Counting continues, industrial action, and a minister’s investigation, #391

New episode News

On the Local Government News Roundup for Friday 1st November, 2024:

  • Counting continues in Victorian council elections
  • Industrial action on the cards at Greater Geelong
  • Stonnington Council responds to a controversial planning decision
  • The NSW local government minister launches an investigation into his own department
  • One council’s short-lived live streaming effort
  • Queensland’s new Premier takes advice on the future of Townsville’s mayor
  • A new CEO’s pay packet makes news, and he responds
  • A call for Hobart City Council to be placed under administration
  • And the UK government’s surprises for local government in its new budget

Plus more news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond.

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.

Subscribe here for back catalogue, breaking news updates and priority access to special bonus episodes

Transcript for episode 391:

Victorian Roundup:

Here is a far from complete roundup of progressive counting reports, cobbled together from various sources. As noted previously, the VEC does not publish progressive counts.

In Greater Shepparton, high profile incumbent mayor Shane Sali has captured more than 75% of first preference votes in Balaclava Ward and will be safely returned to the council, according to the Shepparton News ($).

In Kialla Ward, incumbent deputy mayor Anthony Brophy has a fight on his hands with a little more than two per cent of first preference votes separating him and challenger Terri Cowley.

First time candidate Kieron Eddy looks the likely winner of Lower Goulburn ward, with 46.4 per cent of the progressive vote, nearly twice that of incumbent Dinny Adem.

In Wodonga, the Border Mail ($) has reported on the likely election of at least two new councillors in Cassie Aldridge and Josh Knight.

Both have healthy leads in progressive first preference counts over their rivals in Huon Creek and Baranduda Ranges wards respectively.

Incumbent mayor Ron Mildren holds a narrow lead in Lake Hume ward, while three candidates are in a close contest for Barnawatha North ward guaranteeing at least one more fresh face for the new Council.

In the latest reports, two more incumbent councillors including Libby Hall are tipped to regain their seats.

At Greater Bendigo, the Bendigo Advertiser reported early numbers from three wards.

Incumbent councillor Vaughan Williams is third on first preferences in Golden Square Ward, nearly 20 per cent behind early leader Karen Corr who sits in a strong position on 40 per cent of the votes counted so far.

Small business operator Aaron Spong looks likely to win in Eppalock Ward.

Close contests are reported in Axedale and Bendigo wards in initial counts.

The Warrnambool Standard ($) has reported early numbers from the only contested ward in Corangamite Shire.

Incumbent Jo Beard is set to return to the council table, polling nearly 70 per cent of first preference votes against the only other candidate, Cath Jenkins.

All remaining councillors have been elected unopposed.

At Warrnambool City, Willy Benter, a first time candidate, is reported to have a strong lead in Hopkins Ward.

Former mayor Debbie Arnott has an early lead in counting in Central Ward, while another former mayor Vicki Jellie is a clear leader in Platypus Park Ward.

The Wimmera Mail Times and the Weekly Advertiser have reported on a swing away from incumbent councillors at Horsham Rural City Council.

Just one of four seeking re-election look likely to succeed, that being Ian Ross, who has a lead in early counting.

Incumbent councillors Claudia Haenel and David Bowe appear to be out of the race, trailing all competitors in their respective wards.

The Warragul Drouin Gazette has been providing updates on counting in Baw Baw Shire. It has reported on a likely return for Danny Goss in Central Ward, and a tight race in East Ward where eight candidates are vying for three positions.

The Age launched an appropriately named “Slow Blog” in recognition of the fact that no official results are expected to be announced before 7th November.

In the latest updates, Nick Reece remains in the lead for Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne.

Rob Bailleu, son of ex Premier Ted Ballieu, is tipped to win a seat on Boroondara Council. Incumbent deputy Felicity Sinfield is also in a strong position to return to the council.

A comfortable win is also predicted for independent candidate Victor Franco in Gardiner Ward.

A mixed bag of results for incumbent Port Phillip councillors based on first preference count reports.

Former mayor Louise Crawford has recorded a strong primary vote, while Tim Baxter and Robbie Nyaguy have not done as well.

Residents of Port Phillip candidates are doing well, with three of their four candidates holding a lead in their wards.

In Yarra, a strong performance has been recorded by independent candidates under the “Yarra For All” banner, threatening the previous dominance of the Greens on that council.

Independent Stephen Jolly has claimed victory in MacKillop Ward with nearly 54 percent of the first preference votes counted so far.

The Herald Sun reported that former mayor Sophie Wade is in a fight to retain her spot.

Speaking of the Greens, they have claimed wins in two wards in Banyule, for Olivia Ball on Melbourne City Council, and Isabello Do in Greater Dandenong.

At Greater Dandenong, Ian Cook, the caterer who took on the council in court over the infamous ‘slug gate’ case, looks unlikely to win a seat on the council.

He is reportedly well behind incumbent councillor Phillip Danh on first preference votes.

Jim Memeti has declared victory in his ward, and the Dandenong Star Journal reported that incumbent Bob Milkovic and independent Melinda Yim will likely prevail.

Incumbent deputy mayor Steve Abboushi at Melton City Council has more than 50 per cent of first preference votes in early counting for Bullum Bullum ward and appears likely to hold his position on the council.

Former mayor Sophie Ramsay leads the count in Watts Ward.

In Mount Atkinson ward, Phillip Zada leads the count with more than 40 per cent of the votes, while a tight race is reported in Hilltop Ward between Andrew Deeming and John Verdon.

In Stonnington, former mayor Meghan Hopper leads the count in Como Ward and is favourite to take the seat, according to The Age.

Sue Bolton is on track to retain her seat on Merri-bek Council, while former mayor Lambrinos Tapinos is fighting to retain his spot due to a strong challenge from Greens candidate Ella Svensson. Other wards are also being hotly contested according to the Age.

And in Hobsons Bay, Daria Kellandar, one of the only two incumbent councillors to stand for re-election, has polled more than 40 per cent of first preference votes counted so far.

Her nearest rival from the four other candidates contesting the ward is Tim Rippon with 24 per cent.

The other incumbent Diana Grima is projected to win her spot back in Altona Meadows Ward, according to the blog LocalElections.com.au

That site also reports wards too close to call in Ballarat and Wyndham, a strong win in Banyule for incumbent Alida McKern; likely wins in Knox for Peter Lockwood and Robert Williams; and projections for Moonee Valley, Monash, Casey and others.

Greater Geelong council staff are reportedly considering strike action as negotiations for a new enterprise agreement reach a critical point, according to the Geelong Advertiser.

The council has offered a 3% annual wage increase and one-off payments, but union members say it is insufficient amid rising living costs.

While the report suggests parking fine and rubbish collection could be affected, the Roundup understands the city is not expecting industrial action, and that waste services are contracted out and not relevant to the enterprise agreement process. Geelong Advertiser

The Federal Government has approved $8 million in funding for Bass Coast Shire Council’s Cowes Foreshore Precinct project.

Part of the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan, the project will enhance connectivity between the town and the foreshore, aimed at transforming Phillip Island’s tourism hub into a pedestrian-friendly township.

CEO Greg Box said after 10 years of planning, it will be exciting to see the community’s ideas for the historic precinct come to life. Bass Coast Shire Council

The State Government has approved a controversial development at 173 Burke Road, Glen Iris, overturning decisions of Stonnington City Council and VCAT.

The fast-tracked approval for a five-storey building, reduced from six, with a Woolworths supermarket and 60 apartments – reduced from 83 – has raised concerns about overdevelopment and its impact on local infrastructure, attracting a record number of community objections.

City of Stonnington CEO Dale Dickson said the decision is poorly thought-out, and will place an unacceptable burden on local roads and infrastructure.

He also said it ignores the comprehensive, evidence-based plans already in place in Stonnington to deliver on future housing needs. Stonnington City Council

NSW:

The New South Wales Local Government Minister, Ron Hoenig, has initiated an investigation into his own department following the discovery of a previously undisclosed $19.5 million grant to Hornsby Council.

The new revelation comes amidst an ongoing dispute between the minister and the council over the repayment of $36 million from the controversial Stronger Communities scheme.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the additional grant was brought to light under freedom of information after Mr Hoenig had initially denied its existence in budget estimates.

Hornsby Council claims the funding was related to pre-election commitments made before March 2019, while Greens MP Sue Higginson has questioned the legitimacy of the grant, describing it as a “pre-election gift.” Sydney Morning Herald

Campbelltown Council has voted 8-7 to end the live streaming of councillor briefings, reversing a decision made earlier this year, according to a report from the South West Voice.

Mayor Darcy Lound defended the move, citing an ongoing review by the NSW local government minister as a key factor in the decision.

The council had previously become the first in NSW to live stream such meetings, receiving praise from the local government minister for promoting transparency.

The reversal is part of proposed changes that will now go to exhibition for public comment. South West Voice

Blacktown City Council is calling on the Commonwealth Bank to reverse its decision to close yet another local branch in the Blacktown City area.

The latest closure, the Doonside Branch is scheduled to close at on the 29 November.

The Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting, expressed concern over the impact this decision will have on residents who rely on access to local banking services

The council has urged the Federal Government to implement a moratorium on further branch closures to protect diverse communities’ needs for essential banking services. Bankstown City Council

A new Chairperson and Deputy have been elected for the Canberra Region Joint Organisation.

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick, mayor of Bega Valley Shire Council was elected chairperson and Cr Julia Ham, mayor of Snowy Valleys Council was elected deputy chairperson by their regional mayoral counterparts at the first meeting of the new board last Friday. Canberra Region Joint Organisation

QLD:

Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson has appealed to Queensland’s new Premier David Crisafulli to give him “a real crack” at his job, following a show cause notice issued by the previous government.

ABC News reported that the Premier has sought crown law advice regarding Thompson’s response to the notice, which was issued amid an ongoing Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into Thompson’s falsely stated military and education credentials.

Mr Crisafulli had previously stated that Thompson’s position was “untenable,” but for the moment the mayor remains in office while awaiting a decision on his future. ABC News

The salary package for a Council’s new CEO has made news on the Sunshine Coast.

John Baker, currently CEO at Mornington Peninsula Shire in Victoria, is taking on the role vacated earlier this year by Emma Thomas on a pay deal worth $550K according to the Courier Mail.

Mr Baker told the Local Government News Roundup that he’s ok with CEO’s salary information being transparent.

Cairns Regional Council has apologised after emergency alerts warning of major flooding and earthquake risks were mistakenly sent, causing concern and confusion among residents.

The alerts were sent out yesterday morning, prompting a correction from the Council and assurances that there was no emergency.

It said the messages were the result of human error, and that the alert system is functioning as designed. Cairns Regional Council

National Briefs:

A countback election to fill a vacancy on Bathurst Regional Council has been set for the 26th November.

It was triggered by the resignation of Cr Jess Jennings earlier this month.

Candidate applications open on the 11th November. Bathurst Regional Council

Noosa Council has unanimously voted to advocate for a review of police powers and introduce e-bike rider education to address growing safety concerns related to e-bikes and e-scooters.

Councillor Jess Phillips, a former police officer, said there is a need for updated legislation to give police the authority to address dangerous behaviour effectively. Noosa Today

Campbelltown City Council is urging residents to desex their cats as the Kitten Awareness Season approaches, aiming to reduce the influx of unwanted kittens at its Animal Care Facility.

The council offers a Companion Animal Subsidised Desexing Program to assist eligible cat owners with desexing, microchipping, and vaccination costs. Campbelltown City Council

Councillor Bruce Reynolds has been elected as the new Deputy Lord Mayor of Perth, with Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas expressing his enthusiasm for their future collaboration.

Outgoing Deputy Clyde Bevan was thanked for his contribution to the role. City of Perth

TAS:

Prominent Tasmanian businessman Robert Rockefeller has called for Hobart City Council to be placed under administration, citing concerns about the council’s public consultation and decision-making processes.

Pulse Tasmania reported that the demand follows a controversial decision to remove 49 car parks on Collins Street for new cycle lanes, a move that has angered local business owners.

The Council’s CEO Michael Stretton has defended the consultation process surrounding the project, and maintains that the project offers opportunities for community input on future permanent infrastructure. Pulse Tasmania

NT:

Alice Springs Town Council wants a “warranty period” for government roadworks following a recent incident where roads in the town centre melted in the hot sun.

The issue, described as “bitumen bleed,” prompted emergency repairs and raised concerns about the quality of the initial $20 million CBD revitalisation project.

The NT News reported on Department of Logistics and Infrastructure plans to replace the current seal with asphalt, with the council estimating the resurfacing costs to be in the “millions of dollars.” NT News

Global Roundup:

UK:

In a high-tax, high-spend Budget, the UK government has confirmed plans for local government reorganisation, proposing to create simpler structures and generate efficiency savings.

But district council leaders have warned that reorganisation will threaten front line services, and is the last thing the country and communities need.

The Budget includes increased funding for local government, with £14.3bn allocated for 2025-26, including £1.3bn in additional grant funding.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £500 million annual increase in funding for local roads maintenance, bringing the total allocation to nearly £1.6 billion.

The significant boost is aimed at addressing the pothole crisis but appears to be a one-time injection, raising questions about long-term sustainability in road maintenance efforts.

The Budget provides an additional £200m for City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements, bringing local transport spending for Metro Mayors in 2025-26 to £1.3bn.

Treasury said the government will also provide £650m for improving transport in towns, villages, and rural areas according to local gov dot co dot uk.

Cumberland Council is considering a motion to phase out the use of glyphosate and other synthetic herbicides on council-owned land over a three-year period, according to BBC News.

The Green Party wants the community to become pesticide-free and has proposed exploring alternative weed management methods, following the example of over 80 other UK councils that have already taken similar measures. BBC News

A resident of Fylde Council in the UK received a Community Protection Warning for excessive bird feeding after complaints from a neighbour.

Despite his claims of being harassed and stalked by this same neighbour, his complaints to the council were initially ignored.

The council later apologised for their lack of response and offered assistance, but Mr X felt it was inadequate and believed his neighbour was receiving preferential treatment. GB News

USA:

The city of Louisville in Colorado has become the first city in the United States to deploy a fully electric residential recycling and waste collection fleet.

The initiative aims to reduce noise pollution, improve safety, and lower greenhouse gas emissions in the city’s neighbourhoods.

The new fleet consists of four McNeilus Volterra ZSL trucks, equipped with advanced safety features and eligible for various federal and state incentives, potentially offsetting the higher initial costs of electric vehicles in the long run. Electrek

NZ:

Hamilton City Councillor Andrew Bydder has failed to apologise for an expletive-laden rant directed at a neighbouring mayor, despite being ordered to do so.

Bydder, who was found in breach of the code of conduct, claims the process was corrupt and refuses to comply with the council’s recommendations, including undergoing conduct training.

Radio New Zealand reported that Hamilton’s Deputy Mayor Angela O’Leary has sought legal advice over the failure to comply with the council’s directions. Radio New Zealand