Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- Breaking CEO news for three Australian councils
- Another postal theft prompts a call to potentially affected voters
- More government housing announcements and more council reaction
- The administrator who believes a post-Covid mentality is responsible more poor governance at Victorian councils
- An inquiry into Liverpool council gets underway
- An urgent review of parking meter systems by a Sydney council
- A fiery council meeting at Griffith
- Investigators arrive in Townsville
- Perth’s Lord Mayor slams the WA government over a primary school plan
- The WA councillor spruiking the free speech virtues of Russia prompting a call to resign from the State’s Premier;
- and Chris is joined by LGPro President Liana Thompson to talk about Victoria’s new governance and integrity reforms.
The Local Government News Roundup is 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 388:
Victorian Roundup:
A Council CEO is making a move from Victoria to Queensland, with news of the appointment of John Baker as the new chief of Sunshine Coast Council.
Mr Baker has been CEO of Mornington Peninsula Shire in Victoria since 2018, and was reappointed on a new four year contract in June 2022.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the council was impressed with his extensive experience in the United Kingdom and Australia in large public and private sector organisations, and his track record in stakeholder management and in politically complex environments.
He takes up the Sunshine Coast role in December, and recruitment of a new CEO will be the first order of business for the incoming council at Mornington Peninsula. Sunshine Coast Council
I’ll have news of a new CEO appointment in the Northern Territory later in this episode.
The theft of a post box has prompted another call from the VEC to voters who may need a replacement vote.
The Australia Post box in Asling Street Brighton, in the City of Bayside was stolen early on Sunday or Monday.
The VEC has urged any voter who lodged a completed ballot pack between Sunday and Monday mornings to contact them or visit the Bayside election office in Hampton. Victorian Electoral Commission
The City of Stonnington’s CEO Dale Dickson says the council was blindsided by the state government’s unexpected announcement of ‘train and tram zone’ activity centres last weekend.
Nine of first twenty-five activity centres announced are located in Stonnington.
Mr Dickson said had the government asked, the council would have confirmed that it has a comprehensive plan in place to meet future housing needs, exceeding the State government’s targets by planning for an additional 65,000 dwellings by 2051.
He said Stonnington will work to understand the implications of the announcement and highlight its existing solutions, including work on a proposed neighbourhood activity centre program planned for early next year. Stonnington City Council
The MAV responded to the new housing initiatives, saying successful implementation will require close consultation and co-design between local governments and their communities.
It said that Councils seek a meaningful partnership with the State Government to address infrastructure needs, improve development contribution systems, and work with the development industry to meet housing targets. Municipal Association of Victoria
In more housing related announcements, the government has unveiled a 10-year greenfields plan to create a pipeline of new homes with backyards in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
The government says it aims to diversify housing options, strike a balance between outer and inner area development, and streamline the planning process to speed up home construction.
The first three of an eventual 27 new greenfields plans will be released next year in Whittlesea, Cardinia and Melton council areas. Premier of Victoria
And the government has announced plans to streamline the process of subdividing residential blocks to allow for easier construction of second homes, potentially reducing subdivision times from 60 days to 10 days. Premier of Victoria
A state government-appointed council administrator believes there is more poor governance at Victorian councils due to a post-Covid, rules-resistant mentality.
Peter Stephenson, the administrator of Strathbogie Shire Council, was commenting on the record number of municipal monitors in place in the state for an ABC News story.
12 councils will have monitors in place at the start of the new council terms next month, a trend that Mr Stephenson said demonstrates that the local government minister is more willing to intervene to nip things in the bud before they become major problems. ABC News
As reported earlier this week, new governance and integrity regulations have made prescribing a range of matters for Victorian councils, including training and internal arbitration process requirements and introducing a new Model Councillor Code of Conduct.
LGPro Victoria has taken a keen interest in the development of the new regime over the past four years, since a culture review into the sector was commenced.
To find out whether the outcome meets the expectation, I’m joined now by LGPro President Liana Thompson.
Interview: Liana Thompson
National Roundup:
NSW:
Commissioner Ross Glover has opened submissions for the public inquiry into Liverpool City Council, with a deadline of December 16.
The inquiry aims to gather a wide range of perspectives on the council’s operations, and the commissioner may decide to make all of part of any submission public.
Public hearings are expected to be part of the inquiry process, with details to be announced by the Commissioner in due course. Office of Local Government NSW
NSW councils are facing scrutiny over parking meter systems that charge service fees through third-party apps, potentially breaching state government rules.
North Sydney Council has launched an urgent review into the matter, with its mayor Zoe Baker telling ABC Radio that the council was unaware of the additional charges when it installed the meters earlier this year.
The council will receive an urgent report on the matter on Monday night. ABC News
A meeting of the new Griffith City Council has been described as fiery after a councillor’s notice of motion to ban alcohol from council premises was challenged as being unlawful.
Cr Anne Napoli, fresh from being elected deputy mayor of the council, proposed the ban to save money and ensure sound decision making by councillors.
The Area News reported that a fiery debate ensued, with Cr Shari Blumer claiming the motion was an act of disorder and outside the jurisdiction of the council.
The council deferred a vote on the matter until the general manager could obtain advice on the legality of the proposal. Area News$
Muswellbrook Shire Council‘s application for a natural disaster declaration following a 4.7 magnitude earthquake has been rejected by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Mayor Jeff Drayton has described the extreme disappointment of the council and residents at the decision, as many insurance claims related to earthquake damage have been unsuccessful or classified as pre-existing damage.
Mayor Drayton is meeting with the Minister for Emergency Services to discuss the issue and the responsibilities of insurance companies to their clients. Muswellbrook Shire Council
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council closed its animal management facility this week due to a canine parvovirus outbreak, resulting in the euthanasia of all 21 dogs held at the facility.
The council said the facility will remain closed for an extended period to undergo a thorough deep cleaning process, including the removal of contaminated soil. Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
The NSW Northern Region Planning Panel has approved a $67 million aquatic facility project for Port Macquarie, consisting of two stages to include multiple pools, a gym, and additional amenities.
The approval allows Port Macquarie Hastings Council to proceed with exploring funding options, including a submitted application for $13.6 million from the Australian Government Growing Regions Program. Port Macquarie Hastings Council
QLD:
Crime and Corruption Commission investigators are reported to have arrived in Townsville this week, looking into allegations against the city’s mayor Troy Thompson.
The Townsville Bulletin reported the commission’s enquiries are ongoing and that no charges have yet been laid.
A show cause notice to Mr Thompson has expired, and he is believed to be fighting government attempts to remove him from office.
Premier Stephen Miles has confirmed that any suspension is unlikely to occur before this weekend’s state election, but the newspaper has reported Mr Thompson’s office has been cleared of personal effects and that his Facebook page has been unusually silent in recent days. Townsville Bulletin$
Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett has been elected President of the Local Government Association of Queensland for a four-year term.
Cr Burnett has been mayor of Gladstone since 2016, and was recently elected as President of the Australian Local Government Association. Local Government Association of Queensland
Toowoomba Regional Council has launched a campaign called “There’s a person behind the job – Choose Respect” to address and reduce abusive behavior towards council staff.
The campaign aims to remind the community that council employees are more than just workers, but are also integral members of the community with families and personal lives.
Through various advertising channels, the initiative seeks to encourage respectful interactions and highlight the importance of treating council staff with dignity, especially during busy periods when negative behaviour tends to increase. Toowoomba Regional Council
The mayor of Ipswich City Council says its advocacy campaign “We Can’t Wait” has secured $170 million in funding commitments for critical infrastructure projects ahead of the Queensland Election.
Mayor Theresa Harding said both major parties have pledged support for a second river crossing in Ipswich Central, with additional funding promised for road upgrades and public transport improvements.
The said the campaign had resulted in 3 million engagements in various forms, including media, online and through advertising. Ipswich City Council
Council Briefs:
Murray River Council has appointed Sarah Ryan as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) until recruitment for a permanent CEO is finalised.
This follows the resignation of current CEO, Terry Dodds PSM who will depart the organisation on the 1st of November. Murray River Council
Port Stephens Council has named not one, but four deputy mayors for the full term of the council.
Cr Jason Wells will hold the role for the next 12 months, to be succeeded by Chris Doohan, Nathan Errington and Giacomo Arnott respectively in subsequent years. Port Stephens Council
Shane Grocke has been declared the newly elected councillor for the District Council of Yankalilla after a recount last week.
The recount was required after the resignation of former mayor Glen Rowlands.
Mr Grocke will be sworn-in on the 5th November. District Council of Yankalilla
Orange City Council is piloting a face-to-face version of a free healthy ageing program funded by the Australian Government.
The trial aims to evaluate the benefits of personalised support for seniors.
The council seeking 20-30 participants for a focus group and to receive assistance in developing personalised ‘healthy ageing maps’. Orange City Council
The City of Melville‘s LeisureFit Centres have won a People’s Choice award at the 2024 AUSactive Awards, recognising their ability to meet community needs through diverse fitness programs and facilities.
LeisureFit is currently undergoing major upgrades to transform into a modern, accessible swimming facility set to reopen in January 2025. City of Melville
TAS:
Hobart City Council has lost a legal battle against a property owner seeking to convert a unit into short-stay accommodation, with the Supreme Court of Tasmania ruling in favour of the owner.
The decision upholds a previous ruling by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and potentially sets a precedent that could limit the council’s ability to control short-stay accommodations in the city, according to a Pulse Tasmania report.
SA:
Kingston District Council in South Australia has been forced to close its Cape Jaffa Marina due to significant sand build-up, despite spending nearly $1 million on dredging earlier this year.
The council is calling for state government support to address the ongoing issue, estimating that a long-term solution could cost around $2 million to move up to 200,000 cubic meters of sand.
While the council plans to use its remaining dredging budget for emergency measures, it wants a longer term funding solution from the state government, given its role in approving the original marina development and the revenue it collects from commercial fishing licenses. Kingston District Council
The City of Whyalla this week hosted a meeting of South Australia’s Premier and Cabinet, with all parties demonstrating an ongoing commitment to a Hydrogen Jobs Plan for the city.
Mayor Phill Stone said the council highlighted opportunities and challenges, and expressed a desire to collaborate and co-invest with the government to make the city more exciting for residents and enticing for potential newcomers.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the Hydrogen Jobs Plan was an absolute government commitment, with major construction to happen in Whyalla from next year. City of Whyalla
WA:
Adrian McRae, a councillor at Port Hedland, has traveled to Russia to speak at the BRICS summit, praising Russian democracy and claiming he had to leave Australia to speak freely about his views on COVID-19 vaccines and the Ukraine conflict.
Cr McRae’s comments, which include quoting a Nazi political theorist and criticising Australian media, have been widely shared on pro-Russian social media channels.
WA Premier Roger Cook has condemned the comments, and has called for McRae’s resignation. Mr Cook said Cr McRae is an embarrassment to the town and to Western Australia. WA Today
Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas says the state government has abandoned its principles in passing a bill to build a new primary school in East Perth.
PerthNow reported that the government will pay the city of Perth $4.2M for lost carpark revenue, but the Lord Mayor says the city is being forced to surrender land valued at around $40M.
Mr Zempilis told a meeting of Perth City Council that the state’s actions were reckless and set a dangerous precedent for property rights owners in Western Australia. PerthNow
The Town of Cambridge council has reversed a controversial decision to turn off hot water at City Beach showers, following a major community backlash.
The initial move was intended to address illegal camping issues, which the council claims was effective during the three-week period without hot water.
The council reinstated hot water access on 19th October, and will continue to monitor the illegal camping situation. Town of Cambridge
The City of Cockburn has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement to establish a Commonwealth-owned Defence Precinct at Henderson, which is expected to create 10,000 jobs over the next two decades.
The precinct will serve as a hub for maintaining Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines.
Mayor Logan Howlett said the announcement was historic for Cockburn, and would enable Henderson to fulfil its potential as the state’s premier shipbuilding and maritime precinct. City of Cockburn
NT:
Roper Gulf Regional Council in the Northern Territory has appointed David Hurst as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
With 30 years of leadership experience and a deep understanding of remote Aboriginal communities, David will continue in the role he has been acting in since April this year. Roper Gulf Regional Council
Global Roundup:
UK:
Slough Borough Council, facing financial difficulties since 2021, is expected to remain under government intervention until November 2026.
BBC News reported that the extended oversight will include the appointment of a Managing Director Commissioner to strengthen links between commissioners and senior management.
A similar measure has been used at Thurrock and Woking councils. BBC News
One in four councils in England will probably need a government bailout over the next two financial years, according a new survey of council chief executives.
The UK Local Government Association has used the survey findings to back a call for immediate government action to stablise council finances, and “avoid another hammer blow being delivered to local services.” Local Government Association
Chippenham Town Council has decided to leave the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) due to an increase in inappropriate content and a decline in engagement.
The council will remove its X account on November 1, 2024, after giving time for its associated accounts to inform their followers about the change. Chippenham Town Council
USA:
The mayor of Portland, Maine, Mark Dion, has publicly retracted his support for a city council resolution to divest from companies linked to Israel.
He has told the council that his initial vote was a “serious mistake in judgment.”
Despite the resolution passing unanimously in September, it was later revealed to be largely symbolic as the city had no significant investments in the targeted companies.
Portland became the fourth, and highest-profile, American municipality since the Oct. 7 attacks to back some form of divestment. Jewish Telegraphic Agency
CANADA:
The mayor of Montreal Valerie Plante has announced she would not be seeking a third term in office.
CBC News reported that Ms Plante recently reached the decision that she could not commit to another four years . She has been in office for seven years. CBC News
And the cost of incompleted and delayed audits has been revealed for one Canadian council to be as much as $400K.
Since 2018, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador didn’t complete audits for three years, and in subsequent years they have been delayed while they played catch up.
CBC News reported the price tag of delayed submissions was $400K in provincial grants.
Some are calling for an investigation and more transparency in keeping the public informed about the issues. CBC News
NZ:
NZ Government ministers have defended their recent comments about Wellington City Council, after the mayor Tory Whanau accused them of “punching down” on the council.
Ministers have variously described the council as a “shambles”, “shemozzle”, and a hot bed of “meddling bureaucracy” leading to the Local Government Minister’s announcement this week that he will appoint a Crown Observer to the council.
They’ve doubled down on their comments as critics describe the intervention as an overreach, according to Radio New Zealand.
While it’s been suggested that other councils with similar problems might be next, Minister Simeon Brown denies this, saying Wellington was a unique case due to its unusual decision about its Long Term Plan.
Wellington Council has 10 days to respond before the government formally appoints an observer. Radio New Zealand