On the Local Government News Roundup for 17th May 2024:
- The Federal Budget fails to provide promised fair increases in funding to local government
- Councils on the frontline of the housing crisis
- Rumours of a Disneyland theme park for Werribee are short-lived
- The fate of a complaint to the Press Council about an offensive newspaper cartoon
- A controversial library book ban overturned after a fiery, extended council meeting
- Blacktown elects a new mayor after the passing of Tony Bleasdale
- An election-related complaint lodged against Toowoomba Council
- Impatient vandals knock down a statue on the eve of a tribunal ruling
- A major world city the latest to be hit by a cyber security incident
- And a name change triggers a dispute between two San Fransisco area airports
Plus more Council news from across Australia and beyond on the Local Government News Roundup, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association,
with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment service and business advisory practice;
and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 337:
The Australian Local Government Association says the Albanese Government has not fulfilled its pre-election promise to provide “fair increases” to Financial Assistance Grants for Australia’s 537 councils in the 2024-25 Federal Budget.
A $155 million increase was seen as falling short of promised increases.
ALGA President, Councillor Linda Scott, also expressed disappointment over the lack of guaranteed support for local governments in the new housing infrastructure fund and the exclusion of councils from the National Active Transport Fund.
However, she welcomed the increase in road funding to local government.
Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) has welcomed federal budget measures to alleviate cost of living pressures in rural communities, but urges more investment in rural areas.
RCV applauds the government’s investment in road infrastructure and the continuation of the Roads to Recovery Program. They also welcome the federal investment in rail, additional funding for housing, and a $40 million investment in wifi to improve connectivity in remote areas.
Additionally, funds allocated to enhance water security and support for clinics in regional and rural areas were seen as positive measures.
Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) welcomed the Federal Government’s $300 weekly payment to support students training for critical occupations, but has urged inclusion of placements for future town planners.
RCV’s submission to the Federal Budget emphasised the struggle to recruit and retain planners in regional areas, due to salary competition and the need to attract staff to the region.
LGNSW’s analysis of the budget echoed other state peak bodies, and welcomed a continuation of the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement, with indexation.
However, it is disappointed there is no new funding for public and social housing, despite the critical need in this area.
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) said the Federal Government has failed to fairly fund the sector.
Despite increases in housing, airstrip, and road funding, the LGAQ is still advocating for the restoration of Financial Assistance Grants to at least one per cent of Federal taxation revenue.
The LGAQ also highlighted a $360 million annual shortfall due to cost shifting, where councils are forced to cover services typically provided by other levels of government without matching funding.
From WALGA in Western Australia, a similar reaction to the big ticket items, while noting that the budget includes funding for major projects like the Perth Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Centre, the Busselton Jetty and the Perth City Deal.
It also says a new $50M Regional Roads Australia Mobile Program may be of significant benefit to address poor levels of coverage on key arterial roads in the state.
Victorian Roundup:
A single mother and her friend who live on their own land in a camp-style setup in Campbells Creek, near Castlemaine, have been ordered to leave by the Mount Alexander Shire Council.
The order is due to non-compliance with council regulations, and concerns about the property’s location in a bushfire-prone area, lack of formal access for emergency services, and proximity to a waterway.
ABC News reported that their setup includes tents, dry storage, and a functional outdoor kitchen, but a bylaw prohibiting camping on land without an existing dwelling has led to their eviction.
A council spokesperson rejected claims that it was a case of “bureaucracy gone mad”.
Last year, Mount Alexander Shire was lauded for leadership in the housing crisis when it removed permit requirements for living in caravans and tiny homes on properties where a dwelling already existed.
The Press Council has declined to entertain a complaint about a newspaper cartoon that depicted a Council CEO in an apron with broom.
The cartoon was published after the appointment of Fiona Weigall as the first female CEO of East Gippsland Shire Council.
Gender equity proponent Ruth McGowan OAM lodged a complaint with the Press Council, but told the Roundup that it didn’t get off the ground.
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Swan Hill Rural City Council has proposed the initiative, “Housing Action: Greater Swan Hill,” aiming to foster partnerships between residents, local businesses, government agencies, and stakeholders to address the housing crisis.
The severe housing shortage in the area is impacting the ability to fill crucial roles in agriculture, manufacturing, education, health, and potential mining jobs.
The council is encouraging community participation in shaping the future of housing in the region, and will hold a housing forum at the Swan Hill Town Hall next Wednesday evening.
Hobsons Bay City Council is urging the state government to reconsider the closure of Champion Road, part of a level crossing removal program, due to potential traffic congestion.
The council is opposed to the loss of public parking on Ross Road and the takeover of Quarry Reserve.
It is also advocating for alternative plans and the reinstatement of a train station in Altona North.
The council is encouraging the public to provide feedback to the government via the Engage Victoria portal by June 9, 2024.
Rumours that Disneyland is considering establishing a theme park in Werribee have been quashed by Wyndham City Council.
The speculation has been fuelled by Disney’s announced $60 billion investment in its parks and experiences, and previous pitches for a Disney park in Melbourne.
But a Wyndham spokesman told the Herald Sun that the city has not been approached by any organisation with plans for a ‘Disney-style’ park in Werribee.
VTIC Chief Felicia Mariani said that while a theme park would be a welcome attraction in the state, it was just a rumour that had been circulating for some years.
Victorian Briefs:
Alpine Shire Council, along with the Australian and Victorian Governments, has announced funding for community initiatives through the Community Flood and Landslip Recovery and Resilience Grant Program.
The program, which supports projects impacted by the October 2022 flood and landslip, is open to eligible businesses, community organisations, and groups, with funding ranging from $250 to $10,000.
Swan Hill Rural City Council is considering a 24-hour cat containment order, requiring all cats to be confined to their owner’s property unless restrained.
The proposal follows community consultation to address cat-related nuisance issues and promote responsible pet ownership.
Initial consultation showed overwhelming support for measures to address cat-related concerns, with 82% of respondents in favor of a cat curfew.
The newly formed Recycling Victoria Local Government Advisory Committee has met for the first time to discuss issues related to Victoria’s transition to a circular economy and waste management.
The committee, chaired by Monash Mayor Cr Tina Samardzija, includes 12 councillors from across Victoria and representatives from local government bodies.
It will meet until September 2024 to advise the Minister for Environment and the Head of Recycling Victoria on strategic priorities.
The City of Stonnington’s ‘What’s your Story?’ writing competition is back for its 12th year, running from 1 June to 31 July.
Open to both fiction and non-fiction works, the competition invites residents of Victoria aged 18 and above, as well as young people aged 5 to 17 who live, work, or study in Stonnington.
Baw Baw Shire Council has received its largest funding grant of $14.5 million from the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program for the construction of the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct.
The $35 million project, a joint venture with the Victorian and Federal Governments, will construct a new culture and community connection precinct in Warragul, including a new library and learning centre.
National Roundup:
NSW:
After more than four hours and at-times fiery debate, Cumberland City Council has overturned its ban on a same-sex parenting library book.
The book will now be moved to the junior non-fiction section of the Council’s libraries.
The Sydney Morning Herald provided rolling coverage on its website as the meeting unfolded.
An estimated crowd of 200 protestors, including groups for and against the ban, gathered outside the council chamber in Merrylands.
It was reported that Police closed the street to traffic and remained to control the crowd through the evening.
The Council heard from 17 speakers, followed by debate on the motion to overturn the ban and various amendments.
Mayor Lisa Lake ejected several people from the gallery during the evening for interjecting, yelling and unruly behaviour.
Just before 11pm, the Council voted 12 to 2 to overturn the ban and move the book to a different section of the library.
Cr Steve Christou, who moved the original motion to ban the book, was critical of those councillors that changed their position, inferring they had succumbed to pressure from the media.
Two petitions seeking a reversal of the ban amassed more than 50,000 signatures in the week since the Council’s original decision.
Councillor Brad Bunting has been elected as the Mayor of Blacktown City, succeeding the late Mayor Tony Bleasdale.
The new mayor says he plans to continue the transformation of Blacktown, focusing on stability, growth, and delivering on promises made to residents and businesses.
The council’s $758 million balanced 2024/25 budget includes several infrastructure projects planned under the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.
Cr Bunting has also reaffirmed a commitment to honour and celebrate First Nations culture and traditions.
Following reports this week of an ICAC inquiry into allegations concerning a former employee and contractor at the City of Canterbury Bankstown, the Council has released a statement saying that it was the party that brought the issue to ICAC’s attention and has been fully cooperating with their inquiries.
As the matter is now set for a public inquiry, the Council says it will not be making any further comment.
Central Coast Council says it will benefit from the NSW Government’s introduction of environmental reforms that ensure NSW has the strongest environmental regulations in Australia.
The reforms address loopholes in environmental legislation and give the NSW Environment Protection Authority and Councils stronger powers to deter environmental crimes and respond faster to pollution incidents.
The Council says it can now issue much higher on-the-spot fines for a range of offences.
The Government has also raised fines for littering small items in public places and for illegal dumping.
QLD:
The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) has lodged a complaint against Toowoomba Regional Council after councillors declined to express their stances on key issues during the election campaign, citing legal advice over conflict of interest.
The DDEC argues that the public needs to know what different council candidates stand for on important issues.
The Toowoomba Chronicle reported this week that the complaint was lodged after the DDEC received advice from the Queensland Department of Local Government and the Environmental Defender’s Office, which agreed that expressing support for a matter during an election does not inherently cause a conflict of interest.
Western Downs Regional Council has increased its housing and land incentive to $5 million to boost housing supply in the region.
The scheme, introduced in mid-2022, offers application fee discounts and reduced infrastructure charges to stimulate construction.
The council has also adopted a Local Housing Action Plan (LHAP) to develop priority actions for local housing needs, establish foundations for long-term housing responses, and enhance collaboration between government levels, housing providers, and social services.
TAS:
A controversial statue of William Crowther, a former Tasmanian premier known for removing the skull of an Aboriginal man and sending it to London, has been toppled in Hobart’s Franklin Square.
The Guardian reported that the statue was vandalised and left face-down on the ground the night before a ruling on its removal was due from the civil and administrative tribunal.
On Wednesday, the tribunal dismissed an appeal of Hobart Council’s decision to remove the statue, noting it would have a “positive resulting impact”.
The council plans to preserve the statue respectfully, and a temporary sign detailing its history will replace it.
The City of Launceston plans to submit a Development Application for a major redevelopment of the Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Centre Complex by the end of the year.
The multimillion-dollar project, overseen by architectural firm Lovell Chen, will include significant upgrades to various areas of the theatre and a complete redevelopment of the Earl Arts Centre.
The project, which marks the most significant overhaul of the Princess Theatre in over 100 years, is expected to commence construction in early 2026.
NT:
In the NT, the Roper Gulf Regional Council has announced the departure of its CEO this week.
Marc Gardner, a long-term council employee and CEO since May 2022, has finished in the role, with David Hurst appointed as Acting CEO.
The Council, led by 13 elected local Aboriginal councillors, resolved unanimously this week to search for a new Chief Executive Officer.
Mayor Tony Jack said that it had become clear to the council that it needed to look at the leadership structure to ensure that it is fit for the future.
National Briefs:
The CEO position at Townsville is now open for applications, the vacancy created by the recent resignation and departure of Prins Ralston.
MacArthur is handling the recruitment and is taking applications until 17th June.
Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, is urging the community to support calls for the Federal and State Governments to stop shifting costs for infrastructure, services, and regulatory functions to councils.
A recent report shows that the cost-shifting burden is now valued at $1.36 billion per year, a 78% increase in just over five years.
Mayor Lyon has cited examples such as transferring roads from state control to local and reduced funding for library services, and has encouraged the public to make submissions to ongoing state and federal inquiries into local government and cost shifting.
Under the proposed reforms to South Australia’s Dog and Cat Management Act, councils will have increased powers to manage dogs that persistently wander in their districts.
They will have the ability to issue control orders on dogs that continually wander at large, with penalties of up to $2500 each time a dog with a control order is caught wandering.
Penalties for vicious dog attacks will substantially increase and puppy farms will be banned under proposed reforms.
Work has begun on the Honey Farm Sport and Recreation Precinct at Meridan Plains, a major regional sporting, recreation, and community precinct on the Sunshine Coast. T
he precinct will feature sporting fields, hardcourt activities, disc golf, playgrounds, biking and skateboarding spaces, nature trails, wetland experiences, and dog-friendly facilities.
The Sunshine Coast Council endorsed the master plan for the 75-hectare facility in March 2021, with the precinct expected to be operational by 2026.
Construction has begun on a new, state-of-the-art animal pound facility in Leeton, after being endorsed by the Council last November.
The facility will meet modern animal welfare standards and provide enhanced services.
It will feature amenities such as spacious enclosures, climate control systems, and an exercise yard.
The facility is expected to be completed in the second half of this year.
Global Roundup:
EUROPE:
Dover District Council has called for a public hearing over new post-Brexit checks for potentially hazardous foods at a Kent port, according a report from BBC News.
The council says the government’s decision to move biosecurity checks from the border to an inland facility is increasing the risk of animal and public health outbreaks.
The council also raised concerns over “misleading and confused” communications by the responsible government department and the Cabinet Office, and warned that the new checks could allow illegal food to bypass safety requirements.
The City of Helsinki has suffered a significant data breach impacting its Education Division’s computer network, potentially affecting over 80,000 students, their guardians, and all city personnel.
The breach has exposed tens of millions of files, including personal IDs, addresses, and sensitive personal information.
It is thought to be due to an unpatched vulnerability in its network server, according to Security Affairs dot com.
While the City believes the risk of abuse of the data is minor, it has implemented security measures and is closely monitoring all networks.
CANADA:
In western Ontario, Canada, Coun. David Kircher has resigned from his position on the Fort Frances council after an integrity commissioner found him in violation of the municipal code of conduct.
Kircher was accused of conducting council business without approval through his municipal and personal email, potentially compromising sensitive council business.
He defended his actions as being in the best interests of the town and his constituents, but failed to provide evidence supporting his claims.
The council will now decide how to fill the vacancy left by Kircher’s resignation.
USA:
The Port of Oakland’s decision to rename Metropolitan Oakland International Airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport has led to a legal dispute with the city of San Francisco, which alleges federal trademark infringement on San Francisco International Airport.
Aviation Week has reported that the Port of Oakland is hoping the name change will boost travellers’ geographic awareness and attract more nonstop destinations.
But the City of San Fransisco claims the name change could cause confusion and infringe on San Francisco’s registered trademark.
The Port of Oakland has filed a countersuit, noting that San Francisco International Airport is not technically located in San Francisco.
An increasing number of cities in the US are reconsidering free syringe exchanges, with mounting concerns about littered used needles in public spaces.
Colorado Public Radio reported this week that Pueblo City Council is the latest to discontinue the service that has been in place for about a decade.
The decision has been met with opposition from some council members and residents who argue that the exchange programs are crucial for slowing the spread of diseases among intravenous drug users.
The council’s new ordinance is awaiting the approval of Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham.
Global Briefs:
Councillor Richard Kemp, a veteran Liberal Democrat, has been sworn in as the new Lord Mayor of Liverpool, succeeding Mary Rasmussen.
Kemp, who has served Liverpool for four decades, has held numerous influential roles and was awarded a CBE in 2011 for his public service.
During his term, Kemp plans to support care leavers across the city, having already established a care leavers’ fund with an investment of £100,000 a year for three years.
Westminster Borough council in London is investigating nearly 2,500 property owners for potentially breaking rules on short-term lets, according to a report from The Standard.
Complaints from residents about holiday homes are frequent, and officials say the local hotel trade and housing stock are being affected.
Of the borough’s 10,500 properties used as holiday homes and short-term lets, officials suspect almost a quarter could be breaking regulations.
Invercargill City Council has confirmed an average 9.8% rates rise for residents, while making several cost-cutting decisions including rejecting the extension of the bus service, further work on Rugby Park stadium, and a separate glass recycling programme.
Other changes include reducing investment in emissions reduction activities, and not increasing a Heritage Strategy Fund as much as initially proposed.
The chairman of an English Town Council, has accused residents of committing criminal damage with a leaflet and adhesive tape, according to a report from Local Gov dot co dot uk.
Bernard Arscott of Leigh-on-Sea Town Council alleges that the tape used to attach a leaflet damaged the noticeboard’s Perspex covering and he has reported the incident to the police.
However, a fellow town councillor Carole Mulroney says the situation “beggars belief” and helpfully has suggested to Mr Arscott that soap and water could easily remove the tape.