On the Local Government News Roundup for Monday 6th January 2025:
- The MAV says Victoria’s latest rate cap highlights a flawed system
- Geelong’s monitors’ term expires with no news on what happens next
- Councils push back on kerbside glass recycling plans
- A change of leadership at LGNSW
- Another NSW General Manager resigns
- Plus: a demolition defended, a Council goes online amid safety concerns, and a City bans roosters after a run-in with a jogger!
All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Davidson recruitment and business advisory services.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Here is all the news from episode 414:
Victorian Roundup:
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) says the latest rate cap announcement of 3% to apply next year highlights a flawed system, and it is calling for a comprehensive review.
MAV President Jennifer Anderson said using CPI to determine rate caps doesn’t accurately reflect increased costs to local government in construction, materials, wages, and services.
The MAV is developing a more accurate Local Government Cost Index for Victoria to better account for diverse council needs across the state, and Cr Anderson says the peak body is keen to share that work with new Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos soon.
Government’s 3% rate cap highlights flawed system
The Geelong Advertiser reports that the state government has not yet decided whether to extend monitoring of Greater Geelong Council, after the expiry of monitors Peter Dorling and Mark Davies’ term on December 31st.
Their final report is pending, and it may be some weeks before the new minister makes a determination on any extension or other outcomes from the report.
East Gippsland Shire Council, along with 14 other Victorian councils, is opposing the state’s planned introduction of kerbside glass recycling due to significant costs that would burden ratepayers.
Those costs are estimated at $75 million in setup fees and $27 per household annually.
The councils argue that expanding the existing Container Deposit Scheme to include wine and spirit bottles would be more cost-effective and environmentally efficient, while achieving similar recycling goals.
Media Release: Glass recycling cannot be a cost burden on our community
The newly elected City of Whittlesea Council is seeking consultation with the Victorian Government on its housing reforms, which include the identification of Epping as one of 10 key activity centres for development.
The call has been prompted by concern about a lack of information and potential for the changes to affect the delivery of critical community infrastructure.
Council calls for consultation on major housing and planning reforms
Alpine Shire Council says data from kerbside bin inspections revealed that residents with smaller general waste bins (80L or 120L) were more effective at diverting waste from landfill compared to those with larger 240L bins.
The inspections also identified several contamination issues across different bin types, particularly with incorrect disposal of food organics, recyclables, and soft plastics, highlighting the need for continued community education about proper waste sorting.
Data shows smaller bins diverting waste from landfill
Victorian Briefs:
Benalla Rural City Council has warned residents not to interact with its Facebook page as they believe it has been compromised.
It says residents should be vigilant of unusual posts or messages that appear to be from council.
Dan Straub, the Mayor of Loddon Shire, has been appointed as chairman of the Murray River Group of Councils, succeeding Gannawarra’s Ross Stanton in a rotational leadership change.
The group, which comprises six municipal councils including Loddon, Gannawarra, Swan Hill, Mildura, Moira and Campaspe Shires, is actively opposing the Federal Government’s water buyback initiatives in the Murray Darling Basin region.
Straub leads regional council group – Loddon Herald
A new Laverton Creek shared user path has been completed by the City of Wyndham, connecting the Federation Trail to Doherty’s Road.
The council collaborated with Melbourne Water to provide the final missing link to the Federation Trail.
Campaspe Shire Council has announced a pioneering arts festival to take place this year, focusing on connecting people with nature and exploring climate change adaptation through creativity.
Ripple Fest 2025 wil take place from May 22-25 with multiple programs including a Pump House Artist Residency and a youth-led creative initiative.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Local Government NSW has had a leadership change.
Broken Hill Councillor Darriea Turley AM was forced to step down as President due to her council’s resignation from the peak body.
Mayor Phyllis Miller from Forbes Shire Council will take on the role of President until November 2025.
The change created a vacancy for VP Rural/Regional, which has been filled by Mid-Coast Mayor Claire Ponton, and a casual vacancy for a director position will be filled through a count back process.
Liverpool Plains Shire Council General Manager Gary Murphy has resigned effective February 14, to pursue opportunities outside local government.
He has held the position since May 2023.
His departure marks the third GM resignation in the region after Armidale and Moree Plains Shire Councils.
The New England Times reported that an extraordinary meeting of Liverpool Plains council has been set for January 10 to begin the recruitment process for a new General Manager.
Liverpool Plains Shire Council GM resigns | New England Times
A tragic drowning at South Bombo Beach, the second this holiday season, has prompted Kiama Council Mayor Cameron McDonald to emphasise the importance of beach safety and following lifeguard instructions.
The Mayor has urged both visitors and locals to swim at patrolled beaches between the flags, wear lifejackets where appropriate, and be aware of dangerous conditions like rips and freak waves.
Kiama Mayor urges safety after drowning at Bombo
In the press, Sydney Councils are being accused of using heritage protection laws to get out of housing provision.
The Sunday Telegraph (5th January p.18) reported that more than 1000 sites have been added to heritage registers over five years.
Burwood Council has defended its decision to allow the demolition of the childhood home of AC/DC band members Malcolm, Angus and George Young.
News.com.au reported that some fans have been outraged by the decision, believing it should have been preserved as a museum, but the council said a National Trust listing in 2013 had provided no legal protection.
The council has highlighted other initiatives taken to celebrate the Young family’s legacy, including a commissioned mural.
QLD:
Due to increasing safety concerns and aggressive incidents involving people experiencing homelessness, City of Moreton Bay has implemented a 50-meter safety buffer for their operations staff and will now provide security escorts for public space maintenance.
Thie measure has resulted in some service delays for public amenities, and attracted some media attention.
The Council said it is prioritising the safety of staff members working to maintain essential services.
Statement on servicing of public amenities
The Australian and Queensland Governments have activated disaster assistance for five councils in Queensland’s Wide Bay-Burnett region following severe flooding and rain damage in late December.
Funding provided through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) will cover emergency repairs and reconstruction of essential infrastructure for Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett, Somerset, and South Burnett Council areas.
Ministers for the of Home Affairs Website
National Briefs:
Sunshine Coast Council has installed a new ‘living seawall’ at Golden Beach featuring specially designed tiles to create marine habitats, and protect against climate hazards like storm surges and coastal erosion.
The $300K project, developed in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast and Queensland Government, includes an 80-meter reconstructed seawall with 100 habitat tiles.
New ‘living seawall’ to help protect popular foreshore | Sunshine Coast Council
Tamworth Regional Council has unveiled a new Aboriginal artwork element that will be incorporated into its corporate branding this year, reflecting the significant role of Aboriginal people in the community.
The initiative is a collaboration with the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Lands Council and will be featured across council assets including letterheads, uniforms, and signage.
Inclusion at the heart of new branding | Tamworth Regional Council
SA’s Mid Murray Council has a new councillor after a count prior to Christmas.
Kevin Paul Myers has been elected to the council’s Eyre Ward from a field of eligible candidates in a supplementary election following the resignation of former deputy mayor John Forrester earlier in the year.
Media Release – Council welcomes newly elected Eyre Ward Councillor
SA:
The City of Tea Tree Gully has acquired Sfera’s Park Suites and Convention Centre, a long-standing local business adjacent to Civic Park in Modbury, that has been owned and operated by the Sfera family for nearly 40 years.
The Council plans to maintain the venue’s current operations including accommodation, functions, and events, with current management staying on during the transition period until March.
Mayor Marijka Ryan told the Advertiser (4th January, p.11) it was a “strategic acquisition” for future community requirements, based on it being adjacent to the council offices and library.
TAS:
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds seeking a full council briefing on a report by economist Dr Nicholas Gruen which found that the proposed Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart would be economically unviable.
The report, described by Cr Reynolds as concerning, estimates the project will have a benefit-cost ratio of just 44 cents per dollar invested and a total cost of $1.1 billion.
The Sunday Tasmanian (5th January, p.5) reported that controversial project has divided the community, with critics calling for a reconsideration of the stadium’s location and planning process.
WA:
The City of Cockburn says its decision not to sponsor the 2024 Fremantle Biennale was purely a financial decision and not a prohibition of the event taking place at locations like the Omeo shipwreck.
The council said the decision was not sign of a lack of support for arts and culture, pointing to its ongoing commitment through various initiatives including the Little and Loud Family Festival, Coogee Live, cultural grants, and local artist support programs.
Mandurah Council’s Deputy Mayor Caroline Knight will take on the role of Mayor for nine months starting January 27, 2025.
This follows the decision of current Mayor Rhys Williams to step down to pursue his Labor candidacy for the seat of Mandurah.
The City of Mandurah will save $250,000 by avoiding a by-election, with the WA Electoral Commission approving the temporary appointment until the next council election in October 2025.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Police were called to a heated meeting of Oldham Council in the Greater Manchester area, ****where members of the public and councillors engaged in hostile exchanges.
BBC News reported that the meeting was adjourned, and Conservative Group leader Graham Sheldon resigned his position.
He cited unacceptable aggressive behaviour from two members of his group who refused to apologise for their actions, saying it had undermined his position and would be unable to gain the respect he deserved.
Oldham Conservative leader resigns after ‘explosive’ meeting
Twenty Labour councillors, including the council leader, have quit Broxtowe Borough Council in Nottinghamshire, in protest against Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Sky News reported that the resignations mean Labour has lost control of the council.
The defecting councillors, who will now be known as the Broxtowe Independents, cited issues including the means testing of the winter fuel allowance and the blocking of local candidates, while criticising Sir Starmer’s Labour for abandoning traditional party values.
Labour lose control of council as 20 councillors quit with attack on Sir Keir Starmer
Leeds is set to get its 100th fruit orchard this winter through a partnership between a social enterprise and Leeds City Council, making it the city with the most orchards in the UK outside of London.
The initiative is part of the council’s larger environmental plan to plant 5.8 million trees by 2045, with seven new orchards being planted across different locations in Leeds to reach the milestone.
Leeds set to receive its 100th fruit orchard as charity digs in
CANADA:
The City of Pickering council has moved to virtual meetings due to alleged threats and hostile behaviour linked to a councillor who has been accused of associating with alt-right figures.
Global News reported that Councillor Lisa Robinson has been docked nine months’ pay for code of conduct violations.
In announcing the decision to move meetings online, Mayor Kevin Ashe said a growing infiltration of alt-right individuals, ideologies and influences have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, fear and intimidation over the council.
Ontario council moves meetings online citing ‘growing infiltration of alt-right’ | Globalnews.ca
Bob Rochon, the mayor of Fundy Albert in New Brunswick, has resigned his position citing a loss of council confidence and criticising the provincial government’s lack of support during municipal amalgamation.
CBC News reported that the resignation highlights ongoing challenges faced by newly amalgamated municipalities in New Brunswick, including issues with tax rates, infrastructure management, and local representation.
Fundy Albert mayor resigns, blaming province | CBC News
NZ:
The New Zealand Herald has reported on a significant increase in the number of Auckland residents who are postponing their council rates payments.
648 residential properties had postponements in place at the end of the last financial year compared to 392 five years ago, primarily affecting retirees with substantial equity but limited cashflow.
In comparison, Wellington has granted just four postponements in five years; Christchurch has had nine applications, while in Tauranga, just two applications were made with one of those being declined.
Surge in households putting rates on hold as costs bite
AFRICA:
Casablanca has made history by becoming the first North African city to join the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, a global network of approximately 100 cities committed to fighting climate change and building sustainable futures.
The city, which will officially begin its membership in January 2025, aims to strengthen Africa’s voice in global climate efforts while implementing various sustainability initiatives including green space expansion, smart transportation, and efficient water resource management.
More on that story from Morocco World News.
USA:
Washington D.C. Councilmember Trayon White, who was charged with taking over $150,000 in bribes, has publicly apologised during his swearing-in ceremony despite likely facing expulsion from the council in the coming weeks.
While White maintains his innocence, the Council will vote on his expulsion on February 4th, though NBC News reported that he could potentially run again in a special election if removed from office.
‘Not a perfect man’: Trayon White apologizes at DC Council swearing-in ceremony
A City in Arkansas, USA has unanimously voted to ban roosters within city limits following numerous nuisance complaints from residents.
Van Buren City Council says it won’t actively search for roosters, but code enforcement will respond to complaints and give owners approximately 30 days to remove the birds.
The River Valley Democrat Gazette reported on a notable incident where roosters chased a jogger as a contributing factor in the council’s decision.
Ordinance amended to outlaw roosters in Van Buren city limits | River Valley Democrat-Gazette