Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- The City of Melbourne scraps a $1.5B project, and rejects a major redevelopment near Marvel Stadium
- Hume City Council to foot a half million dollar pool repair bill after an insurance claim is rejected
- A plan to remove offensive graffiti within one hour under consideration in Sydney
- Sydney councils under fire over a legal challenge, waste charges and sinkhole management
- A capital city mayor publicly criticises a decision of her own council
- The Queensland council criticised for locking the homeless out of public toilets
- and a Canadian community left without local leadership after a mass resignation of councillors
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;
and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 335:
Victorian Roundup:
The Herald Sun has reported that a City of Melbourne plan to build a “Central Park” over the Domain Tunnel entrance, first proposed in 2010, has been scrapped due to land ownership issues, structural feasibility, and prohibitive costs.
The project, which would have provided 7,000 sqm of open space in Southbank, was estimated to cost over $1.5 billion.
The decision to abandon the plan was unanimously approved by the Future of Melbourne Committee last week, despite objections from the Southbank Residents Association which was critical of the delays in releasing a feasibility study into the proposal.
A proposal for a major redevelopment near Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, which includes three buildings for office space, retail stores, and potentially homes and a hotel, has been savaged by city councillors according to a report from The Age.
The plan, submitted by Development Victoria and the AFL, also involves increasing the height limits of the site.
The City of Melbourne, which was asked to provide feedback but does not have the final say on the proposal, voted unanimously against supporting the project.
Critics of the plan say it lacks public benefit and fails to consider the needs of the local community.
And from the Herald Sun this morning, a report that community sporting clubs will benefit from $30M for upgrades and to deliver new sporting facilities.
The commitment in the council’s draft budget to be considered tomorrow includes money to redevelop the Ryder Pavilion at Royal Park, a new North Melbourne community centre and completion of the Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre, and a redevelopment of the historic Melbourne City Baths.
Hume City ratepayers will pay the entire $525,000 repair bill for the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre’s indoor pool after the council’s insurance claim was denied twice., according to a report from Sunbury Life.
The initial repair cost, which rose from $45,000, was due to leaky pipes and flaking paint.
The insurance company attributed the damage to gradual deterioration and normal ground movements, which were not covered by the policy.
The council sought legal advice on appealing the decision, which a spokesperson said did not support pursuing the matter further.
Maribyrnong City Council is preparing for as many as 33,500 electric vehicles to be on its roads over the next 11 years, with an update to its electric vehicle charging policy.
The changes to the policy recognise a need to proactively tackle the need for more accessible and diverse EV infrastructure in an increasingly climate-conscious Maribyrnong.
Mayor Cuc Lam said the updated draft recognises advancements within the electric vehicle (EV) market in recent years, and seeks to address the rising demand for EV infrastructure.
A future vision for the Melton town centre could see traffic through High Street reduced to one lane in each direction, according to a report from the Star Weekly.
The Council has adopted a revitalisation plan that reimagines High Street as the heart of the town centre, and creates an active public realm along Toolern Creek among other aims.
The plan also includes a vision for more diverse housing options in the town centre and easier access to public transport.
The City of Ballarat is launching the Small Acts, Big Impact campaign in partnership with Sustainability Victoria to reduce recycling contamination rates.
The campaign emphasises the importance of recycling correctly, such as not using plastic bags, rinsing containers, and removing lids.
It also highlights the types of materials that can be recycled, including aluminium and steel cans, clean paper and cardboard, and certain types of plastic.
The goal is to increase the reuse and repurposing of recyclable materials.
Greater Shepparton City Council, in collaboration with the Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee, has launched the Greater Shepparton Heritage Plaques Pilot Program.
The first plaque was unveiled at Foresters Hall, marking the start of the program.
The initiative aims to identify and promote buildings and structures of cultural heritage significance within Greater Shepparton, with a total of 62 plaques to be installed on diverse heritage sites across the region.
Victorian Briefs:
The Regional Football Facility reserve and pavilion in Tarneit, Wyndham City, have officially been named Ironbark Fields and Ironbark Pavilion by Geographic Names Victoria.
The state-of-the-art training facility, which includes three pitches, a two-storey pavilion, and capacity for 5,000 spectators, will serve as a match-day venue for both Liberty A-League Women and Isuzu UTE A-League Men matches until the planned 15,000 seat stadium is built.
Southern Grampians Shire Council has approved the sale of six surplus properties, four of which are suitable for residential development.
The decision is part of an effort to address housing shortages and will save nearly $10,000 in annual maintenance costs.
The public has been invited to provide feedback on the proposed sales.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Simon Brooks is inviting locals to participate in a three-day working bee next month to raise funds for Fusion Mornington Peninsula, a charity providing support and accommodation for homeless youth.
Participants will help improve the charity’s facility at the old army barracks, tackling tasks like painting, gardening, and cleaning.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Jewish and LGBTQ groups are supporting a proposal to expedite the removal of hate speech graffiti in Sydney, especially around children’s playgrounds.
City of Sydney Labor councillor Linda Scott has put forward a notice of motion to be debated tonight, proposing that such offensive graffiti should be removed within an hour of reporting.
Currently, the council promises to remove graffiti within two business days, with offensive graffiti prioritised.
The City of Melbourne recently implemented a policy requiring the removal of offensive graffiti within an hour of reporting.
A unanimous vote by Ku-ring-gai Council to launch legal action against the NSW state government has met with an angry response from Minister for Planning Paul Scully.
Mr Scully said the council is wasting ratepayers’ money during a housing crisis, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The Council is challenging a state government program that would see four town centres in the council’s region upzoned to allow for high-rise apartments near train stations.
The council argues the proposal breaches the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
Mayor Sam Ngai said the government has ignored his council’s concerns about infrastructure and green space.
Also from the Daily Telegraph comes a report on council plans to raise bin collection fees in upcoming budgets.
Campbelltown is reported to be preparing for a 34.1% increase, equivalent to $156, due to a new waste contract.
At Georges River a 19.96% increase is under consideration, while Hornsby and Mosman are believed to planning an 8% increase in fees.
LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley said councils are needing to cover rising prices that have caused an increase in waste collection service costs.
Heavy rain in Sydney has caused a 10-metre sinkhole to open at the end of a clifftop street in Dover Heights, the same area where a landslip occurred a year ago.
ABC News reported that residents have been critical of Waverley Council for not adequately addressing the issue.
The council says it is working with a contractor to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
A local builder has been hit with increased penalties after appealing two fines issued by the City of Canterbury Bankstown for non-compliant sediment and erosion controls and failure to install signage.
The builder was initially fined $6,000, but after pleading guilty in court, the fine increased to $8,000.
The council plans to participate in a month-long blitz targeting developers and enforcing environmental best practices on building sites.
In the previous year’s blitz, only 11 out of 116 inspected sites were compliant on their first visit.
TAS:
Hobart’s mayor, Anna Reynolds, has criticised a council decision to reject a development application for an apartment building for older women at risk of homelessness.
The project, proposed by St Vincent de Paul, faced objections due to its height and potential traffic issues, but was recommended for approval by council officers.
Cr Reynolds told the ABC that she was “incredibly disappointed”, and that she was sharing her views not as mayor but as an individual councillor.
She said she hopes the decision will be appealed.
State minister for housing and planning Felix Ellis said the decision underscores the need for independent, expert Development Assessment Panels (DAP).
New legislation expected to progressed this year, is aimed at providing community and developers with confidence in the planning system, according to the minister.
Kentish and Latrobe Councils have appointed Mr. Jason Browne as their new joint General Manager for a five-year term.
Browne, who has extensive experience in corporate governance within Local Government and has held positions in the energy, banking, and private sectors, will commence his role on June 8th.
The councils are confident Mr Browne’s leadership and innovation abilities will guide them through a period of transition and ongoing growth.
QLD:
Brisbane City Council has released statistics and footage from its CCTV network, which captured nearly 1,600 offences in the past year.
ABC News reported that the most common incidents were disorderly conduct, alcohol offences, assault, and theft.
To combat youth crime, an additional 240 cameras have been installed in crime hotspots.
The council’s cameras are monitored 24/7 to deter crime and assist law enforcement.
The Courier Mail has a story on how Logan City Council is being criticised for blocking homeless people from accessing park facilities, including locking toilets and installing gates.
The council and Mayor Jon Raven argue that the actions were taken due to vandalism and public safety concerns.
It’s the second time in a week the council has faced backlash for closing facilities to homeless people.
A serious motor vehicle incident involving a Balonne Shire Council vehicle and two Council employees occurred on Thursday morning in St George, resulting in the vehicle flipping onto its roof.
The employees were taken to the St George Hospital, and the occupant of the other vehicle was unharmed.
Emergency services and the Council contained chemicals from the Council vehicle to prevent them from entering the drainage system.
The Council will conduct an internal review and cooperate with authorities in any broader investigation.
WA:
The City of Perth has committed over $1 million to protect city trees from the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB), a beetle native to Southeast Asia that poses a significant threat to the tree canopy.
With no known treatment for infested trees, the city has removed 25 trees and pruned more than 30 others.
The funds will be used for staff resources, community education, GIS and 3D mapping of trees, and measures to increase tree vitality.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to report any suspected infestations.
The Shire of Ashburton says it is bitterly disappointed after the State Government failed to allocate adequate funding for the promised Tom Price Hospital in the 2024-25 budget.
Despite the Health Minister acknowledging the rising costs of delivering health infrastructure, no net increase in the budget allocation was made, with most of the spending deferred to the 2027-28 budget.
The Shire, led by President Audra Smith, is urging the State Government to reconsider its budgetary priorities and fulfill its promise.
It says its constituents are deeply concerned and the Health Minister is not listening.
National Briefs:
SA’s Lower Eyre Council is in the final stages of legally changing its name from District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula to Lower Eyre Council.
It has invited public submissions before 5pm 24th May, with submitters able to be here at a council meeting on 19th June.
Ku-ring-gai Council has appointed David Marshall as its new general manager.
Mr Marshall was previously the council’s director corporate and has been acting general manager for the last seven months.
Campbelltown residents involved in animal rescue and rehoming efforts have been recognized at the Companion Animal Rescue and Rehoming Awards.
The awards acknowledge individuals from various volunteer and animal groups who contribute to the safety and wellbeing of animals in the city.
Attendees were presented with an award certificate from Campbelltown Mayor Dr George Greiss to honour their contribution to bettering the lives of animals.
The City of Vincent has been awarded Gold Waterwise Council status for the 10th consecutive year, recognizing its significant contribution towards developing waterwise communities and best practice water management.
The award, given at the annual Waterwise Recognition Event, acknowledges Vincent’s waterwise verge policy, water management team, and waterwise-endorsed aquatic centre in Beatty Park.
Global Roundup:
CANADA:
A toxic work environment led to the mass resignation of four municipal councillors in the rural muncipality of Armstrong, Manitoba, leaving the community without local leadership.
The toxicity began after the 2022 municipal elections, and eight employees have also quit since then.
The remaining council now has just two members, and a by-election for all seats is expected as the Municipal Act requires a minimum of three elected officials for a council to function.
Yahoo News reports has reported that the province will appoint a temporary administrator to ensure continuity of the municipality’s operations.
UK:
Brighton Council will resume the use of chemicals for weed control after a five-year ban due to cancer concerns led to an overgrowth of weeds.
The city had previously stopped using glyphosate, a common ingredient in weedkillers, due to potential cancer risks and environmental concerns.
However, the Daily Mail reports that overgrowth became a hazard, particularly for elderly and disabled residents.
The council plans to use a ‘controlled-droplet’ application of glyphosate, a decision that has been met with protests from eco-conscious residents concerned about the potential impact on local wildlife, children, and pets.
From BBC News, Guildford Borough Council has apologised for governance and scrutiny failures in its housing department, following an independent review by the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (Solace).
The review highlighted issues such as unnecessary work orders and contract overspends amounting to millions of pounds.
The council has accepted over 70 recommendations and published an improvement plan.
Ongoing investigations include a police probe into alleged criminal offenses and an employment investigation by an external law firm.
Two employees have been suspended and five agency workers’ contracts terminated as part of the investigation.
MEXICO:
A wave of violence from organised crime groups is turning local elections in Mexico into a battleground, according to a report from the Washington Post.
Candidates from all major parties are being targeted, with three of those running for mayor in the city of Maravatio killed recently.
A party official said cartels used to buy off voters, but they are finding it cheaper to eliminate candidates from the elections at all levels.
More than two dozen election candidates have been killed in the lead up to elections due next month, and hundreds have dropped out.
A new paper from anthropologists at Rice University suggests that ‘sister cities’ networks can help mitigate the effects of climate change and natural disasters.
The research suggests that networks, which traditionally focused on trade and diplomacy, could be used to share best practices and raise awareness of climate-related disasters.
The researchers have proposed a network called “Sister Cities for the Anthropocene” to track and respond to climate impacts in urban communities worldwide.
From the BBC, the story of Cory Poynton, a man who started cleaning dirt-covered road signs in Warwickshire, has been asked to stop by the county council due to safety concerns.
Despite receiving support from over 3,500 people on Facebook, the council says that cleaning close to roads put him in “considerable danger”.
Mr Poynton has expressed disappointment in the council’s position, as he believes his work is improving the community and helps him manage his anxiety.