic and increasing green space.
However locals mobilised to protect the trees, some of which are between 100 and 200 years old.
The plan was a key commitment of mayor Anne Hidalgo during her 2020 reelection campaign, but a petition to oppose it had gathered 140,000 signatures.
After Protests, Paris Says It Won’t Fell Trees Near Eiffel Tower – EcoWatch
In the Italian city of Palermo, the municipality has shut down all of its systems to fend off a cyberattack, and is attempting to restore services from back ups.
The city has confirmed the attack is a ransomware incident, and has given no indication it is prepared to pay any ransom demands.
The attack happened just over a week ago, and as yet few of its systems have been restored. ITPro reports that some of the city’s backups were corrupted in the attack.
Affected services include police systems in a city of 1.3 million, the fifth largest in Italy.
Italian city of Palermo shuts down all systems to fend off cyberattack
In Santiago, Chile, a dog has become the face of efforts to reduce litter in the city’s green spaces.
Reuters reports that Sam, a border collie, has become famous for wearing a green cape in a comic that is being used as an educational guide.
Sam and his owner Gonzalo visit the city’s largest green space, a popular tourist spot, three times a week and collect litter into a backpack that each of them wears for their treks. In one recent month alone, the pair collected 602 masks, 585 bottles and 304 cans amongst other discarded items.
Clean, green superhero dog fights garbage in Chile | Reuters
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, bye for now.