In the 16th January edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- An opposition pledge to mandate council citizenship ceremonies on January 26th
- A narrow miss for a council worker caught in a landslide
- Unruly teenagers banned from a council’s swim centres
- A council Administrator resigns
- A presidential rule change for LGNSW
- Councillors elected by countback and a recount
- Violent incidents prompt a homeless sites crackdown
and much more local government news from across Australia and beyond.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Here is all the news from episode 417:
Victorian Roundup:
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced that if elected, a Coalition government would reinstate the requirement for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies specifically on January 26th.
This would reverse Labor’s 2022 policy that allowed ceremonies to be held between January 23-29.
Mr Dutton claimed this would be implemented within the first 100 days of office, according to a report from the Sydney Morning Herald, arguing that Prime Minister Albanese’s flexible policy suggested “Australia Day didn’t matter.”
He framed the proposed change as promoting national pride and unity.
PM dodges Australia Day stoush with Dutton, calls him ‘nasty’
15 per cent of Australia’s 537 councils have moved away from holding events on January 26th, according to Sky News, which spoke with the Mayor of Wellington Shire in Victoria, Scott Rossetti.
He has reportedly distanced himself from those councils, and spoke about the community-led Australia Day events in 14 locations within his Shire.
‘We have a lot to be thankful for’: Another mayor distances himself from ‘woke’ councils
The Mayor of Fairfield in Western Sydney, Frank Carbone, has thrown his support behind Mr Dutton’s stance, and says councils should wear the costs of staging events on Australia Day.
The President of the Australian Local Governance Association, Matt Burnett, told The Australian that councils should have the flexibility to reflect and respond to the needs of local areas.
He pointed out that some don’t hold events on the 26th January because of issues like extreme heat, staff numbers and costs, and said it was important to be pragmatic about the issue.
A Mornington Peninsula Shire Council worker in his 50s was forced to jump from a second-story balcony when a $2 million beachside home in McCrae collapsed during a landslide, falling approximately 50 meters onto the street below.
The worker, who was inspecting the property following a previous slip just over a week ago, was taken to Frankston Hospital with lower body injuries where he remains in stable condition according to 7News.
New details emerge after house falls down cliff in landslide
Greater Geelong City Council has banned a group of teenagers from the city’s aquatic and leisure centres after actions described as intimidating to other patrons.
The Geelong Advertiser reported that the group of boys from Lara drove up to 100 people from the Kardinia Park swimming complex with their wild behaviour.
Mayor Cr Stretch Kontelj said the group would be denied access to city facilities after multiple instances of poor behaviour toward staff and the public.
Following a countback by the Victorian Electoral Commission on Monday, Gavin Gamble has been elected as the seventh councillor of Golden Plains Shire Council, filling the vacancy left by Cr Lachlan Glen’s resignation in December 2024.
Cr-elect Gamble previously served as Mayor in 2021/22, and becomes the only Greens endorsed councillor to serve in the Geelong region this term. He will be sworn in on Friday morning.
Suzanna Sheed AM has announced her resignation from the Moira Shire Council Panel of Administrators to spend more time with family, after serving since June 2023.
Administrator Sheed said a key achievement for the Panel of Administrators had been establishing a strong leadership culture at Council, which includes the commencement of new CEO Matthew Morgan in January 2024 and the subsequent focus on rebuilding effective leadership and accountability across Council.
Ms Sheed will finish at Moira next month, and there is no word yet on a potential replacement to serve with Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson.
The council will remain under administration until local government elections in October 2028.
Council Administrator Suzanna Sheed AM to step down in February
A 2024 business survey by Surf Coast Shire Council of 128 local businesses revealed mixed results, with 70% reporting stable or improved conditions compared to the previous year, though overall business confidence remains below pre-COVID levels.
The survey highlighted key challenges including rising costs and staffing issues, leading to new Council initiatives such as free business workshops, sustainability programs, and improved regulatory support services.
Surf Coast Shire Council release results of Business Insights Survey
Wyndham City Council has received a share of $2.2 million in federal funding to install 13 EV chargers at their Hoppers Crossing depot, supporting its commitment to transition their light vehicle fleet to zero emissions by 2035.
Mayor Cr Mia Shaw said the funding, which is shared with Moonee Valley and Brimbank councils, aims to reduce the council’s carbon footprint by addressing fleet emissions which currently constitute a significant portion of the council’s greenhouse gas output.
Grant helps position EV fleet of the future | Wyndham City
Victorian Briefs:
Premier league Korean baseball team KT Wiz will conduct a summer training camp in Geelong from January to February 2025, bringing over 80 team members and staff to the city.
The team will hold a six week camp and invest in significant upgrades to the Geelong Baseball Centre in Waurn Ponds.
Korean baseball team KT Wiz to call Geelong home for summer – City of Greater Geelong
A community-wide campaign in Mansfield Shire has successfully trapped 285 European wasp queens between September and December, preventing an estimated 800,000 wasps from being hatched in new colonies.
The council says the project cost less than $200 in materials and will be expanded next year to include all outlying towns following its success.
European Wasp Project wraps up
Yarriambiack Shire Council has announced plans to transition all eight of its transfer stations to cashless payment methods from July 1, 2025.
The move aims to improve staff efficiency, reduce property damage from illegal access, and align with community preferences for electronic payments.
Feedback on the proposal is being accepted until mid-February.
Transfer Stations To be Cashless from 01 July 2025
Over the next four years, the VLGA will be rolling out a suite of training that directly aligns with the mandatory training requirements set out in the Local Government Act 2020.
VLGA training focuses on enhancing councillor capabilities and ensuring elected representatives are well equipped to represent their communities.
A full program prospectus will be released in the coming weeks, along with a Councillor Professional Development Policy, which will guide councils across Victoria on how to implement the mandatory requirements in a way that best suits their individual councillors’ learning needs.
To find out more or register for the training, get in touch with the team at the VLGA by calling (03) 9349 7999 or email vlga@vlga.org.au
National Roundup:
NSW:
New Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) president Phyllis Miller has committed to changing rules that allow presidents to be ousted if their council leaves the organisation.
It follows the surprise departure of former president Darriea Turley when Broken Hill City Council resigned from LGNSW.
Cr Miller, who will serve the remainder of Cr Turley’s term, told Government News that she plans to focus on financial sustainability for local governments while working constructively with state and federal governments.
New LGNSW president commits to rule change – Government News
Bayside Council in Sydney has received mixed reactions after installing a shipping container to block ocean views following the alleged poisoning of trees along the foreshore.
News.com.au reported that the incident is part of a pattern of illegal tree killings in Sydney, including over 260 trees destroyed in Castle Cove in 2023.
Potential fines for such offences range from $3,000 to $1 million.
The council said it will plant two large pine trees near the poisoned trees and consider fencing them for protection if necessary.
Containing Tree Vandalism | Bayside Council | NSW
Northern Beaches Council has reopened most of the nine beaches that were closed earlier this week, following the discovery of marble-sized ball-shaped debris.
Council teams have conducted extensive clean-up efforts and collected samples of the unidentified substance for testing, the situation will continue to be monitored.
Most beaches re-opened after ball-shaped debris located yesterday
The Guardian reported that this latest debris incident has raised concerns about water treatment and waste management, with Sydney Water claiming no issues with their treatment plants while investigations into the source continue.
Mystery balls close nine northern Sydney beaches months after fatbergs washed ashore
Wollongong City Council has installed signs prohibiting the use of cling wrap to reserve beach picnic huts, cracking down on a controversial trend where people were wrapping gazebos to claim them during peak periods.
Lord Mayor Tania Brown told 9News it was unfortunate to have to erect the signage, hoping that people would show common courtesy to one another when it comes to shared spaces and facilities.
She said council rangers will remove any wrapping they find on their patrols, and encouraged members of the public to report the behaviour if they encounter it.
Council forced to put up signs banning popular act at public picnic huts
Dog Rescue Newcastle has criticised Lake Macquarie City Council‘s pound facilities as inadequate and lacking capacity for the region’s population, highlighting concerns about limited kennel space and ranger availability during holiday periods.
The rescue organisation, along with other animal welfare groups, has told the Newcastle Herald that they are shouldering an unfair burden of animal care responsibilities that should be managed by council facilities.
The council maintains its facilities meet standards and provide high levels of service.
Meanwhile, the investigation into a suspected arson attack on a Lake Macquarie Council building in November is continuing.
Radio 2HD reported that Police have released CCTV footage of a dark grey ute captured near the building, and are seeking public assistance to identify two persons of interest and the vehicle,
Ute Caught On CCTV At Time Of Council Blaze – 2HD
Questions about the attendance of a councillor at Orange City Council have been raised after a one minute attendance at a meeting late last year.
The Central Western Daily reported (14th January, p.3) that Cr Kevin Duffy signed in and out of a meeting in November at 6.31pm, attracting criticism from fellow councillors.
Readers of the papers overwhelming voted that a 60 second appearance should not count as attending a meeting, but the Local Government Act makes no allowance for partial absences.
Cr Duffy has not provided a reason for the brief appearance, described by a colleague as “not a reasonable effort.”
Ian Lumsden, a former general manager of Yass Shire Council, has passed away.
Yass Valley Council has paid tribute to Mr Lumsden, whose local government career spanned nearly 40 years.
During his tenure, he was instrumental in numerous significant developments including the Hume Highway bypass and Yass’s infrastructure upgrades, while also serving the community through various organisations such as the Lions Club, Rotary Club, and as District Returning Officer and Emergency Fire Controller.
Flags will be lowered on Council buildings Friday January 17, the day of his funeral, as a mark of respect.
Vale Ian Lumsden, former General Manager of YVC
QLD:
Fraser Coast Regional Council has initiated a crackdown on homeless sites along Hervey Bay’s foreshore following serious assaults on council rangers and increasing violent incidents in the Pialba area.
Chief Executive Ken Diehm said that while the council maintains its commitment to supporting homeless individuals through various services, it is taking firm action against anti-social behavior and unsafe gatherings that pose risks to public safety and council staff.
Crackdown on dangerous behaviour in Pialba public spaces – Fraser Coast Regional Council
The Courier Mail reports that Cook Shire Council in Queensland is the latest to consider removing fluoride from its water supply following pressure from opponents, most of whom don’t even use the town water supply.
The potential removal has raised concerns among health professionals, as only 25 of Queensland’s 77 councils currently have fluoridated water, leading to significant dental health problems in regions without fluoride.
It follows a recent decision by Gympie Regional Council to remove fluoride from its water supply.
Central Highlands Regional Council is calling attention to widespread illegal dumping, particularly of tyres and mattresses, which are harming the environment and creating costly cleanup burdens for the community.
It is asking residents to report illegal dumping through the Snap, Send Solve app to help the council respond quickly and hold offenders accountable.
Dumped tyres and mattresses pollute our region – council urges community action
National Briefs:
Terry-Anne Keen has been elected to Adelaide Plains Council in a recount, resulting from a Court of Disputed Returns declaration disputing the outcome of a previous recount in November 2023.
Ms Keen was successful from a field of four eligible candidates.
Shoalhaven City Council has been awarded $5 million from the Federal Government to develop the Nowra Riverfront Precinct, which will reconnect the city center with the Shoalhaven River waterfront.
The funding will support masterplan development, detailed designs, and infrastructure planning while encouraging private investment in the area.
Albanese Government awards Council $5 million for Nowra Riverfront
Livingstone Shire Council has awarded tenders for designing new boardwalks and wayfinding signage on Great Keppel Island, with contracts going to Dotdash for signage and NewScape Design for boardwalks.
The Queensland Government is investing $30M into the revitalisation of Great Keppel Island, with aims to enhance tourism infrastructure while preserving cultural heritage.
Central Desert Regional Council has appointed Ilario Sabatino as its new Chief Executive Officer bringing over twenty years of public service experience to the role.
President Adrian Dixon welcomed the appointment of Mr Sabatino, which took effect earlier this month.
Central Desert Regional Council – Central Desert Regional Council Appoints New CEO
TAS:
Glenorchy City Council Mayor Sue Hickey has welcomed Coles’ decision to stop selling kitchen knives in its supermarkets following a knife attack on an employee in Queensland.
Cr Hickey has urged other retailers to follow suit to reduce the risk of knife crime, and expressed support for Tasmania Police’s extended trial of metal detector searches, which she says is a crucial step in addressing the increasing concern of knife-related incidents in communities.
Glenorchy City Council welcomes knife ban | Glenorchy City Council
SA:
The Adelaide Advertiser has reported the reasons for the suspension of Yorke Peninsula councillor, Adam Meyer.
Cr Meyer was suspended for one month without pay after making “inappropriate” remarks against a council officer while attempting to unseal documents about a 2017 road construction land deal.
Mayor Darren Braund defended the complaint, saying that council members should be deterred from engaging in behaviour that improperly targets individuals who work for or serve on councils.
LGA South Australia is supporting a council-led campaign by 23 councils in the state’s north and west to address the severe lack of childcare options in the Grey electorate, which has been identified as having the nation’s worst childcare accessibility.
The Regional Childcare Desert Advocacy Project aims to secure more government funding for childcare services while raising awareness about how limited childcare access affects early childhood development, workforce participation, and regional economic growth.
Council-led campaign seeks more regional childcare funding
WA:
Dr Garry Hunt PSM has been appointed as temporary CEO of the Shire of Ashburton for an initial six-month period, bringing over 45 years of local government experience including previous CEO roles at the Cities of Melville, Perth, and Joondalup.
The appointment, confirmed at December’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, will allow time for the formal recruitment process of a permanent CEO.
Cr Tracy Lansdell has been elected unopposed as Shire President of Bridgetown-Greenbushes, bringing nearly three decades of experience in the health sector and a commitment to community engagement to the role.
The council called a special meeting to fill the position after the resignation from the Council of former Shire President Jenny Mountford in December for personal reasons.
It resolved to seek permission to leave the vacancy unfilled until the scheduled council elections in October this year.
Global Roundup:
USA:
Los Angeles City Council has passed numerous measures to aid recovery efforts following devastating wildfires that killed at least 24 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures.
The LA Times reported that the measures include expediting federal emergency funds, preventing price gouging and evictions, commissioning an independent report on emergency responses, and potentially developing a 2026 bond measure to fund fire station repairs and construction.
The council also unanimously called on the LA Department of Water and Power to explain why firefighters ran out of water and why a key reservoir was offline.
Earlier this week, Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order that seeks to expedite rebuilding efforts, requiring city departments to complete project reviews within 30 days from when a complete application is submitted and waiving discretionary hearings under zoning rules, among other efforts.
L.A. City Council passes series of measures to aid recovery from catastrophic fires
CANADA:
A Calgary city councillor is proposing an external review to examine how false information impacts council decisions and city operations, specifically focusing on misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
Cllr Courtney Wallcott says he will bring forward a proposal after instances of factually incorrect information being spread about major city projects in 2024.
CBC reported that he introduced the idea at a city audit committee, as part of a discussion on how the city’s corporate reputation has been damaged by a lack of public trust.
Calgary city councillor wants review on impacts of false information | CBC News
**Saskatoon City Council’**s transportation committee has unanimously voted to recommend making e-scooters permanent in the city following a two-year pilot project that operated between April and October, CBC News report.
While the pilot revealed both benefits (affordability, convenience, environmental impact) and concerns (safety issues, helmet compliance, abandoned scooters), city administration has recommended continuing the program, with the final decision now resting with city council.
Saskatoon city committee votes in favour of e-scooters | CBC News
NZ:
Auckland Council is throwing its support behind four-year electoral terms as part of Local Government New Zealand’s electoral reform discussions, according to Times.co.nz.
Mayor Wayne Brown has reportedly questioned the relevance of responding to LGNZ’s issues paper, given the council left the membership body in 2023, and is believed to prefer the current three year cycle.
The council’s principal governance advisor confirmed that a council submission would support four year terms, and highlights the pros and cons of booth voting at local elections.
Council backs four-year electoral term
NETHERLANDS:
In the Netherlands, 225 local authority aldermen (16% of the total) have resigned in the past year, with the majority leaving due to political conflict.
Personal or health reasons were behind other resignations.
Dutch News reported that the concerning trend comes amid reports of increasing work intensity, with 60-70 hour weeks becoming standard, and rising incidents of aggression and threats against local councillors.
A “worrying” 16% of local council aldermen quit in one year – DutchNews.nl
UK:
BBC News has reported that a total of eighteen local authorities in England have requested to delay their May elections to next year to implement reforms that would see smaller district councils merged with county councils.
The government says it will carefully evaluate the requests, applying a “high bar” for allowing delays according to Local Government Minister Jim McMahon.
Local government shake-up sees 18 councils request election delays
Glasgow City Council will begin enforcing a £100 fine for pavement parking from January 29, 2025, following similar bans in Edinburgh and Highland Council, with exceptions for emergency services and certain delivery activities.
The BBC reported that the ban is being implemented to improve pedestrian safety, particularly for wheelchair users and those with buggies.
Edinburgh was the first council to Scotland to bring in a pavement parking ban last year, while the practice has been banned in London since 1974.
Council sets date for Glasgow pavement parking ban
Sutton Council in south London has attracted attention over a 13-page inclusive language guide advising staff to avoid using the term “Christian name” and instead use “first name, forename or given name.
The Telegraph reported that Free Speech Union founder Toby Young has described the move as “woke hyper-sensitivity taken to ridiculous lengths.”
But the council maintains it is merely guidance to help staff support their diverse community.
Asking people for ‘Christian’ names could be offensive, says council