Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- The Mayor of Whittlesea calls for the resignation of the Council’s CEO and monitors
- A call for patience from the Mayor of Greater Dandenong
- Hepburn Shire responds to the leaking of the Rex report
- A local government first strategy to tackle anti-semitism
- A General Manager calls time
- An apology from a Gold Coast councillor
- Queensland councils sound the alarm over rising insurance costs
- Hobart pressing ahead with a controversial bike lane project
- And uncertainty continues at a WA council unable to make major decisions
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 441:
Victorian Roundup:
Whittlesea City Council moved its March meeting online last night, inviting members of the public to view a livestream of proceedings.
The meeting was the first since Mayor Aidan McLindon was issued with a ban on attending council premises by CEO Craig Lloyd, and a no-confidence motion from the remaining councillors, who have called on him to resign.
A call to action was circulating on social media in the lead up to the meeting, encouraging members of the public to form an outdoor public gallery outside the chamber.
Cr McLindon and his lawyer spoke to the assembled group, estimated to number around 50 by the Whittlesea Leader.
He called on the Local Government Minister Nick Staikos to ask Mr Lloyd and the two government appointed monitors Jude Munro and Peita Duncan to stand down from their positions.
The meeting began streaming at 6.00pm – at which time the mayor was still speaking to the group outside the chamber – in the meeting, he was listed as an apology.
Outside on the screen, a message was displayed stating that he had been removed from the meeting by the host.
The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Mayor Cr Daniela Zinni.
Earlier, the councillor group made a statement on social media in support of measures to prioritise safety.
It said that “any decisions made by this group fully comply with relevant laws and regulations and reflect governance best practice.”
The decision to hold the Whittlesea meeting online without a public gallery follows a similar move from Casey, which held its meeting online last night, with 9News camped outside showing a group of residents who had answered a call to make a silent protest.
Last week, Greater Dandenong Council also moved its meeting to an online format.
It has asked for patience and respect from the community, after threats of violence and ethnic divisions led to that decision to hold its meeting online last week.
Community tensions surrounding the informal “Afghan Bazaar” name of the Thomas Street precinct have been acknowledged, and the council has requested external resources for an independent consultation process to find a constructive resolution.
The council noted that there has never been a formal consultation or naming process for the precinct, which has only been referred to as the Afghan Bazaar in marketing and promotional materials.
It expects to provide further details soon on a community development initiative to facilitate dialogue between people of all ethnic backgrounds in Afghanistan living in the city of Greater Dandenong.
The Bendigo News has reported on a tense Greater Bendigo Council meeting where a resident was ejected after demanding answers about the city’s escalating youth crime crisis.
Resident Kaylene O’Brien confronted Mayor Andrea Metcalf during public question time, challenging the council’s response to a dramatic surge in criminal activity.
Statistics reveal a concerning 13.3 percent increase in criminal incidents over the past year, with home invasions skyrocketing by 89 percent.
The council maintains that law enforcement falls outside their jurisdiction, directing residents to contact emergency services if they feel unsafe.
Meanwhile, council officials report ongoing collaboration with Victoria Police to address anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
Hepburn Shire Council has responded to leaking of a draft 2022 report into a failed community development project in Daylesford.
The report details the Local Government Inspectorate’s investigations into the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project, which aimed to transform Daylesford’s historic Rex Theatre into a library and council offices.
The project resulted in a financial loss of $5.65 million for ratepayers, including the initial $6.3 million purchase price in 2016, additional expenditure of over $3M and proceeds from the sale of $3.74M.
The council said it is not familiar with the version of the report that is circulating, and cannot comment on its origins or accuracy.
The council had seen an earlier draft in 2021, but was under a legal obligation not to reference receipt of that report or disclose its contents.
Mayor Don Henderson acknowledged community frustration and anger in relation to the release of the report and its contents, but said attacks and threats are inappropriate and would not be tolerated.
He said there had been an increase in poor behaviour towards staff and councillors over recent weeks.
CEO Bradley Thomas said the organisation had put in place countless improvements to ensure the failings identified in the report do not occur again.
A 14 page spreadsheet of the Inspectorate recommendations and the council’s actions in response has been published alongside this week’s statement.
With regard to the leaked report, the council said the way it has been made public is concerning, and it had written to the Local Government Inspectorate to request a thorough review of the situation.
Hume City Council has called in the police to investigate an alleged unauthorised recording of a closed council meeting, after the matter was raised at the Council’s December meeting by Cr Carly Moore.
The recording is understood to have been shared on social media, around the time of last year’s council elections.
Sunbury Life reported this week that Council CEO Sheena Frost has now written to Victoria Police raising concerns that the recording and its circulation may be illegal and requesting the allegation be investigated to support council integrity and privacy rights.
The State Government has appointed Renee Ekbom KC to lead an inquiry into the cause of the McCrae landslide in Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Multiple homes were evacuated after the landslide in January, and a council worker was hospitalised when a house slide down a hill and collided with other homes.
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos said too many questions remain unanswered, and the Board of Inquiry has been established to get to the bottom of what happened.
The inquiry will look into the cause, as well as the adequacy of measures taken to mitigate the risks following other landslides in McCrae.
Victorian Briefs:
The Bridge Mall redevelopment in Ballarat has officially opened with a $23.3 million transformation that includes new landscaping, shared zones, and improved connectivity.
The opening has been marked by a community celebration featuring vintage cars and carnival festivities. The project has already shown positive results with reduced vacancy rates and new business investments.
Central Goldfields Shire Council has approved a $3 million funding application and $1.5 million co-contribution for the staged reopening of the Maryborough Olympic Outdoor Pool Complex.
Stage One costing $4.5 million will include facility upgrades and detailed design work, while Stage Two, estimated at $5.5 million, will focus on rebuilding the 50-metre pool and associated infrastructure, though funding for this stage is yet to be secured.
Mildura Rural City Council and Greening Mildura are hosting their second annual Nature Strip Showdown competition, offering $500 prizes across three categories for residents with outstanding nature strips.
The competition, running until April 4, aims to recognise residents’ efforts in maintaining their nature strips while fostering friendly competition among neighbours.
West Wimmera Shire Council has welcomed a potential $500,000 funding commitment from Federal Member Anne Webster for a new splash park at Kaniva, contingent on a Coalition election victory.
The $1-million project would transform an existing toddler pool into an all-abilities water play space, which has received strong community support with 96% approval in a recent survey.
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National Roundup:
NSW:
Sydney’s Waverley Council was last night set to become the first local government in Australia to adopt a Strategy to Combat Antisemitism.
Mayor Will Nemesh said the initiative was in response to a concerning 300% spike in antisemitic incidents over the past year, according to a report from J Wire.
The comprehensive strategy includes enhanced security measures, community education programs, and partnerships with organisations like the Sydney Jewish Museum.
Waverley is home to over 11,000 Jewish residents, and the mayor hopes the blueprint will inspire similar actions by councils nationwide.
The Daily Telegraph has reported on a development approval blitz at North Sydney Council, which is facing potential loss of planning powers due to slow housing approval rates.
The council averages 154 days compared to the NSW government’s target of 115 days, and has been warned, along with five other NSW councils, to improve their assessment process or face consequences.
While the council is implementing measures like approval blitzes and additional contractors, it argues that factors such as complex planning regulations, construction sector challenges, and the involvement of other planning authorities contribute to the delays.
Greater Hume Shire Council is set to finally take a position on the Albury-Wodonga hospital issue, with councillors being asked to choose between supporting either the redevelopment of the existing Albury hospital or backing a new greenfield site in either city.
The Border Mail (18th March 2025) reported that issue is on the council’s agenda for its meeting today, and its decision will carry significance as it is the only local government area bordering the twin cities that has not yet supported the development of a new hospital.
Greater Hume has previously abstained from votes and rallies related to the matter.
Eurobodalla Council General Manager Warwick Winn has announced his resignation, effective this Friday, after serving since November 2022.
Director of Finance and Corporate Services Stephanie Speedy will serve as acting general manager until an interim replacement is found, while the search for a permanent general manager begins.
Mr Winn previously held general manager positions at Penrith, North Sydney in NSW and Manningham in Victoria, and says he now plans to spend quality time with the grandkids and travel the world.
QLD:
Gold Coast councillor Brooke Patterson issued a brief public apology at a council meeting after an investigation found she had acted aggressively towards council staff and attempted to influence a work experience selection process.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that at least one councillor was concerned about an apparent lack of remorse from Cr Patterson.
But the council opted against removing her from her position as governance chairwoman.
Queensland councils are sounding the alarm over soaring insurance costs in disaster-prone communities.
Local Government Association of Queensland President Matt Burnett says some residents are facing premium increases of up to 500 percent, putting severe pressure on households during the current cost-of-living crisis.
LGAQ is calling for all federal election candidates to commit to better protection for local communities, and pushing for reforms including simplified disaster recovery processes and an extension of voluntary home buyback schemes.
In Townsville, Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney has joined a push for local government’s share of federal tax revenue to be doubled from 0.5 to 1 percent.
She is highlighting that the current rate hasn’t changed since the Whitlam era of the 1970s.
But Federal MP Phillip Thompson is not impressed, calling the move a “disappointing political ploy,” according to the Townsville Bulletin.
He has expressed concerns about the council’s financial management.
The council argues that rising costs and expanding responsibilities justify an increase, noting that while they contribute to 33 percent of local services, they receive just half a percent of tax revenue.
Townsville City Council is extending its security trial that involves two community safety officers conducting foot patrols of known hotspots in the city centre.
Acting Mayor Anne-Maree Greaney said the program had shown positive results in reducing antisocial behaviour through a relationship-building approach.
Local business owners have reported marginal improvements in safety and increased public confidence, with the Council committing to continue the patrols until the end of the financial year.
Noosa Council employees are reportedly planning strike action today due to dissatisfaction with the Council’s current wage offer, which union representatives argue is inadequate given the rising cost of living.
Noosa Today reported that Services Union members will hold a stop-work meeting at 9am outside Tewantin Council Chambers.
Lead organiser Tom Rivers said strike action is a last resort aimed at securing fair compensation and preventing workplace attrition.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council has signed a no-cost MOU with Silica Resources Australia to boost regional economic growth and create approximately 180 construction jobs.
The project will focus on extracting and processing high-purity silica sand for use in green energy and technological innovations.
The partnership aligns with the Council’s Growing Stronger Together 2033 Economic Development Strategy.
National Briefs:
Adelaide Lord Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith has been appointed as patron of the Australian Dental Foundation, where she will advocate for accessible dental care and support various foundation initiatives.
The Foundation, which is Australia’s largest dental charity, provided treatment to over 24,000 people in the previous year, with the majority of patients being from South Australia.
Western Downs Regional Council has announced over $1 million in upgrades for five aquatic facilities, with works to be carried out during autumn and winter 2025.
The improvements include pool resurfacing, hydraulics system upgrades, and facility refurbishments, with seasonal facilities closing from April to September 2025 and the Chinchilla and Dalby facilities reopening in May 2025 under new management by Belgravia Leisure.
Central Coast Council has announced the early removal of shark nets from eleven patrolled beaches on March 31, one month earlier than usual, as part of the NSW Government’s updated Shark Management Program to protect marine life during turtle migration.
While the nets will be removed, safety measures including lifeguard patrols, drone surveillance, and the SharkSmart app will continue to help ensure beach safety, though the reinstatement of nets for the next season remains unconfirmed.
TAS:
Hobart City Council plans to proceed with installing bike lanes on Collins Street next Monday, despite opposition from local businesses and a scheduled public meeting the following day, according to Pulse Tasmania.
The controversial project will remove around 49 parking spaces to create dedicated cycling lanes on both sides of the street, with business owners demanding a delay until after the meeting.
A recent Local Government Association of Tasmania survey has found nearly 80% of Tasmanian councillors have experienced abuse, bullying or intimidation from community members in the past two years.
LGAT President Mick Tucker told Government News the behaviour is most commonly occurring on social media but also in public places.
He said local government’s greatest strength – being closest to communities – also makes councillors more vulnerable to negative behaviour.
LGAT is launching a community awareness campaign this month to promote respectful communication and stand against abuse.
SA:
Serious concerns have been raised about a new behaviour standards framework in South Australian local government, according to a report from The Messenger.
Some female councillors claim it’s being weaponised to silence and harass women.
Adelaide Councillor Mary Couros reports spending over $10,000 in legal fees dealing with complaints under the confidential process, while Adelaide Hills Councillor Louise Pascale has been forced to take stress leave due to her experiences with the system.
The Australian Local Government Women’s Association reports female representation on councils remains below 40 percent, with some councillors warning the hostile environment could deter more women from entering local politics.
MP Connie Bonaros is calling for an independent inquiry into harassment in the sector.
Berri Barmera Council will honour former councillor Rhonda Centofanti, who passed away in December 2023, by installing memorial plaques on two park benches near the Berri riverfront and the Anzac Centenary Cross memorial in Barmera.
Following her passing, the Council has continued with seven councillors due to policy and legislative constraints that prevent holding a supplementary election to fill the vacancy.
WA:
Hannah Beazley will retain the local government portfolio in the new Western Australian government.
Premier Roger Cook announced the new ministry portfolios yesterday.
Ms Beazley will also serve as minister for disability services, volunteering and youth.
John Carey retains the planning portfolio.
Uncertainty continues at the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, as it awaits the appointment of a Commissioner following a number of councillor resignations that have left the council without a quorum and unable to make decisions.
CEO Tamara Clarkson said this week that the administration is working with state government officials to ensure continuity of governance and service delivery.
Major decisions are temporarily on hold.
The appointment of a Commissioner is pending the swearing in of the new government ministry.
The City of Albany was impacted by a heavy rainfall and flooding event last week, which caused the closure of a number of council facilities, including its library, visitor centre, arts centre and town hall.
The Albany Library was most severely affected, and remained closed until yesterday after an intense cleanup effort.
Advocacy by City of Melville and the local community has successfully achieved a reduced speed limit on Farrington Road as part of their ongoing road safety initiatives.
The reduction from 70kmh to 60kmh between Bibra Drive and Casserly Drive, follows several previous safety improvements, including the installation of speed platforms and speed cushions.
The City is also working towards securing a pedestrian crossing outside Leeming Forum.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Nottingham City Council experienced a severe power outage last week that damaged files and caused widespread disruption to their IT systems and phone lines.
The BBC reported that the failure is being attributed to an unprecedented electrical safety circuit issue in their high-voltage switchgear.
Despite power being restored and some systems coming back online by Monday, the council continues to work on repairs and testing, with staff adapting quickly to maintain essential services for vulnerable people.
Also from BBC News, speculation that government intervention is looming for Spelthorne Borough Council, which has accumulated debts of over £1bn (more than 60 times its service spending).
It is looking likely that commissioners will be appointed due to serious concerns about its governance and financial management.
The Local Government Minister Jim McMahon has proposed the intervention to strengthen improvement work at the council, while Council leader Joanne Sexton has agreed to work in partnership with the government to address these issues.
The council has until March 28 to respond to the minister.
Birmingham City Council is refusing to make pay concessions to striking bin workers, with council leader John Cotton arguing it could reopen historic equal pay issues that previously contributed to the council’s bankruptcy.
BBC News reported that the ongoing dispute has led to an indefinite strike by 400 bin workers, causing overflowing bins and increased fly-tipping.
The Unite union is arguing for better pay and maintains that a new role evaluation could resolve both the pay dispute and equal pay concerns.
Brighton and Hove City Council is investigating claims that a local company offered takeaway vouchers to tenants in exchange for positive comments on their planning application to convert a family home into a five-bedroom shared house.
The proposal has drawn attention from a local MP, who has asked for the matter to be investigated, according to Brighton and Hove dot com.
There have been 43 objections and 9 supporting comments for the proposal, with concerns ranging from parking issues to infrastructure strain.
The allegations were made anonymously, but the council’s planning committee chair Cr Liz Loughran said they were being looked into and that the council takes seriously claims of people trying to influence the process.
USA:
The City Council in Denver, Colorado, has this week approved a cash infusion of $1.5M for downtown activation activities.
The Denver Gazette reported that the money will be used for events and permanent installations to draw crowds, and for increased safety measures.
The decision was not unanimous though, with some councillors concerned about the additional spend in the current budget environment.
It ultimately passed by 10 votes to three.
In Austin, Texas, the city has launched “Get Hired in Austin,” a recruitment campaign targeting federal government workers affected by workforce changes.
The campaign is focused on filling high-vacancy and hard-to-fill positions in areas like engineering, IT, and healthcare.
It has the support of the City Manager and the Mayor, who are promoting the opportunity for public servants to continue making a difference at the municipal level while enjoying the benefits of living and working in Austin.
CANADA:
In Canada, councillors at the City of Sault Ste. Marie are considering amendments to the council’s procedure bylaw, including a proposed ban on signs in the council chamber.
The proposed changes, recommended by a procedure bylaw review task force, also include modifications to meeting procedures, conflict of interest handling, and requirements for council member attendance.
Council meeting attendees would also be prohibited from obstructing entry points to the council chamber, according to SOO Today.
The City of Prince George in British Columbia is promoting a buy local campaign to its residents, in the midst of an evolving US tariff situation.
The city has launched a survey to assess how local businesses will be impacted, and what support is needed.
Mayor Simon Yu said the city is exploring possible changes within its procurement processes, given it is bound by some trade agreements that do not permit preferential treatment of local suppliers above certain thresholds.
NZ:
A heated confrontation at Porirua City Council has led to the ejection of Wellington City Council iwi representative Liz Kelly during Thursday’s meeting.
Ms Kelly, who was attending in her capacity as chief executive of the Porirua Whānau Centre, was asked to leave after disrupting proceedings and making what officials described as “angry and disrespectful” remarks toward Mayor Anita Baker.
The Post reported on the incident, which occurred during discussions about Wellington Water’s performance and has prompted formal complaints.
While Kelly maintains she simply “walked out” after questioning procedural matters, council chief executive Wendy Walker confirms staff had to intervene to prevent any direct confrontation with the mayor.
The matter is now under review, and Wellington Mayor Tori Whanau has pledged to address the incident with Ms Kelly directly.