In today’s edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Indigo Shire gets the go-ahead for a revenue-neutral rate cap variation
- More council winners from the Victorian state budget
- A formal warning for a Council CEO
- A council’s massive infrastructure program unveiled
- A unique border rivalry in State of Origin week
- A policy backdown on wood heaters
- A new councillor, a new General Manager,
- and more turmoil in the Top End as an entire council is dismissed
Plus Zoe Dattner joins Chris to shine a light on the increasingly concerning issue of employee burnout at councils around the country.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony3 – simple, connected customer experiences.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Here is all the news from episode 456:
Victorian Roundup:
Indigo Shire Council has received ESC approval for a rate cap variation for the upcoming financial year.
But the council says the change will be revenue neutral and will result in no overall increase beyond the 3% rate cap.
CEO Trevor Ierino said the approval was for the council to transfer an existing environmental management contribution charge into general rates, and that the shire is now fully compliant with the minister’s best practice guidelines.
The environmental management charge will disappear from rate notices.
In its decision, the ESC the said the higher cap was in the long term interests of Indigo ratepayers and the community.
Last week’s Victorian state budget included $250K for a new pump track at Yackandandah.
Indigo Shire Council said the news was an unexpected windfall, and would allow delivery of a key recommendation of the Yackandandah Sports Park Master Plan.
Frankston City Council has welcomed budget inclusions for sports lighting and change room upgrades in the city, and money towards a local level play space upgrade.
It has also noted budget commitments to a redeveloped Frankston Hospital and modernisation of the Mount Erin Secondary College as important inclusions.
Hume City Council has welcomed budget commitments to major upgrades of Donnybrook and Mickleham Roads, with work to start soon.
It is however disappointed over cuts to the Growing Suburbs Fund.
Corangamite Shire Council has given a cautious welcome to a new $15.9 million drought relief package from the State Government, though Mayor Kate Makin argues it doesn’t adequately address farmers’ immediate needs for feed and water.
Cr Makin is calling for more practical short-term support and suggests a federal FarmKeeper scheme modeled after JobKeeper.
From the media:
ABC News has reported that the CEO of Victoria’s smallest council, the Borough of Queenscliffe, received a formal warning from the Local Government Inspectorate.
Martin Gill has been warned over a likely breach relating to his performance appraisal communication with councillors, with the inspectorate determining it was not in the public interest to take further action.
The incident follows previous controversies referenced in the ABC report including allegations of threatening behaviour towards a councillor and concerns about a toxic culture.
The council has confirmed an investigation occurred and that a formal warning was the outcome, and Mr Gill has admitted to making mistakes in the process and noted his cooperative and proactive actions had contributed to the outcome.
The Age reported that Port Phillip Council has abandoned a proposal to fine homeless people, but is considering new local laws that would allow them to disband encampments and confiscate camping equipment in designated “hotspots”.
The decision came after a four-hour council meeting where residents expressed mixed views about community safety and homelessness, with some demanding stronger action against anti-social behaviour while others advocated for more support for vulnerable people.
Greater Dandenong Council is proposing a subtle update to its logo after nearly 20 years, replacing the ‘City of Opportunity’ slogan with bolder ‘Greater Dandenong’ text while retaining the distinctive red, yellow and green ‘D’ symbol.
The Star Journal reported that councillors are set to vote on the new design this week.
Melton City Council has launched a campaign against illegal rubbish dumping, which has cost the council over $3 million this financial year and doubled to 6,000 tonnes of waste over the past four years.
Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi said it’s frustrating to be spending ratepayer money on cleaning up rubbish when it could have better been spent on fixing roads, building community facilities and delivering services.
The council offers free recycling services and hard waste collection options for residents, and there are hefty fines ranging from $395 to $9,880 for those caught illegally dumping rubbish.
A motion calling on the state government to develop a prevention and education plan to combat illegal dumping was unanimously supported at the recent MAV State Council meeting.
Casey City Council says it will not lead the delivery of eight intersection projects in two new precincts, over concerns over cost blowouts and delays from their experience with the Ballarto Road roundabout project.
That project, which began in March 2023 after significant delays, has exceeded its original $11 million budget by approximately $2 million and faces completion delays until this July.
The Cranbourne Star News reported that the Council’s stance is detailed in their submission on the draft Casey Fields South Employment and Devon Meadows Precinct Structure Plan.
It is concerned about the financial risks to council where other agencies control the approval processes for the projects.
Campaspe Shire Council has joined a group of 31 Victorian councils advocating for a delay in implementing mandatory glass-only kerbside bin service, citing challenges with their large geographic area and low population density.
The council says it supports the need for less recycling contamination but argues that its current fortnightly commingled recycling system is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly for its community.
Brimbank Council has endorsed a draft Visitor Economy Strategy 2025-2029 aimed at increasing visitor numbers, supporting businesses, and boosting the local economy through six key initiatives including developing a destination brand and enhancing festivals and events.
Feedback on the strategy is open for the next month.
Victorian Briefs:
Warrnambool will be on show in a new Apple TV series.
Filming on “The Dispatcher” starring Patrick Brammell will take place over the next week at various locations, bringing around 700 crew and extras to the city, and generating an economic boost of an estimated $1M.
Artist Adam Humphreys has been selected by Cardinia Shire Council to create a dynamic equine sculpture for Lang Lang, featuring three galloping horses that represent different rodeo movements, which will be installed at Thwaites Park pending approvals.
The public art piece aims to celebrate the town’s strong connection to horses and the Lang Lang Rodeo.
The Brown Hill Kindergarten in Ballarat will undergo a $2.25 million expansion and upgrade, funded jointly by the City of Ballarat ($1.5 million) and the Victorian School Building Authority ($750,000), to add a third kindergarten room and improve facilities.
The project, set to be completed by early 2027, will increase the kindergarten’s capacity to 99 places in an area where the under-four population significantly exceeds the Victorian average.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Blacktown City Council has launched a $600 million infrastructure program and is seeking construction partners through a Request for Tender to deliver major civic and community projects across the city over the next five years.
The ambitious program includes various projects such as a new PCYC and community hub, aquatic centres, cultural hubs, and civic facilities, building upon Council’s recent successful delivery of over $250 million in major infrastructure projects.
Newcastle City Council will this week formally receive an independent review by Davidson Business Advisory, which has found the council to be a well-managed and high-performing organisation.
The full report includes 20 recommendations for improvement across various areas including governance, compliance, and engagement.
More than 800 public submissions were received from 548 individuals.
It is anticipated the council’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee will be charged with overseeing implementation of the findings.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has rejected a draft Solid Fuel Heater Policy that would have banned new wood heaters in urban areas.
Two rounds of community consultation showed over 80% opposition to the ban, according to About Regional.
The council will instead focus on education programs to help residents understand their obligations in controlling smoke pollution, while allowing existing wood heaters to remain and new installations to continue.
Bega Valley Shire Council has endorsed a significant planning proposal to rezone 279 hectares south of Bega, which could potentially deliver over 2,200 new dwellings to address the region’s housing crisis.
The proposal, which implements recommendations from the Bega Structure Plan adopted in June 2024, will now be referred to the NSW Government for Gateway Determination and subsequent community consultation.
The Mayors of Moree Plains Shire Council (NSW) and Balonne Shire Council (QLD) are taking a state rivalry to the border this week, when they will host a State of Origin-themed Border Battle at the Mungindi Bridge.
The community event will celebrate cross-border mateship while playfully highlighting the NSW-QLD rivalry, featuring a BBQ breakfast and live TV coverage on Today Extra on Channel 9.
Residents encouraged to wear their state colours and join in the activities from 8am on Wednesday.
NSW Briefs:
MidCoast Council has welcomed Janeece Irving as its newest councillor following the resignation of Dheera Smith due to health reasons.
Cr Irving was elected on countback, and will serve until September 2028.
The council has cancelled its scheduled meeting this week due to the flooding disaster.
The ALGWA NSW Annual Conference in Griffith has been rescheduled from May to September 4-6, 2025.
The reason for the delay has been attributed to scheduling conflicts with recent elections.
Murrumbidgee Council has assumed management of the Darlington Point Riverside Caravan Park, appointing Jessie Burns as caretaker, according to the Area News.
The Council is seeking $10 million in funding to transform the park into a premier tourist destination, with plans including flood-resilient infrastructure and new cabins.
QLD:
Toowoomba Regional Council has applied for $97m in federal funding through the Disaster Ready Fund for the $266.1m Cressbrook Dam upgrade project, despite a previous application being rejected.
The Toowoomba Chronicle reported that without external funding support, ratepayers could face additional costs of approximately $135 per year per property.
And Mayor Geoff McDonald warned that the council may need to postpone other infrastructure projects and reassess essential services.
Meanwhile, the Council has called a Special Meeting for Wednesday 28 May to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer following an extensive recruitment search.
The appointment will be finalised through a Council resolution during the public meeting, which will be livestreamed via the Council’s website.
South Burnett Regional Council has voted to take over management of the former RSPCA shelter near Kingaroy Airport from July 1, 2025, renaming it to the South Burnett Animal Management Centre. The facility will continue operating as a pound while also focusing on rehoming suitable animals.
Mayor Kathy Duff has assured the community that experienced staff will ensure a smooth transition and the best possible outcomes for the animals.
Livingstone Shire Council has officially named the new Cooee Bay Aquatic Centre as the Capricorn Coast Brian Dorey OAM Aquatic Centre, following community support and a successful Notice of Motion at a Council Meeting.
The naming honours the late Brian Dorey OAM’s significant contributions to local sport and recreation on the Capricorn Coast, with the decision supported by a community petition of approximately 220 signatories.
TAS:
Paul Gardner has been appointed as the new General Manager of Circular Head Council, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience across local government, private and not-for-profit sectors in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia.
Mr Gardner, who currently holds an Executive role with South Wairarapa District Council in New Zealand, will commence the position in early July 2025, taking over from Acting General Manager Andrew Wardlaw who served in the interim following Vanessa Adams’ departure in February.
Huon Valley Council is reportedly taking over management of community halls from committees.
ABC Radio reported that the committee members were advised recently of the plan to centralise hall management as part of council operations, a move that some predict will lead to a loss of connection with local communities.
Kingborough Council is launching a new soft plastics recycling collection point at Barretta Waste and Recycling Centre, providing residents with a way to recycle items like bread bags, chocolate wrappers, and plastic films that previously had to go in the general waste bin.
The collected materials will be processed by RecycleSmart into new products including oil and asphalt additives, though residents must ensure items are clean and dry before drop-off.
SA:
Five Flinders University engineering graduates have secured positions in local government through a collaborative program between the City of Mitcham and City of Marion, which involves rotating work roles over a two-year period.
The initiative is part of a broader agreement between Flinders University and the councils focused on workforce development, innovation, and research, with a particular emphasis on sustainability projects and civil engineering.
WA/NT:
The Northern Territory government has dismissed all elected members of the Coomalie council following an investigation that revealed serious deficiencies in governance and operations, including significant interpersonal conflicts and procedural errors.
The investigation was conducted by former Palmerston CEO Cathryn Hutton, who found the members “lacked a full understanding of their responsibilities.”
The council will hold new elections on August 23.
Local Government Association NT president Kon Vatskalis has called for stronger penalties for councillors who breach the code of conduct
The Northern Territory Government has passed significant amendments to local government legislation, focusing on modernising operations, improving efficiency, and strengthening transparency.
The changes will apply to several key areas including elections, council processes, and administrative functions.
The government says this is just the first phase of changes aimed at empowering local communities and improving governance in the Territory.
Global Report:
NZ:
CFM Coramandel has reported on a breakdown in the working relationship of the Mayor and Chief Executive of Thames – Coromandel District Council.
It claims that communication between Mayor Len Salt and CE Aileen Lawrie is limited to formal meetings or when others are present, with insiders describing a growing dysfunction at the council.
The revelations come as the council moves to reduce kerbside waste collections over the peak summer period, and welcomes Jeanette Wikaira as its new general manager of community.
Environment Southland has endorsed an investigation into potential council mergers in the Southland region, following a proposal last year to consolidate the existing four councils into two unitary authorities.
Radio New Zealand reported that the investigation process could take three to five years, with the Local Government Commission expected to make a decision on whether to proceed next month.
UK:
Scotland’s councils are facing a £647m budget shortfall in 2025-26 despite increased government funding, as rising costs, inflation, and increased service demands create significant financial pressure.
BBC News reported on how councils are addressing the gap through service cuts, tax increases, and drawing from reserves.
The minimum increase to be imposed this year is 6%, with the average sitting just under 10%.
The Accounts Commission has warned the current situation is unsustainable for the future.
Birmingham City Council has obtained a court order to prevent waste vehicles from being blocked at depots during an ongoing refuse workers’ strike, which has led to over 12,000 tonnes of uncollected waste accumulating on streets in the past week, according to BBC News.
The dispute centres on proposed pay cuts for bin lorry drivers of up to £8,000.
Negotiations have entered an 11th week under the oversight of government-appointed commissioners.
In Brighton, Sussex Police have issued a correction regarding their investigation into serious incidents at Brighton and Hove City Council‘s Hollingdean waste depot.
Despite earlier statements suggesting the case was closed, police confirmed to BBC News that multiple investigations remain active and ongoing.
The allegations spanning 2023 to 2025 include criminal damage, possession of offensive weapons, harassment, and even arson at the facility formerly known as Cityclean. Chief Superintendent Rachel Carr describes the matters as “very serious and concerning.”
This comes amid mounting pressure on the council’s waste management services, with Council Leader Bella Sankey recently apologizing for a dramatic 140% increase in missed bin collections. Sankey attributes these service failures to the behavior of a small group of depot employees.
USA:
NBC News reports that Los Angeles City Council has approved a revised $13.9 billion fiscal year budget that will slow down police hiring and restore more than 60 city positions, while reducing funding for homeless initiatives including Mayor Bass’ Inside Safe program.
The budget aims to address a $1 billion deficit through measures such as halving LAPD recruitment while preserving core services and saving approximately 1,000 jobs from the original proposed cuts.
In California, West Covina City Council has dismissed its city manager Paulina Morales after just 12 months, and appointed Milan Mrakich, the city’s director of public safety, on an acting basis.
The controversial move was made in a closed session, and came shortly after dropping degree requirements for executive positions.
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported that the decision has sparked concerns about the city’s leadership stability, particularly given West Covina’s current challenges including its “high risk” financial status and multiple vacant senior positions.
Roundup Extra:
Zoe Dattner joins Chris to talk about the growing problem of employee burnout in council organisations
Book your place for the upcoming online local government forum now: https://events.humanitix.com/dattner-group-s-do-your-people-feel-overwhelmed-and-close-to-burnout-why-well-intentioned-busyness-is-costing-councils-time-trust-and-impact