On the Local Government News Roundup for Wednesday 14th August 2024:
- Melbourne City Council pulls the pin on hire e-scooters
- A municipal monitor appointed to Horsham council
- A council alliance grouping relaunched under a new name
- A Melbourne council to explore a new levy to combat the practice of moon scaping
- Liverpool Council awaits a decision on its legal fight against the state government
- A warning from ICAC ahead of council elections next month
- The NSW council that has passed a motion condemning the state government.
- The destruction of hundreds of gravestones draws the anger of a local mayor
- A meeting of a Canadian council suspended due to an out-of-control gallery
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 375:
Victorian Roundup:
Melbourne City Council last night voted to ban hire e-scooters from the CBD, withdrawing from contracts with mobility firms Lime and Neuron.
The Age reported on Monday that Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece and Cr Davydd Griffith planned to move a motion citing safety concerns and complaints about scooters blocking footpaths and endangering pedestrians.
This was despite a recommendation from officers to take a range of measures to rein in the offending behaviour, and as the state government implements a plan to legalise e-scooter hire schemes permanently.
It was reported that Lime and Neuron issued last minute legal letters, and attempted to gather support from e-bike users to lobby the Lord Mayor to not proceed with a ban.
But that was to no avail. After a tight vote in the chamber, the council will give the companies five days notice of the withdrawal, and 30 days to remove their e-scooters from the city.
The ban will not apply to private e-scooters, while hire schemes will continue to operate in the cities of Port Phillip and Yarra.
Steven Kingshott has been appointed as a municipal monitor to Horsham Rural City Council starting 2 September 2024.
The appointment follows what the department describes as the council’s unprecedented failure to meet budget adoption deadlines.
Mr Kingshott, a former councillor who recently served as monitor at Glenelg Shire Council, will serve until 30 June 2025.
Horsham becomes the seventh Victorian council to currently have a municipal monitor in place, while four others are under administration without elected representatives.
Three of those – Strathbogie, Whittlesea and Casey – will return to elected representation in October, while Moira will remain under administration until October 2028.
Melbourne’s interface councils groups has relaunched under the name Outer Melbourne Councils to bring a sharper focus and more prominence to the needs and issues of communities in the outer suburbs.
The group has commissioned a report from KordaMentha on the funding dynamics between local and state governments, which OMC representative Lydia Wilson said recognises that local government manages its finances well and carries prudent levels of debt.
The report recommends cost-reflective indexation of the rate cap, exemptions for infrastructure programs, and strategic partnerships to address growth challenges.
OMC is calling for new partnerships with state and federal governments to better manage population growth and infrastructure needs which present an ongoing challenge for the sector.
Glen Eira City Council last night voted to explore the introduction of a new levy to mitigate the impact of urban development on native vegetation and loss of tree canopy.
The motion was brought forward by Cr Jim Magee out of concerns about the practice of moon scaping by developers, and especially as 65,000 new dwellings are planned for the city.
Cr Magee said a levy to councils would fund new vegetation plantings to offset the moon scaping practice, or even discourage it.
The council agreed to receive a report on the proposal, including how it would advocate for support from the state government and opposition.
The council also adopted a motion seeking commitment from the government and integrity bodies to raise awareness of the electoral integrity framework ahead of October’s council elections.
The resolution, also put forward by Cr Magee, highlighted the risks of the misuse of state and federal resources, such as electorate offices and staff being used to support to council election candidates.
The new name adopted by Cardinia Shire Council for a Pakenham East Precinct suburb has been updated from Honora to Honora Fields.
The suffix was added to meet naming rules.
The name honors Honora Carney, a local woman with historical ties to the area.
The naming process has now entered a 30 day notice period during which local homeowners can make a submission in support of or against the new name.
This year’s Fishermans Bend Digital Innovation Challenge culminates with an event tomorrow night where finalists will pitch their proposed solutions to urban challenges.
The City of Melbourne initiative has been running since 2018, exploring the role of emerging technologies, and leading to smart city pilots.
This years challenge, focussed on enabling city spaces to be more resource efficient, circular resilient and healthy, has led to three finalists being chosen from 33 submissions.
Those three finalists will pitch their ideas tomorrow night before a two week period of public voting.
The winner will receive $90k and work with the city to bring their idea to life in Fishermans Bend next year.
Victorian Briefs:
Greater Shepparton City Council and Melbourne Victory have announced a partnership to host a pre-season friendly match against Goulburn Valley Suns in Shepparton next month.
Mayor Shane Sali said it would be a significant event for the region, adding to its reputation as the sporting and events capital of regional Australia.
Yarra City Council has secured nearly $2.5 million in funding from the state government and the TAC for road safety projects.
Key initiatives include $1.454 million for eight projects in Clifton Hill and North Abbotsford, and $421,000 for school safety improvements.
Local Government Victoria has invited feedback on a new draft Model Councillor Code of Conduct, internal resolution procedure, and training outlines including mandatory induction training and mayoral training.
The new conduct and training measures have recently been introduced and will take effect for new councils to be elected in October.
Submissions are invited by 4 September via Engage Victoria.
National Roundup:
NSW:
A decision on Liverpool Council’s court challenge against an investigation report and proposed public inquiry is expected by the end of the week.
The case in the Land and Environment Court resumed on Monday, and heard that the minister announced a public inquiry based on extensive information indicating disarray, not solely on the interim report alleging serious misconduct.
Liverpool Council has contested the government’s actions, arguing procedural unfairness and bias.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the government’s barrister acknowledged the report’s premature publication was unfair but maintained it did not invalidate the inquiry decision, which was based on multiple sources.
Justice John Robson will deliver his decision on the matter on Friday.
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has issued a warning to candidates in the upcoming local government elections to avoid “weaponising” the Commission by making unfounded corruption allegations against political rivals.
Chief Commissioner John Hatzistergos said such actions can cause political damage and hinder the Commission’s ability to investigate.
He urged that genuine suspicions of corruption be reported properly.
Councillors have been reminded of their obligations during the caretaker period and advised against misusing council resources or engaging in improper electoral funding practices.
Northern Beaches Council has passed a motion condemning the NSW Government for neglect and funding cuts affecting the region.
A motion led by Councillor Vincent De Luca highlighted issues such as increased tolls, halted infrastructure projects, reduced bus services, and the closure of the Narrabeen Ambulance Station.
The Northern Beaches Advocate reported that the motion passed narrowly, with support from Liberal and Independent councillors.
The Council will now write to Premier Chris Minns demanding the restoration of funding and services.
Central Coast Council has completed the longest temporary shutdown of the Mardi Water Treatment Plant as part of an ongoing upgrade, which aims to improve water safety, durability, and operational efficiency.
The four-week shutdown, supported by Somersby Water Treatment Plant and other resources, is a key milestone in the $82.5 million project co-funded by the NSW Government.
Future phases will include shorter shutdowns and construction of new infrastructure.
Recent large seas and swells have raised concerns about coastal erosion among MidCoast residents.
MidCoast Council has released a statement advising that NSW councils are not required to protect private land from erosion, leaving property owners responsible.
The council says it has conducted sand renourishment at Jimmys Beach primarily to protect public infrastructure, not private homes.
The Council says it will continue these efforts but cannot guarantee future protection.
A new Coastal Management Program will included updated assessments of future risks and hazards.
QLD:
Toowoomba Region Council Mayor Geoff McDonald has condemned the destruction of hundreds of gravestones at Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery, calling it disgraceful and disrespectful.
The incident occurred between last Friday evening and Saturday morning.
The Council is focused on cleaning up, assessing damage, and working with local stone masons and software providers to manage the situation.
Mayor McDonald said affected families should visit the cemetery in person for updates, but avoid touching anything for safety and investigative reasons.
Former Palm Island Council mayor Mislam Zacchias Sam has been sentenced in Townsville Magistrates Court for stalking a local government candidate Lex Wotton.
The Cairns Post reported that Mr Sam, who was still mayor at the time, left 17 abusive and threatening voicemails and text messages on Wotton’s phone.
He admitted to being drunk and expressed remorse for his actions, citing ongoing political feuding as the reason.
The court fined Sam $750 but did not record a conviction, acknowledging his previously good character and the potential impact on his current role.
National Briefs:
Rockhampton Regional Council is implementing Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) technology to improve parking management in the CBD and other areas, replacing traditional methods like tyre chalking.
A one-month warning period starts on 14 August, with enforcement beginning on 11 September 2024.
Albury City Council has awarded a $14.5M construction tender to upgrade the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.
Mayor Kylie King said the upgrades would bring increased capacity to attract high profile interstate tournaments to the city.
The NSW Government is contributing $5M to the project.
The Shire of Tammin has appointed Andrew Malone as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Malone is currently the Executive Manager of Regulatory Services at the Town of East Fremantle.
NT:
The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) is urging Labor and the CLP to disclose their plans for local government before the upcoming state election.
LGANT President Hon Kon Vatskalis said the sector was concerned about reduced funding and consultation, particularly affecting regional councils and Aboriginal-led councils.
LGANT is calling for fair grant distribution, proper consultation and funding for de-amalgamations, and reforms to the Local Government Code of Conduct.
WA:
The WA government is planning to change legislation to seize City of Perth land for a new $150 million primary school.
ABC News has reported that the move is escalating a dispute between the Government and the City and Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas.
Lord Mayor Zempilas has used social media to accuse the government of bullying, and offering minimal compensation for land worth $40M.
The Education Minister Tony Buti wants the school to open by 2029, and is blaming the City for delays.
The City of Cockburn and The University of Western Australia (UWA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote sustainable development in the local blue economy.
The collaboration with the UWA Oceans Institute aims to advance ocean-related industries, infrastructure, education, and research, enhancing investment and employment opportunities.
The MoU will facilitate knowledge sharing and technological innovation, with key initiatives including the Cockburn Blue Maritime Technology Hub and a modular reef project to combat coastal erosion.
Global Roundup:
UK:
A new survey in the UK has revealed that 56% of drivers now consider the condition and maintenance of local roads as a top concern, with 73% reporting that road conditions have worsened over the past year.
Over a quarter of drivers have experienced vehicle damage due to potholes, with the figure rising to 32% in rural areas, according to the LocalGov website.
Cllr Claire Holland, transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association said the issue is due to limited resources, a £16.3bn repair backlog, and constrained budgets due to inflation and other pressures.
She called for the new government to maintain previous spending plans and provide long-term funding for road maintenance.
A new public space protection order in Thanet District Council will impose £100 fines for swearing in public, aiming to curb abusive behaviour.
Kent Online reported that residents are divided about the new law, with some supporting the measure to reduce antisocial behavior, while others argue it infringes on free speech.
The order is effective from July 31 for one year, and includes fines reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Members of a local Youth Forum will manage West Northamptonshire Council‘s social media for a day as part of International Youth Day to raise awareness on legal and cultural issues affecting younger generations.
BBC News reported that the initiative is supported by the council’s communications team, and aims to highlight the contributions of youth in various fields and challenge stereotypes.
USA:
The Missouri State Tax Commission has ordered Jackson County to roll back its 2023 property tax assessments, following concerns over inaccuracies in the assessment and appeal process.
A report from NPR outlines how the ordered rollback is expected to lead to major budget shortfalls for schools, cities, libraries, and first responders across the county.
The commission’s order mandates a reduction of assessments to either their 2021 or 2022 levels, plus a 15% increase, significantly impacting homeowners and local government budgets.
The ruling stems from a class-action lawsuit initiated by the state’s Attorney General against the County.
CANADA:
A meeting of Innisfail Town Council in Alberta, Canada was suspended this week due to an “out-of-control” crowd opposing a carbon capture project.
The St Albert Gazette reported that some residents expressed concerns about safety and lack of prior consultation for the project announced last week.
The proposed facility from a Quebec-based firm has been billed as the world’s first carbon removal innovation and commercialisation centre and aims to capture 3,000 tons of CO2 annually, with future expansion plans.
While council members tried to address resident questions, the meeting was disrupted by shouting and interruptions, leading to a council decision to suspend the remainder of the meeting.
JAPAN:
A city in central Japan’s Aichi Prefecture is offering a unique train driving experience as a “hometown tax” donation return gift.
Limited to 20 donors contributing 100,000 yen each, participants will have the opportunity to operate a 100-meter stretch of track at the Meitetsu railroad company’s inspection depot in Owariasahi.
The program includes a conductor experience, in-train announcements, and commemorative photos.
Mainichi.com reported that it’s part of a regional revitalisation program involving the company and the city’s Mayor, Hiroshi Shibata.