On the Local Government News Roundup, episode #267 for 7th October 2023:
An historic joint meeting of three councils paves the way for a new city in Melbourne’s north;
A mayor to take a leave of absence to run for the state seat of Mulgrave;
A council considers closing its child care centres;
Another Victorian councillor resigns;
A call for gender affirmation leave for council staff attracts opposition;
The NSW shire council looking at a rate variation to deal with a predicted $100M deficit;
A Queensland council pushes back on an unrealistic state government plan;
And a team of commissioners appointed to the UK’s troubled Birmingham City Council;
and much more local government news from across Australia and around the world.
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Stories in this episode (with links where available)
Victorian Roundup:
Hume City Council, the City of Whittlesea and Mitchell Shire councils have co-signed a historic Regional Partnership at a joint Council Meetin, committing to collaboration on the planning and delivery of the new proposed city of Cloverton.
Cloverton will service a wide regional catchment covering the three council areas and will be the primary employment and service centre for the growing suburbs of Mickleham, Kalkallo, Donnybrook, Beveridge and Wallan – estimated at 380,000 residents and 50,000 jobs when it is complete.
The Council partnership has been created to work together to ensure Cloverton, which straddles all three Council boundaries, will be effectively developed as a new city for the north of Melbourne.
Representatives from each of the three councils this week came together in a joint Council Meeting to endorse the vision and principles of how the partnership will continue to work together to make Cloverton a reality.
Hume, Mitchell and Whittlesea Councillors/Administrators (Image credit: Hume City Council)
It’s been a big week for the north, with the leaders of 7 northern councils also coming together to launch a community EV transition plan.
It is the third element of a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy for a better connected north, along with the Northern Region Transport Strategy and the Northern Region Bus Study.
The Mayor of Greater Dandenong, Eden Foster, has been confirmed as the Labor party candidate for former Premier Daniel Andrews state seat of Mulgrave.
Cr Foster has announced that she will take a leave of absence from her role as mayor and councillor to focus on the campaign for the by-election, the date for which is yet to be announced.
The Dandenong Star Journal reports that Cr Foster may have competition from one of her council colleagues.
Cr Rhonda Garad is believed to be contesting preselection to be the Greens candidate.
Ian Cook, the owner of I Cook Foods is also believed to be recontesting as an independent, after finishing second to Daniel Andrews on primary votes at last year’s state election.
Moira Shire Council is calling for the withdrawal of a proposed federal water bill that will see water buybacks create devastating impacts on regional communities.
The council’s panel of administrators is advocating for a revised plan to include fair treatment of water accessibility for users and the environment.
Chair Administrator John Tanner said the council does not want to see a repeat of what happened 15 years ago when buybacks led to loss of production and jobs.
Moira and the Murray River Group of Councils are inviting senate crossbenchers to visit regions along the river ahead of a planned vote in Parliament on 8th November.
Glen Eira City Council has made a preliminary decision to close its three small Early Learning Centres in Caulfield, Carnegie, and Murrumbeena.
The decision comes as a result of the significant increase in childcare places in the city, and slowing demand for the Council’s centres.
Mayor Jim Magee said the older Council centers do not meet contemporary building and service standards, and operate at a significant financial loss of at least $570K each year.
If the Council proceeds with the closures, the centres will likely close by the end of the year.
Surf Coast Shire Council has decided not to proceed with a land sale after receiving 76 objections, and a petition with 782 signatures in opposition to the proposal.
The sale of land and a road discontinuance was originally proposed on the condition of providing housing for older people or people with a disability.
Cr Rose Hodge noted the high level of community interest in the matter, and said the decision not to proceed was based on a desire to preserve public open space.
She said the developer would now need to rethink their design.
The state government has extended the current e-scooter trial a further six months to see it through the summer period, and to collect a comprehensive dataset to inform the future of the program in the state.
It says more than one million people signed up to hire e-scooters in Victoria during the trial to date, which had been particularly successful over the winter months.
The Department of Transport and PLanning is developing a guide for councils on how to manage e-scooter share schemes, including parking management and operator insurance requirements.
Victorian Briefs:
At Macedon Ranges Shire this week, first term councillor Anne Moore has resigned for health and family reasons. Her resignation is effective immediately.
An announcement of a process to fill the vacancy is pending.
Wyndham City Council is seeking feedback on its new Draft Gambling Harm Prevention Policy Statement.
The policy aims to prevent harm from gambling through a public health approach.
Wyndham residents lost over $124.9 million through Electronic Gaming Machines in the last financial year, and the Council is concerned about the growth of sports betting and internet gambling and the impacts on the community.
13 councils have been funded for projects under the third round of the government’s Circular Economy Councils Fund.
Funded projects include the Yarra Ranges Shire establishing a textiles collection program, a trailer with reusable crockery to help reduce single use items at community events on the Mornington Peninsula and delivering a mobile mulch maker in Murrindindi.
The funding will also see reuse shops be established at a number of locations across Victoria, including Cobram, Numurkah, Myrtleford, Romsey and Kyneton.
The Age today talks to the Mayor of Whitehorse City Council about the frustration when planning permits are repeatedly issued for sites, but no development occurs.
Mark Lane provides the example of one lot that has been vacant for over 15 years despite having multiple permits and extensions issued.
While he and other Melbourne councils have welcomed the state government’s expansion of the vacant residential land tax, the property sector says it probably won’t do much to deliver additional projects because of broader market conditions.
Merri-bek Mayor Angelica Panopoulos also features in the article, saying housing supply is sitting at the economic mercy of market forces and developers, rather than in the hands of council planners.
National Roundup:
NSW:
A Sydney council has endorsed a motion for the annual state conference in support of paid leave for employees undergoing gender affirmation procedures.
The motion was brought forward by Cr Liz Atkins, and received the unanimous support of the Council.
The proposal has attracted opposition from some mayors and councillors of other Sydney councils have ridiculed the idea in a report from the Daily Telegraph, setting up what could be a contentious debate at the upcoming conference.
In Orange, the city council has voted to demolish a $1.6 million street beautification project, which it says had detrimental effects on local businesses.
Business owners have welcomed the decision to remove the Lords Place South redevelopment and reinstate car parking less than a year after the street beautification project was installed.
The council said it was always to be a trial, and despite positive results the effect on businesses could not be ignored.
According to ABC News, some councillors are disappointed with the decision, believing the project could have still worked with better consultation and compromise.
Kempsey Shire Council has advised its community that it expects its deficit to grow to $103M over the next ten years.
It says the cost of materials, wages and maintaining a $1.5B asset base has increased far more than the income it can generate.
The council warns that the position is not viable, and it is investigating whether a Special Rate Variation will be required. It is seeking community views before determining a way forward at its meeting in November.
Lismore City Council has announced the launch of the ‘Back Lismore’ campaign, in response to the community’s desire to shift the narrative from being known as a ‘flood city’ to being seen as ‘open’.
The campaign aims to reignite excitement and pride in the region and invites everyone who lives, works, visits, or plays in Lismore to support local businesses, attractions, events, and the vibrant community.
The initiative is designed to showcase the progress made in the recovery journey and highlight the unity that has been the backbone of the community.
Mayor Steve Krieg has emphasized the strength of the Lismore spirit and called for a celebration of the unity, pride, and vibrancy of the community.
In a first for Cumberland Council, a green prototype car park has been developed to transform a hot asphalt car park into cool, cost-efficient and sustainable car spaces.
The urban design uses a trellis system for fast growing vines, which will take around 12 months to grow and provide shade for 31 car spaces.
Mayor Lisa Lake said Council hopes to combat the challenges of urban heating and revolutionise the way cities approach parking infrastructure.
The prestigious NSW Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government have been handed out, recognising the invaluable contribution and achievements of women in the sector.
Recipients included Cr Judy Hannan MP of Wollondilly Shire, and Cr Sarah Ndiaye from Byron Shire; Inner West Council and Armidale Regional Council won the Employment Diversity Awards; and Cr Darria Turley from Broken Hill City Council was honoured with the Cr Lilliane Brady OAM Award.
A record number of nominations were received for the awards, which are in their 16th year.
TAS:
Clarence City Council will vote on Monday night on whether test community support for a proposal for an AFL high performance centre on dual sites in the municipality.
The facility, estimated at $60-70M, could be built across a disused golf course and parklands, according to a report from the Hobart Mercury.
The council is said to be looking at the dual sites model at the request of the state government.
Mayor Brendan Blomeley is a supporter of the “social and economic benefits for the city but expects robust discussions on Monday night around the council table.
If the council supports the recommendation, the CEO would undertake consultation to ascertain community appetite for an AFL high performance centre in the city.
QLD:
A state government plan for the future growth of Southeast Queensland has been described as ‘unrealistic’ by Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart.
The plan targets population growth of an additional 19,000 people in Noosa by 2046, with more than 11,000 to be accommodated by 2026.
The council is concerned that the plan doesn’t provide for state funded infrastructure to support the growth, and that it puts Noosa’s iconic values at risk.
The council says a majority of its residents are against population growth and the proposed eight storey buildings, and it is making a stand on behalf of its community by opposing the draft plan.
It has finalised an 18 page submission to the draft plan outlining its concerns to the state government.
WA:
The City of Nedlands may become the second WA council to introduce superannuation payments for elected members.
The council voted narrowly in favour of a motion to prepare a report on the implications of the move which is expected to come before the council in November.
Cr Kerry Smyth argued that the change would encourage diversity in those able to take up the role of councillor, and pointed to an expected 50 percent increase in workload for councillors with a forthcoming reduction in the number of elected members.
Earlier this year, the City of Stirling was the first WA council to resolve to become an eligible governing body which enables the council to make compulsory superannuation payments for councillors on top of their allowance.
The second tranche of reforms to the local government legislation in Western Australia is expected to include changes to superannuation measures for all councils in the state.
City of Nedlands administration estimates the additional cost of introducing compulsory superannuation now to be in the order of $35K.
(Source: City of Nedlands Agenda, 26th Sept 2023, p.345)
Cockburn City Council’s new CEO has arrived, just in time for the city to host a major international conference next week.
Daniel Sims has taken up the role after more than two decades at the city of Wanneroo.
He’ll hit the ground running, hosting representatives from across Southeast Asia at next week’s Cockburn Global conference, which will build on the city’s Indonesia-focussed digital forum last year with an expanded scope to include the key export markets of Singapore and Vietnam.
Cockburn already generates nearly $6B in domestic and international exports, and Mr Simms says it has the infrastructure, innovation and assets to grow that figure significantly.
National Briefs:
Coober Pedy District Council is looking for a new chief executive officer.
David Kelly has resigned the position and will finish up on 17th November.
McArthur is handling the recruitment, with applications to close on 23rd October.
Queensland’s Aurukun Shire Council has also gone to market again for a CEO.
Applications have been called, through McArthur, and they also close on 23rd October.
Tasmania’s Latrobe Council is looking to capitalise on an investment boom in its CBD.
Mayor Peter Freshney has told the Burnie Advocate that the council’s flood mitigation project had changed perceptions about the town.
With new businesses opening up and visitation on the increase, the council is about to commission a review of the CBD with a view to revitalising and expanding its shopping precinct.
(Source: The Advocate, 7/10/23)
Ipswich City Council has announced some of the biggest names in country music will headline next year’s CMC Rocks QLD event, to be held in March.
Nashville headliners Lainey Wilson, Tyler Hubbard and Chris Young are confirmed for the event, in its 17th year.
Acting Mayor Russell Milligan said the lineup reflects Ipswich’s reputation as the home of country music and CMC Rocks QLD.
International Spotlight:
UK:
The UK Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, has appointed six commissioners and two political advisors to Birmingham City Council, as part of a package of interventions following that council’s declaration of effective bankruptcy.
Max Caller CBE has been appointed as the Lead Commissioner.
The commissioners are responsible for all functions associated with the governance and scrutiny of strategic decision making of the Authority, including financial governance; the appointment and dismissal of statutory officers and the performance management of senior officers; and the redesign of services to achieve value for money and financial sustainability.
The intervention will be in place for five years, which is longer than usual, and reflects the severity and size of the challenges at Birmingham.
Mr Gove considers that most decisions would still be made by the Authority, with oversight from the commissioners.
An explanatory memorandum has been issued to provide context for the directions. It makes a number of wide-ranging observations about governance and cultural issues at the council that need addressing, including a reference to an internal report by the Labour Party that found a ‘dysfunctional’ climate amongst members.
It also notes extremely high levels of churn of senior staff at the council. In the eight years prior to 2022, there had been nine Chief Executives and nine Directors of Children’s Services.
The Secretary of State has this week also appointed the CEO of Essex County Council, Gavin Jones, as lead commissioner at Thurrock Council.
He will effectively assume the role from Essex Council which has acted as Commisioner at the bankrupt Thurrock Council since last year.
Mr Jones has been appointed through September 2025, and will simultaneously continue his employment as an officer at Essex.
Newcastle’s council leader, Nick Kemp, has responded to allegations of bullying within the council.
He said that the council has a “robust” complaints process and that any allegations will be investigated. He also said that the council has a “positive” working relationship between its cabinet and top council officers.
However, according to a report from ChronicleLive, the Lib Dem opposition leader, Colin Ferguson, has suggested that the council is “whitewashing” the allegations and that there is a “toxic” culture at the civic centre. He has called for an independent inquiry into the allegations.
The council’s audit committee has also questioned the culture at the council, saying that breakdowns in key relationships are a common factor among local authorities that have fallen into serious financial trouble.
The council is currently considering proposals to merge its audit committee with its standards committee.
Mark Lloyd, the Chief Executive of the UK’s Local Government Association (LGA), has left the organisation after eight years in the role.
He joined the LGA in 2015 after a decade as chief executive of two councils. In announcing his immediate departure on Friday, he said it was time to catch his breath after an intense period working on some of the biggest challenges the sector has ever faced.
Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Pickup will be acting CEO from today.
CANADA:
Vancouver’s municipal Integrity Commissioner has ruled that a councillor did not violate the city’s code of conduct when she disclosed her vote against the city’s decision to stop being a Living Wage Employer.
CBC reports that the mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim, had filed a complaint against fellow councillor Christine Boyle in what was the first use of the code.
The decision was made in a private council meeting and later made public by the city.
Councillor Boyle argued that the city’s communication plan allowed her to state her vote, and Commissioner Lisa Southern agreed.
The councillor expressed relief at winning the case but disappointment at the cost of the formal investigation.
The mayor plans to work with council to establish a clear policy for in-camera meetings.
While many municipalities in British Columbia have implemented codes of conduct, Vancouver is one of just two to have an independent ethics or integrity commissioner.
A Canadian council has removed two of its members from committee duties, and rescinded their appointments to different bodies, pending an investigation into alleged behaviour.
The two councillors at Saint John council, in New Brunswick province on the Bay of Fundy, say the are in shock at the action taken by their colleagues.
Joana Killen and Brent Harris say they are being targeted because of their support for striking city workers.
Mayor Donna Reardon said the action was out of concern for the risk posed as a result of the council members’ behaviour, and that privileges bestowed on the councillors by Council have been lifted pending the outcome of a code of conduct investigation.
Local radio station CHSJ reports that the two councillors have been outspoken in recent weeks about ongoing negotiations with striking workers, including having visited the union’s strike headquarters.
NZ:
In New Zealand, a council has put lockdown procedures in place for its buildings out of concern for the safety of its staff from a rise in anti-government sentiment and the sovereign citizen movement.
Stuff.co.nz reports that Tasman District Council has hired emergency management specialists to review the security of its offices and libraries, and developed lockdown protocols for each building.
In a report to the council’s audit committee, concerns were raised about 21 incidents of aggressive, abusive or intimidating behaviour in the last year alone, including death threats towards staff, threatening signs and refusing to pay for council services.