On the Local Government News Roundup for Wednesday, 26th March 2025:
- A let down for councils in the latest Federal Budget
- A new CEO for Strathbogie
- Melbourne’s Keys to the City process under review
- Local residents look for council help to stop high rise apartments
- The exciting new art installation coming to Mildura
- A controversial pool ID policy up for review
- Calls for a crackdown on illegal vape stores
- A council incentive to keep a local butcher shop open
- and UK Councils on notice from the PM to publish their pothole progress
Plus much more news from around the world of local government in 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 444:
The Australian Local Government Association says councils across Australia have been let down, with no new local government funding programs announced in last night’s Federal Budget.
ALGA President, Mayor Matt Burnett, says councils are at ‘breaking point’ after years of providing more services with diminishing resources.
While welcoming an additional $172 million for the Roads to Recovery program and $114 million for safer local roads, Mayor Burnett says it’s not enough to address what he calls a ‘financial sustainability emergency.’
ALGA is seeking over $3.5 billion annually for key priorities including housing infrastructure, community facilities, and climate adaptation.
Currently, local governments receive just half a percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue through Financial Assistance Grants, down from one percent in 1996.
Victorian Roundup:
Strathbogie Shire Council has appointed experienced local government executive Rachelle Quattrocchi as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Ms. Quattrocchi brings more than 25 years of local government experience to the role, most recently serving as Director of City Services at Manningham Council in Melbourne.
Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy says Ms. Quattrocchi was selected from a competitive field of candidates, citing her proven track record in executive leadership and community service delivery.
The incoming CEO, who has family connections to the Strathbogie region, will take up her position on May 5th.
The Age reports that Melbourne City Council is reviewing its procedures for awarding keys to the city following some controversy over pop star Robbie Williams receiving the honour earlier this year.
The key was presented to Williams at a Federation Square concert in January, making him only the 40th recipient of this rare honour.
Several councillors have raised concerns about the decision-making process, with some saying they were only informed about the award via text message on the morning of the presentation.
The council will now consider revising its civic recognition policy, with a focus on improving transparency and communication.
Moonee Valley Council will this week receive joint letters from residents in North Essendon and Niddrie, expressing concerns about the state government’s activity centre plan for the area.
The draft plan proposed high rise apartments near the residents’ backyards, giving rise to privacy and security concerns.
The joint letters call on the council to reject the proposed developments near family homes, as well as maintain existing parking and objection rights.
The meeting agenda also includes for consideration a Council submission to a Parliamentary Inquiry into the redevelopment of Melbourne’s public housing towers, five of which are located in Flemington.
The submission is supportive overall of improvements to the quality of social housing, but calls for a communication plan and more active onsite engagement to help build trust with residents.
Community safety concerns in Melbourne’s inner west are set to be addressed, following unanimous support for new measures at Maribyrnong Council.
The Star Weekly reported the move comes as crime statistics reveal a concerning twenty percent spike in reported offences across Maribyrnong last year, with Footscray seeing an even sharper increase of twenty-six percent.
Councillor Mohamed Semra, who introduced the motion, said there is a need for a collaborative approach beyond just law enforcement.
The council will now develop a comprehensive safety and wellbeing action plan, working alongside police, community groups, and other levels of government.
Brimbank Council has announced plans to tackle illegal rubbish dumping through a comprehensive action plan that will include tighter controls, stronger deterrents, and enforcement measures.
The initiative will also feature community-wide education programs to help residents dispose of waste responsibly.
Mayor Thuy Dang said the issue has become an urgent priority for the council, and that it is hurting the environment and costing ratepayers.
Greater Dandenong Council is increasing its sustainability workforce, according to the Star Journal, to improve its environmental reporting.
It plans to add more staff to its current team of five sustainability members in its upcoming budget.
Local environmental groups argue that more resources are needed to match other councils’ climate action efforts.
The Mildura Arts Centre is shining a spotlight on internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro with his exhibition ‘Time and Place,’ which comes ahead of the highly anticipated ‘Trail of Lights’ installation, set to illuminate Lock Island next month.
But that’s not all – the region is set for a double helping of Munro’s signature light installations this year, as Mildura mayor Helen Healy explains:
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Mayor Healy expects the installations to bring a significant increase in tourism to the Sunraysia region.
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The new spectacle launches on Friday 4th April – you can book tickets now by heading to mildura.com/lights
Victorian Briefs:
Bass Coast Shire Council‘s Berninneit cultural and community centre in Cowes has not yet achieved Passivhaus certification despite multiple attempts, with the South Gippsland Sentinel Times reporting that over $2 million in additional costs have been incurred by contractor McCorkell Construction.
Council CEO Greg Box confirmed at a meeting last week that work to achieve the certification is still ongoing.
St Kilda Football Club has extended its partnership with Greater Dandenong City Council, continuing their collaborative efforts since 2022 to promote health, wellbeing, and participation in Australian Rules Football through various community programs.
The partnership includes various initiatives aimed at creating environments that support physical activity and healthy lifestyles in the Greater Dandenong community.
Hume City Council has welcomed a Federal and State Government funding commitment of $125 million for the upgrade of Donnybrook Road to support the growing communities of Mickleham and Kalkallo.
And Nillumbik Shire’s Small Business Week is back in May for the third year.
The Council is offering a program of free workshops and events to inspire and empower small business across the shire from the 26th to the 30th May.
National Roundup:
NSW:
A controversial ID policy at Cumberland Council swimming pools could soon be scrapped.
The measure, which requires swimmers to show photo identification before entering council pools in Granville, Merrylands and Wentworthville, was introduced last year to combat crime at these facilities.
Now, according to the Daily Telegraph, two local councillors are pushing to abolish the requirement, after numerous complaints from residents, including an incident where an 85-year-old woman was denied entry to her water aerobics class.
While the policy aimed to address security concerns that previously cost ratepayers over $160,000 in security and police presence, council officials warn its removal could lead to increased security costs and safety risks.
The matter will be decided at today’s council meeting, along with a motion calling for the removal of 50 #RacismNotWelcome signs from telegraph poles following concerns raised by councillors who believe moral messages shouldn’t be displayed on public infrastructure.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports a planned $70,000 Strathfield Council trip to South Korea has been dramatically scaled back following public scrutiny.
The Council had initially approved a delegation to attend a sports festival in their sister city of Gapyeong County this May.
Mayor John-Paul Baladi has announced he will now fund his own travel, urging other councillors to do the same or use their existing travel allowances.
The move comes after Labor councillors raised concerns about the high costs during the current cost-of-living crisis.
Previous visits to Gapyeong County were notably more modest, with a 2022 delegation costing just under $10,000.
The sister city relationship has been in place since 2011.
Concerns over health impacts and lost tax revenue have prompted a push by Tamworth Regional Council for federal government intervention to crack down on illegal cigarette and vape stores in regional areas.
The Northern Daily Leader (25th March 2025) reported that the council was last night considering a motion to be presented at the upcoming National General Assembly of Local Government, seeking immediate investigation and action against retailers selling illegal foreign products.
Some councillors are concerned that this issue, with its links to organised crime, is having detrimental effects on both public health and legitimate businesses that support local community groups.
A state government decision to sell 2.3ha of land that was under investigation for a future East West Rail Link corridor has been criticised by Fairfield City Council mayor Frank Carbone.
He has told the Daily Telegraph it is an abandonment of hopes for better public transport west of Parramatta.
The controversy follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s $1bn rail connection pledge between Bradfield Aerotropolis, Leppington and Macarthur, which has been criticised by some as bypassing significant population centres.
Coffs Harbour Council has decided to support community initiatives for shark bite response kits on local beaches while working with the NSW Government’s comprehensive Shark Management Program.
The program includes safety measures such as aerial surveillance, shark tracking, and smart drumlines, and the council will now seek additional state funding to expand the installation of shark bite kits in the area.
Port Stephens Council‘s Six Month Progress Report to December 2024 highlights significant achievements including over 511,000 beach visits, $14.7 million in transport infrastructure repairs, and maintaining the fastest DA approval timeframe in the Hunter region.
The report showcases successful leadership transition with a new Mayor and five new Councillors, while focusing on key priorities such as housing, environmental protection, and community engagement.
Wollongong City Council has approved easements for four new Community Battery sites as part of a broader initiative to install 22 batteries across the Illawarra region, supporting their Net Zero emissions target by 2050.
The batteries will store surplus renewable energy from sources like rooftop solar panels for multiple households to use during peak periods, while also providing access to renewable energy for renters and those without solar panels.
NSW Briefs:
Inner West Council has voted to eliminate childcare waitlist fees from all Early Childhood Services, including pre-schools, early learning centres and family day care, with the change taking effect in July.
This decision aims to reduce cost of living pressures for families and remove financial barriers to accessing early learning services.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is reviewing sports field fees to ensure fair access and sustainable maintenance, engaging with local sporting groups through multiple sessions since January.
The Council is exploring various fee models and support mechanisms while committing to further community consultation before finalising any changes to the fee structure.
Lismore City Council‘s LEAP program, supported by NSW Government funding, is creating employment opportunities through funded traineeships and apprenticeships across various council roles.
Six new positions have been secured in Round One of the Fresh Start initiative.
There’s been strong local interest with over 100 Expressions of Interest received.
Kiama Council is expanding its weekly water quality monitoring program through Beachwatch to cover all seven patrolled swimming beaches plus the Minnamurra River entrance, with monitoring conducted during swim season from October to April.
The expansion is part of the Council’s Coastal Management Program and aims to monitor water quality that can be affected by stormwater, sewage overflows, and rural/urban runoff.
QLD:
Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty has been re-elected as Deputy Mayor of Redland City Council at a General Meeting last week.
Mayor Jos Mitchell praised Cr Talty’s three terms of experience as Councillor, while Talty expressed her commitment to helping the city recover from a recent cyclone and continuing to serve the community’s needs.
Hundreds of Bundaberg Regional Council workers are reportedly considering industrial action after receiving a wage offer of 3% annual increases over three years.
The Services Union has expressed dissatisfaction with both the council’s restructuring decisions and the subsequent wage proposal, with union representative Tom Rivers telling the Courier Mail that negotiations appear to have reached an impasse.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett has achieved a significant milestone of 25 years in local government service, beginning with his appointment to Gladstone City Council in 2000 and progressing through various roles including Chairman of Technical Services, Deputy Mayor, and eventually becoming Mayor in 2016.
Mayor Burnett is also the President of both the Local Government Association of Queensland and the Australian Local Government Association.
TAS:
The Tasmanian Government is seeking public feedback until March 28, 2025, on proposed changes to local government election laws, including clarification of voting eligibility and improved public information during elections.
The consultation is part of the Government’s Local Government Priority Reform Program 2024-26 and will lead to a new Local Government Electoral Bill being introduced to Parliament later this year.
The Clarence City Heart Plan has received strong community support with 72.3% of respondents backing the vision to revitalise the CBD into a vibrant city centre.
Mayor Brendan Blomely said over 400 submissions have led to key modifications including the removal of housing plans for Charles Hand Park, and highlighted community priorities such as improved facilities, better transport options, and recognition of Aboriginal heritage.
SA:
Kingston District Council has completed a strategic rating review, and is now seeking feedback on a consultation paper, and the use of rate capping to phase in a change to the basis of rating.
The council is considering a transition from a minimum rate to a fixed charge, with a separate rate for Cape Jaffa Anchorage Marina maintenance.
Submissions are invited by the 17th April.
Coorong District Council has received a positive financial sustainability assessment from ESCOSA, with the regulatory body finding the council to be “mostly sustainable” due to its robust asset management and long-term financial planning.
The council said it has been advised to maintain its focus on existing asset maintenance and renewal while continuing regular financial reviews, with Mayor Paul Simmons welcoming the findings as validation of the council’s recent hard work.
NT:
Former school principal Dr Gavin Morris has resigned from Alice Springs Town Council effective immediately, following charges of alleged physical assaults against multiple children aged 8-13 on school grounds in 2023.
Dr Morris has pleaded not guilty and is currently staying in Queensland under bail conditions, according to ABC News.
He was elected to the council in 2022 and has been attending council meetings via video link since his arrest.
No by-election will be held as it is within 6 months of the next round of council elections.
WA:
A country town in Western Australia is taking an innovative approach to keeping its main street alive.
The Shire of Pingelly, located 150 kilometers southeast of Perth, is offering a $20,000 incentive to anyone willing to take over the local butcher shop.
ABC News reported that the current owners, Maurice and Sandra Gait, are stepping down after nearly three decades of service.
Shire CEO Andrew Dover says maintaining an active main street is crucial for the town’s vitality.
The successful buyer must keep the shop open weekdays and Saturday mornings, with the incentive to be repaid if the business closes within two years.
Cockburn City Council has signalled an intent to increase funding for fox control in its upcoming budget.
An increase from $20K to $50K, plus a contribution to a west metropolitan alliance project, is in response to a motion carried at the annual electors’ meeting in January calling for more protection for native wildlife from foxes.
National Briefs:
Western Downs Regional Council has completed its 2024-25 Regional Road Reseal Program, investing $3.4 million to repair and renew bitumen roads across Queensland’s largest road network using environmentally friendly materials.
The program applied over 1.48 million litres of bitumen incorporating 188,000 kilograms of recycled rubber (equivalent to 24,200 car tyres) across 620,000 square metres of road surface.
The City of Melville has received over half a million dollars for renewable energy generation from the Federal Government.
The funding will feed four important energy saving projects, including solar PV arrays, building management systems, and the replacement of irrigation pumps with more energy efficient systems.
The City of Mount Gambier is seeking Expressions of Interest from e-scooter operators to conduct a 12-month trial of a public e-scooter fleet, with applications closing on April 17, 2025.
The Council is looking to provide sustainable transport alternatives for the community while gathering data on micro-mobility options, with Mayor Lynette Martin expressing optimism about the potential benefits for both residents and visitors.
Global Roundup:
UK:
The UK government will require councils to publish their progress on road repairs or risk losing funding, as it invests £1.6 billion to tackle potholes, alongside a £4.8 billion investment for National Highways.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said there will be new requirements for councils to demonstrate effective spending, community engagement, and maintenance planning.
The moves have reportedly received strong support from various transport and business organisations.
There’s tension in Newcastle mounting over the celebration plans for Newcastle United’s historic Carabao Cup victory – its first domestic trophy in 70 years.
The City Council has released a statement addressing rumours that they blocked plans for a traditional open-top bus parade through the city centre.
Council leader Karen Kilgour strongly denies the claims, stating they haven’t rejected any parade proposals.
However, with expected crowds potentially making this one of the city’s largest-ever events, safety concerns remain paramount.
The Mag reported that the situation has sparked debate among supporters, with a recent poll showing overwhelming fan preference for a traditional victory parade over the proposed Town Moor event.
The Council has pledged to continue working with all partners to ensure a “spectacular event” worthy of the historic occasion.
ITALY:
In Italy, the picturesque Tuscan beach town of Orbetello is facing an unusual crisis as swarms of midges force residents indoors.
The Associated Press reported that tiny insects have invaded the coastal community in unprecedented numbers, prompting local authorities to allocate over 300,000 euros for emergency measures.
They have also created a permanent commission to oversee the situation and are working with key trade associations to develop response plans.
Local fishermen attribute the invasion to a mass die-off of young fish in 2024, which would normally feed on midge larvae.
The situation has become so severe that residents have launched a petition calling for regional intervention, comparing their current confinement to early COVID lockdowns.
USA:
The battle over public funds in Everett, Massachusetts, is heating up as the city council takes aim at Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s legal expenses.
WBGH News reported on a resolution passed Monday, in which councillors demanded the mayor stop using taxpayer money to fight a state inspector general’s report that found he received $180,000 in improper bonus payments.
City councillor Stephanie Smith, who chairs the finance committee, called the use of public funds to dispute the findings “a misuse of public resources.”
The city has already begun paying legal fees, with one law firm charging nearly $7,500 for a single council meeting appearance.
The council has given Mayor DeMaria seven days to respond.
NZ:
Auckland’s mayor Wayne Brown has strongly criticised his council’s independent commissioners for rejecting a proposed $100m mass timber tower project, describing their decision as “mad, bizarre, and foolish.”
The 11-storey building was rejected due to concerns about its size and impact on the surrounding area’s heritage values, despite its environmentally friendly design targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating.
Wood Central dot com dot au reported that the developer is appealing to the environmental court and the Resource Management Act minister Chris Bishop has called the decision “indefensible.”
Northland Regional Council is implementing an upgraded tsunami siren network with over 90 outdoor sirens, covering 97% of the previously served area and featuring remote monitoring capabilities and voice warning messages.
The first test of the new sirens will occur on Sunday, 6 April after the end of daylight saving, marking the transition from the old system.