On the Local Government News Roundup for Monday, 20th January 2025:
- Current and former councillors eyeing higher political office
- Jeff Kennett calls for a sweeping review of Victorian local government
- Protestors to march on City Hall on the Gold Coast
- Kiama Council’s Blue Haven sale headed for the Industrial Relations Commission
- Charges laid over last year’s Lake Macquarie Council blaze
- A council’s stolen data released online
- Potholes in the news in England
- Early results from the introduction of congestion pricing in New York City
and the former mayor on a mission to help councillors manage conflict with civility.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Here is all the news from episode 418:
Victorian Roundup:
New City of Whittlesea Mayor Aidan McLindon is today expected to announce a run at State Parliament in the Werribee by-election.
The by-election, scheduled for 8th February, has been called to replace retiring long-term Labor MP and former Treasurer, Tim Pallas.
Cr McLindon is a former Queensland MP, elected in 2009 as a Liberal National Party candidate, before resigning from the party and becoming an independent in 2010.
He lost the seat in 2012, and re-emerged last year with a successful campaign to be elected to the new Whittlesea City Council and was subsequently elected as mayor.
Cr McLindon said on X at the weekend that he would be making an announcement on the steps of the Victorian Parliament on Monday morning, and later outside the former office of Mr Pallas in Werribee.
The announcement was accompanied by a poster with the words Vote 1, Independent.
Meanwhile, former Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Sarah Race has announced that she will contest the upcoming Federal Election as the ALP candidate for the seat of Flinders.
Ms Race served one term on the council, including as deputy mayor, which she has described as an apprenticeship before putting her hand up.
Sarah Race on LinkedIn: #alpcandidate #flinders #federalelection #morningtonpeninsula… | 42 comments
Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett has called for a comprehensive review of the local government sector, in light of what he calls increasing dysfunction evidenced by the growing use of municipal monitors.
Mr Kennett told the Weekly Times (15th January, p.13) that monitors were a Band-Aid solution, which add another layer of bureaucracy and expense.
He said the professionalism of officers had declined substantially, something that could be assessed by a review, which might also lead to a further reduction in the number of municipalities.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has provided an update after a landslide last week displaced residents from their homes, and put a council officer in hospital.
Cr Marsh said the council was working with the SES and other agencies to respond to the landslip, for which the cause is still unknown.
He said an exclusion zone remains in place and urged everyone to stay clear of the area.
He described it as a complex and evolving issue, and the council’s best people are diligently investigating the source and cause of the incident.
City of Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen has welcomed consideration by the Victorian Government of the extension of lobbying regulations to councillors.
It would require councillors to disclose meetings with lobbyists and observe ‘cooling-off’ periods after leaving office.
Cr Koomen told the Berwick Star News that any steps taken to improve transparency and integrity at all levels of government is a good thing, and he looked forward to seeing how the reform would be implemented across the sector.
Brimbank City Council has filed for a merits review of the Federal Government’s conditional approval of Melbourne Airport’s Third Runway Major Development Plan, citing concerns about the decision’s impact.
The Council said its primary focus remains protecting the health, wellbeing and amenity of communities affected by the airport development.
It has committed to keeping the community updated as the matter progresses through the Federal Administrative Review Tribunal.
Brimbank Council lodges application for merits review of Third Runway decision – Brimbank News
Bass Coast Shire Council has responded to deliberate poisoning of coastal vegetation along the Inverloch Foreshore path by installing ‘Tree Vandalism’ signs, which were themselves subsequently vandalised with spray paint.
In a statement, the Council said the acts of vandalism not only impact the foreshore’s beauty but also increase coastal erosion risks, and it’s urging the community to report any information about the damage, with anonymous reporting options available.
A City of Whittlesea housing development in Mernda has received a boost from the Federal Government.
It’s tipping in $7.1M to fund infrastructure development for the project, which will see 35 housing lots developed, with three reserved for social housing and the remaining 32 to be sold on the market.
The government is also providing $7.3 million to deliver enabling infrastructure in Ararat, and $2 million to sub-divide Pyrenees Shire council land in Beaufort for housing.
Victorian Briefs:
The City of Ballarat says its 12-month soft plastics recycling pilot program has successfully engaged over 5,000 households, and diverted more than 16,000kg of soft plastics from landfill in its first six months.
The program allows residents to recycle ‘scrunchable’ soft plastics in special orange bags placed in their yellow-lid recycling bins, with the collected materials being processed for transformation into new products and packaging as part of a circular waste solution.
An audit of Macedon Ranges Shire residents’ waste bins has revealed good performance in green and yellow-lidded bin usage but identified room for improvement in red-lidded bins.
The council reported that contamination rates varied across different waste streams.
It has developed educational videos to support proper waste sorting, and celebrating five years of a four-bin system which has successfully diverted over 70,000 tonnes of waste from landfill.
Audit & videos encourage Ranges residents to continue recycling right
The Rural City of Wangaratta‘s premier free summer event, the returns to Merriwa Park on February 15th.
The family-friendly event runs from 6pm to 10pm, with free general admission and bookable VIP tables.
Wangaratta’s Outdoor Ball Returns
The town of Donald, in Buloke Shire, has secured a decommissioned tram which has arrived at the local railway station ahead of its transformation into a new community gathering space.
The community is being invited to share ideas and help shape the future of a unique attraction that will connect Donald to Victoria’s transport history.
Copy of Mayor Shares Festive Spirit
Knox City Council has expressed sadness at the passing of former councillor and mayor Ray Addicoat, who served as a local councillor for 13 years between 1969 and 1981.
Mr Addicoat has been remembered for his dedication and commitment to the Knox community and to local government. He was 96.
Vale former councillor Ray Addicoat
Interview: Anne-Marie Cade – Civility Challenge
Former Glen Eira mayor and councillor Anne-Marie Cade has launched a free 7 day Civility Challenge for councillors. Anne-Marie speaks with Chris about the challenge on today’s podcast.
Find out more and sign-up here: https://www.lgconflictmanagement.com/civilty-challenge
National Roundup:
NSW:
Kiama Council says settlement of the sale of the Blue Haven Bonaira aged residential care home is on track for next month, despite unions filing proceedings in the Industrial Relations Commission.
The Council says the sale has always included transferring staff to the new owner, ensuring continuity of employment and entitlements, and that the contract of sale requires verification by the IRC that the staff offer satisfies all terms.
However, the USU claims new contracts don’t recognise years of service or accrued entitlements, according to a report from the Bugle.
The matter comes before the Commission on Tuesday.
Blue Haven divestment – staff transition
A 53-year-old man has been charged with multiple offenses including arson, firearm possession, and drug possession following an investigation into a fire that significantly damaged a Lake Macquarie Council building in Speers Point in November 2024.
The arrest came after extensive inquiries by Strike Force Komiatum, with police seizing various items during a search warrant execution including a utility vehicle, firearm, and suspected methamphetamine.
Latest News – NSW Police Public Site
Muswellbrook Shire Council has confirmed the disclosure online by a third party of data allegedly taken from its IT environment in a cyber incident last year.
It says the impacted data primarily related to internal operations and staff information.
The Council has notified relevant authorities, and is working to review the data while providing support to affected staff and any other impacted individuals.
Cyber incident update : Muswellbrook Shire Council
Gunnedah Shire Council has unanimously voted to apply for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) that would implement a cumulative 37.67% increase over two years.
Residential, business, and farmland categories would be capped at 32.25% while mining rates would increase by 85.13%.
The decision comes after extensive community consultation and includes measures to offset the impact, such as freezing waste management and sewerage charges and committing to finding $930,000 in operational savings over three years.
Council to Apply for Special Rate Variation – Gunnedah Shire Council
Narrabri Shire Council is still awaiting $15 million in funding to repair roads damaged during the 2022 floods.
The Narrabri Courier reported that figure is down from an initial claim of $30 million due to tightened government guidelines and difficulties proving pre-flood road conditions.
The council is continuing to pressure state and federal governments for the funding, as the $14 million shortfall between initial and current claims represents significant road repairs that cannot be funded by council alone.
Council still seeking $15 million for flood damaged roads – The Courier
A majority of Sydney councils are planning to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day despite it no longer being mandatory, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Most councils are continuing their usual celebrations while also incorporating events that honour Aboriginal Australians.
Of the 17 councils contacted by the paper, only one – the City of Sydney – will hold its ceremony on a day other than 26th January.
Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne told the Daily Telegraph that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton should “chill out” over his promise to reinstate compulsory ceremonies if elected.
National Briefs:
Central Coast Council has been selected as a finalist in the 2024 Green Destinations Story Awards in the ‘Nature & Scenery’ category, highlighting the council’s successful Little Tern breeding program and eco-friendly Pelican Time initiative.
The nomination builds on a previous first place in the Destination Management category in 2023, and continues a four-year streak of being featured in the Green Destinations Top 100 List.
Central Coast Council nominated for prestigious Global destination award | Central Coast Council
Townsville City Council has renamed its Dry Tropics nursery in honour of Ken Armitage, a dedicated employee of nearly 50 years.
Mr Armitage played a crucial role in re-establishing the facility that grows native plants suited to the local climate.
Nursery named after Council legend
Huon Valley businesses are being warned about scammers using a fake Gmail address pretending to be from Huon Valley Council to send fraudulent payment requests.
The Tasmanian council is urging businesses to contact them directly if they are unsure about any communications.
Scam alert – Huon Valley Businesses – Huon Valley Council
QLD:
Hundreds of Gold Coast residents are planning to march on City Hall, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin, to protest the controversial “View Tax” imposed on owners of units above the fifth floor of City apartment towers.
Protest organisers argue that the changed rating structure, introduced last year, is unfair and potentially illegal.
The Council maintains it is about ensuring fairness and equity, and is not a tax on views.
Protest marches are planned for the Council’s next meeting later this month, as well as for the February Council meeting.
City of Moreton Bay has called for major road infrastructure improvements and retention of the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre (MBISC) as part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games 100 Day Review.
Mayor Peter Flannery said he would be disappointed if the commitment to critical connectivity and infrastructure did not remain a priority when the final report is released later this year.
He said the City was excited to be hosting indoor sports at the 2032 Games, and wants to discuss additional event hosting opportunities.
City of Moreton Bay Calls for Road Infrastructure from Olympic Review
Noosa Council says its Short Stay Letting Local Law, introduced in February 2022, has shown positive results with 353 fewer short-stay properties operating and a 45% reduction in complaint hotline calls from 2023 to 2024.
97 short stay letting applications were refused by the Council, 210 were surrendered or not renewed, and a further 46 renewals expired since the introduction of the new local law.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said fewer potential short-stay properties operating in Noosa meant fewer potential impacts on residential neighbourhoods.
Calls to short-stay hotline drop by 45% from 2023 to 2024 – Noosa Shire Council
Logan City Council has expanded its safety camera network to include 1400 cameras monitored 24/7 in a state-of-the-art control room, with new AI technology allowing rapid analysis of footage for specific characteristics.
The system has improved response times to crime and community issues while supporting police operations, with the network capturing relevant information for over 20% of police incidents and being accessed by police more than 1000 times monthly.
Camera system working to keep city safe – Logan City Council
Global Roundup:
UK:
Surrey County Council is pioneering the use of AI technology to detect and repair potholes through dashboard-mounted computer vision cameras.
It has become the first UK local authority to fully replace manual inspections with this automated system.
The initiative is part of a £300m investment in road improvements over five years, and will not only make road maintenance more efficient and safer, but will also detect other issues like missing signs and overgrown foliage in the future.
First for Surrey as AI takes to the road to spot potholes
West Northamptonshire Council has apologised after a video surfaced on TikTok showing a worker “dancing” on a pothole in an unconventional repair attempt.
According to BBC News, the council’s contractor has acknowledged that the method wasn’t up to their usual standards and confirmed a proper permanent repair would be carried out.
The council said the footage was “embarrassing” and that it had been assured that the incident would not be repeated.
Council apologises for ‘dancing’ Moulton pothole repairer
Also from BBC News, the residents of a village in Wrexham County have creatively responded to years of road maintenance neglect by turning their severe pothole problem into a satirical tourist attraction called “Pothole Land.”
The initiative highlights both the widespread issue of deteriorating road conditions across England and Wales, where fixing the backlog of repairs would cost over £16bn, and the frustration of local communities dealing with daily challenges of damaged roads that affect their mobility and vehicle maintenance costs.
Wrexham village residents make tourist attraction of potholes
Gloucestershire County Council has made changes to its recently launched ‘Swaps in Seconds’ campaign, after controversy and backlash from its farming community.
The campaign focuses on a myriad of small changes people can make to lower their carbon emissions, including a suggestion to consider alternative milks or to drink black tea or coffee.
The council says it didn’t mean to cause offence to local farmers, and has removed references to milk alternatives from its campaign.
Clarification on ‘Swaps in Seconds’ campaign | Gloucestershire County Council
Gateshead Council has experienced a cyber security incident where criminals gained unauthorised access to some personal data.
The council said the threat was quickly contained due to robust security measures, and it’s working with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident .
Affected individuals are being contacted directly with guidance on protecting their information.
Cyber security incident under investigation – Gateshead Council
USA:
New York City‘s first-in-nation congestion pricing program, launched on January 5, 2025, has resulted in a 7.5% reduction in traffic (approximately 43,000 fewer cars daily) in Manhattan’s core area below Central Park, according to the Associated Press.
The program, which charges $9 for most passenger vehicles during peak hours, has shown the most significant impact during morning rush hour, with some crossings experiencing up to 40% reduced travel time.
The program is intended to raise billions of dollars in revenue for the cash-strapped transit authority while easing congestion on the city’s streets.
Traffic into Manhattan drops 7.5% in first week of new toll. That’s 43,000 fewer cars a day
In Nevada, Las Vegas City Council has passed two significant animal welfare ordinances this past week – one aimed at reducing pet abandonment with a $1,000 fine, and another limiting pet store sales to prevent hoarding cases.
The Reno Gazette Journal reported that there is some skepticism about enforcement effectiveness, but advocates are hoping the measures, combined with improved shelter access, will help address the city’s ongoing challenges with recent high profile cases of animal abandonment and hoarding.
LV City Council passes bills aimed at reducing animal abandonment and hoarding
CANADA:
An Ontario city council has voted 7-4 in favor of exploring a requirement for newly hired department heads to live within city limits, despite warnings from the city solicitor about potential systemic discrimination issues.
A majority of Sault Ste. Marie city councillors consider that the measure would enhance accountability and service delivery.
But others worry it could limit the talent pool and unfairly exclude qualified candidates from nearby communities.
The new direction will not apply to current department heads who live outside the city.
Disregarding legal advice, Sault looks into making city bosses live here