In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Banned from Council premises – Whittlesea’s mayoral crisis deepens
- Safety concerns force another Council to meet online
- Hepburn Shire to apply for a higher rate cap
- Yarra lifts e-scooter fees by 400 percent
- A CEO resigns after an extraordinary Council meeting
- A councillor censured for comments on social media
- A new partnership agreement for state and local government in Queensland
- Adelaide campaigns for 50 cent bus fares, and
- Critics take aim at the UK Government’s new planning laws
Brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony3 – simple, connected customer experiences.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Here is all the news from episode 439:
Victorian Roundup:
Whittlesea mayor Aidan McLindon has reportedly been banned from attending council premises and must participate in meetings remotely due to allegations of aggressive behaviour and intimidating conduct towards staff and councillors.
The Herald Sun and the Age refer to confidential letters in which Council CEO Craig Lloyd cites concerns about staff safety, intimidation of councillors, and alleged leaking of confidential information.
Cr McLindon denies the allegations, telling 7News that he is “the people’s mayor” and he’s not going anywhere.
His lawyer describes the situation as insanity, and argues the imposition of the ban lacks natural justice and procedural fairness.
It’s understood the restrictions are in place until March 24 when they will be reviewed.
Two municipal monitors are currently in place at Whittlesea, and local government minister Nick Staikos told The Age that he was awaiting a report from them.
Another Melbourne council is moving its latest meeting online over safety concerns.
Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen announced that the March meeting will be held online on advice from Victoria Police.
He said after disruptions to the February meeting, which saw the meeting adjourned and police called, individuals were again planning to disrupt the March meeting.
The council says Police are continuing to investigate a small group of people continuing to use threatening and violent language online toward council and councillors.
Earlier this week, Greater Dandenong Council conducted its meeting in a hybrid online format, with about half of the councillors choosing to participate from home, according to the Star Journal.
The decision to hold that meeting online was also due to safety concerns, after threats of violence were made online over a contentious renaming proposal.
Hepburn Shire Council will seek approval for a significant rate increase to shore up its financial position.
The council will ask the Essential Services Commission to approve a 10% rate increase next financial year, 7% above the state-mandated cap.
Mayor Don Henderson says the average impact would be $2.20 per property per week, generating $1.36 million for essential services.
The Council has implemented $1.5 million in operational savings but CEO Bradley Thomas told me much more needs to be done to shore up the council’s financial position.
“Ultimately we need to find $4M a year, over ten years, to be financially sustainable. And four million, really in the context of about a $45M budget, so quite significant.
“We’ve had to make some really significant decisions around service delivery. On top of the $1.3M we would generate from the rate cap if successful, we’re looking at $2.6M of permanent ongoing operational services.”
“There’ll be some unpopular decisions made, I’ve got no doubt about that, but ultimately we’ve gotta find this funding to make sure that we’re sustainable as an organisation going forward.
Mr Thomas said there has been some swift reaction from parts of the community since the announcement earlier this week.
“The last 24 hours, as we’d expect, there’s been some commentary on social media. Some upset at the rate rise, is this due to mismanagement, why are we doing this now. Whole range of comments. We understand that, and accept that – it’s part of being community facing and some parts of social media. And we hope that as people understand the history, and where we are currently and what we wanna do going forward, people will understand a little bit more about the process.”
Hepburn joins Alpine Shire as the second council known to be seeking a higher rate cap this year.
The Commission is expected to release its decision by late April.
And tune in the upcoming episode of VLGA Connect, due out on YouTube and podcast later today, for my full interview with Bradley Thomas, CEO of Hepburn Shire Council.
The City of Yarra has voted to increase daily permit fees for e-scooter companies by 400 percent.
Under the new scheme, companies like Lime and Neuron will see their per-scooter fees jump from $1 to $5 daily, as council moves to turn a loss-making trial into a revenue-positive venture.
Mayor Stephen Jolly said Yarra ratepayers should not have to pick up the tab for two very large and profitable multinational companies.
ABC News reported that Neuron has responded, claiming the Council’s move threatens the program’s future and insisting they’re not turning a profit in the area.
The council has since announced an enforcement blitz, looking to remove e-scooters and e-bikes inappropriately parked across footpaths.
Mayor Jolly said community members can report issues directly to the providers, who are required to resolve dangerous obstructions or accessibility issues within two hours.
The state government has released new designs for the Newport Level Crossing Removal Project, maintaining its decision to close Champion Road to vehicles despite fierce community opposition.
The plans will see the road replaced with a pedestrian bridge across the train lines.
Hobsons Bay Mayor Daria Kellander said the decision was upsetting and disappointing, and that the council would continue to advocate to keep the vital thoroughfare open.
She said the council had presented several alternative options to avoid closing the junction.
The government maintains that fuel pipes and proximity to Newport rail yards make alternative solutions unfeasible, according to the Star Weekly.
Five southeast Victorian councils, including Mornington Peninsula Shire and Bass Coast Shire, have formed a working group to address high drowning rates in their regions.
There were 54 drownings on the Mornington Peninsula in the ten years to 2024, nine times the Victorian average.
Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong are also part of the project, working with Life Saving Victoria to improve beach safety through better infrastructure and community education while providing policy makers and community leaders with solutions for water safety.
Golden Plains Shire Council has appointed Steven Sagona as it’s new Interim CEO following Shane Walden’s resignation.
Mr. Sagona brings 30 years of local government experience, including previous roles at Golden Plains Shire, and has served in various executive positions across rural Victoria and metro Melbourne, including most recently at Hobsons Bay City Council.
In his new position, Sagona will focus on maintaining communication with the community, supporting essential services, and driving economic development initiatives while Council conducts a recruitment process for a permanent CEO.
He is set to begin his role on March 26.
Victorian Briefs:
Nillumbik and Merri-bek Councils have co-hosted a NORTHLink Northern Business Achievement Awards event, showcasing nominees delivering business excellence across Melbourne’s north.
Each of the member councils, Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Nillumbik, and Whittlesea, nominate two outstanding small businesses for recognition, with winners to be announced at the final ceremony in December 2025.
The City of Greater Geelong and Deakin University are partnering to showcase Geelong’s growing prominence as a key hub for defence, aerospace and aviation industries as part of the upcoming Avalon Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition.
The Council says the event will emphasise Geelong’s strategic advantages, including its UNESCO Creative City of Design status, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and strong economic growth, while facilitating networking opportunities with major industry partners.
The City of Boroondara will next month host a special event to celebrate the centenarians in its community.
It will be the 22nd annual such event, and the 20th time that tv and radio personality Peter Smith has hosted the event.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Port Macquarie Hastings Council CEO Dr Clare Allen has announced her resignation, effective March 21st. Dr Allen, who has led the council for four and a half years, will step down ahead of her contract’s conclusion in January 2026.
The resignation came as a surprise, after an extraordinary meeting of the council, called to discuss a personnel matter.
News of the Area reported that Cr Rachel Sheppard left the chamber before the matter was discussed, having declared a pecuniary interest in the matter.
She told the meeting that she’d received advice to not take part as the item could give rise to a potential legal proceeding.
Mayor Adam Roberts praised the leadership of Dr Allen, highlighting her role in shaping a progressive, community-focused council. Dr Allen confirmed that she plans to remain a resident of the region while pursuing new opportunities. The council will begin its recruitment process for a new CEO, with further details expected to be announced soon.
A Tamworth councillor has been disciplined over controversial social media comments comparing council staff to Nazi Germany’s propaganda ministry, according to a report from the Northern Daily Leader.
Councillor Mark Rodda was censured after comments on his Facebook page in August last year drew parallels between the council’s communications team and Hitler’s Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda.
The matter was reviewed by an independent investigator before being discussed in a closed council session on Tuesday night.
Mayor Russell Webb says the council voted unanimously to censure Councillor Rodda and refer the matter to the Office of Local Government for further consideration.
The state body could impose penalties ranging from counselling to a three-month suspension.
Cr Rodda said the decision is unlikely to have a significant impact on his social media activity.
He said he was more concerned about the cost incurred in investigating the complaint against him.
Federation Council has conducted pop-up engagement sessions across multiple locations to discuss its Special Rate Variation (SRV) application, providing residents with opportunities to learn about potential rate increases.
Mayor Cheryl Cook expressed gratitude for the community participation, saying their feedback is invaluable.
Residents used a general rates estimator to gain a clearer understanding of the potential impact of the proposed SRV.
The Corowa Free Press reported on one forum that attracted almost 100 people, and spoke to some who felt the engagement was “minimalistic.”
The Council is offering one-on-one meetings with its CFO for those who couldn’t attend the sessions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed $1 billion towards securing land corridors for a rail connection between Bradfield, Macarthur, and Leppington to link the Macarthur region with Western Sydney Airport.
Wollondilly Council has welcomed the announcement as a positive step towards addressing infrastructure needs in the rapidly growing region, with Mayor Matt Gould highlighting the importance of completing the full south-north rail connection from Macarthur to Tallawong.
Campbelltown Council said the crucial rail corridor was a result of sustained advocacy from it and other local communities; while Camden Council also welcomed the news, emphasising the need for additional funding to complete the project’s construction.
Glen Innes Severn Council has approved the sale of land to New England CT Pty Ltd for the establishment of a state-of-the-art CT scanning facility and healthcare worker accommodation.
Mayor Margot Davis said the project represents one of the most significant steps forward for healthcare services in recent years for the region.
Sydney’s Bayside Council will seek an extension of funding from the NSW Government for the Safer Cities: Her Ways program, which has improved safety features like lighting near transport hubs in Mascot and Rockdale.
The council received a $1M grant in 2023 to deliver pilot projects over two years, and consultation has identified additional areas that could benefit from similar safety improvements.
QLD:
Brisbane‘s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has announced plans to evict homeless people from city parks with 24 hours notice.
ABC News reported his concerns about an influx of campers from neighbouring Moreton Bay where homeless camping was recently criminalised.
Homeless support organisations dispute the mayor’s claim that most of the campers have refused accommodation offers, and point to a lack of permanent housing solutions and the closure of multiple housing facilities in South-East Queensland.
The Queensland Government and Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) have signed a new three-year Equal Partners in Government Agreement.
The agreement reaffirms their commitment to working together to deliver better outcomes for Queenslanders.
It was signed this week by Premier David Crisafulli, Local Government Minister Ann Leahy, LGAQ President Mayor Matt Burnett, and LGAQ CEO Alison Smith.
Aims of the agreement include the reduction of red tape and establishing a relationship of mutual respect between state and local governments.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has caused severe erosion on Gold Coast beaches, washing away approximately 2,000 Olympic swimming pools worth of sand and leaving sand cliffs up to 6 meters tall.
ABC News reported that Gold Coast City Council is working to restore the beaches by Easter through various methods including rainbow-style dredging and sand dune reshaping.
Officials are confident that they can meet the deadline.
Redland Council has urged motorists to drive carefully and be mindful of road conditions, and workers conducting clean-up operations after ex TC Alfred.
The Council is managing road hazards including fallen trees, debris, and potholes, with some roads closed and traffic signals affected by power outages.
Green waste kerbside collections will commence next week, with priority at the moment being given to disaster-related waste from inside and immediately outside homes.
Pop-up hubs have been established in Thornlands and on Russell Island to help residents who need assistance with grants and government agency support, as well as practical and emotional assistance.
National Briefs:
Tamworth Council will continue supporting the Curby soft plastics recycling program by purchasing 10,000 special bags to help residents participate in the now-permanent initiative.
Since the trial began in December 2022, the program has successfully diverted over 21.3 tonnes of material from landfill.
A postal by-election for a councillor position at Queensland’s Mareeba Shire Council will be held on April 5, 2025, following the death of Councillor Kevin Davies.
The election will be conducted entirely by postal vote to reduce costs, with residents needing to update their details by March 17 and return completed ballots by April 15.
TAS:
Hobart City Council has rejected a controversial proposal for a zipline on kunanyi/Mount Wellington following significant community opposition.
The Mercury reported that the proposed 1.3-kilometre attraction would have been the longest of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, featuring a 25-meter launch tower near the Springs.
Despite council officers recommending approval, elected members voted against the project at this week’s Planning Authority Committee meeting.
The decision follows more than 800 public submissions, with concerns ranging from environmental impacts to noise issues.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre also opposed the development, with campaign manager Nala Mansell expressing frustration over ongoing threats to Aboriginal heritage.
A charity’s innovative solution to homelessness in northern Tasmania has hit a roadblock, with Strike it Out forced to sell its custom-built sleeping pod trailers.
The $160,000 project, funded through public donations, included seven sleeping pods equipped with solar power and security features.
The charity’s founder, Kirsten Ritchie, told ABC News that ongoing disputes with Launceston City Council over land use have left them with no choice but to sell the unused facilities.
The council maintains proper documentation wasn’t provided, citing safety and liability concerns.
Launceston’s homelessness rate is significantly higher than the national average, at 67 per 10,000 people.
SA:
Adelaide City Council is pushing for a six-month trial of 50-cent public transport fares following Queensland’s successful implementation which saw an 18.3% increase in patronage.
InDaily reported that most of the councillors support the initiative aimed at reducing congestion and cost of living pressures.
But the final decision rests with the state government, which has previously expressed resistance to making public transport free.
WA:
Adoption of a new whistleblower policy put before the Shire of Halls Creek council in Western Australia has been deferred after councillors could not agree on a way forward at their latest meeting.
The policy was recommended for adoption by officers, but two councillors expressed concerns about confidentiality and access.
The dispute result in a lack of a quorum, and the item will be reviewed and brought back to the council at a later date.
Global Roundup:
UK:
The District Councils’ Network has expressed concerns about the government’s new Planning and Infrastructure Bill, particularly criticising its reduction of local democratic oversight.
Planning spokesperson Cllr Richard Wright has acknowledged some positive measures in the bill, like strategic planning reforms and local fee-setting powers.
But the DCN argues that the core issue isn’t planning permission delays but rather the non-implementation of existing permissions, with 1.1 million approved homes remaining unbuilt.
The group is calling for stronger powers to address stalled development sites.
Birmingham City Council has voted against launching an independent inquiry into what’s being called a catastrophic IT project failure, according to a report from the Register today.
The implementation of an Oracle business management system has left the council unable to properly manage its finances, with costs spiralling to £130 million – more than six times the original estimate.
The project, which began as a replacement for an aging SAP system, has been described as ‘effectively crippling’ the council’s financial capabilities.
Despite concerns raised by opposition councillors and a damning external audit, council leadership maintains that existing government-appointed commissioners will investigate the matter as part of a broader inquiry into the council’s financial difficulties.
USA:
Battle Ground City Council in Washington has joined other Clark County cities like Camas in formally opposing a proposal to put light rail on a planned Interstate 5 replacement bridge.
The council voted 4-3 against the light rail expansion.
The $5-7.5 billion bridge project currently includes plans for a 1.9-mile light rail extension with new stations on Hayden Island and in downtown Vancouver.
Project officials warn that changing the plans could jeopardise funding and cause significant delays.
The opposition centres around concerns about the $2 billion installation cost and $21 million annual maintenance costs for light rail, according to a report from The Columbian.
Political tensions are on the rise in Skagway, Alaska, where Mayor Sam Bass has sparked controversy by refusing to sign official Borough Assembly correspondence.
KTOO News reported that the letters in question addressed crucial issues including proposed Canadian tariffs and recent federal personnel changes affecting the community.
Two former mayors Tim Bourcy and Andrew Cremata have strongly criticized Bass’s decision, suggesting the action could warrant censure.
For his part, the mayor says he believes Assembly and mayoral correspondence should be handled separately.
The letters have been sent with the borough clerk’s signature in place of the mayor’s, and the borough attorney is reviewing the procedure.
FIJI:
Suva City Council is facing significant challenges including governance issues, homelessness, and financial mismanagement according to their latest Annual Reports review.
FBC News reported that key concerns include unpaid rates and a lack of municipal elections since 2005.
In response, the government is implementing various measures including internal audits, plans for a rehabilitation centre, infrastructure improvements, and has allocated $1.5 million for upcoming municipal elections.
NZ:
NZ’s Local Government Minister Simon Watts is considering further intervention options for Wellington‘s councils after they missed a deadline for city/regional deal proposals and amid concerns about Wellington Water’s performance.
Radio New Zealand reported that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon criticised the councils for missing the deadline.
Regional Council chairperson Daran Ponter defended the decision saying they needed more time to avoid rushing a proposal.
This latest development follows the appointment of a Crown Observer in October, who reported in January that organisational issues had caused significant disruption to council operations.
Fiona McTavish has been reappointed as Chief Executive of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council for a five-year term starting July 1, 2025.
Ms McTavish has been in the role for seven years, and came through a competitive recruitment process to retain the position.
Toi Moana Chair Doug Leeder praised McTavish’s vision and leadership, noting her experience will be valuable in navigating upcoming local elections and government policy changes.