On the Local Government News Roundup for Friday, 23rd August 2024:
- New housing plans draw a swift response from some affected councils
- Moorabool Council to raise its concerns about hospital services with government
- Bendigo receives a progress report on the city’s e-scooter trial
- Boat stacker sheds rejected on the Mornington Peninsula
- A former Lord Mayor’s involvement in a CEO recruitment process under scrutiny
- Queensland to finally get a Cross Border Commissioner
- A Tasmanian council distances itself from its mayor’s comments about smacking children
- Big sector developments in New Zealand as the PM tells councils to get back to basics,
- and on Roundup Extra, Bayside Council CEO Mick Cummins talks to Chris about this week’s big announcement of waste to energy initiative that will dramatically change how nine Melbourne councils deal with household waste.
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 379:
Victorian Roundup:
The state government has announced draft plans to deliver more homes in 10 suburban activity centres across Melbourne.
Structure planning for the activity centres will be fast-tracked – up to four years faster, according to the government – and new rules will encourage more townhouses and apartments ranging from three to six storeys in height.
The draft plans apply to activity centres in Broadmeadows, Camberwell Junction, Chadstone, Epping, Frankston, Moorabbin, Niddrie, North Essendon, Preston and Ringwood.
The Age reported that residents will lose appeal rights for residential developments in the 10 activity centres.
The draft plans, out for consultation now, are aiming to fit an additional 60,000 homes in established areas by 2051.
The plan for Camberwell Junction has drawn a swift reaction from Boroondara Council.
Mayor Lisa Hollingsworth said yesterday that the council is deeply concerned about the draft plans, and the additional catchment area that extends a further 800m from the boundary of the centre.
She said that neither the Council or the community have been consulted on this alarming new catchment area, which is illogical and representative of poor planning.
Mayor Hollingsworth said the Council condemns the state government’s disregard for local heritage and amenity, noting that the catchment area encompasses 4,500 heritage listed properties.
And she said the Planning Minister’s claims that the council has been consulted on the new plans were completely false.
Hume City Council has challenged the government to ensure its plan for Broadmeadows sparks genuine transformation, not just a rise in housing numbers.
It has welcomed the additional homes, but is disappointed that the plan has progressed without formal consultation with the council.
The Victorian government has announced a $6.3 million pilot program to address workforce shortages in local councils across the state.
The two-year pilot program led by RMIT University, will start next year, with a focus on skills shortages in areas like engineering, town planning, and allied health.
The free training program is a collaboration between RMIT, Federation University, Swinburne University of Technology, and Victoria University and will be open to all 79 local councils in Victoria.
Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said the program aims to create job pathways for existing local government workers and new opportunities for jobseekers.
A 1.7 billion mixed-use development has been approved for the revitalisation of Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne.
The project will deliver approximately 560 build-to-rent apartments, with 15% dedicated to affordable housing, and additional 1100 beds for university students.
The development will include the creation of Market Square, a 1.8-hectare public park for community events and activities, and heritage controls will be maintained to preserve the market’s unique character dating back to 1878.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the landmark development would help the city meet its housing targets with high quality and affordable housing in a new precinct.
Moorabool Shire Council will seek assurances from the state government and Western Health regarding the future of Bacchus Marsh & Melton Regional Hospital, according to a report from The Moorabool News.
The council resolved to put in writing its concerns about potential service reductions, despite previous commitments to maintain and improve services following the hospital’s absorption into Western Health in 2021.
Councillor Rod Ward expressed alarm over possible budget cuts and their impact on hospital services and staff, and said uncertainty is causing anxiety among local residents and hospital employees.
The City of Greater Bendigo is reviewing the progress of its Beam e-scooter trial, which began in May.
With 4,333 riders and over 13,000 trips recorded, the trial has seen significant usage with minimal complaints and generally positive adherence to rules.
The Council is considering expanding the trial area and plans to survey riders for feedback.
It is working with Beam to improve rider compliance and educate the community on proper e-scooter usage.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has rejected plans for four boat stacker sheds and a boat ramp at Western Port Marina in Hastings.
Despite a planner’s recommendation, Western Port News reported that councillors voted against the development due to concerns about its impact on the foreshore and nearby UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve.
The decision sparked debate, with opponents emphasizing the need to preserve natural beauty and community spaces, while supporters viewed it as part of a working marina.
The rejection came despite warnings that an appeal to the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal could result in approval as Hastings is a designated marine precinct..
In a miraculous reunion, a 16-year-old cat has been found after six weeks, rescued from a tree at Nungurner Jetty.
East Gippsland Shire Council staff collaborated to rescue the cat, named Monaro, demonstrating exemplary teamwork.
Monaro was in critical condition upon rescue, suffering from hypothermia and malnutrition.
The cat’s microchip enabled quick identification and reunion with its owner, and highlighted the value of pet registration.
Victorian Briefs:
Mt Alexander, Whittlesea, Merri-bek, Hepburn and Nillumbik Councils are among those to receive new building blocks grants from the state government to plan, build and expand kinders around the state.
Those and other recipients will share in $24M in funding for kindergarten projects announced by the Minister for Children this week.
Former Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor and councillor Jess Scully has been announced as a keynote speaker for the upcoming MAV Conference in Melbourne.
Ms Scully heads a conference program aiming to drive positive change throughout the sector. The annual conference and dinner are on Thursday 12th September.
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted a comprehensive Mountain Bike/BMX/Pump Strategy to enhance off-road cycling and recreational opportunities in the region.
The strategy aims to create inclusive facilities for all ages and abilities across the Shire, to increase outdoor activity participation, and to boost the shire’s appeal as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Former Parramatta lord mayor Donna Davis is facing allegations of breaking protocol during the recruitment of the council’s CEO in 2023.
A report sent to ICAC by a senior council executive claimed Ms Davis was overly involved in negotiations, finalising a $500,000 contract with Gail Connolly just before a council meeting where some councillors were seeking to rescind the offer.
The Sydney Morning Herald has revealed that the report alleged “irregular negotiation practices” and bypassing of proper procedures.
ICAC made no findings and referred the matter to the Office of Local Government.
Both Ms Davis and the council maintain that all appropriate processes were followed and aligned with official guidelines.
The Hills Shire Council has submitted its feedback on the proposed “mini city” development at Bella Vista and Kellyville Metro Stations, urging the NSW Government to reconsider its rushed plans.
The Council’s submission raises concerns about inadequate infrastructure, environmental impacts, and increased flooding risks for the project that could house an additional 100,000 people.
While acknowledging the need to address the housing crisis, the Council says proper planning and infrastructure are crucial to avoid a quality-of-life crisis.
Its key concerns include flooding risks, disproportionate growth distribution, preservation of employment land, urban design impacts, and insufficient provisions for public transport, open spaces, schools, and emergency services.
Orange City Council will put a motion to the Local Government NSW conference for changes in affordable housing guidelines.
The council wants the sector to highlight differences between NSW planning law and Ministerial Guidelines that may negatively impact those in housing stress.
The Conference will be held in November in Tamworth, bringing together representatives from councils across the state.
QLD:
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed the establishment of a Cross-Border Commissioner, after continued advocacy by councils, mayors, and the LGAQ to address cross-border issues such as policing, health services, and labour rules.
Premier Steven Miles this week announced the appointment of Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers to the role.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith thanked the Premier for establishing the office, and said they would continue their advocacy to ensure the role was centrally-based within the State Government and has the powers to deal with typical cross-border.
George Christensen resigned from Mackay Council’s Regional Infrastructure Strategic Committee just 16 hours before its first official meeting.
The Courier Mail reported that the resignation came shortly after Mr Christensen returned from a European trip, during which he live-streamed into council meetings.
Each councillor is assigned to one of five strategic committees to meet with community groups and assist in strategic planning.
Cr Christensen revealed his resignation on Facebook after media inquiries began into his whereabouts and questioning how he was carrying out his councillor role while travelling in Europe.
National Briefs:
A local landowner in Georges River Council was recently convicted and fined $70,000 for the unlawful construction of a secondary dwelling.
The case has prompted a reminder from the council about the importance of complying with environmental and planning regulations.
The Council said it takes violations seriously and will continue to enforce measures to protect the built environment.
Noosa and Sunshine Coast Councils are collaborating on a shared pathway project along Emu Mountain Road, connecting Peregian Beach residents to nearby communities and amenities.
The 900-meter pathway and boardwalk will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, aligning with Noosa’s Cycling and Walking Strategy, and will be funded and maintained by Sunshine Coast Council.
And two more councils are looking for a new chief executive officer this week.
The District Council of Mount Remarkable in South Australia has opened applications for the position, with a closing date of 8th September with LG Talent.
That follows the departure of Sam Johnson earlier this year for the CEO position at the City of Launceston in Tasmania.
And Queensland’s Central Highlands Council has a CEO vacancy and has engaged Leading Roles for the recruitment process, with applications due by 11th September.
The council has had interim leadership since the resignation of Sharon Houlihan last December.
TAS:
A Tasmanian West Coast delegation, including salmon industry workers and Council representatives, is heading to Canberra to lobby against a potential industry shutdown.
Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman, and West Coast Mayor Shane Pitt are part of the group looking to meet with federal politicians to advocate for the salmon industry’s importance to the region.
The Mercury reported that they will argue that an industry closure would severely affect jobs and families, and urge decision-makers to consider the community’s perspective alongside environmental factors.
Burnie Council has issued a statement after comments from its Mayor Teeny Brumby about smacking children prompted a backlash.
The Advocate reported Cr Brumby’s view that she was “pro-smacking” as part of raising well-adjusted kids, and was bewildered by calls to remove a parent’s right to smack their children.
The Council said the comments were not a reflection of council policy, and the news reports may have led to an assumption that the comments were made in her role as an authorised council spokesperson.
It said Cr Brumby’s comments should only be considered as personal, and not official.
SA:
South Australia is implementing a new civics education program to address declining trust in democracy.
The Mandarin reported that the curriculum changes will include dedicated weekly classes for years 7-8 and integration into all subjects for years 9-10.
The program aims to combat misinformation and increase student engagement in democratic processes.
There’ll be an $18.4 million investment to fund specialist civics training for teachers.
The government says the reforms will be nation-leading, and respond to national concerns about civics knowledge, with only 38% of Year 10 students achieving ‘proficient’ standards in a national assessment program in 2019.
WA:
A City of Gosnells‘ decision to support reclassifying the Greater Brixton Street Wetlands (GBSW) as a Regional Park has sparked controversy.
In a report from YourLocalExaminer, environmentalists accuse the council of “greenwashing,” arguing that the plan ignores crucial EPA recommendations and could harm the wetlands’ ecosystem.
The wetlands are globally significant, containing half of Perth’s plant species in just 1% of the city’s area.
Several councillors recently toured the wetlands to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.
Global Roundup:
NZ:
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s speech at a local government conference has sparked controversy this week.
He announced plans to tighten control over local authorities, calling for councils to focus on core services and proposing changes to the Local Government Act.
Radio New Zealand reported that the approach, framed as a “war on council waste,” was met with skepticism from council representatives.
Some have argued it contradicts Mr Luxon’s pre-election commitments to localism.
It has also prompted debate over the definition of “core services,” with some mayors arguing that libraries, museums, and community facilities are essential to local wellbeing.
The PM’s speech was followed by an announcement by the Local Government Minister Simeon Brown that the government would look to make regional deals with councils.
Local Government NZ welcomed that announcement, saying it was a localism-based approach to shared goals for communities for which it had been advocating.
But it noted the government’s intention to only work with regions that focused on doing the basics.
The regional deals are expected to have three focus areas – economic growth and productivity, infrastructure and housing supply.
Not everyone will be lining up for a regional deal – The Press has reported comments from the mayor of Christchurch, Phil Mauger, that his council is unlikely to make a pitch due to the high level of government investment in earthquake recovery in the city over the last decade.
And in more news to come out of the conference, attending councils have overwhelmingly backed a push against the new legislation requiring councils to hold a public poll if they want to keep or bring in a Maori ward.
A motion led by Palmerston North City Council received 83.5% support, according to a report from 1News.
The binding poll requirement was removed by the previous government in 2021, but reversed in new rules introduced at the start of August by the current government.
UK:
One of the UK’s financially strapped councils has decided to cut some its senior council member roles to save money.
The LocalGov website reports that Somerset Council will remove one position on its executive, and a corresponding opposition spokesperson role, to cut £36,000 from its budget.
The move comes after three of the council’s members stepped down from their portfolio responsibilities to focus on other roles or for personal and private reasons.
Liverpool Liberal Democrat councillor Mirna Juarez has quit the party to sit as an independent.
After 13 years, she says the group “no longer feels like home” according to a BBC News report.
The Liverpool Liberal Democrats have expressed disappointment at her departure, and said it comes after months of supporting her through a code of conduct matter based on spurious complaints from other political parties.
At Bristol, the council’s first ever Greens Leader has warned of likely bankruptcy without urgent action to address an overspend of £22M.
BBC News reported on a change of mood at the council after the Greens won the most seats at May’s elections without an overall majority, but the reality of the council’s financial situation is proving very challenging, in the words of council leader Tony Dyer.
The BBC also has news on a cost cutting plan at Cheshire East Council which aims to make £91M in savings over four years to head off bankruptcy.
The plan includes reducing the frequency of bin collections and potentially having charities or trusts run the council’s library services.
CANADA:
Edmonton city councillor Jennifer Rice is seeking a court order to overturn code of conduct findings against her, which include allegations of discrimination and harassment against a former employee.
The city’s Integrity Commissioner made findings substantiating one count of discrimination and four counts of harrassment.
Cr Rice disputes the findings, arguing they are unreasonable and that there was a lack of procedural fairness in the investigation process.
CBC News reported that she is also requesting full disclosure of evidence and witness statements.
Global News has revealed the story behind how planned legislation to address municipal harassment in Ontario was unexpectedly shelved despite extensive preparation.
The new legislation was apparently just days away from being tabled in 2021, before the government apparently backtracked after stakeholders were briefed and it was presented to Cabinet.
However, it appears to be back on the agenda, with reports that Premier Doug Ford has sought advice in recent months from the province’s integrity commissioner on standardising municipal conduct rules.
Recommendations are expected later this year that could lead to new legislation.
Roundup Extra:
I’m joined now by Mick Cummins, CEO of Bayside City Council in Melbourne, and Chair of South East Metropolitan Advanced Waste Processing, to talk about this week’s announcement of an innovative waste to energy solution.
The new solution, using the planned Maryvale Energy from Waste facility in Gippsland, will divert at least 95% of household waste from nine councils, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 270,000 tonnes annually.
The heat and power from the facility will be used to run the Opal Australia Maryville Paper Mill.