Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- The sector mourns the passing of a local government legend
- More on the decision that paved the way for The Block to come to Daylesford
- Concerns about missing documents in the government investigation of Liverpool Council
- Council CEO appointments and resignations, and mayoral apologies
- A UK council to walk back a new bin system after recent elections
Plus Councils warn of dire consequences from a government water buy-back plan. Chris Eddy speaks with the CEO of Murray River Council, Terry Dodds PSM about his council’s concerns over the government’s approach to the issue.
Plus more of the latest news from around the world of local government brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association,
with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment service and business advisory practice, presenting LG Innovate: Artificial Intelligence Summit for the local government C-Suite at Peregian Beach in September.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 362:
Victorian Roundup:
Tributes have flowed in honour of Cr Rod Fyffe OAM, who has passed away at 75 after 38 years of dedicated service as a councillor.
The City of Greater Bendigo councillor served as Mayor four times and Deputy Mayor twice, and was highly regarded for his commitment to the community, environmental preservation, heritage buildings, the arts, and local sports.
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf and CEO Andrew Cooney issued a joint statement on Friday acknowledging the late Cr Fyffe’s remarkable contribution to the community and local government.
Victorian Premier and local member Jacinta Allan issued a statement reflecting on Cr Fyffe’s warm personality and dedication to public service.
Ms Allen thanked him for his personal support and advice over many years, and said that while he has left us, his legacy lives on.
Prior to his passing, Cr Fyffe prepared a statement that he asked the council to issue on his behalf.
He reflected on his 38 years as a councillor, describing it as one of the most rewarding things he had done, and encouraging others to serve their community in that way.
Vale Cr Rod Fyffe OAM.
Moira Shire Council is urging the Federal Government to exclude their district from the upcoming voluntary water buy back process, citing potential devastating impacts on local communities and industries.
Administrator Suzanna Sheed and CEO Matthew Morgan have described their shock at the announcement of the process so soon after meeting with government representatives in Canberra about the issue.
The council has written to the Prime Minister and members of cabinet, advocating for collaboration on sustainable water recovery, referencing an alternative plan proposed by the Victorian Government that avoids socioeconomic harm.
Later in this episode I’m joined by the CEO of Murray River Council, Terry Dodds, to talk more about the potential impacts of the government’s approach.
Following an announcement by producers of tv show The Block that it will film next year in Daylesford, Hepburn Shire Council has moved to clarify the decision-making process that led to the announcement.
Mayor Brian Hood said the original five-dwelling development was approved with a significant number of conditions including the retention and protection of Avenue of Honour trees.
That decision was appealed to VCAT by residents, after which the Minister for Planning issued a permit with additional requirements.
With the filming expected to boost the local economy, the Council has encouraged the production team to support local businesses by shopping and eating locally.
Hobsons Bay City Council has advised its residents to avoid contact with water at Cherry Creek and Kayes Drain due to potential water contamination and odours as a result of Wednesday’s Derrimut industrial fire.
The council says it is collaborating with EPA Victoria and Brimbank City Council to address the impact of the fire on its residents.
Yarra Ranges Shire Council will continue increased parking enforcement using new technology to address community concerns about safety and parking availability.
Mayor, Councillor Sophie Todorov, said that the increased enforcement would promote traffic flow, increase safety and create better accessibility for motorists to get to where they needed to go.
Enhanced enforcement includes camera-based technology to efficiently monitor parking compliance.
Northern Grampians Shire Council has secured a $1.94 million grant from the State Government for the St Arnaud Swimming Pool Complex Redevelopment.
An additional $650,000 from the council brings the total spend for the project to $2.6 million.
The redevelopment will provide modern, accessible facilities, including upgraded changerooms, new tiling and painting of pools, and improved administration and first aid areas.
The pool will remain open for the coming summer, with construction to start in 2025.
Greater Geelong council employee Georgia Gordon has won the Emerging Leader Award at the Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Industry Awards.
Georgia started as a lifeguard nine years ago and is now the Aquatic Manager/2IC at the new Norlane ARC and Lara Swimming Pool.
Frankston City Council’s Peninsula Leisure is also celebrating success at the awards, with two wins.
Shannon Gardner received the Swim Teacher of the Year Award for her exceptional teaching methods and commitment to swim education; and the centre’s Activating Vulnerable Communities Project earned the Community Impact Initiative of the Year Award.
Victorian Briefs:
Murrindindi Shire Council has secured a $968,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Housing Support Program to develop the Alexandra East Development Plan (AEDP) and Service Plan.
The funding, believed to be the highest awarded to any Victorian Council, will help to unlock housing development by removing cost barriers and expediting the approval process, addressing short and medium-term housing needs.
Mount Alexander Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its use of CCTV across the shire to guide future policy.
The Council currently uses CCTV to deter crime and assist police investigations.
Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns through a survey to ensure the CCTV systems are managed appropriately.
The new 120-litre kerbside glass collection service in Mildura has started successfully, collecting over 5.2 tonnes of glass in its first week.
Introduced to comply with Victorian Government legislation for a four-stream waste and recycling system by 2030, the council said the new service has already led to a 34% reduction in waste collected through yellow recycling bins.
Latrobe City Council has unveiled new signage along Traralgon Creek to highlight its flooding history, funded by Emergency Recovery Victoria.
The signs provide detailed information about the creek’s catchment area, historical floods, and interesting local facts.
The signage also features old images of original buildings like the Traralgon Creamery and Butter Factory.
National Roundup:
NSW:
A report is expected this week from the NSW Office of Local Government’s investigation of Liverpool City Council, following the sacking of its CEO John Ajaka in April.
The OLG confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald that it had received allegations about missing or destroyed records at the council during its enquiries.
Earlier this month, the OLG advised Acting CEO Jason Breton about the allegations, prompting Mr Breton to remind council staff about their records management responsibilities.
Mr Ajaka is taking legal action against the council, alleging unfair dismissal.
A proposal to ban gas stovetops in new homes to improve air quality has sparked heated debate amongst City of Willoughby councillors.
The council ultimately voted against joining thirteen other Sydney councils in exploring the deterrence of gas devices in new home builds.
The traditional use of gas by the Chinese community for cooking with woks was cited as a major reason for the reluctance to adopt the proposal, according to a report from The Daily Telegraph.
The City of Sydney will host a CityTalks event on August 1, 2024, focusing on Sydney’s future economy.
The symposium will feature leaders in various sectors discussing innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity to drive economic growth.
Key speakers include Lord Mayor Clover Moore and other prominent figures.
Tickets are free but must be reserved.
QLD:
Rob Hayward has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Maranoa Regional Council.
With over 25 years of local government experience, including 20 years in senior management, Mr Hayward returns to the Council where he previously served as Deputy CEO and Director of Development, Facilities, and Environmental.
He will assume his new role on August 12, with Acting CEO Cameron Hoffmann returning to his previous position.
The appointment comes three months after the resignation of former CEO Edwina Marks.
Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott has apologised to One Nation leader Pauline Hanson after a council official threatened to call the police on her for filming an interview for Sky News next to a Mary Poppins statue in Maryborough.
Cr Truscott said the statue is in a public space and meant to be photographed and filmed by anyone, regardless of political affiliation, and that the incident should not have occurred.
He said Ms Hanson has accepted the apology, and that the matter would be addressed with the staff member by the Council’s CEO.
National Briefs:
Norfolk Island Regional Council General Manager Andrew Roach has resigned his position, and says he will take some time for family before looking for his next challenge.
Mr Roach departs after 4 and a half years in the role.
The City of Ryde has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwan’s Hsinchu Science Park Bureau to open Macquarie Park Innovation District to the international semiconductor industry.
The MoU aims to advance the semiconductor and biomedical industries and support start-up incubation.
A new CEO takes the reins at Carpentaria Shire Council in Queensland this week.
Anne Andrews has been appointed to replace Mark Crawley who is retiring after more than five years in the role.
Gunnedah Shire Council has extended Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas in the Gunnedah CBD for another four years, until June 30, 2028.
The measures have been in place for over 18 years, aim to prevent alcohol-related crime and anti-social behavior.
The council maintains 12 Alcohol-Free Zones and two Alcohol Prohibited Areas.
SA:
Michael Sedgman has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Adelaide for the next three years.
In announcing the appointment Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith praised Mr Sedgman’s understanding of the Council’s challenges and strategic goals.
Mr Sedgman has extensive experience in local government and strategic financial management, previously serving as CEO of the Rural City of Murray Bridge as well as other senior roles in state and local government.
He has been acting in the role since last December when Clare Mockler resigned for family reasons. The appointment is effective immediately.
The Mayor of Gawler, Karen Redman has been directed to publicly apologise to former councillor Ian Tooley after being found to have breached the council’s behavioural standards four times.
An investigation revealed that the mayor’s comments labeling Mr Tooley a work health and safety risk were inappropriate and failed to maintain community trust.
The Adelaide Advertiser reported that Cr Redman initially avoided making a proper apology, leading to further legal costs.
The council has mandated that she issue a formal apology at the July 23 meeting.
WA:
Shire of Ashburton CEO Kenn Donohoe has resigned for health reasons after four and a half years.
Mr Donohoe is relocating with family to Perth to focus on treatment for an osteomyelitis infection.
Shire President Audra Smith said Mr Donohoe had been an exceptional leader, and the announcement of his departure was made with great sadness.
He will finish with the council in October, and recruitment for a replacement CEO will commence soon.
Global Roundup:
NZ:
The Mayor of New Zealand council Waimakariri Dan Gordon has proposed a Civil Defence levy, similar to the Earthquake Commission model, to help local councils manage the high costs of severe weather and natural disasters.
The proposal has been discussed with Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and other officials.
If implemented, the levy would likely be included with insurance premiums.
Radio New Zealand reported that Waimakariri District Council has spend $10M in unbudgeted funds on dealing with severe weather events in recent years.
A Dunedin councillor faces potential censure after a Code of Conduct investigation regarding his comments on Māori appointments and protocols.
The complaint against Lee Vandervis was about his refusal to participate in certain Māori protocols and his critical remarks about Māori representation.
Stuff has reported that the investigation concluded Cr Vandervis’ comments were racially motivated.
The council will discuss the matter on July 31.
USA:
A petition to recall a Washington state mayor is under legal review.
A synopsis of the recall is being prepared for the Yakima County Superior Court, after four of the five members of Mabton council accused Mayor Rachel Ruelas of inadequate meeting preparations, hiring an unqualified individual, and misuse of the city’s website for personal business promotion.
If the court finds the charges sufficient, petitioners will need just 59 signatures to proceed according to the Yakima Herald.
That represents 35 per cent of the 167 people who voted in the 2021 election, from an electorate of just over 3,000 people.
There have been previous recall efforts in Yakima County but none have reached the ballot.
UK:
The Labour leader of Basildon Council, Gavin Callaghan, has pledged to scrap the current bin system, which requires residents to separate their waste into six categories and has been widely criticised.
BBC News reported that the council plans to return to weekly rubbish collections and simplify recycling, fulfilling an election promise.
Residents will be consulted on their preferences for bin bags or wheelie bins, with changes to be implemented quickly.
A report at North Yorkshire Council has revealed more than 200 complaints against councillors were lodged in a little over one year, including some quite bizarre accusations.
Poor email etiquette and a refusal to sign a get well soon card were among the reasons for complaint.
The identity of the subject councillors has not been revealed, but a high proportion of the complaints related to three parish councils, according to the Yorkshire Post.
Just 28 of 223 complaints were referred for investigation with the vast majority deemed to have no merit, including the complaint about the get well soon card.
The new UK Government is being urged to intervene at Birmingham City Council, which continues to face a severe financial crisis.
Lead Commissioner Max Caller has warned that progress is slow and there’s more bad news ahead, as the council needs to save £300m and sell £750m in assets by April 2026.
There is significant public concern over potential closures of community centres, libraries, and day care centres.
Protesters re calling for more support from the government to avoid a devastating impact on vulnerable individuals, according to a report from BBC News.
Meanwhile in Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council has warned it will ban customers from recycling centres if they exhibit violent or aggressive behaviour.
It follows reports of 26 cases of violence or aggression towards staff during 2023, compared to just four in the previous year.
Under a zero-tolerance policy to ensure staff safety, immediate bans will be imposed for serious incidents involving police intervention.
And finally, BBC News has reported on outrage at Oldham Council in the Greater Manchester area of England, after the council leader proposed ending a council meeting early to watch England’s semi-final match in the Euros last week.
Councillors argued about the idea for some time, debating various motions before ultimately concluding the meeting right on kick-off time, followed by a rapid exit of councillors from the chamber.
Roundup Extra:
Terry Dodds PSM, CEO of Murray River Council, joins Chris to discuss concerns about the government’s water buyback plan along the Murray River.
He warns that a shotgun or ‘Swiss cheese’ approach to buybacks could have negative consequences for farmers and local communities, including increased costs and reduced income for peripheral industries.
Mr Dodds believes that the government is not fully considering the economic and social impacts of the buybacks and hopes that a letter to the Prime Minister will raise awareness of the long-term consequences and prompt a response.
Mr Dodds also discusses the upcoming local council elections in New South Wales and highlights economic sustainability as a key issue. He emphasises the need for continuity and capable candidates.