Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- the latest from the campaign trail in Victoria where support for Palestine, election signs and councillor expenses are making news
- A new plan to improve the availability of municipal building surveyor services in regional Victoria
- A major lobby group calls for more action against councils over the pace of housing approvals
- More drama from the chamber as new councils meet for the first time in NSW
- A popular CEO resigns, and another is sacked
- The latest NSW mayoral election results, and news on recounts and by-elections
- A fake train station opens in Queensland
- And the CEO set to take on the running of two councils at the same time.
Plus much more news, and on Roundup Extra, the new free resource for councils and communities to help prepare for power outages during extreme weather events.
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.
Transcript for episode 384:
Victorian Roundup:
Support from council candidates for Palestine has prompted an angry response from federal MP Sarah Henderson.
The Geelong Advertiser reported that Senator Henderson is urging voters to put the candidates last, as they are seeking to sow seeds of division in the community.
Sixteen Greater Geelong candidates, along with some from Surf Coast, Golden Plains and the Borough of Queenscliffe have added their names to a list of candidates who support some or all of three pledges to denounce Israel’s actions in Palestine and to promote policies of avoiding and divesting from companies that support or profit from the occupation of Palestine.
All Greens candidates in the region are among those supporting the pledges put forward by the Free Palestine Group, which held a rally on the weekend.
The number of council candidates across the state giving support to the pledges is almost at 300. Geelong Advertiser
It’s getting a bit heated in Greater Dandenong, with some current councillors seeking re-election being targeted with accusations of alliances and an inappropriate use of council expenses.
The Star Journal reported that councillor travel expenses are being used as a weapon against Cr Bob Milkovic and current mayor Lana Formosa.
Cr Formosa and colleague Cr Jim Memeti have also been targeted with claims of attempts to control the council through an alliance.
Rival and current councillor Rhonda Garad has accused them of teaming up with current deputy mayor Richard Lim in a plan to control the mayoralty in the coming term.
They have rejected the accusations and deny they are involved in an alliance.
Dandenong Star Journal – 1; Dandenong Star Journal – 2
In Hume, its election signage that is causing consternation between sitting councillors, with mayor Naim Kurt being criticised for placing election signs along the Tullamarine Freeway sound barrier and columns by fellow councillor Jodi Jackson.
The Leader has reported on claims the signage is disrepectful and amounts to vandalism. Cr Kurt says they comply with guidelines, and he’s not received any complaints.
The signage issue is one of more 200 to be complained about since the start of the campaign.
The Herald Sun reported that 60 signs have already been reported in Casey; 31 in Nillumbik where 10 candidates have been warned and two referred to the Department of Transport; and 29 complaints already investigated in Wyndham, with some removed from council lands. Herald Sun
The Victorian Government will invest $200,000 in a feasibility study and shared services pilot to increase Municipal Building Surveyor services for councils in the Wimmera and Mallee regions.
The study aims to address challenges in housing and planning approvals faced by small rural councils by establishing a ‘Shared Service Hub’ to provide cost-effective surveying services to five participating councils.
Yarriambiack Shire will lead the trial, working in partnership with Buloke, Hindmarsh, Loddon and Swan Hill councils.
Rural Councils Victoria Chair Mary-Ann Brown said rural communities are in desperate need of more housing and this trial will assist in addressing the housing challenges faced by these rural communities.
The study will run until early 2026, after which outcomes will be shared with all rural and regional councils so other regions could potentially set up their own shared service hubs. Premier of Victoria
The Victorian Government’s housing plans have come under fire from the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) for inadequate consultation with local councils.
MAV policy advisor James McLean told Government News that the state government is rushing reforms, removing strategic planning powers from councils in key areas, and introducing new design rules without proper engagement.
Despite the government’s claim of meeting with every council, Mr McLean said meaningful discussion has been limited, which will potentially lead to confusion and missed opportunities to leverage local expertise in planning and infrastructure. Government News
New purple lidded bins are rolling out to 14,000 households across Moira Shire Council, ahead of the launch of a dedicated glass recycling service in December.
Collections will happen every four weeks, and the council has confirmed to the Cobram Courier that there will be no charge to residents in the first year.
Under the new four stream system, red lid landfill bins will be collected fortnightly, and green lid organic bins, weekly.
When asked if the rates for red bins would be reduced due to a reduction in collection frequency, the council said charges for kerbside services will be reviewed during the 2025-26 budget process. Cobram Courier$; Moira Shire Council
Treaty in the Park, a celebration of First Nations’ culture and music, will be held on November 24 in Wyndham, featuring performances by Indigenous artists such as Dan Sultan and Mo’ju.
The event, organised by the First Nations’ Assembly of Victoria and Wyndham City Council, aims to connect First Nations people and allies through live music and storytelling, with free entry for children under 15 and enrolled Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Brimbank and Northwest Star Weekly
A candidate for Yarra Ranges Shire council has gained attention with an unconventional electoral statement.
James Talbett’s policy statement simply says he likes to focus on “having a beer and watching the football.”
But the candidate told The Age that he would take the role seriously if elected, explaining that his statement was meant to convey a “vibe” rather than literal intentions.
The 44-year-old Labor Party member says his entire campaign budget is the $250 spent on the nomination fee. He sees his council run as a “bucket list item” and doesn’t expect to win, but promises dedication if he does. The Age
National Roundup:
The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has launched a campaign for stricter measures against local councils that delay housing development approvals.
The BCA says councils that consistently underperform should lose their approval powers, and proposes overhauling community consultation processes to prevent “vocal minorities” from blocking projects.
It wants to see state-wide council report cards in every state and territory to monitor the performance of local government approvals, including the time taken to make an assessment.
Chief Executive Bran Black acknowledged the recommendations would be hard to implement, but that tough decisions are needed to address Australia’s housing supply crisis. Business Council of Australia
NSW:
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported on a tense first meeting of the new Strathfield Council, where 25-year-old Liberal councillor, John-Paul Baldi, was elected mayor..
Controversy arose over the exclusion of the former mayor, Karen Pensabene, from attending the meeting remotely due to illness.
The decision to deny Cr Pensabene’s virtual attendance went against the usual practice to approve such requests, and Cr Pensabene is reported to be considering legal advice about the council’s decision. Sydney Morning Herald$
A proposed event to farewell former eight term mayor of Bayside Council, Bill Saravinovski, has been postponed indefinitely due to ill health.
Mr Saravinovski, who retired ahead of the September elections, is dealing with ongoing health issues and advised the council of his preference to delay the event which was planned to recognise his 40 years of service to the community. St George and Sutherland Shire Leader$
The use of contaminated soil in a gravel pit rehabilitation project could cost ratepayers at Greater Hume Council over $1M, according to a report from the Border Mail.
The Environmental Protection Authority has ordered the council to remove 12,000 tonnes of contaminated material by December 20, with an initial cost of $230,000 and potential additional expenses of up to $300,000 for further rehabilitation.
The council’s handling of the issue has been criticised by landowners, and council members have expressed concern over the significant expenditure of ratepayers’ money.
The new council has given partial approval to a plan to deal with the issue, but is seeking more information before approving the full cost required. Border Mail$
Albury Council has voted 8-1 in favour of a new single-site Albury-Wodonga hospital, with the potential location being in either of the Twin Cities.
The new council’s resolution also calls for a pause on existing redevelopment plans for Albury hospital and seeks assurances that the $558 million already allocated will not be jeopardised.
The Border Mail reported that the council wants to present a united vision for the project, rejecting parochialism and small-minded politics, while also requesting interim solutions to address the current lack of beds at Albury hospital. Border Mail$
James Roncon has resigned the General Manager position at Armidale Regional Council after four years at the helm.
Mr Roncon will finish in January, and says he is making way for a new General Manager who can help the new council drive their long-term vision.
He said the decision to move on had been difficult and emotional but he believed it be in the best interests of the council and the region.
Mayor Sam Coupland said Mr Roncon came to Armidale with a brief to turn around an ailing organisation, and that on almost every objective measure the council was now a high performing organisation thanks to his leadership. Armidale Regional Council
Latest NSW Mayoral election results:
Albury – Kevin Mack has been elected mayor for a third time, in a vote of six votes to three over former mayor Kylie King. It’s been nearly three years since he last held the role. Cr Jessica Kellahan was elected deputy mayor, in a six/three vote over Cr Alice Glachan. Albury City Council; Border Mail
Bland Shire Council has re-elected Brian Monaghan as mayor, and Lisa Minogue will be deputy mayor. Bland Shire Council
Ashleigh Cagney has been elected as mayor of Camden Council; Therese Fedeli is deputy mayor. Camden Council
Bilal El-Hayek has been elected unopposed by the new Canterbury Bankstown Council.
He will serve alongside Councillor Karl Saleh OAM, who was elected Deputy Mayor.
Federation Council – Cr Cheryl Cook has been successful in a two way vote for the position of mayor of Federation Council. The other candidate was Derek Schoen, and the vote was 5/4.
Rowena Black was unopposed in being elected deputy mayor. Federation Council
Georges River – the council has elected Elise Borg as its new Mayor, and Nancy Liu has been elected deputy mayor. Georges River Council
Hawkesbury City Council has a new Mayor in Councillor Les Sheather; the Deputy Mayor for the next two years is Councillor Sarah McMahon. Hawkesbury City Council
Kiama Council has elected Cameron McDonald as its new mayor. With the election of Melissa Matters as deputy, the council has an entirely new leadership team. Kiama Council
Kyogle Council has elected its mayor and deputy mayor. Danielle Mulholland is back in the mayoral robes, elected unopposed. She previously held the role from 2013 to 2021.
John Burley was the only nominee for the deputy mayor position., a role he previously held for seven years up until 2021. Kyogle Council
Cr Susannah Pearse has been elected the new mayor of the majority female Moree Plains Shire Council. Wayne Tighe was elected as her deputy. Moree Plains Shire Council
The mayoral and deputy mayoral elections at Oberon a council were both contested. Cr Andrew McKibbin was successful in the mayoral vote, while Cr Katie Graham was elected as deputy mayor. Oberon Council
Parramatta – Liberal Martin Zaiter has been elected Lord Mayor after a vote of eight to seven, with Labor’s Cameron Maclean elected deputy mayor. Parramatta City Council
The Daily Telegraph declared that the Liberals are regaining control of the council with Cr Zaiter’s election as Lord Mayor, marking a shift in the political landscape of the city.
Independent councillor Kellie Darley was forced to defend her decision to support the Liberal candidate for Mayor, and denied there was a deal to deliver her the Lord Mayoralty in two years in return for that support.
She said the decision was a pragmatic one. Daily Telegraph$
Singleton Council has announced that it will share the deputy mayoral duties amongst two councillors during the coming term.
It has appointed Cr Sue George to the role for two years, after which Cr Mel McLachlan will take over the position for the remainder of the term. Singleton Council
Russell Webb has been re-elected mayor of Tamworth Regional Council by six votes to three in a secret ballot. Cr Jeff Budd has been chosen to be deputy mayor. Tamworth Regional Council
Upper Hunter – Maurice Collison re-elected mayor, and Pat Ryan elected deputy Upper Hunter Shire Council
Wagga Wagga City Council has re-elected Dallas Tout as its mayor for a third term, and Georgie Davies was elected deputy mayor. Daily Advertiser
Warren Shire – Greg Whiteley elected unopposed as mayor; Sarah Derrett elected unopposed as deputy mayor. Warren Shire Council
Two recounts have been completed after the recent round of elections.
An unsuccessful candidate in the Hay and Edward River elections requested a recount after a very close result.
However on completion last Friday, the Electoral Commission advised that there had been no change to outcome of either election. Australian Rural and Regional News; Edward River Council
A date for a by-election for Mid-Western Regional Council has been set, after the resignation of Sharelle Fellows for health reasons. Voters will be asked to elect a replacement on 7th December. NSW Electoral Commission
QLD:
Ipswich Mayor Theresa Harding has opened a fake train station as an election stunt to highlight the 18-year delay in building a real station, and demand funding for a proposed fast train service.
The I2S project, which would connect Ipswich to Brisbane CBD in 21 minutes, has been stuck in the planning stages since 2006 with multiple studies and consultations but no concrete funding commitments.
ABC News reported that neither of the major political parties have committed to funding the project, estimated to cost $2-3 billion, despite its potential to alleviate congestion and support growth in Queensland’s fastest-growing suburbs. ABC News
The Australian Medical Association Queensland has called on Gympie Regional Council to reverse its decision to stop water fluoridation, citing concerns about increasing rates of tooth decay and poor health outcomes.
The Courier Mail has reported on how the council’s vote to end fluoridation has been controversial, with a counter-petition gaining support and a poll showing 75% of respondents in favour of fluoridation.
Despite initial reports, the council has clarified that no immediate changes to water fluoridation will occur, and says it plans to conduct community consultations to better understand the region’s needs and desires. Courier Mail
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald has called for timely and fair funding from state and federal governments to help local authorities manage growing community demands and aging infrastructure.
His comments came as the council adopted its annual report which showed that despite financial challenges, including a $12.1 million operating deficit, the council maintained a “Sound” credit rating and continued delivering significant projects, such as the $270 million Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Program.
The Council also prioritised local spending, with 59% of its $231.14 million expenditure going to regional businesses, while pushing forward with long-term initiatives like a new Planning Scheme. Toowoomba Regional Council
National Briefs:
Bundaberg Regional Council has launched the “There’s No Place Like Home” program to address housing shortages and stimulate development in the region.
The initiative offers incentives such as deferred infrastructure charges, reduced fees for infill development, and fast-tracked application processing to encourage developers to increase the local housing supply and manage the area’s growth. Bundaberg Now
Port Stephens Council is partnering with BlockTexx® for its first textile recycling event, ‘Give a Sheet® for the Planet’, on October 19, 2024.
The aim is to divert unwanted household linens from landfills, addressing the growing textile waste problem in Australia while supporting social enterprises that employ people with disabilities. Port Stephens Council
Tweed Shire Council has installed six new flood monitoring cameras in strategic locations across the Tweed, adding to the existing six cameras already in operation since 2022.
The cameras provide near real-time images of flood-prone roads, allowing residents and emergency responders to make informed decisions during wet weather and flooding events. Tweed Shire
Devonport City Council has reported a better than expected surplus in its latest annual report.
The $14.1M surplus is $4M better than budgeted. Radio 7AD News
SA:
Two local government representatives are sought to sit on South Australia’s Dog and Cat Management Board, for a three year term starting in February.
Nominations close on 29th November.
And there’s a vacancy for a metropolitan local government representative on the state’s Local Government Transport Advisory Panel for the remainder of the current term, ending August 2026.
Applications for that position close on the 15th November. Local Government Association of South Australia – DCMB; LGTAP
WA:
Menzies Shire Council has voted to terminate the employment of its CEO Glenda Teede.
In a four/three vote of the council on Monday, the Council passed a motion saying it had lost trust and confidence in the CEO, offering her an opportunity to respond in writing by 4pm Wednesday about the proposed termination of her employment contract.
Ms Teede was appointed to the position in October last year and has held CEO roles at councils in Queensland and the Northern Territory, as well as Western Australia.
Menzies Shire Council Minutes 14/10/24
The Town of Port Hedland in Western Australia has passed a controversial motion urging state and federal governments to suspend some COVID-19 vaccinations, based on discredited conspiracy theories.
Premier Roger Cook was quick to criticise the council for overstepping its bounds, stating they should stick to local issues rather than engaging in “silly ideological debates”.
The motion, which passed 5-2, has raised concerns about potential reputational and financial impacts on the town.
Mayor Peter Carter was one of the two councillors to vote against the motion. He told ABC News that it does not represent the views of the entire community and was not a good look for the town. ABC News
Bunbury City Council is this week due to consider a request for up to $900,000 in funding to address an annual budget deficit of $1.8M for the Bunbury Harvey Regional Council.
BHRC manages the municipal waste generated from the City of Bunbury and the Shire of Harvey at the Stanley Road Waste Management Facility.
The city has contributed nearly $6M to the council’s operating costs since 2021.
Officers at Bunbury and Harvey are understood to be working with the BHRC on alternative operational strategies to minimise the financial impact on member councils in future. City of Bunbury, p.175
NT:
East Arnhem Regional Council CEO, Dale Keehne, has expressed concerns about the funding and independence of the newly created Groote Archipelago Regional Council (GARC).
The NT News reported on Mr Keehne’s fears that insufficient government funding may lead the new council to rely on financial support from the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC), potentially compromising its autonomy.
The ALC is providing $1.5 million to support the establishment of the new council, raising questions about the new council’s ability to operate independently. NT News$
Global Roundup:
NZ:
Government intervention at Wellington City Council is looking more likely.
The Prime Minister, Local Government Minister and Finance Minister have all made comments to media in recent days indicating the government is considering its options, after the council voted last week to stop the sale of its stake in Wellington Airport.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has described the council as a shambles, while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed the government was keeping a close eye on the council.
He said Local Government Minister Simeon Brown would say more soon.
Mr Brown is believed to be seeking advice on options and the thresholds for action, according to reports.
The upshot of the council’s airport decision is a potential doubling or tripling of its debt ceiling to $500M, and reduction in capital expenditure of up to $600M.
In the latest development, the Mayor of Wellington Tory Whanau is reported to have called all councillors to an urgent meeting later today in an attempt to save the city’s long term plan as the threat of government action loomed large.
Radio New Zealand; NewsTalkZB; NZ Herald; Stuff
UK:
Caerphilly County Borough Council‘s chief executive, Christina Harrhy, is set to receive a £209,000 severance package after being on “special leave” for 11 months due to a falling out with the council’s political leader.
Cymru Nation reported that the decision was made in a secret meeting, with councillors opting for a “cheaper” option over a potentially more expensive disciplinary process that could have cost up to £520,000.
The situation echoes a previous controversy involving the council’s former chief executive, highlighting ongoing issues with senior management and financial decision-making in the local authority. Nation Cymru
Danny Gibson, a councillor at Stirling in the UK will retain his position leading the council’s children’s committee and an anti-bullying group despite opposition attempts to remove him.
A motion to oust Gibson, who has previously been suspended for bullying, was defeated by Labour council leader Margaret Brisley’s amendment, which argued that the Standards Commission had already dealt with the issue.
The decision has proved divisive, with critics describing Gibson’s appointment to lead anti-bullying efforts as inappropriate and a “sick joke,” while supporters maintain he has served his punishment and is a hardworking councillor. The Courier
Imagine being chief executive of not just one council, but two at the same time.
The chief executive of UK Council Oldham, Harry Catherall, is expected to temporarily take over as the head of Tameside council, which is facing a crisis in its children’s services department.
It comes after Tameside’s chief executive Sandra Stewart resigned following an ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating and a damning report from the Children’s Services commissioner.
Yahoo News reported that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has brokered the arrangement and Mr Catherall is expected to divide his time between the two councils for an as yet unspecified period of time. Yahoo News
Councils in Northern Ireland are dealing with a dilemma regarding the display of Queen Elizabeth II’s portraits following King Charles III’s ascension to the throne.
BBC News has reported on how various councils have adopted different approaches, ranging from moving the late Queen’s portrait to storage or alternative locations, to displaying it alongside the new King’s portrait.
Some councils do not display royal portraits at all.
UK government guidance suggests that there is no obligation to remove Elizabeth II’s portraits, and in some institutions, portraits of previous monarchs remain on display. BBC News
USA:
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is at odds with the City Council again, this time over a plan to replace the entire Chicago Board of Education.
Fox 32 Chicago reported that the city’s 38 council members are demanding hearings before any appointments are made, and say replacing the board just months before a new hybrid board takes over will cause unnecessary instability in the school system.
Tensions have escalated due to pressure from the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago Teachers Union to remove the CEO of Chicago Public Schools Pedro Martinez, leading to concerns about the district’s financial decisions and potential state intervention. Fox32 Chicago
The City of Athens, Ohio, is appealing a court ruling that declared its plastic bag ban unconstitutional.
The ban, enacted in January 2024, was halted by Judge George McCarthy, who argued that state law allowing businesses to provide plastic bags overrides the city’s regulation.
While the city awaits a ruling from the Ohio Court of Appeals, some residents are voluntarily continuing to avoid plastic bags despite the ruling. Post Athens
CANADA:
A former MP and long term mayor has been announced as the new Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia in Canada.
Mike Savage was Mayor of Halifax for 12 years, and served as the member for Dartmouth for seven years.
As Lt Governor, he will be the personal representative of King Charles in the province for a term of at least five years. Prime Minister of Canada
THE PHILIPPINES:
Raymond Alvin Garcia has been sworn in as the new Mayor of Cebu City in The Philippines following the dismissal of former Mayor Michael Rama by the Office of the Ombudsman.
The oath-taking ceremony took place last week at Cebu City Hall.
Garcia’s ascension to the mayoral position comes after Rama was found guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct, resulting in his dismissal from public office and perpetual disqualification from government reemployment. Cebu Daily News
Extra:
Chris interviews Carol Valente from Energy Consumers Australia about the Energy Ready Toolkit, a resource to help communities prepare for power outages during extreme weather events.
The toolkit contains seven steps to guide local councils and organisations in improving energy resilience.
It was developed in consultation with communities that have experienced extreme weather events and those observing climate change impacts.
The toolkit has been distributed to local councils across Australia and is available for download online.
The goal is to engage with more councils and receive feedback to improve the toolkit.
It is a free resource that individuals can access as well.
The toolkit is already an award winner and has been recognised for its impact and effectiveness.