On episode 368 of the Local Government News Roundup for 29th July 2024:
- An extension of time for monitors at Moonee Valley
- Northern Grampians Council returns serve to a councillor’s call for a monitor
- Glen Eira hails a win for the community with a new cycling project
- A retiring former mayor un-retires
- Liverpool Council claims a win in round one against the State Government
- A Queensland deputy mayor eyes a seat in State Parliament
- Dorset Council awaits a minister’s ruling after a Board of Inquiry
- Adelaide’s mayor defends high staff turnover figures, and
- a WA councillor refusing to attend mandated inclusivity training.
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 368:
Victorian Roundup:
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne has extended the appointment of municipal monitors Prue Digby and Phillip Carruthers at **Moonee Valley City Council** until February 2025 to continue improving governance practices.
The Minister has received interim advice from the monitors that while there has been progress, further support is needed during ongoing IBAC investigations and the upcoming October 2024 elections.
The monitors will focus on enhancing the councillor induction program, strengthening councillor relationships, and improving CEO recruitment processes.
The extension to the initial term of six months means the monitors’ appointment will now cover a total period of 13 months.
Updated terms of reference for the appointment have been published on the Local Government Victoria website.
Northern Grampians Shire Council has returned serve to a request from one of its own councillors for the appointment of a municipal monitor.
Last week, Cr Lauren Dempsey announced on social media that she had written to the local government minister, calling for a monitor because of an alleged psychologically unsafe and toxic working environment.
But Mayor, Cr Rob Haswell has responded, saying the council is concerned about Cr Dempsey’s recent posts, and that the council is functioning well and running its meetings as per the code of conduct.
He said there is a clear hierarchy under the Local Government Act for managing councillor conduct issues, and Cr Dempsey’s request comes after she made a misconduct complaint against fellow councillors.
Mayor Haswell said there have been no findings of misconduct or serious misconduct against any councillors during the current term of the council.
The Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) and the City of Glen Eira have agreed to construct a new Copenhagen-style separated cycling lane on Queens Avenue, connecting Glen Huntly and Caulfield train stations.
The project, which includes widening Queens Avenue and introducing a 50km/h speed limit, aims to improve cycling access while preserving trees and residential parking.
LXRP will fund the construction, and the Council will execute the works, expected to start soon and finish by year-end.
Mayor Anne-Marie Cade said it was a great outcome for the community and an example of what can happen when different levels of government come together.
Meanwhile, former two time Glen Eira Mayor Jim Magee has reconsidered his decision to retire from local government at the upcoming elections.
Cr Magee told the Roundup he had received strong encouragement from local residents and community groups, friends and family to recontest the election, and if re-elected he would continue the campaign to reverse government cost shifting.
He served as mayor of Glen Eira in 2015, and for two consecutive terms in 2022 and 2023.
Ararat Rural City Council is advancing Pomonal’s bushfire recovery by securing a Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessment and inviting qualified bushfire consultants to join a panel of preferred contractors.
The initiative, funded by the State, aims to streamline fire risk assessments and expedite the rebuilding of homes for fire-affected residents.
Additional measures include waiving planning and building fees and reducing bureaucratic hurdles to facilitate a swift and safe reconstruction process.
ABC News has reported on concerns about rapid growth in Gisborne, as Macedon Ranges Shire Council endorses a new town structure plan and rejects a developer’s proposal to build 1,400 houses.
The developer says he will seek ministerial intervention to overrule the decision against his proposed on 80 hectares between Gisborne and Riddell’s Creek.
As the site falls outside the declared town boundary, the developer would be limited to around 60 one acre lots due to zoning rules.
The council says it is trying to protect the town’s boundary and manage growth, and some residents are worried about the area losing its rural character.
Gisborne’s population is expected to nearly double by 2050.
Indigo Shire mayor Sophie Price has expressed disappointment after a recent increase in attacks on public property.
Toilets have been particularly targeted, resulting in significant damage including smashed fixtures, broken mirrors, and graffiti.
Mayor Price said a recent arson attack at Lions Park in Rutherglen had caused approximately $4,000 in damage and the loss of a disabled toilet.
She has urged the community to report any suspicious activity.
Victorian Briefs:
The cost of a new toddler pool at Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre has increased from the initial $2.6 million to $3.8 million due to increased expenses.
Sunbury Life reported that Hume City councillors have voted to allocate additional funds to cover a $700,000 shortfall, potentially at the expense of the Riddell Rd Landfill upgrade budget.
Northern Grampians Shire Council has started the Stawell Cemetery Expansion Project to provide over 5,500 additional plots and meet the community’s burial needs for the next century.
The project, funded by $550,000 from the council budget, includes earthworks, new roads, footpaths, and landscaping improvements.
Nominations are open for the Baw Baw Shire Sporting Walk of Fame at Civic Park in Warragul.
Launched in 2000, the walk of fame celebrates local sporting excellence and the community is encouraged to nominate athletes join the 24 currently honoured.
IBAC, Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anticorruption Commission has appointed a new CEO.
Current County Court of Victoria CEO Alison Byrne will take up the position next month, bringing 25 years’ experience in criminal law and regulation to the position.
The VLGA’s Victorian Councillor Census is closing this week.
It is an opportunity for local government representatives to share their personal experiences of council to help the VLGA to develop an evidence base of councillor feedback, which will ultimately be used to improve the councillor experience.
Councillors are encouraged to complete the survey using the unique link emailed directly to them.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Liverpool City Council has won the initial round in the Land and Environment Court against the NSW Government, which has agreed to cease actions against the council until a full hearing in August.
On Friday, the court granted injunctions preventing the Minister and others from suspending the council or conducting a public inquiry until the final hearing.
The Council is arguing that the Minister has acted unlawfully and an investigation interim report was biased and procedurally unfair.
The interim report has been removed from the Office of Local Government website.
The Hills Shire Council is urging residents to voice their opinions on the NSW Government’s proposal for 42,000 homes between Kellyville and Bella Vista Metro stations, criticizing it for lacking adequate infrastructure plans.
Mayor Dr. Peter Gangemi said the proposals contained significant flaws, including high population density, insufficient road upgrades, and inadequate school provisions.
The council has launched an advocacy campaign to inform residents and encourage feedback before the public exhibition closes on August 9.
Coonamble Shire Council has unveiled a draft masterplan for a tourism attraction aimed at making the town the “gateway” to the Great Artesian Basin.
The Daily Telegraph has reported on the plan, which includes eco-cabins, artesian baths, a function centre, camping sites, and amenities, with a luxury component featuring spa treatments and healing services.
The project has received $5.5 million from the NSW Regional Tourism Activation Fund, with an additional $1.25 million from the council.
The site on the Castlereagh River was purchased in 2023, and development is expected to begin within the next 12 months.
QLD:
A withdrawal from the race for the state seat of Mackay will likely pave the way for Mackay Regional Council’s deputy mayor Belinda Hassan, according to the Courier Mail.
Cr Hassan has previously contested at the federal level unsuccessfully, and worked in the office of retiring MP Julieanne Gilbert as a casual prior to being re-elected to the council.
Cr Hassan has defended her time in the MP’s office, saying it was while the council was in caretaker mode and that it had been cleared by the Council’s CEO at the time.
Burdekin Shire Council has rejected a push to rename a local creek, despite a request from the Department of Resources under new laws aimed at renaming places that may cause offence.
Yellow Gin Creek is one of 30 in Queensland to have the word ‘gin’ in their title, a word that historically referred to Aboriginal women and is considered offensive.
The council cited local historical significance and a lack of clear historical documentation for the name’s origin as reasons for the decision, voting 6-1 against the renaming, according to a report from the Townsville Bulletin.
Noosa Council is taking additional time to review plans for the Noosaville Foreshore and the Noosa River after receiving significant community feedback.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the council would take time to understand what the community has said, emphasising the importance of incorporating local views into the long-term plans.
Over 2,000 responses and 222 written submissions were received, highlighting priorities such as ongoing maintenance, improved access, and addressing environmental challenges.
National Briefs:
Separate investigations are ongoing by Sunshine Coast Council after the deliberate poisoning of trees and shrubs at Buddina Beach Foreshore Reserve and Currimundi Lake.
The Council has installed large warning signs at each location to highlight the damage and deter further illegal activities.
It says the signs will stay in place until the sites have regenerated.
The City of Fremantle, with $500,000 in funding from the State Government, will install a 340m shark barrier at Bathers Beach to create a safe swimming area by this summer, according to PerthNow.
The project aims to address community fears following recent shark bite fatalities.
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has engaged an economics consultancy to research the support needed by local governments to increase affordable housing supply.
The findings will be presented at the National Local Government Housing Summit in Adelaide on 16 August.
Leeton Shire Council is offering free microchipping for cats and dogs from 5 August to 9 August during Local Government Week 2024 to promote responsible pet ownership.
The initiative is part of various activities planned to highlight the services and facilities provided by the Council.
TASMANIA:
Tasmania’s suspended Dorset Council has received a Board of Inquiry report from the Minister for Local Government.
The report was considered at a closed meeting of the council last week, after an extended period of 21 days in which key people were given the opportunity to comment.
The commissioner has provided the Minister with a submission relating to the findings and recommendations in the report, and the council says it will not make any further comment until the Minister provides directions.
Also from The Advocate, a report that Burnie City Council will advocate for state law changes to insure councillors against psychosocial harm, as current workers’ compensation does not cover them.
Psychosocial hazards include bullying, traumatic events, and excessive workloads.
The council is seeking support from the Local Government Association of Tasmania to lobby for legislation mandating insurance for councillors and to collaborate with the insurance industry on prioritising the issue.
SA:
City of Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith has been forced to defend the turnover of staff in her office, after questions were raised as to why a dozen staff members have left in the past 18 months.
The details were included in a council report in response to a question on notice from Cr Henry Davis, who told the Adelaide Advertiser that he believes the issue should be investigated.
Mayor Lomax-Smith claims the turnover is not unusual due to short-term contracts.
The issue has exacerbated tensions between the two, after Mayor Lomax-Smith recently initiated legal action against Cr Davis alleging he had defamed her at a public meeting in June.
WA:
Albany councillor and Liberal party candidate Dr. Thomas Brough has refused to attend inclusivity training ordered by the council, comparing it to “conversion therapy” and “forced indoctrination.”
Out in Perth reported that the training was mandated following controversial comments he made about the LGBTIQA+ community.
Despite issuing an apology, Cr Brough has remained defiant, continuing to criticise the council and media.
Amanda Dexter, CEO of the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, has resigned effective 11 October 2024 to take on the role of CEO at the Shire of Carnarvon, her hometown.
Amanda has led the shire for five years, through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Kimberley Floods of January 2023.
Shire President Peter McCumstie paid tribute to Ms Dexter’s leadership, saying she had given a “wonderful level of dedicated service and commitment.”
The Council will now begin the process of seeking a replacement CEO.
At Carnarvon, Ms Dexter takes up the role vacated by Andrea Selvey, who has moved to Augusta-Margaret River in the CEO position.
Acting CEO John Attwood will continue to serve in that role until Ms Dexter’s arrival in October
A decision at the City of South Perth to remove council members’ photos and contact details from its mySouthPerth magazine has been met with surprise by some councillors.
Cr Mary Choy raised the issue at a recent council meeting, and asked for the reinstatement of the councillor profiles in future editions.
But as PerthNow reported, a council executive advised that the removal of the material was part of an effort to make the publication ‘more engaging.’
Corporate Services Director Garry Adams set the intent of the magazine was to focus on local stories, city projects, and events, and in inclusion of council members’ details after the last election was temporary.
Global Roundup:
CANADA:
A massive wildfire in the Jasper National Park in Canada has destroyed hundreds of structures in the town of Jasper, and continues to burn out of control, according to CBC News.
An evacuation order is in place for the town, which has suffered damage to utilities, roads and building infrastructure.
An estimated 17,100 Albertans have been evacuated as of the weekend.
The City of Calgary has opened a reception centre to provide assistance to evacuees, and providing access to accommodations for evacuees and their pets.
The Municipality of Jasper is providing regular updates on its website.
Officials have warned the fire in the national park could continue burning for months.
UK:
Canterbury City Council is cracking down on shopfronts deemed too garish and out of keeping with the historic city’s character, according to BBC News.
The council has issued 22 enforcement notices to businesses in listed buildings that have made alterations without permission, including inappropriate signs and flashing lights.
The move has received the support of the Canterbury Society, which said the garish and overbearing shopfronts shatter the perception of the city’s rich heritage and history.
The BBC has also reported on concerns at Southampton City Council over the high number of sick days taken by staff due to mental health issues.
More than half of the 27,500 sick days in the past year attributed to psychological absences such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
Council members have questioned the adequacy of current support measures and are considering an inquiry into the issue, which is seen as a major obstacle to the city’s growth and residents’ wellbeing.
NZ:
Dunedin councillor Lee Vandervis faces possible censure after a Code of Conduct complaint was upheld regarding his comments on Māori appointments and protocols, according to a report from Stuff.
The complaint, lodged by Cr Marie Laufiso, highlighted Cr Vandervis’ refusal to participate in Māori protocols and his critical remarks about Māori representation.
The council, which adopted a “zero tolerance” stance on racism post the 2019 Christchurch terror attacks, will discuss the matter on July 31.
Vandervis, who is currently overseas, did not participate in the investigation, which concluded his objections were racially motivated.
USA:
Patrick Braxton, the first Black mayor of Newbern, Alabama, who was previously locked out of town hall by white officials, is returning to office following a lawsuit settlement.
Newsday reported that the agreement, approved by a district court judge, recognises Braxton as mayor and mandates the town to hold municipal elections for the first time in decades.
The settlement also ends the long-standing practice of appointing successors without elections and aims to establish a town council that represents Newbern’s majority-Black population.