Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- Whittlesea’s embattled mayor digs in and hits back
- A call for an investigation into a ratepayer group
- A controversial theatre plan dropped
- Tough new action on abandoned trolleys
- A motion of no confidence blocked
- A city seeks a $2B lifeline
- Conduct concerns at a South Australian council
- Exceptional financial support for UK councils
- Plus, a conversation about the mental well-being of councillors and how it is impacting communities and democracies.
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 431:
Victorian Roundup:
Whittlesea mayor Aidan McLindon is pushing back against calls for his resignation and a no-confidence motion passed unanimously by the remaining 10 councillors last week.
In a long, personal statement published to social media on the weekend, Cr McLindon says he and his family have faced escalating safety concerns and threats for months due to policy positions on various matters.
He said incidents have included death threats, car break-in, surveillance, and public vilification campaigns, and security measures including private security and increased police presence at council meetings have been implemented.
Cr McLindon said he has met with police, and lodged a formal complaint with Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).
He describes the complaint as wide-ranging but provides no further detail on the substance of the complaint.
Cr McLindon also said the presence of former Whittlesea CEO Simon Overland at last week’s Council meeting as ‘confronting, unsettling and strange.
A Moonee Valley councillor is calling for an investigation into ratepayer group Council Watch.
A Notice of Motion from Cr Rose Iser is listed on the Council’s agenda for Tuesday, and seeks support from the MAV in condemning the personal abuse and misinformation conveyed by the group regularly online.
The motion also calls on the VEC and government ministers, including the Minister for Local Government, to conduct an investigation into the status of the group and whether it is required to comply with various disclosure, financial and other laws.
Hobsons Bay City Council is seeking MAV support to advocate for a range of air quality measures in Melbourne’s West, including monitoring stations on the West Gate Tunnel.
The council wants the temporary monitoring to be made permanent, and for filtration to be installed on the tunnel exhaust stacks.
It is also adding its voice to a growing chorus of concerns about changes to the fire services levy, which it says will place an unfair burden on local governments.
The agenda for this week’s council meeting at Wyndham includes a petition to make the city an apartheid-free zone.
It calls on the council to “scrutinise and detach” from companies that facilitate apartheid and genocide in Palestine.
The council is also being asked consider changing the name of one of its wards. Cr Larry Zhao has proposed that Williams Landing Ward be renamed to be more representative of all residents in the Ward, that includes Point Cook, Truganina and Hoppers Crossing.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece has abandoned controversial plans to sell the council’s majority stake in the historic Regent Theatre, according to ABC News.
The proposal, which would have seen the City of Melbourne offload its 51 percent share – valued at around $40 million – faced significant public backlash.
Lord Mayor Reece admitted he had underestimated the community’s attachment to the Collins Street landmark, which originally opened in 1929.
It will remain under joint ownership between the council and the Victorian government.
City of Greater Bendigo council workers have accepted a new enterprise agreement that includes significant wage increases of 4% in the first year and 3% or $50 per week in subsequent years.
The Bendigo Advertiser reported that the new agreement also includes improved conditions for parents and various allowances.
The agreement, which still requires Fair Work Commission approval, comes after workers initially rejected an offer in December and follows the resolution of industrial action by maternal and child health nurses.
Victorian Briefs:
The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre will receive a major $7.7 million sustainability upgrade, funded by a $2.5 million Australian Government grant and $5.2 million from the City of Ballarat, to install an eco-friendly heat pump system.
The project will reduce gas consumption by 96%, and according to Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves represents a major milestone in the city’s transition to clean energy.
Bass Coast and Moorabool shire councils are among 19 recipients sharing $21M in Active Transport Fund grants from the Federal Government.
Bass Coast will receive $1M for the Ventnor Road Shared Path while Moorabool gets $1.8M for Griffith Street works.
East Gippsland Shire Council has awarded a design contract for a new multipurpose indoor sporting stadium in Lakes Entrance, which will be primarily funded by an $800,000 commitment from the Victorian Government.
The Mayor and CEO of Frankston City Council have hosted a visit from the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner AC.
During the visit, the Governor showed strong interest in supporting local prosperity, and participated in a visit to some local businesses.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Liverpool City Council is taking drastic action against the growing menace of abandoned shopping trolleys in Sydney’s south-west.
9News reported that the council has unleashed a machine nicknamed ‘The Croc’ – previously used to destroy old mattresses – to shred thousands of abandoned trolleys.
The Council says the initiative will not only clean up the streets but also provide environmental benefits, with the metal being recycled rather than sent to landfill.
The move comes as New South Wales grapples with over 8,000 reports of abandoned trolleys in just the first six weeks of this year.
At Upper Hunter Shire Council, a controversial no-confidence motion against Mayor Maurice Collison has been blocked from debate, according to the Newcastle Herald.
Cr Troy Stolz’s attempt to challenge the mayor’s leadership was deemed “unlawful” by the council’s general manager.
The motion called for a secret ballot to elect a new mayor, citing concerns over Mayor Collison’s handling of a notorious “road to nowhere” project and a disputed asbestos dumping case.
Mayor Collison has strongly rejected the claims, and says he maintains majority support among councillors.
Councillor Stolz is believed to be seeking independent advice on his next moves.
Federation Council is holding pop-up information sessions in March to engage with residents about their Special Rate Variation (SRV) application, which proposes significant rate increases of 69.94% cumulatively over four years.
IPART is expected to make a decision in May following public exhibition and submissions in March/April.
QLD:
InDaily Queensland reports that the outback mining city of Mount Isa is seeking a two-billion-dollar lifeline as it faces major economic challenges.
Local officials are preparing to lobby both state and federal governments for funding support, following news that Glencore will close its copper operations later this year.
The closure is expected to result in around 600 job losses, with the city’s population potentially dropping by nearly half.
Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae says the council has identified twenty-eight priority projects worth two-point-seven billion dollars, including innovative proposals such as using abandoned mine shafts for energy storage and introducing airship transport services.
The funding bid follows similar government support packages recently provided to other industrial centres, including Gladstone’s aluminum sector and the Whyalla steelworks in South Australia.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli has joined a statewide push for increased federal funding to local councils.
The Mayor says councils are being handed more responsibilities without adequate financial support, with local governments now managing over three-quarters of our roads.
The Local Government Association of Queensland is calling for Financial Assistance Grants to be restored to one percent of total Australian tax revenue, which would deliver an additional twelve million dollars to the Sunshine Coast region.
Currently, for every hundred dollars in tax paid by local residents, only fifty cents is returned to Council for essential community services.
And now to North Queensland, where the Cloncurry Shire Council is awaiting crucial federal funding for its airport upgrade project.
The North West Weekly reported that a twenty-million-dollar airport upgrade hangs in the balance, with only half the required funding secured.
Mayor Greg Campbell welcomed last week’s $4.5M federal grant but says the council needs an additional ten million to complete essential safety upgrades and expansion works.
Queensland remains the only state yet to receive funding announcements under the Regional Precinct and Partnership Program, through which the council has applied for the remaining funds.
The Local Government Association of Queensland has welcomed Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s commitment to make insurance more affordable.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith says insurance affordability is a critical cost of living issue, particularly in Australia’s most disaster-prone state.
The Association is now calling on the Federal Government to match this pledge, as part of broader measures seeking over $73 billion in economic benefits for Queensland communities.
National Briefs:
Submissions for the proposed amendments to the NSW Model Code of Meeting Practice will close on Friday.
The new Model Meeting Code aims to strengthen local decision-making and councillor governance, and is expected to be prescribed early this year following consideration of public feedback.
Circular Head Council has appointed Andrew Wardlaw as Acting General Manager, effective from March 18, 2025, and until a permanent appointment is made.
Mr Wardlaw brings over three decades of local government experience including roles at Burnie City Council and a recently concluded stint as Commissioner for Dorset Council.
The Queensland Government has approved $12.5 million in funding for nine of the state’s councils to accelerate housing development approvals and reduce bureaucratic obstacles, with each council receiving $100,000 to improve their planning schemes.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address Queensland’s housing crisis and achieve the government’s target of building one million homes in the next 20 years.
TAS:
Pulse Tasmania reports that **Hobart’**s e-scooter trial could become a permanent fixture, with the City Council set to vote today on extending the program.
Despite concerns in other cities like Melbourne, a recent survey shows majority support among Hobart residents for the controversial transport option.
Council documents reveal plans to not only continue the e-scooter scheme but also explore introducing hire-and-ride e-bikes.
The council is looking to address parking issues with additional zones and stricter controls.
Firefighters are expressing frustration over a Hobart City council decision to remove the city’s aquatic centre from a key fitness program, as reported by Pulse Tasmania.
They say they’ve been blindsided by the decision to withdraw the Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre from the Fitness Passport program, which currently allows emergency service workers to access multiple fitness facilities for a single fee.
The United Firefighters Union warns the move will impact their members’ rehabilitation and fitness routines, while Council CEO Michael Stretton says the decision aims to ensure fairer pricing across the board.
And now to Devonport, where a major development project is set to transform the city centre.
The local council has approved the sale of the Edward Street Car Park for a new mixed-use development that will bring both commercial spaces and residential apartments to the CBD.
The $825,000 project, led by developer Small is the New Big, will see a four-storey building constructed featuring seven ground-floor commercial spaces and 35 residential apartments.
Mayor Alison Jarman says the development is another step forward in Devonport’s LIVING CITY initiative, driving growth and progress in the city.
SA:
A final report from an investigation at Burnside Council has substantiated allegations of inappropriate councillor conduct.
The report substantiated allegations of multiple breaches of behavioural standards by Cr Jane Davey, and found evidence of a culture that victimises persons who speak up about inappropriate behaviour.
It said broader cultural issues should be addressed before any individual council member is referred to a Behavioural Standards Panel.
New CEO Julia Grant confirmed that behavioural standards training is part of mandatory training that all Council members are obliged to complete.
WA:
The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley has appointed Tamara Clarkson as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Ms. Clarkson brings 18 years of local government experience to the role. She’s been serving as Acting CEO and will now take on the position permanently following Council endorsement on Thursday.
Town of Bassendean Mayor Kathryn Hamilton has firmly rejected suggestions of council amalgamation with neighbouring municipalities, according to a report from PerthNow.
The proposal resurfaced at a recent annual general meeting when a resident questioned whether merging with the larger City of Bayswater could improve services and reduce rates.
Mayor Hamilton defended the town’s independence, citing lower waste charges compared to larger neighboring councils.
She noted Bassendean residents pay $60 less annually while receiving double the services.
This isn’t the first time amalgamation has been discussed. Previous attempts in 2014 and 2020 were unsuccessful, with the mayor noting that the community has historically opposed such moves.
A recent global study has revealed that elected members rate their mental wellbeing lower than emergency workers. It’s been described as a wake-up call that the people we elect o lead us are struggling.
Thought leaders and elected representatives are coming together for a unique event later this week for a deep conversation on the impact of this issue and how to address it.
For more on the event, I spoke with organiser Emma Broomfield.
(Interview)
Global Roundup:
UK:
BBC News reported that six London councils are set to receive exceptional financial support from the government for the upcoming financial year.
The funding package, aimed at struggling local authorities, ranges from £136 million for Croydon to £10 million for Enfield.
Lambeth Council will receive a separate £40 million allocation specifically for housing stock management.
The London funding is part of a broader national support package, with thirty councils across England receiving assistance.
Birmingham tops the list with a £180 million allocation.
Birmingham City Council‘s troubled IT system could cost taxpayers a staggering £90 million to fix, according to a new audit report.
The Oracle program, implemented in April 2022 to streamline payment and HR processes, has been plagued with issues and is not expected to be fully operational until at least 2026.
BBC News reported that the costs have nearly doubled since June last year, adding further strain to the council’s finances after it effectively declared bankruptcy in September.
Local residents are already facing a 7.49% council tax increase from April.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged to tackle air pollution caused by barges and narrowboats along the city’s waterways, according to airqualitynews dot com.
He responded to concerns about diesel emissions and solid fuel burning affecting residents’ health during an LBC radio Q&A session.
Mayor Khan promised to make the same progress in cleaning up London’s rivers as has been achieved with road pollution, despite having limited direct powers over the waterways.
In Lancashire, a local councillor has resigned amid controversy over unpaid council tax and poor attendance at meetings.
BBC News reported that Conservative councillor Tom Ormerod has stepped down from his position on Pendle Borough Council after revelations that he owed nearly £4,000 in unpaid council tax spread across three years.
Council records also show he attended just three meetings since taking office in May last year, missing 27 others.
The ward is now facing its second by-election, following an earlier resignation in December.
USA:
In West Boylston, Massachusetts, a dispute over a Trump flag has led to an unusual standoff between the town’s police chief and its newly appointed administrator.
Police1 dot com reported that Police Chief Dennis Minnich Sr. has placed himself on leave, refusing to return to work until Town Administrator James Ryan is removed from his position.
The controversy began when Ryan, just days into the job, ordered the removal of a Trump flag from the police station’s gym. The situation escalated after additional flags were discovered, leading to accusations of dishonesty and unauthorised photography within restricted areas of the police station.
The local police union has issued a vote of no confidence in the town administrator. Chief Minnich, a 32-year veteran of the force, maintains the flag display is protected under First Amendment rights.
Vacation rental giant Airbnb has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of New Orleans over new regulations requiring short-term rental platforms to verify property permits.
The Associated Press reports that the lawsuit comes as New Orleans grapples with a housing crisis, with officials reporting over 7,000 active Airbnb listings but only 1,350 legally licensed properties.
City Council President J.P. Morrell has taken a strong stance, suggesting that if regulation isn’t possible, a complete ban on short-term rentals could be considered.
Airbnb argues that enforcing local regulations isn’t their responsibility, citing protections similar to those enjoyed by social media companies.
CANADA:
Plans for a new apartment development in Regina’s Albert Park have been grounded following opposition from the city’s airport authority, according a report from the Leader Post.
The Regina City Council has rejected a proposal for three-story apartment buildings after the airport’s CEO expressed serious concerns about noise impacts.
The development, which would have added 18 units to the city’s tight rental market, fell within the airport’s noise exposure forecast zone.
The council decision was tight, as some argued to support the development due to Regina’s low rental vacancy rate of 2.7 percent and the need for increased housing density.
NZ:
Environment Southland has lost a significant court battle over wetland protection.
1News reported that the High Court has found the regional council failed to meet its statutory obligations to monitor and protect wetland areas.
The Environmental Law Initiative, which brought the case against the council, revealed that Southland has lost over 2,700 hectares of wetlands in just over two decades – accounting for nearly half of New Zealand’s total wetland loss during that period.
Court documents show that farming and forestry activities are responsible for 98% of the region’s wetland destruction.
Environment Southland has acknowledged the court’s decision and says it’s developing new monitoring programs and updating its water plan.