In episode 150 of the Local Government News Roundup:
Councils react after the Suburban Rail Loop East gets the green light from the government;
The impact of councils exiting aged care services in the news;
Victorian councils join the push for non-resident owners to help with the housing crisis;
The councillor suing her own council;
It was the week when two mayors stepped aside, for very different reasons;
and a debate over whether public art can be cheeky and/or subversive.
Plus more local government related news from around the world on the Roundup, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association. To listen, click on the episode in the player below – or find the link for your podcast app here.
Inquiry push, a new crop of mayors, and legal costs payback ordered – Local Government News Roundup
- Inquiry push, a new crop of mayors, and legal costs payback ordered
- Complaints rise, councils bypassed, and rumours refuted
- Roundup Extra – Local Government CEO Index with Justin Hanney
- Vote tampering concerns, target missed, and resignation fallout
- Recounts, mayoral elections, and silly discussions
Transcript (with story links where available):
Episode 150 LG News Roundup, 14th August 2022
Hello and welcome to the Local Government News Roundup. This is the bulletin for the 14th August. I’m Chris Eddy.
Coming up in this edition:
Councils react after the Suburban Rail Loop East gets the green light from the government;
The impact of councils exiting aged care services in the news;
Victorian councils join the push for non-resident owners to help with the housing crisis;
The councillor suing her own council;
And it was the week when two mayors stepped aside, for very different reasons.
All that and so much more ahead on the Local Government News Roundup, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government.
Victoria’s biggest infrastructure project, the Suburban Rail Loop East, got the green light this week with the release of a ministerial assessment of the project’s environmental effects.
Minister Lily D’Ambrosio endorsed the recommendations of an independent inquiry, and found that the environmental effects of the project were acceptable.
Councils have been responding to that news in the days since, led by Monash City Council, which was quick to express disappointment at the lack of commitment for the lowering of Glen Waverley Station to create an interconnected platform between the new SRL station and the existing station.
While noting that several Council and community issues had been acknowledged, Mayor Stuart James said that as a transformational project, it falls short.
Kingston City Council has noted wins and losses from its advocacy efforts in relation to the project.
Acting Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns said the findings of the EES process supported many of the Council’s suggested improvements for the project. However, the Council remains disappointed that a train stabling yard will proceed next to homes in Kingston’s green wedge.
And from Whitehorse City Council, Mayor Tina Liu said many of the Council’s recommendations had been endorsed.
She especially welcomed a decision to ensure an underground connection between SRL Box Hill station and the existing Metro Box Hill station, as well as the commitment to ensure a modern and efficient interchange with the Box Hill bus interchange.
Mayor Liu said that where the Council’s recommendations had not been supported, they would continue to advocate for better design outcomes at all opportunities.
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/getting-suburban-rail-loop
Media statement Suburban Rail Loop East | City of Monash
The ongoing review of the provision of in-home aged care services by Councils has been making news this week, with coverage from the ABC and the Age.
There are concerns about residents not receiving support from new providers in Boroondara and Mornington Peninsula due to an inability to attract sufficient workers.
Mornington Peninsula, which transitioned on 1st July, passed an urgent motion this week seeking assurances from the commonwealth that resident care would be maintained as had been promised by providers and the federal government.
According to the Age, a number of councils are expected to consider their role in in-home aged care in the coming weeks. They include Yarra and Stonnington.
Victorian councils axe in-home services as aged care providers struggle to find staff – ABC News
(The Age, 12-8-22, p.14)
Two Victorian Councils are joining a movement to encourage non-resident ratepayers to consider putting their dwellings into the rental market to help with the housing crisis.
East Gippsland Shire will include a letter with rate notices going out later this month, and Mornington Peninsula Shire is due to receive a report in September outlining a process and costs for following through on the idea.
Mornington Peninsula Cr Sarah Race credits similar initiatives at Eurobodalla Shire and Shoalhaven City Councils in NSW for the inspiration for the move.
https://www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/media-releases/is-your-property-a-rental-opportunity
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sarah-race-a7104210_council-set-to-ask-holiday-home-owners-to-activity-6962953888811409408-Eej6
Ballarat City Council is in the news over a decision to reject a recommended conservation control on a historic Chinese home in the city.
A majority of four councillors voted against the recommendation, in support of the rights of the owners.
Following a request to demolish the home and outbuildings, the Council sought heritage advice which determined the site was of local significance.
Leaders of Ballarat’s Chinese community have told the ABC that they will fight to protect the property, and seek an interim protection order from Heritage Victoria.
The property, known as Victory House, is in the Ballarat suburb of Canadian. It was built in 1906 and was home to the family of a Chinese goldmine manager for more than 100 years.
A councillor from Mitchell Shire is reportedly suing the council through its insurance provider over damage allegedly caused to a horse transport vehicle.
The NorthCentral Review reports that Cr Annie Goble was an apology for the April, May and June Council meetings, and has been on a leave of absence since July.
Cr Goble told the paper that her horse transport vehicle sustained $90,000 worth of damage from an overhanging tree branch.
She said had considered resigning over the matter and was unsure when she would return to Council duties.
Councillor Annie Goble sues Mitchell Shire Council – The North Central Review
Here are today’s Victorian Briefs:
The state government has appointed the board to lead the new entity charged with overseeing the $1.1B alpine sector – and there’s a strong local government connection.
Ali Wastie, the CEO of Bass Coast Shire Council, will chair the new Alpine Victoria boardwhich will replace four existing alpine resort management boards and the Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council from the 1st October.
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-board-champion-victorias-alpine-sector
The date for a countback in Horsham Rural City Council has been set. This follows the resignation last week of Di Bell from the council. The VEC will conduct a countback procedure at 10am on Tuesday 6th September.
The 2022 MAV Technology Awards for Excellence were announced Thursday night in Melbourne. Kingston City Council was the big winner, taking out the Customer Experience category and the overall award for its bin evolution project.
Other winners were Hume City, Glenelg Shire, Moorabool Shire and the City of Casey. A People’s Choice award went to Banyule City Council.
Surf Coast Shire is the latest Victorian council to consider introducing a 24 hour cat curfew.
The Geelong Advertiser reports that the council is currently consulting on its domestic animal management plan, and whether to expand an existing overnight curfew.
The paper also reports that Greater Geelong has called for feedback on a trial banning dogs from the main beach at Ocean Grove.
A report on the trial is expected to come to the Council later this year, informed by community feedback which is open until 25th September.
(Geelong Advertiser, 13-8-22, p.6)
Greater Geelong has secured a grant to install new electric vehicle charging stations at its depots. The new chargers at Belmont and Corio depots will expand the Council’s network of chargers and help to transition its light fleet to net zero within five years.
The Council says its operational carbon emissions dropped by 30 per cent last financial year, and have fallen by more than 50 per cent since 2017.
City to expand electric vehicle fleet
A new State Government community sporting facilities initiative will require all Victorian councils to ensure equitable access for people of all genders from mid 2024 to be eligible for infrastructure funding.
The new program is a partnership between Sport and Recreation Victoria and VicHealth, and will include three phases of education, readiness and progress.
Local councils will start to receive training, education and support under the first phase from this year, delivered by the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation.
Fair access for women and girls in sport – Sport and Recreation Victoria
Coming up: two mayors had stepped aside this week – I’ll tell you why; Qld and NSW peak bodies respond to two inquiry reports; and in the International Spotlight the mayor was arrested over allegations of fraud, bribery and money laundering.
You’re listening to the Local Government News Roundup for 14th August 2022, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
With a state election looming, VLGA Connect is presenting a series of live panels and discussions with key players over the coming weeks.
Confirmed participants include the Victorian Local Government Minister, Melissa Horne; Shadow Minister for Local Government Richard Riordan, and Shadow Minister for Planning Ryan Smith.
The series will comprise moderated live panel discussions, with audience Q&A so that you can ask your questions of panellists on issues of relevance to the local government sector.
Keep watch on the VLGA website Events page for details of election series events, and make sure you don’t miss your chance to take part.
The 2022 State Election Series, coming soon from the VLGA – the national broadcaster on all things local government.
Heading the National Roundup today:
The Mayor of Hawkesbury City Council has resigned from the role in the wake of a recent violent home invasion.
Cr Patrick Conolly says he needs to focus on helping his family recover from the traumatic event, and to look after his own mental health.
Cr Conolly will continue to serve as a councillor. An extraordinary meeting will be held on 23rd August to elect a new Mayor.
The Mayor of King Island has announced she will leave the role this week. Cr Julie Arnold is required to vacate the position due to the sale of her property, and a pending move to South Australia.
She told the Burnie Advocate that she had intended to remain in the role until elections in October and fulfil the responsibilities remotely.
However, legislation requires the mayor to be a resident of Tasmania leaving her no choice but to resign.
Deputy Mayor Vernon Philbey will act in the mayoral role for the 10 week period until the October elections.
(Burnie Advocate, 11-8-22)
Queensland’s Local Government Association has called for post-prosecution reviews of failed Crime and Corruption Commission cases against mayors and councillors.
The call follows the release of the Fitzgerald Inquiry into the Commission, which found a number of flaws with its failed prosecution of councillors from Logan City Council.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said the Logan matter is not the only failed prosecution launched by the CCC against elected members.
She said the LGAQ wants to see the review of those cases prioritised to ensure any potential miscarriage of justice could be rectified, and ensure mistakes are never repeated.
Failed CCC councillor cases need immediate post-prosecution review – LGAQ
LGNSW has welcomed the release of a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry report on the response to major flooding across the state this year.
It found that emergency services and government agencies were unprepared and did not comprehend the scale of the February-March floods.
It also found that local councils, especially in the Northern Rivers region, will need significant support to repair private and public roads affected by flooding, potholes and landslips.
LGNSW President Darriea Turley said it was essential that the state government act on the inquiry’s key recommendations to ensure councils are well-positioned to manage any future extreme weather events.
In today’s National Briefs:
Mt Gambier’s Mayor Lynette Martin has announced she intends to seek a second term at the upcoming council elections.
The Border Watch says Ms Martin won the 2018 vote by a significant margin, receiving more than 66 per cent of the first preference votes ahead of two other candidates.
(Border Watch, 12-8-22)
WA’s City of Cockburn and Curtin University have formalised a long standing partnership with an MOU that was officially signed this week.
Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett said the formal partnership reflects both parties’ common goal of positive community impact through leadership and innovation.
Dubbo Regional Council has announced the return of air services between Dubbo and Ballina from 6th September.
The service hasn’t operated since April this year, and will return with 2 return flights per week with a view to increase with demand.
Here’s one of the more curious stories of the week, what’s in a word when it comes to public art policy?
Quite a bit as it turns out for Adelaide City Council, which this week debated whether the words cheeky and subversive should remain in its four year public art plan.
A report from the Adelaide Advertiser points out that three councillors were missing from the chamber when the matter was debated.
After some back and forth, it was a close four to three vote to remove both of those words, and replace them with ‘beautiful’.
(Adelaide Advertiser, 13-8-22, p.6)
In today’s International Spotlight:
In Israel this week, a local mayor was arrested on charges of alleged bribery, money laundering and fraud.
Rami Greenberg, the mayor of Petah Tikva, was among a number of suspects arrested following an investigation into a 2018 local government election campaign.
The Jerusalem Post has details of the allegations that hundreds of thousands of shekels were transferred to the mayoral candidate’s electoral campaign, in return for favourable advancement of certain economic affairs after a successful election.
Petah Tikva mayor arrested for bribery, money laundering, fraud – Israel News – The Jerusalem Post
In Canada, the process to transition the city of Ottawa to the strong mayor system of government has commenced, with legislation introduced this week.
Under the new system, the mayor of Ottawa will join the Mayor of Toronto in having powers more akin to being the CEO of their municipal organisations.
The new legislation will give the mayor the authority to write and table a budget, and a power to veto any amendments offered by the council or to block bylaws.
There is speculation that the provincial government is also planning to add more cities to the strong mayor system over the next four year council terms. You can read a handy explainer of the system at ottawacitizen.com – link in the show notes.
Explainer: ‘Strong mayor’ system would give more CEO-type powers to Ottawa’s head of council
And in Portland, Oregon, the city council will vote later this month on a plan to phase out diesel fuel sales in the city.
The move is one of 43 climate change actions that the council is considering to help achieve a goal of having 100% community wide energy needs met by renewable energy over the next 20 years.
TTNews.com has the report on the city’s plan to be a national role model as innovators in decarbonisation regulation.
The council says it is targeting diesel fuel because it’s the fourth largest source of local carbon emissions, and is responsible for producing harmful air pollutants.
Portland City Council to Vote on Phasing Out Diesel Sales | Transport Topics
That wraps up another Local Government News Roundup, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Remember to subscribe to VLGA Connect on YouTube and podcast for regular episodes highlighting local government initiatives, plus the flagship weekly news review on the Governance Update with Stephen Cooper.
I’ll be back with more news from around the world of local government on Wednesday. Head to lgnewsroundup.com for breaking news updates and extra interview content.
Until then, thanks for listening and bye for now.