In the latest edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A dismissive response to a group of councils’ concerns
- A council’s zero tolerance stand on harassment
- Negative social media prompts a policy review
- A mayor backs his GM and staff
- An extremely embarrassed veteran councillor charged with drink driving
- A so-called gag policy withdrawn
- Local government targeted in a DOGE style spending review in Florida
- and Fergal Coleman from Symphony3 drops by to talk about his recent whirlwind tour of local governments in New Zealand.
Brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony3 – simple, connected customer experiences.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Here is all the news from episode 434:
Victorian Roundup:
Indigo Shire Mayor Sophie Price says the Victorian health minister has finally responded to a letter sent by her council along with Alpine and Towong six months ago.
The letter raised community concerns about the planned redevelopment of Albury hospital, a plan Cr Price described as sub-optimal.
She said the minister was dismissive of the council’s’ concerns, and failed to address any of the substantive issues raised.
Cr Price will join fellow Mayors and councillors and community members on the steps of the Victorian Parliament on Wednesday to present a united front on the issue.
Campaspe Shire Council has issued a strong zero-tolerance statement against harassment of council staff and their families following a concerning incident in the community.
The Shepparton News reports that the move followed an incident where a council officer’s parent was approached at their private residence by a community member regarding the proposed Wilf Cox Pavilion redevelopment in Kyabram.
CEO Pauline Gordon said the protective stance extends to families of employees, volunteers, and councillors, ensuring their protection from any form of abuse or harassment.
Councillor Rob Amos described the incident as “totally out of line,” while Mayor Daniel Mackrell urged community members to follow proper procedures when engaging with council.
The council has unanimously voted to develop a formal policy addressing the concerns.
Moonee Valley Mayor Ava Adams has welcomed the announcement of more federal funding for Melbourne Airport Rail.
Cr Adams has backed Brimbank’s Rail before Runway Campaign, and urged both the state and federal governments to move ahead on construction quickly.
The project is expected to deliver a new station local to Airport West and Keilor East, linking more of the city’s residents to the rail network for the first time.
Buloke Shire Council says it has advised the organisers of the Esoteric Music Festival, scheduled for later this week in Donald, to cancel the event.
Council officers have recommended refusal of a planning permit because of significant health and safety concerns.
Organisers applied for a new 10 year permit last year, and the council says it did not receive satisfactory responses to requests for required information.
The safety concerns follow an outbreak of Shigellosis that affected more than 250 attendees at last year’s event.
Newport’s controversial level crossing removal project is under new scrutiny after revelations that Hobsons Bay Council staff were asked to sign confidentiality agreements to access project information.
The Age reported that the Council’s infrastructure director Matthew Irving refused to sign, believing the information “did not need to be confidential.” Other employees reportedly received similar requests.
The $369 million project would permanently close Champion Road, which residents oppose as it would divide their community.
The Council has now limited direct meetings with the Level Crossing Removal Project team, requiring written communication instead.
Project officials have defended the confidentiality agreements as “standard practice” during planning.
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM has made a pitch for bipartisan political support for an extension of the Geelong Ring Road to the Bellarine, ahead of the upcoming federal election.
A business case has been completed for the road, identified as a key infrastructure project in Victoria’s Big Build, but it requires federal and state funding commitments.
Mayor Kontelj said the extension would reduce travel times to the Bellarine, support rail connections and help remove trucks from central Geelong.
The state government has launched Plan for Victoria, a 30 year blueprint for how the state will support its growing population, including in regional areas.
A key element of the plan includes developing regional growth boundaries for Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo to manage outward sprawl and encourage more homes in town centres.
The boundaries will help preserve agricultural land and natural resources while directing development to areas with existing infrastructure and services.
The MAV says it is encouraged by the plan, particularly the state taking on a stronger coordination role in flood mapping and a streamlined planning scheme amendment process.
The peak body says it will continue to advocate for separate plans for metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria’s distinct regions and rural areas.
And in breaking news, the Herald Sun and the Age report this morning on the expected release of structure plans for suburbs around six Suburban Rail Loop East stations.
The plans for Cheltenham, Clayton, Glen Waverley, Burwood, Monash and Box Hill reportedly allow for 20 storey towers around each station, and between six and 10 storeys in surrounding streets.
Victorian Briefs:
Strathbogie Shire Council has received Heritage Victoria approval to demolish and restore Chinamans Bridge in Nagambie.
The council plans to preserve its historical significance through interpretation strategies while addressing safety concerns.
The project has an expected completion timeline of up to four years.
Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Federal Election Strategy focusing on ten key priorities to secure government investment for job creation and economic diversification.
The strategy emphasises the need for federal support in areas including a New Energy Future for hydrogen development and infrastructure investments to support industrial and residential growth.
Frankston City Council has released a Draft Affordable Housing Policy to address the projected need for over 8,000 affordable homes by 2036, identifying three key roles for Council as a supply enabler, advocate, and partner.
The community is invited to provide feedback through an online survey.
Ian Gray AM, a distinguished legal professional with extensive experience in judicial roles and community advocacy, is set to chair Port Phillip Council’s community safety roundtable in mid-March.
The roundtable aims to bring together key stakeholders to assess safety challenges, explore best practices, and develop recommendations for improving community safety and public amenity in the City.
Whittlesea Council has endorsed planning changes to facilitate the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, a transformative freight and logistics hub expected to inject $2.5 billion annually into the state economy.
Construction is set to begin this year, with the first stage including a rail connection capable of handling two 1,800-metre interstate freight trains daily.
Gannawarra Shire Council has awarded a $272,000 contract for a comprehensive study of Kerang’s drainage infrastructure and to develop an urban stormwater management plan for the municipality.
Mayor Garner Smith says the move is in response to flash flooding events that occurred during Christmas 2023 and early January 2024, where parts of the urban stormwater network struggled to cope with excessive rainfall.
The Thompsons Road and Berwick-Cranbourne Road intersection will be upgraded, with $41.75 million from the Federal Government, and an additional $5.69 million from the City of Casey.
The Council continues to advocate for further road improvements including the Thompsons Road extension to Pakenham and upgrades along the Clyde Road corridor.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Liverpool City Council is reviewing its Media Policy in response to increasing negative online posts targeting Councillors and staff.
The behaviour has given rise to concerns about wellbeing and professional reputation.
The Council unanimously approved motions to update the Policy to align with current laws on workplace safety, online bullying, and defamation, while also implementing regular training on responsible media engagement.
The City of Sydney is urging the state government to improve enforcement of short-term rental accommodation regulations.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the council wants to prevent property owners from evading the 180-day cap and to create incentives for long-term rentals.
The council believes addressing these issues could potentially unlock approximately 5,000 properties for the long-term rental market in Sydney, helping to alleviate the housing affordability crisis.
Clarence Valley Council Mayor Ray Smith has publicly backed General Manager Laura Black and her staff amid ongoing criticism.
The Mayor and councillors have issued a statement expressing full support for the administration.
The statement is in response to “constant allegations of mismanagement” from what the Mayor describes as “a small handful of people” – allegations which he and fellow councillors firmly refute.
Mayor Smith emphasised that a cooperative relationship between councillors and staff is essential for community progress, and reaffirmed their commitment to serving residents “hand in hand” with the General Manager.
Ms Black said the statement was greatly appreciated by staff.
Shoalhaven City Council says it has made significant progress towards its cost-saving targets, with $1.7 million in savings achieved during the October-December 2024 quarter.
The savings have come primarily from job vacancy management, amounting to $1.6 million.
The Council’s financial outlook has improved with the projected annual deficit reduced from $31.7 million to $20.3 million.
Wingecarribee Shire Council has condemned what it calls unlawful industrial action by USU, according to radio 2ST.
It says maintaining essential services will continue despite potential disruptions between last Thursday and Monday, March 3.
The Council has disputed claims about it’s workplace culture, highlighting improved staff retention rates, career advancement opportunities, and ongoing efforts to create a positive work environment.
An extraordinary meeting of Lismore City Council last week was temporarily adjourned after councillors engaged in personal verbal attacks, according to the Lismore App.
The meeting was called to deal with four rescission motions, lodged after the last council meeting.
All of those motions were defeated.
Northern Beaches Council says its pioneering ‘Know the Code’ e-bike safety campaign has established a new benchmark for government-led initiatives and significantly influenced the recommendations of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility.
The campaign’s success in promoting a culture of safety and respect among e-bike users has not only catalysed policy changes but also inspired other Australian councils to adopt similar approaches to addressing e-bike safety concerns.
QLD:
Now to Queensland, where Tropical Cyclone Alfred is on a predicted path towards to the SEQ coast and could become the first cyclone to cross the state’s southern coast in half a century.
Brisbane bus drivers called off a strike on Friday afternoon, after reaching an in-principle pay agreement with the city council.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the parties had landed on a 7.35 per cent deal, with a pay rise of around $5,000 for many drivers.
The agreement followed strike action by drivers earlier in the week, and library and call centre staff on Thursday.
From the Courier Mail on the weekend, a report that veteran Gold Coast city councillor Peter Young has been charged with drink-driving and speeding.
It’s alleged that Cr Young was pulled over for speeding, and returned a positive roadside breath test. He has been issued with a notice to appear.
Cr Young has issued letters of apology to colleagues and the public, saying he is extremely embarrassed about the incident.
Tensions at Ipswich City Council have eased as controversial plans to potentially limit Mayor Teresa Harding’s media role have been withdrawn.
Councillor Paul Tully has removed his motion which critics claimed would have ‘gagged’ the mayor from speaking to media on major issues.
The Courier Mail reported that the council has instead unanimously agreed to discuss potential changes to its media policy in a closed-door meeting led by the council’s chief executive.
Toowoomba’s Station Street CBD car park is being reconfigured to accommodate a 75-unit affordable housing development by Brisbane Housing Company on land purchased from Council in 2022.
The changes will reduce the number of parking spaces in the area, but the council says it shouldn’t significantly impact parking availability as the affected area typically operates at just 25-45% capacity.
Cairns Regional Council has outlined its Federal Election priorities, with a primary focus on securing funding for trunk infrastructure in the Mount Peter Southern Growth Corridor to enable the development of 18,500 new dwellings.
The Council is also seeking confirmation of an $87.5 million water security commitment and support for smaller community projects including upgrades to Muddy’s Playground and the Red Arrow track.
National Briefs:
The Mayor of Tamworth, Russell Webb, and a senior manager will visit Nashville, Tennessee in June on a four day delegation.
The two cities are regarded as global hubs of country music and have a Sister Cities Protocol agreement.
The Council of Mayors SEQ has welcomed an announcement of federal government support for a Brisbane Metro business case.
A reallocation of $50M will investigate proposed Metro extensions to Carseldine, Springwood and Capalaba, and the Brisbane Airport.
A supplementary election will be held for Tumby Bay Council to fill a vacancy in the seat of Area Councillor.
Nominations have opened, and will close at 12 noon on Thursday 13th March.
The election has been triggered by the resignation of Christian Kotz in January due to work commitments.
SA:
By the way, that Tumby Bay supplementary election is one of six currently on foot in South Australia, including two to be determined this week – one each in the City of Unley, and in Tea Tree Gully.
WA:
The Shire of Esperance has committed to a $26M Myrup Waste Management Facility project that will provide integrated waste services for the region over the next 30-plus years.
The shire says its commitment follows comprehensive research and planning.
The facility will consolidate services at a centralised location while addressing the imminent closure of the Wylie Bay Landfill.
Yahoo News reports that residents of the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River have erupted at their local council, claiming not enough is being done to manage the yearly influx of backpackers and travellers setting up camp illegally throughout the region.
One resident described the situation as “Groundhog Day,” with the same issues of illegal camping, waste disposal, and bushfire risks seemingly catching authorities by surprise year after year.
The council has responded by doubling ranger patrols and issuing reminders about responsible tourism, but locals argue these measures are ineffective.
The situation highlights the growing tensions between tourism-dependent economies and the local communities that bear the impacts of increasing visitor numbers.
The City of Mandurah Council has voted to proceed with a Western Foreshore commercial development that will include a microbrewery, mini-golf course, and chocolate factory.
91.7 The Wave reported that there was some community opposition to the decision, which was made at the Council’s first livestreamed meeting.
The project now moves forward to State Government processes for land transaction approval.
Interview:
Fergal Coleman, Co-founder, Symphony 3
Global Roundup:
UK:
From BBC News, two Liberal Democrat councillors in Hull have defected to join the Independent Group after refusing to support increasing council tax and rent bills for the third consecutive year.
The defection has reduced the Liberal Democrats’ council majority to just one, with the party now holding 29 seats compared to Labour’s 25 and the Independent Group’s 3.
Reform UK has secured its second seat on Norfolk’s Breckland District Council, with Scott Hussey winning 54% of the vote in a by-election previously held by the Conservatives.
BBC News reported that the electoral victory, along with a previous councillor who defected from the Tories, represents growing momentum for Reform UK in the region, with party representatives calling it “just the beginning” of their political expansion.
Multiple Scottish councils have approved council tax increases of up to 13% for the 2025/26 financial year following the lifting of a nationwide freeze.
Clackmannanshire is implementing the highest confirmed rise at 13% and Orkney is proposing up to 15%.
Local authorities say the increases are necessary to safeguard services after years of restricted funding, despite the Scottish government providing an additional £1 billion in funding for councils in the upcoming budget.
USA:
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a new initiative targeting what he calls wasteful spending across the state, including in local government.
The Governor’s “Florida DOGE” task force – modelled after Donald Trump’s federal program – will conduct audits of municipalities and counties throughout Florida.
NPR News reported that Mr DeSantis has signalled an intent to scrutinise local government budgets, particularly focusing on property tax increases.
The Governor stated that many local entities have “opted to increase their own budgets and even subject their citizens to higher taxes to pay for these spending habits.”
The audit initiative would require legislative approval, though DeSantis expressed confidence lawmakers would support the measure.
In Massachusetts, the Inspector General has called on Everett City Council to recover approximately $180,000 in “longevity payments” made to Mayor Carlo DeMaria between 2016 and 2021.
IG Jeffrey Shapiro has found the payments were improper, according to reporting from the Boston Globe.
DeMaria has denied wrongdoing and contested the findings, which he says are “unsupported and flawed, while the City Council President Stephanie Martins has suggested he should step down .
She has characterised the situation as “a clear intent and an organised effort to defraud residents for personal gain.”
NZ:
The New Zealand government has announced key changes to infrastructure funding to support housing growth, including replacing Development Contributions with a more flexible Development Levy System that allows councils to recover infrastructure costs more effectively.
Radio New Zealand reported that the changes aim to overcome funding challenges that have left ratepayers covering infrastructure costs instead of beneficiaries, with the goal of making it commercially viable to build new houses while reducing land banking.
The new program is split into three pillars:
Pillar 1: Freeing up land for development and removing unnecessary planning barriers,
Pillar 2: Improving infrastructure funding and financing to support growth, and
Pillar 3: Providing incentives for communities and councils to support growth.
Whanganui Deputy Mayor Helen Craig will not contest elections later this year after 12 years on the council.
Fellow long-serving councillor Charlie Anderson is also stepping down, according to a NZ Herald report.
Eight of the district’s 13 current council members have confirmed they will stand again in the October elections, including Mayor Andrew Tripe who is seeking re-election and will face a challenge from first-term councillor Peter Oskam.
Auckland Council is launching a new AI-powered digital assistant called ‘Ask Auckland Council’ that will help citizens more easily access council information and services across multiple digital platforms, developed in partnership with Google Cloud and Deloitte at no cost to ratepayers.
The initiative aims to streamline the council’s customer service experience for over 1.5 million annual inquiries and will eventually support multiple languages.