Headlining episode #343 of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Industrial action set to escalate in Ballarat
- Ward boundary changes confirmed for ten Victorian councils
- Liverpool Council votes to terminate the employment of its CEO
- Kiama Council facing a massive legal bill after a Supreme Court loss
- New housing targets for NSW councils cautiously welcomed
- A controversial interim CEO appointment at Cairns Regional Council
- Industrial action looms for councils across Scotland
- The mayor of a US city defies a unanimous resolution calling for his resignation
Plus more Council news from across Australia and beyond on the Local Government News Roundup, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association,
with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment service and business advisory practice, presenting LG Innovate: Artificial Intelligence Summit for the local government C-Suite at Peregian Beach in September – early bird bookings open now.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 343:
Victorian Roundup:
Australian Services Union (ASU) members at Ballarat City Council are escalating industrial action for better pay, targeting the major cultural event, White Night.
ABC News reported that the union has rejected the council’s offer of a 10.5% pay rise over three years, demanding a 17% increase instead.
A council spokesperson said that diverting funds from capital projects to support wage increases would be financially irresponsible.
The proposed pay rise includes back pay to last September and is claimed by the council to be a leading offer among local government in Victoria.
The ward boundaries for ten councils in Victoria will be altered for the 2024 elections following a review by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
The change is aimed at ensuring fair and equitable representation.
The councils that will alter their ward boundaries include Bass Coast Shire Council, Baw Baw Shire Council, Boroondara City Council, Cardinia Shire Council, Greater Dandenong City Council, Loddon Shire Council, Murrindindi Shire Council, Pyrenees Shire Council, South Gippsland Shire Council, and Wellington Shire Council.
Details of the changes are published by Local Government Victoria on its website.
The Local Government Amendment Bill, introducing governance and integrity reforms to the sector, has passed the lower house of the Victorian Parliament.
The bill now heads to the Legislative Council for review.
This weekend’s edition of TGU from VLGA Connect will include a report on debate and next steps. Look out for that episode in your podcast queue or on YouTube.
A proposed rate increase for vacant shops in Port Phillip is the subject of an article from The Age.
The report says an increase of nearly 400% for vacant shops is being considered in an effort to revitalise dormant retail spaces, along with plans to increase rates on derelict buildings and vacant land by 300-400%.
The approach has been tried previously in London, and is aimed at encouraging landlords to utilise their unused spaces.
Mayor Heather Cunsolo said there were fewer than 80 retail properties classed as derelict, vacant or inactivated, and they must have been in that state for 24 months for the proposed rate to apply.
The council will vote on the proposal in June.
Central Goldfields Shire Council has deferred a Victorian Government funding application for the restoration of the Maryborough Olympic Pool Complex, after its application to the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Fund was unsuccessful.
The council says it is committed to reopening the pool complex but cannot fund it without both state and federal funding support.
It will consider new applications later this year when further rounds of State and Federal funding become available.
Monash City Council has agreed to consider a state government push for taller buildings in Clayton and Glen Waverley, paving the way for the Suburban Rail Loop development.
However, the Age has reported that the council has criticised the state government for a lack of communication about the $34.5 billion project.
The council expressed concerns about the lack of information on community and civic infrastructure expansion and funding.
A proposed retirement village development at Cypress Lane in Torquay has received full approval from VCAT, according to a report from the Surf Coast Times this week.
The village will contain 191 independent living units, a central community and recreation facility, and car parking.
Surf Coast Shire approved a planning permit for the development last August, following which nine joint applicants and objectors lodged a challenge with VCAT.
Last month the council gave its support to amended plans for the development, which were considered as part of the VCAT hearing.
Moira Shire Council is advocating for gender equity in sports access with its draft Fair Access Policy and Action Plan.
Developed in collaboration with Sport and Recreation Victoria, VicHealth, and the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, the new policy aims to equip local governments and sports organisations with tools for implementing gender-inclusive practices.
Chair Administrator John Tanner AM said the council was committed to creating an inclusive sporting environment and removing barriers that hinder women and girls from fully participating in sports.
Victorian Briefs:
Residents of Strathbogie Shire had saved nearly 5 tonnes of unwanted textiles from going to landfill since the introduction of textile recovery boxes last November.
The boxes were introduced to the shire’s four transfer stations in partnership with Upcycle4Better.
Glen Eira Mayor Cr Anne-Marie Cade has hosted a Prevention of Family Violence Roundtable, bringing together representatives from all levels of government and community organisations.
The roundtable highlighted the need for a coordinated community response to tackle family violence, and the importance of primary prevention and long-term support.
Colac Otway Council is seeking feedback from local businesses and the community on a Discussion Paper that summarises findings from a Visitor Servicing Review.
The paper provides an overview of the region, the role of tourism organisations, current service provision, and explores changes in visitor behavior.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Liverpool City Council chief executive John Ajaka’s employment was terminated with immediate effect during a confidential session yesterday.
The Liverpool Leader has reported that the decision was made with a deciding vote from Liverpool mayor Ned Mannoun, with councillors Betty Green, Charishma Kaliyanda, Peter Harle, Ali Karnib and Karress Rhodes voting against the termination.
Mr Ajaka’s dismissal follows misconduct allegations during a budget meeting and concerns over a “fractured relationship” between councillors and staff.
The decision has sparked controversy, with some councillors expressing no confidence in the process and concern for its impact on council staff and the community.
Concerns have been raised about the timing of the decision before the conclusion of an investigation being conducted by the Office of Local Government.
Since 2008, Liverpool has had seven acting CEOs, and six CEOs.
The Supreme Court has invalidated Kiama Council’s resolution to censure Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang, due to a reasonable apprehension of bias in the independent report on which the decision was based.
The litigation has resulted in substantial costs exceeding $400,000, which the Council, as defendant, has been ordered to pay.
In a statement announcing the outcome, the council said the order to pay all costs, including the Plaintiff’s, placed a heavy burden on ratepayers – especially, it said, when other cost-free options were not pursued by the Plaintiff.
The NSW Government has announced new housing targets and an incentive scheme for councils to meet these targets, in an effort to tackle the housing crisis.
The government will reserve $200 million in grants for councils to fund green spaces and local infrastructure.
That’s in addition to $1 billion in developer contribution reforms and up to $700 million per year for schools, hospitals, and roads.
The new housing targets aim to rebalance housing growth across the state, with a focus on well-located homes close to transport, jobs, and existing infrastructure.
Peak body Local Government NSW welcomed the certainty from the new housing targets and the financial incentives for councils, but expressed disappointment that councils were not more involved in their co-design.
President Cr Darriea Turley AM said there were still questions about the monitoring of the housing targets.
The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal has determined a 3.75% increase in mayoral and councillor fees for the 2024-25 financial year, effective from 1 July 2024.
Hilltops Council and Muswellbrook Shire Council have been reclassified as Regional Rural councils due to population changes.
Councils are required to fix and pay annual fees to councillors and mayors based on the Tribunal’s determination.
Councils cannot fix a fee higher than the maximum amount determined by the Tribunal, and if a fee is not fixed, the minimum fee must be paid.
An extraordinary meeting of Inner West Council has been called for next week to vote on allocating $10 million to save Leichhardt Oval.
The proposal also includes committing $40 million to renovate Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre.
Mayor Darcy Byrne says it’s now or never for a significant financial commitment to save Leichhardt Oval, which he described as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
The potential privatisation of the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets is causing concern among over 100 producers, according to a report from the Daily Liberal (27th May 2024).
Dubbo Regional Council, which owns the facility, recently opened expressions of interest for its sale or lease, and Mayor Matthew Dickerson says there’s been good interest from experienced saleyard operators.
Producers are concerned about increased selling costs and a lack of consultation over the decision.
The market contributes $60 million to the city’s economy and is ranked as the top selling centre in NSW for cattle.
The council aims for the market to be a financially self-sufficient commercial asset.
QLD:
John Andrejic has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer of Cairns Regional Council.
Mr Andrejic previously served as the Council’s CEO before resigning in 2020.
The interim CEO role is for a minimum of three months, extendable to six months if necessary.
The Cairns Post has reported that lawyers for the council attempted to prevent the publication of an article about the appointment ahead of the meeting on Wednesday morning.
The council’s lawyers issued an “urgent demand” not to publish “confidential information”, threatening to seek an urgent injunction.
The Cairns Post refused to comply and published the story as planned including concerns held by some councillors about a conflict of interest in the appointment.
Mayor Amy Eden told the Post that Mr Andrejic is a professional associate who was an unpaid volunteer for her mayoral campaign.
The future of the Toowoomba Aerodrome is secured for now following a council decision this week.
The Toowoomba Chronicle reported on chaotic scenes outside City Hall, when more than 50 users, tenants, workers and supporters rallied in support of the airport.
A financial review has revealed that ratepayers were subsidising nearly $1.5m to maintain the facility.
The council voted to continue the aerodrome while leases, fees and charges are reviewed to ensure they are commercially competitive, while another review will examine cost recovery and the aerodrome’s benefits to the community.
SA:
Adelaide Hills Council has launched Martungka, one of the first dedicated natural burial grounds in South Australia, located within the Kersbrook Cemetery.
The site uses biodegradable materials instead of chemicals, allowing for a more environmentally friendly burial process.
The initiative is part of the Council’s commitment to sustainable practices and reducing ecological footprint.
National Briefs:
The City of Cockburn has been left with a repair bill in the thousands of dollars after hoons caused extensive damage to an oval in Hamilton Hill.
The vandalism has meant another training space has had to be found for the Cockburn Netball Club until the turf can be regrown.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper and associated flooding had an estimated $390 million adverse impact on the Cairns economy.
Asset damages exceeded $100 million.
Inner West Council has secured funding for 136 public electric vehicle charging stations, the largest number in any Local Government Area in NSW.
The chargers, ranging from seven to 75 kilowatts, will be installed on kerbsides and in public council car parks over the next 12 months.
Scenic Rim Regional Council has launched a project to address the threats faced by endangered koala populations.
The project involves trained community volunteers and organizations collecting koala scat samples for disease testing and genetic analysis.
Community members can also contribute by reporting koala sightings.
The Shire of Carnarvon in WA has invited applications for its CEO position.
An initial 3 to 5 year term is being offered. Applications are due with Page Executive by 17th June.
Global Roundup:
UK:
The Unite union has issued industrial action notices to 29 councils in Scotland in an escalating pay dispute.
Local gov dot co uk reported that the union rejected a 2.2% pay uplift offer, with an additional 2% uplift from October.
A ballot for strike action will be held from June 5 to July 1. If successful, strikes could begin in July, potentially affecting major events like the Edinburgh festivals.
Edinburgh council is banning advertisements for sports utility vehicles, cruise holidays, airlines, airports, fossil-fuel powered vehicles, and arms manufacturers from council-owned spaces.
The Financial Times reported that the ban is an effort to combat the promotion of the fossil fuel industry.
The move aligns with similar actions taken by other councils across the UK and the Advertising Standards Authority.
The ban, which includes all SUVs, including electric ones, will apply to all advertising and sponsorship agreements upon renewal.
Former Democratic Unionist Party councillor on the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has been disqualified from serving in local government for five years after being convicted of child sex offences.
BBC News reported this week that 61-year-old William Walker posed online as a younger man and attempted sexual communication with what he thought were children, but were actually members of a paedophile hunter group.
He was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and three years’ probation, and will also be on the sex offenders’ register for five years.
USA:
The Mayor of a city in Arkansas has refused to resign despite a unanimous City Council vote asking him to step down, according to a report from the Arkansas Advocate.
The resolution was in response to a viral video call filled with profanity involving Helena-West Helena Mayor Christopher Franklin, his adult daughter, and niece.
The resolution condemned Franklin for his conduct in the video, describing it as prurient, grotesque, misogynistic, narcissistic and nauseating.
Mayor Franklin adjourned the council meeting abruptly after the vote, and it’s reported that petitions are being circulated for a recall election to remove him from office.
CANADA:
Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has been stripped of his position as the city’s official spokesperson by the city council, following more than a year of conflict and allegations of poor communication skills, refusal to accept responsibility, and misunderstanding of conflict of interest rules.
The Vancouver Sun reported that the council reached the view that the mayor has “repeatedly demonstrated that he is not willing to reflect the will of council.”
The council’s resolution, passed in a closed-door meeting earlier this month, states that the rotating deputy mayor will now act as the official spokesperson for Kamloops.
The Mayor of Whitehorse Council in Canada has attracted criticism after shutting down a motion expressing support for Palestinians, arguing that the city council’s focus should be on municipal matters.
The councillor-presented motion proposed that Mayor Laura Cabott write a letter expressing solidarity with Palestinians and support for a permanent ceasefire.
However, another councillor called for a point of order, stating that the motion would be divisive and breach council’s code of conduct.
CBC News reported that the point of order was ultimately supported by the mayor and the motion was dismissed.
Roundup Extra:
Interview with Fabian Dattner about upcoming event, Wisdom of the Crowd
Tuesday 25th June, 11am to 12.30pm (AEST)