On the Local Government News Roundup for 6th December:
- Councils unite on healthcare demands
- A council CEO resigns and more senior exec news
- A corrupt conduct finding from ICAC against a former council manager
- Deadlines on housing approvals for Sydney councils
- Another Parliamentary report calls for changes to the council rating system, and
- A push to remove an acting mayor from office
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 408:
Victorian Roundup:
Eleven regional councils across NSW and Victoria have united in an unprecedented push for a new hospital on a new site in Albury Wodonga, highlighting the urgent need to address the region’s growing healthcare demands.
The councils including Wodonga, Albury, Indigo, Alpine, Berrigan and Federation, are seeking urgent meetings with state premiers and advocating for the creation of two separate Local Health Service Networks, contrasting with the Victorian Government’s current proposal.
With forecasts predicting significant population growth and doubled emergency department presentations by 2040, the councils see a vital need to secure both immediate resources for existing facilities and long-term healthcare solutions for their communities.
Regional councils unite in push for new hospital on new site in Albury Wodonga
Kerryn Ellis, CEO of South Gippsland Shire Council, has resigned after five transformative years of leadership that began during the COVID lockdowns in March 2020.
Mayor Cr John Schelling paid tribute to Kerryn’s achievements during that time, including rebuilding staff morale, and establishing a culture of unity and integrity in the Council Chamber after a period of administration.
He said she leaves shoes that are large and sparkly, and will be exceptionally hard to fill.
Ms Ellis will take up a position with the Victorian Ombudsman in the new year where she will continue to work closely with local government sector.
Statement from the Mayor: CEO Resignation
Martin Hopley has been appointed as interim CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council following Mark Dupe’s resignation, with the temporary appointment to last until August 2025 or until a permanent CEO is selected.
Mayor Danny Goss has assured the community of continued service delivery during this transition period, with a comprehensive recruitment process for a permanent CEO set to begin in the new year.
Baw Baw Shire appoints interim Chief Executive Officer
And this week the Council has reversed a decision to rename a local landmark.
A rescission motion lodged in September by three former councillors has been supported unanimously by the new Council, and means Apex Lookout at Neerim South will retain its name.
Earlier this year a proposal to officially rename the site Little Charli’s Lookout was put to community consultation, with an unofficial sign with the name appearing on the site some years ago.
The consultation revealed a strong community preference to retain the original name.
Community feedback heard in naming of local landmark
Monash City Council has called on all level of governments for more gambling reforms, after losses of $121M from electronic gaming machines in the city in the last financial year.
Mayor Paul Klisaris was responding to reports that Victorian clubs had invested $312M on community benefits last year, an increase of 70 per cent on the previous year.
He said the community benefit scheme for poker machines was a PR opportunity for venues, and can never repair the social and economic harm that gambling does in the community.
A new report has been launched in Gannawarra Shire, providing crucial data about the health, wellbeing, learning, and participation of young people aged 0-24 years compared to Victorian averages through 72 indicators.
Council CEO Geoff Rollinson said the report, supported by government funding and developed in partnership with various agencies, will guide informed decision-making to improve outcomes for children and young people in the Gannawarra municipality, particularly focusing on those most vulnerable.
The State of Gannawarra’s Children and Young People Report launched
Victorian Briefs:
Hepburn Shire Council has officially opened Djuwang Baring, a 60-kilometer mountain bike trail network in Creswick, which was developed in partnership with Traditional Owners and funded through various government and community sources to a total of $9.4M.
The trail network, designed for various skill levels and already proving popular since its partial opening in August, is expected to boost local tourism and business while serving both the local community and visiting mountain biking enthusiasts.
Djuwang Baring official opening, a bike-tastic success
The MAV Board has elected two new deputy presidents following the recent council elections.
Cr Nathan Hersey from South Gippsland Shire is the new deputy president for non-metro, while Cr Stuart James from Monash is deputy president metro.
Both are former mayors, who join new President and former Macedon Ranges mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson in leadership roles on the board.
Municipal Association of Victoria on LinkedIn: #localgovernment #mavboard
The City of Ballarat has launched its largest annual road maintenance program with a $6.294 million investment to improve local roads through asphalt patching, resurfacing and bitumen resealing over the next five months.
The extensive program will target more than 340,000 square metres of roads across the municipality.
National Roundup:
NSW:
An ICAC investigation has found that former Canterbury-Bankstown Council manager Benjamin Webb engaged in corrupt conduct by receiving $208,000 in benefits from contractor Pietro Cossu, whose business made over $4.5 million in profit through a recruitment scheme.
The corruption involved Mr Webb favouring Mr Cossu’s company PMLV in providing contract workers to Council.
ICAC also found that Mr Cossu was involved in a separate corrupt procurement arrangement with Jeremy Clarke, who it says paid over $2 million in return for assistance winning council projects.
The Commission made 19 corruption prevention recommendations to Council and is seeking advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions about potential criminal charges against Mrs Webb, Cossu and Clarke.
Fifteen Sydney councils failing to meet development application assessment targets have been given a 4-6 month deadline by Planning Minister Paul Scully to improve or face sanctions.
The Daily Telegraph reported on recent ABS data that shows while housing approvals in NSW increased by 35% in October compared to September, the annual approval rate of 42,073 new homes is less than half of what’s needed to meet housing targets.
Georges River Council is currently the furthest behind the 115-day assessment window, followed by Sutherland, Strathfield, Willoughby, Burwood, and Canada Bay councils.
Ku-ring-gai Council has reached a confidential agreement with the NSW government regarding transport-oriented development plans that will allow for thousands of new apartments near train stations on Sydney’s upper north shore.
The agreement comes after the council initially pursued legal action against the state’s housing reforms.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Planning Minister Paul Scully is now supporting the council to develop planning controls that will match or exceed the requirements of the transport-oriented development program by May.
North shore council reaches secret deal over housing plan
A NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into council financial sustainability has released its report with recommendations closely aligned with submissions from LGNSW and local councils across the state.
The report acknowledges the persistent erosion of council financial sustainability and includes key recommendations such as reviewing rate exemptions, redesigning the rating system, increasing Financial Assistance Grants, and improving disaster recovery assistance.
Local Government NSW President Cr Darriea Turley AM welcomed the report as a positive step forward, calling on the NSW Government to implement the recommendations in partnership with councils to achieve better sustainability outcomes for NSW communities.
Financial sustainability win for local government sector
The NSW Government has announced a $5 million grant to Lismore City Council to improve its waste management operations through the purchase of nine new garbage trucks, following significant disruption from the 2022 floods.
The funding ensures waste collection services can remain in-house with council workers rather than being outsourced to contractors, adding to the $20 million previously granted for recovery efforts.
The initiative has the support of Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, and Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg, who all emphasised the importance of maintaining public waste services for the community.
NSW Government support secures Lismore’s waste service – Office of Local Government NSW
Wollongong City Council will purchase two flood-affected properties in Lake Heights, and plans to demolish the buildings and reclassify the land as community space.
The acquisitions, which are the third and fourth properties purchased under a flood management program, are funded two-thirds by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, with Council covering the remaining third.
The Council plans to construct a detention basin on the acquired land to reduce flood risk for neighbouring properties, as part of a larger initiative that has seen 86 properties purchased since 1990 across various suburbs.
Council to purchase two flood-affected properties
QLD:
More political turmoil in Townsville, with councillors reportedly planning to remove Acting Mayor Paul Jacob through a special council meeting later this month.
The Townsville Bulletin reported that six out of ten councillors are expected to vote for Cr Ann-Maree Greaney to replace him.
But Cr Jacob is refusing to stand down, claiming it’s a power grab.
He said the reasons given for his removal include not wearing a tie at a delegation and giving a poor speech.
The situation just adds to the council’s recent instability, with a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into suspended Mayor Troy Thompson yet to be finalised.
Redland City Council has reversed an administrative decision to fly the rainbow flag for IDAHOBIT Day in May next year after being criticised by some councillors.
According to a report from QNews, the council now says national flag protocols prevent it from flying the pride flag at council chambers.
Local LGBTQIA+ advocates say the decision is disappointing, and sends a negative message to vulnerable community members.
Redland City Council reverses decision to fly rainbow flag
In Chief Executive news, Gold Coast CEO Tim Baker is set to get a new four year deal, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin.
It reported yesterday that Mayor Tom Tate has the go ahead to negotiate a new contract with a focus on streamlining and reform of the council administration.
Balonne Shire Council has appointed Michelle Clarke, its current Director of Finance & Corporate Services, as the new Chief Executive Officer effective December 20, 2024.
Ms Clarke brings extensive local government experience from both NSW and Queensland, including previous CEO experience at Richmond Shire Council.
She will take over from Graeme Kanofski, who has been interim CEO in recent months following the resignation of Matthew Magin in August.
APPPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER – Balonne Shire Council
National Briefs:
Cairns Regional Council and James Cook University have entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding until the end of 2028.
Mayor Amy Eden and Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs signed the new MOU this week, further strengthening ties and collaboration between the council and the one of city’s prominent educational providers.
Kiama Council has installed two electric vehicle charging stations in the town, in what Mayor Cameron McDonald describes as a modest but important first step in the council’s support for local EV infrastructure.
The stations have been installed with funding support from the NSW Government.
EV charging stations at The Pavilion
A popular local bridge catering to more than 13,500 vehicles a day has been officially renamed after a local icon by Townsville City Council this week.
The Louisa Creek bridge, making up a section of Blakey’s Crossing, will soon be touted the Ewen Jones bridge, recognising the contributions of former Member for Herbert, the late Ewen Jones who died from cancer in 2023.
TAS:
Matthew Atkins has been reappointed as General Manager of Devonport City Council for another five-year term, following his successful tenure since 2019 and earlier roles within the organisation since 2007.
Mayor Alison Jarman said Mr Atkin’s dedication and strategic vision have been crucial to the success of Devonport as a sector leader.
Mr Atkins’ title will change to Chief Executive Officer from the 1st January in line with contemporary practice.
Council Reappoints Matthew Atkins as General Manager | Devonport City Council
SA:
The City of Onkaparinga has secured $5.4 million in federal funding for a $10.8 million refurbishment of the Noarlunga Aquatic Centre, with council expected to match the funding.
The planned upgrades include replacing the roof and ceiling, installing a solar power system, adding a new pool liner, modernising the water filtration system, and improving accessibility with the separation of the lagoon pool and addition of an accessible ramp.
The project will require an extended pool closure of up to 12 months starting potentially in mid-2025.
Onkaparinga secures $5.4M for Noarlunga Aquatic Centre refurbishment
WA:
The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has discontinued its monthly Q&A sessions due to consistently low public attendance, with only one councillor opposing the decision.
The new format was introduced when the council reduced its meeting frequency from twice-monthly to monthly.
The council is planning to explore alternative forum formats early next year, according to the Augusta Margaret River Times.
They could include public agenda forums, and a continuation of the practice of scheduling meetings to accommodate parents.
WA’s Shire of Wiluna has appointed a new chief executive officer.
Matt McIntyre takes on the role in January, succeeding Rob Stewart who has been acting in the role since April this year.
Mr McIntyre is a 40 year veteran of local government leadership, consulting and project management.
News Story – Shire of Wiluna Appoints CEO » Shire of Wiluna
Global Roundup:
NZ:
Auckland Council is moving ahead with a plan to sell its remaining 9.7% stake in Auckland International Airport, worth approximately $1.3 billion.
Radio New Zealand reported that investment brokers will bid for shares to on-sell to investment funds.
It follows the council’s previous sale of a 7% stake last year for $833m, with both sales aimed at reducing council debt and funding future infrastructure.
Auckland Council sells remaining stake in Auckland Airport
Hamilton City Council has extended Chief Executive Lance Vervoort’s contract for an additional two years until October 2027, with Mayor Paula Southgate praising his steady leadership during a period of significant change in local government.
The extension was approved by Council in a 9-4 vote, and is the maximum allowed under the Local Government Act.
Council extends Chief Executive contract | Hamilton City Council
Canterbury Regional Council has paused development of the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement until January 2026 due to changes in government direction on freshwater management.
The pause comes after new legislation requiring councils to delay freshwater planning instruments until late 2025, with the Council seeking clarification on potential pathways forward while continuing to engage with communities.
New Zealand’s new national infrastructure agency has commenced operations this month.
The agency will serve as a central hub for private sector investment and project facilitation, partnering with councils and other stakeholders, and managing government infrastructure funds.
More on those two stories from Inside Government.
Canterbury regional policy statement paused – Inside Government NZ
New national infrastructure agency clocks on – Inside Government NZ
And an embarrassing return to the drawing board for Waitaki District Council.
It is seeking new logo designs after a $95,000 rebranding effort resulted in a design that closely resembled an existing logo used by a wool company, according to the Otago Daily Times.
Mayor Gary Kircher acknowledged that a proper trademark search should have been conducted, and the council is now working with the design consultancy to receive new logo options at no additional cost.
UK:
The Metropolitan Police has dropped its criminal investigation into alleged financial mismanagement at Croydon Council, finding no evidence of fraud or misconduct in public office despite the council’s effective bankruptcy in 2020 with £1.5bn debt.
Two independent reports identified significant failings in governance and leadership that led to the financial crisis, but BBC News reported that police have determined these were “collective failings” rather than criminal conduct.
Croydon: Met drops probe into council’s ‘financial collapse’
More than 11,000 residents have signed petitions against a Welsh council’s move from wheelie bins to black bag collections.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council (pr: ron-thuh kun nuhn taf) says the the switch has had positive outcomes including a 34% reduction in black bag waste and increased recycling rates across various categories.
It says more than 97% of residents are complying with the new arrangements.
Wales Online reports that the council’s overview and scrutiny committee will review the petitions next week.
Thousands rally against bin changes but council says it’s been ‘positive’
Scottish local authority leaders are requesting £872m in capital funding from the Scottish Government in its 2025/26 budget, including £163m to cover inflation costs since 2020 and restoration of cuts to housing programs.
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) warns that without sustainable funding, councils will struggle to maintain infrastructure and meet broader national goals like tackling child poverty and achieving net zero targets.
The Scottish Budget Must Include Investment In Local Capital, Says COSLA
USA:
A Maryland council has failed to elect a new chair during their annual meeting this week.
The current chair of Prince George’s County Council, Jolene Ivey, will remain in the position by default after no member secured the required six votes.
NBC Washington reported that personality differences and policy disagreements between council members have created tension on the council, which says another chair could be elected if another vote is called next year.
Divided Prince George’s County Council fails to elect new chair
In nearby Baltimore, Mayor Brandon Scott has been sworn in for a rare second term as the city’s mayor, pledging stability and continuity in his approach to fighting crime and addressing vacant properties.
He is the first mayor to be reelected in 20 years.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott promises stability during his second term