Incumbents battle, CEO quits, and book ban rejected, #392

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On the Local Government News Roundup for Monday 4th November:

  • Mixed fortunes for sitting councillors seeking re-election across Victoria
  • A Council’s CEO quits citing an untenable relationship with its mayor
  • A proposed book ban rejected by a NSW council
  • Councils concerned as the NSW government moves to legalise e-scooters
  • Controversy in Queensland over a decision to fly the Pride flag
  • Redundancies and a property sell off in Bundaberg
  • A mayor forced to pay his own way for an overseas trip
  • and a string of UK councils hit in a new wave of cyber attacks

Plus more news from across the world of local government in Australia and beyond.

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Davidson recruitment and business advisory services.

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Transcript for episode 392:

Victorian Roundup:

Here’s a quick rundown of published reports on election counting since our last edition, with a reminder that no official results are expected from the VEC before Wednesday or Thursday of this week.

The Age has reported on Monash City Council, where former Greens councillors Josh Fergeus and Anjalee Silva will retain their spots on the council as independents.

Incumbent mayor Nicky Luo and former mayor Stuart James look to have enough first preference votes to ensure their return, while former mayor Brian Little will need preferences after polling around 42 per cent of the primary vote.

A two way contest between a former and incumbent mayor at Stonnington has gone the way of Jami Klisaris, beating out Joe Gianfriddo in the Malvern Valley Ward.

Another former mayor, Kate Hely looks likely to take South Yarra Ward, as will Samantha Choudhury in Orrong Ward. Other contests are too close to call at this time.

In **Frankston,** incumbent or former councillors are polling well so far, with David Asker, Sue Baker, Michael O’Reilly and former mayor Kris Bolam all leading ahead of preference counts, while father and son former councillors Steven and Liam Hughes will not be back on the council.

The Age reports that Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan will retain his position, as will deputy mayor Anthony Aitken who has claimed victory in Corio Ward.

Melissa Caldwell is also likely to be re-elected.

Incumbent Moonee Valley mayor Pierce Tyson is trailing another former mayor, Samantha Byrne, and that contest will be decided on preferences.

Jacob Bettio will not be returned, achieving just 12 per cent of first round votes, while Narelle Sharpe, the other councillor named in a recent IBAC report, is locked in a tight battle with Liberal candidate John Barnes.

Long-term councillors Rose Iser and John Sipek lead their ward contests but will need preferences to get across the line.

The Age reports on the rise of independent candidates in the City of Kingston, where Jane Agirtan, Caroline White, and Sarah O’Donnell lead in counting ahead of preference distribution.

Two of the councillors from the sacked Whittlesea council are poised to return. Lawrie Cox and Stevan Kozmevski, both former mayors, have 30 and 41 per cent of first preference votes respectively.

A former Queensland Liberal MP, Adrian McLindon, looks likely to be one of the new members of the council, with over 50 per cent of first preference votes so far.

Richard Stockman, the former Nillumbik councillor attempting to move across to Whittlesea, will not be elected according to the Age.

At Hume, former mayor Joseph Haweil is fighting to retain his seat, trailing on first preferences and likely to need the preferences of former mayor Adem Atmaca if he is to win that ward.

Former mayor Carly Moore is safely returned, along with the most recent mayor Naim Kurt.

Incumbent deputy mayor Karen Sherry leads but will need preferences, while controversial former councillor Trevor Dance trails in a three way contest that looks like it will be fought out by sitting councillor Jack Medcraft and challenger Kate Hamley.

From Darebin, The Age reports on a likely loss of positions for the Greens and some tight battles for sitting councillors.

Incumbent Greens mayor Suzanne Newton is trailing Labor candidate Connie Boglis on first preferences; Tim Laurence is fighting to retain his ward, former mayor Julie Williams is trailing in hers, and another former mayor Lina Messina is well behind in the count in Central Ward.

Long time independent councillor Gaetano Greco is safe with more than 59 per cent of first preference votes in North West Ward.

The Local Elections blog has some additional reporting, with dedicated results pages for select councils.

That includes Brimbank, where incumbent mayor Ranka Rasic and sitting councillor Victoria Borg are projected to have been re-elected, while it is too close to call for Maria Kerr and Virginia Tachos in their re-election bids. It does look likely there’ll be some new faces on that council.

In Maribyrnong, where no less that six former mayors are attempting re-election, Cuc Lam looks to have gained enough support to return to the council.

Catherine Cumming, a former long time councillor and more recently upper house MP, will need preferences to improve her current position, leading with 28 per cent of first preferences in a field of five.

It’s too close to call for incumbent councillors Michael Clarke, Bernadette Thomas and Jorge Jorquera at this stage.

The Shepparton News has updated results from Greater Shepparton for two additional wards. Geoff Akers looks the likely winner of Pine Lodge Ward, while three term councillor Fern Summer is leading the first preference count for Yanha Gurtji ward.

The Border Mail predicts a shake up for Indigo Shire Council, where mayor Sophie Price leads the count in the unsubdivided municipality, and will be returned but preferences will determine the rest of the council.

Incumbent councillor Roberta Horne and former mayor Bernard Gaffney are sitting in fifth and sixth on primary votes, while the re-election campaigns for Diane Shepheard and Emmerick Teissl hang in the balance. They are in eighth and ninth respectively.

An update on the participation rate – the Age reports the return rate was up to 79.5 per cent as of Friday with more counting to be done. It is looking likely to at least equal if not better the 81.47 per cent return rate from the last election.

And a new editorial from The Age on the weekend has posed questions about the delay in counting information, the voting method and the structure of councils with many moving to single member wards for the first time in this election cycle.

It has called for a wide-ranging rethink of how our councils are put together, and says “if we are going to fine our citizens for failing to take part in a system on the basis that it is such an important part of our society, then we should not serve up such a second-rate electoral apparatus to those same citizens.”

It says a debate is needed on whether postal voting is the best option as well as funding, campaigning, counting and oversight.

National Roundup:

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the COVID-19 response inquiry report, which recognized the crucial role of Australia’s 537 councils in implementing National Cabinet decisions during the pandemic.

The report recommends more structured engagement with local government in future decision-making, aligning with ALGA’s submission that highlighted local governments’ unique position to identify community needs and deliver solutions efficiently during the crisis. ALGA

NSW:

The Goulburn Post has reported that Goulburn Mulwaree Council chief Aaron Johannson has resigned with immediate effect.

The resignation has been triggered by an “untenable” relationship with Mayor Nina Dillon,.

Mr Johansson resigned by phone on Friday and will serve out four week’s notice while on annual leave.

He told the Post that multiple factors played a role in his decision, with differences of opinion with the mayor over council finances being a key reason.

Cr Dillon was elected mayor by the Council last month in a three way contest requiring two rounds of voting.

Mr Johannson has been the council’s CEO since July 2022 and was previously CEO of Charters Towers Regional Council in Queensland. Goulburn Post$

A 14-storey tower plan in Wollongong has been approved by the Southern Regional Planning Panel, overruling objections from Wollongong City Council.

The Illawarra Mercury reported that the $31 million development will feature 71 apartments and ground floor commercial space, transforming a former car yard into a prominent residential complex.

Despite the council’s concerns about waste management, design compliance, and suitability of the site, the planning panel deemed the project beneficial for revitalising the CBD and addressing housing needs in the Illawarra region. Illawarra Mercury

Port Macquarie Hastings Council has rejected concerns over a proposed book ban that some viewed as homophobic, clarifying that no books will be banned from local libraries.

SBS News reported that the motion, which initially named specific LGBTIQ+ and sex education books, was later amended to focus on age-appropriate content and access restrictions.

The debate follows a similar controversy in western Sydney, where Cumberland City Council recently overturned a ban on books featuring same-sex parents after significant public backlash and threatened government funding cuts. SBS News

The New South Wales government has announced plans to legalise e-scooters, paving the way for both private users and shared e-scooter providers to operate legally in the state.

While the move has been welcomed by e-scooter enthusiasts, concerns about safety and infrastructure remain, with some local councils hesitant to embrace shared e-scooter schemes, according to ABC News.

The move comes as more cities backtrack on e-scooter schemes, most notably the City of Melbourne which recently banned them, and the City of Sydney which has resolved not to participate in the scheme.

Inner West Council has also rejected the opportunity to host an e-scooter trial. ABC News

QLD:

The Courier Mail reports on a controversy at Redland City Council over plans to fly the Rainbow Flag and illuminate city landmarks for IDAHOBIT Day.

Mayor Jos Mitchell last week announced a decision had been made within the council organisation to fly the Pride flag on November 17, drawing criticism from some councillors who claim they were not consulted.

The issue is expected to be raised at a council meeting today. Courier Mail

Vandalism in public spaces across Townsville, particularly on Magnetic Island, Pallarenda, and Rowes Bay, has resulted in significant damage costing the council over $200,000 in repairs, the Townsville Bulletin reports.

Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney has expressed frustration over the ongoing vandalism, which includes politically motivated graffiti, and is urging the community to report any such activities to help curb the costly and disruptive behaviour. Townsville Bulletin

Bundaberg Today reports that over 30 employees of Bundaberg Regional Council will take voluntary redundancy as part of a restructure strategy.

The council is aiming to save $10M in employee costs, $10M in operational costs, and generate another $10M in new revenue. Bundaberg Today

It has announced a plan to sell nearly 40 surplus properties in various locations across the region.

They include community halls and prime seaside properties.

The lots will be available for sale through a council tender process. Bundaberg Now ; ABC News

TAS:

Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood will personally fund his trip to London for the City Nation Place Awards after the council rejected his request to use ratepayer funds, according to Pulse Tasmania.

The cost of trip, including flights and accommodation, is $5,300.

The trip aims to promote Launceston and its shortlisted project, The Lounge, which is nominated in the Placemaking Initiative category. Pulse Tasmania

SA:

Burnside councillor Jane Davey has been issued a directions notice restricting her interactions with fellow councillor Lilian Henschke, despite no formal finding of wrongdoing, according to a report from Adelaide Advertiser.

The notice, issued by Mayor Anne Monceaux, requires Cr Davey to adhere to strict communication guidelines and seating arrangements during council meetings.

Cr Davey says she is unaware of the reasons behind the restrictions, and has appealed to the Ombudsman, describing the council as “toxic”. Adelaide Advertiser

WA:

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has resolved to decrease the number of elected members by one position.

It will propose to the Local Government Advisory Board that the change be made prior to local government elections next year, when four councillor terms of office are set to expire.

The council resolved not to invite public submissions on the proposal, which is estimated to save around $25k in meeting fees and allowances. Shire of August Margaret River

Global Roundup:

UK:

The BBC has reported that Portsmouth City Council, along with several other UK local authorities, has been targeted by a cyber attack attributed to pro-Russian hackers, causing disruptions to their websites.

The council assures that no services or resident data were compromised in the incident.

Middlesborough, Salford Bury and Trafford councils were also affected during the week, but are now reported to be back online. BBC News

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is proposing a new taxi licensing policy that would phase out petrol taxis over the next decade, with the goal of achieving zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

BBC News reported that the policy includes a timeline for transitioning away from internal combustion engines, starting with changes to emissions standards in April and culminating in a complete ban on non-zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

The proposal also suggests removing door livery from private hire vehicles to distinguish them from Hackney carriages. BBC News

Hackney Council in London has banned staff from using ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ in correspondence, as part of a broader initiative to promote gender-neutral language.

Metro News reported that the council has produced 17-page document outlining various changes, including using terms like ‘workforce’ instead of ‘manpower’ and avoiding phrases that promote gender stereotypes.

It follows similar initiatives by other councils, including Surrey and Sunderland. Metro News

USA:

The Nogales City Council and Mayor have been found to have violated open meeting laws by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office regarding a meeting with a mining company.

KVOA reported that the violation occurred when a local newspaper reporter was barred from attending the meeting, which discussed the potential location of the company’s headquarters for a mining project.

The Council and Mayor have been ordered to cease violating open meeting laws, undergo training, and report back to the Attorney General’s Office by January 10th. KVOA

CANADA:

Voters in South Bruce, Ontario have narrowly approved hosting a deep geological repository for nuclear waste.

The Owen Sound Sun Times reported that the issue has caused divisions with the community, with supporters citing economic benefits, while opponents are concerned about potential risks and environmental impacts.

The yes vote captured 51.2 per cent of the vote, and with a voter turnout of nearly 70 per cent, the result is binding on the municipal council. Owen Sound Sun Times

IRAN:

The mayor and a city council member of Ramsar, Iran, have been arrested on bribery charges along with four others, including two construction industry figures and a bank deputy manager.

Iran Wire reported the case is part of a larger trend, with 863 city council members and mayors arrested across Iran between 2018 and 2024, highlighting ongoing concerns about corruption at the local government level in the country. IranWire