Coming up on the weekend update from the Roundup, available to listen now:
An ‘absurd’ bidding war between a council and the state government;
A court win for Merri-bek council and its community;
School crossing supervisors back on the job in Strathbogie;
New councillors set to take office at five councils;
A councillor censured by his council rails about the process and releases confidential documents;
CEO appointment and recruitment news;
A council cleared in a Mascot Towers investigation; while another apologises for making people think their homes were going to be bulldozed.
Plus more UK councils reveal their dire financial state.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; and by Snap Send Solve, helping keep shared spaces safe, clean and great to be in.
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Transcript (with story links where available):
Hi, this is Chris Eddy, coming to you from the land of the Wadawurrung People with the latest from the Local Government News Roundup.
On the podcast today:
An ‘absurd’ bidding war between a council and the state government;
A court win for Merri-bek council and its community;
School crossing supervisors back on the job in Strathbogie;
New councillors set to take office at five councils;
A councillor censured by his council rails about the process and releases confidential documents;
CEO appointment and recruitment news;
A council cleared in a Mascot Towers investigation; while another apologises for making people think their homes were going to be bulldozed.
Plus more UK councils reveal their dire financial state.
Just some of the local government stories making news this week… let’s round ‘em up!
Thanks for joining me for today’s podcast – brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association – the national broadcaster on all things local government;
And by Snap Send Solve, about to head out on a NSW tour culminating at the LG professionals customer experience conference on the 24th and 25th August.
Let’s get into the Victorian Roundup.
The Age reported this week on a potential bidding war between the state government and Port Phillip City Council for a piece of land in Fishermans Bend which was earmarked as open space in the precinct’s masterplan.
The Council wants the site, currently owned by Australia Post, to relieve pressure on football and cricket needs at the adjacent North Port Oval.
But it’s been revealed that Australia Post is negotiating with the Department of Education which wants to buy it for a new school.
Port Phillip Mayor Heather Cunsolo described the idea of a bidding war for the site as ‘absurd’ and wants the state government jointly fund developing the site for sporting use and open space.
Merri-Bek council has won a Supreme Court case brought against it by a local community organisation.
The case relates to the use of former council land at Montfort Park in Brunswick, which was sold to Dar Alawda Community Centre in 2004 on condition that the basketball court remain accessible to the community.
The council says it made many attempts to influence the site owner to provide community access, including undergoing court-ordered mediation.
The court has ruled that the land must be sold back to the Council, and Mayor Angelica Panopoulus says the community will be asked for input on how they want to access the building and courts on the site in future.
Merri-bek City Council; The Age
In more Merri-bek news, the council has issued an invitation to state and federal governments to use Council resources to address the housing affordability crisis.
Those resources include Council-owned land in Coburg, which it says could accommodate public and affordable housing if delivered in partnership with all levels of government.
And the council’s decision to allocate funding to support the YES campaign for the Voice to Parliament has led to public criticism from one of its own councillors.
Cr Oscar Yildiz took to the airwaves on 3AW and described the decision as abuse of councillors’ roles, and a waste of ratepayer money. The story has also been picked up by Sky News.
Merri-bek City Council; Sky News
Supervisors have returned to four school crossings in Strathbogie Shire, funded by the state government.
The Shepparton News reported this week that the four crossings in Euroa, Avenel and Nagambie are on government management roads, while a remaining crossing at Nagambie Primary School, which is on a council managed road, remains unfunded.
Strathbogie Shire exited the program earlier this year on principle over the shifting of costs to ratepayers for providing a government service.
Some school principals are reported to have stepped in to man the crossings when the council stepped away.
Strathbogie Mayor Laura Binks has previously called on the government to rethink its position on funding the school crossing at Nagambie Primary School, and expressed concern that the funding commitment for the other four crossings is not ongoing.
Shepparton News, 9-8-23
A decision to take a council meeting online at the last minute is attracting criticism from a group of local residents who had arranged a march in Altona on Tuesday evening.
According to the Star Weekly, Mayor Antoinette Briffa said the decision to move the meeting online was difficult but necessary due to the risk of “an unpredictable, stressful and potentially volatile environment.”
The protest came after the Council wrote to residents living in an industrial estate, in contravention of planning rules. It was reported that participants in the protest included Cr Jorge Joquera from neighbouring Maribyrnong, Cr Sue Bolton from Merri-bek City Council, and former Altona chief executive John Shaw.
Since the initial notification in May, residents received a follow up letter from the Council’s CEO advising that extra time would be given to find new homes as the Council did not want anyone to become homeless during a housing crisis.
In the latest developments:
- Mayor Briffa published a lengthy statement on the Council website, seeking to clarify a number of points in relation to the matter, and reassure people that it wasn’t “forcing anyone onto the street.”
- In a six page response, Techno Park residents described the statement as misleading, and said the Council has already caused residents to become homeless.
- The Age reports having seen correspondence from local MP Melissa Horne in which she raises the matter with the Premier’s office, and suggests a cross government taskforce to deal with the situation.
- A proposed motion from Cr Daria Kellander to enable residents to ask questions of councillors and officers in person failed to attract a seconder and lapsed. She said on Facebook that it was disappointing but not surprising.
Read reports on the resident protest and further developments from The Age, and the Star Weekly.
The search for a new chief executive officer at Greater Bendigo has commenced.
The council has advertised the position this weekend and expects the process to be highly competitive.
Current CEO Craig Niemann is stepping down in December after 16 years in the role, and 40 years in local government.
It’s understood Mr Neimann will be seeking new opportunities in 2024.
The recruitment process is being handled by Davidson.
Greater Bendigo City Council; Davidson Success Profile
A former councillor is tipped to return to the council table at Greater Geelong, following the resignation of Stephanie Asher.
A report from Bay 93.9 reveals that the fourth placed candidate at the 2020 election, Cory Wolverton, has moved out of the region and is no longer eligible to be elected.
The next placed candidate on first preference votes was Tom O’Connor, a former councillor who says he is prepared to take on the role.
The countback to fill the extraordinary vacancy has been set for 10am on Monday 28th August.
The city of Melbourne is introducing new e-scooters with camera and GPS technology to deal with illegal footpath and tandem riding.
The Guardian has the story on the council’s response to complaints about rule breaking by users of the devices.
Deputy Mayor Nicholas Reece said the technology has been developed to encourage better behaviour, including audio warnings when riders take the scooters into areas they shouldn’t.
There are 25 of the updated machines so far, and the technology will eventually be rolled out to the entire fleet.
Now in today’s Victorian Briefs:
The new name for the planned Geelong Convention and Event Centre has been announced.
The centre, due for completion in 2026, will be known as Nyaal Banyul, a name gifted by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
The name means ‘open your eyes to the hills’ celebrating the landscapes of Wadawurrung Country.
It’s decision time for the future of kindergarten services in the City of Knox.
On Monday, the council will consider the outcome of a review of its role as a kindergarten service provider, including staff feedback on a proposed exit from running standalone sessional kindergarten services – and the lease of its buildings to alternate providers.
Any changes would not take effect until January 2025.
A countback has been held to fill a vacancy on Indigo Shire Council, following the resignation of Larry Goldsworthy.
Sue Gold has been declared the successful candidate and will take up the role for the remaining 14 months of the council term.
The vacancy on Strathbogie Shire Council has been filled by Shirley Saywell, who was the only remaining eligible candidate from the 2020 election.
The vacancy arose with the resignation recently of Kristy Hourigan.
Any further vacancies in the Seven Creeks Ward during this term would need to be filled by a by-election.
At Bass Coast Shire, Geoff Ellis has been elected in Western Port Ward, following the recent resignation of Bruce Kent.
The former councillor from the 2016 term was the only remaining eligible candidate from the 2020 election, and will be sworn in in Monday.
Any further vacancies in the ward during this term will need to be filled by a by-election.
The nation’s biggest magpie has been unveiled in Strathbogie Shire this week.
The highly anticipated Tank and Tobin Magpie Sculpture has been installed in Seven Creeks Park, Euroa, and the community turned out for an official opening on Friday afternoon.
The 3.5M high sculpture joins the ranks of other ‘big’ monuments such as the Big Banana, the Big Merino and the Big Prawn… I think the big Magpie tops them all.
The National Trust of Australia says it wants to see more councils introduce significant tree registers, as it pushes for protection of a scenic avenue of trees in Bright.
The ABC reports that the National Trust is concerned that some pin oak and elm trees on the Great Alpine Road could make way for a housing development.
There are no statutory protections for the trees, and the local council, Alpine Shire, does not have a formal register for significant trees.
The trust’s Victorian advocacy manager, Madeleine Moore, told the ABC that councils could do more to protect trees from development projects by having a significant tree register.
The National Roundup is just ahead… and coming next week, a chance to learn more about how independent planning panels might work in Victoria, if the recommendations of IBAC’s Operation Sandon report are implemented.
The VLGA has assembled a panel of experts to talk about the NSW experience and answer your questions about what to expect from the proposed model.
The live VLGA Connect webinar event is on Friday 18th August at 12.30pm. Register your place now at www.vlga.org.au/events.
National Roundup
Now for some of the stories making local government news from around Australia this week.
NSW:
Lismore councillor Big Rob has been censured by fellow councillors after an investigation into comments he made on Facebook last year.
An investigation found that he had breached the council’s code of conduct, and brought the council into disrepute, for inferring that he would sue a pensioner for her house.
His comments were described by the investigators as “improper or unethical”, according to a report from the Daily Telegraph.
Cr Rob released the documents from the confidential proceedings on Facebook, and described the process as a “kangaroo court” with no procedural fairness or appeal rights.
He is reported to have told the investigators that it was a personal matter, and not related to council.
The investigators found that he had identified himself as a councillor on the “unofficial” Facebook account, and that his comments were about council affairs and therefore relevant for consideration under the code of conduct.
The Council vote to censure Cr Rob was deadlocked, and passed on the casting vote of the Mayor Steve Kreig.
An independent investigation into Bayside Council’s involvement in the defective Mascot Towers issue has cleared the council of any wrongdoing, according to a report from the Daily Telegraph.
Former local government minister Wendy Tuckerman triggered the investigation last year when it appeared relevant council documents relating to the assessment and approval of the building development had gone missing.
In a report to Parliament, the investigators say the council satisfied its obligations in the processing and assessment of the development application, and that they had not identified anything to warrant further investigation.
The council was also cleared in relation to the certification of construction and occupation of the building, from which residents were evacuated in June 2019 after the discovery of cracking throughout the building.
The development was ultimately abandoned due to ongoing structural defects.
Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock, has called on the NSW Government to provide funding and support for councils to ensure adequate waste management for their communities.
Concerns have been raised about a potential waste capacity crisis by 2030, with analysis conducted for the NSW Government showing that additional landfill capacity, organics processing facilities, and effective transport options are needed within the next decade.
Mayor Ruddock emphasized the need for a whole-of-government approach to the issue, stating that local government alone cannot solve the crisis.
He is encouraging Sydney councils to work together on solutions, and has urged the NSW Government to invest the revenue from the waste levy in initiatives that accelerate the transition to a circular economy, build necessary waste infrastructure, and educate and support communities to reduce waste.
QLD:
Logan City Council has disregarded the findings of an independent investigation, and cleared a councillor of inappropriate behaviour.
The Courier Mail reports that Cr Lisa Bradley was investigated over two posts on a Council Facebook page, promoting the sales of a book she had written.
The investigation followed a referral from the Office of the Independent Assessor, which had received two complaints about the posts.
The finding that she had engaged in inappropriate behaviour was submitted to the council, along with recommendations that she meet some of the investigation costs and issue a public admission that she had acted inappropriately.
However, 10 of the city’s 13 councillors voted to not accept the report, and instead found in her favour.
Brisbane City Council has apologised to residents who received a letter that led them to believe their houses were going to be bulldozed.
The ABC reports that the ambiguous wording of the letter left some people in shock and fearful for the future of their homes.
A council spokesperson said that houses had been added to an indicative list of properties that the council would like to buy if and when they came on the market, but that no compulsory acquisition process was being undertaken.
A follow up letter is being sent to reassure residents that there are no plans to take their homes from them.
The original, ambiguously worded letter was sent to almost 15,000 properties in the Brisbane council area.
An international student whose car was swallowed by a sinkhole in Southport has been thrown a lifeline by Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate.
9 News reported that the council had initially rejected a request to pay for the damage to the vehicle on the basis that they were not legally liable.
The student, Riina Haapala, did not have comprehensive car insurance, and has limited means of being on a study visa with restricted ability to work.
After 9News made enquiries, Mayor Tate has overruled the administration’s decision and agreed that the council will pay Miss Haapala the market value of her vehicle.
The sinkhole was caused by a burst water main, and the council initially claimed the water main was within expected life parameters and the event was out of its knowledge or control.
SA:
A South Australian council is reconsidering the future use of a piece of land that was earmarked for a multi million dollar medical clinic.
The proposed Bordertown Medical Hub clinic on land owned by Tatiara District Council will not proceed due to a $2M cost blowout.
Rising construction costs and interest rates have led to the decision to look for another site in Bordertown.
Tatiara Mayor Liz Goossens said it was a disappointing outcome, and the council would consider its options in light of current conditions in the construction sector.
TAS:
A Tasmanian council is looking into whether a leading greyhound trainer has breached his kennel licence, after footage emerged of poor conditions at his property.
West Tamar Council last year approved a retrospective kennel licence for Anthony Bullock, after he had operated without one for a decade.
Pulse Radio in Hobart reports that the footage, released by an animal rights group, allegedly shows cramped and unsuitable conditions for greyhounds and other items of a concerning nature.
Mr Bullock’s greyhound training licence has been suspended by the office of Racing Integrity while an investigation is undertaken.
WA
In WA, the City of Melville will consider whether it should develop a neighbourhood dispute mediation policy.
Cr Glynis Barber has put forward the idea as a way of dealing with communications breakdowns between neighbours, which often involve the city and its councillors.
Cr Barber is suggesting that a policy may help the city to play a constructive role in facilitating amicable outcomes between neighbours who are willing to participate.
The council will vote on Cr Barber’s suggestion at its meeting next week.
Briefly:
Gold Coast City Council has appointed a captain in the army education corps as the replacement councillor for Cameron Caldwell, who was elected in the by-election for the federal seat of Fadden.
Shelly Curtis was selected from 17 nominated candidates to fill the seat until elections next March, in which she says she will definitely be running to remain in the role.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council is creating a Road Name Bank in preparation for an increasing number of subdivisions.
It’s asking the community to suggest relevant and distinctive names to go into a bank to speed up the process of naming the many new roads it is expecting to be created in the next few years.
Submissions are being invited up until 3rd September.
Sutherland Shire Council’s CEO Manjeet Grewal has received a new three year contract.
She has held the role since April 2019, when she became the first woman to hold the top job at the council.
The council voted 13 to 1 to renew Ms Grewal’s contract on existing total remuneration package arrangements.
Sutherland Shire Council minutes
Now for today’s International Spotlight:
UK:
A report this week from The Guardian looks at the growing number of UK councils facing a serious financial crisis.
Kirklees Council, the 13th largest local authority in the UK, is facing a significant funding gap of £47 million.
The council, located in West Yorkshire, has warned that it may go bankrupt unless this gap is closed.
If the necessary savings are not achieved and expenditure minimised, the Council may have to issue a section 114 notice, indicating an inability to balance its budget, in the 2024/25 financial year.
Several other authorities may also issue similar notices this year if the government does not provide additional funding.
Woking Council, located in Surrey, was forced to issue a section 114 notice after a risky investment strategy left it with a £1.2 billion deficit.
The council had invested in commercial assets, such as skyscrapers and hotels, but the debt became overwhelming.
Other councils, including Kent, Hastings, Southampton, Guildford, and Bradford, have also warned of potential section 114 notices.
US:
Two individuals who were arrested at a city council meeting in Wilmington have filed a lawsuit against the City of Wilmington and its officials.
Darrell Petrey and Tony Thomas filed the complaint in federal court, seeking damages for what they claim was unlawful restraint, retaliation, and malicious prosecution.
The arrests occurred after Petrey and Thomas made critical comments about the outgoing Mayor during the meeting.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that cases against them were later dismissed.
The plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief, attorney fees, and compensatory damages. The attorney representing them stated that the purpose of the lawsuit is not only to vindicate Petrey and Thomas but also to protect the rights of all Wilmington citizens.
The City of Wilmington declined to comment on the pending litigation.
A smart city project in Dallas is being hailed for its crime reduction results and quality of life improvements.
Axios.com has reported how the Red Cloud project in Southeast Dallas is restoring faith in the premise of smart city initiatives, after many delivered few results from high investment.
The project used AI cameras on streetlights, wifi in 190 homes, and air quality monitors and has delivered a dramatic improvement in the perceived peace of mind and safety among residents.
There are plans to expand the project next to detect gunshots and illegal dumping.
Now, city council members in other districts are envious and wanting the project to be replicated in their districts.
NZ:
The Gore District Council in New Zealand has spent $11,200 on a facilitation process to mend fractured relationships among council members, according to a report from Radio New Zealand.
The council turned to an outside facilitator after a tumultuous start to the triennium, which saw the election of 23-year-old Ben Bell as mayor.
The facilitation process involved one-on-one meetings between the facilitator and each of the 10 councillors and the mayor, followed by a joint facilitation meeting.
Bell acknowledged that mistakes were made and that he had tried to implement too much change. He also mentioned that his relationship with council chief executive Stephen Parry has improved, but did not provide further details.
Despite calls for his resignation, Bell and his deputy, Keith Hovell, stated that the council is now united and focused on serving the community.
Councils and schools in New Zealand are expressing concerns over significant increases in audit fees imposed by Audit NZ.
Many councils are facing fee hikes of 43% or more, leading to fears that services will have to be cut to cover the costs.
The Kaikōura District Council, for example, is facing a 64% increase in fees, while Nelson mayor Nick Smith’s council is looking at a 60% increase.
Local Government NZ has called on the central government to take action to reduce audit fees.
Canada:
Speculation is rife in New Brunswick province, as to why a small council, which hasn’t met since May has been taken over by the province and the council removed.
But the reason for the takeover isn’t clear. The Local Government Minister , Glen Savoie, won’t say why he has decided to install a supervisor to make decisions for Lakeland Ridges council, which is located near the border with the US state of Maine.
CBC says under the law it could be because it couldn’t pay its bills, maintain a quorum or just generally be unable to carry on the business of a council.
The minister hasn’t revealed the reason, and the former mayor says she is unable to comment.
The amalgamated municipality, with a population of less than 3,000, has only been in existence for a year -and its future is currently looking uncertain.
That’s the latest from the Roundup for 12th August 2023.
Brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Snap Send Solve.
You can find links to the stories referenced in this episode and a full transcript at www.lgnewsroundup.com.
While you’re there, check out the latest breaking news updates and learn how you can support the Roundup by becoming a subscriber through a small monthly contribution, which you can cancel at any time.
The Local Government News Roundup is recorded in the city of Greater Geelong, Victoria, on the land of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation.
More of the latest local government news coming your way next week. Until then, thanks for listening, and bye for now.
Thanks for the balanced reporting of the Techno Park issue and of Cr Kellander’s attempt to have council officers prepare a report on how the community can better communicate with council. As a regular public qu asker – the system at HBCC at the moment is just not working. The disconnect is leading to significant misrepresentation and misunderstanding.
I confirm that Crs Joquera and Bolton and John Shaw all came to the rally to support our community. Former CEO John Shaw is a gem. Did you read his letter to the current CEO: link here – https://tinyurl.com/hf5cas7p
Also, I believe that the former Altona Council CEO, was one of the 40 people who had been granted a ticket for the Council meeting, only to be shut out at the last hour.