On the Local Government News Roundup for Friday, 31st January 2025:
- Council meeting disruptions: a gallery cleared, councillors walk out and another is evicted
- Protests over a proposed 40% rate rise
- A Council CEO terminated after an investigation
- Putting the spotlight on illegal dumping
- A peak body rejects claims that councils are responsible housing supply problems
- and attempts to put a potential merger of two NZ councils back on the agenda
All of that and more on Australia’s number one local government podcast, 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 421:
Victorian Roundup:
A meeting of Greater Geelong Council descended into chaos this week when the issue of how to recognise the26th January returned to the agenda.
A motion to resume referring to 26th January as Australia Day, hold citizenship ceremonies and community events on that day, and cease advocacy for a change of date was met by heated discussion in the gallery, with shouting towards councillors and other members of the public.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj called an adjournment and the live stream of the meeting was cut to avoid heightening tensions further and did not return.
Bay 93.9 reported that after unruly members of the public were removed from the meeting, disagreements continued on the street outside.
The motion was supported by a majority of councillors, and recordings of both parts of the meeting have since been posted online.
Prior to the meeting going off the rails, the council unanimously agreed to oppose a planned waste-to-energy incinerator in Lara that would process 400,000 tonnes of waste annually, citing significant health and environmental concerns including cancer risks and air pollution.
You Yangs Ward Councillor Chris Burson who brought forward a motion on the issue, said, “This is not just a Lara issue; this is a City of Greater Geelong issue,” highlighting the broader implications of the project while the Council seeks to become a decision-making authority for future similar proposals.
Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly has denied claims the Council is planning to rip out bike lanes, saying the opposite is true.
Cr Jolly told the Herald Sun that the new Council will do more bike lanes in the next four years than previous councils have done in the past 20 years.
A protest ride is planned for today (Friday) opposing the removal of safe cycling lanes, reportedly backed by the council’s two Greens councillors Sophie Wade and Edward Crossland.
The lobby group Critical Mass Melbourne claims the Council plans to remove bike-friendly pop-ups, scrapping barriers separating cyclists and cars, and narrow protected bike lanes in favour of car parking.
Mayor Jolly says they are literally making stuff up.
Meanwhile, Yarra Council is implementing new e-scooter safety measures including geofencing narrow footpaths as no-parking zones and installing designated parking bays to improve safety and accessibility.
The Council says that while it is supporting active transport goals, it is actively addressing community concerns along with educational campaigns to promote responsible e-scooter use.
Greater Dandenong councillor Lana Formoso’s approved $1500 ratepayer-funded trip to a Serbian Statehood Day event in Canberra next month is being contested through a rescission motion due to an alleged conflict of interest.
Dandenong Star Journal reported that Greens councillor Rhonda Garad is opposing the expense which was approved at a meeting where five councillors were absent.
Cr Formoso has defended the visit, which is at the invitation of the Serbian ambassador, citing Greater Dandenong’s large Serbian population.
Hume City Council is proposing to ban trucks over 4.5 tonnes from using some local roads, after monitoring showed significantly higher heavy vehicle use of local roads since works on the Mickleham and Craigieburn Roads intersection in 2022.
The Council says nearby arterial roads designed for that type of traffic have capacity.
It is proposing to place No Trucks signage at the entries of the affected roads and has invited community feedback by the end of February.
Meanwhile, the Council is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal dumping through increased monitoring, hefty fines ranging from $385 to $9616, and a renewed public awareness campaign for 2025.
The council has emphasised the significant financial burden illegal dumping places on ratepayers and is encouraging community reporting of offenders.
The City of Boroondara is hosting a community forum on February 11, 2025, to discuss the Victorian Government’s proposed housing planning reforms that could significantly impact local development and density in key areas like Camberwell Junction and near train stations.
The Council is advocating for better community consultation and evidence-based planning while expressing concerns about potential negative impacts on traffic, open spaces, and local services.
Brimbank City Council has received $500,000 in federal funding to help transform a 74-hectare former quarry and landfill site into the Sunshine Energy Park, which will serve as a new central park for the Sunshine CBD.
The ambitious project will likely include features such as a state-significant stadium, sports fields, a solar farm, walking tracks, and an urban forest.
The funding allows critical planning to commence, including development of a feasibility study and master plan.
Victorian Briefs:
Campaspe Shire’s Cr Rob Amos has been elected the new chair of Rural Councils Victoria.
Cr Kate Makin, Mayor of Corangamite Shire is the new Deputy Chair of the alliance which represents the state’s 33 rural council areas, covering 79% of the state’s land area and 11% of the population.
A new youth hub has been opened in Geelong’s Busport complex to provide services and programs for young people aged 12 to 25.
The purpose-built facility known as The Nest was designed with input from local youth, and will operate as a two-year pilot program supported by the government’s Youth Strategy and a $1M investment in the upgrade and development of youth hubs around the state.
Mildura Rural City Council has released an Environmental Sustainability Report which shows significant progress in reducing environmental impact, including cuts to fuel consumption, public lighting power usage, and overall greenhouse gas emissions over the past 12 months.
The Council declared a climate emergency in 2020, and says it has made notable improvements across multiple sustainability areas, including planting more urban trees, increasing community engagement in environmental education, and achieving greater emissions reductions compared to the previous year.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Over the next four years, the VLGA will be rolling out a suite of training that directly aligns with the mandatory training requirements set out in the Local Government Act 2020.
VLGA training focuses on enhancing councillor capabilities and ensuring elected representatives are well equipped to represent their communities.
A full program prospectus will be released in the coming weeks, along with a Councillor Professional Development Policy, which will guide councils across Victoria on how to implement the mandatory requirements in a way that best suits their individual councillors’ learning needs.
To find out more or register for the training, get in touch with the team at the VLGA by calling (03) 9349 7999 or email vlga@vlga.org.au
National Roundup:
NSW:
A controversial motion to seek approval to raise rates by up to 40% has been narrowly approved at a heated Northern Beaches Council meeting this week.
The Sydney Morning Herald and other media outlets have reported on how objectors filled the gallery, protesting the proposed increases, critical of executive salaries, and accusing the council of misrepresenting the results of a community survey on the issue.
The motion to move forward with the special rate variation process was passed by just one vote.
Mayor Sue Heins appeared on Channel 10’s The Project where she was asked to justify the salaries of the council’s CEO and senior executives.
In further reporting from the Sydney Morning Herald this week, former Liberal councillors have blamed their party’s administrative failure to nominate candidates for the council election last year for controversial rate rise.
They have argued that a lack of conservative representation has led to decisions that go against community wishes.
Local Government NSW President Cr Phyllis Miller has welcomed efforts from the Premier and Opposition Leader towards a bipartisan approach to the state’s housing supply issue, but has warned against rushed changes that could exacerbate the crisis.
The comments came after a meeting earlier this week, which followed the peak body’s rejection last week of claims from industry bodies that councils are responsible for housing supply issues in NSW.
Cr Miller, who is also the Mayor of Forbes Shire Council, pointed to data showing over 75,000 approved but unbuilt dwellings in Greater Sydney alone.
She said fewer DA applications were entering the assessment pipeline, due to a number of economic factors including rising construction costs, labour shortages, supply chain issues, and higher interest rates.
LGNSW has stressed the importance of including local government voices in reform discussions and maintaining infrastructure contributions.
Submissions closed this week for an independent review of processes, procedures and performance at the City of Newcastle.
In a call for final submissions earlier this week, Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said more than 500 submissions had already been received, and the Newcastle Herald reports today (31st January 2025) that the final number was more than 800.
Cr Pull stressed that the review was to assess current practices and identify improvements rather than re-examine past decisions.
Port Stephens Council is undertaking a significant update of its vegetation and koala habitat mapping to identify and protect key koala areas in the region, with the current map being over 20 years old.
The project involves conducting surveys at over 250 locations across Port Stephens during mid to late 2025, utilising state-of-the-art mapping technology and collaborating with leading koala scientists to ensure effective land management and species protection.
QLD:
A controversial motion to prevent Ipswich Mayor Theresa Harding from being lead spokesperson on some Council matters was withdrawn from the council’s meeting agenda this week before it could be debated.
ABC News reported that Cr Paul Tully, who submitted the motion, had decided to pull it to allow councillors more time to consider what was being proposed.
If supported, the motion would change the council’s media and communications policy, effectively limiting the mayor’s ability to comment on portfolio-specific issues.
Cr Harding told ABC Radio before the meeting that the proposal amounted to an “extraordinary political attack.”
The issue has been described as “the latest rift” to emerge between Mayor Harding, who is serving a second term as directly elected mayor, and Cr Tully, a 40 year veteran of the council.
Noosa Council has decided to maintain fluoride in the local water supply, according to Sunshine Coast News, in the face of lobbying of councils across the state by a vocal minority.
Mayor Frank Wilkie told a meeting of the council last week that logistical complexities, a cost of over $20 million, and potential water security risks were reasons not to support calls for removal of fluoride.
The decision was supported by scientific evidence confirming the safety and effectiveness of fluoride in reducing tooth decay, with Queensland Health endorsing it as a beneficial public health measure.
It comes as the Courier Mail and sister publications across Queensland run a State of Decay series, highlighting the significant dental health problems in regions without fluoride.
Fraser Coast Regional Council has proposed a $50 million indoor sports complex as part of its bid to become a pre-training destination for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
The complex would feature Olympic-standard facilities for multiple sports and community activities.
The Council believes that its strategic location, just three hours from Brisbane with existing infrastructure and projected population growth, positions it to capitalise on economic opportunities from the Games while creating lasting benefits for the local community.
National Briefs:
City of Unley CEO Peter Tsokas has been awarded a Public Service Medal in this year’s Australia Day Honours, recognising his contribution to public service at Unley and across South Australia.
Campbelltown City Council CEO Lindy Deitz has also received a Public Service Medal in the honours list, acknowledging her service to NSW local government over a period of 30 years in the city of Campbelltown and surrounding region.
The Big Peanut statue in Kingaroy will be featured in a special edition of Monopoly showcasing 30 ‘big things’ from around Australia.
South Burnett Regional Council will invest $13,800 in the project (p.158) and will receive 300 board games and card games to distribute through local council facilities.
The iconic Alexandra Suspension Bridge in Launceston’s Cataract Gorge is undergoing major refurbishment works from this week through to May.
Launceston City Council says the works require closure of the bridge to pedestrians while heritage restoration work is completed on its structural components.
TAS:
Another council’s meeting has been disrupted due to divisions over the recognition of 26th January as Australia Day.
During a Hobart City Council meeting this week, two councillors walked out in protest after Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds referred to Australia Day as Invasion Day and reaffirmed her support for changing the date of the national holiday.
The National Indigenous Times reported that Mayor Reynolds spoke at a local rally on Sunday where she criticised the celebration of the nation’s spirit on a day that marks the beginning of colonial violence against First Peoples.
A councillor was ejected from a meeting of Burnie City Council this week.
Mayor Teeny Brumby was engaged in a fiery debate with Cr Trent Aitken, after he objected to her ruling on a point of order.
The Advocate (30th January p.7) reported that the incident arose in discussion on an urban plan working group and follows recent controversial comments made by Cr Aitken on social media.
WA:
The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes has terminated the employment of its CEO Nicole Gibbs this week.
Shire President Tracy Lansdell said the decision followed an independent investigation commissioned last year, which found she had inappropriately increased her salary by 4.6% without Council authorisation.
The Council has appointed an acting CEO while they begin the process of recruiting a permanent replacement to ensure continuity of services.
Busselton City Council has unanimously decided against implementing a “whole of network” road speed reduction trial following community consultation where only 21.3% of respondents supported reducing speed limits.
Instead, the Council will focus on requesting speed reductions for 14 specific high-priority roads and areas, liasising with Main Roads directly to progress the reductions as a matter of urgency in an effort to improve road safety.
Town of Port Hedland Councillor Sven Arentz has resigned just 15 months into a 4 year term , citing difficulties balancing the role with personal, career and health commitments.
Mayor Peter Carter thanked Cr Arentz for his service, and the Town is consulting with the WA Electoral Commission regarding the vacant council position.
Global Roundup:
NZ:
Radio New Zealand has reported on a potential merger between Nelson City and Tasman District councils which has been proposed as part of a Nelson City Council strategic exercise.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith is supporting the idea which could save ratepayers millions through efficiency gains of up to 6.1% in operating costs.
However, Tasman’s mayor Tim King says he would prefer to focus on shared services.
The two councils already collaborate in a range of areas, and a previous merger attempt in 2012 failed when Tasman voters strongly rejected it.
Radio New Zealand has also reported on the observations of Crown observer Lindsay McKenzie at Wellington City Council.
He has prepared a report that reveals the organisation has faced significant challenges including long-term plan changes and leadership transitions, yet has surprisingly maintained resilience under great pressure.
The report highlights various issues affecting the council, including economic conditions, government policy shifts, and specific challenges related to being the capital city, with updates on water services decisions and chief executive recruitment expected in February.
Carol Gordon has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Rangitīkei District Council for a three-year term, bringing over 27 years of Local Government experience and extensive knowledge of the region to the role.
She will take over from Kevin Ross on March 3, following a transition period where Kevin will remain in an advisory capacity.
USA:
Aurora City Council in Colorado moved its meetings to a virtual format this week, and canceled public comment due to unspecified security threats that city officials deemed credible, according to the Sentinel.
The decision, which may also extend to next month’s meeting, came after safety concerns were raised by the Police department and relayed to councillors by the City Attorney.
No details have been provided as yet regarding the specific nature of the threats.
It comes as the council was due was preparing to vote on a proposal that would change the way the city handles unauthorised encampments.
In North Carolina, the town manager of Angier, Elizabeth Krige has resigned during a special called meeting, after serving in the role for just over 6 months.
The town’s Police Chief Lee Thompson has been appointed as immediate interim manager.
The Johnston Country Report said the resignation followed controversy including allegations of inappropriate social media posts and came amid a state inquiry into museum renovation work, as well as the recent resignation of a Commissioner who had cited “adult bullying” and internal conflicts.
In the US, the Washington State Standard has reported on how cities across the United States are increasingly implementing bans on sleeping and camping in public spaces despite a lack of adequate shelter capacity.
150 localities in 32 states have passed or strengthened ordinances, with at least another 40 pending.
This follows a Supreme Court ruling last year allowing local governments to ban outdoor camping.
While proponents argue these bans are necessary for public safety and encourage people to seek services, critics and studies suggest they are costly and ineffective, merely displacing homeless individuals without addressing root causes like affordable housing, mental health support, and addiction services.
UK:
Over four million households in England are facing council tax increases of up to five times the legal limit, according to GB News, which reported that struggling local authorities are exploiting a loophole by threatening bankruptcy to bypass normal restrictions.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is planning the steepest increase at 25%, which would be England’s largest increase in two decades, while seven other councils are proposing rises ranging from 9.99% to 25% from April.
JAPAN:
A report from Arab News on a delegation to Riyadh from Japan’s Osaka City Council to explore opportunities for cultural and economic collaboration between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The visit focused on knowledge-sharing and preparations for their respective World Expositions in 2025 and 2030, and highlighted the potential for strengthening Saudi-Japan ties through cultural diplomacy.
This includes shared interests in anime and manga, while also addressing challenges such as the need for increased regional representation and investment opportunities between the two nations.