On the Local Government News Roundup for Monday, 22nd July 2024:
- A crackdown on boats on beaches on the Mornington Peninsula
- Councils unite in calling for a rethink of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link timeline
- Liverpool Council to consider a legal injunction against the NSW government’s suspension plan
- A new mayor for a regional NSW Council, and a CEO to depart
- A major water project in limbo in Queensland
- A South Australian council has a change of heart about a tourism icon
- Alice Springs council forced to abandon a by-election plan.
- A council intervention in a family incident leads to civil unrest in a major UK city
- And a US councillor accused of biting a police official.
Plus more of the latest news from around the world of local government 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.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 365:
Victorian Roundup:
Mornington Peninsula Shire is banning the informal storage of small boats on beaches, because of environmental damage and safety concerns.
The Age reports that unregistered boats will be impounded and potentially destroyed if unclaimed.
While some residents have defended the practice as harmless and part of local culture, the council maintains it harms coastal grass and biodiversity.
Registered boats tied to rented moorings will be exempt from the ban.
The western Melbourne advocacy alliance, LeadWest, says it supports the Australian Government appointed mediator’s report on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, recommending that the government moves quickly to upgrade the Sunshine super hub.
Chair of LeadWest, Melton councillor Sophie Ramsey, said the alliance is calling on both state and federal governments to deliver on their promises to build the rail link, and it wants the state to reassess its revised timeline of a four-year delay.
Cr Ramsey said the government needs to treat the project with the same priority as Suburban Rail Loop East, which will service the already better connected and more affluent suburbs in Melbourne’s east.
The LeadWest alliance represents the interests of Wyndham, Melton, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong councils.
Brimbank City Council has formalised its response to the state government’s Albion Quarter Discussion Paper.
The submission highlights four key development opportunities: a whole-of-precinct approach for future job growth, creating an interconnected public realm, supporting efficient mobility across the Sunshine Precinct, and building a contemporary precinct with diverse building types.
The Council has noted the impact of infrastructure investment changes in the latest State Budget which will impact on the Sunshine Precinct, and says it will continue to advocate for investment in line with its current Brimbank Advocacy Plan.
Greater Geelong City Council is set to vote on a new 10-year economic plan aimed at transforming Geelong into a “clever and creative international city.”
The Geelong Advertiser reports that the plan has received 76% positive feedback from community consultations, and seeks to attract 120,000 new residents, create 55,000 jobs, and increase the gross regional product by $9.7 billion by 2041.
The Geelong region has the fastest population growth in Victoria, and the second fastest in Australia.
Mayor Trent Sullivan and CEO Ali Wastie will visit South Korea next month to foster economic opportunities and strengthen international ties, flying economy class and with expenses covered in Korea by their hosts.
The Victorian Government will legalise share hire e-scooters across Victoria with new safety rules and tougher penalties for misuse starting October.
It follows a two year trial in select regional areas and Melbourne metropolitan LGAs.
Key measures will include increased fines for offences like riding on footpaths and not wearing helmets, and the introduction of new technology such as footpath detection.
New legislation will set minimum standards for e-scooter operators, and a safety campaign will launch in partnership with the TAC in October 2024.
Cardinia Shire Council has adopted “Honora” as a new suburb name following a community consultation where it received the most votes.
The name for a development area expected to accommodate 7,000 new homes honors Honora Carney, a significant historical figure in the area.
The council will work with the Carney family and Geographic Naming Victoria to select a suburb name suffix.
Horsham Rural City Council‘s introduction of a four-bin waste service in April 2023 has successfully diverted over 3,000 tonnes of waste from landfill, including 250 tonnes of organics and 10 tonnes of glass per month.
The Council says the change has significantly reduced the volume of waste transported to Dooen Landfill.
CEO Sunil Bhalla praised residents for their participation and low contamination rates, highlighting the community’s role in adapting to the new system and reducing waste.
Victorian Briefs:
Campaspe Shire Council has secured $1 million from the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund for the $3.2 million upgrade of the Wilf Cox Pavilion in Kyabram.
The project will provide accessible and inclusive facilities to accommodate the growing participation of women and girls in sports.
Hepburn Shire Council has adopted its first Rainbow Action Plan to promote safety and inclusion for LGBTIQA+ individuals.
Hepburn Shire Council is one of 18 local authorities in Victoria to implement such a plan, which it says highlights its leadership role in gender equality and equity.
Corangamite Shire has released a draft strategy, Grow Corangamite: Sustaining our Agriculture Future, for public comment to strengthen its agricultural sector over the next 20 years.
Mayor Kate Makin said the strategy was important for safeguarding the Shire’s agricultural industry, which is vital to local employment and economy.
The final strategy will be presented for adoption in August.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Liverpool Council will hold an extraordinary meeting today to consider its response to the Local Government Minister’s advice of a public inquiry and potential suspension of the Council after receipt of an interim investigation report.
Minister Ron Hoenig announced last Thursday that he had given the Council seven days to respond as to why it should not be suspended.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Mayor Ned Mannoun will seek a council resolution to pursue a legal injunction against the government.
Mayor Mannoun has claimed the intervention is politically motivated and a “direct attack on democracy”, and that delaying elections in September would come at a cost to ratepayers of around $1M.
The council’s acting CEO Jason Breton reportedly told council staff in an email on Friday that the investigator’s report had “reversed the onus of proof” and denied natural justice to those named in the report.
Councillor Gil Kelly has been elected as the new Mayor of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, following the resignation of former Mayor Charlie Sheahan.
Kelly, who had been serving as interim mayor, was the sole nominee for the position.
Councillor Penny Nicholson was elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor.
Cr Kelly has reassured constituents that “it’s business as usual” while the council waits for a decision regarding a proposed demerger.
Craig Bennett, the General Manager of Balranald Shire Council, has resigned after 18 months in the role.
He said he had made the difficult decision with great sadness.
Administrator Mike Colreavy paid tribute to Mr Bennett’s contributions, including preparing the Council for democratic elections in September.
Hundreds of Lismore residents are facing displacement from a temporary pod village established after the 2022 NSW Northern Rivers floods as the NSW government’s lease with Ballina Shire Council ends.
Residents, who have been living rent-free, are concerned about the lack of alternative housing options amidst a severe housing crisis, according to a report from Channel 9’s A Current Affair.
Ballina Shire Council Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has called out the state government for not providing long-term housing solutions.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority says it is working on transition plans for the residents.
QLD:
MP Robbie Katter, leader of Katter’s Australian Party, has taken at the Queensland Government and bureaucracy for obstructing the Big Rocks Weir Project, which aims to improve water security and agriculture in Charters Towers.
Australian Regional and Rural News reports that Charters Towers Regional Council has decided to transfer the project to the State Government after facing numerous bureaucratic hurdles.
Both Robbie and Federal Member Bob Katter have supported the Council’s decision and say they will advocate for the project which is seen as important for regional development and water security.
Southern Downs Regional Council has referred the issue of Stanthorpe’s water security to the Queensland state government.
It follows the conclusion of a Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment which identified key options, include developing on-farm dam evaporation savings and a detailed business case for the Warwick to Stanthorpe Pipeline.
The Courier Mail reports that the council, led by Mayor Melissa Hamilton, is advocating for continued project development to address the critical water supply issues.
Townsville City Council employees are participating in Lifeblood’s Local Government Blood Drive, aiming to boost local plasma donations.
Acting CEO Joe McCabe said he hoped the council could improve on last year’s 29th place finish among 270 councils.
Councillor Brodie Phillips said he would be joining council staff in donating in the months ahead.
The drive runs until the end of September.
National Briefs:
Douglas Shire Council has opened applications for Chief Executive Officer, offering a 3-year performance-based contract.
Applications close on Monday, 12th August at 8.00am with LO-GO Appointments.
The position was vacated recently with the resignation of Rachel Brophy.
Devonport has launched a “From Sky to Sea” sound and light show, as part of the Living City Waterfront Precinct.
The show narrates the Mersey River’s journey and features contributions from local First Nations and musical artists.
The $3 million project is funded by the Australian Government, Tasmanian State Government, and Devonport City Council.
Blacktown City will be temporarily renamed ‘Bluestown’ for 24 hours to celebrate the NSW Blues’ State of Origin series victory.
Mayor Brad Bunting announced the initiative to honor the city’s significant representation in the Blues squad and encouraged residents to wear blue.
The celebration includes temporary signage and modifications to the Council’s website and social media.
SA:
Tea Tree Gully councillor Rob Unger has proposed a motion to sever ties with the Youth Affairs Council of SA (YACSA) due to perceived misalignment of values, particularly citing social media posts.
The council has engaged YACSA for a community consultation program to better serve young people’s needs, with a report due by the end of September.
The Adelaide Advertiser reports that the motion will be discussed at the next council meeting, and Mayor Marijka Ryan has refrained from commenting until then.
The District of Robe Council has reversed its decision to let the town’s iconic obelisk fall into the sea after a community outcry.
The Adelaide Advertiser reports that the council has now decided to form a working party to engage stakeholders and the community in preserving or memorialising the 169-year-old landmark.
A special meeting on July 24 will discuss the group’s formation, ensuring transparent decision-making and community involvement in shaping the obelisk’s future.
Wattle Range Council in South Australia has fallen victim to a LockBit ransomware attack, with over 40,000 files stolen, according to a report from Cyber Daily.
LockBit has threatened to publish the data if an unspecified ransom is not paid by August 4.
The stolen data includes sensitive documents such as complaint notices, rate notices, and banking applications.
The council is investigating the breach, focusing on determining the extent of the data involved and monitoring for further developments.
WA:
The Town of Bassendean is proposing new rules to protect trees on private property, requiring council approval for pruning or removal of trees taller than 8m or with a canopy at least 6m wide.
PerthNow reports that a previous attempt was rejected by the state government but that a recent rule change now made it possible.
The new policy aims to preserve the town’s green character and increase tree canopy coverage, with exemptions for essential safety works, bushfire management, and maintenance pruning.
The policy sets clear standards for tree protection and includes minimum tree numbers and sizes for residential developments.
The City of Albany has condemned the deliberate poisoning of 69 native Jarrah and Marri trees in Redmond.
Mayor Greg Stocks said the poisoning of the trees was not just an attack on the environment but also undermined community efforts to preserve Albany’s natural beauty.
The council has urged anyone with information to assist in the investigation.
NT:
Alice Springs Town Council has been forced to cancel a planned by-election to fill a vacancy after receiving incorrect legal advice from the NT government.
Initially told they could hold a by-election, the council later learned they must appoint someone directly.
The NT News reports that the government has admitted it gave incorrect advice and has now updated its guidance.
The council has rescinded its by-election decision and will advertise the role before making an appointment to the position.
The vacancy was created by the resignation in March of Steve Brown for medical reasons.
Global Roundup:
NZ:
Mahé Drysdale, a two-time Olympic rowing gold medallist, is set to become the new mayor of Tauranga.
The New Zealand Herald reported that based on early results it appeared that two of six former councillors have been re-elected.
Ms Drysdale said that she would address issues like traffic congestion and housing shortages, emphasising a new approach to local governance.
The election marks a return to democracy for Tauranga after a period of administration, with the first Māori ward councillor being elected.
UK:
A serious disorder incident in Leeds that began on Thursday evening local time saw a large number of police officers deployed to bring the situation under control.
Leeds Council CEO Tom Riordan said council officials attended a family incident, triggering concern and a likely ‘misinterpretation’ from some groups about what happened.
Rioters set a bus on fire and overturned a police car, leading to a significant police response, according to the Associated Press.
The situation was calmed by 1 a.m., with no reported injuries.
Authorities are investigating the incident, and the community’s reaction is believed to have stemmed from a misinterpretation of the initial police action.
BBC News reports that Southend-on-Sea City Council has rejected a move to ban face coverings on the high street and seafront to reduce anti-social behaviour.
The proposal, led by Conservative councillor Jack Warren, aimed to update the city’s public space protection order but would allow face coverings for health, safety, and religious reasons.
But Labour councillors doubted the ban’s effectiveness and enforceability, and were concerned about the potential burden on community safety teams.
Despite agreeing on the need to address anti-social behaviour, the council ultimately voted not to adopt the motion.
From The Telegraph, a report that Bradford Council is reviewing its “No Mow May” initiative after receiving complaints about weeds and overgrown parks.
The scheme was aimed at promoting biodiversity by encouraging residents and councils to refrain from mowing lawns for a month, but it has caused issues in areas where children play and on pavements.
The council acknowledges that a “one size fits all” approach is problematic and plans to develop a more strategic plan for next year.
SPAIN:
A town in Spain is cracking down on tourists who reserve beach spots early in the day.
CNN reports that Calpe in Spain’s Alicante province will fine tourists €250 for reserving beach spots with items like chairs and umbrellas before 9 a.m., and unattended items left for more than three hours may also be removed.
The measure is in response to complaints about space-hogging and is part of broader efforts in Spain to manage the impacts of mass tourism.
Similar actions are being taken in Barcelona, Ibiza, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands.
CANADA:
Toronto‘s integrity commissioner has recommended reprimanding two councillors for using constituent contact information for election purposes without permission, violating the city’s code of conduct.
Frances Nunziata and Brad Bradford have both admitted their mistakes and say they’ve taken steps to address the issues, according to CP24.com.
Meanwhile, Mayor Olivia Chow has been cleared of a conflict of interest allegation involving a staff member.
The Integrity Commissioner’s reports will be reviewed by the council at an upcoming meeting.
USA:
A New York City Council member has been accused of biting a police official during a protest.
Susan Zhuang claims officers used excessive force as she attempted to help someone under a barricade, according to ABC News America.
Charged with felony assault and other misdemeanours, Cr Zhuang did not address the biting allegation but described being handcuffed, having her hair pulled, and her neck grabbed by police.
The incident occurred during a protest against a new homeless shelter in her district.