Today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- A council calls on its acting Mayor to step aside
- A rural mayor on the mend after a health scare
- A customer service win for a Victorian council
- A cyber attack on a council may have nationwide implications
- NSW councils underwhelmed by state housing reforms
- A council general manager resigns after just seven weeks
- Attacks on council storm recovery crews condemned
- UK councils encouraged to sell off public assets
And yet more news from across the world of local government.
The Local Government News Roundup is 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 301:
Victorian Roundup:
Frankston City Council is in the news today, with the Herald Sun reporting that it has passed a vote of no confidence in its Acting Mayor Liam Hughes.
The council has called on Cr Hughes to resign the mayoral position after missing a meeting and briefing session since he was promoted from deputy to acting mayor two weeks ago.
That occurred after incumbent mayor Nathan Conroy took a leave of absence to contest the Dunkley by-election.
Cr Hughes is currently overseas on a university study tour and has refused to resign.
He says he has informed the Council he would be on leave until the 11th of February, and that the no-confidence motion is a “political stunt.”
The Mayor of Loddon Shire says he’s on the mend after a severe case of pneumonia saw him in and out of intensive care in a Bendigo hospital recently.
Cr Gavan Holt says he’s home and improving after the health scare, and thankful to fellow councillors for stepping in to chair the January Council meeting and carry out official Australia Day duties.
The Mayor of Kingston, Jenna Davey-Burns, says she is extremely disappointed and frustrated after community facilities in Bicentennial Park were severely damaged in suspected arson attacks this week.
No injuries or fatalities occurred, but the incident will impact the Blue Jays baseball club and the broader community for an extended period.
The council is assessing the damage and assisting the police in the aftermath.
The MAV has welcomed the release of the ACCC’s Childcare Inquiry Final Report, which has taken on the peak body’s advice that early childhood education and care planning needs a place-based approach.
It described the recommendation of a market stewardship role for government, including the support of local government, as a big win for children and families, and said it was an important acknowledgment that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.
Nillumbik Shire Council has been recognized for exceptional customer service, ranking first in Customer Service Benchmarking Australia’s 2023 Mystery Shopping Program.
The council’s engagement with the program supports its Customer First Strategy, which focuses on customer experience.
The council scored 81.5% in 2023, surpassing the sector benchmark of 48.2%.
The City of Greater Bendigo has thanked residents for their patience as it responds to over 1,050 customer requests and damage from recent flash flooding.
Approximately 304 properties have been impacted since Christmas Day, with floods causing widespread damage to city infrastructure.
The council estimates the three flood events have caused approximately $5M in damage, and it will take a further three months to complete jobs related to the floods.
The Queensland Fruit Fly has been recently detected in the Yarra Ranges, specifically in the Lilydale area, prompting the council and Agribusiness Yarra Valley to work with landowners on containment and eradication measures.
The council is asking residents to be on the lookout for the fruit fly and to help prevent its spread.
The QFF, which is active during fruiting season and in temperatures above 16 degrees, has been found in the region several times since February 2018.
The town of Daylesford has been recognised as one of the top 10 ‘Most Welcoming Cities on Earth’ in Booking.com‘s 12th annual Traveller Review Awards.
The awards are based on over 309 million verified customer reviews.
Hepburn Shire Mayor Brian Hood said he was immensely proud of the honour, highlighting the unique beauty of the town, its striking landscapes, award-winning eateries, and world-famous mineral springs and spa resorts, and its distinct village feel.
The locations to score better on the list were towns in Brazil, Greece and Portugal.
Glenelg Shire Council has decided to defer the Glenelg Shire Business and Tourism Awards until August 2025 due to resourcing issues. The awards, which celebrate economic contributors in the shire, were originally scheduled for May 2024.
In more Glenelg news, the council has adopted new Governance Rules, which guide the conduct of Council meetings, after considering public feedback.
Some proposed changes were reversed during the public consultation period, particularly regarding community question time, which was the the main focus of submissions received.
Victorian Briefs:
John Watson has concluded his tenure as Chairman of the Victorian Local Government Grants Commission (VLGGC) after 11 years.
During his tenure, the commission recommended the allocation of over $7.5 billion in grants and held around 200 meetings with councils.
Victorian councils were among the guests at the launch of a new soft plastics recycling facility in Melbourne this week.
The TonerPlas production plant was launched by Close the Loop Australia, as part of the company’s commitment to reducing the amount of soft plastics going to landfill.
Close The Loop sees this week’s event as another step towards circularity, highlighting the need to not just collect and recover, but to reuse materials across the supply chain.
New cat confinement regulations in the City of Whittlesea have led to a 70% year-on-year decrease in cat-related complaints.
During the first six months of the new rules, the council has supported pet owners through the transition with resources like instructional videos, DIY workshops, and information booths.
But the council says from this month, non-compliance with the regulations may result in fines.
Wellington Shire Council has launched the Wellington Tracks & Trails initiative from the start of this month.
The two-month community program aimed at promoting outdoor activities and improving accessibility of local tracks and trails.
Participants can win prizes by visiting a participating track or trail, scanning a QR code, and completing a survey.
National Roundup:
Central Coast Council’s payment system has been targeted in a cyber attack this week.
Random card numbers were generated and tested for authenticity through small payments.
While hundreds of attempts were rejected, fewer than 20 were successful.
But the council has warned that there may be an impact on cardholders across Australia.
It recommends cardholders check their banking transactions and contact their bank if they suspect their information was compromised.
The Council has now reopened its payment channel based on advice from external cyber security experts that it is safe to do so, and its another level of fraud control has been added to the payment pathway.
Despite a shark attack earlier this week, additional shark prevention measures will not be installed around Sydney Harbour, with the state government and the City of Sydney reportedly disagreeing over responsibility.
Locals have called for a public enclosed swimming area at Elizabeth Bay, according to a report from the Daily Telegraph.
Current prevention measures like shark nets and smart drumlines are not used within the harbour.
Plans for an enclosed public pool were abandoned due to water quality concerns.
The City of Sydney has said it would not be building enclosed harbourside pools until water quality improved, requiring significant investment from the state government.
Hawkesbury councillors were reportedly left extremely underwhelmed by a new affordable housing plan tabled at a council meeting this week.
The plan, submitted by the Western Sydney Planning Partnership, requires only 1.5% of new homes in the western Sydney area to be designated as affordable housing; and councillors say that it falls short of addressing the city’s real estate crisis.
The plan also proposes a levy on new developments to fund affordable housing.
The Daily Telegraph reported that councillors argued the measures are insufficient given the scale of the housing crisis, with 100,000 people on public housing waiting lists and estimates of 129,000 households needing affordable housing by 2041.
The Hawkesbury councillor reaction is echoed in a report to be presented to Wollongong City Council next week.
Officers at that council have described state government reforms as “one size fits all.”
The report says they don’t recognise the individual character and constraints in Wollongong, and argues that some of the reforms will override the council’s housing strategy adopted last year, according to today’s Illawarra Mercury (2*/2/24).*
Shoalhaven City Council has [decided not to proceed with an application for a proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV)](https://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Council-resolve-to-not-proceed-with-SRV-application?), opting instead for a range of measures to improve financial stability.
The decision was made at a reconvened meeting to break a deadlock amongst councillors, and to be able to advise a way forward to the administration.
The Council will conduct workshops to improve efficiencies, asset management planning, and to increase revenue through sales of underperforming assets.
Mayor Amanda Findlay said the decision necessitates stringent monitoring of expenditure and adjustments to capital works projects and maintenance programs.
She said the need for a special rate variation has not gone away, but had been merely pushed to the next Council to be elected in September.
Kiama Council yesterday resolved to decline all tenders for the divestment of the Blue Haven Bonaira aged care facility, and enter direct negotiations with the preferred tenderer.
Mayor Neil Reilly said it was one of the biggest decisions ever made by the Council; but that the sale is essential to reduce debt and liquidity, and urgency is required.
The Illawarra Mercury reported that police were called to clear the gallery from what it described as a tense meeting.
At the same meeting, a letter from the NSW Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig, was tabled, recognising the significant financial challenges the council is facing, and acknowledging the substantial efforts made by the council to address the issues that led to the issuance of a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) in November 2022.
Despite those efforts, the Minister feels progress should be faster, and the PIO will be altered and its enforcement will continue.
A independent report prepared by John Rayner, who was appointed by the Minister to conduct a review of the council’s situation, was also tabled, and described by CEO, Jane Stroud, as a factual and fair appraisal of the council’s current financial predicament.
She has shared her ongoing concerns about the state of the council’s finances, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive and collective action to ensure the financial sustainability of the local government now and in the future.
Adelaide City Council has voted to develop a sustainability incentive scheme for residents and businesses to purchase e-bikes and cargo bikes, and install new or replace broken bike racks on private property.
InDaily reports that the scheme aligns with the Integrated Climate Strategy endorsed by the council, which aims to triple the number of city workers commuting by bike and double the number of residents walking to work.
While e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular, concerns have been raised about differentiating them from e-scooters and ensuring appropriate regulations and insurance coverage.
The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) says there have been multiple incidents of physical, verbal, and online abuse towards recovery crews working to clean up after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.
Chair of the group, Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill condemned the attacks, which included a man being physically assaulted in the cab of his truck.
She said the behaviour will not be tolerated and will be reported to the police, and called for patience and cooperation as council staff members continue to work under heatwave conditions to clean up the city.
Banana Shire Council in central Queensland and the AUKUS Forum have signed a historic partnership to spotlight Queensland’s regional manufacturing and industrial capabilities on the global stage.
The collaboration aims to drive innovation, investment, and economic growth in the region. Mayor Cr Nev Ferrier believes the partnership will benefit local small, medium, and large industries within the Shire by attracting investment and creating more skilled jobs.
The AUKUS Forum founder, Michael Sharpe, commended the Council’s initiative, stating it aligns with the Forum’s mission to leverage the AUKUS agreement and the opportunities it brings.
City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas and his now revealed state political ambition was the focus of questioning from residents at the city’s annual elector’s meeting this week.
Mr Zempilas has confirmed his intention to join the Liberal Party and run for preselection in the seat of Churchlands.
Despite concerns from residents about potential conflicts of interest, Lord Mayor Zempilas has vowed that his political aspirations will not interfere with his mayoral duties.
WA Today reported that he also pointed out that several sitting politicians had balanced similar roles, and he intends to keep his position as mayor until February 2025.
National Briefs:
Brett Kelly has resigned from his position as interim general manager at Kyogle Council after only seven weeks.
He was appointed to the role in December, when a majority of councillors controversially terminated the services of former GM Graham Kennett.
Mr Kelly has accepted a senior management position elsewhere, according to IndyNR.com.
The Mercury (30/1/24, p.7) has reported on the cost to Launceston Council to defend 18 planning decisions at the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The Council spent $294,797.45 over two years, with most expensive case being the rail trail at Golconda Rd, costing $68,942.60.
The appeals represented 1.4% of all approved development applications over the same period.
Rockhampton Zoo is set to undergo significant renovations with a $7.5 million Council project, including a new visitor entrance and amenities.
The project, which has received $1.5M from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, will commence soon and aims to be completed by Christmas.
International Spotlight:
The UK government is encouraging English councils to sell public assets worth up to £23bn to address budget shortfalls.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, led by Michael Gove, is considering plans to allow councils to use money from asset sales to meet budget pressures.
Critics warn of a potential “fire sale” of public assets and argue that this approach does not address long-term financial pressures.
Some councils have already identified libraries, civic halls, and other community facilities for potential sale, according to a report this week from the Guardian.
The Telegraph has reported that high-income earners in the UK may be prohibited from renting council houses under new proposals by Mr Gove, aimed at ensuring homes go to those in greatest financial need.
The proposed law would establish a nationwide salary threshold for new social housing tenants.
The policy will not affect existing tenants or those who receive a pay rise above the threshold.
The proposal also includes a ban of up to five years for those who commit anti-social behaviour and a “British homes for British workers” policy, requiring a decade-long UK connection and a two-year local area link.
Buckinghamshire Council has been criticised for earning £450k by allowing a closed school site to be used as a filming location.
The Netflix series Heartstopper is one example of a production using the site for filming.
BBC news reports that the school was closed in 2019 after an “inadequate” inspection result.
Despite complaints from parents and local officials about the school’s closure, the council maintains that the income from filming is used to offset the ongoing vacancy and security costs at the site, and no profit is being made.
A UK think tank has called for an immediate revaluation of all domestic properties in England to improve local government finance and a long-term reform of the council tax system.
The National Powerhouse Partnership suggests that this would create a fairer system that reflects market changes since the last valuation in 1991, [according to a report from Local Gov dot Co dot UK.](https://www.localgov.co.uk/Call-for-council-tax-overhaul/58734?)
The think-tank also proposed the introduction of three new council tax ‘super bands’ for properties worth £2m and above, with revenue distributed nationwide to support less affluent areas.
Additionally, the NPP urged for an extension and deepening of devolution, including new level 4 mayoralties and additional powers for metro mayors.
Annemarie O’Donnell, the chief executive of Glasgow City Council, has announced that she will step down in May after nearly a decade in the role and a 30-year career in local government.
O’Donnell, who has overseen significant changes in the council and managed challenges such as the COVID pandemic and equal pay court cases, will remain in her position until a new chief executive is appointed.
She expressed a desire to make room in her life for other pursuits.
New York City Council has, as expected, overridden Mayor Eric Adams’ vetoes on a solitary confinement ban and a police transparency bill.
The solitary confinement bill requires individuals in city custody to have at least 14 hours of out-of-cell time in a group setting, except in specific circumstances.
The police transparency bill, known as the “How Many Stops” bill, mandates the NYPD to publicly report on police-civilian investigative stops and consent searches, and to expand reporting on vehicle stops.
ABC News is among those reporting on Mayor Adams’s criticism of the Council decisions. He is arguing it will make New Yorkers and law enforcement officers less safe.
In Arizona, a state senator has announced she is giving up her position in what she describes as the ‘gridlocked’ Legislature to run for Phoenix City Council.
Sen. Anna Hernandez believes she can make a more meaningful impact at the local level, addressing issues such as police violence, housing reform, support for unsheltered residents, and climate change.
The seat she will attempt to win is currently held by the city’s Vice Mayor, who is campaigning for a seat in Congress. Read more in a story posted online by KJZZ.org.