In the latest edition of the Local Government News Roundup,
- The second sudden death of a Victorian councillor in one week
- The CFMEU pulls the pin on its bid to represent Geelong council workers
- Election campaign donations in the spotlight
- A mayor arrested and charged with domestic violence offences
- A new collaboration agreement for the NSW state and local government
- A Queensland council in dispute with the state government
- and a UK councillor in custody amid allegations of inciting murder
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 recruitment and business advisory services.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 374:
Victorian Roundup:
More sad news from the Victorian local government sector. Another sitting councillor has passed away unexpectedly.
Horsham Rural City Council has paid tribute to Cr Bob Redden who died suddenly last Thursday.
81 year-old Cr Redden was elected to the council through a countback process in September 2022.
Mayor Cr Robin Gulline said all at the council were deeply saddened by his passing, describing him as a gentleman, and a committed and level-headed councillor.
Cr Redden’s death follows the sudden passing of Maribyrnong councillor and former three time mayor Sarah Carter last week.
The CFMEU has withdrawn its application to the Fair Work Commission to represent workers at the City of Greater Geelong.
The application was set to be challenged by the council and a group of neighbouring municipalities.
The Herald Sun reported on Friday that the union had discontinued its application, a decision that was welcomed by Greater Geelong City Council.
The Age has highlighted issues with campaign donations and transparency in the upcoming City of Melbourne elections.
A proposal from councillor and lord mayoral candidate Jamal Hakim for realtime disclosure of donations to candidates, and a ban on accepting donations from certain parties such as developers and weapons firms caused dissent in the chamber.
The motion passed, but three councillors including current Lord Mayor Nick Reece abstained from the vote.
A letter to the editor from the state leader of The Nationals about upcoming council elections has raised some eyebrows around the sector.
Peter Walsh has written to regional papers encouraging candidates to “return to basics” and focus on what he calls the “true purpose” of local government.
He says many councils have prioritised social wokeness and international politics over delivering key services for local residents, effectively calling for a return to a ‘roads, rates and rubbish’ approach.
A Melbourne resident is advocating for improved incontinence facilities in men’s public toilets after an embarrassing experience with a 10-minute limit in an automated toilet in Knox City Council.
The Ferntree Gully Star Mail has the story on the experience of Bill Ireland, who has approached the council but has been told the 10 minute limit can’t be increased for reasons of safety and security.
He has also highlighted the lack of incontinence bins in men’s toilets, a cause that is supported by the Continence Foundation of Australia through the ‘Bins4Blokes’ campaign.
Melbourne is the first Australian city to trial incontinence product disposal bins.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has partnered with Women’s Property Initiatives (WPI) and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) to provide up to 30 new social housing units for women and children experiencing homelessness.
The initiative involves 30-year leases on five Shire-owned properties in Hastings and Mornington, reflecting the Council’s commitment to addressing an urgent need for social housing on the Peninsula.
It aligns with the council’s Triple A Housing Plan, declared housing crisis and ongoing efforts to raise awareness of housing and homelessness issues in the region.
Victorian Briefs:
East Gippsland Shire Council has stopped loaning out cat trapping cages until at least the end of this week, while an outbreak of Feline Herpes Virus is dealt with at the Council pound.
The outbreak has placed strain on staff and local veterinary practices, and community members are encouraged to delay the surrendering of any cats until after the 15th August.
Mildura ratepayers are being tempted to sign up to emailed rates notices with the chance of winning $2,000 off their rate bill.
The council says it is aiming to increase the proportion of electronic rates notices from 13% to 20%.
Bass Coast Shire Council received an Excellence in Place Naming award for the Berninneit Community Centre naming proposal, announced at the recent Victorian Geospatial Excellence awards.
The project involved extensive community consultation, with over 700 local residents participating.
National Roundup:
NSW:
The Mayor of Byron Shire, Michael Lyon, has reportedly been charged with domestic violence offences.
NBN News reported that Police responded to a domestic incident in The Pocket last week, and that Mr Lyon was arrested the next day and granted conditional bail.
Mr Lyon had been expected to seek re-election as mayor at next month’s election.
Following last week’s incident, his running mate Cr Mark Swivel has withdrawn his support for Mr Lyon’s campaign due to recent events.
Cumberland City Council has voted against selling a 55-space carpark in Lidcombe, following a lengthy legal battle, according to a report from The Daily Telegraph.
The decision has been viewed as a victory for public interest over private profit, and effectively rescinds a previous 2021 resolution to consider offers from developers.
That decision was never acted upon and the Supreme Court has now ruled that no binding contract was made to sell the land.
Piety Developments has lost its appeal, and has been ordered to repay council costs. Daily Telegraph
The NSW Government and Local Government NSW (LGNSW) have signed a new three year Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), aimed at strengthening councils and providing stability for communities.
The agreement outlines roles, responsibilities, and collaborative efforts to improve social, economic, environmental, and civic outcomes.
Key highlights include financial sustainability for councils, minimising cost-shifting, and a commitment to no forced council mergers or boundary changes.
The agreement updates a previous four year agreement from 2019-2023 and emphasises the importance of partnership and continuous improvement.
Kempsey Shire Council is advocating for increased police presence and support for a new Police Citizens Youth Club in response to rising crime rates, particularly youth crime, in South West Rocks and Crescent Head.
Mayor Leo Hauville has written to the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, highlighting the urgent need for 24-hour police staffing and addressing socio-economic disadvantages contributing to crime.
The Council says it wants to work with government and community organisations to implement comprehensive solutions and support initiatives for youth engagement.
Green Left has reported on growing concerns over Newcastle and Port Stephens Councils’ links to weapons manufacturers, despite Newcastle Council having a policy against investing in such companies.
The councils have leased land near Williamtown RAAF base to Astra Aerolab, a defence, aerospace and innovation precinct
A motion from Newcastle Greens Councillor Charlotte McCabe for the council to withdraw support from certain companies was not successful.
Upper Hunter Shire Council has advised its community that recent testing of Merriwa’s water supply has indicated radiation levels above Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) screening values.
While NSW Health advises it is unlikely to pose a health risk, the council has switched to using groundwater bores, and is investigating the issue further.
QLD:
Bundaberg Regional Council and the Queensland Government are in dispute over the Bundaberg East flood levee project, a $174.7 million initiative to protect residents from floods and reduce insurance costs.
The Courier Mail reported that the council wants the state to cover all associated costs, including maintenance and upgrades, to avoid burdening ratepayers.
But Fire and Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd says the council’s stance is irresponsible.
Discussions between the parties are continuing.
The state government and Sunshine Coast Council have acquired a 150-hectare property at Peregian Beach to establish a conservation park.
The land is home to species like koalas, glossy black cockatoos, and the endangered Mountain Emu she-oak, and will be managed in collaboration with the Kabi Kabi People.
The acquisition has been valued at $5.25 million, according to the Sunshine Coast News.
Sunshine Coast Council is being urged to preserve Norfolk pine trees at Moffat Beach amid plans for a seawall revamp.
Local groups Save The Moffat Beachfront (STMB) and Make Moffat Shine (MMS) are advocating for more community consultation and a redesign that maintains the beach’s character.
A council spokesperson told the Sunshine Coast News that independent coastal engineers would assess the situation.
The council has allocated $4.55 million for the seawall project, with work scheduled to start next year.
Charters Towers Regional councillors have voted to accept a 35% salary increase, in line with recommendations from the Local Government Remuneration Commission.
The Townsville Bulletin reported that the salaries reflect a new calculation method favoring rural councils.
The mayor’s salary will rise to $146k, the deputy mayor to $91k, and councillors to nearly $78k.
TAS:
Launceston City Council has approved a controversial $500K contract to develop a master plan without going through its regular tender process.
The Examiner (11th August 2024) reported that the decision was due to a 12 month deadline to use a Federal Government grant.
The motion received the required majority vote of councillors, despite some holding concerns that it didn’t “pass the pub test.”
Clarence City Council is set to vote on a new location for the Lindisfarne ferry terminal, with Natone Street emerging as the preferred option following community feedback.
The Mercury reports that the preferred location represents an apparent change of heart, which is seen as good news by the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania.
The club and other stakeholders see the Natone St site as important for ensuring a successful expansion of the ferry service.
It follows the success of a Bellrive to Hobart ferry services which has operated for three years.
WA:
The Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) has secured a three-year funding agreement with the City of Busselton, and will receive more than $157k annually to support visitor services at the Busselton Visitor Centre.
Mayor Phill Cronin said the funding builds on a successful 15 year partnership between the city and the association.
Last financial year, Busselton received 895,000 visitors who spent $838 million, with an average stay of 3.8 nights.
National Briefs:
Kiama Council has turned 165, commemorating its proclamation on 11 August 1859.
Some its early challenges have been outlined in a post on the council’s website, such as not being entirely certain about its own boundaries.
It had to write to the state government for a map of its boundaries.
Rockhampton Regional Council has waived over $51,000 in landing fees for CapRescue, supporting its vital rescue helicopter operations in Central Queensland.
The rapid search and rescue service carried out approximately 520 rescues in 2023, 100 more than the previous year.
Tamworth Councillor Phil Betts has announced he will hang up his local government hat after 33 years and not contest next month’s elections.
The Northern Daily Leader (10th August 2024) reported Cr Betts was first elected to Parry Shire Council in 1991 and has served continuously since then, alongside current mayor Russell Webb.
Cr Webb has nominated for re-election, ending speculation about his retirement plans.
Inner West Council has invited Olympic gold medal skaters Arisa Trew and Keegan Palmer to Leichhardt Park Skate Park to celebrate their success.
The skate park, which opened a year ago after a decade of advocacy, has become popular with young skaters and the local community.
The achievements of Keegan and Arisa are expected to inspire more young people to engage in skateboarding and other activities at the park.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Council leaders in Scotland have proposed a new pay offer to prevent strikes by waste workers in 26 of the 32 council areas planned for this week.
The offer includes a 3.6% pay increase for all grades and a £1,292 rise for the lowest paid, equivalent to 5.63%, made possible by additional funding from the Scottish government.
BBC News reported that the unions GMB, Unison, and Unite will review the offer and decide today whether to suspend the strikes.
A councillor from Dartford Borough Council in Kent has been arrested on suspicion of encouraging murder and an offence under the Public Order Act after a video on social media appeared to show him making violent remarks at a counter-protest in London.
Cr Ricky Jones has been suspended from the Labour Party and remains in custody at a south London police station, according to local gov dot co dot uk.
A Labour councillor has been suspended from attending the next full Stirling Council meeting after a verbal altercation over nursery funding with a female colleague.
The Standards Commission found Gerry McGarvey’s behaviour during the incident to be disrespectful and intimidating, though it did not meet the threshold for bullying, according to The Courier.
Despite his immediate apologies and cooperation with the investigation, the panel deemed suspension appropriate to maintain public confidence in local government.
USA:
In Hawaii, the incumbent mayor of Honolulu, Rick Blangiardi, has been re-elected with more 70% of votes in early results, according to local station KITV’s Island News.
Mr Blangiardi is a former television executive and football coach, and his second term will commence in January.
CANADA:
The Mayor and Members of Canada’s Pickering City Council have condemned one of its councillors, Lisa Robinson, for appearing on a far-right podcast, which promotes hate speech and misinformation.
During the broadcast, the host made violent and defamatory statements against Council Members, which Robinson implicitly endorsed by her participation.
The Council said the behaviour violates its Code of Conduct, and a joint complaint will be filed to the Integrity Commissioner.
NZ:
Former Auckland Council building inspector Nicholas Bright has pleaded guilty to 21 charges of bribery and corruption, involving cash and home renovations, with sentencing set for 20 November, according to Radio New Zealand.
The Serious Fraud Office also charged a construction company director, who has pleaded not guilty, with a court hearing on 25 October.
The offences occurred between 2018 and 2020.
PAKISTAN:
The Mayor of Mardan Himayatullah in Pakistan has urged the government to address issues faced by local governments in the country, including lack of funds, powers, and resources, according a report from The International News.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Mayor Himayat Mayar has criticised recent rules that undermine local governance and requested reforms such as restoring the Local Government Act 2019, releasing funds, providing necessary support, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
He argues that the current system fails to provide effective governance and service delivery for communities, and he has called for the payment on honoraria and benefits to elected representatives.