On the Local Government News Roundup for Thursday 21st November:
- A push to hold an inquiry into the conduct of Victorian council elections
- A council civic centre goes into lockdown
- We round up all the latest mayoral election results
- A site secured for a new depot for Kiama Council
- A hefty rate increase proposed at Northern Beaches
- A council’s legal battles with developers to be brought into the open
- A Qld mayor defends the public termination of a CEO’s contract
- and a court orders a Tasmanian Mayor and General Manager to pay back their council and self fund defamation proceedings
Plus more local government news from around 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.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 401:
Victorian Roundup:
The Greens are pushing for a comprehensive inquiry into Victorian council elections, citing concerns over vote tampering and undisclosed political affiliations.
The Age reported that the party wants key issues to be addressed, including secretive donation disclosure rules, the impact of single-member wards on candidate representation, and the unusual double voting system for businesses and landlords in Melbourne.
They’ve asked the Premier and the Local Government Minister to initiate an inquiry.
It’s understood the state opposition will consider whether to throw its support behind the call at a shadow cabinet meeting next week.
‘A shadowy affair’: Push for probe to overhaul council elections
Nick Reece has been officially sworn in as the City of Melbourne’s 105th lord mayor, bringing an ambitious list of campaign promises that include doubling CCTV cameras and creating new parks.
The Age reports that 13 of the Lord Mayor’s 24 campaign promises have not been costed, while the remaining 11 have a price tag of around $133M.
Lord Mayor Reece said he expected to receive a briefing on the council’s financial position soon.
The latest budget delivered the first surplus in five years, and a restructure that could result in nine redundancies has been announced.
Reece sworn in as lord mayor amid doubt over multimillion-dollar campaign promises
Yarra Ranges Shire Council put its civic centre into lockdown last week, due to a potential threat to staff.
The Mountain Views Star Mail reported that police were called to an incident at the centre in Lilydale on Friday.
The lockdown was described as brief, before the matter was reportedly resolved.
Yarra Ranges Council locked down on Friday 15 November
Residents in South Gippsland Shire have been warned to be alert to an individual attempting to gain access to properties, falsely claiming to be from the council.
The Sentinel-Times reported that a man in his thirties presented fake identification with an imitation logo, raising alarm bells with the resident who posted a warning on a local Facebook page.
The Council confirmed that it was aware of similar reports and warned of significant penalties for impersonating a Council officer.
Council impersonator knocking on doors – South Gippsland Sentinel Times
Mayoral elections:
Bass Coast – Cr Rochelle Halstead has been elected unopposed as the new mayor of Bass Coast Shire, with former mayor Brett Tessari chosen as deputy mayor.
Baw Baw – Baw Baw Shire councillors have elected third term councillor Danny Goss as mayor – it will be Cr Goss’s third time in the role. The council’s longest serving councillor, Tricia Jones was elected deputy mayor – both were unopposed for the positions.
Bayside – Cr Hanna El Mouallem has been elected as mayor of Bayside for his second term in the role. He was last mayor in 2022/23. Cr Debbie Taylor-Haynes has been elected deputy mayor.
Brimbank – a new leadership team, with Cr Thuy Dang elected as mayor, and returned councillor Victoria Borg to be deputy mayor.
Buloke – Alan Getley has been re-elected as mayor of Buloke Shire. It marks the third straight time for Cr Getley in the role.
Campaspe – Cr Daniel Mackrell has stepped into the Mayoralty at Campaspe, while first time Cr Jessica Mitchell has been elected deputy mayor.
Casey – has returned to elected representation, and elected its first mayor post-administration. Cr Stefan Koomen was elected unopposed to the position, and the new Deputy Mayor is Cr Melinda Ambros.
Colac Otway – Cr Jason Schram Mayor, Cr Phil Howard Deputy Mayor
Frankston – Mayor Cr Kris Bolam – a third term in the role – previously in 2011, and 2021; deputy mayor is Cr Steffi Conroy, wife of former Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy.
Glenelg – Mayor Cr Karen Stephens, Deputy Mayor Cr Robyn McDonald
Golden Plains – Cr Sarah Hayden elected mayor in a two way contest with former mayor Brett Cunningham. The council decided to not have a deputy mayor.
Greater Shepparton – Cr Shane Sali returned as mayor for a two year term. Cr Anthony Brophy returned as deputy mayor for a one year term.
Hume – second term councillor Jarrod Bell is the new mayor of Hume; former mayor Naim Kurt elected deputy mayor
Indigo – Cr Sophie Price has been re-elected as mayor unopposed, for a two year term. Deputy Mayor is Cr Jane Downsley, one of the new faces on the council.
Loddon – has elected Cr Dan Straub as mayor – returning to the role he held in 2022/23 – the council will not have a deputy mayor
Manningham – Cr Dierdre Diamante is back in the mayoral roles – last held the role in 2022/23. Andrew Conlon was elected deputy mayor.
Maribyrnong – first time councillor Pradeep Tiwari has been elected mayor, and becomes the first mayor of the city of Indian heritage; returned councillor Bernadette Thomas is the new deputy mayor
Maroondah – Kylie Spears reelected mayor – third time – supported by first time deputy mayor Linda Hancock
Merri-bek – Mayor Cr Helen Davidson, Deputy Mayor Cr Helen Politis
Mornington Peninsula – former mayor Anthony Marsh has been elected mayor for the next 12nmonths; Paul Pingiaro was elected deputy
Murrindindi – Mayor Damien Gallagher has been re-elected unopposed, while Cr Anita Carr has been elected unopposed to the deputy mayor position.
South Gippsland – Cr John Schelling is the new mayor, and Cr Sarah Gilligan has been elected deputy mayor
Southern Grampians – newly elected councillor Denis Heslin has been chosen to be mayor of Southern Grampians for the next 12 months, and the council has decided not to have a deputy mayor.
Strathbogie – another new councillor steps straight into a mayoral position – Claire Ewart-Kennedy, a former political staffer, is the new mayor; Scott Jeffery was elected deputy mayor.
Wangaratta – Irene Grant has been elected as mayor, with Harvey Benton continuing in the deputy mayor role.
Whittlesea – a fresh start with new councillor Aidan McLindon elected mayor in a contest with former councillor Lawrie Cox. Cr McLindon is a former Queensland MP, restarting his political career at the local government level. Daniela Zinni is the new deputy mayor, defeating Deb Gunn in a two way contest for the role.
Wodonga – a fresh team also, with first time councillor Michael Gobel elected mayor in a 4-3 vote over Olga Quilty. Michelle Cowan steps straight into the deputy mayoral position.
Yarra – Cr Stephen Jolly, the longest serving member of the council, has been elected mayor. Cr Jolly has flagged a comprehensive Notice of Motion for next week’s council meeting, mapping out a new direction based on strong community sentiment for change. First time councillor Sarah McKenzie is the new deputy mayor.
The Herald Sun reported yesterday that Mayor Jolly’s proposed motion encompasses 35 points, and would overturn a number of decisions made by the previous Greens-led council.
They include changes to meeting frequency and relaxing public question rules, a review of e-scooter operations, and the scrapping of a controversial bin tax.
Plus Christmas decorations will return to Yarra buildings.
Herald Sun: Yarra Independents Unveil Plan
Yarra Ranges – in his fourth term on Council, Cr Jim Child returns as mayor, a role he’s held twice before, the last time in 2022/23; Cr Richard Higgins elected deputy mayor
Yarriambiack – Cr Kylie Zanker has been returned as mayor, and the council has opted to break with recent tradition and have a deputy mayor – Cr Andrew McLean has been elected to that role.
Greater Bendigo has continued tradition of announcing a mayor and deputy mayor-elect. Cr Andrea Metcalf, and Cr Abhishek Awasthi will be confirmed in those roles at a meeting of the council next Tuesday.
Victorian Briefs:
Benalla Rural City Council is forming a panel of community members to contribute to the development of the Council Plan 2025-2029, Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan, and Community Vision.
The panel will meet three times between February and June 2025, with participants receiving remuneration for their time and the opportunity to shape the future of their community.
Council puts callout for Community Panel
Ararat Rural City Council will fly custom-designed flags as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign to prevent violence against women.
Council to Fly Custom Flags for 16 Days of Activism | Ararat
At Corangamite Shire, the Camperdown Clocktower and Courthouse will be lit up in orange each night, and the Respect Victoria flag will be flown on the community flagpole.
Council to illuminate the 16 Days of Activism campaign
The campaign, which runs from November 22 to December 10, aims to challenge harmful attitudes about gender and power.
The Victorian Government is investing $2 million to plant 500,000 trees in Melbourne’s western suburbs, focusing on areas with low tree canopy cover including the Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley, and Wyndham LGAs.
Councils, public land managers, and Traditional Owner Corporations can apply for a share of 90,000 trees to be planted over the next 18 months, with applications opening on November 19 and closing on December 3, 2024.
Delivering 500,000 Trees For Melbourne’s West
National Roundup:
NSW:
Northern Beaches Council has proposed significant rate increases of up to 46% over three years to address financial sustainability issues and maintain or improve services.
The council has presented four options to residents for feedback, ranging from no rate increase with service cuts to substantial increases that would fund infrastructure improvements and enhanced services.
Residents are being asked to contribute through community engagement sessions and online consultations being held until mid-January, with further council consideration of the options to occur next year.
Kiama Council has announced the purchase of a $6.3 million commercial property adjacent to its Works Depot, with plans to relocate operations to a new facility in Minnamurra.
The current depot site will be rezoned for residential development, addressing local housing shortages and making use of centrally located land near Kiama’s town centre.
CEO Jane Stroud said processes like rezoning, master planning and workforce matters were yet to be worked through.
The purchase will be paid for over three years.
Mayor McDonald announces depot plans and strategic land purchase
Inner West Council has approved a controversial plan to allow a restaurant to operate a cafe in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, despite strong community opposition.
The decision was passed by a vote of 9-5, even though about 70% of responses in a public consultation were against the proposal, according to ABC News.
Opponents to the cafe proposal are concerned about noise and the commercialisation of public space, while the proponents have assured the community it will be bona fide addition to the local amenity.
Cafe to be allowed in popular Sydney park despite 70pc of locals voting against it
A report will come to Griffith City Council on the last five years of lawsuits from developers against the council, after a councillor presented motion was passed with amendment.
Cr Scott Groat called for costs related to litigation to be made public, but his suggestion to move all outstanding matters to mediation was rejected by fellow councillors.
The Area News reported that management had urged the council to get advice before a blanket agreement to mediation.
A report is expected to come to the next council meeting.
Council may be forced to reveal details of its legal dealings to the public at the next meeting
Lake Macquarie City Council and Bega Valley Shire Council have been awarded the prestigious AR Bluett Memorial Award for 2024, recognising their outstanding achievements in local government.
Lake Macquarie won the metropolitan/major regional category for its successful economic transformation strategy, while Bega Valley Shire Council took the regional/rural category for its resilience and growth initiatives following natural disasters.
The AR Bluett Award has been presented annually since 1945, and honours excellence and innovation in local government.
Lake Macquarie City and Bega Valley Shire councils win Bluett awards
In other news, the Daily Telegraph has reported that Cumberland Council will not fly the Lebanese flag outside its offices in Merrylands after a council decision
A motion from two councillors included a range of suggestions to show support for the Lebanese community, including flying the flag on Lebanon’s Independence Day, November 22.
But the flag suggestion was rejected over concerns that it would set a precedent, after previous requests to fly the flags of Ukraine and Jordan were also rejected.
The Border Mail has reported on $1.2M in funding withdrawn from Albury Council over a failure to spend the money on time.
The state funding, meant for the Thurgoona Link Road Project, was to be used by last June, but the council sought an extension which was denied by the government.
The project is seen as critical to the building of homes for 50,000 new residents in the Thurgoona Wirlinga growth precinct.
A countback has resulted in the election of David Scott to Glen Innes Severn Council this week, after the resignation of Rob Banham from the council last month.
Cr-elect Scott was one of two eligible candidates included in the countback.
DAVID SCOTT ELECTED TO GLEN INNES SEVERN COUNCIL
At Shoalhaven City Council, Denise Kemp has been elected to Ward 3 after a countback involving six eligible candidates.
2024 Shoalhaven City Council Ward 3 countback election
QLD:
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton has defended a decision to terminate the employment of its former CEO Dave Burges during a live-streaming meeting.
Mayor Hamilton told the Warwick Daily News that the decision was made in the best interest of ratepayers, citing Mr Burges’ demand for an additional 50% payment as a key factor.
Mr Burges, however has told another publication, Warwick Today, the termination process was “disgusting” and “underhanded,” and was damaging to the Council’s reputation.
He said while he accepted it was common practice for CEOs to depart after an election, the mayor have wanted to remove any trace of the former mayor or the former council.
Brisbane City Council has signed a 20 year maintenance deal with Swiss company Hess for the Brisbane Metro bus service, according to the Courier Mail.
The Council says the deal will save ratepayers money, as the overall cost of the project has been updated to $1.55B.
The original price tag was $944M.
Council’s 20-year Brisbane Metro deal with Swiss
North Burnett Regional Council has reported a $22.3 million operating loss for the 2023-2024 financial year, citing unprecedented inflation and delays in federal government financial support as primary factors.
It marks at least the fifth consecutive year of operating losses for the council, with revenue dropping by over $13 million compared to the previous year and operating costs increasing by 6.6% to $57.5 million.
The Central and North Burnett Times reported that the council’s financial situation has raised concerns about its ability to remain solvent beyond 2025.
National Briefs:
Bundaberg Regional Council has been awarded the inaugural Yellow Ribbon Excellence Award for its outstanding road safety initiatives, particularly the implementation of a Network Safety Plan.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the achievement highlights the Council’s proactive approach to reducing road trauma and sets a model for other local governments to follow in prioritising road safety within their communities.
Council wins Yellow Ribbon Excellence award
The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has elected new leadership, with Mayor Rick Firman of Temora Shire Council becoming Chairman and Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick of Bega Valley Shire as Deputy Chairman.
The new executive board, consisting of seven elected mayors from various councils, will serve a two-year term and focus on addressing key issues such as housing, rural crime, health, roads, and financial sustainability for rural and regional councils.
CMA elects new leadership – Council
The City of Penrith has been chosen to host the 2025 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference.
The event, scheduled for November 23-25, 2025, will bring up to 1500 delegates to the Western Sydney Conference Centre, at a time when Mayor Todd Carney says the city is undergoing unprecedented investment and transformation.
TAS:
The Supreme Court of Tasmania has ruled that a council’s decision to fund its mayor and general manager’s defamation actions against then-ratepayer now-councillor Andrew McCullagh was illegal, according to ABC News.
Mayor Mary Knowles and general manager Des Jennings have been ordered to repay approximately $25,000 in legal fees to the Northern Midlands Council.
The court determined that the expenditure was for private rather than public purposes, and placed a stay on the defamation proceedings until such time as Cr Knowles and Mr Jennings self-fund them.
SA:
The Town of Walkerville has appointed a new deputy mayor.
Cr Jay Allanson, an experienced police officer and detective, was elected to serve for the next 12 months.
He succeeds Cr John Zeppel who held the role for the previous 12 months.
Meanwhile at Light Regional Council, Cr Michael Philllips-Ryder has been appointed deputy mayor for a two year term.
New Leadership Appointment at Light Regional Council
Kangaroo Island Council will remove existing, outdated electric vehicle charging stations from various locations as part of a strategy to align local infrastructure with current EV standards.
The council will now focus on supporting the RAA charge, the state’s border to border network of EV charging stations, and will advocate for advanced, third-party solutions.
WA:
Town of Victoria Park Council has unanimously voted to receive superannuation, despite their administration’s recommendation against it, according to PerthNow.
Mayor Karen Vernon said the decision was a matter of fairness and equity, citing examples of other government officials who receive superannuation.
The council believes the move will attract more diverse candidates to local government roles and estimates it will cost about $38,000 in the budget to cover the payments.
Perth council votes to receive super as matter of fairness
Town of Port Hedland Council has appointed Mark Dacombe as its acting chief executive officer, effective next week.
Mr Dacombe has recently been acting director of Community Services at the council.
The appointment follows the resignation in September of CEO Carl Askew after nearly five years in the role.
News Story – Town confirms Acting CEO » Town of Port Hedland
A delegation of elected members and staff from the City of Belmont are heading to Japan in January to mark the 40th Anniversary of the city’s sister city relationship with Adachi-ku.
PerthNow reported that the visit will include a ceremonial signing of a reaffirmation of the relationship, with the total cost of the trip estimated at $45K.
Belmont staff to visit Japan sister city
NT:
Former Barkly Council mayor Jeffrey McLaughlin has been cleared of criminal wrongdoing over a controversial video showing him restraining a child in a “citizen’s arrest,” according to a report from ABC News.
Mr McLaughlin resisted calls to step down as mayor in the wake of the incident, and was ultimately dismissed along with other council members due to an investigation that found widespread failures at Barkly Regional Council, including conflicts of interest and manipulation.
Former NT outback mayor cleared by police over controversial ‘citizen’s arrest’ video
Global Roundup:
UK:
Financially troubled Thurrock Council has followed through with plans to sue 23 other councils, filing a claim in the High Court this week.
The Municipal Journal reported that the action against the members of the Association for Public Excellence came after failure to reach a “standstill” with the councils.
Thurrock lodges High Court claim against APSE councils
North Tyneside Council has announced plans to cut 200 jobs, representing 5% of its workforce, in response to a £9.5m overspend and difficulties in setting a balanced budget.
LocalGov reports that the council is initially seeking voluntary redundancies and flexible working options, but may consider compulsory redundancies in the future as part of its 12-18 month workforce review.
USA:
A sharp divide between states and local governments is emerging in the US over whether to support or resist Donald Trump’s plans for mass deportations of illegal migrants.
The Associated Press has reported on an offer from Texas of a property purchased recently in a rural county for use as a staging area for potential mass deportations.
Los Angeles City Council this week voted to become a sanctuary jurisdiction, and limit cooperation with federal authorities to carry out deportations.
The unanimous Council vote means Los Angeles joins more than a dozen US cities that now have similar provisions.
Texas offers Trump land on US-Mexico border for potential mass deportations
CANADA:
A tied vote in a municipal election in Canada’s Victoria County will be decided by drawing a name out of a box.
Nova Scotia’s Municipal Elections Act allows for the use of the tiebreaker method, after the two candidates for the position received the exact same number of votes.
CBC News reported that the unusual situation has prompted calls from constituents for changes to the law so that a runoff vote or byelection is used in such circumstances.
NZ:
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has proposed significant reforms to council-controlled organisations (CCOs) in his Draft Mayoral Proposal for the Annual Plan 2025-26.
He says the proposed changes aim to address issues such as a lack of democratic accountability, inefficient decision-making, and wasteful spending.
His proposal includes bringing urban regeneration, economic development, and some transport functions back under direct council control.
Mayor proposes to make council more democratic with major reforms