Coming up on the Local Government News Roundup for Wednesday 10th July 2024:
- A union’s attempted move into local government lands in the Fair Work Commission
- Councils consider flood modelling showing thousands of properties at risk
- Boroondara’s fight for more government compensation over NE Link
- A shambolic general manager recruitment process leads to a heated council meeting
- A controversial artwork removed from display after threats of violence
- Fighting hooning and illegally dumped waste
- A walkout ends a meeting of Hobart City Council
- Positive vibes as England’s mayors meet with the country’s new Prime Minister
- and the city breaking the marketing rules with its new visitation campaign.
Plus more of the latest news from around the world of local government brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association,
with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment service and business advisory practice, presenting LG Innovate: Artificial Intelligence Summit for the local government C-Suite at Peregian Beach in September.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 360:
Victorian Roundup:
An application from the CFMEU is listed for the Fair Work Commission in Melbourne today.
The union is seeking bargaining orders in relation to representing heavy plant operators at the City of Greater Geelong.
The CFMEU’s move into local government is being opposed by a group of five Victorian councils, led by Greater Geelong, as well as by the Australian Services Union.
Today’s hearing listed for 1.30pm follows social media posts by the CFMEU depicting Greater Geelong Council’s CEO Ali Wastie in a rubbish bin, and wrongly claiming the council is under administration.
New flood modelling released by Yarra City Council has revealed that that over a third of properties in the municipality, including Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Richmond, are at risk of flooding from stormwater drains.
22,179 homes are potentially impacted, leading to concerns about rising insurance costs, and reduced property values.
The council was last night due to consider declaring the flood areas, although a motion to defer until next February was expected to come from a councillor according to a report from The Age.
Merri-bek Council is reported to be also considering flood modelling data with around 12,000 homes considered at risk.
Also from the Age today, a story on Boroondara City Council’s fight for more compensation for the loss of tennis courts to the North East Link project.
The council has launched Supreme Court action claiming the government’s offer of $30.1M under values the land and other losses, and arguing for a minimum $64M in compensation.
Brimbank City Council has welcomed Melbourne Airport’s support for an above-ground station for the proposed airport rail line.
Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic said the airport’s announcement provides a clear pathway to get the link built, and called on the state government to prioritise work on the Sunshine Precinct to unlock investment, create jobs, and meet housing targets.
The Sunshine Precinct, including the Sunshine Station Super Hub, is expected to generate 30,000 jobs and attract 40,000 new residents.
Des Phelan, the former and first mayor of Golden Plains Shire, has criticised the council’s decisions to refuse planning permits for two new childcare centres in Bannockburn.
Both proposals meet planning scheme requirements but proved contentious in the chamber with councillors divided, and the mayor’s casting vote brought into play for one of the proposals.
The Golden Plains Times reported Mr Phelan’s view that the decision was poor, given the need for childcare centres in the region.
Interim CEO Michael Tudball has confirmed the receipt of rescission motions on the two decisions, which will see them come back to the chamber later this month.
The City of Greater Geelong‘s Youth Council has made three recommendations to curb vaping among young people.
The Geelong Times reported that the youth council has highlighted the need for clearer communication of federal e-cigarette laws, closer monitoring of vape stores near schools, and better education for retailers.
The report also details the Youth Council’s recent contributions to local health campaigns and the development of the new Geelong Youth Hub.
Hepburn Shire Council, in partnership with the Foundation for Young Australians, is forming a new Youth Advisory Group as part of its Young Mayors program.
The program aims to democratically elect Youth Councils for 11 to 17-year-olds across Australia.
The shire is one of six councils participating in a two-year pilot study to test new ways of backing young people to be centred in the decisions that affect their lives.
Moira Shire Council will increase rubbish diversion from landfill through new waste collection services, including weekly food and green waste and monthly glass collections.
Starting in October, households will receive a new purple bin for glass recycling, with changes to other waste collections beginning in February.
The plan, shaped by community feedback, includes additional services during peak periods and larger bins for qualifying households.
Previous audits show significant recoverable waste in landfill, highlighting the need for these changes to create a more sustainable environment.
Murrindindi Shire Council has introduced its first electric vehicle (EV) to its fleet, aiming to reduce emissions and promote sustainability.
The EV, charged with 100% renewable energy, will be used by Council staff and is part of a broader plan to expand the EV fleet and charging infrastructure.
The Council also offers subsidies for local businesses to install EV chargers in line with its goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
Victorian Briefs:
Hume City Council has welcomed the opening of the luxurious Novotel and Ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, a $230 million project, which marks the first new internationally branded hotel at Melbourne Airport in over two decades.
The development has created over 200 local jobs and offers 464 rooms, conference spaces, dining options, and a health club.
Mildura Rural City Council has introduced SmartySearch, a platform that consolidates various grant opportunities into one accessible location on their website.
The tool, beneficial for not-for-profits, businesses, individuals, and organizations, simplifies the process of finding funding sources from government, philanthropic, corporate, and foundation grants.
Southern Grampians Shire Council is selling vintage parking meters from Hamilton’s CBD, and has invited expressions of interest.
Proceeds from the sale will go towards community initiatives.
The meters are expected to generate strong interest from collectors and locals.
Entries are open for East Gippsland’s seventh annual Youth Art Prize, inviting artists aged 12-25 to showcase their talent.
The competition, organised by East Gippsland Shire Council, features categories such as Digital Media, Visual Arts, Physical 3D Works, and Indigenous Artwork, each offering a $250 first prize.
Mayor Tom Crook said the event is an opportunity to engage with and celebrate the talent of the shire’s young people.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Kyogle Council’s handling of a process to appoint a new general manager has been described as shambolic in a heated council meeting.
IndyNR.com reported that current mayor Kylie Webster withdrew an agenda item on interviewing GM candidates, leading to a contentious exchange.
While a reason for the withdrawal of the item was not provided, it has been reported that two of the final three candidates had withdrawn from the process.
Cr Ross Brown suggested hiring a locum from the NSW Office of Local Government to stabilise the council, while Mayor Webster has defended the current leadership.
The council made headlines last year when it sacked its GM, and appointed an interim who only stayed for seven weeks.
It is considered unlikely that the council will make an appointment before elections in September, leaving the decision to a newly elected council.
Liverpool Council has removed a contentious artwork that features Jesus Christ overlaid with Looney Tunes characters, from an exhibition at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.
The decision follows threats of violence and online protests claiming the artwork by Philjames mocked Christianity.
Mayor Ned Mannoun said he had received many complaints from residents who were disgusted and offended that the Council was displaying the artwork.
He said the right to free speech needs to be balanced with the right to practice your religion without fear, persecution, or ridicule.
Acting CEO Jason Breton confirmed that the artwork was removed late last week and that the artist had been informed of the decision.
A NSW state government plan to fund street closures for festivals to revive shopping areas is posing cost challenges for councils.
The government will provide up to $150,000 each for 130 events and says it will reduce red tape to make hosting events more affordable.
But local councils are concerned about the financial and logistical barriers, with the cost estimated to be in the order of $100,000 per day.
You’ll find more on that story from the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Daily Telegraph has reported on efforts by Bayside Council and NSW Police to combat hooning and car burnouts in Botany Bay, particularly around Foreshore Drive.
Operation Engage, launched last month, has so far resulted in 12 arrests and 16 vehicle tows for various driving offences.
As police step up their patrols and the use of mobile cameras, the council will install additional CCTV cameras around the Foreshore Drive boat ramp car park.
Behaviour such as hooning and burnouts in the area has been identified as the number one community issue for Police to deal with.
A man has been fined $200,000 by Liverpool Local Court for illegally dumping asbestos-containing building waste at a Rossmore property.
The incident was captured by a covert drone operation conducted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) after a report from Liverpool City Council in 2019.
It follows a previous conviction and $180,000 fine for the property occupier in 2021.
Mr. Maher El Masri was also fined $30,000 for lying to the EPA during their investigation.
QLD:
Townsville City Council has explained the termination a multi-million dollar Hilton hotel project that has been in the planning since 2017.
It said it had worked with the developer on significant changes and granted multiple extensions due to Covid and supply chain issues.
However, key milestones were not met by the developer and the Council says the end of the project was not due to its performance or actions.
The Council said it will now explore alternative opportunities for the site and consult with stakeholders for the North Queensland Stadium Precinct development.
The Courier Mail has reported on mixed reactions from residents to the installation of CCTV cameras at Cuthbert Park in Albany Creek by Moreton Bay City Council.
While some see the cameras as an enhancement of safety and a crime deterrence, others are concerned about an increase in intrusive surveillance.
The cameras have been installed in response to reports of anti-social behaviour and vandalism, although only one police complaint was made in the past six months.
The council says the cameras are for security, public safety, crime prevention and service improvement, and they will remain in place for 10-12 weeks.
National Briefs:
Nick O’Connor has been appointed as the new CEO of WA’s Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup.
He brings senior experience from local governments in New South Wales and Queensland, most recently as Director of Corporate and Community Services and Deputy CEO of Burdekin Shire.
His five year term will commence in early October.
Noosa Shire Council has approved a project to develop new social and affordable housing on a Council land parcel at Cooroy.
The land will be remediated and subdivided, with the first lot sold to a not-for-profit housing organisation.
The Council is also encouraging short-stay property owners to convert their properties to permanent rentals.
The City of Canterbury Bankstown, in partnership with Transport for NSW, has launched the Safer Cities: Her Way program to make Lakemba safer and more welcoming for women and girls.
The initiative includes colourful murals, improved lighting, new seating, and a temporary bike track co-designed with local women.
Wollondilly councillor Paul Rogers has announced a run at the mayoralty and in East Ward in the September local government election.
The current councillor of three years will represent Team Purple, and aims to continue his efforts to reform council bureaucracy and promote transparency.
The Federal Government has allocated funding for 73 local government housing projects and seven state and territory projects under a $1.5 billion Housing Support Program.
Key projects include funding for housing capacity studies, planning cadet programs, future housing supply strategies, and urban planning education.
The program aims to help achieve the national target of building 1.2 million new homes over the next five years.
A second funding stream of $450 million for infrastructure and community amenities, is now open for applications.
TAS:
A Hobart City Council meeting addressing discrimination allegations ended abruptly when several councillors walked out after a motion to postpone the meeting failed.
Pulse Tasmania reported that the meeting was called to discuss a report on the blocking of Councillor Louise Elliot from booking a venue due to concerns it would be ‘anti-transgender’.
The departure of the councillors left the meeting without a quorum.
The Lord Mayor, Anna Reynolds, was not present, as the meeting was scheduled while she was in Canberra.
SA:
Adelaide Hills Council received an Honourable Mention at the 2024 National Awards for Local Government for its efforts in combating violence against women and children.
Since February 2023, the Council has implemented Our Watch’s Prevention Toolkit, led by Councillor Louise Pascale, to promote gender equality and prevent violence.
Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom and CEO Greg Georgopoulos have welcomed the recognition, emphasising the program’s importance in fostering a safer community.
The winner of the category was WA’s City of Geraldton for the delivery of Active Bystander Training – Speaking Out Against Disrespect to City staff.
NT:
The City of Darwin has launched a Cyclone Tracy 50th anniversary website to collate and share information on events, activities, and initiatives commemorating the significant historical event.
The site invites community contributions and provides access to educational resources, local events, and digital archives.
An official ceremony will be held on 30 November 2024 to recognise Cyclone Tracy’s impact on Darwin.
WA:
The City of Stirling‘s Trackless Tram Trial has won the ‘Productivity through Infrastructure’ category at the 2024 National Awards for Local Government.
The project, which included a Net Zero Symposium and Community Open Day, was praised for its innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.
The trial received positive feedback from residents, with 94% rating the ride quality as good to excellent and 76% supporting it as a public transport option.
The City is finalising a business case for the technology, funded by the Australian Government and partners like Curtin University and Shanghai Electric.
An announcement that a WA Liberal Government would build a new Tom Price Hospital in their first term has been welcomed by the Shire of Ashburton.
But Shire President Audra Smith said while the commitment was welcome, the community was sick of waiting after inaction over the past 3 and a half years from the current government, and that they would only be confident once a tender is issued.
An election promise from the Labor Government of $12.8 million for a new hospital remains unfulfilled in the latest budget, and the council says it’s part of a pattern of unmet healthcare commitments in regional areas.
Global Roundup:
UK:
England’s regional Mayors have met at 10 Downing Street to initiate a major devolution programme, shifting power from Westminster to local governments.
The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have flagged a reset of the relationship between central and local government, promising a new partnership approach to empower regions, focusing on public service, respect, and collaboration.
The words ‘levelling up’ are to be dropped from the title of the government department for housing and local government.
At today’s meeting, PM Sir Keir Starmer said he was a great believer in devolution and was committed to a partnership with local government.
His plan to meet regularly with mayors as part of a council of regions was reportedly well received, with some mayors telling media outlets after the meeting that it felt like a new dawn and the PM’s comments were ‘music to the ears.”
An independent report by the Universities of Cambridge and Salford on South Cambridgeshire District Council‘s four-day week trial has found that 22 out of 24 key performance indicators have either improved or remained the same.
It found that the trial maintained public service quality, improved recruitment and retention, and saved £371,500 by filling hard-to-fill posts permanently.
The trial also enhanced employee wellbeing and commitment.
Two areas, housing rent collection and re-letting housing stock, did not meet targets, likely due to external economic factors.
The Council has continued the four-day week despite demands from the former government to end it, and it is awaiting further guidance from the newly elected UK government.
A UK council has been fined after a school technician lost a finger while using a circular bench saw due to inadequate training.
BBC News reported that West Sussex County Council was fined over £20,000 for the health and safety breach.
The council has accepted responsibility for the incident and has since taken steps to ensure all schools under its jurisdiction comply with safety training requirements.
USA:
A measure to make the Chicago City Council more independent from the mayor has failed to advance after the Rules Committee voted against it.
The measure was proposed by a group of council members who wanted to establish the City Council Office of Legislative Counsel and allow alderpersons to consult independently on disputes with the mayor’s office.
Those opposed said it would create gridlock, while supporters promoted it as a step towards independence.
WTTW News reported that the debate has highlighted ongoing tensions over City Council’s role and authority.
NORWAY:
A sarcastic new tourism ad for the city of Oslo is drawing plaudits for its humorous, understated approach that breaks conventional marketing rules.
The ad features a local resident humorously downplaying Oslo’s appeal, while subtly showcasing its architecture, art, and culture.
The campaign has been widely praised for its originality and effectiveness, proving that a dose of humour and a minimalist approach can create a memorable and successful tourism advertisement.
More from the website Creative Bloq
GERMANY:
The German city of Gelsenkirchen will temporarily be renamed “Swiftkirchen” in honor of Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour concerts from July 17-19.
The name change was suggested by a fan and approved by the mayor, Karin Welge.
The city will also feature a “Taylor Swift tram,” a “Taylor Town” party, and a stone for Swift on its Walk of Fame. The Wrap