Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- Government housing announcements take councils by surprise
- Victoria’s development contributions schemes to be overhauled
- Advocacy wins for growth and fringe councils – we find out more from a council CEO
- Differing views on the voting power of Melbourne’s businesses
- New regulations arrive for Victoria’s new councillor conduct regime
- Tributes on the passing of a long-time civic leader
- The NSW mayoral election jigsaw is almost complete
- Townsville’s mayor to challenge the government’s attempts to remove him
- Speculation about a Council CEO’s future
- Acouncil and state government at odds over the use of AI, and
- the New Zealand government announces its intervention measure for Wellington City Council, while other councils worry about who might be next.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Davidson recruitment and business advisory services.
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Transcript for episode 387:
Victorian Roundup:
Glen Eira City Council has raised concerns about the Victorian Government’s announcements that will see significantly more housing built around train and tram stations across Melbourne.
CEO Rebecca McKenzie said the announcements will substantially change the character and future sustainability of neighbourhoods in Glen Eira, without consultation.
She said inadequate or rushed consultation meant local councils were disempowered, and the interests of local communities devalued.
The council wants to see the detail of the impact of the changes on existing structure plans and residential amenity, and called on the government to start consulting openly, honestly and often with councils and communities before significant and controversial decisions are made. Glen Eira City Council
The Age reported that the government’s plan to fast-track high-rise apartment construction faces challenges due to the current gap between building costs and market prices.
Experts have suggested that apartment prices need to rise by at least 15% to make new developments financially viable.
The government has announced new measures such as stamp duty concessions and a new pilot development charge to stimulate the housing market and fund infrastructure. The Age$
A new working group will look at how developer contribution arrangements can be simplified and applied to new home developments anywhere in the state.
Under the current system, 43 Victorian councils collect developer contributions, as part of 133 separate development contribution plans in place across the state.
Members of the working group will include representatives of the Property Council, UDIA, the Housing Industry Association and the Master Builder’s Association.
The government says it will confirm how local councils can participate after the current election cycle concludes. Premier of Victoria
The government has also announced a new round of growth areas funding – $150M for infrastructure projects in Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Whittlesea and Wyndham.
The new round will focus primarily on transport, like buses, service stations, roads, and walking and bike paths. Premier of Victoria
Meanwhile, the federal Coalition’s launch of a new Housing Infrastructure Programme on the weekend was made out in Baw Baw Shire and it seems heavily influenced by the advocacy of Baw Baw and other peri urban councils.
The council has long argued that significant upgrades to roads, water, sewerage and other infrastructure are needed to unlock the development of more housing.
Shadow Housing Minister Michael Sukkar told ABC Radio National a $4.2M investment to upgrade and reopen one road in the shire would lead to the approval of 5,000 new homes. ABC Radio National
Interview: Mark Dupe
Melbourne businesses are pushing for greater voting power in council elections.
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Paul Guerra told the Age that a rapid increase in the resident population of the city had diluted the business vote.
He is suggesting an increase from two votes to three or more for eligible businesses.
But the idea has not gained support from politicians.
Shadow local government spokesman Peter Walsh said the Coalition was content with the current arrangement, while a spokesperson for Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said there are no immediate plans for a review of the legislation. The Age
The Age has also reported on the view of analysts that without the skewed vote for businesses, it would be more likely voters would install Greens candidate Roxane Ingleton as Lord Mayor.
They say voting patterns at state and federal level would probably be replicated if it weren’t for the rule that allows business two votes, as opposed to one vote for residents. The Age
An alliance of organisations in Ballarat has come under fire from council election candidates for releasing a scorecard based solely on published information.
Some candidates have told the Ballarat Courier that they were not contacted for comment before the voting suggestions were published.
The Ballarat Community Alliance scorecard uses a traffic light system to rate candidates based on past voting record, campaign material, interviews and social media posts. Ballarat Courier$
Regulations have been finalised to give effect to new reforms for the Victorian local government sector, including the introduction of a model code of conduct, and mandatory training for mayors, deputy mayors and councillors.
VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt said the ability for CEOs to determine the professional development needs of their councillors is a welcome inclusion in the reforms.
Ms Arndt said the VLGA believed the reforms would go some way to fostering a more constructive work environment for councillors, and strengthen their ability to support good governance for their local communities.
The new regulations are available now. Victorian Local Governance Association
Victorian Briefs:
The City of Ballarat’s annual report has revealed a dramatic drop in resident satisfaction with roads.
The Ballarat Courier reported that the measure has declined from 59 out of 100 to 33 in the past six years.
The council will spend over $30M on capital road infrastructure in the coming year as part of efforts to improve road conditions. The Courier$
This yer’s winner of the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund Award has been announced.
Rebecca Botheras, sport and recreation coordinator at Yarriambiack Shire Council, has been recognised as a dedicated leader and rural community champion in receiving the award.
It was announced at last week’s LGPro Women’s Network Dinner. LGPro Victoria
Participants in a central Victoria cross-council mentoring program have come together for their first professional development sessions.
The 12 month program is a collaboration between Central Goldfields Shire, the City of Ballarat and Pyrenees Shire Councils. Central Goldfields Shire Council
Victorian councils are awaiting a report on local government funding following a parliamentary inquiry that heard from 35 of the state’s 79 councils, as well as community and ratepayer associations.
Key issues raised during the inquiry include cost-shifting from state and federal governments, rate capping, and the sustainability of current revenue structures, with peri-urban councils particularly concerned about rapid population growth and inadequate infrastructure funding.
Full transcripts of the public hearings conducted by Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee have been published online. Victorian Parliament
Former Greater Bendigo Mayor Barry Lyons has died following a battle with motor neurone disease.
The council has expressed sadness at his passing, at the age of 79.
Mr Lyons served on the council from 2008 to 2016, and previously as a councillor on the former Shire of Romney.
Highlights from his time as mayor of Greater Bendigo included the official opening of the redeveloped Bendigo Library and the extended Bendigo Art Gallery.
The Bendigo Advertiser reported that his funeral is expected to take place next week. Bendigo Advertiser; City of Greater Bendigo
National Roundup:
The increasing issue of criminal and anti-social behaviour on main streets all around Australia, particularly in our major capital cities of Melbourne and Sydney, is not only harming individual businesses.
It’s also creating far-reaching impacts on surrounding small businesses and public life.
Mainstreet Australia is concerned that such behaviour is eroding community safety, reducing foot traffic, and disrupting the vibrant atmosphere that our local economies rely on.
It is conducting a survey to gather insights to inform advocacy to State and Federal Small Business Ministers, with the goal of better equipping all stakeholders to respond to and report anti-social behaviour.
The survey is open until 28th October. Mainstreet Australia Anti-social Behaviour Survey
NSW:
A proposal to relax rules for new apartment developments is expected to come before Inner West Council next week.
The new Labor controlled council wants to reduce requirements for direct sunlight, parking, and minimum size, in an effort to address the housing crisis.
The move aligns with recent Productivity Commission recommendations and comes amid survey results showing majority support for higher density housing near train stations in the area.
However, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that the proposal does have its critics, who argue that relaxing design standards could lead to lower quality living conditions and create a two-tiered housing market. Sydney Morning Herald
The final NSW mayoral election results are coming through.
Cr Darrell Jardine was elected unopposed last week as the mayor of Carrathool Shire Council. He has held the position since 2019.
Similarly, Cr Beverley Furner was the only nomination for Deputy Mayor and was re-elected to the role she has held since 2022. Carrathool Shire Council Minutes
Lockhart Shire Council has a new mayor in Cr Peter Sharp, first elected in 2016, and taking on the mayoralty with eight years’ experience.
The council has elected Cr Gail Driscoll, a twelve year council veteran, as its new deputy mayor. Lockhart Shire Council
We have just one more result to come. That’s from Hay Shire Council, which was due to conduct its mayoral election yesterday. Find the full list on the Local Government News Roundup website.
A new water security plan put forward by Tamworth Regional Council is out for public consultation, with around 300 people contributing in recent days according to NBN News.
The plan aims to drought proof the region for the next 30 years, with real fears that water will run out in the next drought.
The plan includes a proposal to convert storm and waste water to drinking water.
The draft plan is not expected to be completed before late next year. NBN News
Meanwhile, the new Tamworth council is in the spotlight for a different reason after the recent elections.
It now holds the distinction of being the only NSW municipality to elect an all-male council.
Nine women unsuccessfully ran for a position on the council. Australian Community Media
Shoalhaven City Council is taking proactive measures to protect wildlife on local roads, particularly on the newly opened Bannada Way in North Nowra.
The council has installed wildlife awareness signs, is using the iNaturalist app to collect data on roadkill incidents, and has implemented a virtual fencing trial to deter animals from approaching roads.
The measures come after several wombats were reportedly struck by vehicles since the road was opened in August. Shoalhaven City Council
QLD:
Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson has responded to a show cause notice from the Queensland government, submitting a 23-page defense against moves to remove him from office, according to ABC News.
The controversy stems from ongoing investigations into Thompson’s alleged misrepresentation of his credentials and his strained relationship with councillors and community leaders.
Mayor Thompson is remaining defiant in the face of potential suspension and calls to step down.
He says he is the target of a politically motivated campaign, and that he will challenge any decision to remove him from office, even considering a high court injunction if necessary. ABC News
There’s speculation about the future of Toowoomba council CEO Brian Pidgeon, whose contract is due to expire next year.
The Toowoomba Chronicle reported that Mr Pidgeon is on personal leave as the council’s latest annual report reveals a $12M deficit with ballooning consulting and contracting costs.
When asked if Mr Pidgeon would be returning, Mayor Geoff McDonald said that was up to him.
The Chronicle suggests that at least five of the current councillors have expressed a desire for leadership changes at the organisation. Toowoomba Chronicle$
Brisbane City Council plans to double the city’s KittyCat ferry services and is considering introducing a 50c fare to the free service after it received low passenger satisfaction scores.
The Brisbane Times reported that the expansion will coincide with the opening of the Kangaroo Point Bridge in December.
The city has launched a new Brisbane Metro service, featuring a fleet of 60 fully electric vehicles with increased passenger capacity. Brisbane Times
National Briefs:
Panel members have been appointed to lead an independent review of the Willcannia Weir Replacement Project.
The review of the proposed weir design will consider concerns raised by the community in Central Darling Shire about the revisions made after an environmental impact statement process in 2022.
The council said the appointment of the panel members marks a significant step forward in the review process. Central Darling Shire Council
WA’s Shire of Ashburton has awarded a tender for the construction of the Onslow Ocean View Caravan Park and ANZAC Park extension, aiming to boost the local visitor economy and enhance community facilities.
The council says the long-awaited project is needed to prepare Onslow to accommodate more visitors for its signature events and will contribute to the town’s growth as a key destination in the Pilbara region. Shire of Ashburton
Logan City Council and Origin Energy have signed an innovative Energy Partnership Agreement to help the city move towards Real Zero while supporting the region’s energy grid.
The agreement includes projects for on-site renewable energy generation, battery storage, and participation in Origin’s Demand Response program. Logan City Council
TAS:
The Tasmanian Government’s use of AI to approve the Kangaroo Bay Hotel Project could lead to legal action from Clarence City Council.
The Department of Premier and Cabinet has confirmed that Microsoft Copilot was used to validate job creation estimates provided by the proponent, after Treasury raised concerns about the methodology used to support the figures.
Pulse Tasmania reported that the mayor of Clarence, Brendan Blomely has described the use of AI to award major project status as “extraordinary” and “incredibly dangerous”.
The council does not support the project, and is in the middle of a legal process to buy back the land to return it to public ownership. Pulse Tasmania; Clarence City Council
The new $60M Devonport Oval Sports Complex is a step closer, with the council selecting award-winning Tasmanian construction company Fairbrother to deliver the project.
The complex will include a six court indoor sports venue and five outdoor courts, and will bring together six major sporting codes to share facilities.
Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman said the project is more than just a sports facility, and that it would help strengthen the community and promote active living as well as serve as a platform for future sporting talent.
All three levels of government are contributing funding to the $60M project. Devonport City Council
Meanwhile, Glenorchy City Council has unveiled its preferred design option for a redeveloped Glenorchy War Memorial Pool, which includes an outdoor 50m pool, indoor facilities, and various amenities at a cost of $84 million.
The design, developed through consultation with community stakeholders, aims to provide a modern aquatic facility that will serve the community for the next 40 years.
The council will seek funding from State and Federal Governments for the major project, and is also working on repairing and reopening the existing pool for the upcoming summer season. Glenorchy City Council
NT:
The general election for Barkly Regional Council has commenced with early and mobile voting options available for the next two weeks leading up to election day on November 2.
Early voting centers are located in Tennant Creek and Darwin, while remote voting teams will visit 23 locations across the Barkly region.
The election was called after the dismissal of all members of the council in June after an investigation found widespread failures across the organisation. NT Electoral Commission; ABC News
Global Roundup:
NZ:
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has appointed a crown observer to Wellington City Council due to concerns about its financial management and decision-making processes.
The intervention follows the council’s recent decision to reopen its Long Term Plan and issues surrounding water infrastructure funding and insurance risk management.
Mr Brown has been critical of the council’s approach to financing water infrastructure, fearing that it would overcharge ratepayers by $700 million over the next decade. Newstalk ZB
Mayor Tory Whanau said she would work constructively with the appointed observer, and would review the terms of reference and discuss the decision with councillors.
She said the Minister’s comments about water infrastructure came as a surprise, but that the council should use the intervention as an opportunity to put past disagreements behind them and build a coherent plan to deliver for the people of Wellington. Wellington City Council
The government’s intervention at Wellington has led to concerns for other NZ councils with financial challenges and contentious councillors.
Radio New Zealand reported that some feel the government’s action shows the bar for intervention is too low.
Opposition members have raised fears that other councils may be in line for similar measures. Radio New Zealand
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark has announced he will no longer engage with certain media outlets over reporting on his costly code of conduct breaches.
Media outlets have revealed that his behaviour has cost the council over $79,000 since 2020, including two breaches this year alone.
Cr Clark maintains that he has delivered positive results for Invercargill, despite the costly controversies. Otago Daily Times
FRANCE:
From France, the Associated Press reports on a significant eco-friendly transformation underway in Paris, with a €55 million plan to revamp the Notre Dame area and broader initiatives across the city.
Key projects include greening the Champs-Elysees, reducing traffic around the Arc de Triomphe, and creating eco-friendly spaces around major landmarks like the Louvre.
The efforts aim to balance Paris’s rich history with modern environmental needs, creating a more sustainable and liveable urban environment for residents and visitors alike. Associated Press
UK:
A priest and county councillor in Wales has been caught attending a virtual council meeting while driving, raising concerns about appropriate conduct during council meetings.
Monmouthshire councillor Malcolm Lane was on his way to conduct a funeral when he joined the virtual meeting.
He claimed he was only listening through his car’s audio system, but the meeting chair was concerned about the safety implications and asked him to pull over and turn his camera off.
The councillor said he had forgotten to turn off his screen and had not taken his eyes off the road at any time while he was driving.
The incident was reported by BBC News and has gone viral on news sites across the globe. BBC News