On the Local Government News Roundup for 23rd November 2024:
- Experienced councillors take on mayoral duties in the latest batch of election results
- A call from rural Victoria for a new Federal Local Government Commissioner
- Snowy Monaro announces an interim CEO appointment
- A major cost blowout for a Sydney council project could lead to substantial rate increases
- The Queensland government suspends a controversial mayor on full pay
- A Tasmanian mayor found in breach of the councillor code of conduct
- Controversy in Darwin over the status of a Cyclone Tracy commemorative monument
- The staggering level of debt revealed at a small UK council
- and a standoff continues at a Canadian council over a refusal to swear allegiance to the King
Plus more local government news from around 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 402:
Victorian Roundup:
Mayoral election results:
Horsham – Ian Ross, the only returned councillor on the new council, has been elected mayor. The council has decided not to have a deputy.
Knox – the mayor of Knox is Cr Lisa Cooper, a councillor since 2015 and a former mayor in 2020/21. Cr Glen Atwell is the new deputy mayor – he is a first time Knox councillor, but previously served on Stonnington City Council in the 2016 council term.
Macedon Ranges – Mayor is second term Cr Dominic Bonanno, Deputy Mayor is first term councillor Kate Kendall
Melton – Last year’s deputy mayor Steve Abboushi has stepped into the mayoral robes at the City of Melton this week. The council has also elected a former mayor in Cr Lara Carli to fill the deputy mayor position.
Mildura – Cr Helen Healy has been elected mayor – has previously served as deputy in multiple occasions; former MP now local councillor Ali Cupper was elected deputy mayor.
Stonnington – Cr Melina Sehr returns to the mayoralty for a fourth time – she was first in the robes in 2003/04. Cr Tom Humphries was chosen for the deputy mayor position.
Wyndham – Cr Mia Shaw elected – third time as mayor; Cr Josh Gilligan, a former mayor, second consecutive year as deputy.
Hobsons Bay City Council was due to elect its new mayor and deputy last night; there are four Councils holding their mayoral elections on Monday, and the final ten will be conducted on Tuesday.
Head to lgnewsroundup.com if you’d like keep up to date with those mayoral results as they come through – and thanks to the many of you have told me you find that resource useful, and have requested a listing of mayoral appointments from other states.
I’m working on that and hope to have the definitive national listing of local government mayors available for you soon.
Now to other council stories making news:
Advocacy alliance Rural Councils Victoria has released a national policy platform ahead of next year’s federal election, including a call for the appointment of a new Local Government Commissioner.
RCV believes a new commissioner would bolster the relationship between rural councils and the Commonwealth, resulting in better services and outcomes for rural communities.
The platform also calls for new measures to boost financial sustainability, targeted funding to support community infrastructure, and more clarity on renewable energy initiatives.
Rural councils push for a better deal from the Federal Government
Swan Hill Rural City Council has thrown its support behind the call for a local government commissioner.
River 1467 reported that the council believes a commissioner would help to get better and faster action on local issues in the national arena.
Swan Hill Council backs calls for a Local Government Commissioner – River 1467
Meanwhile, the council has launched a major project at its landfill site, described as a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable future for agriculture and waste management in the Loddon Mallee region.
The CAPE baler project will divert agricultural plastic waste away from landfill.
Swan Hill CEO Scott Barber said the Loddon Mallee region is the largest producer of agricultural plastic waste in the nation, and 12 tonnes of the material was diverted in a successful trial conducted locally.
Council officially launches the innovative CAPE baler project
The Geelong Advertiser has reported on the “strong disappointment” of the Women in Local Democracy Group at the result of the council elections in Greater Geelong, where despite an increase in female candidates, there are now fewer women on the council.
It has attributed the result to factors like incumbency, conservatism, and the introduction of single member wards.
Greater Geelong has three women on the 11 member council for this term, with the election of mayor and deputy mayor scheduled for next Tuesday.
WILD response to male dominance at City Hall
Tally Room podcast episode out now
I join Ben Raue and Leo Puglisi from 6 News to wrap up the Victorian council elections.
The City of Ballarat is implementing a new Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service by 2025, which will process up to 21,500 tonnes of organic waste annually from over 50,000 households.
The council has called for tenders for a processor to accept and process the waste, and transform it into valuable compost products that can be used by both the city and residents.
The tender is expected to be awarded in late February 2025.
City of Ballarat advertises for kerbside organics processor | City of Ballarat
Victorian Briefs:
Strathbogie Shire Council will move to a four bin waste collection system next year, rolling out new purple glass recycling bins for households from May.
The glass recycling collections will begin in July, with the new purple bins to be collected once every four weeks.
Next year the way you recycle at home is changing for the better – Strathbogie Shire
Ararat Rural City Council has issued a call to action regarding increased graffiti vandalism on public property, which is costing ratepayers thousands in cleanup costs and creating a negative impression of the municipality.
The Council has emphasised the importance of community cooperation in reporting graffiti incidents promptly to protect public assets and maintain a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Council Calls for End to Public Graffiti | Ararat
Bass Coast Shire Council has initiated urgent sand renourishment works at Inverloch Surf Beach to protect critical infrastructure following recent king tides and wave activity.
The Council is working collaboratively with stakeholders through the Inverloch Regional and Strategic Partnership (RaSP) while supporting the state government’s planned large-scale dune restoration project set for 2025-26.
Bass Coast Shire Council Responds to Inverloch Coastal Erosion
National Roundup:
NSW:
Stephen Dunshea, a 40-year veteran of local government, has been appointed as the interim CEO of Snowy Monaro Regional Council following David Hogan’s resignation in October 2024.
Mr Dunshea brings extensive experience from leadership roles in various NSW councils, including guiding Shoalhaven City Council through multiple natural disasters and implementing growth strategies.
The interim appointment allows the council time to conduct a thorough search for a permanent CEO, with the recruitment process expected to begin in January 2025.
Announcing the appointment of Stephen Dunshea as interim Council CEO
Inner West Council is moving forward with plans to establish six new Special Entertainment Precincts across various suburbs, building on the success of the Enmore Road precinct.
The new precincts, to be located in Balmain, Dulwich Hill, Leichhardt, Rozelle, and two areas in Marrickville, will offer incentives for venues to host live performances, including extended trading hours and simplified sound regulation.
The planning proposal, which received positive community feedback during early engagement, will be open for public exhibition from February 2025 and aims to boost local businesses while promoting cultural activities over gambling.
Council To Proceed With Six New Special Entertainment Precincts
The North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment project is facing significant budget overruns, with costs nearly doubling from the original $64 million to an estimated $122 million.
The Daily Telegraph reported that North Sydney Council is considering substantial rate increases for both residential and business ratepayers to address the financial shortfall.
The project has been plagued by delays, construction issues, and governance failures.
Mayor Zoe Baker said the problems were due to the “financially perilous decisions” of the previous council, and that she shares the community’s frustration and anger over the issue.
An innovative Housing Grant program at Lismore City Council has reached a significant milestone, with $600,000 of its $1.2 million funding pool already committed to creating new affordable housing solutions.
The program, which offers $15,000 grants to eligible landowners, has received nineteen applications proposing 40 new dwellings, including re-sited homes, new constructions, and multi-unit developments.
The initiative has garnered positive feedback from recipients who praise its streamlined process and meaningful impact on their ability to secure housing in the flood-affected region.
Council helping locals get into affordable housing
QLD:
Queensland’s Local Government Minister Ann Leahy has confirmed the suspension of Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson for 12 months on full pay.
The suspension comes six months after the Crime and Corruption Commission launched a probe into whether Thompson inflated his military, business, and education credentials during his election campaign.
Mr Thompson initially resisted calls to step down and claimed to be the target of discrimination and bullying.
His fellow councillors passed a motion of no confidence in him as mayor earlier this year.
Thompson has reportedly agreed to the suspension, which will take effect on Friday.
Deputy Mayor Paul Jacobs will take on the role of acting mayor.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith responded to the suspension announcement, thanking the minister for her transparent approach to the issue.
She reiterated the peak body’s view that legislative provisions for the suspension or dismissal of a mayor, councillor or council “in the public interest” should be reviewed, as per a promise from the previous State government in 2018.
Media Release: Statement in response to suspension of Townsville Mayor – LGAQ
Earlier in the week, Mayor Thompson denied influencing the departure of former council executives, following a Queensland Audit Office report revealing $2.6 million in termination benefits.
The Townsville Bulletin reported that the council’s operations team, including Chief Executive Joe McCabe, were reluctant to provide details on who approved the payments, which were significantly higher than the previous year.
‘It’s not a good look’: Mayor rejects claims of contract breaches
Tablelands Regional Council in Far North Queensland is facing scrutiny over the secretive departure last month of CEO Gary Rinehart, with details of his exit and potential payout remaining undisclosed.
Two closed-door special meetings have been held to discuss the matter, resulting in vague resolutions that fail to provide clarity to the community about the circumstances of Rinehart’s departure, according to the Express Newspaper.
Former councillor David Clifton has expressed concern over the lack of transparency, noting that this marks the third CEO turnover for the council in four years.
He is calling for a clearer explanation to the public.
National Briefs:
Willoughby City Council will hold a Preloved Fashion Pop-Up event this month to promote sustainable fashion, featuring pre-owned clothing and accessories from local charity stores.
The event will offer free stylist sessions, on-site sewing repairs, and aims to inspire a shift towards more sustainable consumption habits in the community.
Council promotes sustainable fashion with Preloved Fashion Pop-Up
Goulburn Mulwaree Council will discontinue printed waste calendars from next year as part of environmental sustainability efforts, with residents directed to access digital versions on the Council’s website instead.
While the change aims to reduce paper waste and carbon footprint, printed copies will still remain available at select Council locations for those without internet access.
Council Ends Printed Waste Calendars in 2025
WA’s City of Melville has elected Cr Karen Wheatland as its new Deputy Mayor.
Cr Wheatland succeeds Cr Glynis Barber in the role and will serve until October 2025.
Queensland’s Etheridge Council has achieved Silver status through EarthCheck, a leading environmental management and professional services group for the travel and tourism industry.
Mayor Barry Hughes said the achievement places the shire amongst the world’s leading ecological destinations for sustainable practices.
Griffith City Council is offering a reward of to $5,000 for information leading to convictions, after a surge in vandalism incidents affecting various public spaces.
Mayor Doug Curran has urged community vigilance and reporting of incidents to help protect public assets and reduce the burden on ratepayers.
Griffith Council Seeks Community Aid After Vandalism
TAS:
The mayor of Central Highlands council in Tasmania, Loueen Triffitt, has been found to have breached the code of conduct following complaints from five councillors.
ABC News reported that the breaches include accusations of “collusion” and “corruption” against fellow councillors, unfair treatment, and misrepresentation of legal advice.
Mayor Triffitt has been reprimanded and ordered to complete training in mayoral functions, with the code of conduct panel stating they would have suspended her if not for an existing ministerial direction that could potentially lead to her suspension.
Mayor told to complete training in ‘mayoral functions’ after run-ins with fellow councillors
Clarence City Council has expressed its strong disappointment in the State Government’s decision not to build the AFL/AFLW High Performance Centre in their municipality, despite Rosny being consistently presented as the preferred site.
In a statement on its website, the Council said that throughout the process it faced inadequate communication from the state, and invested significant resources, including $150,000 for an elector poll, while maintaining clear non-negotiable conditions such as retaining land ownership and ensuring community benefits.
The cancellation of the controversial project means the municipality will miss out on substantial economic opportunities, though the Council notes this outcome will be celebrated by some community members who opposed the development.
Derwent Valley Council has implemented an unreasonable conduct policy in response to incidents of abuse and accusations against council staff and representatives.
The policy defines unreasonable behaviour and includes measures such as restricting communication methods and designating single contact points for problematic interactions.
Mayor Michelle Dracoulis told Pulse Tasmania that most council interactions are positive, but that the policy is needed to protect staff who face verbal abuse and threats while maintaining essential community services.
Derwent Valley Council adopts policy after ‘cheating and lying’ claims, social media abuse
WA:
Bayswater City Council has voted 6-5 to install a fifth flagpole to fly the Pride flag outside its administration centre, despite opposition from Mayor Filomena Piffaretti, according to PerthNow.
The decision comes after a previous attempt in January was blocked, with supporters arguing it demonstrates inclusivity while opponents suggested alternative ways to show support for the LGBTIQA+ community.
The new flagpole, costing $4700, will allow the city to celebrate special events alongside the existing Australian, WA, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags.
Perth council to fly Pride flag without mayor’s support
NT:
A controversy has erupted in Darwin over a kinetic sculpture called Coriolis at Bundilla Beach, previously described as a commemorative monument to Cyclone Tracy which devastated the city in 1974.
The NT News reported that Cyclone Tracy survivors feel excluded from the decision-making process and are planning to protest a private unveiling event scheduled for next week.
Meanwhile, Darwin Council and Mayor Kon Vatskalis have shifted their stance on the status of the sculpture, now referring to a separate memorial at East Point, designed by survivors’ group Remembering Cyclone Tracy Incorporated, as the “official monument.”
The East Point memorial, featuring five fallen frangipani flowers to represent the five decades since the cyclone, will be unveiled on Christmas Day and has received substantial government funding.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Woking Borough Council has publicly apologised for past financial mismanagement that led to its effective bankruptcy in June 2023.
According to BBC News, a new report published this week has put the council’s accumulated debts at £2.1 billion, despite having a relatively small population of 104,000 and spending power of just £16.9m.
Auditors have blamed the situation on poor accounting practices, and fundamental weaknesses in governance, decision-making and risk management at the council.
Government-appointed commissioners are now overseeing efforts to address the financial crisis, though they note the council has “no means” to repay all debt from its own resources.
Woking council apologises for failings that led to bankruptcy
A Scottish council has discovered it overpaid nearly 600 former staff members a total of £614,092 due to issues with how departing employees were recorded in their systems.
BBC News reported that Highland Council has managed to recover 25% of the overpaid amount and has implemented new safeguards, including more frequent payroll checks, to prevent similar issues in the future.
The matter will be discussed at an upcoming council meeting, as officials work to address the error that was initially identified in a 2022-23 annual audit.
Highland council tackling overpayment of ex-staff
USA:
A cybersecurity breach in Enfield, New Hampshire has resulted in $742,000 of town funds being mistakenly deposited into a fraudulent account after an employee failed to follow correct procedures while updating bank account information.
WCAX reported that $450,000 of the money has been frozen and is being recovered, and the employee who made the mistake is no longer with the town.
The town manager the affected funds were allocated to a public safety building project and not the town’s the general fund.
Enfield cybersecurity breach blamed for $742K missing
Boston City Council has this week passed a resolution recognising November 28 as a National Day of Mourning, acknowledging the painful history of Native American genocide and colonisation.
The Daily Free Press reported that the Council is also looking at establishing a Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement to ensure permanent protections and resources for LGBTQ+ residents in Boston.
Councillors proposing the move say the ordinance is more than symbolic, and particularly important given the current political state of the country.
CANADA:
A standoff continues in the Canadian town of Dawson City, Yukon, where the newly elected council has refused to swear allegiance to King Charles III.
The Guardian reported that the council has been locked for weeks now, due to a bureaucratic standstill that could cost the councillors their positions if not resolved by December 10th.
The territorial government is seeking alternative solutions but it no resolution is achieved soon, a by-election will be required and the mayor and councillors will forfeit their seats.
Standoff as Canada Yukon town council refuses to swear oath to King Charles