On the Friday 26th July edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A Victorian council set to open its briefing sessions to the public
- The high cost of asbestos clean-up in the western suburbs revealed
- Unhappy rural councillors make controversial calls
- A deputy mayor resigns three months out from elections
- Sydney councils in the news, as Liverpool goes to court, and police are called to Canterbury Bankstown
- In Queensland, strike action and a senior staff exodus making news
- A vandal goes on a rampage against a council building in Western Australia, and
- a look at a new disruptor in the market looking to shake things up in local government procurement.
Plus more of the latest news from around the world of local government brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 367:
Victorian Roundup:
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to open briefing sessions to the public online, and to provide more information about briefing topics in advance of Council decisions.
The decision follows a review of the council’s Public Transparency Policy, which was referred to a citizen’s panel and subject to community consultation.
The proposal to amend a published officer recommendation was put forward at the meeting by Cr David Gill, and ultimately received majority councillor support after an hour of questions and debate.
Council CEO John Baker told the meeting that time would be required to develop meeting rules and terms of reference for the open briefing sessions, and it’s unclear if the change will take effect before elections in October.
While some other Victorian councils have explored open briefing sessions, Mornington Peninsula is believed to be the first in the state to enact such a change.
Some councils in other states have open their briefing sessions to the public, notably in South Australia.
Kiama Council in NSW held a trial of open briefing sessions in 2022 and there is movement towards open council workshops in New Zealand following an Ombudsman recommendation last year.
Ratepayers in Hobsons Bay are facing over $500,000 in costs to remove asbestos-contaminated mulch from public parks, according to a report from The Age this week.
The article quotes figures from an internal memo revealing the costs to be far in excess of previous estimates of around $200,000.
The final cost will not be known until remediation of the last site is completed, expected to be some time next month.
The contamination, discovered in at least 11 parks, was believed to be from illegal dumping or pre-existing conditions rather than suppliers.
The council has been unable to link the issue to contractors and must therefore cover the remediation costs.
A Northern Grampians Shire councillor has called on the Local Government Minister to appoint a municipal monitor.
Cr Lauren Dempsey says she has written to the minister outlining her concerns about councillor conduct and behaviour that has led to her not attending briefings due to what she describes as a “psychologically unsafe and toxic environment.”
Six Victorian councils have municipal monitors in place currently, the most recent appointments being made at Colac Otway and Buloke Shires.
Horsham Rural City Council has finally adopted its budget, after delays dealing with alternate motions and councillor concerns about the impact of rising rates on farmers.
The Weekly Advertiser reported that there was some confusion about the voting process and heated debate before the budget was passed, with three councillors voting against it.
Some of the councillors delivered a scathing assessment of the council as a whole, fuelled by a perceived poor performance rating in the latest community satisfaction survey results.
At least one member of the public was ejected from the meeting by Mayor Robyn Gulline.
Hepburn Shire Councillor Juliet Simpson has resigned, effective 22 July 2024.
Cr Simpson was elected in 2020 and has served as Deputy Mayor since November 2023.
There will be no by-election due to the proximity of the General Election in October, and the Holcombe Ward seat will remain vacant until then.
And the Roundup has confirmed that the council does not intend to elect a new Deputy Mayor for the remaining three months of the Council term.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has expanded its kerbside soft plastics recycling program and opened a new resale shop at the Romsey Resource Recovery Facility, funded by a grant from Sustainability Victoria.
A soft plastics recycling trial in Romsey was described as encouraging, leading to an expansion of the initial 12 month trial.
The new resale shop is the second in the shire, allowing residents to donate and purchase reusable goods, helping reduce landfill waste and support the community’s transition to a circular economy.
Victorian Briefs:
Kingston councillor Hadi Saab has been elected to the MAV Board in a by-election triggered by the resignation of former Kingston councillor Steve Staikos.
Cr Saab joins the board as the new Metropolitan South region representative.
Greater Shepparton City Council has decided not to proceed with a proposed Avenue of Flags project following community consultation.
Instead, the Council will promote the use of the existing community flagpole in the Queen’s Gardens in Shepparton.
Respondents to the consultation generally who favoured alternative methods to acknowledge the region’s diversity, such as festivals, events, community spaces, and art murals.
Moonee Valley City Council has officially opened a new bike track at Fanny Street Reserve, featuring jumps, safety balustrades, and additional amenities.
The project, developed with input from the community and designed by The Trail Collective, was funded in part by a $300,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Community Sport and Recreation Grant Program.
The construction of new $520,000 accessible public toilet facilities and a Changing Place in Elmore has been delayed due to the discovery of an undetected water main under the build site.
The City of Greater Bendigo has had to change the location of the new building, requiring further consultation and permit amendments.
Wyndham City Council will advocate to the state government for the Port Phillip Prison site to be transformed into a mixed-use development similar to the Pentridge Prison redevelopment, rather than being sold exclusively for housing.
The council has proposed the establishment of a stakeholder reference group and development of a master plan, according to a report from Wyndham TV.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Liverpool council has been given an extension of time to respond to the state government’s interim investigation report which led to a plan to suspend the council and defer elections pending a public inquiry.
The OLG has given the council until 5pm next Wednesday to provide its response as to why it should not be suspended.
In the meantime, the council has released details of its legal case against the state, in which it is arguing the Minister and state bureaucrats have exhibited bias, and that requirements of procedural fairness have not been met.
It is seeking to have the interim report set aside and expunged from the public record, and to prevent the Minister from suspending the council and postponing council elections.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that a hearing in the Land and Environment Court yesterday was adjourned to Friday afternoon, and a spokesperson for the Minster confirmed that the interim report had been taken offline while the proceedings are on foot.
Earlier this week, the Liverpool City councillors who voted against taking legal action released a statement explaining their position.
Crs Karress Rhoades, Dr Betty Green and Peter Harle said the result of this week’s meeting was disappointing for the Liverpool community, and that they believe it essential to support the process of a public inquiry.
The dissenting councillors said the interim report from an independent investigation raises serious concerns which should be tested, and that a suspension of the council while an inquiry takes place is reasonable and sensible.
Police were called to a Canterbury-Bankstown council meeting this week after a contentious discussion on potentially ending contracts with companies linked to Israel.
Labor councillor Chris Cahill proposed a motion to review council investments tied to human rights violations against Palestinians, aligning with the BDS campaign.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the motion was passed but the meeting saw interruptions and alleged threats, leading to what has become an ongoing police investigation.
Ku-ring-gai Council has condemned the alleged theft of a two-metre high bronze honour roll from Turramurra Memorial Park, which listed the names of 67 local residents who served in World War I.
9 News reported that the honour roll was discovered missing on Monday morning, leaving one pillar of the memorial gate blank. Ku-ring-gai Mayor Sam Ngai has called the theft “appalling.”
Hornsby Police are investigating the incident.
Penrith City Council has endorsed the Penrith Aerotropolis Development Contributions Plan, which allocates around $830 million for infrastructure in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis precinct.
A Ministerial amendment to regulations has allowed an increased levy of 5.6%, up from the pervious maximum allowed of 1%.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the plan was vital as Western Sydney International Airport was set to be the catalyst for much of the future development in the area.
Bega Valley Shire Council will cease providing families, ageing, and disability services over the next 11 months, transitioning clients to other providers by June 2025.
The decision follows a review indicating a changed provider market with multiple available options.
The Council will support clients through the transition, collaborating with relevant government departments.
Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick the decision was not about the quality of current services but rather out of the need to reassess the Council’s role in service provision.
Bathurst Regional Council says it will take a zero-tolerance approach to serious violations of the Companion Animals Act due to an increase in the number of straying and aggressive dogs.
Recent incidents include 28 dog attacks in the past year, resulting in injuries to 19 people and 30 animals.
It’s believed that less than half of dogs in the council are registered.
Increased enforcement activities will focus initially on ensuring dogs are microchipped and registered.
QLD:
Around 150 Toowoomba Council workers have taken strike action this week over low wages and a gender pay gap.
The Toowoomba Chronicle reported that workers protested outside of Toowoomba City Hall yesterday, demanding an eight percent pay increase in the first year of a new pay deal, compared to the council’s offer of six percent.
The union has highlighted data showing that Toowoomba’s indoor council workers are among the lowest-paid in comparable local government areas.
Council chief executive Brian Pidgeon said the council’s pay offer is fair given current financial constraints.
Fraser Coast Regional Council has extended CEO Ken Diehm’s contract by 12 months until June 2026.
Ken has held the role since 2017 and plans to retire at the end of his contract, calling time on a 40 year career in local government.
The council has also appointed its Director Strategy, Community and Development, Gerard Carlyon as Deputy CEO.
At Cairns Regional Council, there are reports of a senior staff exodus in the wake of this year’s elections, with six senior staff including the former CEO having resigned since March and others tipped to follow soon.
The Cairns Post has reported claims that the departures are due to poor relationships with the new mayor Amy Eden and the interim CEO, John Andrejic.
Mr Andrejic’s tenure was extended by another three months this week, with concerns raised in the chamber by one councillor about the appointment process and an alleged conflict of interest between the mayor and CEO.
Those allegations have been reportedly referred to the state’s integrity body, the Crime and Corruption Commission, which has not confirmed or made any comment on the matter.
A Sunshine Coast resident was fined $30,000 and ordered to pay over $26,000 in compensation and court costs for illegally clearing vegetation and creating a makeshift driveway without approval.
The Caloundra Magistrates Court found him guilty, after proceedings against him were commenced by Sunshine Coast Council.
Cr Maria Suarez said the outcome should serve as a warning to those who act against the rules in relation to clearing.
National Briefs:
Redland City Council is using drones and helicopters, alongside traditional methods, to combat invasive fire ants on Council-owned or managed land.
The Council’s efforts include surveillance, suppression, and treatment, with a focus on larger sites like parks and waste transfer stations.
Residents are being urged to report any suspected fire ant nests to Biosecurity Queensland.
The City of Sydney will seek feedback on a 10-year Economic Development Strategy which aims to create 200,000 new jobs, extend transport connections, transition to net zero, and foster a diverse, 24-hour economy.
The strategy envisions a $540 million investment in economic development and $100 million in public domain works to address systemic challenges and boost long-term prosperity.
Sunshine Coast Council is urging the State Government to implement mandatory speed limiters on e-transport devices to enhance safety.
The Council has proposed a motion to the LGAQ Annual Conference, seeking statewide support for mandatory device limitations.
There were over 3,300 hospital presentations due to e-transport incidents in Queensland from 2019 to 2023.
SA:
Two South Australian councils have welcomed the next steps in seeking realignment of their municipal boundaries.
The Local Government Boundaries Commission has determined that proposals from the Town of Gawler and Campbelltown City Council can proceed to inquiry stage, and have appointed an investigator to prepare a report.
The Town of Gawler is seeking the inclusion of seven areas within its boundaries that are currently part of Light Regional Council, The Barossa Council and the City of Playford.
Public engagement on the proposal is underway between now and the end of August.
Campbelltown City Council is seeking part of Rostrevor and Woodforde, and the Hamilton Hill Development in the Adelaide Hills Council area to be brought within its boundary.
WA:
A vandal has smashed more than 60 windows at the City of Vincent civic offices in Leederville this week.
WA Today reported that the incident occurred on Tuesday night around 10.40, causing an estimated $75,000 in damage.
Surrounding businesses were left untouched, leading to speculation that the vandal had a particular gripe with the council.
A 41 year old Leederville man appeared in court yesterday on charges of destruction of property, possession of testosterone and possession of a prohibited weapon.
The West Australian has reported his claims that the council “seized and destroyed his dog.”
Rio Tinto has committed $700,000 over two years to support the City of Perth‘s annual Christmas Lights Trail, a key festive event that will feature around 20 installations from November 22 to January 1.
The partnership, along with continued support from Lotterywest, is aiming to enhance community connection and boost local business by drawing large crowds to the city.
The event has seen significant growth since its inception six years ago, with last year’s event attracting the highest attendance on record.
Carissa Bywater, CEO of the Town of Mosman Park, has announced her resignation after more than five years in the role.
She will leave at the end of October to become Director of Corporate and System Services at the City of Cockburn.
Carissa is credited with turning around the workplace culture at the council, while getting it back on a stable financial footing.
Another WA Council has announced the appointment of a new CEO.
The Shire of Bruce Rock will welcome Mark Furr to the position. He is making the move from the Shire of Narrogin where he is the Executive Manager of Corporate Services.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Scottish councils are seeking additional funds from the Scottish government to prevent bin worker strikes after unions rejected a 3.2% pay rise.
BBC News has reported on the latest developments, noting that previous strikes in 2022 and 2023 were resolved with government financial intervention.
Cosla, which represents councils, says no further funds are available without impacting jobs and services, and is urging unions to pause the strike action which could begin in weeks coinciding with Ediburgh’s festival season.
The Scottish government has yet to agree to a meeting.
A new report from the Institute for Government and Nuffield Foundation has highlighted the precarious state of UK public services, noting that most are performing worse than in 2010 or pre-pandemic.
Tight spending plans from April 2025 could further degrade services, sounding further warnings for the NHS, local government, schools, and the criminal justice system.
The report suggests the size of the recent Labour government election victory presents an opportunity for genuine and sustained performance improvement through a new approach to the management of public services.
EUROPE:
The Mayor of Barcelona in Spain, Jaume Collboni, plans to raise the tourist tax for cruise passengers visiting the city for less than 12 hours to address the negative impacts of mass tourism.
It’s part of a broader effort to tackle overtourism and improve the city’s housing situation, including a ban on tourist flat rentals by 2028.
The mayor wants to ensure cruise visitors contribute more to the city’s economy, with potential revenue directed towards projects like installing air conditioning in schools.
The Guardian has reported on growing frustration in Spain over the impact of tourism on housing and quality of life, prompting protests across the country.
USA:
A proposed new local law in New York City would require landlords to maintain a maximum indoor temperature of 78°F when the outdoor temperature is 82°F or higher, ensuring tenants receive cooling in the summer.
The measure, proposed by Councilman Lincoln Restler, aims to prevent heat-related illnesses, which claim about 350 lives annually in NYC.
If the bill is passed, landlords will have two years to present their AC unit plans and four years to comply, or face fines of up to $1250 per day for non-compliance.
NZ:
Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark may face another call to resign, as another Code of Conduct breach is set for discussion at an extraordinary meeting of the council today
An investigation found the mayor’s conduct during an interview with comedian Guy Williams, where he used racial and homophobic slurs, was offensive and fell short of the leadership standards required of a Mayor.
Today’s meeting will discuss potential consequences, including a letter of censure, a public apology, restricting his public duties, or a vote of no confidence.
Radio New Zealand reports that Cr Clark has apologised but did not participate in the investigation, claiming the process was costly and biased.
A review of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council‘s response to Cyclone Gabrielle has revealed significant failings in flood protection and preparedness.
The cyclone resulted in hundreds of homes being ruined and the death of eight people.
Radio New Zealand reported that the review found there was inadequate planning, outdated flood management infrastructure, and insufficient community engagement.
It recommended 47 actions, including better flood hazard mapping, stricter housing development rules, and increased collaboration with local communities.
A New Zealand Mayor has expressed concerns that the increasing level of abusive and threatening behaviour towards elected representatives will deter candidates from standing in elections next year.
Waimakariri District Council has been targeted by conspiracy theories and disinformation since restrictions during the pandemic.
In a story from 1news, Mayor Dan Gordon, said the council had increased security measures and is considering hiring staff to handle a surge in information requests driven by disinformation.
He said the balance between ensuring transparency in decision making and appropriate use of ratepayer resources is a challenge, and its expensive.
Local Government New Zealand chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene said her organisation has held discussions with police and other groups in a bid to ensure councils receive support for addressing these challenging issues.
Roundup Extra:
Michael Robinson, LGCA
Michael Robinson has announced the launch of Local Government Contracts Australia (LGCA), a new initiative aimed at challenging the status quo in local government procurement and contracting. LGCA plans to remove barriers and costs for small and local suppliers, streamline the process for councils to engage with quality suppliers, and shift the focus from judging suppliers to supporting and building their capacity. The feedback so far has been supportive, and measures of success will include the rate of engagements and the response from suppliers and council buyers. LGCA is expected to go live in the next three months.