On the Monday, 13th January edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- Victoria’s biggest council election donors revealed
- Councils speak up to correct misinformation
- Counting the cost of damage from illegal NYE fireworks
- Councils fined for pollution incidents
- And an embattled councillor asked to repay legal and PR fees, and
- The council proposing to change its name
and much more news from across the world of local government on Australia’s #1 local government podcast.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Davidson recruitment and business advisory services.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Here is all the news from episode 416:
Victorian Roundup:
The biggest donors in Victorian council elections have been revealed through analysis of donation disclosure returns conducted by The Age.
The Greens spent over $200,000 across multiple councils while Labor spent around $65,000 on 52 candidates statewide.
Unions also made significant contributions particularly to City of Melbourne and Maroondah campaigns.
Outside traditional party politics, incorporated associations and community groups emerged as significant funding sources, with entities like Residents of Port Phillip contributing over $67,000 to candidates and Yarra For All providing nearly $30,000 to their supported candidates.
The biggest donors to council candidates revealed
In a follow up story, The Age’s Rachel Dexter reported that a private company, run by a property developer, donated more than $35k to Mornington Peninsula Shire election candidates including two who were elected.
The story highlights the fact that unlike NSW, property developer donations are not prohibited at council or state elections in a Victoria, but all donations over $500 must be declared after the election.
Developer donated $35,000 to council candidates as ‘Friends of the Peninsula’
The City of Stonnington has moved to correct misinformation about the Chapel Street Festival, which has been cancelled following the resignation of the Chapel Street Precinct Association’s President in late December.
7News reported that the festival was to return after a 20 year hiatus, with a planned 2023 revival also not proceeding.
The council has clarified that it does not manage the festival, and that it is seeking clarification from remaining CSPA committee members about the festival’s status.
Clarification on Chapel Street Festival
The City of Casey has clarified that residents do not need permits for minor car repairs on private property or temporary caravan use, addressing recent online misinformation that has caused confusion in the community.
Threatening behaviour towards council staff members has occurred as a result of the misinformation, and the council is calling for respect towards staff who are dealing with their enquiries.
From July 2023 to December 2024, only 20 Private Land Use Permits were issued, and none related to vehicle servicing.
Mary Agostino has been appointed as Interim CEO of Mitchell Shire Council following Brett Luxford’s departure at the end of last year.
Ms Agostino joined Mitchell Shire in 2017 as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communities, and has been instrumental in securing and delivering transformative infrastructure projects for the shire worth $2.81 billion.
Brimbank Council CEO Fiona Blair has welcomed the 48 recommendations in the Final Report from the Inquiry into Local Government funding and services, which she says include many of the suggestions made in the council’s submission.
Ms Blair said last week that if the recommendations are adopted with changes, they will go a long way to redressing the imbalance which has left local government strapped for cash and reliant on state funding.
The Council has pushed back on what it described as an unfair burden of costs relating to the upkeep and maintenance of state-owned roads under a Municipal Maintenance Agreement.
Local government road blocked by cost-shifting and rate-capping – Brimbank News
Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging visitors to return to Pomonal, where local businesses Pomonal Estate winery and Barney’s Bar and Bistro have reopened their doors following the recent Grampians National Park bushfires.
Mayor Jo Armstrong said the local businesses were indispensable to the life and economy of the community, and had done wonderful work taking care of volunteers and demonstrating personal tenacity through the crisis.
She said visiting the town and its businesses was the best possible way to celebrate the town’s reopening.
Pomonal Declared Re-Open for Summer Business | Ararat
Here’s some news out of Colac Otway Shire:
The annual weaner sale at Colac Otway Shire’s Regional Saleyards has been hailed a success, drawing buyers from three states and featuring nearly 2,600 head of cattle, with prices remaining strong despite the dry conditions in 2024.
The Council-managed facility’s covered design and mulch flooring provided comfort for the cattle, while extensive preparation by staff and livestock agents ensured smooth operations, with cattle weighing beginning at 11pm the night before the sale.
The council is seeking expressions of interest for the operation of a quality cinema service with candy bar at the Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre.
And it is exploring options for the provision of designated bus parking in central Colac, following concerns raised by local businesses and motorists.
It is seeking feedback on a proposed solution before 24th January.
Meanwhile, Campaspe Shire Council has announced that the Echuca & District Livestock Exchange will transition from fortnightly to weekly sales from next week.
The council-run exchange is in the state’s Top 10 by volume and is experiencing increased demand and growing cattle numbers.
Echuca & District Livestock Exchange sales to run weekly
Gannawarra Shire Council says its work to repair over 700 kilometers of roads damaged during the 2022 floods will be completed by June 30th, despite facing delays in funding arrangements that have also affected other municipalities.
The repairs, funded through Commonwealth and State Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, are taking place across multiple areas including Appin South, Kerang East, Lake Charm, and others.
Repairs to flood-damaged roads continues
A fire at Alexandra Landfill on January 4th, believed to be caused by an improperly disposed lithium battery in household waste, has prompted Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Damien Gallagher to issue an urgent warning about battery disposal safety.
Mayor Gallagher emphasised that batteries must never be placed in regular garbage or recycling bins as they pose serious fire risks to waste management facilities and collection vehicles, especially during hot weather conditions.
Global superstar Robbie Williams has been awarded a Key to the City of Melbourne by Lord Mayor Nick Reece, joining an exclusive group of only 40 recipients throughout the city’s history.
The honor follows Williams’ contributions to Melbourne through his Better Man biopic, which created nearly 3,000 jobs and contributed $142 million to Victoria’s economy while filming at various Melbourne locations.
Victorian Briefs:
Benalla Rural City Council has deleted its previous Facebook page after earlier advising that it had become compromised.
The council has created a brand new official page and has invited residents and interested people to follow it.
Important Notice for Our Community – Facebook Account
The City of Ballarat’s Animal Shelter has released stats on a busy 2024, in which it successfully rehomed 994 animals, including 638 cats and kittens, 352 dogs and puppies, 3 rabbits, and a pig.
June was the most successful month seeing 108 adoptions.
The shelter received overwhelming community support through its Christmas Donation Drive, and is at currently at capacity for donations.
Almost 1,000 animals rehomed from Ballarat Animal Shelter in 2024 | City of Ballarat
Bayside Council has decided not to implement 24-hour cat containment, recognising the challenges it would pose for certain residents, though cats must still be confined at night between specific hours.
Containment is required from 9pm-6am during daylight savings and 6pm-6am during the rest of the year.
The VLGA has announced the appointment of Cr Janet Pearce from Macedon Ranges Shire as its new Vice President, following the promotion of former Vice President Cr Grace La Vella to President in November.
Cr Pearce, who is serving her third term as a Councillor at Macedon Ranges, expressed her commitment to supporting councils and councillors in delivering strong outcomes for their communities through good governance and effective leadership.
VLGA Board Office Bearer Appointment | VLGA | Victorian Local Governance Association
National Roundup:
NSW:
Multiple cricket pitches across Cumberland Council parks were damaged by illegal New Year’s Eve fireworks, with nine parks affected and repairs needed that could have been spent on other community needs like fixing potholes.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the incident follows similar damage in Canterbury-Bankstown Council area costing up to $21,000 in repairs, highlighting a concerning trend of illegal fireworks use that SafeWork NSW notes has markedly increased this season.
The City of Newcastle is expected to put an independent review of its processes, policies and procedures to community consultation from next week, according to the Newcastle Herald (10th January
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge told the masthead that he hoped the process would restore trust and confidence in the council.
The review, to be overseen by the council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and conducted by Davidson Business Advisory, will assess current practices while ensuring confidential submission mechanisms are available for staff and community members.
The NSW Government has launched the new Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) which allows developers to bypass local councils for major housing developments over $30 million by having them declared as State Significant Developments.
The new pathway commenced this month, and focuses on multi-dwelling housing.
It requires proposals to meet specific criteria including infrastructure requirements and environmental safety, while also contributing to affordable housing supply.
Clarence Valley Council GM Laura Black said this week that new pathway does not replace the existing ‘regionally significant development’ pathway, where development applications are assessed by the council and determined by the Northern Regional Planning Panel.
New Housing Delivery Authority to Bypass Council for Major Housing App
Central Coast Council has been convicted and fined more than $105K by the Land and Environment Court .
The penalty was imposed for polluting Narara Creek and Brisbane Waters with approximately 1.8 million litres of untreated sewage due to a corroded sewer pipe in April 2023.
In addition to the fine, the Council was ordered to publicise the offences through the media and social platforms, and complete an environmental project worth at least $151,900.
It was also ordered pay the prosecutor’s investigation and legal costs totalling over $161,000.
Port Stephens Council has been fined $30,000 by the NSW EPA over a discharge incident in June last year.
Sediment-laden water was released into a protected marine sanctuary zone within the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park during excavation works.
The EPA found that the Council failed to implement adequate controls and respond promptly to prevent the discharge, which threatened sensitive habitats home to protected species including migratory birds, seahorses, and various fish species.
Council fined for polluting sensitive marine environment
QLD:
Sunshine Coast Council has secured $25 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program to fast-track two major projects: the Honey Farm Sports and Recreation Precinct at Meridan Plains ($13.6 million) and the First Avenue Streetscape in Maroochydore ($11.9 million).
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the projects were chosen as they will provide much-needed community facilities, parklands and infrastructure to create a healthier and more connected community and support local businesses
She said the Honey Farm precinct will open as soon as next year, while the First Avenue project will improve connections around the Maroochydore City Centre by 2027.
Healthy boost for region as key projects fast-tracked | Sunshine Coast Council
The Courier Mail reports that Queensland councils are facing intense lobbying from anti-fluoride groups, including My Place and Fluoride Free Australia, who are using misinformation campaigns to influence decisions about water fluoridation.
The campaign has already seen some success in areas like Gympie, where councillors voted to remove fluoride despite opposition noting that the supporting petition included signatures from overseas and represented a small sample size.
National Briefs:
Boulia Shire Council has secured $10.42 million in Growing Regions funding to build a new multipurpose Community Hub.
Mayor Rick Britton said the hub will replace an aging administration building and serve as a central facility featuring a library, post office, and flexible spaces for various community needs.
Funding Success for the Boulia Shire Community Hub
Orange City Council has launched a program to recognise historically significant buildings in the city.
The first five blue plaques have been installed in the CBD, with plans to add approximately eight new plaques each year over the next 5-6 years.
Albury City Council has deferred planning for a $120 million aquatic facility at Lauren Jackson Sports Centre due to financial constraints.
Mayor Kevin Mack said the decision was due to the unpalatable prospect of significant rate increases to cover loan repayments even with potential grant funding.
Mayor defends deferring aquatic facility planning
Bundaberg Regional Council has called on its residents to urgently donate blood, with more than 100 extra donors needed in the city over the next fortnight.
Lifeblood issued an urgent call for blood and plasma donors, after a record number of planned blood donations were cancelled last week, putting pressure on blood supplies
Blood and plasma donors needed
TAS:
Launceston councillor Danny Gibson has reportedly been asked to repay the nearly $14,000 in legal and PR fees paid on his behalf.
The former mayor has agreed to repay the money on a payment plan, according to weekend reports from ABC News and the Examiner.
Cr Gibson is resisting calls to resign his position, including from current mayor Matthew Garwood, over allegations of grooming, harassment and indecent assault against young adults.
He has described the reports as a campaign of character assassination and there have been no charges laid.
Launceston council requests ex-mayor repay ratepayers for legal fees
A Board of Inquiry report into Dorset Council is expected within weeks, some 17 months after all councillors were suspended due to alleged statutory non-compliance.
The Tasmanian council has been operating under a Commissioner since August 2023.
The Examiner(11th January) reported on the weekend that the state government has now promised to deliver the Board of Inquiry report by the end of January, amid pressure from the Labor opposition and concerns about the extended period without elected council representation.
Barry Omundson has been appointed as interim General Manager of West Coast Council until February, bringing his experience as former CEO of Tasmania’s Central Coast Council to the role.
The appointment allows Council’s leadership team to maintain focus on their roles while recruitment for a permanent General Manager, which began in December, is being finalised.
In the meantime, Central Coast Council is taking applications for its new Chief Executive Officer. Capstone is managing the recruitment process.
SA:
The District Council of Yankalilla is proposing to change its name to “Fleurieu Coast Council” as part of its 8-yearly representation review.
The new name has been chosen to align with its place branding, established from 2015.
The council is seeking public feedback on the proposed name change, estimated to cost around $10k, with the consultation period running until January 31st.
Have Your Say: Representation Review & Proposed Name Change to ‘Fleurieu Coast Council’
Ceduna District Council has reinstated live streaming of monthly meetings following community feedback on its Disability Action Inclusion Plan, with 80% of survey respondents opposing the removal of the streaming service.
The Eyre Peninsula Advocate (9th January) reported that the decision was made through a casting vote by Mayor Ken Maynard, and access to council meetings for those who cannot attend in person due to work commitments or disabilities will now be maintained.
WA:
Ashburton Shire President Audra Smith has welcomed a ministerial decision in response to the shire’s appeal against licence conditions for the Onslow Marine Support Base.
The determination imposes additional noise monitoring and reporting and improvements to potentially contaminated discharges and other waste management controls.
Ms Smith said It had been a lengthy process, but she was pleased that the community’s concerns have been taken into account and considered in the amended Licencing conditions.
The City of South Perth has secured over $2.1 million in Australian Government funding for a major riverbank restoration project along the Swan River foreshore near Coode Street, which will restore local habitats and improve biodiversity.
The project, expected to be completed by December 2027, will benefit various native species including the fairy tern, rakali, and black swan while enhancing the connection between established wetlands within Sir James Mitchell Park.
Riverbank restoration project secures over $2 million in Australian Government funding
Global Roundup:
UK:
Thirteen Conservative-led county councils in England have requested to delay local elections scheduled for May 2025 by joining the government’s priority programme for devolution, leading to accusations that the Tory party is avoiding facing voters, according to a report in The Guardian.
The proposed delays are part of a broader plan to abolish two-tier council areas and devolve more power from Westminster, with councils seeking time to develop reorganisation proposals.
As of Friday, the government said 11 councils had formally submitted their applications to be part of the programme before the end-of-the-week deadline with a number of others holding late week meetings to determine their position.
Tory party accused of ‘bottling’ May elections as county councils seek delay
Twelve Reform UK councillors from Derbyshire have announced their resignation in protest against Nigel Farage’s leadership, citing concerns over his “autocratic” leadership style and lack of internal party democracy.
The Express reported that the resignations come amid growing tensions within the party, including criticism from Elon Musk and a public dispute between Farage and former deputy leader Ben Habib.
Twelve Reform councillors to resign as they brand Nigel Farage ‘autocratic’
A former Aberdeen City Council employee embezzled £1.1 million over 17 years through fraudulent council tax refund payments, leading to a four-year prison sentence in 2024.
The Accounts Commission has used this case to warn all Scottish councils about the importance of following proper financial controls and whistleblowing procedures to prevent similar frauds from occurring.
£1 million fraud at Aberdeen City Council ‘sends a warning across local government’
USA:
Mountain View, Colorado council member Brent Metz is facing a recall election after allegedly shooting a 17-year-old in the face when the teen and his friend were looking for a homecoming photo location.
Metz, who is facing multiple felony charges including second-degree assault and illegal discharge of a firearm, has until January 21 to protest the recall petition, according to a report from Colorado Public Radio News.
Mountain View council member facing recall election after allegedly shooting teen in the face
Bellingham City Council in Washington state is resuming public comment periods after a suspension imposed in November, with new security measures including metal detector screenings and armed security guards.
Cascadia Daily reported that there were discussions about changing the timing of public comments, but the council decided to maintain the end-of-meeting format while implementing these new safety protocols, which are expected to cost the city around $17,000 this year.
The city said it is piloting and will evaluate the new measures, and make adjustments based on what is learned through the process.
Public Comment to Resume at Jan. 13 City Council Meeting
Public comment is back after city council paused it due to safety concerns | Cascadia Daily News
CANADA:
Calgary‘s mayor and four councillors have proposed separate motions for an upcoming council meeting to freeze council member salaries.
The Calgary Herald reported that the councillors are pushing for a freeze until 2030 while the mayor is advocating for a 2025 freeze.
The proposals come in response to economic uncertainty and affordability challenges, despite a recent recommendation by the Council Compensation Review Committee to maintain the current formula-based salary adjustment system.
Calgary city councillors, mayor pitch freeze of pay increases for council members
Kingston City Council in Ontario is reportedly considering declaring food insecurity an emergency, as it affects one in three households in the Kingston region and poses severe public health risks linked to chronic illness and higher mortality rates.
Global News reported that the proposed motion from two councillors calls for immediate action from provincial and federal governments, including raising social assistance rates, implementing universal school food programs, and establishing a guaranteed liveable basic income.
Kingston city council could declare food insecurity an emergency – Kingston | Globalnews.ca