On the Local Government News Roundup for 26th November:
- Mayoral election season in Victoria enters its final days
- A cancelled Christmas display in Melbourne blamed on Council red tape
- Delays for Melbourne’s signature Greenline project
- New planning rules to revitalise Sydney’s nightlife
- A martial arts champion to receive the Keys to the City of Wollongong
- Two more Australian councils adopt anti-Covid 19 vaccine motions
- A move to overhaul the council candidate nomination process in South Australia
- and a group of UK MPs propose a controversial scrapping of 15 councils
Plus more news from around the world of local government in Australia and beyond.
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 403:
Victorian Roundup:
Mayoral elections update:
Cardinia – Cr Jack Kowarzik was last night re-elected as mayor Cardinia Shire for a second consecutive term. He says he will not seek to be mayor or deputy mayor again for the rest of the Council term, according to the Pakenham Star News.
First time councillor Alanna Pomeroy was elected to the position of Deputy Mayor.
Darebin– Mayor Cr Kristine Olaris OAM, Deputy mayor Cr Emily Dimitriades
Hobsons Bay: The council has elected Cr Daria Kellander as its new mayor – Cr Kellandar is one of two councillors returned from the previous term. First term councillor Cr Rayane Hawli has been elected deputy mayor.
Latrobe – Mayor Dale Harriman, DM Sharon Gibson
Nillumbik – Mayor Cr John Dumaresq was elected to the position unopposed; Cr Naomi Joiner was elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor.
A Christmas lights display in Sandringham that has raised over $70,000 for breast cancer research has been cancelled for 2024 , with organisers blaming Bayside council requirements and mounting costs.
They say the costs exceed $10,000, and the traffic management requirements are too challenging, according to a report from the Age.
The council says it’s disappointed the event won’t proceed, and said it had tried to work with the organisers to ensure a safe and fun event.
Council branded ‘the Grinch who stole Bayside’s Christmas’ after lights stoush
In a statement on Facebook, Mayor Hanna El Mouallem said the council stands ready to work with the organiser to ensure it can happen.
He said the Council was asking for the same thing from the organisers that was provided last year, being public liability insurance and a traffic management plan.
The City of Melbourne‘s $316 million Greenline trail project is facing delays of up to a year, with construction at Birrarung Marr being halted to accommodate summer events including the Australian Open.
The Age has reported that the delay is primarily due to ongoing work with Melbourne Water to ensure the planned linear park won’t contribute to flooding issues
Construction is now scheduled to resume in mid-March after Moomba.
Former mayor of Wangaratta, Dean Rees has welcomed new Victorian legislation targeting illegal tobacco trade.
Mr Rees told ABC News that local councils should not be responsible for enforcement due to high costs and limited effectiveness of prosecutions.
The new state laws, expected to pass by year’s end, will introduce Australia’s toughest penalties against illegal tobacco sellers, giving more powers to Victoria Police and establishing a state regulator with on-ground inspectors.
The legislation comes in response to increasing concerns about tobacco-related crimes.
Mr Rees did not stand for re-election in October after six years as Wangaratta’s mayor.
The newly elected Wodonga Council is looking to keep the fight for a new hospital in the spotlight.
Deputy Mayor Michelle Cowan gave notice of a motion for last night’s meeting to prompt a range of advocacy actions, including bringing forward a report on possible greenfield sites for a hospital development.
The Border Mail reported that Cr Cowan’s motion was expected to receive strong backing around the Council table.
Last month, neighbouring Albury Council passed a similar motion seeking to identify possible sites and confirming its support for a new single-site hospital, rather than the proposed upgrade of the existing Albury hospital.
The Victorian Tourism Awards have been announced, with councils from across the state sharing in accolades.
Gold in the Visitor Information Servicing category has gone to Warrnambool’s Visitor Information Centre, with Greater Shepparton taking the silver, and the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Visitor Information Centre awarded bronze.
There were eight finalists in the Local Government category, with the cities of Melbourne, Greater Bendigo and Ballarat awarded gold, silver and bronze respectively.
Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre awarded silver at the 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards
Victorian Briefs:
Glenelg Shire Council has reported suspected intentional damage to Council property in Portland to Victoria Police.
It said in a statement that the incidents had occurred over the past few days in and around the town, and that the matters are now being investigated.
Swan Hill Rural City Council is warning residents about increased snake activity in the region as the weather warms, urging people to stay vigilant and to take precautions.
CEO Scott Barber emphasised the importance of respecting snakes as part of the ecosystem while maintaining a safe distance if encountering a snake.
East Gippsland Shire Council is set to officially open three major recreational facilities within a week – The Orbost Forest Park, the WORLD Sporting Precinct and Stage 1 of the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails.
CEO Fiona Weigall said the projects showcase what is possible when all levels of government and communities work hand in hand to bring shared visions to life.
Media Release: Council to launch major sports and recreation projects
National Roundup:
NSW:
The City of Sydney has unveiled proposed changes to planning rules and special entertainment precincts aimed at revitalising the city’s nightlife.
The changes include new sound management controls designed to protect both existing venues and residents.
The proposal also introduces special entertainment precinct status in existing late-night trading areas.
Public feedback is open until January 20th.
Sydney’s nightlife plans open for comment – News Hub
The City of Wollongong will award the Keys to the City to mixed martial arts champion Alexander Volkanovski, after a motion from Lord Mayor Tania Brown received the support of the council.
The 36 year old Wollongong local won the UFC featherweight world championship in 2019, and has successfully defended the title five times since.
He has also been a supporter of local charities and community organisations, even fronting a Vax the Illawarra campaign during the COVID pandemic.
Council endorses Alex Volkanovski Keys to the City honour
Nambucca Valley Council has adopted a draft Artificial Intelligence Governance Policy that aims to harness AI’s benefits while managing potential risks in local government operations.
News of the Area reported that the policy restricts AI use to low-risk situations like brainstorming and initial drafting, requiring human oversight for final decisions and prohibiting the input of classified or personal information.
While Council staff are already utilising AI tools for efficiency gains, the policy emphasises transparency and ethical considerations, and will be updated as necessary as AI technology rapidly evolves.
Nambucca Valley Council formulates artificial intelligence policy documents – News Of The Area
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils has elected Blacktown mayor Brad Bunting as its new President.
The appointment occurred at the organisation’s AGM last Thursday, where it also elected three new members to the executive committee – Cr Julie Griffiths from Blacktown, and Crs Amanda Kotlash and Mary Lyons-Buckett from Hawkesbury.
The WSROC Member councils are Blacktown, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, Cumberland and Liverpool city councils.
QLD:
Redland City Council has resolved to collaborate with the Queensland Government on implementing the Redland Housing Strategy 2024-2046, which aims to increase dwelling supply and diversity across the city.
While the Council supports most of the 18 proposed actions, it is seeking clarity on several aspects including funding, resources, and technical requirements.
Council to work with Queensland Government on progressing housing strategy
The council also intends to submit feedback on the State Government’s proposed secondary dwelling code, seeking clearer definitions to distinguish between secondary dwellings and dual occupancies, as well as guidance on how the code applies to existing dwellings.
Council to request clarity in state’s secondary dwelling code proposals
Sunshine Coast councillors have voted 10-1 to reject the third stage of a housing development due to concerns about flooding and development on floodplains.
The council officer’s report recommended refusing the application citing issues with flooding, building height, open space and agricultural buffers.
While most councillors supported the refusal, Sunshine Coast New reported that Cr Terry Landsberg opposed it, arguing that the council needs to be more innovative in providing housing solutions for the region’s growing population.
Council votes to refuse next stage of housing estate
National Briefs:
Willoughby City Council has launched MyWilloughby, a new online platform that expands their digital services from a handful to over fifty, including features for tracking applications, making payments, and managing various council services.
The platform, developed in response to community feedback, aims to improve customer experience while streamlining internal council processes by integrating previously separate systems under one unified solution.
The city of Townsville has moved into medium level water restrictions this week, with below average rainfall predicted, and hot, dry weather to continue.
The blue-green algae level in Ross River Dam has increased by more than 250 per cent in the past six months, but Cr Ann-Maree Greaney says there is no cause for alarm.
She said the city’s water “remains safe and meets all drinking water standards.”
Mid Murray Council has elected a new deputy mayor for the coming 12 months. First term councillor Geoff Barber will replace Cr Kirsty McGregor in the position after an election at the Council’s meeting last week.
Mid Murray Council Elects New Deputy Mayor & Cambrai Swimming Pool Season to Open Soon
TAS/SA:
Two more Australian councils have voted to support conspiracy theories about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, following a similar move from Port Hedland Council in Western Australia.
Ceduna Council in South Australia, and West Tamar Council in Tasmania, had adopted similar motions to Port Hedland, according to the Daily Mail.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has strongly rejected the claims, and said that all COVID-19 vaccines in Australia have been rigorously tested and meet high safety standards.
The motion at West Tamar passed by one vote, despite some councillors arguing the claims amounted to fearmongering, and the issue is not a local government responsibility.
Australian council takes a dramatic stand against Covid vaccines
Legislation has passed through South Australia’s upper house with bipartisan support, aiming to increase transparency in local council elections by requiring public display of nominations as they are received.
The legislation specifically targets what One Nation MP Sarah Game describes as “council stacking” by Greens candidates, whom she accuses of pushing policies that are out of touch with community sentiment.
The bill, which will now proceed to the House of Assembly, also addresses the issue of council nomination shortfalls, which in 2022 forced eight SA councils to conduct costly re-elections.
Upper House backs Sarah’s move to end council stacking
WA:
The City of Cockburn council has endorsed a comprehensive 50-year master plan for Coogee Beach, which will undergo further public consultation after receiving input from over 400 residents earlier this year.
The plan includes short-term developments within 10 years such as a new coastal path, changing facility, and cafe, as well as longer-term projects spanning 30 years including a new Surf Life Saving facility.
PerthNow reported Mayor Logan Howlett’s comments that the plan would ensure the preservation of cultural and spiritual elements of the beach, and European heritage sites like the jetty and the lime kilns.
Behind the 50-year master plan for a popular Perth beach
Global Roundup:
UK:
A group of Labour MPs have proposed abolishing all 15 councils in Lancashire to create a simplified system with just three or four local authorities and a mayor.
Under the plan, reported by BBC News, Lancashire County Council would be eliminated, along with Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen councils and twelve district councils within 18 months.
However, current council leaders who have signed a devolution deal with the government to create a combined authority next year, are not on board with the MPs proposal, with one describing it as “civic vandalism”.
Group of Labour MPs want to abolish all of Lancashire’s 15 councils
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is facing pressure to hold a referendum on his council tax increase aimed at funding Transport for London, while simultaneously dealing with Tube drivers’ demands for a four-day work week.
The Standard reported on criticism of Mayor Khan’s approach of adding £60 to council tax bills for TfL funding while entering negotiations for reduced working hours.
The mayor’s office has dismissed the referendum suggestion as costly and out of touch.
Mayor urged to hold London vote on council tax hike as Tube drivers seek 4-day week
Ex Mayor and veteran Reading councillor of 51 years named ‘a lifetime legend’
Bristol City Council is considering a controversial proposal to reduce household bin collections to once a month, along with potential cuts to recycling collections, in an effort to save money and improve recycling rates.
The plans have been revealed in leaked documents, and reported by The Telegraph.
Residents have expressed concerns about the practicality of the plan, particularly for families with young children, and worry it could lead to increased fly-tipping and waste management issues.
While some councils in Scotland and Wales have already implemented monthly collections, Bristol would be the first council in England to adopt such a schedule.
Green council ‘plans to collect bins just once a month’
Tony Page, a former Reading mayor with 51 years of service as a Borough Councillor, has been honored as a ‘Lifetime Legend’ at the 2024 Local Government Information Unit and CCLA Councillor Awards.
His achievements include creating Reading Buses, the busiest council-owned bus service outside London, and demonstrating exceptional leadership in transport and planning at various levels.
Despite retiring earlier this year after serving as Mayor for 2023/24, Mr Page remains actively involved in public affairs according to the Reading Chronicle.
Ex Mayor and veteran Reading councillor of 51 years named ‘a lifetime legend’
USA:
CANADA:
An Ottawa City Councillor has been found to have violated the Code of Conduct following a heated confrontation with daycare staff over noise issues, where he used profane language that was overheard by children and staff.
The integrity commissioner found that Cr Clarke Kelly breached sections related to General Integrity and Discrimination and Harassment, though noted he has since expressed regret and taken steps to address anger management.
The commissioner has recommended a reprimand, but considered suspension of pay to be unnecessary as it is a first offence, and Cr Kelly has cooperated fully with the investigation.