In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A Council CEO calls out double-dipping hypocrisy
- A war of words between a mayor and a state Premier
- Ongoing anti-semitic activity prompts a united call for action
- Increased security following more vandalism at Ballarat’s Botanic Gardens
- A former long serving Lord Mayor calls time on her local government career
- Sydney councils faced with a tree crisis
- A former capital city CEO takes on an interim role
- and Canadian councils on the frontline of a US trade war
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 423:
Victorian Roundup:
Stonnington CEO Dale Dickson has issued a statement in response to a Herald Sun article, implying that the city’s mayor Cr Melina Sehr had filed incomplete personal interest disclosures.
The implication related to Cr Sehr’s role with VCAT on a major IT contract which did not appear to have been declared as a main source of income.
Mr Dickson said the mayor’s personal interest disclosures had been properly made, but were not properly transcribed to a publicly available version due to an administrative error.
He has taken full responsibility for the error and apologised unreservedly to Cr Sehr.
He has also called out the hypocrisy of the characterisation of Cr Sehr’s day job as “double dipping”, pointing out that performing mayoral duties whilst earning an income is the reality for many mayors.
Premier Jacinta Allan says she is frustrated that Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has not accepted a formal transfer of responsibility for the McCrae landslip site from the SES, prompting an accusation of ‘misleading statements’ from the city’s mayor.
The Premier and Local Government Minister Nick Staikos announced a Board of Inquiry yesterday into the incident which led to the evacuation of multiple homes and the hospitalisation of a council worker.
The Mayor, Cr Anthony Marsh revealed to ABC Radio yesterday that he was not aware the government planned to launch an Inquiry into the cause of last month’s landslide, in which a house valued at over $2M was destroyed.
He said while he welcomed the inquiry as long is had the right focus – the scope and composition of the board was yet to be revealed.
The Age has reported Premier Allan’s comments that she and residents were frustrated, and needed the council to accept a formal transfer to pave the way for residents to return home.
The Council has responded with an update on its website, in which Mayor Marsh accuses the Premier of a number of misleading statements.
He says it’s important for the community to know the truth, and that the council is wholly focussed on the needs of its residents.
Cr Marsh said there had been several attempts to reach agreement with the SES and it was hoped the transfer could be completed soon, but that transfer process will have no material impact on the recovery process for residents.
The Council has previously announced steps it was taking following the January 14th landslide.
They have included meeting with impacted residents, investigations and testing, site security measures, and seeking technical and financial assistance from the state government in responding to the situation, described as complex and challenging.
The Board of Inquiry will be asked to determine the cause of the landslide, and whether it could have been avoided; as well as determine the adequacy of preventative measures taken to mitigate the risks after other landslides in the area.
A final report with recommendations to the government is due later this year.
Port Phillip Council has responded to an anti-Semitic graffiti incident at a Beaconsfield Parade property, dispatching an emergency response team for removal.
Mayor Louise Crawford has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as cowardly.
It comes as the Jewish community is still recovering from a December arson attack at the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, and the Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its diverse community and standing against anti-Semitism.
In neighbouring Glen Eira, current and former mayors of the city have written to Premier Jacinta Allan, calling for a permanent increase in police presence in the city, with particular attention to Caulfield Police Station.
Current Mayor Simone Zmood, and former mayors Anne-Marie Cade, Jim Magee OAM, Margaret Esakoff and Jamie Hyams OAM have signed the letter, seen by the Roundup, seeking the Premier’s urgent attention to the issue.
They say while recent events have increased awareness of anti-semitism and violent attacks, these longstanding issues extend beyond the Jewish community, and require immediate and permanent action beyond the temporary measures that have been taken.
Cr Zmood has told the Herald Sun she joined with the four former mayors in writing to the Premier to highlight that the issues extend beyond one council term, and she called on state and federal colleagues to join in the community safety effort.
The City of Ballarat is implementing increased security measures at their botanical gardens following repeated vandalism incidents, according to Radio 3BA.
The iconic floral clock has been damaged for the second time since November, and that follows the recent theft and vandalism of statue heads from the Prime Ministers Avenue.
The cost to restore the statues has been put at around $140,000, according to the Ballarat Courier, which also reported that Police were treating the incident as politically motivated after an image emerged on social media.
Mayor Tracey Hargreaves told the Courier that the council is aware of the image but was unable to make any further comment as investigations continue.
CEO Evan King said the council is planning to transition from roving security patrols to a permanent security presence while exploring additional options like enhanced CCTV coverage.
Ararat Rural City Council’s CEO says his council is not part of Central Goldfields Shire’s appeal to the Federal Court against a Fair Work Commission ruling allowing a multi-employer bargaining process across the two councils.
Dr Tim Harrison told the Ballarat Courier (4th February, 2025) that it was Central Goldfields Shire’s decision alone, and that his council would not waste ratepayer funds on an appeal.
Central Goldfields Shire’s Interim CEO Sally Jones said the council had no other option, and that their community and employees must come first.
Ms Jones said the council was working with MAV on the broader implications of the Fair Work decision, and the potential impacts for other regional councils.
Victorian Briefs:
Maribyrnong City Council has prepared a Creativity Strategy 2030 to support its $639 million arts sector that provides 2,800 jobs.
The strategy aims to address barriers and enhance cultural participation, and the community can provide feedback on the strategy until February 23.
West Wimmera Shire Council is applying for $5 million in funding to construct six new houses and develop infrastructure for 13 additional blocks in Kaniva and Edenhope.
The project aims to address a critical housing shortage, with only five rental properties currently available across the entire shire.
Meanwhile in Yarriambiack Shire, construction is progressing on three affordable homes in Rupanyup, Warracknabeal, and Hopetoun, with the Rupanyup project well underway.
The council has faced challenges with infrastructure connections and has been unsuccessful in securing Commonwealth Government Housing Support Program funding.
A bin audit conducted by Casey City Council has revealed some residents have more bins that they are paying for.
Residents found to have extra bins can either pay for the additional service or have the bins removed, with support available for those experiencing financial hardship.
Two special charge schemes are planned by Greater Geelong City Council to partially fund reconstruction works in Drysdale and Portarlington.
The Council has given its support to the schemes for construction and sealing on Willis Street, Portarlington, and Newcombe Street, Drysdale, in response to complaints and a petition requesting the roads be sealed.
Gannawarra Shire Council has hailed a new era for kindergarten services in the Shire, with the start of a new Pre-Prep program across multiple kindergartens, and a newly opened Kerang South Kindergarten.
CEO Geoff Rollinson said the Shire was one of the first in the state to roll out the pre-Prep program, aiming at providing every four year old with up to 30 hours per week of play-based learning.
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:
Former City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has resigned from her position as Ward 3 Councillor after serving on the Council for 16 years, including a decade-long tenure as Lord Mayor until September 2024.
Ms Nelmes was the youngest Lord Mayor of the city and the second-longest serving.
During her leadership, she oversaw significant transformations including $1 billion in infrastructure investment and Newcastle becoming the first Australian Council to switch to 100% renewable energy.
Ms Nelmes lost the Lord Mayoralty to Ross Kerridge at last year’s council elections.
The NSW Electoral Commission will be in contact with all unelected Ward 3 candidates to confirm their interest in being elected.
If there is only one eligible candidate, that candidate is elected. If there are multiple eligible candidates, a countback election will be conducted based on votes from the election in Ward 3 in September last year.
Media reports have suggested the likely successor to Ms Nelmes will be Peta Winney-Baartz.
Recent storms in Sydney have brought down over 7000 trees in two weeks, with individual councils like Northern Beaches, Kur-ring-gai and Ryde handling hundreds of fallen trees which have caused significant property damage across the region.
The Daily Telegraph has described a crisis which has highlighted growing tensions between residents seeking tree removal approvals and councils committed to urban greening strategies.
There is a clear divide between those calling for immediate action to prevent loss of life and property damage, and councils that maintain existing protocols serve an important purpose in preserving urban greenery.
The City of Newcastle is seeking a development partner for a landmark affordable housing project called Rail Bridge Row, which aims to provide over 30 affordable housing units on a 4,125 sqm lot in the Newcastle CBD.
The project, which includes plans for a commuter cycleway connection, is part of the city’s strategy to address housing needs for an expected population increase of 40,000 by 2041.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council‘s application for $13.6 million in federal funding for a new aquatic facility has been unsuccessful, despite the project having strong community support and all necessary approvals.
Mayor Adam Roberts said it was a disappointing outcome, but it would not deter efforts to continue to pursue funding for the planned $67M aquatic and leisure facility in Port Macquarie.
Former NSW Transport Minister and Member for Maitland Milton Morris AO, known affectionately as ‘Mr Maitland’, will be honored by having the new Melville Ford Bridge renamed after him following a unanimous City of Maitland council decision.
During his 25-year service as Member for Maitland and 10-year tenure as Transport Minister, Mr Morris introduced crucial road safety measures including compulsory seatbelts, breathalysers, and the L and P-plate system, leaving a lasting legacy on Australian road safety.
QLD:
Former Brisbane City Council CEO Colin Jensen has been appointed as Toowoomba Regional Council‘s Interim CEO, starting February 24, bringing with him extensive experience managing Australia’s largest local government organisation with a $4.3 billion budget.
The appointment comes as TRC progresses its recruitment for a permanent CEO, with Mr Jensen set to oversee crucial financial planning including the 2025/26 budget during his interim role.
Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett says the CQ-H2 project, a major hydrogen production and export facility in Gladstone, is moving forward with significant investment despite the Queensland Government not matching federal contributions.
Mayor Burnett expressed strong support for the project, in the wake of alarmist news headlines.
He said the project has secured billions of dollars in international investment and private equity and is good for the region, state and the nation.
The project involves development of hydrogen production at Aldoga, pipeline infrastructure to Gladstone Port, and liquefaction facilities.
Councillor Kahn Goodluck has announced his resignation from Gladstone Regional Council effective March 13, 2025, after serving since 2016 including as Deputy Mayor from 2020-2024.
The Council will decide at its February 18 meeting whether to appoint former Councillor Chris Cameron (the election runner-up) or hold a by-election to fill the vacancy.
National Briefs:
Dungog Shire Council has awarded a $20.6 million contract for the design and construction of a new dual-lane bridge over the Williams River in Clarence Town.
The project is being jointly funded by the state and federal governments, with construction expected to begin later this year and take around 2 years to complete.
Cr Nathan Daniell has been elected deputy mayor of Adelaide Hills Council, after Melanie Selwood stepped down following her pre=selection as the Greens candidate for the Upper House at the next state election.
In line with standing orders, Councillor Daniell will take over as Council’s principal spokesperson.
There’s a new deputy mayor also at Berri Barmera Council, following the resignation from the role after two months by Cr Andrew Kassebaum. The decision was made for unforeseen personal reasons.
The council has elected experienced councillor Trevor Scott to the role, a position he has held before.
TAS:
Northern Midlands Council has rejected allegations and a motion for further inquiry into legal costs related to a Code of Conduct complaint and defamation action.
Cr Andrew McCullagh brought forward the motion, calling for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and General Manager to step aside while an inquiry was conducted.
Deputy Mayor Janet Lambert has called for unity and a focus on community from the elected members,
She said the council acknowledged a Supreme Court ruling that Council funds should not have been used for defamation legal costs, and that the matters raised by Councillor McCullagh had previously been examined by an independent investigator, with no evidence found to support the allegations.
Burnie City Council has written off over $590,000 in unpaid parking fines dating back to before April 2008, which were deemed uncollectible after more than a decade.
Pulse Tasmania reported that despite the write-off, the council still has over 25,000 outstanding fines totaling $1.32 million, with more than half of these issued before 2009.
SA:
Power supply works in Adelaide’s CBD have attracted the ire of the city’s Lord Mayor.
The Adelaide Advertiser reports that Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith took to social media to air her frustrations, claiming not to have been notified about the works near her home which she said has created a hole the size of a swimming pool.
The power company says it did undertake notifications to the council and local residents and businesses, and that site remediation would be done to the city’s standards.
The works to reinforce power supply in the area are expected be done by next week.
WA:
The WA Government has approved $4.4 million in funding for Stage 2 of the Batavia Coast Marina project in Geraldton, known as ‘Station Square’.
The City of Geraldton is part of a collaboration delivering the project, which will create new roads, services, and mixed-use development lots adjacent to the heritage railway station.
The project aims to revitalise Geraldton’s city centre by providing up to 40 new homes, commercial opportunities, and connectivity improved.
NT:
Alice Springs Town Council has voted to request regulation of e-scooters in the Northern Territory, where they are currently only legal on private property, and to begin the process of allowing bicycles in Todd Mall.
The Centralian Today reported that the council wants to modernise transportation options while prioritising safety, though changes to allow bikes in the mall will require parliamentary approval.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Six English councils have been granted permission to raise council tax bills above the standard 4.99% cap, with increases of up to 10% approved for some authorities in an attempt to prevent bankruptcy amid financial struggles.
Bradford Council will allowed to lift rates by 9.99%; for Newham, and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, 8.99% has been granted; while Somerset, Birmingham and Trafford have received approval for 7.4%.
The Guardian reported that a number of other councils were refused permission for higher rate increases.
Those announcements came as the UK government confirmed over £69 billion in funding for England’s councils for 2025-26, representing a 6.8% increase in Core Spending Power compared to the previous year.
That includes £3.7 billion additional funding for social care authorities.
The government said the funding package aims to restore stability in public services while implementing reforms, including a new £270 million Children’s Social Care Prevention Grant and measures to protect taxpayers from excessive council tax increases through maintained referendum principles.
A 64-year-old councillor from Torridge District Council has been sentenced to 18 weeks in jail after being found guilty of harassment and misuse of public communications networks following a campaign of intimidating behaviour towards staff and councillors.
Legal action was pursued after the council’s standards system with limited sanctions failed to change Cr Leanard Ford’s behaviour.
Local Gov dot co dot uk reports that despite his imprisonment, Ford remains on the council while it reviews legislation regarding his position.
CANADA:
Interview: Christopher Brown, host of Municipal Affairs with Chris Brown
The announcement by US President Donald Trump of tariffs on northern neighbour Canada has been described as a seismic shift in the trade relationship between the two countries, which is prompting a range of responses at the local municipal level.
Chris Brown is the host of the podcast Municipal Affairs with Chris Brown, and he says it’s clear that municipalities will be on the frontlines of this battle, and many have already taken their first steps.
I spoke to Chris to learn more about this frontline response. Note that this discussion was recorded just prior to the announcement of a 30 day stay on the implementation of the tariffs.
Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa, has announced a task force on housing approvals and the creation of a dashboard to track unit approvals and timelines, aiming to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic barriers.
The move follows the release of data showing that while the city approved over 50,000 housing units between January 2023 and September 2024, only 8,300 have progressed to the building permit stage by homebuilders.
The Alberta Municipal Clerks Association has announced that renowned civility expert, and good friend of the Local Government News Roundup, Diane Kalen-Sukra will deliver the keynote address at its Annual Conference in April.
Diane will highlight the multifaceted responsibilities of municipal clerks and supercharge their efforts to lead with civility – empowering public servants to embrace their role as preservers of integrity in local governance.
THAILAND:
High pollution levels in Bangkok have led authorities to introduce free public transport for a week.
Cities Today reported that hundreds of schools across the city have been closed due to the high levels of pollution.
Initial data showed increased ridership of over 45% on electric train services, and the Thai government has allocated 140M Baht to compensate for lost revenue.