In the Wednesday, 12th March edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Threats of violence push a Council meeting online
- New alliances to tackle common issues
- MAV board election results are in
- Six NSW councils given an ultimatum on development assessment times
- The councillors pushing for spending reviews at their councils
- Attention turns to clean up across cyclone impacted communities
- Plus a new CEO appointment, a lord mayor elected to parliament, and a unanimous vote of no confidence in an embattled US mayor
Also today, Liz Joldeski from Mainstreet Australia on the link between place making and community safety.
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 438:
Victorian Roundup:
A proposed name change to a popular shopping strip in central Dandenong has become the centre of a heated debate between different ethnic groups from Afghanistan and forced the Council’s latest meeting online out of safety concerns.
Hazara community members have petitioned to rename the Afghan Bazaar to “Little Bamiyan,” arguing that the current name is culturally insensitive.
However, the proposal has sparked strong reactions from Pashtun and Tajik community members.
The situation has become so volatile that Greater Dandenong Council was reportedly considering cancelling this week’s council meeting on security grounds.
Police were consulted after threats of violence emerged on social media, including from people outside of Greater Dandenong.
That all ultimately led to a decision to move the Tuesday night meeting online, with public questions read on behalf of community members by acting CEO Sanjay Manivasagasivam.
Cr Jennifer Anderson of Macedon Ranges Shire has been re-elected as President of the MAV this week.
In results declared yesterday, Cr Anderson will be joined on the new board of the MAV by some of the state’s most experienced mayors and councillors.
They include:
Cr Rochelle Halstead, Bass Coast Shire
Cr Michael Gobel, Wodonga City
Cr Ruth Gstrein, Corangamite Shire
Cr Li Zhang, Glen Eira
Cr Les McPhee, Swan Hill
Cr Karen Sherry, Hume
Cr Kris Bolam, Frankston
Cr Shannon McGuire, Wyndham, and
Cr Jo Armstrong, Ararat Rural City.
An alliance of outer metropolitan councils is putting the spotlight on the lack of essential community facilities like swimming pools and libraries, while they deal with rapid population growth.
The Outer Melbourne Councils group says local councils are unable to fund the facilities independently.
It is calling for a fairer funding split between Federal, state, and local governments to ensure the vital facilities are built to meet growing community needs.
Five councils in the northwest of the state have formed an alliance to deal with impacts on their communities from transmission lines, renewable energy and mining.
Councillors and CEOs from Buloke, Gannawarra, Loddon, Northern Grampians and Yarriambiack met in Charlton last week to discuss the common issues across council borders.
Buloke Shire Mayor Alan Getley said concerns include the impact on the acute housing shortage, a lack of social license that has alienated many farmers, and other detrimental impacts.
Moorabool Shire has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of a $1.1 billion investment for upgrades to the Western Freeway, including improvements between Melton and Caroline Springs, and $100 million for the Brewery Tap Road intersection in Warrenheip.
While the upgrades are not directly within Moorabool Shire, Mayor Cr Paul Tatchell said they are critical improvements to the road network connecting its residents to Melbourne and Ballarat, especially considering the area’s expected population growth.
In further news on the upgrades, the opposition has pledged to deliver on the $1B commitment if elected in this year’s federal election – an announcement that has been welcomed by Melton City Council.
Maribyrnong City Council is conducting a ten-year review of its by-laws, and proposing a number of changes that include reducing the number of pets allowed per property, requiring permits for private waste collection, and new regulations for vehicle storage on Council land.
The current General Purpose Local Law contains 56 by-laws focusing on four main areas: animal management, neighbourhood appeal, waste disposal, and activities on Council-managed land and roads.
The Council is seeking community input on the proposed changes before drafting a new General Purpose Local Law, which will be available for public comment in mid-2025.
Victorian Briefs:
Baw Baw Shire’s Pet expo is back next month in Warragul.
The free community event on 6th April will feature market stalls, pet agility activities, wildlife displays and competitions.
Mayor Danny Goss said the expo is a popular event, and an opportunity to celebrate our pets and learn how to better care for them.
Nillumbik Shire has helped facilitate the purchase of a new emergency response vehicle for the VICSES Nillumbik Unit.
The specially equipped vehicle will assist in storm damage response and land-based swift water rescues, ensuring members have the tools they need to keep the community safe.
Colac Otway Shire has secured $1.3 million in Federal Government funding for Colac’s Bluewater Leisure Centre to replace its gas heating systems with electric alternatives.
With matched funding from the council, the electrification project will reduce its overall emissions by nearly 25% while providing long-term cost savings, with an expected return on investment within 10 years.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Six NSW councils have been put on notice by Planning Minister Paul Scully, according to the Daily Telegraph.
He’s demanding they speed up their development application processing times or risk losing their assessment powers.
The councils, including Georges River, Sutherland Shire, Willoughby and North Sydney, along with regional councils Wingecarribee Shire and Queanbeyan-Palarang, have been given three months to improve their performance.
While most councils are expected to process DAs within 115 days, some are taking nearly twice that long. Georges River Council currently has the longest wait times at 223 days.
The councils have been given 28 days to submit action plans for improvement.
Councillors are Ku-ring-gai Council are set to vote next week on bringing in external auditors, amid scrutiny over its spending practices, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The move comes after the council recently spent $20,000 on a retreat at the luxury Hydro Majestic Hotel in the Blue Mountains, and as neighbouring councils face community backlash over proposed rate increases.
Councillor Matthew Devlin, who is co-sponsoring the motion, says the audit would ensure the council has ‘tightened its belt’ before considering any rate increases.
Mayor Christine Kay has indicated she won’t support the motion in its current form.
Albury City Council has supported a move from its deputy mayor Jess Kellahan for a comprehensive independent budget review that could cost up to $120,000.
The Border Mail (11th March 2025) reported that the review will analyse various financial aspects of the council including revenue, expenditure, and strategic goals.
The motion was passed in a 6-3 vote.
Later in the same meeting there was a contentious debate on a redevelopment of the Lavington Swim Centre, which could cost as much as $45M.
The proposals will be put out for community comment before any further steps are determined by the council.
At Shellharbour, the Illawarra Mercury has reported this week that Mayor Chris Homer declined to pursue an external investigation into allegations about the conduct of its CEO Mike Archer at a staff Christmas party.
It’s understood an internal council report recommended an independent review of the claims of inappropriate behaviour between Mr. Archer and a junior staff member at the December function.
Multiple staff members were interviewed as part of a preliminary assessment.
Mayor Homer is reported to have resolved the issue by alternative means, and declared the matter finalised, noting that the testimonies about what had occurred varied widely.
Yass Valley Council has announced the appointment of experienced administrator Gayleen Burley as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Ms Burley, who brings extensive experience from roles across northern NSW including Glen Innes-Severn and Port Macquarie-Hastings councils, will take up the position in mid-April on a five-year contract.
Mayor Jasmin Jones says the council was particularly impressed by Ms Burley’s commercial expertise and understanding of the region’s heritage and economic potential.
The new CEO will replace Acting Chief Executive Julie Costa, who has led the council since November.
Willoughby City Council is implementing a six-month trial that moves Public and Open Forums to one week before Council Meetings.
It says the aim is to increase community participation and improve decision-making processes.
The new format allows residents to register up to two business days before forums, which can be attended either in person or online, with the first forum under the new system scheduled for March 17, 2025.
The NSW Government has appointed three new commissioners to the Local Government Grants Commission.
They include former ALGA President Linda Scott as Chairperson, along with deputy chairperson Brett Whitworth from the Office of Local Government, and former Mayor of Orange, Jason Hamling.
They join Leanne Barnes, former GM of Bega Valley Shire, whose term on the commission has been renewed.
QLD:
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor is mobilising a Ute Army for the clean up from ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
7News and other media outlets reported Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s call for people to use their utility vehicles and work with their neighbours to help clean up fallen trees and branches.
Free green waste tipping sites have been established around the city.
Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald called for patience as the clean up got underway.
The storm caused tree damage, localised flooding and lengthy power outages across the council area, and he said staff are working diligently through service requests, with tasks prioritised based on need.
Queensland’s local government minister Ann Leahy announced the activation of hardship assistance grants for affected residents in Redland, Gold Coast and Logan City Council areas after the storm.
The grants are to cover emergency costs, replacement of damaged household goods, and the reconnection of services.
And the Federal Government has activated a disaster recovery allowance, offering up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders in 14 Queensland and 17 New South Wales local government areas.
National Briefs:
In Tweed Shire, there’ll be a free residential kerbside collection for yard and tree debris, thanks to confirmed disaster recovery funding from federal and state governments.
The residential clean up will start early next week and be completed suburb by suburb.
The $52 million Hunter Sports Centre expansion in Lake Macquarie has opened, featuring a world-class athletics facility and Australia’s first Trampoline Centre of Excellence, jointly funded by all three levels of government.
The expanded facility will host the University of Newcastle’s first permanent presence in Lake Macquarie, positioning itself as a premier destination for sports, health, and wellbeing in NSW.
Moree Plains Council has placed its draft Reconciliation Action Plan out for consultation.
It is inviting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members to have their say on meaningful actions to advance reconciliation.
TAS:
George Town Council is throwing open the doors to its local swimming pool with free admission for the rest of March, ahead of a controversial redevelopment project.
The Examiner reported that three residents were removed from a recent council meeting, after claiming they weren’t properly consulted on the proposal.
A new indoor facility is planned to replace the 40 year old facility, with the aim of providing year round swim and pool play opportunities.
SA:
A projected deficit at Adelaide Hills Council has nearly doubled from $1.7 million to $3 million, according to a report from the Adelaide Advertiser.
Rising legal costs are a significant factor, with legal expenses in the governance area alone expected to hit $400,000.
The growing deficit comes amid ongoing turmoil at the council, following a series of controversies including allegations of staff bullying and a dramatic incident where police were called to remove the mayor’s husband from a council meeting.
Council CEO Greg Georgopoulos maintains the council’s overall financial position remains strong.
WA:
Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas is set to take a seat in the Western Australian Parliament, after winning the seat of Churchlands for the Liberal Party.
ABC News reported the vote was tighter than many expected, despite it being the government’s most marginal electorate.
Lord Mayor Zempilas has been on a leave of absence while campaigning in the lead up to Saturday’s election.
The controversial $217.5 million Burswood Park motorsport circuit looks set to proceed, following Labor’s victory in the Western Australian state election.
Premier Roger Cook says his government has a clear mandate to develop the street circuit and entertainment precinct, despite strong local opposition.
PerthNow reported that Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon and Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken are pushing for alternatives, suggesting upgrades to the existing Wanneroo Raceway instead of developing Burswood’s parklands.
Environmental concerns include potential impacts on local wetlands and wildlife.
A progress report on the development is expected in May.
Interview with Liz Joldevski, Executive Officer from Mainstreet Australia
Global Roundup:
USA:
In Everett, Massachusetts, tensions are continuing to rise at City Hall as the City Council has now delivered a unanimous vote of no confidence against Mayor Carlo DeMaria.
The dramatic 9-0 vote comes in the wake of a state watchdog investigation that found the mayor was overpaid by $180,000 in longevity bonuses, and its demand last week that he repay the money.
NBC Boston reported that Mayor DeMaria has dismissed the no-confidence vote as “political theatrics” and he is defending his leadership record.
In a dramatic reversal, the Woodland Park City Council in Colorado has unanimously voted to repeal a 1.09% city sales tax that provides over $3 million annually to local schools. This decision comes just days after the council had voted to maintain the tax.
News5 Southern Colorado reported that the sudden change was triggered by controversy over the school district’s drafted resolution to sell a charter school building. Council members viewed the terms of the sale as an attempt to lock in the sales tax for thirty years.
The impact was immediate, with Councilmember Teri Baldwin resigning following the vote. She said that being on the council was not worth it, and that she was not a politician.
School officials warn the move could affect teacher salaries, with the district’s Board President Mick Bates called the council’s action “way out of line.”
UK:
Councils in England and Wales will get greater power to seize land for affordable housing through compulsory purchase orders without requiring central government approval or considering “hope value” in property prices.
The Guardian reported that the changes are in new legislation being introduced by the Labour government as part of broader plan to deliver 1.5 million new homes and boost affordable housing.
Reports have also emerged this week that legislative changes will give councils the power to set their own planning fees.
Nearly 400 bin workers in Birmingham have begun an indefinite strike, leaving over a million residents facing potential disruption to their waste collection services.
The Guardian reported that the all-out strike, which began at 6am Tuesday, follows months of intermittent industrial action.
Unite union members are protesting the council’s decision to scrap certain roles, which they claim could result in significant pay cuts for some workers.
Birmingham City Council has managed to deploy 90 agency crews, less than half the usual number, to maintain some collection services.
The council has accused the unions of “holding residents hostage,” while Unite’s representatives insist they’re open to negotiations.
CANADA:
Toronto‘s taxi companies are taking a stand in the ‘Buy Local’ debate, urging the city council to include them in Toronto’s new ‘Buy Local, Buy Canadian’ campaign.
CBC News reported that the companies have penned a joint letter to the council, arguing that local ride services deserve priority over U.S.-based competitors.
The companies are pushing for bold measures, including a potential ban on U.S.-based ride-hailing apps on city property.
Uber Canada has responded, emphasising that their 180,000 drivers and delivery people are Canadian workers contributing to the local economy.
Mayor Olivia Chow’s office says they’re reviewing options with the Economic Action Team as part of their response to U.S. trade tensions.
Also from CBC News, the City of Calgary has unveiled plans for three new residential developments and two completed office-to-residential conversions that will bring over 1,100 new housing units to the downtown west end.
The initiatives are supported by $20 million in city investment leveraging $350 million from the private sector, and are part of a larger downtown revitalisation strategy aimed at addressing high vacancy rates.
NZ:
The New Zealand Government has launched a City and Regional Deals initiative where councils can submit proposals for up to five priority infrastructure projects to drive economic growth in their regions.
Inside Government reported that the process is at assessment stage, after the close of submissions last month.
The government aims to have the first deal concluded by the end of 2025 and three deals in place by October 2026.
Proposals are being assessed based on their strategic framework and ability to address infrastructure deficits while connecting to other government priorities.
The NZ Herald reports on an increasing number of incidents of abuse and threatening behaviour from members of the public towards Whanganui District Council, particularly from so-called “sovereign citizen” groups.
Chief executive David Langford told the Whanganui Chronicle he had been the subject of a kidnapping threat, in an email demanding he leave his office and place himself under house arrest.
The situation has led to enhanced security measures and staff training for de-escalation.
Wellington City Council is under pressure to improve waterfront safety following a coroner’s findings into a 2021 drowning death, according to a report from Radio New Zealand.
Coroner Katharine Greig has found inadequate safety measures were in place when 30-year-old Sandy Calkin fell into Wellington Harbour after a night out.
The coroner’s report reveals the council was aware of safety issues but had not acted on previous recommendations, prioritising aesthetic considerations over public safety.
Seven people have died after falling into the harbour since 2006, with another seventeen surviving similar incidents.
Mayor Tory Whanau has accepted the findings, with the council now proposing to spend more than $11 million on permanent safety barriers.