In the 5th March, 2025 edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Mornington Peninsula’s new CEO
- Port Phillip urged to reconsider a controversial sleeping rough proposal
- Buloke Council allows a festival to go ahead
- Ballarat’s vandalism troubles continue
- The results of Victoria’s first ever councillor census revealed
- A Bendigo director named CEO of Murray River Council
- A NSW Council CEO on leave as an investigation commences
- Southeast Queensland councils working overtime as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, and
- Alarm bells for the sustainability of six South Australian councils
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 435:
Victorian Roundup:
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has appointed Mark Stoermer as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Stoermer is currently Director of Corporate Services at Brimbank City Council and is a former CEO of Douglas Shire and Nillumbik Shire Councils.
Mayor Anthony Marsh welcomed the appointment, describing Stoermer as “a highly respected and experienced leader with strong financial acumen.”
Mr Stoermer said he was excited about working in what he called “the crown jewel of Victoria” and pledged to bring a community focus while ensuring Council sustainability.
Bulent Oz will continue as Acting CEO until Mr Stoermer commences on April 16th.
A controversial new measure under consideration by Port Phillip Council has attracted much scrutiny this week, with reporting from The Age and other media outlets.
The proposal would allow fines to be issued to people sleeping rough on council land.
The unanimous vote by councillors has approved an investigation into changing local laws to prohibit rough sleeping on council property, roads, and footpaths.
This comes as the area experiences an 11.4 percent rise in criminal incidents in the last year, with residents voicing concerns about encampments in suburbs like St Kilda.
Premier Jacinta Allan has reportedly urged the council to reconsider the proposal.
Council officers have been asked to prepare a report on the proposed changes by May, including an assessment of whether the measures would breach human rights laws.
The Esoteric Festival near Donald in Western Victoria will proceed this weekend after Buloke Shire councillors voted to approve the event permit, despite earlier recommendations from council staff to shut it down.
But organisers will need to comply with nearly 50 environment, health, fire and traffic conditions.
Festival organiser Sam Goldsmith told ABC News it was a victory for common sense, though councillors only granted approval for this year instead of the requested 10-year permit.
The event was thrown into doubt last Friday when council staff cited health and safety concerns, including a gastroenteritis outbreak that affected approximately 250 attendees at last year’s festival.
Mayor Alan Getley reported receiving over 300 messages from supporters of the event, while local businesses have been preparing for the economic boost from the sold-out festival, which is expected to bring more than $15 million to the local economy.
Boroondara Mayor Sophie Torney has voiced strong opposition to the State Government‘s designation of Kew Junction, Ashburton, Willison and Riversdale as new activity centres targeted for increased development.
Mayor Torney claims local councils are being excluded from meaningful consultation despite government assurances to the contrary.
The City of Boroondara says it has already developed balanced growth plans that preserve the area’s heritage and character, and warns that recent changes to development standards will permanently alter the neighbourhood’s unique identity.
The Mayor is calling for greater infrastructure investment to support growth in appropriate locations, highlighting specific projects including redevelopment of the VicRoads site in Kew and completion of the Box Hill to Hawthorn rail trail.
Infrastructure Victoria has unveiled a sweeping 30-year plan aimed at transforming the state’s transport network.
The independent advisory body proposes extending Melbourne’s tram routes to areas like Fishermans Bend and Moorabbin, while establishing a new rapid transit bus network across five major routes.
The plan also recommends reducing speed limits to 30 kilometers per hour on local streets, particularly around schools and playgrounds; more accessible public transport with reduced off-peak fares; improved regional connections, and dedicated cycling corridors.
The total investment would run into billions, including $5 billion for tram extensions and $3.5 billion for the rapid bus network.
ABC News has produced a summary of the key points of the strategy, along with reaction from some residents and councillors.
The Federal Government has committed $1.1 million to transform the aging Ballarat Airport terminal into an aeromedical patient transfer and emergency services facility, with the total project costing $2.3 million.
The City of Ballarat is celebrating the investment, which will significantly improve conditions for emergency personnel and patients by creating a dedicated indoor space for transfers that currently take place outdoors on the apron.
Mayor Tracey Hargreaves said the announcement is essential to realising the vision for Ballarat Airport as the key air transport hub for the west of the state.
The City of Ballarat‘s CEO, Evan King, has denied the city has a vandalism problem despite several recent destructive incidents.
In the latest incident, the giant Begonia letters on Sturt Street were smashed.
That follows recent damage to the Prime Ministers Avenue busts, and the botanic gardens floral clock.
Mr King told 3BA the acts are committed by a small percentage of the population and that the council is working closely with Victoria Police to address the issues.
Victorian Briefs:
The Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, recently completed a comprehensive two-day tour of East Gippsland, visiting key industries, training centres, and cultural landmarks while engaging with local community leaders.
The visit highlighted both the region’s strengths and challenges, with East Gippsland Shire Council showcasing the area’s resilience, economic diversity, and community spirit.
A contract for design and construction of a new Tatura Skate Park has been awarded by Greater Shepparton Council, with site preparation works set to begin shortly at Mactier Gardens Precinct.
The modern facility will provide an inclusive space for skaters, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts of all skill levels, fostering community connection and promoting active lifestyles in the Tatura community.
Mitchell Shire Council has welcomed $45 million in Federal Government funding to upgrade Old Sydney Road in Beveridge, a crucial project that will improve safety and provide reliable alternative access amid rapid population growth.
The project is part of a broader infrastructure initiative that includes the Watson Street and Camerons Lane Interchange upgrades, all aimed at reducing congestion and supporting the region’s development needs.
The Victorian Local Governance Association has released findings from the state’s first-ever Councillor Census, revealing significant challenges faced by local representatives.
Over 300 councillors responded to the survey, which found the average councillor is 57 years old and dedicates nearly 30 hours weekly to council duties—work many feel is inadequately compensated.
Perhaps most concerning, the census revealed widespread experiences of hostile behaviour, with 41% of women councillors and 26% of men reporting regular intimidation from fellow councillors.
VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt says the groundbreaking data will help address barriers preventing councillors from seeking re-election and inform government policy moving forward.
The VLGA plans to conduct the census annually to track changes in councillor demographics and experiences.
You can learn more about the census and next steps on a special edition of VLGA Connect, coming your way on Friday on YouTube and podcast.
National Roundup:
NSW:
The CEO of Shellharbour Council Mike Archer is reportedly taken leave after a confidential session of councillors on Monday.
The Illawarra Mercury reported the meeting was called to hear a report on personnel matters.
An investigation is believed to be underway into an incident alleged to have occurred at a staff Christmas party.
The Council told the masthead that it was a private matter between Council and the CEO.
Executive Director of Business Enterprises Wayde Peterson has been appointed acting CEO.
Stacy Williams has been appointed as the new CEO of Murray River Council.
Ms Williams is currently the Director of Healthy Communities and Environments at the City of Greater Bendigo, and has 19 years of local government experience including previous roles at the Shires of Gannawarra and Campaspe.
She is an Echuca-Moama local who also chairs the Echuca Regional Health Board.
Sarah Ryan has been acting CEO since Terry Dodds’ departure for Queensland last November, and she will continue to act in the position until Ms Williams commences officially on April 14.
In news from the most recent meeting of Newcastle City Council, the council has taken a stand against state housing approval reforms by requesting the NSW State Government adjust the threshold for State Significant Development in Newcastle.
The Newcastle Herald reported that councillors have branded some of the state’s reforms as an attempt to strip council planning powers by stealth.
The Council also addressed a government push to ban ticketless infringement notices for parking, and will advocate for SMS notification services rather than physical tickets to protect Parking Officers from potential harm.
Proposed changes to council meeting rules have been branded as “unbelievably stupid” and “chauvinistic” by councillors at Wollongong.
The Illawarra Mercury reported on the council’s debate about its submission to the draft meeting rules, which were due in last week.
Councillor concerns included restrictions on holding private briefing sessions, limiting councillors’ ability to attend meetings online, and requiring all councillors to stand when the Lord Mayor enters the chamber.
Singleton Council will introduce a FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) waste collection service on June 30, featuring weekly green bin and fortnightly red/yellow bin collections.
Urban residents having the option to pay extra for weekly red bin collection.
The Singleton Argus reported that the announcement sparked backlash on social media, despite no objections during the council meeting where the resolution passed.
The NSW Government-mandated program aims to reduce organic waste in landfills, with Council promising comprehensive education and support to ease the transition for residents.
Central Coast Council has adopted a masterplan for the Central Coast Airport that includes upgrading it to a Code 1B aerodrome without extending the 1200m runway.
The plan focusses on general aviation activities and emergency services while protecting the Porters Creek Wetland through a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement.
The next steps over two years involve completing rezoning, subdivision, and the biodiversity agreement before reaching Gateway 1, at which point further options will be presented to Council for consideration.
The New South Wales government has abandoned plans for a new school in Chatswood, a decision that Willoughby Council says undermines years of strategic planning for the area’s growth.
The Council is urging the government to reconsider the decision and provide a plan for supporting the area’s infrastructure needs amid significant housing development.
QLD:
Councils have swung into action with information and support services as Tropical Cyclone Alfred closes in on SE Queensland.
Gold Coast Council has urged residents to get ready for the cyclone, providing advice on how to prepare and opening sandbag stations in three locations.
All Gold Coast beaches have been closed due to large swells and hazardous conditions.
Redland City Council reported high demand at sandbagging stations across the city, urging patience as they continuously replenish supplies and maintain a limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle.
Help was called in to manage traffic, and extra supplies were due to arrive from interstate.
All Moreton Bay customer service centres are closed until next Monday, weather permitting, and waste facilities will be closed later today. Kerbside bin collection services for Thursday and Friday are suspended, with catch up services planned from next week.
The region’s councils have disaster dashboards accessible through their websites, with an array of information for residents.
Sunshine Coast is a prime example, with information on places of refuge, road conditions, power outages and warnings, and links to other agencies and resources.
All councils are providing regularly updated information for residents through their various communications channels.
The Courier Mail reports on an investigation at Logan City Council, looking into allegations that senior staff received kickbacks from a recruitment firm that secured $2.4 million in contracts for the council’s Digital Transformation Program.
The Queensland Audit Office is investigating after concerns were raised about financial management, with the council already having spent $35 million on the program.
Townsville City Council is urging residents to maintain medium-level water restrictions while repairs to a critical water pipeline damaged during recent extreme weather take place.
The damaged pipeline has forced the Northern Water Treatment Plant offline for 4-6 weeks, with the entire city now being supplied by the Douglas Water Treatment Plant.
National Briefs:
The Australian Local Government Association has made a submission to a government review of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, emphasising that local governments are crucial partners in resource recovery, providing essential infrastructure while protecting local environments.
The submission strongly advocates for industry, rather than local governments, to bear the primary responsibility for waste reduction efforts.
Former Queanbeyan-Palerang Mayor Frank Pangallo, the city’s longest-serving mayor and first elected from a non-British background, will be honoured by having the Heritage Library named after him in recognition of his significant contributions to the region.
Details of an official naming ceremony are pending.
Griffith is set to host the 2025 Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW Conference in May, welcoming over 100 delegates and generating an estimated $200,000 for the local economy.
The conference will bring together leaders and professionals from across NSW, featuring key speakers and discussions on regional issues while highlighting Griffith as a centre for leadership and community engagement.
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has unanimously endorsed two strategic frameworks that will guide its advocacy efforts and partnerships with various levels of government.
The initiatives aim to position Kalgoorlie-Boulder as a leading regional economic hub while ensuring local priorities remain at the forefront of governmental discussions.
SA:
South Australia’s Essential Services Commission has rung some alarm bells this week, issuing a warning about the financial sustainability of six of the state’s councils.
InDaily reports that Alexandrina, Tumby Bay, Renmark Paringa, Flinders Ranges, and Wudinna councils have all been flagged for concerning financial projections.
Adelaide City Council and District Council of Loxton Waikerie were also ranked as potentially unsustainable in the future, while Gawler received mixed ratings.
Alexandrina Council’s CEO Andrew McDonald responded by reassuring the community that the council had not been idle since the review was being compiled.
He said the council has made significant changes to its draft Long Term Financial Plan and is on track to be in surplus by 2026/27.
The warnings come as part of a mandatory four-year assessment scheme introduced in 2021 as an alternative to rate-capping. Key issues identified include underfunded asset renewals and an over-reliance on above-inflation rate increases
The Local Government Association’s CEO Clinton Jury has defended councils, noting they’re being asked to take on more responsibilities with diminishing federal support.
A Biosecurity Bill has been passed by the South Australian parliament, and provides councils in that state with greater protection against funding dog fence infrastructure.
The bill limits the circumstances in which the Dog Fence Board can require council contributions.
Key amendments secured by the LGA of SA ensure councils can only be levied under specific conditions, with mandatory consultation requirements and ministerial approvals needed before any charges can be imposed.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Nottingham City Council has apologised after one of its street cleaning teams was caught dumping collected rubbish onto a grass verge, contradicting their own anti-fly-tipping campaign.
It says the team was immediately sent back to clear the rubbish, and that correct procedures are being reinforced with its teams to prevent any recurrence.
The Telegraph reported that the incident is the latest controversy for the council, which also recently imposed restrictions on grave decorations, limiting flowers to one week after funerals and removing other memorabilia without notice.
In Scotland, the National reports that Aberdeen City Council workers are being balloted on industrial action by GMB Scotland due to concerns over potential fire and rehire tactics.
The dispute centres around proposed contract changes that would reduce full-time workers’ hours from 37 to 35 per week and implement a pay freeze.
The Council says the proposals have been modified based on feedback from trade unions, and they’ve now entered a period of formal consultation.
A new survey has revealed that almost nine in ten of England’s largest councils are using artificial intelligence across various services including administration, adult social care, children’s services, and roads maintenance.
But the County Councils Network says councils are facing barriers to progress in the use of AI including lack of staff capacity, funding, and training.
Despite the challenges, the majority of councils report that AI has improved staff productivity and services, though ethical considerations, workforce limitations, and potential disinformation remain concerns.
USA:
Los Angeles County has allocated $17 million in grant funding to expand parkland and open space territory across 13 projects, totalling 623 acres.
The grants focus on areas that lack open space or parks.
Additionally, the county announced a new RESTORE grant to support fire recovery and climate resiliency efforts in communities affected by wildfires, windstorms, and environmental disasters.
Crestview City Council in Florida has unanimously agreed to draft an ordinance banning smoking in all city parks, expanding current restrictions that only apply to certain areas.
The proposed ban would prohibit smoking and vapor-generating devices in all city-owned parks to address public health concerns, park cleanliness, and protect the city’s investment in park facilities.
Get the Coast dot com has more on that story.
Denver City Council is set to address regulations for psychedelic-assisted therapies involving magic mushrooms at their meeting this week.
Colorado voters approved the decriminalisation of the so-called “magic mushrooms” over two years ago, making it the second state to take such action.
The Denver Gazette reports that the proposal would establish local licensing for natural medicine facilities while repealing a 2019 ordinance that de-prioritised criminal enforcement. City officials believe local licensing could help mitigate community risks.
CANADA:
Elizabethtown-Kitley council, a rural township in Eastern Ontario, has voted to limit their own virtual meeting attendance to just four times per year, while also banning virtual participation in closed sessions over confidentiality concerns.
CBC News reported that not all council members supported the decision. Councillor Eleanor Renaud, who voted against the compromise, expressed frustration with the restrictions, stating “The world has changed, and this is the norm.”
Meanwhile, a decision on requiring township staff to work exclusively from the office has been deferred pending a staff report.
Township CAO Robert Nolan defended remote work arrangements, contending that staff productivity hasn’t suffered.
The matter is expected to return to council in March.
Still in Ontario, and Kingston City Council plans to protest a high speed rail plan by rail operator Via Rail, which would bypass the city, according to The Whig dot com.
The council considers it a “breach of trust” after previously supporting a high frequency rail system where Kingston would serve as a regional hub.
It’s is proposing to withdraw support for the new high speed rail line and is requesting Via Rail to honour its original promise of making Kingston a regional hub.