On the Local Government News Roundup podcast for 28th June 2024:
- A former councillor pleads guilty to stealing votes and escapes jail time
- Councils unite against an attempted CFMEU infiltration
- A long-serving councillor resigns
- Attempts to overturn controversial decisions fail
- Councils crackdown on an unsafe EV charging practice
- A high-profile Council CEO makes a surprise announcement
- A UK Council CEO charged with drug and drink driving offences
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, the nationally recognised executive recruitment service and business advisory practice, presenting LG Innovate: Artificial Intelligence Summit for the local government C-Suite at Peregian Beach in September.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 355:
Victorian Roundup:
Former Merri-bek Councillor Milad El-Halabi has avoided a jail sentence by pleading guilty to stealing and forging votes in the 2020 Merri-bek City Council election.
In October 2020, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) detected that some votes had been tampered with in the postal election for North-West Ward in what was then Moreland City Council.
By law, the VEC was required to declare the result of that election and the matter was immediately referred to Victoria Police.
Last year, VCAT found that Mr El-Halabi was not duly elected, but that the election of the other three councillors in the ward was unaffected.
Mr El-Halabi was sentenced to a community corrections order and fined $20,000.
Golden Plains, Surf Coast, the Borough of Queenscliffe, and Colac Otway councils have joined with the City of Greater Geelong in opposing a potential takeover of council workers by the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).
The Geelong Advertiser reported that the alliance of councils fears that if the CFMEU is allowed to negotiate pay and conditions for council workers, it could lead to increased costs, reduced productivity, and an erosion of respect and equality.
The Fair Work Commission will decide whether the CFMEU can legally negotiate for the workers.
Long serving councillor and former four term mayor of the City of Kingston Steve Staikos has resigned this week.
Cr Staikos announced his resignation at this week’s Council meeting, after his recent appointment as State Secretary of the Victorian Labor Party.
He was first elected to the council in 2008, and served the last of four terms as mayor in 2021/22.
His position will not be filled before council elections in October.
Strathbogie Shire Council will seek permission from Heritage Victoria to demolish the Chinamans Bridge structure in Nagambie, one of the earliest completely timber road bridges in the state.
Engineering advice is that the structure’s live load capacity is between zero and negligible and significant remedial works would be needed to reinstate its structural capacity.
The bridge was one of a number affected by major flooding in 2022, exacerbating the decline in its condition.
The council last week endorsed a recommendation to demolish the bridge, and advocate for state government funding assistance pending review by Heritage Victoria.
Melton City Council will consider providing short-term emergency accommodation for the homeless, in response to a motion raised by Councillor Julie Shannon.
The council, which has received 90 notifications of people sleeping rough in public spaces in the past year, will receive a report at a future council meeting.
The Star Weekly reported that any initiatives identified in the report would need to be referred to next year’s budget for potential funding.
Moira Shire Council has received over $3M from the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program to enhance road safety at known crash sites.
In the coming financial year, improvements will be made at 56 sites, four of which are in Moira Shire.
Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson PSM said the improvements will be important in reducing the high fatality rate from motor vehicle incidents in the region.
Moyne Shire Council is progressing a name change for a small creek near Caramut to remove a term offensive to Indigenous women and children.
The council has resolved to change Lubra Creek to Thanampool Thookay Creek, an indigenous term meaning women and children,
The renaming process, supported by most of the 34 submissions during the public consultation, is a step to acknowledge the region’s hurtful history towards Indigenous people and to build stronger relationships with Traditional Owners.
Victorian Briefs:
Government members have inspected progress on construction of the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ), which is reportedly exceeding job creation expectations.
The project is expected to create 1,200 jobs when Stage 2 construction is completed, with almost 600 full-time jobs set to be created during the first stage of development.
Ballarat Mayor Des Hudson said the employment zone is key to ensuring a strong and prosperous economic future for the city and the broader region.
Greater Bendigo City Council has approved a revised Industrial Land Development Strategy, which includes the identification of a 294-hectare site for future industrial needs, now known as Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct (BREP).
The strategy aims to address the demand for large-scale industrial land and issues with existing industrial precincts.
Latrobe City Council has welcomed the return of the South East Melbourne (SEM) Phoenix basketball team for two games at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium in Latrobe City in 2025.
The first match, against the Brisbane Bullets, is set for 11 January 2025 and expected to attract a crowd of 3,000.
Mayor Darren Howe said the deal gives locals the opportunity to see elite level sport without having to travel to a metropolitan area.
Glen Eira Mayor Anne Marie Cade has launched a podcast about tackling conflict in a local government environment.
The “Cut the Conflict in Council” podcast promises insights and tools to navigate conflict effectively and handle difficult conversations.
The first episode is out now, featuring an interview with mediation and negotiation specialist Peter Singer.
The VLGA’s CEO Kathryn Arndt and Head of Local Government Programs and Policy Rhys Thomas presented to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Funding this week, highlighting the essential relationship that councils have with their communities.
Ms Arndt stressed the importance of a considered approach toward any federal and state policy interventions at the local level, and the artificial constraint of rate capping on council services, especially in rural and regional areas and fast-growing municipalities.
National Roundup:
NSW:
An attempt to overturn the termination of Liverpool Council CEO John Ajaka has failed.
The Daily Telegraph reported that a rescission motion, lodged by four councillors, was put to a confidential meeting on Wednesday and defeated, after an urgent motion to defer consideration pending further advice was also lost.
Recruitment processes at the council and a $600M development project are currently under government investigation.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s decision to freeze rates has exposed bitter divisions in the council and calls for an emergency meeting.
The move was pushed through with Mayor Peta Pinson’s casting vote, and has attracted criticism from state MP Leslie Williams, who accused some councillors of prioritising their own political agenda ahead of the community.
The rate freeze, along with the abolition of an outdated Town Centre Master Plan special rate component, was approved against the advice of the Office of Local Government, and led to a notice of rescission being lodged by four councillors.
An extraordinary meeting would have been needed before the end of the financial year, and there were doubts about whether enough councillors would be available to achieve a quorum.
Port Macquarie News reported that a meeting could not be scheduled before the deadline and the move to overturn the decision was unsuccessful.
Critics have argued the freeze will lead to significant cuts to council services and increases in other fees, with a potential compounding impact of $33 million over ten years.
After heated debate in the chamber, Tamworth Regional Council has approved an 18.5% rate increase for the 2024-25 financial year, with businesses expected to face the largest average increase.
The Northern Daily Leader has reported that the decision has been met with backlash from local businesses and ratepayers, who argue that the increase is ill-timed and excessive.
Despite receiving over 870 submissions and a petition with over 3000 signatures against the proposal, the council maintains that the opposition represents a vocal minority.
The council is also facing criticism for not fully disclosing potential service cuts if the rate increase was not approved.
North Sydney Council is enforcing a crackdown on residents charging their electric vehicles (EVs) using power cords across public land.
The crackdown has prompted a backlash from some EV owners who have received warning letters from the council after being spotted charging their street-parked cars from their homes.
The council warns that repeat offences could lead to a $330 fine.
The Daily Telegraph reported that other Sydney councils have adopted a similar approach, urging locals to use public EV charging stations.
North Sydney Council maintains that electrical cables across footpaths are a hazard and unlawful.
Narrabri Shire Council Mayor Darrell Tiemens has accepted the resignation of General Manager Rob Williams.
Mr Williams’ final day at Narrabri Shire Council will be Thursday, 15 August 2024.
He has held the position since August 2022.
Mr Williams is heading to Bundaberg Regional Council in Queensland as its incoming CEO.
Kempsey Shire recently hosted the NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) for their Roads and Transport Conference, providing a platform for discussions on regional and rural transport and roads.
The conference at the Slim Dusty Centre featured addresses by key figures, including Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, and Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp.
The event also showcased local heritage and new museum displays to celebrate what would have been Slim Dusty’s 97th birthday.
QLD:
Cairns Regional Council has reacted to media reports this week with an official statement denying any contract from an integrity agency.
It said the mayor and council have not been made aware of any formal complaint made in regard to the appointment of the interim CEO.
Furthermore, the council says legal advice was sought and followed in the making of the interim CEO appointment to ensure all processes were adhered to.
The statement follows reports earlier in the week in which the local government minister Meaghan Scanlon was quoted as confirming a conflict of interest matter had been referred to a relevant agency.
Queensland’s First Nation mayors are seeking a meeting with Federal Ministers to secure funding for housing to address chronic overcrowding.
They aim to make a case for a funding program similar to the $4 billion program established for the Northern Territory.
The leaders assert that without housing, it’s impossible to address other community challenges, and they have solutions to present to the Federal Government.
SA:
Unley Council in Adelaide has apologised after mistakenly releasing personal data of over 300 dog owners in an email announcing the revocation of a discounted registration fee.
The Adelaide Advertiser reported that the council has taken steps to prevent a similar incident in the future and plans to retrain staff and update work instructions.
The email informed dog owners that they will no longer receive reduced registration fees for dogs who had completed level two training, impacting 566 dog owners with an increased cost of $49 each.
TAS:
Hobart City Councillor Ryan Posselt has been found to be in breach of the council’s code of conduct by participating in a closed meeting discussion involving a childcare centre that his children attend, without excusing himself.
Despite declaring his children’s attendance at the centre, the Code of Conduct Panel determined that Cr Posselt should have removed himself from the debate due to the potential conflict of interest.
Pulse Tasmania reported that Cr Posselt received a caution for the breach.
The Council has directed its Lord Mayor to write to the government seeking changes to the Act to require mandatory conciliation before a complaint can be referred to a conduct panel.
Simon Overland, the General Manager of Burnie City Council, has announced his intention to retire in November, on the fourth anniversary of his appointment.
He said he has been considering his future for some time, and plans to return to Melbourne after his retirement.
Mr Overland was previously the CEO of Whittlesea City Council and is a former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police
Meanwhile, Burnie Council this week backed away from a planned 6.88% rate increase in its annual budget, opting instead for an alternative strategy with a 5% increase.
But the revised budget means the postponement of a planned $1.5 million playground at Shorewell, according to a report from SEA FM.
National Briefs:
Clarence Valley Council is lobbying the State Government for $8.8 million in compensatory funds following the closure of the Ulmarra to Southgate Ferry.
The funds will be used for infrastructure upgrades including the upgrade of 5kms of Lawrence Road, and the completion of the Grafton Waterfront Precinct.
The northern and southern approaches and two lanes across the new Grafton Bridge, the Balun Bindarray Bridge, will be renamed from Shirley Way to Shirley Adams Way, in honour of the first and only female Mayor of Grafton City Council, the late Shirley Adams OAM.
The renaming was supported by Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson and Clarence Valley Council, and recognises Ms Adams’ significant contributions to her local community and her advocacy for women’s participation in public life.
The Town of Victoria Park Council has endorsed a collaborative approach to filling the CEO position during a recruitment period, following the departure of long term CEO Anthony Vuleta.
Chief Community Planning Officer Natalie Martin Goode will work with Manager Place Planning David Doy in a job share arrangement.
Mr Vuleta took up the CEO role at the City of Kalamunda this month.
WA:
The City of Joondalup council has voted to cease hosting vaccination clinics, transferring responsibility to the Department of Health and saving $200,000.
It follows a vote by electors at the AGM earlier in the year calling for an end to the clinics, according to a report from PerthNow.
Parents will have to visit a GP, community pharmacy, Aboriginal Medical Service or community immunisation clinic to get their children vaccinated.
Residents of the Town of Victoria Park have proposed the installation of a peace pole in a local park, with the pole bearing the message “May peace prevail on Earth” in various languages.
PerthNow reported that the proposal from a resident was supported at the town’s annual meeting of electors and will be considered at a future council meeting.
Peace poles are monuments dedicated to peace, with over 250,000 installed worldwide in locations such as the Giza Pyramids and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
It’s believed there are more 30 in place across the Perth metropolitan area.
Global Roundup:
UK:
The chief executive of a London council has been charged with drug and drink-driving offences after allegedly fleeing a car accident scene.
Bayo Dosunmu, of Lambeth council, is accused of failing to stop after a road accident, driving under the influence, possession of class A drugs, and driving without insurance.
The Telegraph reported that an acting Returning Officer will need to be appointed for the upcoming General Election due to the charges against Mr Dosunmu.
It’s been revealed that one UK council has spent over £2m annually in the past three years on hotel accommodations for homeless people, with the cost of short-term hotel stays increasing more than tenfold in nine years.
BBC News reported that Wakefield Council paid one hotel over £1m each year for the past two years.
The council says the numbers of people needing help are increasing, there is no quick solution to the homelessness issue.
BBC News reports that another UK Council has issued an urgent warning about unregulated cosmetic procedures.
Manchester Council is concerned that potentially dangerous procedures including Brazilian butt lifts and breast augmentations, are taking place this week in local hotel rooms.
Non-clinical settings pose a risk of infection due to difficulties in preventing contamination, and council is urging individuals who only learn of their surgery’s location shortly before the procedure to contact the environmental health department.
The warning follows similar concerns in the Scottish city of Edinburgh in April this year.
USA:
Los Angeles City Council has unanimously voted to designate Marilyn Monroe’s former Brentwood home as a cultural landmark, thwarting attempts from the current owner to demolish it.
Councilwoman Traci Park, who led the landmark designation effort, emphasised the significance of preserving the only home Marilyn Monroe ever owned in a city where less than 3 percent of historic designations are associated with women’s heritage
The owners, who had previously sued the city over its attempt to designate the home as a historic landmark, had their request for injunctive relief denied by a judge.
San Jose CITY Council in California has unanimously agreed to temporarily waive multiple city fees for high-rise residential buildings to stimulate new housing construction.
The waivers will apply over the next seven years for high-rise housing units that receive a building permit and pass a government inspection.
The move comes amid rising construction costs and increasing pressure to meet California’s housing construction mandates, according to Mercury News dot com.
The city has identified 14 approved housing towers yet to begin construction, which could potentially provide over 4,000 homes.
There were heated exchanges at a Mabton City Council meeting in the US state of Washington this week.
Five councillors voted for the Mayor Rachel Ruelas to resign, but she refused, leading to threats to have hr recalled.
Council members claim Ruelas has been controlling the city’s budget and meeting agendas without providing updates.
NBC News has confirmed with a citizens group that they have now filed the petition for a recall process.
CANADA:
A former councillor David Kircher has taken legal action against the town of Fort Frances and its integrity commissioner, David G. Boghosian, after being found in violation of the municipal code of conduct.
Mr Kircher was accused of misusing his municipality email for council business outside of regular meetings and circumventing the chief administrative officer’s chain of command.
NWONewswatch dot com reported that Mr Kircher is alleging that Boghosian’s investigation was flawed and that Town Clerk Gabrielle Lecuyer failed to provide key evidence.