On the Local Government News Roundup for 24th July 2024:
- A rate freeze explored as a metro mayor calls for changes to rate capping
- A regional mayor announces retirement
- Liverpool confirms it will legally challenge suspension by the state government
- The plan to bring a council out of a long period of administration
- A raft of recommendations to be implemented after a review of Queensland’s council elections
- A call for a greater role for councils in planning renewable energy projects.
- Another NT council placed under administration
- the UK council that lost track of nearly £2M in petty cash
- and a warning of a “stinking Scottish summer” as unions threaten industrial action against councils
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 366:
Victorian Roundup:
Frankston City Council has been critical of the state government’s rate cap, arguing it restricts council revenue and fails to cover rising service and infrastructure costs.
In a submission to a parliamentary inquiry signed by Mayor Nathan Conroy, the council suggests a Local Government Cost Index be established for setting rate caps.
The Frankston Times reports that the submission follows a proposal from Mayor Conroy for the council to investigate cost-of-living relief measures, including a rate freeze.
The financial impact of a rate freeze will explored in a report to be prepared for a future council meeting.
In submissions, both Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Shire councils have highlighted “cost shifting” by state and federal governments as a significant financial strain, advocating for more appropriate funding and a detailed financial analysis of service shifting to local government.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor Cr Clare Le Serve has announced that she will retire in October after 12 years of service as a councillor.
She plans to transition to a mentoring role with the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) to support women in politics.
Cr Le Serve told the Sentinel-Times that the council is ready for fresh perspectives, while she hopes to devote her efforts to preparing other women for a career in politics through the ALGWA Master Mentoring program.
Knox City Council has appointed five new specialist, not-for-profit providers to deliver sessional kindergarten services in all Council buildings currently operating kindergartens.
The change follows the Council’s decision to cease running stand-alone sessional kindergartens, except for two Knox Children and Family Centres, starting in 2025.
The new model aligns with state government reforms to increase kindergarten hours, make it free, and introduce a second year before school.
Families will be notified of the new providers by August 2024, pending approval from the Department of Education.
Some residents of Melbourne’s bayside suburbs are concerned that mid-century modern homes may face demolition if the Bayside City Council rejects a heritage protection bid.
The council was last night due to vote on including 54 postwar homes in a heritage overlay.
The National Trust supports the listing, emphasising the importance of protecting postwar heritage.
But as The Age reported this week, there is also opposition to the listing from some residents due to potential property devaluation and restrictions on modifications.
Wyndham City Council has deferred a decision about the establishment of an LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee until after elections in October.
The council received conflicting petitions in recent months, one calling for a committee to be formed and another asking the council to reject that request.
With council elections looming, the council voted unanimously to leave consideration of future advisory committees to the incoming council as part of its development of new Council Plan.
Victorians are being reminded to enrol for the upcoming 2024 local council elections by 4 pm on Wednesday, 7 August 2024.
Eligible residents, including non-resident property owners and non-Australian citizens who pay rates, should check their enrolment status.
Automatic enrolment applies to those on the state electoral roll, with all Councils except Moira Shire going to election in October.
Voting is compulsory for enrolled voters, and the elections will be conducted by post.
The Victorian Government has launched a campaign to commemorate remarkable local women by naming new places and roads after them.
The Remember a Local – Name a Place initiative is part of efforts to address a gender imbalance in place names and ensure that public spaces reflect the diversity and history of Victoria.
Nominations are open for women who have significantly impacted their communities, as well as for individuals from underrepresented groups.
Victorian Briefs:
Kingston City Council has appointed ADCO, a leader in the delivery of aquatic and leisure centres, to construct its largest ever project.
The new, fully electric aquatic and leisure centre will cost more than $87M and is scheduled for completion in mid-2026.
Surf Coast Shire Council has adopted a concept plan for the Anglesea Community and Health Hub, to deal with ageing buildings and an urgent need for affordable rental housing for local workers.
Under the 30 year plan, the site in the heart of Angelsea will remain under Council ownership.
The project will now move to detailed design stage, and further community engagement will be undertaken.
The City of Whittlesea has officially opened a new library at Mernda.
The library is already a success, having over 30,000 visitors and 1,600 new members since opening its doors at the start of the year.
The City of Greater Bendigo has hosted a visit from the High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Gopal Baglay.
CEO Andrew Cooney said the city’s best was on display for the visit, which will build on a strong foundation for an exciting future partnership.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Liverpool City Council has decided to seek a legal injunction against the NSW Government’s proposal to suspend the council and defer the September elections.
The decision was made with the support of five councillors including Mayor Ned Mannoun, while three other councillors voted against taking the legal action.
At a press conference after the meeting, Mayor Ned Mannoun said the government’s action was targeted at him as a Liberal Mayor, and that its actions were unlawful.
“What we have seen today is Council has taken action against one of the biggest acts of political thuggery from the NSW Labor Government against a Liberal Mayor in Western Sydney. Our legal advice has demonstrated that the actions of the state government are unlawful.”
Mayor Mannoun said the other element of concern from the interim report released last week was the denial of natural justice to those mentioned in the report.
“This is completely unfair, and for the Labor government to do this just over 50 days from an election raises many questions.”
When asked about ratepayer’s bearing the cost of legal action, with no guarantee of success, Mayor Mannoun said deferring elections would likely cost much more.
“The actions from the state government are gonna cost us over $800,000 by delaying the election, so this is about saving the ratepayers money, but also about them having someone to represent them.”
Initial estimates put legal costs at around $150,000, potentially much more if unsuccessful, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Further reporting from ABC News, and the Australian Associated Press.
While one council faces potential government intervention, a plan to bring another out of a long period of administration has been unveiled.
Central Darling Shire Council has been without elected representatives since 2013, due to significant financial and governance issues.
The NSW Government has this week announced a new governance model for the shire which it says will ensure sustainability and restore democracy, but it also means elections won’t be held in September as planned.
A “Rural and Remote Council” model will include three locally elected councillors and three government-appointed councillors with relevant expertise.
The hybrid approach has been developed in consultation with various stakeholders, with aim of better community representation, while streamlining costs and improving service delivery.
The new model will require amendments to the Local Government Act, and the election of the three community representatives will be deferred to some time in the first half of next year.
North Sydney Council has voted to initiate legal proceedings against Brewster Hjorth Architects for breach of contract related to the North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment.
The decision is based on consideration of legal advice and follows an unsuccessful dispute resolution process.
The Council said it is confident the legal proceedings will not impact on timelines for completion of the project.
Shoalhaven City Council is advancing towards its net zero emissions target by 2035 with the introduction of 100% renewable electricity for 570 Council-owned sites starting this month.
The transition, facilitated through the Green Power program, is forecast to significantly reduce carbon emissions by approximately 4,000 tonnes annually.
Additional measures include purchasing renewable electricity for large facilities and transitioning residential streetlights to LED technology, resulting in substantial cost savings and emission reductions.
The Council aims for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2028 and encourages community adoption of Green Power.
Rural councils are calling for a greater role in the planning and approval of renewable energy projects to ensure community benefits and acceptance.
A report from The Guardian highlights the argument that involving councils can lead to better community outcomes and faster approvals, with commentary from the heads of ALGA and LGNSW and some regional mayors.
State governments currently hold the final approval power for wind projects, while councils can approve solar farms.
Local leaders say there is a need for fair distribution of community benefit funds, but there are concerns about the lack of policy guidance for negotiations with energy developers.
QLD:
An external review into Queensland’s March council elections has found that the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) significantly underestimated voter turnout.
ABC News reports that that led to ballot paper shortages and excessive queues in at least 13 LGAs, with some voters unable to cast their votes.
The ECQ had predicted a 35% turnout on election day, but the actual turnout reached 45.6%.
The commission has agreed to implement eight recommendations, including improving voter forecasting and encouraging early voting.
Queensland councils are urging State and Federal governments to address soaring insurance premiums that are exacerbating financial hardships and housing shortages.
Despite significant investments in flood mitigation, insurance costs have remained high, particularly after the 2022 floods.
Mayors from across the state have highlighted the need for transparency in premium calculations and are calling for measures to make insurance more affordable and accessible.
Four Sunshine Coast Council staff members will attend the Paris Games to gain insights for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, focusing on logistics, sustainability, and community impact.
The Sunshine Coast News reports that the trip will cost the council $57,000.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli will also attend, with her accommodation partially funded by the council.
The delegates aim to enhance their understanding of hosting large-scale events to ensure the Sunshine Coast is well-prepared for 2032.
National Briefs:
Hobart City Council has endorsed a new transport strategy highlighting the city’s vision for safe and diverse transport options.
It will guide the city’s transport planning for the next decade, aiming to clear road congestion, make the city more pedestrian friendly, improve public transport and encourage more riding and scooting.
Roper Gulf Regional Council in the Northern Territory has opened applications for its Chief Executive Officer position.
The council, based in Katherine, is seeking an experienced, engaged and culturally aware Individual to lead the organisation. Applications close with Leading Roles by Monday 12th August.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council has proposed the creation of a housing trust to address the region’s housing shortage, highlighted by a low residential vacancy rate of 1.8% as of April 2024.
The council-controlled entity will focus on developing, owning, and managing affordable housing and key worker accommodation.
It will need approval from the NSW Minister of Local Government.
SA:
LGA South Australia and the Environment Protection Authority SA have extended their partnership agreement through 2026 to collaboratively improve environmental outcomes and policy alignment.
The renewed commitment focuses on meaningful engagement between the organisations to protect local communities and enhance the quality of life.
NT:
The Coomalie Community Government Council has been placed under official management by the NT government.
Local Government Minister Chansey Paech has suspended all elected members due to deficiencies in the conduct of the Council’s affairs, according to reporting from NT News.
The council comprised a President and four other councillors, with one position vacant.
Minister Paech said the council has been distracted from its objectives to provide open, responsive and accountable government, and the decision to intervene will ensure better-functioning services and a more stable future for the Coomalie region.
Cathryn Hutton has been appointed as an investigator, while Mark Blackburn will serve as the official manager.
Ms Hutton’s report is due by March next year.
It’s the second NT council to be suspended by the government, following that of Barkly Regional Council, which is under official management until elections scheduled for November.
WA:
Perth councillor Brent Fleeton is reportedly resigning his councillor position and moving overseas.
A report from Business News late yesterday revealed the development, and said the resignation is expected to trigger an extraordinary election.
Cr Fleeton’s term of office is due to end in October 2025.
Earlier this year Cr Fleeton was unsuccessful in contesting pre-selection to be the Liberal candidate for the state seat of Nedlands.
The City of Mandurah will begin recording and publicly releasing council meetings by August 27, but those wishing to see meetings streamed live will have to wait until next January.
The changes have been prompted by a deadline from the State Government for large local governments to livestream and publish recordings by January 1 next year.
PerthNow reports that confidential sessions will not be recorded until the necessary technology can be procured.
A reminder about the upcoming global summit on Tackling Toxicity, Cultivating Civility with Diane Kalen-Sukra in October.
Diane is the acclaimed author of Save Your City: how toxic culture kills community and what to do about it, and she has been on a civility tour that started in Canada and has extended around the globe.
Check out a new article published by the National Civic League in which Diane explains why that civility tour is ongoing.
In October, an amazing lineup of visionary global leaders who will share their strategies for bridging divides, enhancing civil discourse and renewing civic culture.
It’s on Friday 11th October from 7am AEDST; which is the afternoon and evening of Thursday 10th October for the UK and North America.
It’s a free event but registrations are required.
Head to kalenacademy.com/summit to find out more.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Unions in Scotland have rejected a 3.2% pay offer from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) for council workers, threatening strike action that could lead to a “stinking Scottish summer” according to one union.
Unite, Unison and GMB have rejected the offer which they say undervalues workers and offers no extra cash, while COSLA maintains that their offer is fair and exceeds inflation rates but acknowledges financial constraints.
A Unite spokesperson said mountains of rubbish will pile up across Scotland streets unless the pay dispute is resolved.
The Daily Mail reports today that Council leaders are holding emergency talks ahead of the imminent crisis and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney is being called on to intervene.
He is blaming Westminster austerity for a lack of funds to pay wage increases unions are asking for, which would cost councils an estimated £120M.
A damning report has found that Bristol City Council lost track of £1.8m in petty cash transactions.
BBC News reports that a review has identified key weaknesses such as lack of central records and oversight but found no evidence of fraud.
A spokesperson said the level of guidance, oversight, processes and controls of these accounts was not acceptable, and the council was taking immediate action to review and reduce non-essential accounts, eliminate cash-based purchases, and implement a revised policy framework by the end of August.
Leeds City Council has initiated an urgent review following riots last week in Harehills, where children were removed from a family and placed into care.
The unrest, triggered by hostility towards social workers, has prompted the council to meet with community representatives and call for calm and witness cooperation.
Local gov dot co dot uk reported that one man has been charged with violent disorder and arson related to the incident.
EUROPE:
A new scheme to reward tourists for sustainable behaviours has launched this month in Copenhagen.
The city’s new ‘CopenPay’ scheme promotes environmentally responsible tourism and educates visitors on sustainability practices in return for rewards such as free lunches and museum admissions.
Through an interactive map, tourists can find participating attractions and the rewards for their climate-friendly actions, like borrowing a free kayak in exchange for picking up waste in the harbor.
The Mayor dot eu reports that the city is hoping the scheme will inspire similar practices globally.
CANADA:
Canada’s Windsor City Council has deferred a decision on transitioning to an app-only payment system for on-street parking meters.
The proposal, which would remove cash as a payment option, has been opposed by business groups who fear a negative impact on local commerce, according to CBC News.
A council member has successfully called on the Council to wait for more data on app fees and user statistics before making a decision proceeding.
USA:
New York City is installing porous pavement in Brooklyn to combat flooding and reduce pressure on the sewer system.
Fox 5 New York reported that the $35M initiative will see seven miles of porous concrete installed, aiming to keep 35 million gallons of stormwater out of the sewers annually.
Brooklyn has been experiencing severe flooding as recently as last week, when stormwater was seen pouring into subway stations and basements, highlighting the need for better stormwater management.
The porous pavement allows water to flow into the ground, mimicking natural processes and hopefully helping the city withstand future storms.