On the Local Government News Roundup for Wednesday 13th November:
- Recounts delay the declaration of some Council election results
- Mayoral elections begin – five to report today
- Tributes for the outgoing President of the MAV, as the new President steps up
- The shock resignation of a NSW Council CEO
- A council highlights a rural residential aged care crisis
- More details of expenses paid on behalf of a former mayor under pressure to resign
- A former minister to take the reins at Coober Pedy
- And a legal threat from one UK council against as many as 23 others
Plus more local government news from across 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.
Transcript for episode 398:
Victorian Roundup:
Let’s round up the results that have come in since our last episode on Monday morning.
As of this morning, five results are yet to be finalised – Campaspe, which underwent a recount yesterday, Frankston, Greater Geelong where three wards are being recounted, Manningham, Maribyrnong, and one ward to be declared in Whitehorse.
That is Sparks Ward, where a recount has confirmed the election of Peter Allan over incumbent Tina Liu, by a margin of just five votes. The result is yet to be officially declared.
Results were updated for Borough of Queenscliffe Council following a recount. The successful candidates are unchanged.
Outstanding ward results from Manningham City Council after preference distribution:
In Bolin Ward, long term councillor Geoff Gough has been returned; Peter Bain has won Manna Ward over former deputy mayor Tomas Lightbody; Ruffey Ward has gone to Jim Grivas; incumbent Laura Mayne has been re-elected in Schramm Ward.
The last position on Manningham City Council has gone to Isabella Eltaha in Westerfolds Ward. That result spells the end for former mayor Michelle Kleinert who fell short by 324 votes.
The outstanding ward results are in from Port Phillip City Council.
Montague Ward has gone to Alex Makin; incumbent mayor Heather Cunsolo has retained her council seat, winning Port Melbourne Ward; and Serge Thomann has beaten out incumbents Tim Baxter and Robbie Nyaguy in St Kilda Ward.
All preference distributions have now been completed for Yarra City Council.
The successful candidates are Sharon Harrison, winning Boulevard Ward; incumbent mayor Edward Crossland takes Curtain Ward; former mayor Sophie Wade wins Hoddle Ward; Evangeline Aston is the winner of Langridge Ward; Andrew Davies was successful in Lennox Ward; as previously announced, Stephen Jolly won MacKillop Ward; Meca Ho was the winner of Melba Ward; Nicholls Ward went to Kenneth Gomez; and Sarah McKenzie prevailed in Yarra Bend Ward.
Merri-bek City Council, the last three ward results were: In Pentridge Ward, Nat Abboud has been successful; Liz Irvin takes Randazzo Ward; and in Westbreen Ward, Katherine Theodosis has prevailed.
After a recount, the last position on the new Whittlesea City Council has been finalised. Stevan Kozmevski was confirmed as the winner of Lalor Ward.
All of ward results are in now update for Frankston
Cherie Wanat has won Elisabeth Murdoch Ward; Kananook Ward has been won by Emily Green; in Lyrebird Ward the successful candidate is Steffie Conroy; and Sue Baker has prevailed in Pines Ward.
In Wilton Ward, long time councillor David Asker has been re-elected, defeating Annaliese Collison on preferences.
The final ward, Yamala Ward, has gone to newcomer Nathan Butler, with preferences giving him the win over Sheila Newman.
An update for Mornington Peninsula Shire Council with results of the final two wards.
Andrea Allen has been successful in Nepean Ward from seven candidate field that included incumbent Susan Bissinger. Meanwhile in Warringine Ward, the successful candidate is Michael Stephens.
An update from Maribyrnong on preference counts to determine five ward elections, delivering another female majority.
In Burndap Ward, Mohamed Semra has defeated incumbent councillor Jorge Jorquera; Susan Yengi has prevailed in River Ward, at the expense for former mayor Anthony Tran; Samantha Meredith has won Saltwater Ward; Bernadette Thomas has been re-elected in Sheoak Ward; and Elena Pereyra takes Wattle Ward by 109 votes over Miles Parnall-Gilbert, with long time councillor and former mayor Michael Clarke failing to secure re-election.
An update from Ballarat where we have been awaiting the result of three wards.
In Golden Point Ward, Tess Morgan has been successful after preference distribution, defeating incumbent Mark Harris in a three way finish.
Jim Rinaldi has won North Ward from David Harris, who improved his vote significantly from the 2020 election.
And in Wendouree Ward, Jay Morrison has defeated the similarly named Joshua Morris by 118 votes. It’s success for Mr Morrison at the second attempt after falling short in the 2020 election.
How the media is reporting the results:
The Sunday Age described some big upheavals across Melbourne, with:
A Liberal wipe-out at Boroondara;
A majority Labor council at Darebin where the Greens managed to maintain three seats despite looking shaky early in the count;
Only one incumbent returning to Bayside Council;
A majority female council for Stonnington, with most new councillors describing themselves as independent
The Latrobe Valley Express reported on the result for Latrobe City Council, which has seen four incumbent returned and five new faces elected.
Long term councillor Graeme Middlemiss lost out to challenger Steph Morgan by just four votes, confirmed through a recount.
Four term councillor and former mayor Kellie O’Callaghan also lost her seat, and was described as gracious in defeat, with the paper predicting she would remain a prominent figure through her continued involvement in various local initiatives.
The Bayside News reported on a “huge shake-up” at Kingston City Council, with the loss of recent mayor and deputy mayor Jenna Davey-Burns and Tracey Davies.
New councillor Georgia Erevnidis was a state election candidate for the anti-lockdown Freedom Party. She had the support of fellow candidate Jane Argitan who says she is excited to be part of “a like-minded independent team of five” to have been elected.
The Ballarat Courier hailed a “new era for Ballarat” with four new faces joining the nine member team, including Jim Rinaldi who returns after a four year break.
The Ferntree Gully Star Mail has focussed on the election of former councillor David Nickell, who returns to Cardinia Shire Council after more than 20 years. He defeated incumbent Jeff Springfield, a former mayor who departs after eight years of service.
The Age has reported on the performance of the Greens at these elections, with the party losing positions in some council areas but gaining in others.
28 Greens councillors were elected from 124 candidates, 21 of those in inner city areas. The total is down from 36 at the 2020 elections, with Yarra one of the councils where they were hardest hit.
For the first time, there are Greens councillors in some regional areas such as Bass Coast and Mount Alexander, while they’ve lost a position in Ballarat. The Age
Mayoral elections have commenced – we have five to report already.
Councillor Kate Makin has been elected to serve a second consecutive term as Corangamite Shire’s Mayor until 25 November 2025.
Councillor Laurie Hickey was re-elected Deputy Mayor for the same one year period.
Pyrenees Shire Council has elected Cr Tanya Kehoe as its new mayor.
Cr Tim Meyer [has been re-elected as mayor](https://www.facebook.com/100064742674631/posts/pfbid02nggEuPYmJj7GfFF3XS4bBTt4BpnMxpTwSVy4Cp17gGCHHQn9Vwo6iVgRarE3TGxJl/?) of West Wimmera Shire Council. His deputy will be Cr Jodie Pretlove who last served in that role two years ago.
The new Monash City Council was sworn in last night, following which Cr Paul Klisaris was [elected as its new mayor](https://www.facebook.com/100068901712557/posts/pfbid02AeWDyJ35QKr78ggM57eiGgKh5y4dYZdox722Gj8MY8qXMCERvFhaWFGrs61t1dJXl/?). Cr Brian Little, a former mayor himself, was re-elected as deputy mayor.
And at Ararat Rural City Council, Cr Jo Armstrong was elected unopposed as mayor for a one year term, and returns to the role that she held two years ago. The Council chose to elect a deputy mayor, and Cr Bob Sanders was elected unopposed to the role. Cr Sanders was mayor of Ararat last year, and deputy mayor the year before that.
I have a Victorian Mayors listing on the LG News Roundup website that will be updated regularly as those results come in.
If you’re aware of any I’ve missed off that list, please let me know via the Fan Mail option in your podcast player or via LinkedIn.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has been working closely with emergency services after a devastating incident in Riddells Creek on Monday, in which a woman died and a three year old boy was injured when a truck crashed into the grounds of a preschool.
CEO Bernie O’Sullivan expressed deep condolences to those affected by the incident, which occurred at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool.
The council has been providing updates on its website and through social media as appropriate, while also linking to relevant support services for the community. Macedon Ranges Shire Council
The MAV has paid tribute to its outgoing President David Clark, who lost his re-election bid for Pyrenees Shire Council last week after more than 30 years as a councillor.
Mr Clark stood down from the Presidency after the election, making way for MAV Vice President Jennifer Anderson to step into the role until board elections in March.
Mr Clark was President of the peak body for three years, and helped to guide the sector out of the challenges of the pandemic and oversaw the re-imagining of the MAV under the leadership of new CEO Kelly Grigsby.
Ms Grigsby said Mr Clark had represented the sector with dignity, and was at the forefront of a changed approach to intergovernmental relations.
She said his calm and in control demeanour at MAV State Councils would be missed. Municipal Association of Victoria
Thousands of people have queued at the Geelong Botanic Gardens this week to see the unique corpse flower in full bloom.
Greater Geelong City Council called for patience from visitors as the high interest meant long wait to see the event that occurs only once every seven to ten years, and lasts for less than 2 days. Greater Geelong City Council
Victorian Council Briefs:
Brimbank City Council is incorporating recycled materials made from recycled soft plastics into its road reconstruction projects to improve road quality and contribute to the circular economy.
12.6 tonnes of TonerPlas will be used, including almost 8 tonnes of mixed post-consumer soft plastics equal to approximately 1.5 million plastic bags. Brimbank City Council
The City of Greater Geelong is offering a free pet registration amnesty for eligible cat and dog owners with microchipped pets that are not currently registered, from November 4 to December 15.
There is no limit on the number of animals that can be registered for free during this period. City of Greater Geelong
Bass Coast Shire‘s Berninneit, an impressive arts and cultural hub in Cowes, has been awarded a National Award for Public Architecture in the National Architecture Awards.
The Passivhaus-designed building, which opened late last year, includes a 250-seat theatre, multi-purpose community rooms, a library, and a historical society museum, bringing together arts, story gathering, and local amenities. Bass Coast Shire Council
Sponsor announcement:
It’s not too late to sign up to the VLGA’s Councillor Readiness Program – an induction program for councillors which has been designed specifically around the new mandatory regulations.
The VLGA is partnering with councils to deliver the training on a day and time that suits them.
The program provides councillors with the skills and information they need to set them up for success and when coupled with the VLGA’s program of ongoing professional development, councillors are armed with the skills they need to deliver good governance throughout the duration of their four-year term.
Visit www.vlga.org.au to book your place today.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Robyn Stevens has resigned as CEO of Shoalhaven City Council with immediate effect, according to multiple media reports.
Speculation about her position increased in recent days with reports of an alleged ambush by Mayor Patricia White and two other councillors in Ms Stevens, demanding her resignation or face dismissal.
Spark Shoalhaven quoted unnamed sources within the council organisation that described the meeting as inappropriate and threatening.
Several senior managers are believed to have threatened to walk if Ms Stevens was forced to go.
Ms Stevens has only been in the position since February when she relocated from a director position at Greater Geelong in Victoria.
There’s been no official word from the Council on Ms Steven’s reported resignation. Spark Shoalhaven ; South Coast Register
A 3.8% rate rise to address financial instability at Shoalhaven with some newly elected councillors expressing fears of government intervention at the council.
The Daily Telegraph reported that three members of the new council are calling the rate proposal ill informed, potentially leading to horrendous outcomes.
The council is facing significant financial challenges, with an independent report suggesting millions in losses over the next decade without changes.
Mayor Patricia White said it was her intent to avoid administration through measures like creating a financial advisory body. Daily Telegraph
Upper Hunter Shire Council has called on the Federal Government to address the aged care crisis in rural communities, highlighting the unsustainable financial burden on small councils.
Mayor Maurice Collison has written to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, highlighting the annual loss to ratepayers of over $400,000 to keep a 16 bed facility operational in Merriwa – more than the entire rate income from the small town.
While it is looking at various options for the facility’s future, the Council says without increased Federal support, the viability of rural aged care services remains at risk. Upper Hunter Shire Council
Newcastle City Council has been invited to participate in a performance benchmarking exercise with similar-sized councils in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.
The exercise, initiated by the City of Greater Geelong and conducted by Davidson business advisory services, will compare various aspects of council operations including financial management, service delivery, and development processes, with Newcastle being selected due to its reputation as a benchmark council.
Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said it was a “feather in the cap” to be asked to participate in the benchmarking exercise.
The council’s latest audited financial statements have revealed a modest operating surplus of $4.2M, down $3.9M on its budget forecast.
The Newcastle Herald reported that the council exceeded six of the Office of Local Government’s key financial performance ratios, but failed to meet benchmarks on building and infrastructure renewals, infrastructure backlog and asset management. Newcastle Herald 12/11/24
Murray River Council has issued a plea to dog owners to adhere to responsible pet ownership laws, particularly regarding leashing dogs in designated areas and cleaning up after them.
The call follows an observed increase in dogs being walked off-leash in parks and reserves with mandated leashing, and increased complaints about dog waste on sports fields.
The Council has stressed that many dog attack incidents are preventable and often occur when pets are off leash. Murray River Council
QLD:
Sunshine Coast Council is concerned about potential delays and risks to three planned venues for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games due to the new state government’s 100-day review of all Games infrastructure.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the latest delay was costly and disappointing, and is urging a quick finalisation of the review to ensure the promised infrastructure is delivered. Sunshine Coast Council
Mayor Tom Sharp of Scenic Rim Regional Council has been appointed to the Leveraging 2032 Working Group, aiming to capitalise on opportunities presented by the 2032 Olympic Games.
The group will focus on identifying regional priorities and advocating for critical infrastructure investments, with a particular emphasis on transport and facilities at Lake Wyaralong.
The Scenic Rim hopes to leverage the Games for economic growth, improved tourism, and lasting benefits through enhanced sporting facilities and transport outcomes. Scenic Rim Regional Council
Lockyer Valley Regional Council is offering 14 residential lots in Grantham for sale to address the housing shortage.
The lots of various sizes are located in a flood-free area with rural views and good proximity to Gatton, Toowoomba, and Ipswich.
A public auction for the properties will be held later this month. Lockyer Valley Regional Council
National Council Briefs:
Sutherland Shire Council‘s Children’s Services has received top honours at the 2024 NSW Excellence in Early Childhood Education industry awards.
The Fauna Place Early Education Centre won the Excellence in Australian History and Culture category and Inclusion Project Officer Clare Smith took out the Excellence in Inclusivity Practices category. [Sutherland Shire Council](https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/your-council/news-and-publications/council-news/council-early-education-centre-and-educator-named-the-states-best!)
Adelaide Plains Council has elected Cr David Paton as its new deputy mayor for a 12 month period from later this month.
Cr Paton steps into the role held for some time by Cr Marcus Strudwicke, to whom Mayor Mark Wasley expressed gratitude for his years of diligence in the role. Adelaide Plains Council
Travis McNaught, a City of Karratha councillor elected in 2021, has resigned effective December 9, 2024, due to a pending relocation to Geraldton.
The City is seeking permission to keep his seat vacant until the next Local Government Elections in October 2025. Karratha City Council
TAS:
The Launceston Examiner has reported details of expenses paid by Launceston City Council on behalf of former mayor Danny Gibson.
In 2023, an invoice for $4800 was paid to a public relations firm, as well as $9000 in legal expenses.
The report says other councillors were unaware of the expenditure, which followed news that Cr Gibson’s Working with Vulnerable People registration was under review.
In September of this year, allegations were made of historical sexual misconduct against Cr Gibson, who has been on a leave of absence and not attended a council meeting since that time. The Examiner, 11/11/24
Clarence City Council has unveiled Tasmania’s first seniors exercise park at Simmons Park Lindisfarne, featuring 17 types of senior-specific equipment designed to promote active aging and physical independence.
The $295,000 project, partially funded by a $200,000 grant from the Tasmanian Government, aims to enhance both physical and emotional well-being for older adults in the community.
The project aligns with the city’s commitment to being an inclusive and age-friendly city, recognised internationally by the World Health Organisation for its efforts in supporting senior citizens. Clarence City Council
SA:
Patrick Conlon, a former state Labor Minister, has been appointed as the principal administrator of Coober Pedy Council, tasked with delivering long-term solutions for essential services and preparing the council for future elected leadership.
The appointment follows the resignation of Geoff Sheridan as principal administrator of the council, which was placed under administration in 2019 due to serious financial and governance failures.
Mr Conlon was a minister for 11 years, holding portfolios including energy, police, emergency services and infrastructure. He will work alongside two existing supporting administrators and newly appointed CEO Gary Herdegen. Coober Pedy District Council
WA:
City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin has been named WA’s 2024 Planning Champion by the Planning Institute of Australia for his significant contributions to urban planning and community engagement.
The OIA said Mayor Irwin’s leadership in innovative projects like the Trackless Tram Trial and efforts to make planning more accessible to the public have earned him recognition and reshaped discussions on Australian urban transit.
The City was also a finalist in the Stakeholder Engagement category for its Locally Led Stirling initiative. City of Stirling
The City of South Perth council has unanimously voted for a new policy requiring Mayor Greg Milner to present a report of his engagements and meetings at each monthly council meeting.
PerthNow reported that the initiative was proposed by Deputy Mayor Bronwyn Waugh, in a bid to enhance transparency and accountability by providing an overview of the mayor’s activities and key issues addressed.
The policy underwent revisions from its original form, sparking a discussion about the process of submitting and circulating amendments to proposed motions. PerthNow
Global Roundup:
UK:
Thurrock Council, which is facing significant financial losses due to disastrous solar farm investments, is threatening to sue 23 other UK local authorities to recover some of the lost funds.
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism reported that the legal dispute centres around allegedly negligent valuations provided by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), which Thurrock claims led to poor investment decisions.
It’s an unprecedented move has shocked the targeted councils and raised concerns about the potential financial impact on already strained local government budgets. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
A coroner has found that a woman who tragically fell to her death from a sixth-floor balcony of a Hackney Council flat was attempting to fix a blocked drainpipe.
The coroner’s report revealed that residents frequently unblocked pipes themselves due to ongoing issues with guttering and drainpipes, despite the clear risk of falling.
The Guardian reported that the coroner has warned Hackney council to take action to prevent future deaths, highlighting the need for proper maintenance and repairs in social housing to ensure resident safety. The Guardian
CANADA:
A councillor at Grimsby in Canada is to be reprimanded for removing a fellow councillor from a Facebook group, an action deemed “petty” by the town’s integrity commissioner.
Niagara This Week reported that the incident sparked a heated debate during a council meeting, with accusations of frivolous complaints and calls for improved transparency and decorum.
The integrity commissioner recommended a public reprimand without financial penalty for Veronica Charrois, and said the council needed to move past “silly discussions” and focus on community needs. Niagara This Week
NZ:
The Local Government Minister has appointed Lindsay McKenzie as Crown Observer to oversee Wellington City Council for a seven-month term.
Mr McKenzie has extensive experience in local government leadership, and will provide support and advice to address the council’s financial and behavioural challenges.
The appointment is in response to ongoing issues within the council, including conflicts over the long-term plan and a failed attempt to sell the council’s stake in Wellington Airport. 1News
Auckland Council has achieved accreditation as a Living Wage Aotearoa employer, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to fair pay.
The council’s journey began in 2017 with direct employees, expanded to contract cleaners in 2019, and now includes indirect employees working in maintenance, security, contracted pools and leisure centres, and waste services.
Chief Executive Phil Wilson said the accreditation was part of the council’s commitment to setting an example as a major employer.
The accreditation coincided with the tenth anniversary of the Living Wage movement in Aotearoa on the 6th November. Auckland Council
A livestream of a Council meeting in Turkey has gone viral.
A mass brawl erupted during an Ankara council meeting over disagreements about Republic Day celebration expenses.
Council members were involved in shouting and shoving, with some even coming to blows, leading to the adjournment of the meeting. Geelong Advertiser