On the Local Government News Roundup for 29th November 2024:
- Alarm bells for council sustainability as a parliamentary inquiry report is released
- A marathon council meeting at Yarra as a new Council team sweeps into power
- The use of municipal monitors at Victorian councils called into question
- A council terminates its long term CEO with immediate effect
- A NSW council’s administration centre shut down after a fire breaks out
- A huge technology win for the Sunshine Coast
- The report into a review of the Tasmanian local government sector released
- and new reforms for the WA sector pass the Parliament.
Plus a spotlight on innovation as we look at new AI project delivering vast improvements in efficiency and responsiveness.
And more of the latest local government news from around 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 405:
ictorian Roundup:
The Victorian Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee has released a comprehensive report on local government funding and services, highlighting significant financial challenges faced by councils including rate capping and inadequate grant funding.
The 352 page report makes 48 recommendations including reviewing the ratings system, increasing untied funding for roads, and investigating cost shifting from other levels of government to local councils.
The process of applying to the Essential Services Commission for a higher rate cap is described as burdensome, and it is recommended that the application requirements be streamlined; and that the use of government loans should not replace adequate government funding.
The Committee consulted with 35 of Victoria’s 79 councils through submissions and public hearings across multiple locations, resulting in proposals such as reinstating 50:50 funding for libraries and school crossing supervisors, and removing immunisation charges imposed on local governments.
It is also proposed that the Council Planning Flying Squad be reinstated to help ease the backlog of planning requests for the state’s 48 regional and rural councils.
The VLGA welcomed the release of the report, and the recommendations, which CEO Kathryn Arndt said were pleasing in that they recognised the support that councils need to deliver essential services, support local communities, and plan effectively for the future.
She particularly welcomed an investigation of the impacts of cost shifting, along with a review of the rate cap model and grants allocation.
A key finding of the report acknowledged that the cost of infrastructure and service delivery has risen at a pace that outstrips the growth in grant funding, noting that some services have been reduced or stopped as a result.
In noting the report’s release, Rural Councils Victoria said this finding aligns with its view that councils will be forced to do less unless a more sustainable and equitable funding model is developed.
Other topics to feature in the findings and recommendations include asset renewal costs, noting the significant cost pressures from managing roads and bridges; the ability to attract and retain suitably qualified staff; the impact of extreme weather events; support for shared services; a review of base allowances for councillors; and a review of the Municipal Association Act to ensure it reflects the full scope of the contemporary responsibilities of the MAV.
The State government is expected to respond to the report within six months.
A link to the report is included in our show notes.
Reports | Parliament of Victoria
The talk of the sector this week has been the marathon five hour meeting of the new Yarra City Council on Tuesday night, which debated a far-reaching omnibus motion containing 36 items.
The motion, put forward by Mayor Stephen Jolly, was supported by a vote of 7 – 2, with the two Greens councillors opposing it.
As the Herald Sun reported, the meeting marked a significant shift from previous Greens-aligned policies, with the newly elected independent councillors leading the change.
The sweeping reforms include scrapping a controversial bin tax, revamping bicycle lanes, embracing Christmas decorations, and implementing changes to e-scooter regulations and social housing initiatives.
Former mayor Edward Crossland criticised the motion as poor governance, describing it as ad hoc and disparate, and contrary to the recommendations of the IBAC Operation Sandon report.
Mayor Jolly countered by saying the motion was necessary due to the “disgraceful mess” of the last council, and said he wouldn’t take any lessons on governance from Greens councillors.
The Age has published a clip on its website of the exchange between the new and former mayors late in the debate.
Former Yarra mayor, now state MP Gabrielle de Vietri has described the approach of the new team at Yarra in Parliament and online as using Trump-style politics to bulldoze previous progressive policies.
According to the latest Herald Sun reporting, she has made erroneous claims that the council plans to rip up bike lanes and bring in resources to police young people at night.
Mayor Jolly said Ms de Vietri was distorting the truth and wasting her time trash-talking the council online.
Former state leader of the Nationals Peter Walsh has criticised the increasing use of monitors at Victorian councils.
Mr Walsh, who stepped down this week as leader of party, said last week that the use of monitors by the government has become a growth industry, built on poor governance and mistrust.
He said the wages bill for monitors – $1335 per day plus expenses – is an expensive exercise for ratepayers, in an era where councils are already cash-strapped and fearing for their sustainability.
More than 20 monitor appointments have been made at Victorian councils in the last four years.
Peter Walsh – Council monitor bonanza revealed: $1335 a day, plus expenses
The newly elected Baw Baw Shire Council says it is progressing a $35 million Culture and Connection Precinct project in Warragul, which will feature a state-of-the-art library and learning centre.
The project, largely funded through government grants with a $10 million Council commitment, has begun its procurement process while seeking the final $5 million in funding.
The multi-level facility will create a community hub combining library services, creative spaces, and public amenities, designed to serve multiple generations and complement the existing West Gippsland Arts Centre.
Next steps underway for Culture and Connection Precinct
Glen Eira City Council had to close two of of its library branches this week due to water damage from heavy rain.
The Elsternwick branch has since reopened, but the Caulfield branch remains closed while electrical repairs are undertaken to ensure the building is safe. Other council library branches in Bentleigh and Carnegie were unaffected.
Glen Eira City Council – Libraries
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, your councillor support network.
The VLGA has launched the VLGA’s Young Councillors Network – open to all Victorian councillors aged 40 years and under.
Members will not only receive access to professional development and training, but they will also have the opportunity to network and share ideas with peers.
To register for the Young Councillors Network, email vlga@vlga.org.au or visit the VLGA website to find out more. Registration is free for councillors from VLGA member councils.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Yass Valley Council has terminated the employment of its CEO, Chris Berry, at an extraordinary council meeting this week.
The termination takes immediate effect, bringing to an end a decade of service by Mr Berry to the council and community.
In a statement, Mayor Jasmin Jones made no comment on the reasons for the termination, and said it will be business as usual for the council with no interruptions to service delivery.
Director of Planning and Environment Julie Costa has been appointed Acting CEO, and the council will commence recruitment for a new permanent CEO early in the new year.
Council terminates employment of the CEO
A fire broke out at Lake Macquarie City Council chambers in Speers Point early on Wednesday, causing significant damage to the ground floor and smoke damage to level one of the building.
More than a dozen fire crews responded to the blaze, which started near the front foyer’s customer service centre, and specialist fire investigators along with Lake Macquarie detectives are now investigating the cause according to the Newcastle News.
CEO Morven Cameron said administrative centre staff have been asked to work from home and walk-in services are suspended for the time being.
All other council services outside the administrative centre remain operational.
Fire damages Council’s Administrative Centre
Canterbury-Bankstown Council is taking aggressive action against abandoned shopping trolleys, with Mayor Bilal El-Hayek threatening to seize and destroy trolleys while demanding accountability from major supermarket chains.
The Council is implementing innovative AI technology using cameras mounted on street sweepers to detect and track abandoned trolleys, creating heatmaps of problem areas in suburbs like Bankstown, Punchbowl, Lakemba, and Campsie.
The Council is also pushing for stronger government intervention, calling for heavier fines and stricter enforcement measures against negligent supermarkets.
Lismore City Council has discovered significant illegal asbestos dumping, including 25 tonnes across two sites, ironically during National Asbestos Awareness Week (November 25 – December 1, 2024).
The council is urging action from residents to curb the practice, emphasising the severe penalties involved of up to $15,000 for individuals, and $30K for corporations on first offence.
Illegally dumped asbestos in the spotlight
QLD:
Sunshine Coast Council is partnering with Google and NEXTDC on the Australia Connect initiative to develop a new subsea cable landing point for a trans-Pacific cable system, connecting the United States and Australia to Fiji.
The cable, set to land at Maroochydore in next year, will enhance digital connectivity and provide faster, more resilient internet infrastructure for businesses in previously unconnected markets.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the initiative was an outstanding win for the region and the benefits extended far beyond just improved connectivity.
She said it “builds on the significant progress being made to establish Maroochydore City Centre as one of Australia’s fastest growing innovation hubs.”
Sunshine Coast subsea cable landing point | Sunshine Coast Council
Brisbane City Council’s decision to reduce library reading programs has sparked protests, with dozens of parents and children gathering in King George Square to oppose the cuts to First Five Forever programs.
Two petitions have been launched against the changes, with one gathering 2000 signatures and another collecting 1000 signatures so far.
The council is planning to reduce weekly sessions from 98 to 75, affecting a program that parents say is valuable for both children’s development and providing practical support for caregivers.
Dozens attend storytime protest as second petition launched
Gympie Regional Council has reported a massive $11.5 million operating loss for 2024, a significant decline from a forecast surplus of $750,000.
It’s the third consecutive year of losses for the council.
The Gympie Times reported that the shortfall has been attributed to increased depreciation expenses from flood recovery projects, delays in federal grant funding worth $6.3 million, and rising costs including concrete prices.
The council’s operating costs have jumped by $21M over two years.
Now it’s time for a spotlight on local government innovation:
Noosa Council in Queensland is unleashing the magic of AI and machine learning on the problem of potholes and broken pathways, estimated to be responsible for up to 40 percent of resident complaints to local councils.
Working with Technology One, they have developed a system to identify and automatically kick off the process of getting problems fixed by using a camera installed on a waste truck.
It now takes just two weeks to scan all pathways and roads across the council’s 871 square kilometre area.
So how does this new system work? We asked Ben Malpass, Strategic Advisor for Local Government at Technology One.
(Grab 1)
So Ben, this solution has only been in place a short time, but what can you tell us about the impact so far?
(Grab 2)
A recent survey of Council CEOs conducted by Davidson found that quite a few don’t think AI is going to impact their council operations in the near term. How do you see the use of AI impacting the local government sector more broadly?
(Grab 3)
Thank you Ben, great to have you on the program today. And thanks to the team at Technology One for bringing this exciting project to our attention.
If you know of a new and ground-breaking initiative that should be shared with the sector, please reach out and maybe we can feature it in a future spotlight on local government innovation.
National Briefs:
Rachel McCallum has been appointed as the new NSW Electoral Commissioner, bringing over 30 years of legal and public sector experience including previous roles at the NSW Electoral Commission and as NSW Information Commissioner.
Starting next week, Rachel will serve an eight-year term leading the politically independent commission, replacing former Commissioner John Schmidt who retired in April.
Appointment of Rachel McCallum as NSW Electoral Commissioner
Sue Scarman has been reappointed as Mayor of Northern Areas Council until 2026, with Tom Malone elected as Deputy Mayor
This marks the final appointment of Mayor by Council before transitioning to direct community election of the Mayor from the 2026 Local Government elections.
Southern Mallee District Council has appointed Mark McShane as Interim CEO following the resignation of current CEO Lachlan Miller, who will depart in early January 2025.
An initial round was unsuccessful and a new recruitment process will commence in the coming weeks.
Mr Miller has agreed to extend his departure date.
TAS:
A major review of Tasmania’s local government sector, initially touted as a “one-in-a-generation” opportunity, will not result in forced amalgamations, staff reductions, service improvements, or rate cuts.
Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent released the government’s response this week, maintaining a position of supporting only voluntary amalgamations between councils, with the government offering to assist councils that can demonstrate benefits to their communities.
The Mercury reported that the Local Government Association of Tasmania is satisfied with the outcome.
The government will release a discussion paper within the next ten weeks to further explore reform options.
SA:
Adelaide Hills Council has voted for Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom to resign following allegations of staff bullying and misleading conduct revealed in a confidential investigation.
The Mayor, who was on medical leave during the late-night vote, has refused to step down and is seeking legal advice, claiming she wasn’t given proper opportunity to respond to the findings.
The council has formally censured the Mayor, requiring her to make public and private apologies, undergo training, and repay investigation costs.
The Adelaide Advertiser reported on how the controversy adds to the council’s recent challenges, including a $5m operating deficit, workplace intimidation concerns, increased legal fees, and significant staff turnover.
Maree Wauchope, CEO of Barunga West Council, has been awarded the 2024 Joy Baluch Award for her exceptional leadership in local government and efforts to increase female participation in community decision-making.
During her four-year tenure as the council’s first female CEO, Maree has overseen significant infrastructure projects including $22 million in works at Fisherman Bay and a $1.5 million redevelopment of Civic Square in Port Broughton.
LGA South Australia President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross said Mrs Wauchope had been a driving force for positive change within the Barunga West community and was a worthy winner of this year’s Award.
WA:
The second tranche of major reforms to the Western Australian local government sector have passed the Parliament this week, described as the most significant changes to the sector in over 25 years.
A key feature of the reforms is the establishment of a new Local Government Inspector with enhanced oversight powers, focusing on early intervention and proactive resolution of issues.
The current system of complaints will be overhauled, with a wider range of tools to deal with breaches of the Local Government Act.
The reforms also introduce various measures to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in local government operations, including clearer roles for elected leaders and CEOs, better financial planning requirements, and modernised arrangements including superannuation for council members.
Landmark local government reforms pass WA Parliament | Western Australian Government
WA’s Commissioner for Children and Young People Jacqueline McGowan-Jones has recommended lowering the voting age to 16 for local council elections, following a survey showing 61% of young people support reducing the voting age.
The West Australian reported that the proposal suggests making voting optional for 16-17 year olds and using local government elections as a pilot program before considering changes to state and federal elections.
Supporters of the idea have argued that working teens who pay taxes deserve representation, while others question whether younger teenagers have sufficient maturity and understanding of the political system.
Call to trial voting age drop in WA council elections
Global Roundup:
UK:
A Welsh council leader has criticised the timing of flood warnings, after more than 400 properties were inundated when Storm Bert hit the south of country this week.
BBC News reported that a month’s worth of rain fell in a short period.
The local council says warnings came more than an hour after high river levels were detected, and has called for a review of flood warning systems and processes.
Facilities are under water, a bridge under construction was completely washed away, and 433 properties are confirmed to have been affected, with the damage bill estimated in the millions of pounds.
Storm Bert: Flood warnings an hour late, says RCT council leader
A new report has revealed that 70% of Scottish councils predict they will be unable to maintain balanced budgets within five years without major reforms to funding systems and council tax.
The research, conducted by the Local Government Information Unit, has described a dire situation, with council leaders warning of potentially catastrophic consequences if urgent changes are not implemented.
LGIU CEO Jonathan Carr-West said the report makes for grim reading, and paints a picture of a system under continual and significant strain.
As part of a series of recommendations, it has called for the immediate establishment of a national convention between Scottish and local government to cover procedures and actions that would be needed to set a balanced budget.
2024 State of local government finance in Scotland
The National Audit Office (NAO) has issued its first-ever ‘disclaimed’ audit opinion on the UK government’s 2022-23 whole of government accounts due to severe backlogs in English local authority audits, with only 10% of councils submitting reliable data.
While the Government is implementing measures to address this backlog, including fixed audit completion dates, the NAO warns that these solutions are unlikely to resolve the issue for the 2023-24 accounts.
CANADA:
Alberta’s municipal politics is experiencing an unprecedented crisis with 207 resignations in three years, far exceeding the previous term’s 133 departures and affecting over a quarter of the province’s municipalities.
The Cross Border Network reported that the exodus is driven by multiple factors including heavy workloads, modest pay, increasingly polarised political climates, and mounting pressure from vocal constituencies.
There are calls for immediate action to create better support systems for elected officials and foster a more sustainable environment for local governance.
OPINION: Ruh Roh! 207 Resignations in Three Years!
USA:
In Oklahoma, a Tulsa city council meeting became controversial when an outgoing councillor invited a pagan priestess to deliver an opening prayer that referenced Greek mythological figures like Medusa.
Raw Story dot com reported that the meeting went of the rails, and drew the condemnation local residents and political leaders, who described what happened as “demonic and satanic”.
The councillor, Crista Patrick, has defended her actions, telling local radio that she wanted to share part of herself before leaving office.
‘Demonic!’ Tulsa city council meeting goes off rails as member told she’s ‘inviting evil’