Coming up on the Local Government News Roundup for Friday 26th April 2024:
- An interim CEO appointed in Victoria; a Council CEO stood down in Sydney; and another Queensland CEO departs after the recent elections
- A major sewage leak may lead to prosecution of Gold Coast City Council
- A WA council on notice from the government to clean up its act
- A major UK Council issues a warning about Brazilian Butt Lift procedures
Plus more Council news from across Australia and beyond on the Local Government News Roundup, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, hosting a members only online professional development workshop on Managing Difficult Conversations – Friday 19th April;
with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment service and business advisory practice;
and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 328:
Victorian Roundup:
Golden Plains Shire Council has appointed an interim CEO to lead the council while a recruitment process is undertaken after the resignation recently of Eric Braslis.
Mr Braslis is heading to the City of Wyndham in a director position.
Experienced Council CEO and senior executive Michael Tudball, who is also a former mayor and councillor, will serve in the interim CEO position from 3rd May until a permanent appointment is made to the position.
Glen Eira City Council in Melbourne’s southeast is considering a local law that would require residents to obtain a permit before pruning or removing trees of a certain height on their properties.
The Age has reported on mixed reactions to the proposed law, which is aimed at protecting and increasing tree canopy.
The council will vote on the proposal on September 3.
The State Government has announced a $400 million package to support infrastructure in Melbourne’s rapidly growing suburbs.
The package includes new schools, health services, public transport, and road upgrades, including a $60 million road link in Werribee, a $35 million school in Cobblebank, and more than $150 million for new bus services across the city.
The funding comes from the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution fund, which has already delivered over $685 million worth of initiatives in Melbourne’s growth areas.
Greater Geelong Council has voted to implement a 24-hour cat curfew, confining cats to their owner’s property at all times.
Bay 93.9 FM reported that the decision was split 5-5 and decided on the vote of Mayor Trent Sullivan.
The curfew will come into effect in November this year, and will be reviewed after one year.
The Local Government Performance Reporting Steering Committee is reviewing the annual community satisfaction survey coordinated by Local Government Victoria.
Concerns have been raised within the sector about the methodology and products offered.
The review is seeking advice on the survey’s function, optimal data collection method, products offered, and best value for money delivery options.
The Victorian Government has decided not to proceed with the Valuation Averaging Mechanism (VAM) for mitigating property valuation fluctuations affecting annual rates.
The decision was based on stakeholder feedback highlighting concerns about the complexity of the current rating system and the belief that a VAM would add further complexities without effectively addressing rate volatility.
The VAM was one of 56 recommendations from a review of rating system that reported to the minister in 2020.
The Latrobe City Council has reaffirmed its support for the Japanese Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project, noting its potential significant economic impact on the region.
The project, which has been under development for 10 years, has received a $2.35 billion grant from Japan’s Green Innovation Fund.
It aims to build a hydrogen liquefaction and loading terminal at the Port of Hastings and a brown coal gasification plant at Loy Yang A, employing up to 1000 people at full capacity.
The Latrobe Valley Express has reported on the council’s advocacy to government and the community for support for the project, which is expected to commence construction around 2028.
Mansfield Shire Council is seeking community feedback on proposed new gravel road cycling routes on existing roads in the shire.
The network, proposed by Tourism North East, includes seven routes and three hubs for information and repair stations, with no changes to existing road surfaces but new signage for safety.
The initiative aims to inform cyclists of road conditions and potential hazards.
Feedback on the proposed routes can be submitted on the Mansfield Shire Council website until April 30.
The inaugural Ballarat Marathon is set to take place this weekend, with over 4000 participants signed up.
The event, which includes a marathon, half-marathon, and other races, is expected to inject more than $1 million into the Ballarat economy.
Local businesses are preparing for an influx of visitors, and the event has already raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity.
The marathon has partnered with local businesses to provide special offers and events, and there will be road closures in place throughout the weekend.
Victorian Briefs:
The City of Greater Geelong is seeking feedback on draft Nature Strip Guidelines, aiming to provide residents with guidelines for creating sustainable nature strip gardens.
The new guidance promotes biodiversity and public safety.
It covers topics such as planting locations, plant choices, surface materials, and public safety considerations.
Greater Shepparton City Council has agreed to lease the Westside Performing Arts Centre in Mooroopna from the Department of Education for $1 per year for 20 years, with an option for an additional 10 years.
The venue, managed by Riverlinks since the early 2000s, is used by schools, performers, and for big-name productions.
Gannawarra Shire Council is seeking public feedback on the Draft Gannawarra Shire Onsite Wastewater Management Plan, which outlines the council’s obligations to prevent public health risks and environmental contamination from domestic wastewater disposal.
Feedback received before 5pm on May 16 will contribute to the final version of the plan.
The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting public feedback on its draft Good Governance Framework, which outlines what good governance is, how it will be applied, its vision, the importance of leadership, culture, and respect, and the City’s principles of good governance.
The framework proposes seven key principles, and feedback collected will inform the final draft.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Liverpool Council CEO John Ajaka has been stood down with pay pending an independent inquiry, despite an attempt by Mayor Ned Mannoun’s to terminate his contract.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the move followed a heated budget meeting in which Mr Ajaka is alleged to have sworn at the mayor and refused to retract his comments.
The council will also investigate allegations of offensive, racist, and religious chants made when union members rallied in support of the CEO and against the Mayor.
Police were called when union members refused to leave the meeting, which was meant to be a confidential session of the council.
The drama was preceded earlier in the day by a public statement issued by three councillors – Charishma Kaliyanda, Dr Betty Green and Peter Harle – in which they questioned the competence of Mayor Ned Mannoun.
They raised concerns over his plans to implement staff cuts, including the dismissal of the CEO to fund a $50 million pool project in the Holsworthy electorate.
They said the move to end Mr Ajaka’s contract early could cost ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars, and rob the Liverpool community of an effective decision-maker at a time when the community desperately needs strong and stable leadership; and described the suggestion of job cuts as bizarre.
In a related development, current Leppington MP Nathan Hagarty has been called on to retract comments he made recently under parliamentary privilege, expressing grave concerns about the councils political independence under current management.
He says he stands by his comments, and that the council’s pattern of hiring is cause for concern.
Mr Ajaka is a former Liberal upper house MP and government minister until his retirement from the parliament in 2021. He was appointed CEO of Liverpool Council in late 2022.
The council’s operations director Jason Breton has been appointed as acting CEO during the period of Mr Ajaka’s suspension.
In more Liverpool news, the Daily Telegraph reported that councillors have passed a motion to potentially cover Mayor Ned Mannoun’s legal expenses up to $50,000, following a defamation complaint by community campaigner Michael Andjelkovic.
Andjelkovic alleges that the mayor caused him “serious harm to his reputation” following comments made at a community forum.
While Mayor Mannoun has not yet accrued any legal expenses, any potential costs would be subject to council approval and could be reduced by any recoupment following legal proceedings.
QLD:
Cairns Regional Council’s chief executive, Mica Martin, has resigned.
Her resignation was accepted by the council at a special meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
A report proposing CEO recruitment arrangements will be tabled at the upcoming Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday 1 May.
The Cairns Post reported that the resignation was imminent earlier in the day, after speculation that Ms Martin’s relationship with new mayor Cr Amy Eden was “untenable”.
It is the fifth resignation of a council CEO in Queensland since the March elections, following Maranoa, Bundaberg, Brisbane and Townsville.
Gold Coast City Council is under investigation by the Queensland state government following a spill of over 400 million litres of raw sewage into the Albert River.
ABC News reported that the spill, equivalent to about 160 Olympic swimming pools, was caused by a broken pipe that may have been leaking since January.
The council, labelled as the “polluter” by the relevant government department, is responsible for testing and monitoring the Albert River and could face prosecution for serious offences.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli has expressed support for the construction of an Olympic venue that will necessitate the relocation of two rugby league clubs, according to the Sunshine Coast News.
Despite concerns from the Kawana Dolphins juniors and seniors about the survival of their clubs post-relocation, the new mayor maintains that the new venue will provide significant economic and social benefits to the region.
The Kawana Sports Precinct was identified as the only site meeting all requirements to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the proposed relocation site for the Dolphins at Meridan Fields will offer improved facilities.
Mayor Natoli will represent the Sunshine Coast at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games to gain insights into hosting such a large-scale event.
The Mayor’s visit will focus on transport requirements, community impact, the Cultural Olympiad, and local business opportunities.
The council says the knowledge gained will be crucial for the Sunshine Coast’s role as a Games Delivery Partner and Co-Host City for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
WA:
A vote of no confidence against Western Australian councillor Adrian McRae, who endorsed the Russian election on national TV, has failed in a special council meeting according to a report from ABC News.
Cr McRae’s comments stirred controversy, particularly among Port Hedland’s Ukrainian and Eastern European community.
He has defended his actions, and says he wanted to see how a world superpower runs its elections.
The council called for more cohesion among elected members following the failed vote.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries in Western Australia has issued a letter of concern to Port Hedland’s council, citing issues such as a lack of cohesion among councillors and inappropriate use of social media.
The council has been asked to develop an improvement plan to address these issues.
This comes after a series of controversies, including allegations of councillors breaching the councillor code of conduct.
The council has voted in favor of developing the improvement plan, with the final outcome to be voted on in a council meeting in July.
National Briefs:
Byron Shire Council has prepared a new Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy which aims to reduce litter by 40% over the next five years.
The council spends approximately $1.4 million annually on litter cleanup.
Public feedback on the strategy is invited until May 19.
Applications are being taken for the CEO position at SA’s Town of Gawler. Andrew Goodsell has been acting in the CEO position since earlier this year, after the departure of Henry Inat ahead of his contract expiry in June.
Perks People Solutions is handling the recruitment process for the council, with applications closing on 24th May.
Meanwhile Mills Recruitment is handling applications for the CEO role at WA’s Shire of Donnybrook Balingup, which is 213km southwest of Perth.
The Shire returned to elected councillors late last year after a short period of administration. It appointed Garry Hunt as a Temporary CEO while the new Council was on-boarded.
Monday 13th May is closing date for applications.
The City of Busselton has partnered with Guide Dogs WA to support the first ever Guide and Assistance Dogs training in the South West.
Two dogs, Louie and Thia, will be boarded for approximately eight months by three city staff members who volunteered to be ‘Bed and Breakfast Boarders’.
The initiative is part of the City’s efforts to support Disability Access and Inclusion initiatives.
International Spotlight:
UK:
Edinburgh residents are being urged to contact the City Council if they have booked a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure in the city this weekend.
The council has become aware that BBL operations may be taking place through social media activity, and has concerns about safety and potential health risks.
Other local authorities have received complaints about serious health complications such as sepsis from similar procedures recently.
New planning powers have coming into effect in the UK, giving local councils greater tools to hold developers accountable.
The powers include stronger enforcement measures against landowners who repeatedly break planning rules, the ability to issue unlimited fines, and extended enforcement limits.
The Act also requires developers to contribute to vital infrastructure and encourages them to build more homes.
A funding boost of £29M has been provided to councils to tackle backlogs and upskill the sector, along with an increased in planning fees for applications.
Nearly 10,000 council staff in England are on long-term sick leave, a number that has increased by a fifth since 2019, according to the Liberal Democrats.
BBC News has reported the party’s claims that six in 10 councils have seen a rise in long-term sick leave numbers.
The claims come as 107 local councils across England prepare to go to elections on 2nd May.
Sheffield City Council is under pressure to prevent a loss of the World Snooker Championships to a new home after nearly 60 years in the city.
Organisers say a new venue is needed as the event has outgrown its traditional home, the Crucible, which has a capacity of just 980 seats.
GB News reported that the council has responded, affirming the city’s status as the home of snooker and expressing a commitment to maintaining the city’s sporting legacy.
CANADA:
Toronto city council has approved new rules to improve apartment safety and enforce maintenance standards.
CBC News has reported that the city will increase the number of inspections, increase fees for non-compliant owners, and provide more publicly available data about building conditions.
The new rules also include targeted engagement and inspections for non-compliant buildings and, in some cases, in-unit visits by city staff to gather resident complaints.
All buildings will now be evaluated every two years instead of three, and poor evaluations will trigger targeted enforcement.
An Ottawa resident has used AI software to create a searchable website that collates hundreds of activities from the City of Ottawa’s schedules.
CBC News reported that the tool has been well-received by users, with daily visits nearing 1,000, but has not been embraced by the city itself.
Claudie Larouche says she created the tool out of frustration from having to search multiple schedules to find available pool lanes for swimming.
She is not interested in monetising the tool and has offered it to the city, but was told the code was incompatible with their web technology.
USA:
Rat problems persist in New York City, which last year appointed a rat czar to combat the issue.
The city has seen a rise in cases of leptospirosis, a rare disease linked to rat urine, particularly among sanitation workers, according to USA Today.
In 2023, the city reported 24 cases, the highest number in any year, and six cases have already been reported this year.
The disease, which can lead to kidney failure, meningitis, liver damage, and respiratory distress, is most likely to be contracted through contact with areas where infected rats have urinated.
The sanitation worker’s union is backing a state bill that would provide benefits to employees and their families if they become disabled or die from the disease.