Coming up on the Local Government News Roundup for 17th April 2024:
- Municipal monitors reappointed at Glenelg Shire
- A new council area caught up in the current wave of Asbestos contamination
- A Sydney mayor determined to fight a devastating state government decision
- A massive deal in the works between the Gold Coast and the NFL
- A mayor refutes allegations of threats against councillors, while another accuses councillors of corruption and collusion
- A new local government minister in South Australia
Plus more Council news from across Australia and beyond on the Local Government News Roundup, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, hosting a members only online professional development workshop on Managing Difficult Conversations – Friday 19th April;
and with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment service and business advisory practice.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 324:
Victorian Roundup:
Jim Gifford and Steven Kingshott have been re-appointed as municipal monitors to Glenelg Shire Council, following on from their initial three month appointment which commenced in November last year.
In their final report to the Minister, they note that although the Council has made progress, work is still required to improve its governance policies, processes and practices.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne has now re-appointed them from this week for different terms – Mr Kingshott’s appointment will conclude four weeks after an ongoing Chief Executive Officer is appointed, and Mr Gifford’s appointment will conclude on 31 December 2024.
Asbestos has been found in a mulched garden bed at Minihans Reserve in the City of Casey.
The area was closed off for public safety while further testing was conducted.
The EPA has attended the reserve and says while the source of contamination is under investigation, it believes it is not due to contamination in the mulch.
Clean-up of the site was expected to be completed yesterday.
Meanwhile in Hobsons Bay clean-up of affected sites continues and public access remains restricted at each site until cleared.
A Dandenong South manufacturer says it will complain to the local government minister about a City of Dandenong councillor.
The Dandenong Star Journal reported on the participation of Cr Rhonda Garad in pro-Palestine protests outside the AW Bell factory.
The company supplies parts for Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, and been targeted by protesters due to its involvement in the war planes used by Israel in the Gaza conflict.
Councillor Garad maintains that she participated in the protests as an individual, not as a representative of the council, but Yvonne Bell from AW Bell intends to file a complaint against Councillor Garad, citing damages and misrepresentation.
Greater Dandenong councillors have rejected a call to limit the number of representatives attending the Australian Local Government Association national general assembly in Canberra in June,
The council’s policy covers the costs for any councillor who wishes to attend the annual event, but some councillors think it’s an unnecessary expense.
Despite the call, the council has approved eight councillors and the CEO to attend at an estimated cost of $3320 per head.
The Dandenong Star Journal reported that the decision has sparked debate about financial responsibility and the benefits of attending the assembly.
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) has appointed Rhys Thomas as Head of Local Government Programs & Policy.
Thomas, with a 30-year career in local government, has held senior management roles in governance at the Cities of Darebin, Knox, and Yarra.
He holds a planning degree from RMIT and a law degree from Monash University.
He will take up the new position with the VLGA in the 8th May.
A new suburb of 7,000 potential new dwellings in Cardinia Shire, encompassing parts of Pakenham, Nar Nar Goon and Nar Nar Goon North, needs a name.
The Council’s Place Names Advisory Committee has shortlisted six potential names, all of which are commemorative names of local women.
The Cardinia community is invited to vote on the names until May 21.
The council is also proposing to rename Mount Ararat North Road and Mount Ararat South Road due to confusion and safety concerns.
Victorian Briefs:
Over $2 million in grants are available to local councils to enhance road safety as part of the Transport Accident Commission’s Local Government Grant Program.
The program focuses on reducing accidents involving vulnerable road users. Notable projects include Merri-bek City Council’s wombat crossings and Surf Coast Shire Council’s safe cycling link exploration.
The 2024 grant program will open for applications in mid-June.
IBAC is recruiting a new CEO to work collaboratively with the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and Executive to guide the organization’s vision and strategy.
Applications close on 28 April 2024.
Ararat Rural City Council is enhancing its support for Pomonal bushfire-affected residents by providing direct access to its Development & Regulation Manager for two days a week to assist with planning issues.
The initiative aims to expedite the processing of applications and provide guidance on planning regulations and building permit procedures.
The service will be available until at least the end of April, with potential for extension based on demand.
National Roundup:
NSW:
City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Trenton Brown, says he will continue the fight to preserve the TG Millner Fields in Marsfield as public open space, despite the State Government’s refusal to allow its compulsory acquisition.
He said he was shocked and devastated by the government decision.
The Mayor has asked for the Premier’s intervention and is working with state and federal MPs to preserve the site for future generations.
The land, currently under threat from a proposed housing development, was sold to North Ryde RSL in 2017 who have submitted a planning proposal to rezone the land for townhouse dwellings.
The City of Ryde has allocated $15 million for the purchase of the site.
Sydney street artist Anthony Lister has criticized Waverley Council’s plan to remove his mural from Bondi Beach seawall, following complaints that the artwork glorifies Australia’s colonial past.
The council plans to paint over the mural, which depicts a scene of colonial violence, after a surge in negative social media feedback.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Lister says the mural was intended to highlight the treatment of Indigenous people in postcolonial Australia and has accused the council of suppressing artistic expression.
The Coffs Harbour jetty, a heritage-listed structure built in 1892, is at risk of falling into disrepair due to a funding dispute between the City of Coffs Harbour and the state government, according to a report from the Daily Telegraph.
The city’s mayor, Paul Amos, has accused the state government of using the jetty as a political pawn after it refused to fund repairs.
The dispute is part of a larger conflict over the future of the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores, with both the city and state proposing different visions for the waterfront area.
Eurobodalla Shire Council and Repurposing for Resilience (RfR) have launched Australia’s first community solar panel reuse centre.
The centre, which prevents solar panels from going to landfill, was officially opened on April 13 at Moruya transfer station.
Panels in good condition are reused in homes across the shire or repurposed if no longer fit for use.
The Bay Post Moruya Examiner reported that the initiative, which has saved over 1000 panels from landfill, was funded by WWF Australia and has provided solar power to nine homes affected by the Black Summer fires.
QLD:
Gold Coast City Council has secretly backed a deal to create an NFL academy, with a super majority of councillors voting 13-1 in support according to a report from the Gold Coast Bulletin.
The details remain confidential, but the deal is expected to generate a major capital investment of over $269 million across 10 years, contribute to 50 new jobs, and have a broader strategic economic impact of $160 million.
The Bulletin says it believes Gold Coast has beaten out several other cities to secure the deal.
An announcement with the NFL is expected at the end of the month.
Questions are being raised about Cairns Regional Council’s mayoral induction ceremony, which reportedly cost ratepayers $19,000.
The event was held at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, and has been deemed a success by a council spokesperson.
The Cairns Post reported that the ceremony, which was attended by around 450 people, was a departure from previous, more low-key events.
The cost included the mayor’s locally made robes, which were purchased for $450.
The spend has come in for scrutiny at a time when the council faces existing significant debt and a potential $34m damage bill from Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
TAS:
Latrobe Council Mayor Peter Freshney has issued a statement in response to a report in The Advocate this week, in which it was claimed he had threatened councillors with jail terms in respect to the recruitment process for a new general manager.
Mayor Freshney said there was no closed session of Council on 4th April 2024 as reported, and that he categorically refutes all allegations – specifically claims that he had instructed councillors that they must not conduct reference checks, that all notes be destroyed and that he had threatened councillors with the possibility of being sent to prison if any information relating to the appointment of the person was revealed.
Mayor Freshney said those claims are a complete fabrication and misrepresentation of the truth.
The Council advised that it will not be entering into further engagement on this matter as the recruitment process is yet to be finalised and council is cognisant that potential legal proceedings may be compromised given what appears to be the unprecedented release of confidential information and the personal and professional implications for those involved.
Central Highlands Council has passed a motion requiring its Mayor Loueen Triffitt to retract her comments after accusing fellow councillors of “corruption and collusion” during a special meeting held to review the performance of the council’s general manager, Kim Hossack.
ABC News reported that Mayor Triffitt described the meeting as an “abuse of power” as councillors called the meeting without consulting her.
She also accused some councillors of having a personal or emotional attachment to the general manager.
The council’s lawyer told the meeting that the mayor had acted against his advice, and that the meeting had been validly convened.
Deputy Mayor Jim Allwright said the general manager’s performance review was overdue, leading to the special meeting, and called on the mayor to retract her allegations through a Notice of Motion listed on the agenda of yesterday’s ordinary meeting (page 7)
The council passed the motion 7 votes to 2, requiring Mayor Triffitt to retract her allegations and a publish a notice of retraction in several local publications.
Kingborough Council has spent over $50,000 on recruiting a new CEO, Dave Stewart, with an additional $20,000 likely to be spent, according to a report from Pulse Tasmania.
The costs cover recruitment agency fees, travel costs, police checks, and personality assessments.
Stewart, who previously worked for Auckland Council, Paralympics New Zealand, and the Australian Rugby Foundation, will replace the recently retired Gary Arnold.
SA:
The resignation of local government minister Geoff Brock from the SA state cabinet for health reasons has triggered a reshuffle this week.
Premier Peter Malinauskas has moved local government responsibilities to Joe Szakacs, along with veterans affairs, trade and investment.
Mr Brock’s regional road responsibilities go to Transport Minister Tom Koustantonis; and there’ll be a new housing super portfolio headed by Nick Champion to cover all aspects of housing, infrastructure, urban development and planning.
Indaily has more detail on the cabinet reshuffle.
The Rural City of Murray Bridge has withdrawn its remaining $20,000 funding for Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland, following a $100,000 reduction last year.
Murray Bridge News reported that despite the funding withdrawal, the two organizations will continue to collaborate on regional projects.
The council plans to allocate the funds towards its own economic development activities, specifically the Murraylands Skills Centre.
WA:
Shire President Julia Meldrum and temporary Shire CEO Arthur Kyron met with State Premier Roger Cook and others to discuss critical issues facing the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
Key topics included emergency and affordable housing, long-term funding for social services, and investment in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
National Briefs:
The City of Sydney is reducing adoption fees for pets in its animal shelter from 15 to 26 April to alleviate strain on the facility.
The adoption fee for dogs will be cut from $399 to $199.50, and for cats from $263 to $131.50.
The initiative is in response to an increase in the number of animals being surrendered due to cost of living, housing affordability, and rental restrictions.
The Shire of Merredin has appointed Mr. Craig Watts as its new Chief Executive Officer for a five-year term, starting on June 4, 2024.
Mr. Watts is currently the Director Regulatory Services at the Shire of Port Hedland, and brings three decades of local government experience to the role.
Deputy Shire President Paula Cristoffanini is resigning from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River Council due to a pending relocation to Perth.
Her resignation creates a vacancy on the Council, which will be filled by Melissa D’Ath, the candidate that received the next highest number of votes during the most recent Local Government election.
A new Deputy Shire President will be decided at the 24 April Council meeting.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Hon. Kristy McBain MP, met with City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery to discuss upcoming projects and opportunities for the city’s development.
With Moreton Bay’s population expected to grow significantly, discussions focused on the infrastructure and funding needed for this growth.
The Minister and Mayor also discussed the national housing and homelessness crisis, and the city’s initiatives to address these issues.
International Spotlight:
UK:
An extraordinary council meeting will be held to propose a motion of no confidence in Jonathan Nunn, the Conservative leader of West Northamptonshire Council, following allegations published in Private Eye magazine.
BBC News reported this morning that the meeting has been requested by independent councillor Ian McCord and gas gained the support of least eight councillors.
The meeting will take place next month. Mr Nunn has publicly acknowledged a past conviction for assault but denies recent abuse allegations.
Local authority leaders are urging MPs to support the government’s plans to ban smoking and restrict vape use.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is up for a vote, aims to prevent anyone turning 15 from this year from buying cigarettes.
Despite criticism from some MPs, the bill also aims to make vapes less appealing to children.
Councils are reportedly ‘fully supportive’ of the ambition to ban smoking, citing its role as a leading cause of preventable ill health, disability, and death.
Canada:
Victoria council has requested the B.C. province to amend the process of setting their own pay, after facing criticism for voting themselves a 25% raise.
They have passed a motion to change the council remuneration approval process, removing councillors from making decisions on their own compensation.
In the meantime, an independent task force has been directed to make recommendations regarding council compensation by July 25.
USA:
A protester who threatened Bakersfield city councilmembers, has been fired from her job with advocacy group, the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment.
KGET News reported that Riddhi Patel was arrested and charged with 18 felony counts, including making terroristic threats and threatening a public official.
Her bail was initially set at $1M but has since been reduced to $500k by a judge who found her behaviour “disappointing and disturbing”.
She has been ordered to turn in her passport, not leave the state of California, and be placed on GPS monitoring.
She had been demanding the council pass a resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza and was also speaking out against recent security measures for city council meetings.
The pro-Palestinian group United Front Liberation has disavowed Patel’s comments.
The Mayor of Aurora, Colorado, Mike Coffman has proposed a ‘tough love’ approach to homelessness, including an outright ban on camping along the I-225 corridor and the creation of a specialized court for homeless cases.
Colorado Politics dot com reported that the proposals, set for a council study session on April 22, would replace the current 72-hour move notice with immediate tickets and potential arrest for non-compliance.
The new court, dubbed the H.E.A.R.T Court, would handle low-level offenses and offer offenders probation with court-ordered participation in homeless services or jail time.
Successful completion of court-ordered requirements would result in dropped charges.
NZ:
A former Auckland Council building inspector, Nicholas Bright, and an unnamed building company director are facing corruption and bribery charges filed by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).
The NZ Herald reported that Bright allegedly received bribes related to his work as a building inspector between 2018 and 2020.
The matter was referred by the council after conducting their own investigations.
He was remanded without plea and is due to appear in court on May 7, while the company director pleaded not guilty and will appear at a case review hearing on August 9.
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark is facing a code of conduct complaint due to his appearance on a television show which made headlines for his use of racially charged language.
The complaint was lodged by two councillors, Ian Pottinger and Ria Bond, who criticized the mayor’s television appearance.
The Otago Daily Times reported that the complaint is currently under investigation by an outside agency.