On the Local Government News Roundup for Monday 19th August:
- An ex-footy star lines up for the Melbourne Lord Mayoral race;
- Approval granted for a contentious high rise Docklands development;
- Councils band together to call for united government action on housing;
- The weekend developments in the NSW council nominations fiasco;
- More councillors leave the Liberal Party, as long standing mayors flag retirement;
- Townsville Council makes a controversial decision and complains it has been used as a political football
- A South Australian Council CEO resigns
- The NT councillor issued with a no-trespass notice by her council – details emerge about her alleged offences
- and we find out about the City of Melbourne’s exciting Fishermans Bend Digital Innovation Challenge.
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 377:
Victorian Roundup:
Anthony Koutoufides, former Carlton football star, is running for lord mayor of Melbourne with his “Team Kouta” ticket.
The Age reported on the announcement of Team Kouta, which includes former Liberal MP Gladys Liu, former Wyndham councillor Intaj Khan, and property developer Zaim Ramani.
Mr Koutoufides says he wants to revitalise Melbourne, addressing issues like work-from-home culture, planning permit approvals, and CBD parking.
He has emphasised his independent status and says his campaign is self-funded.
The Herald Sun reports this morning that a redevelopment of the Marvel Stadium precinct in Melbourne has been approved by the state government, but details of the project are unclear.
The City of Melbourne had strongly opposed the proposal which would see three towers built on the western fringe of the precinct.
The government says the development will transform the Docklands waterfront into a housing and jobs hub, while the design of the buildings will be subject to further planning approvals.
Indigo, Alpine, and Towong Shire Councils have held a historic joint meeting to address serious concerns about healthcare services in North East Victoria.
They unanimously resolved to advocate for a new single-site hospital in Albury-Wodonga, calling for the Victorian and NSW State Governments to pause current Albury Hospital redevelopment plans and redirect their efforts.
The councils say there is an urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure to meet the region’s growing needs and authorised their CEOs to communicate their joint position to relevant government bodies and the Albury-Wodonga Health board.
Horsham Rural City Council has welcomed the appointment of Steven Kingshott as a municipal monitor to support good governance.
Mayor Robyn Gulline and CEO Sunil Bhalla have moved to assure the community that council operations will continue as usual.
The appointment of Mr Kingshott from next month is to address serious governance concerns after the council failed to adopt its budget in line with legislative requirements.
Five Melbourne councils—Hume, Darebin, Kingston, Moonee Valley, and Whittlesea—are urging the State and Commonwealth governments to collaborate on addressing social and affordable housing challenges.
They say there is a need for coordinated infrastructure and sustainable urban design, and have made three key requests: engagement with councils before publicising Activity Centre plans, better infrastructure coordination, and support from the Australian Government.
The councils stress that new developments must be liveable, sustainable, and include affordable housing to meet the Victorian Government’s ambitious housing targets across 10 activity centres.
Hepburn Shire Council has welcomed the Victorian Liquor Commission’s decision to refuse Dan Murphy’s a licence to operate in Daylesford.
The refusal, strongly advocated by the Council and community members, marks the first use of the new definition of “harm” under the Liquor Control Reform Act.
The decision was based on the potential public risk, harm to minors, and adverse social impacts that granting the licence could pose.
Early works have commenced at HD Graham Reserve in Altona Meadows for the future Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre.
The early project works, supported by Hobsons Bay Mayor Matt Tyler and councillors, includes tree plantings and landscaping.
The centre aims to be a premier destination for education, environmental research, ecotourism, and community engagement, and the council is advocating for state and federal funding to complete the facility.
The City of Greater Bendigo has presented its priority projects for Federal funding in Canberra this week ahead of the upcoming Federal election.
Key projects include securing $15M for the Bendigo Art Gallery, $1.2M for the Golden Dragon Museum’s transformation, and $2.2M for Central Deborah Goldmine improvements.
A longer list of projects has been developed to give candidates choice in deciding the initiatives they’d like to support, said CEO Andrew Cooney.
Ballarat City Council has adopted a Housing Strategy and Growth Areas Framework Plan to manage future housing demand and accommodate over 55,000 new residents.
The plan includes provisions for both infill and greenfield areas and aims to integrate these strategies into the Ballarat Planning Scheme.
The Council is seeking authorisation from the Minister for Planning to amend the planning scheme accordingly.
Moira Shire Council, in collaboration with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), is seeking community input through a survey to develop a comprehensive Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan.
Council Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson said it was important to have community involvement in reducing road accidents.
The survey is available online until September 6, with hard copies available at the council’s Customer Service Centres.
Victorian Briefs:
Central Goldfields councillor Grace La Vella has been appointed Vice President of the VLGA.
The former mayor of the rural shire was also a two term councillor at the City of Manningham previously.
She has filled the vacant leadership position created when outgoing Vice President Cr Dr Josh Fergeus of the City of Monash completed his term on 30 June.
The Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner, has visited West Wimmera Shire for a two-day tour, exploring Kaniva, Goroke, and Harrow.
The visit highlighted the region’s community initiatives, innovative businesses, and vital services.
Key activities included a Council briefing, visits to advanced agricultural businesses, discussions on community safety, and tours of local attractions like the Goroke Silo Art and Harrow Discovery Centre.
Greater Shepparton City Council has launched a Customer Service Outreach Program in partnership with Neighbourhood Houses to provide easier access to Council services.
Starting on 28 August, Council staff will conduct monthly visits to various locations to assist residents with enquiries, payments, and requests.
Gannawarra Shire Council has met with the CEO of VICSES to discuss the response and recovery efforts during the 2022 floods that affected 44% of the Shire.
Key topics included the unique challenges of riverine flooding in the region, the need for localised emergency management solutions, and recommendations for additional support to VICSES from the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee’s Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Now for the latest on the NSW nominations fiasco.
In developments late Friday and over the weekend, the Liberal Party’s state executive sacked its state director Richard Shields, reportedly without compensation according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
It was also reported a class action against the party was being considered on behalf of the 140 candidates who won’t be able to contest council elections due to the administrative bungle.
Reports then emerged on Saturday that the party was considering taking the Electoral Commission to court after it refused a request for a one-week extension to nominate its candidates.
It’s understood the party has concerns about the issuing of electoral notices and nomination forms, and could claim errors in the way the election manager conducted the process.
It issued another statement yesterday calling on the commission to urgently reconsider its refusal of an extension, claiming the commission had made a mistake by calling for nominations two days later than required.
The party said in a statement yesterday that it would pursue legal avenues if the commission didn’t reconsider its position.
A further statement from the electoral commission said that additional material submitted by the part had been reviewed but the decision would stand.
In further reporting yesterday from ABC News, Premier Chris Minns, who had been called on to intervene, said he supported the electoral commissioner’s decision, while former Premier Mike Baird said that the bungle was a “tragedy”, and “hard to believe.”
He said he would support an independent inquiry to get to the bottom of the situation and make sure it never happens again.
In related news, Hornsby Shire deputy mayor Nathan Tilbury will leave the Liberal Party and run as an independent in the upcoming elections, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
He said his decision is because of “inappropriate commercial interests” within party branches, and follows Mayor Philip Ruddock’s similar concerns about property developers influencing the party.
Crs Tilbury and Ruddock have warned that current party dynamics risk prioritising developer profits over community interests and environmental preservation.
ABC News has reported on how some regional councils in New South Wales have been waiting years to carry out repairs after natural disasters, with nearly $1 billion in disaster relief funding yet to be paid.
Since 2021, 42 councils have filed 1,709 claims totaling $1.3 billion, but only 25% have been approved and paid.
The delays are impacting infrastructure and community productivity for councils like Tamworth and Tweed Shire.
The NSW government says it is trialling new funding methods to expedite recovery, and has fast-tracked $296 million to eight councils recently as part of new pilot funding agreements.
QLD:
Townsville City Council has voted to reallocate $100M in city deal funding from a proposed concert hall project to upgrade of Reef HQ, a national reef education centre that is a key environmental and tourism asset for the city.
Mayor Troy Thompson said on Friday that the council decision followed receipt of a federal government business case, showing the cost of the concert hall to be financially unviable, and significantly more than $100M.
Cr Thompson said the council was not here to be used as a political football, after expected funding for the reef centre’s upgrade was not included in this year’s federal budget.
The decision was described as “reluctant” and “frustrating” for councillors in a report from ABC News.
Meanwhile, the Townsville Bulletin has revealed an email from Mayor Troy Thompson to the council which included a demand for $100,000 in compensation for alleged human rights breaches, including discrimination based on his epilepsy.
This is despite public denials from Mayor Thompson that he was seeking compensation from the council.
The email reportedly detailed accusations that the council prevented him from returning to work despite medical clearance and outlined demands for an apology and immediate reinstatement.
The actions followed a no-confidence vote by the Council and an ongoing Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into the mayor’s claimed military service history.
In other Queensland news, a Far North MP has urged Cairns residents to decide if the Cairns Regional Council’s decision to spend $30,000 of ratepayers’ money on a two-day workshop at a five-star resort is appropriate.
The Cairns Post reported that the council has defended the expenditure, saying it helped develop a refreshed vision for the region.
Residents of Southport Central in Gold Coast are protesting a new council-imposed ‘View Tax’ that has significantly increased their rates by 30-40% for units on higher floors.
They have appealed to Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon to intervene, but she says it is a matter for the council to explain.
The residents are seeking a legal review or legislative change to address the issue, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin.
And the Courier Mail has reported on how the Queensland government sent only five officials to the Paris Games, missing a key opportunity to learn for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Meanwhile, 15 local government members, including mayors, were in Paris to gain insights on traffic management, infrastructure, and security.
National Briefs:
More NSW mayors have announced they’re stepping away from local government as this term comes to an end.
Ian Chaffey at Snowy Valleys will end a 37 year local government career at the age of 80; Bayside mayor Bill Saravinovski will also call it quits after 40 years; and Muswellbrook mayor Steven Reynolds told the Newcastle Herald that he was not standing again for health reasons, after recently suffering a mini-stroke.
The CEO of South Australia’s City of Burnside has resigned to take up a new opportunity that is yet to be revealed.
Chris Cowley joined the city in 2020 and will leave in November this year.
Mayor Anne Monceaux has assured the community that there is a process in place to select a new CEO.
The Shire of Nungarin in Western Australia has called for applications for the position of CEO.
The council, in the central wheatbelt region of the state, is a three hour drive from Perth, with a predominately wheat and sheep farming agricultural base.
Applications are due with Mills Recruitment by 2nd September.
SA:
Wattle Range Council has decided to withdraw its membership from the Limestone Coast Local Government Association after extensive discussions.
Mayor Des Noll said the decision was difficult but necessary, and the Council aims to continue collaborating with regional councils through other networks.
The Council will honour its 2024/25 financial contributions and is open to rejoining the Association in the future if circumstances change.
The SouthEast Voice reported that the six remaining councils are disappointed, but President Lynette Martin said the association respected the council’s decision.
The Mayor of Kangaroo Island has expressed condolences on behalf of the council after two local men were tragically drowned last week near Cape Cassini.
Mayor Michael Pengilly said the loss of the fishermen, who were doing what they loved, was deeply felt by all on the island.
NT
Councillor Amanda Kingdon of Katherine Town Council has been issued a 12-month no-trespass order over a Facebook comment criticising NT Local Government Minister Chansey Paech.
The council has sanctioned her by stripping her of committee roles and prohibiting her from representing the council.
ABC News reported that Cr Kingdon plans to attend meetings via video call and has sought legal advice over the dispute.
The matter is also believed to involve a controversial speech at a funeral, but the council has not commented on the specifics of the matter.
WA
The City of Stirling is appealing to WA Government ministers to prevent the use of a Mirrabooka site as a landfill depot.
PerthNow reported that the depot was approved by the WA Planning Commission despite its proximity to St Andrew’s Grammar School.
The council has unanimously voted for Mayor Mark Irwin to request reconsideration of the lease and commitment to remediate the site for parks and recreation.
Global Roundup:
UK:
City of Edinburgh councillors are planning to introduce a new tourist tax, expected to raise up to £50m annually.
The Guardian reported that the funds would go towards new council housing and improvements to public parks.
Starting in July 2026, a daily 5% surcharge will be applied to hotels, bed and breakfasts, AirBnB rentals, and student halls, capped at seven consecutive nights.
The council doesn’t believe the tax will deter visitors, as some are claiming, and that it will help address the city’s housing crisis and enhance its appeal.
Also from the Guardian, plans at Birmingham City Council to sell over 700 empty homes, originally built for the Commonwealth Games, at a loss exceeding £300m.
The Perry Barr estate, delayed by Covid, was not completed in time for the Games, leaving the council with significant debt and maintenance costs. Despite a housing crisis with 23,000 households on the waiting list, the council struggled to sell the properties due to low market demand and valuation issues.
The sale, deemed the best option despite the financial loss, will still leave a substantial debt and strain on the council’s budget.
Eastbourne Borough Council has warned of extensive service cuts due to rising homelessness costs.
It is spending £4.5m annually on temporary accommodation, equating to 49p of every £1 collected in council tax, according to the LocalGov website.
Council leader, Stephen Holt, warned the financial pressure unsustainable, and with insufficient government support, significant service cuts will be necessary to set a balanced budget.
Meanwhile, the bankrupt Thurrock Council is suing a Dubai-based businessman and his firm for allegedly misusing £150m of its investments for personal purchases, including a yacht and private jet.
The council claims it was misled into investing in bonds backed by solar farms, allegations that are denied by Liam Kavanagh who is challenging the court’s jurisdiction, according to the Guardian.
Council leader John Kent has called for an independent inquiry into the investment decisions that led to the council’s bankruptcy and £1.2bn debt.
CANADA:
The Mayor of Victoria in Canada, Marianne Alto has hit back at the Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, for comments he has made regarding the suspension of a firefighter.
Josh Montgomery was suspended for a day after writing to the Premier to oppose a local housing project, citing increased aggression towards first responders.
Mr Eby suggested that Montgomery deserved an apology from the city if the suspension was due to his letter.
Mayor Alto said the Premier was not in possession of all the facts, according to the Victoria Times Colonist, and that it was disappointing that he would feel it appropriate to comment on a local government personnel matter.
SOUTH AFRICA:
In South Africa, there are calls for fresh local government elections in Johannesburg over the city’s revolving door of mayors and dysfunctional coalitions since the 2021 elections.
The City Council has had to elect its 11th mayor in eight years following a resignation, and the Democratic Alliance (DA) says new elections would give residents a chance to vote for a competent government and address ongoing service delivery issues.
The DA has declined to join a new coalition, which includes the ANC and a number of other smaller parties.
Roundup Extra
Chris is joined by Gemma Baxter from the City of Melbourne to talk about the Fishermans Bend Digital Innovation Challenge, and how the public can have a say in determining this year’s winner.