In the Wednesday, 26th February edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- New housing targets and concerns about a strong arm approach
- Opposition to a new emergency services levy grows
- A shock CEO resignation and more senior execs on the move
- Councils review their approach to unpaid rates
- Industrial action considered at Wingecarribee
- Rising tensions over a council’s approach to homeless people
- More local government election reforms planned for Tasmania
- Allegations of technology misuse targeting a US city manager
and more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
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 432:
Victorian Roundup:
The Victorian government has revised its housing targets, scaling back plans for some Melbourne suburbs while maintaining ambitious growth goals for others.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny announced that growth corridor areas like Melton and Wyndham will see reduced targets, though they’re still expected to nearly double their housing stock by 2051.
The government has warned it may strip planning powers from councils that fail to meet these new targets.
ABC News reported that the announcement has drawn criticism from Boroondara Mayor Sophie Torney, who said the ‘strong-arm’ approach was unnecessary, while Shadow Local Government Minister Bev McArthur called it a “smokescreen” for the government’s own policy failures.
Moorabool Shire CEO Derek Madden has responded to the announcement with a statement on LinkedIn, in which he says the state as planning authority for two major projects in his municipality has not deliver a single home after five years.
He said big government and the centralisation of power are not always the answer, and said there is a need to question what is said and claimed to be true.
The Municipal Association of Victoria has highlighted several innovative housing initiatives by local councils across Victoria, including Bayside‘s affordable housing strategy, Maroondah‘s Greening the Greyfields project, and City of Melbourne‘s homelessness program.
It has used the examples to demonstrate how councils are actively working to address housing challenges through strategic planning, policy innovation, and collaborative partnerships.
Housing advocacy group YIMBY Melbourne is disappointed in the reduced targets, suggesting the government is backing away from needed bold action on the housing crisis.
Premier Jacinta Allan has defended the changes, and says they reflect the government’s commitment to consultation with local communities.
South Gippsland Shire Council is taking a stand against the State Government’s controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund charge.
The South Gippsland Sentinel Times reported that the council has voted unanimously to formally object to collecting what they’re calling a hidden state tax through council rate notices.
The new charge will see emergency services levies increase by an average of 79 percent across the shire, with farmers facing a staggering 139 percent hike.
Councillor Scott Rae didn’t mince words, accusing Spring Street of using council staff to do their “dirty work” and shifting blame for the increased charges onto local government.
The council will now write to the Premier, Treasurer, and Local Government Minister to voice their concerns.
They’re also preparing a report on the challenges of administering the tax and how to clearly distinguish state charges from council fees on rate notices.
Port Phillip Council’s CEO has joined a chorus of condemnation of online attacks against councillors and staff, including the city’s mayor Louise Crawford.
Chris Carroll says abuse, threats and malicious personal attacks are on the rise.
He said false statements targeting the mayor and posts linking an executive team member to conspiracy theories are unfair and utterly baseless.
Mr Carroll said the council will continue to refer matters to Victoria Police, and explore all mechanisms for ensuring people are supported and protected while they go about their work.
His statement follows a similar message in recent weeks by Stonnington CEO Dale Dickson.
Meanwhile, in an update on a story from our last episode, Moonee Valley City Council last night voted narrowly in favour of a motion to seek MAV and government support for an investigation into the Council Watch Victoria group.
Golden Plains Shire Council CEO Shane Walden has resigned after less than six months in the job.
Mr. Walden, who took up the position in September last year, has announced he’s stepping down to pursue other career opportunities.
Mayor Sarah Hayden expressed regret at Mr. Walden’s departure but acknowledged his contributions during his tenure, particularly in guiding the council through its recent election period and transition.
The council will begin its search for a new CEO immediately to ensure a smooth transition.
Making news in the press:
The Mornington Peninsula Leader reports on plans by Mornington Peninsula Shire to update its policy on unpaid rates.
The policy gives the council the power to sell a property if at least $5k in rates are unpaid for three or more years.
As at December the council was owner more than $14m in outstanding rates.
Meanwhile, the Age reports that with an unprecedented $46.59 million in overdue rates at Hume City Council, a radical plan is being explored to reduce rates for homeowners while increasing them for businesses.
The move has been proposed by councillor Sam Misho, who argues that business properties generating income should pay higher rates than residential properties.
Victorian Briefs:
Campaspe Shire Council has announced the development of its first-ever Visitor Servicing Strategy, aimed at boosting tourism in the region.
Mayor Daniel Mackrell says the five-year action plan will focus on enhancing visitor experiences and maximising the impact of key tourism assets across the shire.
Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre, which serves over 4,600 visitors daily, will be transformed into a fully renewable electricity-powered facility through a $2.5 million government grant.
The GESAC Electrification Project will eliminate gas usage and reduce emissions by 1,810 tonnes annually, serving as a model for other councils and businesses in their transition to renewable energy.
Greater Bendigo City Council is evaluating its share hire e-scooter trial that launched in May last year with operator Beam Mobility, seeking community feedback on its impact and benefits.
The public survey will close on March 17, 2025, with the collected data and feedback to be presented to Council to determine future steps.
Applications have opened for the CEO position at the City of Darebin, north of Melbourne’s CBD.
It’s one of eleven CEO positions open at Victorian councils currently. The recruitment is being managed by Davidson.
Join the VLGA for a special lunch event on Tuesday 4th March to launch the results of the its first ever Victorian Councillor Census
Facilitated by Tanja Kovac, CEO Gender Lens Australia, two panels will take a dive deep into the results, hear first hand perspectives and experiences from past and present councillors and get insight into how the sector, and the VLGA, is planning to respond.
Don’t miss your chance to network with your fellow members and share your own experiences.
Visit vlga.org.au to book your ticket now.
National Roundup:
NSW:
There are now six NSW councils confirmed to be seeking special rate variations this year.
ABC News has published a rundown of the six councils and their circumstances – North Sydney, Federation, Northern Beaches, Gunnedah Shire, Upper Hunter Shire, and Shoalhaven.
All are facing significant challenges including infrastructure maintenance backlogs, project cost blowouts, and the impacts of natural disasters.
North Sydney is seeking the highest increase at 87.05% over two years, while Shoalhaven is requesting the lowest increase at 12% over one year.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is now seeking community feedback on the applications before making a final decision by June 2025.
Greater Hume Council‘s General Manager Evelyn Arnold has announced her resignation, with plans to return to New Zealand for new career opportunities.
Speaking about her departure, Ms Arnold expressed pride in building what she called a “values-driven culture” focused on customer service excellence and community engagement.
The outgoing General Manager says she’s confident the Council has a strong foundation for future growth.
Ms Arnold joined Greater Hume on a five year contract in 2022, coming from a director position at Southern Grampians Shire in Victoria.
Interim and recruitment arrangements are pending.
Workers at Wingecarribee Council are reportedly considering industrial action over claims of widespread bullying and harassment in the workplace.
According to radio 2ST, the United Services Union says attempts to resolve these issues internally have reached a stalemate, despite months of negotiations.
The union is calling on Council’s General Manager to address what they describe as a “poor culture” within the organisation.
The call comes less than six months after the Council returned to elected representation, following a period of administration
Shellharbour pet owners may soon face new restrictions on the number of animals they can keep at home, but the council has backed away from a proposed limit of three dogs per household.
It voted last night on a new policy that generated 23 public submissions, many of which opposed the new restrictions.
The Keeping of Animals in Residential Areas policy also sets caps on other pets, including a three-cat limit and restrictions on smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs.
The Council voted to separate the policy from associated guidelines to allow officers to use judgement in situations where the caps are tested.
An extraordinary meeting has been called for Lismore City Council to deal with four rescission motions after a marathon 8 hour meeting earlier this month.
Mayor Steve Krieg told the Lismore App that he had called the extra meeting to deal with the motions because council meetings go long enough without adding four additional items to the agenda.
The meeting will be held tomorrow at 12.30.
QLD:
The Guardian reports on rising tensions over the treatment of homeless residents in the Moreton Bay area.
The council has issued compliance notices threatening fines of up to eight thousand dollars to homeless people camping in Suttons Beach Park, Redcliffe.
The notices, given to four of approximately eight homeless residents, claim they’re violating council ordinances by “storing goods on public land.”
They have until midnight Sunday to vacate or face penalties.
The council has denied a claim that it is effectively “trying to make homelessness illegal.”
Meanwhile, residents of a second tent city in Woody Point are facing similar eviction orders.
Cook Shire Council in Far North Queensland has voted to stop adding fluoride to Cooktown’s water supply, affecting around 3,000 residents.
ABC News reports that this leaves just 24 out of Queensland’s 77 councils continuing water fluoridation, following similar moves by other regional centres including Cairns and Gympie.
The decision goes against the advice of health authorities and council officer recommendations.
Bundaberg Regional Council is seeking public input on a proposal to reduce the number of council divisions from ten to eight.
Mayor Helen Blackburn says the restructure could result in annual savings of approximately $265,000.
The proposed changes, which would see the number of divisional councillors reduced while maintaining the mayoral position, are part of broader cost-cutting measures within the council.
If approved, the restructure would take effect in time for the next local government election.
The Sunshine Coast News reports that garbage collectors in Noosa are set to strike today over a pay dispute with contractor Cleanaway.
Workers claim their wages have fallen behind inflation by more than 3 percent over the past three years.
The Transport Workers’ Union says the decision to strike comes after months of negotiations failed to reach a satisfactory outcome.”
Noosa Council CEO Larry Sengstock says while the council isn’t involved in negotiations, they’re hopeful residents won’t be impacted.
National Briefs:
The City of Onkaparinga has implemented a new electronic sign-in process with photo capture for public attendees at Council and committee meetings, replacing a manual system.
The new process can be accessed via an on-site device or the Sine Pro mobile app, and aims to improve safety and security by maintaining accurate records of all persons present.
Bathurst Mayor Robert Taylor has welcomed a $1.72M grant from the Federal Government for development of a strategic plan and vision for Bathurst’s CBD.
The project aims to create a more vibrant and sustainable town centre through improved walkability, smart technology integration, and enhanced infrastructure.
The City of South Perth has opened the new Manning Bike Track at George Burnett Park, featuring both a pump track for various wheeled activities and a jump track for advanced riders, made possible through $400,000 in federal and lottery grants.
The $600k project is part of a larger revitalisation project for George Burnett Park, which includes new cycling infrastructure and other amenities.
WA’s Town of Claremont is taking applications for its Adopt a Tree Program.
The program aims to help restore the local tree canopy as the Polyphagous shot-hole borer continues to wreak havoc on Perth’s trees.
Adopters can choose from a variety of species which are more resilient to the borer, plus a customised plaque can be added as a tribute for a family member or friend.
TAS:
Central Coast Council has announced the unanimous selection of Vicki Brereton as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Brereton, who comes to Tasmania from her previous role at Singleton Council in New South Wales, brings extensive local government, policy advisory and human resources experience to the position.
Mayor Cheryl Fuller has expressed confidence in the appointment, highlighting Brereton’s leadership qualities and commitment to community development.
The incoming CEO has already signalled her enthusiasm for the role, noting her existing connection to Tasmania and her eagerness to contribute to the Central Coast region’s continued growth and development.
The Tasmanian Government is proposing reforms to local government elections that will be put in place ahead of the 2026 elections.
The reforms propose changes to the election of the deputy mayor, the format of elections, strengthened donations disclosure and eligibility to run for office.
There are two scenarios presented for the format of elections, with telephone voting to be available for electors with barriers to participation or who are interstate or overseas.
Feedback on the Discussion Paper is due by 4 April 2025.
Latrobe Council has reported the completion of several major capital projects worth over $22 million in 2023-24, including flood protection infrastructure, a suspension bridge, and facility redevelopments at Camp Banksia and Port Sorell Caravan Park.
Despite the strong capital works achievements, the council recorded an unbudgeted underlying deficit of $660,000 due to various unexpected costs including asbestos removal, waste management, and infrastructure write-offs.
The details are included in the Council’s Annual Report, which has been tabled this week.
SA:
Port Lincoln Council has reiterated its opposition to a desalination plant being located at Billy Lights Point, preferring a previously recommended location at Sleaford West.
Mayor Diana Mislov said she acknowledges there are many in the community who may benefit from employment or engagement as a contractor with the desalination plant.
She has recently been in Canberra advocating the council’s position on water security, as well as un-tied grant funding, marina infrastructure and the return of rail to the Eyre Peninsula.
The Mayors of Port Pirie and Port Augusta have welcomed the support package for Whyalla, announced by the Prime Minister and South Australian Premier last week.
Port Pirie Mayor Leon Stephens said the councils are committed to playing their part in ensuring the steelworks continues to play a vital role in the economic prosperity of the country.
Port Augusta Mayor Linley Shine said the three Spencer Gulf councils recognise the importance of working together to support communities and foster growth in the region.
WA:
In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Zelia, Port Hedland‘s green spaces will get a major boost, thanks to a generous $100,000 donation from mining giant BHP.
The funding will support tree replenishment efforts after the cyclone, which struck the Pilbara coast on February 14th, caused significant damage to the town’s urban forest.
Clean-up operations are already underway, with plans in motion to replant native species across affected areas.
The City of Vincent is seeking legal advice and advocating for changes to the Cat Act 2011 to implement cat containment laws that would require owners to keep their cats within their properties and away from public areas and wildlife-sensitive zones.
The initiative aligns with WALGA’s position and aims to protect both local wildlife and domestic cats while promoting responsible pet ownership across all household pets.
The City of Gosnells has installed three artificial nesting hollows (cockatubes) in Huntingdale conservation reserves to support threatened black cockatoos in raising their young.
The initiative aims to address the declining availability of natural hollows in the Perth metropolitan area while encouraging residents to contribute to habitat preservation through tree retention and native plant cultivation.
Global Roundup:
USA:
Allegations have emerged from Texas of law enforcement technology being misused to target a city manager candidate.
Theo Melancon, currently serving as Dickinson‘s city manager, was reportedly tracked using license plate reader technology during his interview visit to Navasota.
Within hours of his visit, private information about Melancon’s movements appeared in a Facebook group over 100 miles away, raising serious concerns about potential abuse of surveillance systems.
City Manager News dot com reported that the incident is believed to be connected to Melancon’s history of reforming police departments and challenging entrenched leadership.
Officials in Morristown, New Jersey, have withdrawn a controversial ordinance that would have imposed fines and jail time on homeless individuals sleeping on public property.
The measure, which initially passed unanimously without discussion, faced swift public backlash.
The proposed penalties ranged from $100 for first-time offenders to potentially 30 days in jail and $2,000 fines for repeat violations.
Mayor Tim Dougherty told the New Jersey Herald that community feedback was the reason for the reversal, and that the town needs more time to address concerns.
Mobile City Council, in Alabama, has approved the purchase of a high-tech bomb disposal robot for the Port of Mobile.
The Andros Spartan robot, costing nearly $450,000, will be primarily funded through a federal port security grant.
The 600-pound device can operate for six hours and features multiple cameras for precise control.
UK:
After six years at the helm, Cotswold District Council leader Joe Harris has announced he’s stepping down this spring.
Harris, who became a councillor at just 18, will remain a district councillor and focus on his role at the Local Government Association.
BBC News reports that the Liberal Democrats will elect a new leader at their May meeting.
Changes at the top for Epping Forest District Council today, as Chief Executive Georgina Blakemore steps down from her role due to health concerns.
Strategic Director Andrew Small has been appointed as Acting Chief Executive, while Jennifer Gould takes on the role of Acting Deputy Chief Executive.
Ms. Blakemore will also relinquish her positions on the boards of the council’s companies, TVS and Qualis.
PHILIPPINES:
A developing story out of the Philippines, where a Vice Mayor in Mindanao has been wounded in a shooting incident, according to GMA Network news.
The attack occurred as vice mayor Datu Omar Samama, who is running for reelection in the upcoming May polls, was going about his duties Monday morning.
The Bangsamoro regional government has strongly condemned the attack, with the Ministry of Interior and Local Government calling it “an assault on peace, democracy, and the rule of law.”
Law enforcement agencies have been urged to conduct a swift investigation into the incident.
CANADA:
In Pickering, Ontario, a virtual city council meeting discussing climate adaptation plans has been disrupted by what officials are calling a coordinated cyber attack.
The Independent has reported on how a recent Zoom meeting quickly descended into chaos when unknown participants displayed hate symbols and explicit content to shocked attendees.
City Councillor Lisa Robinson described the incident as, quote, “an explicit, racist and pornographic nightmare.”
The disruption included racial slurs, swastika imagery, and graphic content being displayed on screen.
Durham Regional Police are now investigating the incident, while Zoom’s trust and safety team has pledged full cooperation.
NZ:
A former Auckland Council building inspector will spend nearly a year under home detention after accepting bribes worth tens of thousands of dollars.
1News has reported that Nicholas Bright pleaded guilty to 21 charges of accepting bribes while working as a public official.
The Serious Fraud Office investigation revealed Bright accepted over $35,000 in cash payments and received home renovations including gas fitting, a heat pump, and double-glazed windows in exchange for his services.
SFO Director Karen Chang says the case highlights serious concerns about building safety and compliance, warning that such corruption undermines New Zealand’s reputation and public trust.
The case isn’t over yet – a company director connected to the bribery scandal is due to face court next month.
A committee member in Canterbury has been paid $8,000 despite not attending a single meeting in two years, according to a report from Stuff.
Representative Arapata Reuben received full honorarium payments for his role on the Ashburton Water Zone Committee, despite missing all 14 meetings held across 2023 and 2024.
Environment Canterbury and Ashburton District Council‘s own standing orders state that a member’s position becomes vacant after four consecutive absences without leave.
However, officials say they haven’t acted on these rules as the committee’s future is under review.
Both councils say they are now following up with the absent representative.