Today on the midweek edition of the Local Government News Roundup,
IBAC passes on matters referred from the Moira Shire Council Commission of Inquiry;
A councillor calls for municipal monitors at his own council;
Councillor and CEO resignations; and another councillor removed from office;
A council criticised for not standing up to hate;
Snowy Valleys takes the next step toward a demerger;
and much more from around the nation and beyond.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government.
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Transcript (with story links where available):
“Resignations, referrals, and a lack of intestinal fortitude”
Hi, this is Chris Eddy, coming to you from the land of the Wadawurrung People with the latest from the Local Government News Roundup.
On the podcast today:
IBAC passes on matters referred from the Moira Shire Council Commission of Inquiry;
A councillor calls for municipal monitors at his own council;
Councillor and CEO resignations; and another councillor removed from office;
A council criticised for not standing up to hate;
Snowy Valleys takes the next step toward a demerger;
And much more ahead in your midweek update from the Local Government News Roundup.
Thanks for joining me for today’s podcast – brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Here are just some of the stories making news in Victorian local government circles in recent days.
IBAC will not take on the two matters referred to it from the Moira Shire Council Commission of Inquiry.
It has passed allegations of misconduct relating to the awarding of contracts on to the Local Government Inspectorate, and referred the issue of alleged illegal dumping of asbestos back to the Council’s administrators.
According to a report from the Shepparton News, the council has appointed an independent investigator to look into the asbestos issue, and has changed its operational processes to help prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
Chief Administrator John Tanner said intensive investigations began last month, along with plans for remediation processes at the two transfer stations in Tungamah and Strathmerton.
Shepparton News, 26-6-23
A councillor at the Borough of Queenscliffe wants the Minister for Local Government to appoint monitors and conduct a review of the Council.
In a Notice of Motion to be considered at this week’s Council meeting, Cr Donnie Grigau claims the Council is not complying with its own policies.
He has included a list of “serious and wide-ranging” concerns that he says have been raised by Borough residents.
Many related to an alleged lack of community engagement on projects, delays and cost overruns with some projects.
There is also reference to difficulties faced by councillors, including feelings of manipulation and toxicity.
This week’s Council meeting will be the first since the election of Robert Minty, who was last week elected to replace former Deputy Mayor Fleur Hewitt, who resigned last month citing the increasing challenges and requirements of the role.
Borough of Queenscliffe Meeting Agenda, p.10-13
There’s been a councillor resignation at Strathbogie Shire this week.
David Andrews has stepped down from the role after coming in on a countback in September 2021.
A countback has been scheduled for the 12th July to fill the extraordinary vacancy.
The resignation comes at a time when a municipal monitor is in place to assess the council’s ability to function properly amid concerns about governance and conduct.
Peter Stephenson is the second monitor appointed to the council in the current term.
Strathbogie Shire Council media release
The Guardian this week reports that a decision on a third runway at Melbourne Airport will likely be delayed a further six months, giving rise to stress and financial uncertainty for communities in Melbourne’s west.
Brimbank Mayor Bruce Lancashire has reiterated the council’s concerns about serious health and environmental impacts due to the impact of the proposed runway on sleeping patterns and the cognitive development of children.
The council is calling for a compensation scheme for affected residents.
A decision from the Commonwealth on the runway was expected around now, but industry sources have told the Guardian it will likely not be made until late in the year.
A petition is being gathered to pressure Casey City Council to change its meeting times.
The Dandenong Star Journal reports on how Narre Warren resident Stephen Matulec is gathering support for the petition, which will call for Council meetings to be moved from the current 4pm start time, to the later time of 7pm.
He told the newspaper that he and others are upset because they can’t attend meetings that occur during work times.
Mr Matulec works in the office of South East Metropolitan MP David Limbrick, who has raised the matter in Parliament.
A Council spokesperson said the meeting time was part of the council’s Governance Rules, which won’t be changed until next year. Mr Matulec argues that the council can change its Governance Rules at any time.
Now in today’s Victorian Briefs:
Whittlesea City Council will receive state government funding for a feasibility study for a new Youth Hub.
The study will determine location, infrastructure requirements and services to best support local young people. The funding is from the government’s Youth Hubs Grant Program.
Victorian Government media release
In Nillumbik, a new leaders program has been launched to inspire, support and upskill community members to become effective leaders.
The Nillumbik Shire Council program will offer 15 places and run from August to December this year.
Nillumbik Shire Council media release
Wyndham City Council has loaned two off-road motorbikes to local police to assist with the fight against motorbike hooning.
The bikes will be used to patrol off-road areas where illegal trail bike riding occurs.
Mayor Susan McIntyre said the initiative was part of the Council’s MOU with Victoria Police, which has been extended until 2024.
Wyndham City Council media release
The state government has announced a $1.28M funding program to support councils and shires with domestic wastewater management.
The program encourages councils to incorporate environmental and sustainable practices into existing and new onsite wastewater management systems.
Seventeen councils will receive funding, on top of the 37 to already have received support.
Victorian Government media release
Reports of dumped tyres are at an all time high in Victoria.
Snap Send Solve CEO Danny Gorog told the Herald Sun that there had been a 92 per cent year on year increase, with some residents reporting multiple tyres being dumped in their streets at once.
Rubbish related reports totalled more than 24,000 across the state in April – the highest monthly tally ever.
Ahead of the National Roundup, a focus on some of the latest developments at councils in response to the far right war on inclusion…..
Last night, Indigo Shire Council unanimously passed a statement of unequivocal commitment to diversity, inclusion and the rights of LGIBTQ+ communities.
The item of late business was moved by Cr Larry Goldsworthy, who was critical of the recent decision by Rural City of Wangaratta to postpone a recent Rainbow Ball due to safety concerns.
Cr Goldsworthy said the decision showed a “lack of intestinal fortitude,” and that the actions of those who exclude, intimidate and marginalise have no place in the community.
Indigo Shire Council YouTube Channel – 1.58:30 approx
At Melton City Council this week, an officer recommendation to establish an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee, in response to a petition, was rejected by councillors.
The council has voted to ban the creation of any new community advisory committees until November 2024, which is after the commencement of the next Council term.
The decision was not unanimous, with three councillors voting against.
Rainbow Local Government campaigner Sean Mulcahy reported the development on Twitter, describing the outcome as very disappointing.
Tasmania’s Clarence Council has condemned an incident of transphobic vandalism, targeting a memorial for a trans woman who died in 2018 after an alleged rape in a Hobart prison.
The memorial for Marjorie Harwood was defaced with graffiti, and Clarence Councillor Jane Darko told the media she hoped the council’s motion of condemnation would encourage and empower groups to come forward with inclusive initiatives.
And Camden Council in Sydney will not replace a PRIDE sign that was vandalised last weekend, according to Yahoo News Australia.
The sign was erected at the start of Pride Month in early June.
The council has expressed deep sadness over the vandalism, but decided not to repair or replace the sign as the month of June is coming to an end.
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Now for some of the stories making local government news from around Australia this week.
NSW
Planning powers at Lismore City Council will be returned to councillors, following a NSW Government decision to disband the Lismore Local Planning Panel.
The decision follows a motion passed by councillors in March, which stated that they did not require assistance in their role as the consent authority.
The Minister for Planning, Paul Scully, wrote to the Mayor on Friday to advise of the decision, after visiting the Northern Rivers.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg has welcomed the decision to disband the panel, which was due to meet for the first time this week.
Lismore City Council media release
Former MP Daryl Maguire has been charged with one count of giving false and misleading evidence at the inquiry into the conduct of councillors and others at Canterbury City Council.
The ICAC inquiry made findings of serious corrupt conduct against some former councillors in relation to inappropriate influence of planning proposals and applications.
AAP has reported that Mr McGuire was charged earlier this month, more than two years after the release of ICAC’s Operation Dasha report.
Australian Associated Press via Yahoo News
Snowy Valleys Council has resolved to pursue a demerger, but it would be dependent on the state government providing funding.
A council commissioned report found the merged council structure was flawed and recommended reverting to the previous Tumut and Tumbarumba Shires.
The report will be presented to the local government Minister Ron Hoenig in the hope that he will support the proposed demerger.
The Border Mail reports on frustration from the community and within the council about the length of time it has taken to get to this stage.
Border Mail, 26-6-23
TAS
A seat on Glenorchy City Council has become vacant, after Alderman Kelly Sims failed to attend three consecutive council meetings.
General Manager Tony McMullen said the Local Government Act stipulates that the office of a councillor becomes vacant if they are absent without leave from three consecutive ordinary meetings of the Council.
He said the council takes its legal responsibilities extremely seriously, and the council had no choice but to inform Ald Sims that her office is now vacant.
In January, Ald Sims was suspended for three months for contravening the code of conduct, with behaviour described as completely unacceptable which amounted to bullying and harassing conduct, directed towards two local business people on social media.
Glenorchy City Council; Pulse Hobart
QLD
Isaac Regional Council has announced the resignation of CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris, who has decided to pursue new opportunities in his professional career.
Stewart-Harris had been with the council for six years, and became CEO in April 2021.
The Council has appointed Darren Fettell, Director of Corporate Governance and Finance Services, as Acting CEO during the transitional period.
The Council will now begin the recruitment process for a new CEO.
Isaac Regional Council media release
Brisbane short-stay property owners are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra rates following a new surcharge from the city council.
The council announced in its recent budget that it would raise its rates surcharge on short-stay properties from 50 to 65 per cent.
According to an ABC News report, the surcharge saw property owners pay an annualised increase on their rates of about $700,000 in the 2022-23 financial year.
Airbnb is proposing a visitor levy that would be paid for by guests, instead of rate increases, and is also pushing for a statewide framework that would govern the short-term rental sector.
A government probe into short-stay accommodation is expected to be completed soon.
WA
An advisory board at the City of Perth is to be restructured after racking up $52k in legal fees this financial year.
The West Australian has reported on a council vote to restructure the LGBTIA+ advisory group, bringing it under staff management.
The group was formed in 2021 after a public outcry due to comments by Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas that were seen to be transphobic.
The reason for the large amount of legal fees has not been revealed.
Briefly:
A parkland in Devonport has been renamed in honour of the city’s first warden.
The site informally known as Don Reserve Parkland is now the John Luck Park, and honours the contribution made by Mr Luck in Devonport’s formative years.
He was warden of the Devonport Municipal Council in 1908 and 1909, and served multiple terms as a councillor between 1908 and 1923.
Devonport City Council media release
Picture: John Luck’s descendants with Mayor Alison Jarman and Cr Lynn Laycock
Two stages of next year’s Santos Tour Down Under cycling event will be held in Barossa Council in South Australia, and Mayor Bim Lange couldn’t be happier.
Mayor Lange welcomed the announcement of the route, and said it will be a great opportunity to put Barossa on the world stage.
The event will take place in Adelaide and regional South Australia in January.
The City of Cockburn has signed an MOU with Dockers Football Club.
The deal will see increased community access to Dockers activities at the Cockburn ARC, the city’s recreation and aquatic centre.
They will also partner on a $12M expansion to the Cockburn ARC commencing later this year.
Cockburn City Council media release
Now for today’s International Spotlight:
To India, and the city of Chennai, where new rules have been introduced to curb corruption and bribery at the local level.
The Times of India reports that the new rules will remove the special status of the city corporation, allowing officials to be transferred across Tamil Nadu.
The changes mean officials should have more opportunities for promotion if they are prepared to move to other cities.
Cities are expected to benefit from receiving experienced staff who have previously not had the opportunity to take up promotions.
A move to suspend a Los Angeles council member facing various criminal charges has been deferred until August.
Councilmember Curren Price has been charged with embezzlement, perjury and conflict of interest offences.
He has welcomed the deferral as he says he’s not yet had the opportunity to answer the “unwarranted charges” against him.
The council’s Rules Committee is seeking more information on the options available to it.
ABC 7 News reported that suspension of a council member who is charged with a crime is not mandatory and up to the council’s discretion.
A former mayor of a council in Florida is expected to plead not guilty to charges of falsifying a record, official misconduct, and illegally influencing a building official.
It’s alleged that the former mayor of Plantation, Lynn Stoner, wrote an official letter with false information in 2020 that helped a developer secure $102 million in loans.
The charges carry a maximum of eight years in prison. More on that story from Floridapolitics.com
In New Zealand, Auckland Council has increased its dog control team due to a rise in abuse from dog owners, as well as increasing rates of dog attacks and roaming dogs, which are often aggressive.
The council has doubled up some of its dog control officers to deal with the rising tide of abuse and has recently increased its Animal Management staff by eight workers to deal with the increased workload and allow staff to work in twos in high-risk areas.
Radio New Zealand reports that Auckland Council has seen a 34% increase in dog attacks over the past five years, with attacks up 22% in the last year alone.
Several councils in England have warned that a ban on fees for disposing of DIY waste is unlikely to reduce fly-tipping.
Currently, around a third of local authorities charge fees for disposing of such waste at recycling centres.
The government has suggested that a ban on such fees, due to come into effect later this year, could discourage illegal dumping.
However, councils including Dorset and Hampshire have warned that the move would not deter fly-tipping and would place additional strain on budgets.
A 2021 study by recycling charity Wrap found no evidence of a connection between fly-tipping and charges at recycling centres.
The Local Government Association has stated that the change will cost many authorities more than £1m annually.
And finally to Wales, where a man who sued Flintshire Council for pain and suffering allegedly caused by a pothole fall is now facing a hefty bill for legal costs.
A court found he was fundamentally dishonest after an investigation into his claims uncovered inconsistencies in his story, and revealed that he had not sought medical treatment despite claiming to be in extreme pain.
He’s now liable for more than £10k in legal costs.
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That’s the latest from the Roundup for the 28th June 2023.
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The Local Government News Roundup is recorded in the city of Greater Geelong, Victoria, on the land of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation.
I’ll be back soon with more of the latest local government news. Until next time, thanks for listening, and bye for now.