On the Local Government News Roundup for 22nd November 2023,
A former mayor and councillor becomes a state parliamentarian
Reaction to proposed new conduct reforms in Victoria
Mayoral election season continues – the latest results
Next year’s rate peg announced for NSW councils
A tragedy in Tasmania claims the life of a young council worker,
And controversial decisions on neutrality and guns impacting councils in North America.
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Stories in this episode (with links where available)
Victorian Roundup:
The former mayor of Greater Dandenong, Eden Foster, has been elected to state parliament and will be required to resign her position as a councillor.
Ms Foster was successful in contesting the seat of Mulgrave, which was held by former premier Daniel Andrews.
On the latest figures from the VEC, Ms Foster received 56% of the two candidate preferred vote, with independent candidate Ian Cook at 43%.
Proposed reforms to local government in Victoria announced last week have been broadly welcomed across the sector.
Statements have been released from two councils which are currently the subject of government intervention.
At Glenelg, where two municipal monitors commenced work last week, Mayor Karen Stephens said the council welcomed the reforms and looks forward to taking part in the consultation process.
The Mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, which is reported to be facing suspension, went much further, applauding the tougher new laws to crack down on councillor misconduct.
Laura Binks said she was thrilled to hear of the reforms.
She said it has been “awful” at her council, which has been plagued by conduct and governance concerns, including multiple ‘code of conduct’ breaches and regular unacceptable behaviour.
But she said the minister’s announcement has made the fight worthwhile, and that tougher laws would hold councillors accountable for their actions.
Peak body Rural Councils Victoria also welcomed the announcement this week.
Chair Cr Mary Ann Brown said while the vast majority of local councillors are decent, hard-working community representatives, a few bad apples who behave in a bullying or outrageous manner are undermining public and State Government confidence in the local government sector.
Cr Brown particularly welcomed the introduction of ministerial powers to address individual councillor conduct, rather than sacking a whole council due to the bad behaviour of one councillor.
LGPro, the peak body for people working in local government in Victoria, said the newly announced reforms largely mirror the recommendations it put forward as part of the Culture Review of the sector earlier this year.
President Liana Thompson said she was delighted with the minister’s considered and nuanced response to the sector’s call for change, and the genuine collaboration on the issue.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has reportedly dismissed an expansion of the Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution scheme to include additional municipalities like Greater Geelong.
The GAIC is funded by fees collected when buying or developing a large piece of land.
It has been around since 2010 and applies to Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham council areas.
The State Opposition has claimed the government is planning to apply it more broadly across the state.
But the Geelong Times has reported that on a recent visit to Geelong, Ms Allan said it was just speculation, and the government’s focus is on addressing affordable housing issues.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted against a proposal to share summaries of briefings and workshops with the public.
Councillor David Gill has suggested that the council should publish more details about what was discussed behind closed doors at councillor sessions that occur ahead of council meetings.
According to a report in the SE Leader, Cr Gill would also like the public to be invited to briefings and the sessions televised.
However, other councillors were not in favour of the suggestion with concerns that the information could be misconstrued by the media and would create an extra administrative burden for the council organisation.
Hobsons Bay City Council has stopped answering questions regarding the eviction of Williamstown residents living at Techno Park Drive.
The council sent mass eviction notices to residents in the housing estate near Mobil’s south crude tank farm at Williamstown, in May.
The Star Weekly has reported that newly elected mayor Matt Tyler said at a council meeting last week that any questions relating to the matter can not be answered until court matters are complete.
In response to a resident’s questions, it was also revealed that the council has spent nearly $32k with consultancy company RedBridge Group on strategic communications advice in recent months.
Mayoral elections
Lisa Hollingsworth has been elected as the new mayor of Boroondara, with last year’s mayor Felicity Sinfield to take on the deputy role.
At Macedon Ranges Shire, Annette Death has been re-elected for another term as mayor, while Janet Pearce is the new deputy mayor.
Brett Cunningham has been re-elected as mayor of Golden Plains Shire. The council debated whether to establish an office of deputy mayor, and determined against it, on a vote of 4-3.
Stuart King was elected mayor of Swan Hill Rural City Council yesterday, and that council has joined the growing number choosing not have a deputy mayor.
At least 10 councils had made that call so far, which is already double that of last year.
Stonnington council has elected Joe Gianfriddo as its new mayor – the city’s 23rd person to be elected mayor, while Mike Scott was elected as deputy mayor.
At Glen Eira, it’s an all-female leadership team with the election of Anne-Marie Cade as Mayor, and Simon Zmood as deputy mayor. Cr Cade was deputy last year to outgoing mayor Jim Magee.
At Greater Dandenong, the council’s inability to elect a deputy mayor last week has attracted the attention of the local press.
The election was deferred to a later meeting after a tie could not be broken between two candidates – Cr Richard Lim and Cr Angela Long.
According to the Star Journal, one councillor abstained from the vote, and there has been debate about whether the mayor should be elected directly by the public.
Victorian Briefs:
Brimbank is the latest council to announce changes to cat trapping services due to a nationwide shortage of cat vaccines.
The council says it has suspended the services in order to reduce the number of cats being sent to animal shelters and the need for vaccinations before they can be rehomed.
A plan to bring a Youth Foyer to the Latrobe council area has fallen through.
The council advised this week that Quantum Support Services, which had received Council approval last year to purchase Hazelwood House in Churchill, has withdrawn due to concerns with uncertain funding arrangements.
The council will now consider next steps for the former residential aged care facility.
A new program at Knox City Council is bringing together kindergarten children and aged care residents for reciprocal visits and activities like reading and painting.
It’s part of a plan to build respect and understanding through intergenerational activities for children and seniors, and the council says it’s already making ‘friends for life’.
After early success, there are plans to expand the program further within the city.
Brian Hood Chat GPT preview
National Roundup:
NSW:
Next year’s rate peg has been set for NSW Councils, using the new methodology announced last week.
IPART has announced a core rate peg of between 4.5 and 5.5% before applying the population factor.
It says the rate peg takes into account the base cost change for different council groups and reflects changes to each council’s emergency service levy contributions.
With the population factor applied, the final rate peg for each council will range between 4.5 and 8.2%.
Shoalhaven City Council has this week endorsed a number of actions to secure its long-term financial sustainability, and will put two special rate variation options to the community for consideration.
An independent review has estimated a $25 to $35M annual shortfall in its budget, with the impact of inflation expected to worsen its financial position if not addressed.
The review also identified that the city’s average residential and business rates are lower than other councils in the state, including its neighbours.
The two SRV options are for a 32% increase next year, or a phased increase over three years of 18%, 13% and 8% respectively.
The community consultation on the proposals will run until early January.
Kempsey Shire Council this week voted to apply for an SRV of 7.9% next year, estimated to be 2.4% above the rate peg.
The Macleay Argus reported that news of the rate peg came through during the meeting at which councillors were considering how to address a forecast deficit of $79M.
Only one of the nine councillors voted against the move.
Goulburn Mulwaree Shire Council has revised its special rate variation approach, and will now spread a rate increase of 51.2% over three years instead of two years as originally proposed.
Mayor Peter Walker said the council is expanding and revising its hardship and pensioner concession policies, and looking to address cost-shifting issues from state and federal governments as well as its own efficiencies.
The Mayor of Penrith City Council has expressed shock at the projects being scrapped in Western Sydney after the federal government’s infrastructure review.
Todd Carney said it was frustrating to miss out on upgraded infrastructure while being pressured to supply additional housing stock.
Projects scrapped in Penrith include commuter car park upgrades and planned works for Mulgoa Road and the Werrington Arterial Stage 2, which Mayor Carney says is critical for transport connections to and from the Western Sydney International Airport.
He said all Western Sydney Councils need to band together with the NSW government to call for a strong commitment from the federal government on the delivery of infrastructure.
Northern Beaches Council has reversed a controversial change to parking times in parts of Manly and apologised for miscommunication and confusion.
The council admits that it didn’t consult adequately with the chamber of commerce before deciding to extend two hour parking limits to 10pm, in line with nearby areas.
It will reinstate the original timed parking signage in the coming days.
And at Kiama Council, a second councillor this year has been censured for a breach of the councillor code of conduct.
The Canberra Times reports that Karen Renkema-Lang was formally censured by fellow councillors over a radio interview earlier this year.
The decision was made in a closed session of the Council last night.
Cr Renkema-Lang was found to have conducted herself in a manner that was improper or unethical, and likely to bring other council officials into disrepute.
The council plans to update its social media policy to include all forms of media, and tighten rules on who can speak on behalf of the council.
TAS:
The mayor of Tasmania’s West Coast Council says the entire community is in shock after the death of a young council worker in a ride-on mower accident this week.
Pulse Hobart reports that the man, in his 30s, died at the scene after being found by emergency services workers trapped beneath a mower on Monday afternoon in Zeehan, a small town on the state’s west coast.
Worksafe says it appears he became trapped under the mower when it lost balance on uneven ground, and it is investigating the incident.
A councillor has reluctantly resigned at Sorell Council in Tasmania’s southeast, due to moving her place of residence outside of the municipality’s boundary.
Meg Brown, who was elected just last year, said the move was necessary to support her family and that she was very disappointed not to be able to see out her term.
Mayor Kerry Vincent told the Mercury that Cr Brown had been a breath of fresh air on the council, and he was sorry to see her go.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission will undertake a recount process to determine a replacement in the coming weeks.
QLD:
An overhaul of the councillor complaint system in Queensland has passed the Parliament.
Council peak body LGAQ has welcomed the new regime and thanked the Deputy Premier and LG Minister Steven Miles for listening to sector concerns and introducing the changes before the current term expires in March.
CEO Alison Smith said for the regime to work, it must strengthen the ability of the sector to represent communities, and not hamper the ability of mayors and councillors to do the job they are elected to do.
Sweeping changes to the system include time limits for the receipt of complaints, a process to declare a person a vexatious complainant, updated natural justice requirements, and changes to conduct definitions.
The Queensland Beef Corridors group, which represents seven central Queensland councils, says it is pleased that a $400 investment in road network upgrades has survived the federal government’s strategic review process.
Spokesperson, Kerry Hayes, who is also the Mayor of Central Highlands Regional Council, said the group is eager to progress to the planning stage after the past two years of advocacy for the project.
The $800M project will see 457km of unsealed roads and three heavy vehicle corridors upgraded to improve access for beef supplies to processing facilities and the Port of Gladstone.
WA:
The first female CEO in the history of WA’s City of Melville has commenced work this week.
Gail Bowman joins the city as part of a trifecta of women in leadership, alongside Mayor Katy Mair and Deputy Mayor Glynis Barber.
Ms Bowman was previously the city’s Director of Community Development and has had a lifelong career in state and local government and community services.
Mayor Katy Mair said her commencement marks a new beginning and an opportunity to reset with a new look Council.
National Briefs:
Launceston City Council has advertised its intention to transfer the ownership of UTAS Stadium to a new state government entity.
It will consider any objections received about the intended disposal before making a formal decision early next year.
The state and federal governments have committed more than $130M for upgrades and expansion of the stadium.
MidCoast Council’s e-scooter trial is back on track after its initial provider pulled out just two weeks before it was due to commence.
Micro-mobility firm Beam has come on board, and the trial will now get underway on the 8th December.
Goondiwindi Regional Council and Moree Plains Shire Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve cross-border outcomes.
The MOU outlines the coordination and delivery of shared services and infrastructure, regional economic development, access to training and higher education, disaster management, and major regional arterial roads.
Both councils will work together to advocate for safe and effective transport networks across the Queensland and New South Wales border.
The rollout of FOGO services in Western Australia has now passed 200,000 households in 18 local government areas.
The government says a further 13 local governments are committed to rolling out the harmonised three-bin FOGO service.
It highlighted the cities of Albany and Melville as star performers in reaching a recycling rate of 65 and 66 % respectively.
International Spotlight:
NORTH AMERICA:
A so-called neutrality movement is gathering support across North America, with two notable local government developments this week.
In British Columbia, a group called the BC Humanist Association has accused seven councils including Vancouver of violating a duty of neutrality, citing a 2015 Supreme Court ruling that prayer before council meetings infringes on freedom of conscience and religion.
The group says council chambers should be welcoming to all, and that the inclusion of prayer at council meetings excludes people who don’t share the faith of those leading the prayers and fails to represent the diverse beliefs within the city.
You can read more from Vancouver City News on that development.
The city’s mayor Steven Reed is opposed to the resolution, believing that it infringes on the decision-making authority of city officials.
The Alabama Reporter says the so-called “neutrality resolution” can now only be changed by a resolution of the council.
In Michigan, an attempt by Flint City Council to ban guns from being brought into Council meetings has been blocked by a court ruling.
A judge has issued a temporary injunction, ruling that a ban on the right to carry weapons was a violation of the Open Meetings Act, according to a report from local station ABC12 News.
Citizens can now freely bring firearms into council meetings, thwarting the council’s attempts to declare city hall a gun-free zone.
NZ:
Dawn Baxendale, the Chief Executive of Christchurch City Council, has resigned and will leave before her five-year contract ends for personal reasons.
Her last day will coincide with the end of her Annual Leave on 30 November.
A report from Crux News reveals that the resignation followed a two-hour confidential discussion called by Mayor Phil Mauger to discuss developments that required the council’s immediate consideration.
Recent media reports have suggested troubles at the council, with a leaked staff survey painting a picture of disappointment and disillusionment, and the council apologising for how it handled the response to a wastewater treatment plant fire.
Ms Baxendale came to the role in Christchurch in 2019 from the UK where she had been the chief executive of Southampton and Birmingham city councils.
Mary Richardson has been appointed as the Interim Chief Executive until a new Chief Executive is appointed.
In a statement, the council said there would be no further comment from the Mayor or Ms Baxendale on the matter.
Gore District Council’s interim chief executive, Stephen Parry, has survived a bid to have him removed from his job at an emotionally charged meeting.
The Southland Times reported that a petition calling for Parry’s removal as interim chief executive was not received, with 18 out of 313 signatories being found invalid due to having an address outside of the Gore district.
Mr Parry was appointed to the interim role last month to provide stability and continuity in leadership as the council began a recruitment process.
Deputy mayor Keith Hovell described the petition and its supporters as divisive and an unwelcome distraction.
This was the second petition this year calling for Parry’s resignation, with a previous online petition with nearly 5000 signatures in May, which the council voted not to receive.
In other international stories of interest this week,
Hutt City Council in New Zealand has voted to establish a Maori Ward for the 2025 local government elections.
The intent is to ensure Maori are represented and can participate in local government decision making.
A suspended city manager has been arrested and charged with theft and conspiracy in Pennsylvania.
Spotlight PA has reported on allegations that Dubois City Manage Herm Suplizio diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars of public money into secret bank accounts for personal use.
And seven community members have been arrested at a Fontana City Council meeting in California, after the audience grew increasingly heated leading to an order to clear the chamber.
The Sun news outlet has details including video of the chaos at the meeting, leading to a number of arrests for wilful disturbance and unlawful assembly.
Residents are said to be upset over new regulations for street vendors, zoning changes for warehousing, and a change to meeting times.