Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- Turmoil at Victorian councils: a CEO is suspended, and accusations are levelled against another
- A Council CEO is stepping down
- Protests planned against a Sydney council’s rates plan
- Jet-skis, greyhound racing and e-scooters in the sights of mayors and councillors
- More resignations and appointments from around the sector
- A former Canadian councillor found guilty of fraud, and
- Local Government stalwarts recognised in Australia Day honours
and much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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 420:
Victorian Roundup:
Hobsons Bay City Council has suspended its CEO Aaron van Egmond, with immediate effect, after an unscheduled Council meeting on Saturday.
Mayor Cr Daria Kellandar issued a statement, in which she said Councillors became aware of concerns about safety in the workplace and the CEO’s fulfilment of his duties more broadly.
Cr Kellandar said Councillors take these matters very seriously and have made the decision to suspend Mr van Egmond following thorough and careful consideration, and pending further investigations.
The Herald Sun reported ($) that in December, the Australian Services Union had raised a formal dispute after receiving complaints from members about the behaviour of “certain managers” at the council and that Worksafe Victoria was “looking into these issues.”
Sustainable Communities director Rachel Lunn has been appointed acting chief executive while Mr Van Egmond is suspended.
ABC News has described significant internal turmoil at Victoria’s smallest council, the Borough of Queenscliffe, with allegations that its CEO threatened a councillor and that one councillor is considering resigning due to a toxic work environment.
The ABC reports says both the council and CEO Martin Gill declined to respond to a series of questions, and that neither denied the existence of an investigation or complaints.
Mick Cummins has announced his resignation as CEO of Melbourne’s Bayside Council after six and a half years.
Mr Cummins made the announcement via a LinkedIn post in which he said he was not retiring, but planned to work less hours and seek more balance in his life.
He joined Bayside in 2012 as Director Corporate Services before being appointed CEO in July 2018.
He will remain in the role until late March.
Mr Cummins’ resignation brings to ten, the number of Victorian councils in the market for a new CEO.
The Mayor of the City of Port Phillip Louise Crawford has issued a statement addressing community safety concerns, emphasising its partnership with Victoria Police while acknowledging that violent and illegal behaviour falls under police jurisdiction.
The statement followed a community walk held last week calling for greater police resourcing in the city.
Cr Crawford said the council is taking various initiatives including increased local law officer patrols, developing a new Community Safety Plan for 2025, and creating a stakeholder roundtable to address safety issues through a collaborative approach.
The City of Greater Geelong‘s new mayor Stretch Kontelj has proposed a significant property sell-off to reduce the council’s $190 million debt.
ABC News reported that potential targets include the recently completed $102 million civic headquarters.
The proposal comes amid financial pressures on the council, which has struggled to fully lease its new headquarters.
Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves has condemned the vandalisation of 20 busts in the Prime Ministers’ Walk at the Ballarat Botanic Gardens last week.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the last Thursday, in the lead up to the weekend’s Australia Day commemorations.
Cr Hargreaves told the Guardian that the attack would be extremely costly for the city’s ratepayers, and that it detracts from Ballarat as a city.
The LeadWest group of councils has announced its advocacy priorities for the upcoming Federal Election, calling for investment in Melbourne’s west as one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.
The advocacy alliance, representing Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham councils, sees a critical need for greater government investment across the region.
LeadWest Chair, Cr Dr Phillip Zada, said Melbourne’s west has been left behind for far too long, and has not received its fair share of funding compared to other regions, especially in transport and infrastructure.
A list of key priorities includes development of the Sunshine Precinct and construction of Melbourne Airport Rail, electrification of the Melton and Wyndham train lines, and highway upgrades.
Victorian Briefs:
Advertising has commenced for Strathbogie Shire Council’s permanent Chief Executive Officer with the support of external recruitment agency Gem Executive.
Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the recruitment of the CEO is one of the first key tasks of the new Council, with applications closing on 10th February.
Horsham Rural City Council was forced to cancel this year’s Australia Day Ski Show due to the low level of the Wimmera River.
The Council said it had made extensive efforts to maintain the water level using the weir, but a combination of consistently high temperatures and lack of rain led to evaporation outpacing the ingress of water.
The City of Ballarat’s Art Gallery will close from March until early 2026 for major interior upgrades.
The works, including HVAC replacement, lighting improvements, and wall modifications, will enable enhanced exhibition capabilities and better display of its significant permanent collection.
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:
This year’s list of Australia Day honours once again recognises the service and dedication of some of the local government sector’s most tireless contributors.
Jim Magee, former mayor and four-term councillor at Glen Eira City Council in Melbourne, has been awarded an OAM for services to local government.
Other recipients recognized with an OAM for their local government contributions include:
From NSW, Dianna Faye Baker, Inverell Shire Councillor 1999-2024 and three time Deputy Mayor, and President of the Australian Local Government Womens Association.
Neville Kschenka, Narrandera Shire mayor since 2016, councillor since 1988
Rodney Towney, Dubbo City Councillor 2004-2016
From Tasmania, David John Downie, of Northern Midland Council (formerly Campbell Town Council), mayor 2014-18, councillor since 1986
From South Australia, Cheryle Pedler, Mgr Environmental Services, District Council of Loxton Waikerie, member of council assessment panels – recognised for service to the community through a range of roles and organisations
And from Western Australia, Francis Rodriguez, from Broome – councillor at Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley since 1995, and former chair of Parish Council of Warmun, Wyndham and Kununurra 10 years
NSW:
Residents and local MPs are objecting to a proposed 39.6% rate increase at Northern Beaches Council, which would increase annual household rates by $673 and business rates by $1611.
9News reported that protests are planned for today’s council meeting at which the proposal will be considered, and two local MPS have joined the chorus of criticism describing the council as “out of touch.”
The council says balancing financial sustainability with the need for services is challenging, citing pressures including escalating maintenance costs, natural disaster expenses, and COVID-19 impacts.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council plans to auction 38 properties whose owners have been in rates arrears for at least five years, with outstanding amounts ranging from approximately $7,000 to $159,000, in an effort to recoup nearly $970,000.
Council General Manager Rebecca Ryan told ABC News it was a last resort measure after exhausting all attempts to contact the property owners.
The number of impacted properties has reduced from 48 since June last year.
The Deputy Mayor of Bayside Council in Sydney is calling for a ban on jet-skis at popular swimming spots like Brighton Le Sands after numerous life-threatening incidents and complaints from locals about dangerous behaviour.
Cr Heidi Lee Douglas told 9News that dangerous behaviour has been increasing each summer, and she wants to see no-go zones for jet skis implemented.
Transport for NSW does not support blanket bans, and said there are already some existing jet-ski exclusion zones in place, with authorities preferring to focus on education and compliance measures instead.
The NSW government expanded disaster relief funding following widespread storms in mid-January to include nine additional councils: Blacktown, Cessnock, Dungog, Hawkesbury, Lake Macquarie, Mid Coast, Northern Beaches, Singleton and Upper Hunter.
This follows the initial activation for Maitland, Port Stephens and Snowy Valley Councils a week prior.
The assistance package includes:
- Emergency accommodation support for eligible residents
- Grants for low-income and uninsured residents to repair essential home structures
- Concessional interest rate loans for primary producers, not-for-profits and small businesses
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said more councils may become eligible as damage assessments continue and additional councils submit their assessment forms.
QLD:
Queensland mayors and councillors outside of Brisbane will receive a 2.5-3% pay rise from July 2025.
ABC News reported that Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate will receive the highest increase.
The pay increases have been recommended by the Local Government Remuneration Commission, taking into account factors including inflation and the desire to attract quality candidates, particularly in regional areas.
Councils can choose to accept a lesser amount and must make a resolution to that effect prior to the 1st July.
It’s been confirmed that suspended Townsville mayor Troy Thompson is entitled to a 2.5% pay rise unless his council blocks the increase, though he has reportedly pledged to donate any additional pay to a community organisation.
Brisbane City Council’s Deputy Mayor Krista Adams has announced she will step down from her role and not contest the 2028 election, after serving since 2008 and as Deputy Mayor since 2019.
The former teacher turned politician told the Courier Mail that she would continue to represent her local area.
Flinders Shire Council has welcomed the Queensland Government’s temporary pause on wind farm proposals, with the aim of strengthening community consultation and planning processes for renewable energy projects.
In welcoming the pause, Mayor Kate Peddle said she hoped the government would consider standardising a community benefit fund for all councils accepting and supporting such proposals.
She said the council wants energy investment in the Flinders Shire and to ensure benefits flow to the region.
National Briefs:
Gold Coast City Council is reportedly considering a change to how rates for high rise units are calculated, after widespread protests against the controversial so-called View Tax which came in last year.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported ($) that proposed reforms would be considered as part of a major rates review, with any change requiring changes to state legislation.
Kangaroo Island Councillor Jeanette Gellard has reportedly resigned at the council’s January meeting.
The Islander Online reported that a statement outlining the decision was tabled at the meeting, and references to the now former councillor have been removed from the Council’s website.
There is no word yet on a process to fill the vacancy.
The District Council of Grant has elected a new Deputy Mayor for 2025.
Cr Brad Mann takes over from Bruce Bain in the position. The appointment came after a nomination for Cr Karen Turnbull for the position was declined.
TAS:
West Coast Council has named Scott Riley as its new General Manager, effective the 3rd February.
Mr Riley is the former GM of Circular Head Council.
Former Central Coast chief executive Barry Omundsen is filling the role on an interim basis until Mr Riley takes up the position.
The Advocate (24th January 2025) has reported on a string of leadership changes at the region’s councils in recent times, with Central Coast and Waratah-Wynyard currently looking for a new General Manager.
A petition to force the Hobart City Council to hold a public meeting about controversial bike lanes in Collins Street has fallen short by 30 signatures.
The Mercury reported that ($) 1000 valid signatures are required from electors or ratepayers.
The petition organisers say they will continue collecting signatures, and the council anticipates the threshold will be reached in the coming weeks.
That would mean any potential public meeting and elector poll will occur after the bike lane trial has already begun.
SA:
A new $12m bike lane along Adelaide’s Frome Road is getting a mixed reception.
The Advertiser reports ($) that cyclists are praising the extra space while motorists are reporting increased traffic congestion from the reduction to one lane in each direction.
Adelaide City Council says the congestion is partly due to ongoing works, and expects much better traffic movement once the works are complete.
600m of new lane opened last month and the current works are due to be completed next month.
South Australia’s Local Government Minister has rejected a call from the sector to change council election years, according to a report from the Border Watch (24th January 2025)
A motion passed at the annual general meeting of the Local Government Association last year proposed that council elections not be held in the same year as state and federal elections.
WA:
Mayor Patrick Hall of the City of Canning is calling for a ban on greyhound racing in Western Australia.
He has cited animal welfare concerns and a recent ban of the sport in New Zealand for the call, which he has made before.
He said Australia is now one of only seven countries in the world to allow greyhound racing.
Racing WA has defended the industry’s economic benefits and safety standards, including recent track improvements at Cannington, according to YourLocalExaminer dot com.
City of Joondalup mayor Albert Jacob has welcomed a state government election pledge of $16M towards new basketball headquarters for the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx at Warwick Stadium.
The planned works will also deliver three additional courts to help meet demand which is already beyond capacity.
Mayor Jacob said as the only WA council to have 2 NBL1 teams, the announcement ensures the city will be home to the most successful basketball franchise in Australia.
The City of Swan’s Mayor Tanya Richardson has described community joy in Ellenbrook, which is experiencing significant development with the opening of the Morley-Ellenbrook train line in December.
Works have also commenced on the Swan Active Ellenbrook leisure facility, marking a major milestone for the rapidly growing suburb.
The projects represent substantial investment in the area and Cr Richardson said they have been met with community passion for seeing the suburb transform.
Global Roundup:
UK:
The London Borough Council of Barnet has been forced to issue a S114 notice informing councillors of unlawful payments relating to its pension fund.
Room151 reports that the payments were made in 2020 and 2021.
A £20.5M prepayment was made without the necessary authorisations, and subsequent unlawful payments arose from attempts to recover duplicate contributions to the pension fund.
The council is still owed nearly £8M from the pension fund.
It said neither party is expected to be worse off and members of the pension scheme are unaffected.
Delays in external audits have been blamed for not identifying the unlawful payments sooner.
Basildon Council has voted unanimously to end an e-scooter trial that has been operating since 2020, according to a report from Echo News.
In unanimously rejecting an extension to the trial, councillors cited concerns about safety and antisocial behaviour affecting residents.
There have been multiple extensions of the trial, which has been run by Essex County Council.
Woking Borough Council, which is over £2bn in debt after a failed investment strategy, has approved the sale of two more buildings as part of its efforts to balance its budget.
BBC News reported that the council will work to relocate current users of the buildings, and that the sales would help increase housing provision in the borough.
SPAIN:
In Spain, Sílvia Orriols, the far-right pro-independence mayor of Ripoll, has lost a vote of confidence with only six councillors from her party voting in favour against ten opposition votes.
Catalan News reported that the opposition parties now have 30 days to name a successor and form a government.
USA:
A meeting of San Diego City Council is likely to be disrupted this week, as animal rights group PETA announces plans to protest a proposed deal between the Council and Seaworld.
The issue centres on $12 million in unpaid rent and fees owed by SeaWorld, with the city proposing to accept $8.8 million plus admission tickets as settlement, according to PETA.
It argues the arrangement amounts to free advertising for SeaWorld and shortchanges taxpayers, and plans to voice strong opposition at Monday’s council meeting.
Washington DC Council is set to hold a hearing on Tuesday to discuss potentially expelling Councilmember Trayon White following his arrest on federal bribery charges and a subsequent committee investigation which unanimously recommended his expulsion.
White is accused of accepting thousands of dollars in kickbacks for steering government contracts and grants, and a criminal trial is scheduled for 2026.
WJLA News reported that the Council needs a five-sixths majority vote to approve an expulsion.
Tulsa City Council in Oklahoma has voted to replace its opening prayer with a moment of silent reflection amid controversy after a pagan priestess dedicated an invocation to Medusa at a council meeting in November.
The incident prompted criticism from Oklahoma’s governor and strong reactions from constituents, according to the Oklahoman.
CANADA:
A former Calgary city councillor has been found guilty of fraud, according to CBC News today.
Joe Magliocca was accused of lying on his expense claims, and was described by the judge as the “polar opposite” of a credible witness during a two week trial last year.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May, and Mr Magliocca plans to appeal the decision.
He was acquitted on a separate charge of breach of trust.