On episode 314 of the Local Government News Roundup now available:
- Excessive waste levy costs questioned by a Melbourne metro council;
- Opposition to a quarry proposal reaffirmed;
- A new councillor announced after a by-election in Greater Dandenong
- The surprise termination of a Council CEO
- A council defends the use of a facility for a controversial conference
- Quick-thinking parking officers praised for saving a life
- Counting continues across Queensland in local government elections,
- A hefty rate rise on the cards in Adelaide,
- The Mayor of Warrnambool explains concerns about a renewable energy zone off the southwest Victorian coast.
Plus more Council news from across Australia and beyond on the Local Government News Roundup, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment service and business advisory practice.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 314:
Victorian Roundup:
Hume City Council is questioning the rising cost of the state government’s compulsory waste levy, which has cost the council $48 million since 2020.
Cr Joseph Haweil said the levy rate increases have resulted in excessive costs for the council without apparent benefits, according to a report in the Northern Star Weekly.
The council is seeking an exemption from a $6.8 million bill to cover the council-owned Sunbury Landfill with soil, a cost it feels is unnecessary.
The council also spent $4.7 million on cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish in 2022-23.
Mitchell Shire Council has this week passed a motion reaffirming its opposition to a proposed quarry on the Northern Highway at Wallan.
The council and community groups have been advocating against the quarry due to its potential detrimental impact on Melbourne’s northern growth corridor.
Despite the council’s refusal to grant a permit, the quarry proposal persists.
The motion calls for the State Government and planning authorities to acknowledge the quarry’s potential harm and consider the precedent set by successful community-led campaigns elsewhere.
Cr Rob Eldridge said the motion was a testament to our unwavering resolve to protect the community and to fight for an equitable outcome.
Phillip Danh is the new representative on Greater Dandenong City Council, after a by-election was held to fill an extraordinary vacancy.
Phillip Danh was among 13 candidates standing for the by-election and will represent Yarraman Ward on Greater Dandenong City Council until the next council general election in October 2024.
The extraordinary vacancy happened due to the resignation of Eden Foster after her election to State Parliament.
Latrobe City Council has welcomed a Victorian Government commitment to upgrading key sporting infrastructure in Latrobe as part of a $2 billion regional package following the cancellation of the Victorian Commonwealth Games in 2026.
The upgrades include several sports facilities, and will allow the expansion of the event calendar according to mayor Darren Howe, as well as the attraction of national competitions, and an increase in community sports participation.
The Council will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and will form Project Reference Groups to oversee the projects.
Wyndham City is participating in a project to revolutionize road construction by incorporating recycled plastic into asphalt, enhancing its performance.
In collaboration with RMIT University, Austroads, the Department of Transport, and nine other councils, a trial will be conducted using 170 tonnes of plastic modified asphalt, including 600kg of recycled plastic, in a section of road in Wyndham Vale.
The project aims to increase the use of recycled plastics in road construction and provide guidelines for other councils seeking to improve the sustainability of their roads.
An old council building in Brimbank has become an eyesore, according to some residents, since its sale by the council five years ago.
The Brimbank Northwest Star Weekly has reported that the building is surrounded by a fence and remains unused and poor condition, and the building’s mural at the front of the building contains holes and has lost its colour.
Despite a planning permit to convert the building into 35 apartments, no action has been taken.
The council has issued orders for the site to be made safe and secure, with further works required on the building.
Mount Alexander Shire Council has admitted to a procedural error when a council officer issued a planning permit for a $1.8M housing development that should have been decided by councillors due to its value exceeding $1M.
The council has acknowledged the error, which relates to internal procedures for planning application delegations.
A spokesperson told the Midland Express that the council has updated its processes to prevent such mistakes in the future.
Applications for the latest round of the Port Phillip Bay Fund grants, which support the Bay’s diverse ecosystems, are now open.
Grants of up to $300,000 are available for large-scale projects and up to $25,000 for smaller projects. Councils can apply, along with community groups, non-government organisations, Traditional Owners groups, research institutes, schools, and youth groups.
Victorian Briefs:
Greater Shepparton City Council has chosen three providers for a 7.5-year kerbside waste collection services contract, with an optional 7.5-year extension.
Foott Waste will handle bin collection and bulk transport services, Cleanaway will manage recyclables and glass processing, and BioMix will oversee Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) processing.
Bass Coast Shire Council has introduced a new “Fair Access Policy” for community sporting facilities, aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusivity.
The policy encourages equal access to training, game times, facilities, coaching, and leadership opportunities for all, including women and gender diverse individuals.
The council also calls for equal representation of women at leadership and governance levels within community sports clubs.
Yarra City Council has endorsed its first 10-year Transport Action Plan, which aims to create safer streets, improve transport options, and reduce transport emissions.
The plan includes upgrading 30 kilometres of the New Deal for Cycling Network, delivering 50 additional spot improvements on Yarra’s cycle networks, increasing overall cycling levels by 40%, doubling the number of women cyclists, and increasing public transport use by 10%.
Interview:
Cr Ben Blain, Mayor, Warrnambool City Council
Offshore renewable energy zone in southwest Victoria
National Roundup:
NSW:
Edward River Council has announced the termination of its CEO Phillip Stone after a council meeting yesterday.
The council reportedly went into a confidential session to discuss an urgent staff matter, and later announced the termination and that it had appointed one of its directors Mark Dalzell as acting General Manager.
The Shepparton News reports that Mr Dalzell had tendered his resignation from the council last week. The report also suggests that the Mayor Peta Betts was absent from the discussion after declaring a conflict of interest.
Albury Council has defended its decision to rent out the city’s entertainment centre for the Triple Conference last weekend, despite complaints about the event spreading “hate and misinformation”.
The conference, described as a celebration of libertarianism, featured controversial speakers and was criticised for promoting homophobic messaging, climate change denial, and false health information.
The council told the Border Mail (19/3/24) that it could not discriminate against groups based on their views and had received no specific concerns from the police about the event.
The Inner West Council in Sydney has unanimously voted to lower the speed limit on local streets to 40km/h to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The new limit, supported by 82% of residents in a survey, will be implemented in suburbs including Leichhardt, Marrickville, Petersham and Ashfield.
As reported by Drive, the decision was influenced by data showing higher survival rates for pedestrians in car accidents at lower speeds. The change is expected to slightly increase travel times.
New mapping from Willoughby Council has revealed that under the NSW Government’s housing density reforms, up to 13,153 new medium-density homes and duplexes could be built in residential areas near town centres and public transport hubs.
The Daily Telegraph reports that based on the mapping, the reforms could result in buildings up to six storeys high within 400m of ‘local centres’ and four storeys high within 800m walking distance.
The council has expressed concerns about the lack of detail regarding necessary infrastructure and the potential increase in private vehicle use and congestion.
A final decision on the proposed changes is expected later this year.
Also from the Daily Telegraph this week, a $152m plan to expand Liverpool’s Civic Place precinct could include over 300 apartments to address the state’s housing crisis.
The $600m precinct was approved in 2020, with stage one opening in 2023.
The $350m second stage was forecasted to include a 22-storey office building and a nine-storey hotel.
However, due to Sydney’s worsening housing crisis, plans have been revised to include 350 build-to-rent apartments, increasing the office building to 27-storeys.
If approved, the revised development will be subject to a separate application for council consideration.
Two parking officers from Canterbury Bankstown have been praised for their quick thinking when they found a 76-year-old man semi-conscious and motionless in bushes at Bass Hill.
Bob Patton was having a stroke and his condition was worsening rapidly.
Parking officers Carlene and Fred quickly called for medical help, performed a stroke assessment, and waited with him until paramedics arrived.
Mr. Patton, who remembers little of incident, is now recovering in hospital and has expressed his gratitude for their timely help.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek has applauded Carlene and Fred for their quick thinking, getting treatment for Mr Patton just in time.
QLD:
In Queensland after the weekend’s local government elections, the Electoral Commission has downplayed concerns about inadequacies in the voting process, long queues, and understaffing.
HOT FM reported the commission response that queues are not uncommon, but wait times were short in many areas, and depleted ballot papers were quickly replenished.
They say everyone who arrived before 6pm was able to vote.
Some contests are still yet to be decided as counting continues.
The Courier Mail estimates as many as 24 new mayors could be taking up office, including in places like Scenic Rim, Cairns and Bundaberg.
That might include Townsville, where incumbent mayor Jenny Hill trails challenger Troy Thompson by around 3% after the first preference count.
While some councils know who their new mayor will be, the final make up of the councillor complement is yet to determined.
Returned Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate is among those who are critical of the slow pace of counting, urging for completion soon so that councillors can be sworn in before the end of March.
SA:
Adelaide City Council is reportedly considering a 7.4 percent increase in rates, along with service cuts and other savings to fund maintenance and strategic projects in the coming financial year.
The council’s finance committee was due to meet last night to discuss a $110m capital works program and projects, including a $9.7m greening project to plant nearly 500 new trees annually.
The Adelaide Advertiser reported that other potential expenditures include a $150,000 Barry Humphries statue and the Adelaide Central Market plan.
The council has also been told it needs to address chronic renewal underfunding, requiring an additional $150m over the next decade.
Former City of Adelaide Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor David Plumridge AM, who served two terms as an Area Councillor and had a long career in Local Government, has passed away.
He was known for his service to Local Government and the community, earning him a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993.
He is remembered as a consummate negotiator and staunch supporter of good governance and conservation.
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said David was a truly honourable and thoroughly good man.
National Briefs:
Lismore City Council has approved the Lismore Destination Management Plan to boost the region’s tourism.
The plan aims to leverage the area’s cultural, economic, and social potential, transforming Lismore, Nimbin, and surrounding villages into a prime alternative and regenerative tourism destination.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s new CEO, David Hogan, has begun a nationwide search to recruit a permanent executive leadership team, following a series of resignations in 2023.
The recruitment process, managed by Macarthur Recruitment, will involve a nationwide search and advertising campaign, with the aim of having the new team in place by July.
A paintback program at Southern Downs Regional Council has diverted 1.5 tonnes of paint and packaging from landfill since its commencement in December.
It’s a successful start for the partnership with Paintback, who recycle the containers and turn solvent paint into an alternative energy source.
Wingecarribee Shire Council is launching a soft plastic recycling trial , running from April 2024 to June 2025.
The initiative aims to provide a sustainable solution for recycling soft plastic waste, reducing landfill and environmental pollution.
The program, which was successful in a trial run by Hornsby Shire Council, will accept a wide range of soft plastics.
WA:
The City of Perth is considering abolishing its free nighttime parking incentive and increasing its fees by 11.5% due to the high cost of the initiative.
The free parking was introduced in February 2022 to attract people back to the CBD and support businesses affected by the pandemic. However, it has cost the city $5.1 million in revenue this financial year.
The proposed plan would cap nightly parking at $5 and increase the parking fee at off-street, boom-gated car parks.
WA Today reports that not all councillors are on board with the idea, with one telling local radio that ending the arrangement would be a serious error.
The City of Fremantle is seeking community input on the future of the historic Fremantle Oval precinct.
A masterplan is being prepared to provide a vision for the precinct’s redevelopment, establish principles for its management and operation, and assist in attracting government funding.
The redevelopment could unlock potential uses such as a second-tier football facility, community space, and improved visitor experience.
International Spotlight:
UK:
The UK Government has confirmed a significant reduction in its intervention at Liverpool City Council, with powers for several functions being returned to the Council earlier than planned.
The Council will regain oversight of finance and highways functions from March 31.
The size of the Commissioner team will reduce following the resignation of Joanna Killian.
Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, expressed satisfaction with the development, attributing it to significant progress made over the last nine months.
Brighton and Hove Council leader Bella Sankey has issued a warning to those responsible for vandalising the city’s bin lorries.
The sabotage is causing service disruptions and missed refuse and recycling collections throughout the city, and is being investigated by Sussex Police.
Cllr Sankey said the cutting of lorry wires is unlawful and scandalous, and is extremely dangerous to staff.
CCTV footage of the council’s depot is being analysed in an attempt to identify the culprits.
She said it is criminal activity, that the necessary steps are being taken to find out who is responsible for this illegal sabotage, and they will face the most serious disciplinary action.
The issue comes as new CEO Jess Gibbons takes up her position this week. Ms Gibbons previously served as chief operations officer at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.
Joanna Killian has assumed the role of Chief Executive of the UK Local Government Association this week, after serving six years as CEO of Surrey County Council.
She aims to address urgent challenges for councils, including public spending cuts, improving wellbeing for children and young people, and delivering social infrastructure.
Her experience and skills are seen as a significant asset for the organisation.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has launched his bid for a third term, with elections coming up in May.
Bloomberg reported that Mayor Khan has pledged to build 40,000 new council homes by the end of the decade, calling it the “greatest council homebuilding drive in a generation”.
The recovery process at Leicester City Council is ongoing after a cyber incident that caused a shutdown of its phone lines and IT systems earlier this month.
The council says a majority of its staff are back on the network, but work is still needed to fully restore phone lines and recovery of systems is being prioritised to housing, adult and children’s care, and revenues and benefits.
The council has not confirmed whether a data breach occurred and cannot comment further due to ongoing criminal investigations.
USA:
A federal judge has found Flint, Michigan, in contempt for failing to replace old lead pipes as ordered, following the city’s lead-contaminated water scandal.
Despite promising to replace the pipes by early 2020, the city has not completed the work and nearly 2,000 homes still have damage caused by the lead pipe replacement program.
The Associated Press reported that the city has been ordered to pay attorneys fees, costs, and expenses to the plaintiffs, but no other specific penalties have been set if the city remains non-compliant with the order.
Baltimore County is considering implementing new fees for certain recreational sports to access athletic fields and courts.
But some residents are pushing back against the proposal, which aims to modernize the Baltimore County Recreation and Parks and promote equity.
CBS News reported that opponents are concerned that the extra fees will deter participation.
The final fee structure is yet to be determined.
NZ:
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown had no authority to halt work on transport projects funded by the soon-to-be scrapped regional fuel tax (RFT), despite publicly announcing that he had done so.
Radio New Zealand reported that emails provided under the Local Government Official Information Act show that the mayor’s authority to halt the works was questioned, and it was found that he had no such power.
The regional fuel tax will be gone by July, raising questions about the future of the 14 transport projects it helps fund in Auckland.
Despite the mayor’s public directive, construction has not stopped on projects already underway.