On the Local Government News Roundup for Wednesday, 7th August 2024:
- The shock death of a local government star from Melbourne’s west
- Budget troubles continue at Horsham council
- stormwater drainage concerns in Yarra Ranges,
- Nominations open for council elections in NSW, as more incumbent mayors bow out
- Workers walk off the job in Upper Lachlan Shire
- Controversial new meeting rules come into force at Brisbane City Council
- A long running legal battle comes to an end in Queensland.
- A new attempt to remove books from library shelves – this time in Western Australia
- and internal auditors sound alarm bells for UK local councils.
And yet 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 recruitment and business advisory services.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 372:
Victorian Roundup:
Shocking news this morning of the death of a local government star from Melbourne’s west.
Cr Sarah Carter, the three time mayor of Maribyrnong City Council, was found dead at her home in Maribyrnong yesterday at just 45 years of age.
Reports from The Age and the Herald Sun say the death is not being treated as suspicious, but the cause of death is unknown.
Cr Carter was considered a rising star in the Labor Party and a likely future MP.
She was first elected to the council in 2008 and was serving her fourth consecutive term. She was the council’s only three time female mayor, and the second mayor to achieve Emeritus status for distinguished service in local government leadership.
She worked for the charity foundation, Save the Children, recently returning from a work trip to Vanuatu with MPs and was scheduled to leave for Europe this week.
The City of Maribyrnong issued a statement late last night, saying the Council was shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of a trusted and valued colleague.
Deputy Mayor Michael Clarke told The Age that that he was in a total state of disbelief, and that Cr Carter was a “fallen hero” who wanted nothing but the betterment of the community.
Labor MPs from Melbourne’s West have led tributes for Cr Carter since the news broke last night.
Member for Gellibrand Tim Watts said he was devastated and her passing was a terrible loss for the community and country.
Bill Shorten, Member for Maribyrnong, said she was a remarkable, irreplaceable, dedicated, passionate advocate.
Nationals MPs Michael McCormack and Darren Chester were also among those paying tribute last night.
Vale Sarah Carter.
The late adoption of an annual budget is having repercussions at Horsham Rural City Council.
The Weekly Times has reported that the council’s budget process is under review by the Local Government Inspectorate, after it was adopted three weeks late and delivered a 16.45 per cent rate rise to farmers.
But in a statement, Council CEO Sunil Bhalla said an extension has been requested through the Local Government Minister and that the council had followed legal advice.
ABC Wimmera has since reported seeing a letter from Local Government Victoria, dated 26th June, denying the requested extension.
Mr Bhalla said the delay of the budget was a difficult decision, but that the priority was to deliver the right budget for the community while ensuring councillors had sufficient time to review it prior to adoption.
It’s believed a change of financial management systems contributed to the delay in finalising the budget.
Since the adoption of the budget on 22nd July, three councillors have issued a joint statement expressing their concern over the handling of the budget.
Crs Claudia Haenel, Ian Ross and David Bowe said the budget process was a “failure by our leaders” that had caused significant reputational damage to the council.
ABC News has reported on calls for Yarra Ranges Shire Council to address stormwater drainage issues, with one resident reporting repeated flooding of her home.
The Council said it is investigating the issue, and has allocated $16.2 million for drainage upgrades over the next six years and is calling for more support from other levels of government for dealing with ageing infrastructure.
It follows a recent decision at the City of Yarra to defer a declaration of new flood areas until next year while it gathers more information on the capacity of existing stormwater assets.
Mitchell Shire Council has taken legal action over the illegal removal of 88 native trees in Wallan’s Hidden Valley.
The council’s action, against Mamuna Investment Group Pty Ltd and its sole director Ahmad Hashmi, has seen the company fined $40,000 and Hashmi $30,000, with additional costs but no convictions.
The Council is also seeking an enforcement order through VCAT to restore the environmental impact.
Council Chief Executive Brett Luxford said the case sent a strong message that illegal tree removal will not be tolerated in the shire.
Mildura has been rebranded as Tropical North Victoria in a landmark tourism campaign, featuring popular Australian actor Shane Jacobson as the brand ambassador.
The campaign highlights Mildura’s sunny climate, exquisite dining, and outdoor activities, aiming to attract tourists who usually visit Queensland.
Mayor Liam Wood said the rebranding was a landmark moment for the region’s tourism industry, and chance for some friendly rivalry with counterparts in Queensland.
The campaign includes a series of television commercials featured Mr Jacobson, and a new website, Mildura.com, providing comprehensive visitor information.
The State Government has announced funding to increase the number of dog parks across Victoria with $5 million available for new and upgraded parks.
Grants up to $300,000 are available for projects that promote off-leash exercise and socialisation for dogs and their owners.
Councils are encourage to submit for funding to deliver new projects or for the upgrade of existing dog parks.
Victorian Briefs:
Greater Shepparton City Council has welcomed new Swim Instructors to Aquamoves Swim School following a successful recruitment day on 23 July 2024.
The event facilitated informal interactions between 16 participants and Council staff, streamlining the recruitment process.
The Council will cover training costs and provide ongoing support to the new recruits.
IBAC will hold forums for Local Government and Victorian Public Service employees in Abbotsford and Benalla in coming weeks, focusing on the unique risks of an election year, plus ongoing corruption risks in local government.
IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf and Chief Municipal Inspector Michael Stefanovic will present and participate in Q@A with the audience.
The Local Government Inspectorate has released a new fact sheet to assist new and returning councillors for the 2024 local government elections.
It’s the first of many resources that will be distributed to councillors, council CEOs, and governance staff, and made available to new candidates via the Inspectorate’s website.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Nominations for the 14 September local government elections in NSW are now open, and Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig wants to see a diverse range of candidates stepping up to representative their communities.
Mr Hoenig said he hoped to see people engage with the election process ahead of the elections in September.
Nominations close at midday next Wednesday, 14 August.
The Mayor of Orange, Jason Hamling, has announced he will not be a candidate in the upcoming September council elections.
He will continue to serve as mayor until the new mayor is elected and says he is looking forward to exploring new career opportunities.
Cr Hamling was first elected to the council in 2004, and was elected mayor in 2020.
Philip Ruddock, the 81-year-old Hornsby Shire Mayor and former federal minister, has lost preselection to be the Liberal party’s candidate for mayor at the upcoming elections.
Mayor Ruddock lost out to fellow councillor Warren Waddell by 164 votes to 104, as reported by ABC News.
He says it’s due to his stance against property development interests and his efforts to protect the environment.
The Sydney Morning Herald has profiled the two major party candidates looking to deny Clover Moore a sixth term as Lord Mayor of Sydney.
Labor candidate Zann Maxwell and the Liberals’ Lyndon Gannon, both in their 30s, are focusing on housing affordability, nightlife, and basic city services in their bid to unseat the incumbent.
Independent candidate Yvonne Weldon, the first Aboriginal person on the council, has also joined the race, aiming to become Sydney’s first Aboriginal mayor.
Over 100 union members at Upper Lachlan Shire Council have gone on strike due what the United Service Union describes as the CEO’s refusal to discuss the axing of 25 jobs.
The union says workers are in the dark as to how the extra work will be done, and that the CEO had refused to meet with them to discuss future plans or the council’s financial status.
CEO Alex Waldron said in a statement that he was disappointed the union was proceeding with pre-orchestrated industrial action over proposed draft structure changes, describing the union’s actions as unnecessary and detrimental to the health and wellbeing of staff.
The Council posted an update to its website yesterday warning of potential disruptions to waste collection, and the closure of waste transfer centres and the Council office in Gunning.
Inner West Council has allocated $200,000 to develop a Tourism Action Plan to promote the region’s 14 microbreweries and 12 distilleries.
Known as Australia’s craft brewery capital, the Inner West will designate breweries as Special Entertainment Precincts, and support events and festivals organised by the sector.
Mayor Darcy Byrne said, “The Inner West is to brewing and distilling what the Hunter Valley and the Barossa are to Australian wine,” and the initiatives will increase an ever growing part of the local economy.
QLD:
New Brisbane City Council meeting rules have been passed by the LNP administration, aiming to make meetings more “family friendly” by limiting Notices of Motion and imposing 10-minute speaking limits on the Lord Mayor and Leader of the Opposition.
The Courier Mail reported that the changes, which include ending meetings by 6pm, have been criticised by Labor, Greens, and Independent councillors as attempts to stifle democratic debate and reduce accountability.
But the LNP says the updates align with modern workplace standards and mirror reforms in Queensland Parliament to balance local issue discussions with after-hours community responsibilities.
Former Logan City Council CEO Sharon Kelsey has lost her appeal in the Industrial Court of Queensland regarding her 2018 dismissal, concluding a seven-year legal battle.
The court denied her application to amend her appeal and ordered further submissions on costs.
Ms Kelsey claimed her dismissal was unjust and retaliatory, citing violations of the Public Interest Disclosure Act and the Industrial Relations Act.
Despite multiple appeals, her case was consistently dismissed, paving the way for seven former councillors to seek millions in compensation, according to the Courier Mail.
Mackay Regional councillor Belinda Hassan has stepped down from the deputy mayor position, after becoming the Labor candidate for the state seat of Mackay at this year’s elections.
A special meeting of the Council will be held today to appoint a new deputy mayor from within the elected councillors.
Cr Hassan notified the council that she would seek leave while she is an official candidate, and that relinquishing the deputy mayor position was to help minimise disruption to the Council.
Her resignation from the role of deputy takes effect today.
Matthew Magin has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of **Burdekin Shire Council,** starting on September 16, 2024, with a four-year performance-based contract.
Previously serving as Burdekin CEO from 2014 to 2016, Mr Magin returns after leading Balonne Shire Council since 2016.
While Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort expressed delight at the appointment of Mr Magin, the Mayor of Balonne Shire**,** Samantha O’Toole expressed regret at the news that he would be departing the council after eight years.
Cr O’Toole said a recruitment process to find a new CEO would commence immediately.
National Briefs:
Narrabri Shire Council has scooped the pool at the LGNSW Local Government Week Awards, winning three awards and receiving a Highly Commended recognition.
The council’s online flood management portal won the LGNSW Planning Award and received a Highly Commended.
The Good Talk Great Mate podcast won an award for Excellence in Communication, and Small Business Liaison Officer Gillian Goddard was recognised for her outstanding contributions to local government.
Despite the majority of submissions opposing a proposed rate increase, Upper Hunter Shire Council has decided to apply for a Special Rate Variation.
The SRV of 10% for three years would result in a permanent cumulative increase of 33.10%.
Port Pirie Regional Council, in collaboration with Rotary, is relocating old but safe playgrounds to children in developing nations through the Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds (RORP) project.
This initiative has already seen over 350 playgrounds sent to countries like Sri Lanka, Timor Leste, Fiji, and Uganda.
Applications have opened for the CEO position at Sunshine Coast Council, one of the largest local governments in Australia.
Applications close on Monday 26th August with Leading Roles.
SA:
The City of Adelaide, in partnership with the State Government, has launched the Adaptive Reuse City Housing Initiative (ARCHI) to address the housing crisis by converting vacant spaces above retail and commercial premises into residential dwellings.
With $500,000 in state funding over two years, the initiative aims to deliver 50 adaptive reuse dwellings annually, contributing to the city’s goal of 50,000 residents by 2036.
The program extends existing incentives for sustainability, heritage, and noise management, and seeks to simplify the adaptive reuse process.
The initiative is expected to provide quicker housing solutions and appeal to those seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle.
WA:
The City of Albany Council will hold a special electors meeting later this month after a local activist group gathered enough signatures to be heard on concerns about the town’s recent Pride Festival and certain library books.
OutinPerth.com reported that meeting aims to discuss allegations of the promotion of the sexualisation of children through unrestricted library books and events held earlier in the year.
The push has the support of councillor Dr. Thomas Brough and state parliamentarian Sophie Moermond, and has reportedly caused distress within the local LGBTIQA+ community.
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has achieved significant recognition at the 2024 WALGA Local Government Awards, with three employees honoured for their exceptional contributions.
CEO Andrew Brien received the Eminent Service Award for his transformative leadership and impact on local government.
Director of Engineering Lui Camporeale was awarded the Merit Award for his two decades of service and community dedication.
Senior Arts and Culture Officer Dionie Johnson earned the Distinguished Officer Award for her innovative work in arts, culture, and community engagement.
NT:
Katherine Town Councillor Amanda Kingdon, who is facing sanctions for breaching the Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy, has vowed to “finish the race” and is seeking legal advice according to the NT News.
Details of the alleged offending behaviour have not been released, but the council maintains the decision to impose sanctions was made in the best interests of the council.
The sanctions include ordering the removal of social media pages with council references, not being able to represent the council individually at functions, and being removed from committee responsibilities.
Global Roundup:
UK:
A new report on the health and status of internal audit in UK local authorities has raised concerns, with 11% of respondents anticipating potential bankruptcy within two years and 35% expecting financial difficulties in 2024/25.
Accounting Web reports that the study by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors reveals significant challenges including under-resourced internal audit functions and fears of job loss for auditors who raise issues.
Alison Ring OBE said the report is a “worrying read” as it shows internal audit is under resourced at a critical time when local authorities are under significant financial stress.
A Welsh council has warned people after fake QR codes were placed on council parking machines to deceive people into providing their card details.
Conwy Council said the codes appear to be part of the council’s payment system but lead to a fraudulent website, according to BBC News.
The council is collaborating with police and its PayByPhone provider to remove the fraudulent site and will continue monitoring parking machines.
USA:
A Manhattan Supreme Court judge has ruled in favour of New York Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, declaring changes to a city housing voucher program invalid.
The City Council had previously overridden Adams’ veto to expand the program to those facing eviction and to increase income eligibility.
The court determined that only the city’s Department of Social Services has the authority to make such changes.
The City Council and housing advocates plan to appeal the ruling, according to Spectrum News.
CANADA:
CBC News has reported on a dilemma for residents of the town Frelighsburg, Quebec, who are unable to swim or use municipal ball fields this summer due to new insurance requirements.
The town’s insurance provider has enforced stricter safety standards, requiring regular water quality tests and lifeguards for swimming, and fences for ball fields to prevent injuries.
The measures are financially burdensome for the small town, which has about 600 households.
Officials, including Mayor Lucie Dagenais, are consulting with citizens on future actions, emphasising that safety is the priority despite the frustration caused by the closures.
NZ:
Jen Scoular, the only woman elected to the new Tauranga City Council, has been appointed as deputy mayor by mayor-elect Mahé Drysdale, according to Radio New Zealand.
Scoular has a background in commercial business leadership and trade diplomacy, and aims to foster strong community alignment and support local businesses.
The new council, elected after a period of administration, mostly comprises new members and has begun its induction process.
AFRICA:
There’s controversy in Kenya, where the Nairobi City County has proposed a “cat tax” requiring cat owners to register their pets, pay an annual fee, and ensure rabies vaccinations.
Opponents see it as a revenue-raising tactic, and say it will lead to more stray cats because owners will abandon them to avoid the tax.
The BBC reported that animal welfare advocates are pushing for alternative measures like low-cost veterinary services and mass sterilisation campaigns.
Public consultations on the proposal are due to start this week.