On the Local Government News Roundup for Friday 9th August 2024:
- A heritage nomination process at a Melbourne council prompts claims of racism
- New recycling standards set to change what you can put in your bins
- A call for urgent transport improvements in Melbourne’s north
- Liverpool’s case against the NSW government underway in court
- More strife for incumbent mayors at Sydney councils
- Queensland council workers the latest to take strike action
- A new pay deal for Gold Coast council worker
- A council asked to erect a statue of Julian Assange
- Drones deployed in a US city to warn of impending storms,
- and two New Zealand councils take different paths on Maori wards.
Plus more of the latest news from around the world of local government 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 373:
Victorian Roundup:
A new system at a Council in Melbourne’s east allowing the public to nominate homes for heritage protection has sparked accusations of racism and fears of misuse by vigilantes.
The Age has reported on a contentious City of Boroondara council meeting, at which eight properties were recommended for heritage overlay, with only one of those nominated by its owner.
Objectors have argued that the process can be weaponised against property owners.
Allegations of racism were strongly denied by meeting chair Cr Wes Gault, who said the claims were bordering on being potentially defamatory.
A suggestion to put the community nomination process on hold until after elections in October was rejected, with the council ultimately voting to proceed.
The Herald Sun reports this morning on plans by the state government to ban compostable plastic bags from food waste bins, as councils warn of high levels of contamination in green bins since FOGO services were introduced.
Households may be told to use paper bags in food caddies instead of plastic liners.
The change would be part of new standards under consideration that will also include a reduction in items than can be placed in yellow lid recycling bins, like plastic meat trays and cordial bottles.
Over 2,700 households in the City of Ballarat have joined a new pilot program for recycling soft plastics.
Scrunchable soft plastics can be recycled in city-supplied orange bags, and placed in yellow-lid recycling bins.
Mayor Cr Des Hudson is encouraging more locals to join the program, which is limited to the first 10,000 households.
The Northern Councils Alliance, a group of seven councils in Melbourne’s north, has launched a campaign to address severe traffic congestion, long commutes, and social isolation.
Through the Connect Melbourne’s North campaign, the councils are calling for urgent improvements to the transport system, including duplicating and extending the Upfield rail line, enhancing bus and train services, and supporting sustainable transport options.
The campaign highlights the region’s rapid population growth and the need for state and federal government support to ensure better connectivity and quality of life for residents.
Northern Councils Alliance comprises Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Mitchell, Nillumbik and Whittlesea councils.
East Gippsland Shire Council has paused consideration of selling two land parcels intended for affordable housing development to allow for more consideration of community views.
CEO Fiona Weigall said this week that the community response to the proposal has generated a lot of views about social and affordable housing, and that the pause would allow the council to consider the matter as holistically as possible.
She said a broad policy position and options would be provided to the new Council early next year.
A West Footscray resident is contesting an order from Maribyrnong City Council to replace his artificial grass with real lawn.
The Age has reported that the resident, Fadh Yusof, was unaware of requirements of a planning permit issued for the property in 2020 before he bought the property in 2022 and spent $5,000 to have the synthetic lawn installed.
Council regulations stipulate that artificial grass cannot be used in publicly visible areas of a development
Mr Yusof challenged an enforcement notice at VCAT, but his appeal was dismissed because it was filed too late.
But he says he is not giving up and plans to file another application to have the matter reviewed.
The City of Darebin has become the first local council in Australia to achieve Welcoming Cities accreditation at the Excelling level.
The recognition is for its commitment to inclusion and community engagement.
The city’s efforts include equitable access to services, safe neighbourhoods, economic opportunities, and respect for human rights.
Mayor Susanne Newton said she was proud that Darebin was the first in Australia to be awarded the Excelling status from the Welcoming Australia program.
Victorian Briefs:
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence has visited Barnawartha Recreation Reserve and the Chiltern Tennis Club to launch new tennis and netball courts in **Indigo Shire.**
The investment of $790K from the state government grant and $460k from the council has delivered new multipurpose courts, court lighting, and player shelters as part of improved facilities to enhance local tennis and netball activities.
Gerard Brody, a leading consumer rights lawyer, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the **Essential Services Commission** (ESC) in Victoria.
His previous roles include Chair of Community Legal Centres Australia and the Consumers’ Federation of Australia, and CEO of the Consumer Action Law Centre.
The ESC is responsible for recommending the average rate cap to apply to Victorian councils.
Work has started on a 14-kilometre shared path to connect Inverloch and Wonthaggi, funded by the state government and Bass Coast Shire Council.
The $7.7 million project, expected to be completed by mid-2026, will provide a scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists, linking Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club to the Bass Coast Rail Trail in Wonthaggi and extending to Cowes.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Liverpool Council’s case against the State Government commenced in court yesterday.
The Daily Telegraph reported on proceedings, which included an attempt to subpoena the Deputy Secretary of the Office of Local Government, Brett Whitworth to answer questions about changes made to an interim investigation report that recommended a public inquiry into the council.
The government’s barrister described that as a fishing expedition, and the motion was denied by Justice John Robson.
The court also heard allegations that the interim report was made by political enemies of the council’s mayor Ned Mannoun.
The hearing resumes today.
The NSW Minister for Finance has threatened to step in and use policy levers after a surge in the use of ticketless parking fines by local councils.
Courtney Houssos says the system does not meet community expectations and despite having raised concerns with councils, the use of the ticketless systems has increased by 49% in the past financial year.
She said she wants councils to deliver a solution that embraces transparency and fairness, but some have said they are unwilling to make changes unless compelled through legislative change.
Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch has survived a no confidence vote initiated by Liberal councillors due to her speeches at pro-Palestinian rallies.
ABC News reported that the motion was amended to remove the no-confidence vote, and became a general condemnation of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
Mayor Veitch described the motion as political game-playing designed to impact local council elections in September.
Meanwhile at Sutherland Shire, current mayor Carmelo Pesce has lost Liberal Party endorsement, and will run for re-election as an independent.
He has told ABC Radio that he has resigned from the party, and does not know why he was excluded from the vote on possible candidates.
He has twice been elected mayor, and was first elected as a Sutherland councillor in 2012.
The NSW Government has denied Port Macquarie Hastings Council‘s (PMHC) request to take over the management of its two Hastings River ferry services, which operate at a significant loss.
Council CEO Dr. Clare Allen said the council has expressed its disappointment in the decision, and that there is a clear inequity in how vehicular ferry services are provided across the state.
It is asking the government to reconsider its position, and provide a financial contribution towards the annual operational costs of the ferries.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council is one of the few local governments in the state that still run ferry services.
Blue Mountains Council is planning to implement a citywide action plan to manage the influx of tourist buses, which are causing congestion and infrastructure strain.
The council says long-standing traffic issues have been exacerbated by a 30% increase in domestic day trips from 2022 to 2023.
The Daily Telegraph reported that measures in the plan will include a six-month trial of bus compliance technology at key locations and the potential introduction of a bus booking system.
Also from the ABC this week, a report on how regional NSW councils are offering substantial financial incentives to attract and retain doctors.
Inverell Shire Council has provided incentives of up to $90,000, while Carrathool Shire Council has spent up to $300,000 annually for the last five years to keep a doctor in the community.
Councils argue it is not a responsibility of local government to provide medical services, and more financial support is needed from other levels of government.
QLD:
Toowoomba council workers and union representatives have rallied at City Hall on Wednesday, demanding a meeting with chief executive Brian Pidgeon over stalled enterprise bargaining negotiations.
The Toowoomba Chronicle reported that workers are seeking a three-year pay rise package of up to eight per cent and commitments to address the gender pay gap.
There are fears that more stoppages could disrupt preparations for the city’s upcoming Carnival of Flowers event.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reports this morning on pay deal for Gold Coast City Council workers.
Under a deal with the unions, outdoor staff will work a 36 hour week, a reduction of two hours, aligning with other council staff.
And pay will increase by 13.5 per cent over three years, including 5 per cent backdated to last year, and 4.5 per cent this year.
A petition to install a Julian Assange statue in Townsville was formally recognised at a council meeting this week but didn’t get council support.
155 people signed the petition, many of them reportedly from outside the region, according to the Townsville Bulletin.
While the council ultimately decided to accept the petition, it voted that no further action be taken.
Mackay Region councillor and former MP George Christensen has reportedly been attending Council meetings remotely while traveling in Europe, where he is campaigning against vaccines and the Olympics, according to the Daily Mercury.
He has remotely attended two recent meetings, with the council’s mayor reportedly unaware of his location.
The Mercury has attempted to have him explain how he serves his constituents from overseas, but is yet to receive a response.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles has announced plans to create an Independent Transport Authority if elected in October, aiming to integrate Queensland’s public transport system, particularly in the South East.
He said under the new authority, the state and councils would no longer run duplicate services.
Local government experts would be collocated with state government staff in a new multi-modal traffic management centre at Kedron.
National Briefs:
Councillor Karen May has been chosen as the new deputy mayor of Mackay Regional Council, replacing Belinda Hassan.
In a special meeting on Wednesday, Cr May, a former deputy mayor, was selected over fellow councillors Alison Jones and Ash-Lee Johnson.
The appointment was determined by a deciding vote from Mayor Greg Williamson, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin.
Townsville City Council has approved the opening of Ross River Dam for Stage 1 recreational use, including land-based fishing and walking, by June 2025.
The project, estimated to cost $1.27 million, will be funded by reallocating funds from other capital works.
South Australia’s Clare and Gilbert Valley Council is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer.
The council is located 140Km north of Adelaide, with a population of nearly 10,000.
Applications with LG Talent are due in by the 25th August.
SA:
The Adelaide City Council is considering whether to add Harry “Breaker” Morant’s name to the South Australian Boer War Memorial.
Cathie Morant has lobbied for the addition since 2021, and it has the conditional support of Heritage SA.
But InDaily reports that the state RSL opposes the addition, arguing it would overturn historical criteria.
The council’s decision could set a precedent for including other names, with some members supporting the story’s recognition but not necessarily on the memorial itself.
WA:
Joondalup City Council has voted 8-5 to request access to a major power agreement with Synergy, despite a non-disclosure agreement.
PerthNow reports that it’s the latest move from some councillors seeking greater transparency over the delegated authority to council CEO James Pearson.
There were two unsuccessful motions earlier in the year seeking to have the delegated authority reduced.
The contract in question was negotiated via the WA Local Government Association (WALGA), which would need to give consent for its disclosure.
A 10-storey, 27-apartment block in Nedlands has been approved by an independent development panel despite concerns over its height and density.
The modified proposal, reduced from 11 storeys and 29 apartments, was opposed by the Nedlands City Council, which recommended refusal due to excessive height and plot ratio.
WA Today reported that the presiding panel member felt planning framework conditions had been met, and that the height of the proposal was not inconsistent with the city’s strategic actions.
A pet hoarder in Perth’s east has been fined $95,000 and banned from owning dogs for a decade after the City of Swan seized 82 dogs from their property in October 2022.
It was the city’s largest ever seizure, and all of the dogs were successfully rehomed, according to WA Today.
City of Swan mayor, Tanya Richardson, said that the court’s decision serves as a deterrent and validates the thorough investigation that took place.
Global Roundup:
NZ:
Palmerston North City Council has unanimously voted to retain its Māori ward, ensuring Māori representation with two of 16 seats elected by those on the Māori electoral roll.
The council has opposed the coalition government’s legislation requiring a binding referendum in 2025 if Māori wards are retained.
Te Ao Maori News reported that there was community support for the decision, and concerns raised about the government’s short timeframe for decision-making and lack of public consultation.
A report on the implications of not holding a binding referendum will be presented at a future council meeting.
Meanwhile, Kaipara District Council has voted six to three to disestablish its Māori ward in the face of protests and legal challenges.
The decision divided the council, with some members arguing it was made without proper consultation and breached legal requirements.
However Mayor Craig Jepson said Māori wards were unnecessary and condescending.
Radio New Zealand reported that legal action has been initiated to challenge the council’s decision.
UK:
Somerset Council has decided to sell several non-operational buildings, valued between £17m and £21m, to address an £80m financial shortfall and avoid bankruptcy.
The council declared a financial emergency in November 2023 and is also considering service cuts, tax increases, and staff reductions.
Rising service costs, particularly in adult social care, and national economic factors like inflation and higher interest rates are contributing to the financial strain.
BBC News reported that the council is looking to reduce its property portfolio to cut costs and generate funds, with some sites already having potential buyers for redevelopment into supported living units, student accommodation, and housing for key workers.
Suffolk County Council is initiating judicial review proceedings against the government’s approval of a £600m solar farm on the Suffolk-Cambridgeshire border, according to BBC News.
The council is arguing that Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, has ignored their funding concerns, leading to significant additional work and costs.
The decision has been described as being made with “reckless abandon” by one councillor, and a local MP is supporting the council’s decision to take legal action.
USA:
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has deployed dozens of drones equipped with loudspeakers to warn people in flood-prone neighbourhoods to warn about possible flooding.
The city is bracing for a potentially severe thunderstorm this week with heavy rainfall ahead of Tropical Storm Debby, and officials are concerned about the threat to vulnerable people and disruption to commutes.
The Gothamist reported it is the first time the city has used drones for weather-related purposes.
CANADA:
The mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe, has proclaimed a financial crisis in the city, and has flagged potential tax hikes, fare increases, or severe service cuts.
CBC News reported that Mayor Sutcliffe called a press conference yesterday, at which he criticised federal cuts to transfers compensating for property tax revenue, which have cost the city nearly $100 million.
He has also blamed a decision to allow public servants to work from home part-time for a public transit operating deficit of $140 million over the next few years.
The city is taking the federal government to court in search of a resolution to the funding issues.
And in GERMANY:
The city of Potsdam has decriminalised riding public transport without a ticket, opting to impose a 60-euro fine instead of filing criminal charges.
The change has been driven by the Potsdam Left Party, according to the mayor.eu, and contrasts with Berlin, where fare evasion remains a criminal offence.
282 people are currently imprisoned in Berlin for fare evasion.
Nine other major German cities, including Bremen and Cologne, have also stopped prosecuting fare evaders, due to the high costs of criminal proceedings.