On the latest summer update from the Local Government News Roundup:
A poll calling for the abolition of councils draws swift response from the sector;
A mayor cleared by independent investigation review;
The Council set to put limits on ‘unrelenting’ difficult customer; and more of the latest news briefs from Australia’s no.1 podcast for local government news and views.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here for any of the 188 episodes to date.
Transcript (with story links):
Hi, this is Chris Eddy, with some of the latest stories making news on the Local Government News Roundup – brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government.
A new poll published by the Herald Sun this week claims a majority of Victorians want to see local councils abolished, or councils merged to form larger bodies that would arguably be more cost effective.
The survey of less than 1200 people also found nearly half of respondents were supportive of the state government taking control of services provided by local councils.
When asked about the survey results, Premier Daniel Andrews said he had no announcements to make about local government; that local government staff work hard, and many services are delivered in partnership.
He said ratepayers had the opportunity to voice their opinions on their councils at elections every four years, and in the meantime, local government should stick to its primary responsibilities.
Reaction to the poll has been swift and varied from around the local government sector, with many describing it as rubbish, meaningless, a beat-up, and evidence of a slow news week.
The MAV said it was disappointing to see the media and others shouting for a less connected, less healthy and less engaged community by abolishing councils.
Councillors are among those weighing in on social media. Former Monash mayor Stuart James said local issues need local responses, and if there is a tier of government that doesn’t need to exist, local isn’t it. That sentiment was echoed by Latrobe City mayor Kellie O’Callaghan, who said local government was often the enabler of accessibility to all levels of government.
However, others rightly point out that the local government sector needs to do more to promote the great work that it does. Former MP John Pandazopoulos said the article is a reminder of the necessity of the never ending work of the sector to show its communities the value and benefits that councils provide.
There has however been support for the idea of further amalgamations of councils, with some correspondents pointing to Queensland and New Zealand as models with larger councils and/or fewer levels of government.
You’ll find a link to the original article from the Herald Sun on the lgnewsroundup website, plus some of the follow up reporting from other media outlets.
An independent review of the investigation into allegations concerning the Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown, and Council staff and processes, has found no evidence to support the allegations.
Canterbury Bankstown Council engaged Arthur Moses SC to review the investigation of allegations made under parliamentary privilege by two state MPs relating to planning matters over a 13 year period.
Key findings from the review include no evidence that Mayor Khal Asfour has had business or personal relationships with ex-minister Eddie Obeid or his son Paul, and no evidence of failure to declare and manage conflicts of interest.
No corrupt or unlawful conduct was identified in relation to the mayor or any employee of the Council.
Mr Moses found that the evidence showed Mayor Asfour had diligently fulfilled his obligations under the Code of Conduct, and that the allegations had regrettably cast a shadow over the entire Council.
Read the Council’s media alert here, and media coverage here.
A Tasmanian Council is set to discuss options to rein in difficult customers, after one man’s domination of the council’s question time process, and incident at its December meeting that led to two people being assaulted.
The Advocate reports today on how James Redgrave has asked around 140 questions of Latrobe Council over a 12 month period – and he’s not even a ratepayer.
He is described as a licensed private and commercial enquiry agent acting on behalf of a number of ratepayers in Latrobe and five other Tasmania councils.
Mayor Peter Freshney stated at the December meeting that he believed Mr Redgrave’s use of public question time was politically motivated and sought to question the professional and personal integrity of the Council’s staff and elected members.
He ruled that no public questions without notice would be accepted from Mr Redgrave in future.
At that same meeting, another member of the public reportedly attempted to place the Mayor under citizen’s arrest – leading to a scuffle and an alleged assault of two people.
A report on the Council agenda for next week’s meeting from General Manager Gerald Monson estimates around $14,000 has been spent dealing with Mr Redgrave’s “unrelenting and time consuming actions”, and recommends a two question per person limit be imposed at future meetings.
Submissions to the state government’s Commission of Inquiry into Moira Shire Council are closing soon.
The commission was established in late October to look into issues raised in the report from municipal monitor Marg Allen and other matters identified in the terms of reference.
Members of the public have been invited to make submissions on the matters listed in the terms of reference by Friday 20th January.
Commissioners Frances O’Brien and John Tanner held community drop-in sessions during December and have scheduled an additional session by appointment only at the Cobram Civic Centre on Thursday 19th January.
More details about the Commission of Inquiry here.
Greater Geelong’s new Northern Aquatic and Community Hub has passed a major construction milestone with the 25-metre, warm water and leisure pools passing tests to confirm they are watertight.
Construction of the $66M facility commenced almost 12 months ago, and is on track for completion in early 2024.
Read the council’s news release here.
A new large Battery Energy Storage System announced today for the City of Lithgow is a sign that the city is open for business and accepting of new industries, according to its mayor Cr Maree Statham.
The new system will be developed on the site of the old Wallerawang Power Station, and will ensure Lithgow continues to pay a broader role in support of the state’s electricity needs.
Read more in the Council’s media release here.
A study involving South Australian households has found most people don’t understand the concept of smart cities, or have never heard of the term.
University of South Australia researchers says its study underlines the failure of local governments to explain the value of the smart city concept to residents.
Sydney’s George St north is about to be turned into a giant LGBTIQA+ flag as part of the city’s plans to activate the area and fully pedestrianise the street.
The installation is expected to be finished ahead of the Sydney WorldPride, which starts next month.
Read the council’s news release here.
A UK Council is exploring the use of cruise ships to house refugees and homeless people.
The idea, raised by the Home Secretary, is not without its critics, with one charity describing it as “absolutely deplorable” and not addressing the root cause of homelessness.
Torridge District Council, situated in north Devon in England, is in the early stages of costing the proposal.
While one councillor found the idea “slightly crackers” at first, it’s understood the council feels there is enough merit to warrant further consideration.
Those are the latest news briefs from the Local Government News Roundup.
You can find the links to read more on those stories on the Roundup website – www.lgnewsroundup.com. Stay subscribed for breaking news over summer on your podcast player. Our regular episodes will return later this month.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government
Until next time, thanks for listening.