Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- School crossing supervisor safety concerns after a fatality in Wodonga
- Melbourne City Council faces criticism over renaming plans
- Tensions at a regional Council meeting over the Gaza conflict
- An innovative pilot program targeting sexual health in rural communities
- A Sydney Council backtracks on waste collection frequency after complaints
- A council CEO announces retirement
- A court asked to void a council election result in Adelaide
Plus more Council news from across Australia and beyond on the Local Government News Roundup.
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.
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Transcript for episode 302:
Victorian Roundup:
The death of a school crossing supervisor while on duty in Wodonga on Friday has prompted tributes and safety concerns.
The Border Mail reports today (5/2/24, p.3) on the death of Brian Beach after being hit by a sedan at a crossing on Melrose Drive that has been the subject of criticism since 2010.
Melrose Drive is a state road, and Wodonga Council provides a crossing supervisor.
There is no 40kph limit at the crossing during morning and afternoon school crossing times as it is not directly outside a school campus.
Mr Beach began working as a crossing supervisor in January last year.
It’s believed to be the first fatality of a supervisor while on duty since the commencement of the state program in 1975.
The City of Melbourne’s plan to prioritise Aboriginal language names and historically significant women in the naming or renaming of places has faced criticism, with 61.3% of survey respondents opposing the idea, and just 33.2% in favour.
The Herald Sun reports today that the Council’s analysis of community feedback resulted in a view that no particular culture, gender, or demographic group should be prioritised, and the connection to the local area should be a key factor in naming decisions.
There was strong support for locals to vote on new name options, with 74% willing to participate in a poll.
The report will be considered at a council meeting tomorrow.
Question time at a recent City of Greater Bendigo council meeting reportedly became heated, after several questions came from the public gallery about the conflict in Gaza.
According to a report from the Bendigo Times, CEO Andrew Cooney said that the council would not be commenting on the matter.
He said the situation was outside the council’s control and best left to the Federal Government and international entities to resolve.
Ararat Rural City Council has decided not to renew its membership with the Western Bulldogs Youth Leadership Program in 2024, citing the program’s lack of geographic reach and inconsistency.
The Ararat Advertiser (2/1/24) reported that the council is seeking a new youth program that is better tailored to their broader community.
The council’s CEO, Dr. Tim Harrison, is expected to present an alternative program at the next council meeting.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has launched a new online engagement hub, Your Say, to improve community feedback on key council policies or initiatives.
The hub will host surveys, interactive maps, Q&As, forums, and more, allowing the public to view and comment on current consultations.
The initiative supports the Council’s strategic priority to enhance customer experience and ensure transparency in community consultation.
Several policies and initiatives are set for public consultation, including Romsey Skatepark designs, Draft Complaint and Unreasonable Behaviour Policy, Draft Special Charge Scheme Policy, and Draft Fair Access Policy.
The Rural City of Wangaratta and the University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health have collaborated on an innovative pilot program to address barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare in rural communities.
The program features a vending machine that dispenses free and confidential tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV, aiming to overcome challenges such as transportation, cost, wait times, and confidentiality concerns.
The council believes the success of the initiative could lead to similar programs across regional Victoria.
Brimbank Council, in collaboration with the Department of Transport and Planning, is implementing “No Trucks” zones in selected residential areas to improve safety and reduce noise.
The restrictions, which are effective immediately, only allow trucks with specific reasons like construction or deliveries to enter.
Mayor Ranka Rasic said the roads in question “are not short cuts or designated for heavy vehicle use – they are roads for the community to use.”
The zones are enforced by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, and breaches can be reported to the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line.
Victorian Briefs:
A new bus tour has been launched in Hobsons Bay, offering locals and tourists a chance to explore the area’s maritime history, parklands, beaches, and foodie hotspots.
The tour runs every Tuesday and Saturday until April, with different lunch stops depending on the day.
The City of Ballarat has launched the program for the 72nd annual Ballarat Begonia Festival.
The event on the Labour Day weekend in March is set to draw thousands of people with a full program of activities, entertainment, food, flowers, and fun.
The City of Melton is inviting its residents to provide feedback on the Melton Employment and Industrial Land Strategy, a long-term plan aimed at boosting local jobs and fostering economic growth.
The initiative aims to leverage the city’s abundant commercial and industrial land, population growth, and state and federal government infrastructure investment.
Public submissions open this month for ward boundary reviews for ten Victorian councils.
Reviews commence next week for Baw Baw, Bass Coast, South Gippsland and Wellington, followed in subsequent weeks by Loddon, Murrundindi and Pyrenees; then Boroondara, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia.
Outcomes from last year’s electoral structure reviews of 39 councils are yet to be announced.
National Roundup
Inner West Council in Sydney is reverting to weekly waste collection from fortnightly collection after complaints about smelly bins and flies.
ABC News and others have reported on the changes, which will allow residents to opt-in to have their general waste bin collected weekly at no extra cost.
The change to fortnightly collection coincided with the rollout of food and organic waste bins, which are collected weekly.
Despite the complaints, the council noted that the new system has diverted 5,900 tonnes of organic waste from landfill, equivalent to taking 7,000 cars off the road for a year.
Debra Just, CEO of Willoughby City Council, has announced her retirement after a 25-year career in local government.
As Willoughby CEO since 2015, Debra has been praised for her prudent financial management and for fostering a positive organisational culture.
Her retirement is set for next month, after which she plans to return to her family in Adelaide.
Following a review, Maitland City Council has unanimously approved a new, enhanced organisational structure proposed by its recently appointed General Manager, Jeff Smith.
The changes aim to align more closely with the Maitland +10 Community Strategic Plan, improve the Council’s financial position, and ensure resources are coordinated effectively.
The restructure results in a net reduction of four management roles, with five departments in place of the previous seven.
Wagga Wagga City Council has resolved to participate in a state government trial using artificial intelligence (AI) to process development applications, according to a report in the Daily Advertiser (1/2/24).
The AI pilot project, funded with $5.6 million from the state budget, aims to expedite decision-making, compliance checking, and workflow efficiencies.
Despite concerns about AI causing job redundancies, the council believes the technology will enhance their capabilities, allowing staff to focus on creative tasks rather than paperwork and regulatory issues.
The Queensland Government has announced new initiatives to increase access to land and encourage housing development, including social and affordable housing.
They will invest $350 million in a state-wide infrastructure fund to stimulate private market-feasible infill development.
A Ground Lease Model pilot will be introduced to unlock more social and affordable housing on surplus government land.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith responded to the announcement, stating that Queensland councils have proposed solutions to the housing crisis and are eager to see the details of the government’s plan.
She welcomed infrastructure charges relief but called for more assistance, including relief for greenfield development charges.
The LGAQ supports inclusionary zoning pilots but opposes a mandatory approach.
The Sunshine Coast Council has endorsed a proposal to provide a 100% rebate on standard council infrastructure charges to community organisations that deliver affordable housing until 2028.
The rebate, which could significantly reduce development costs, supports the council’s Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2023.
Sunshine Coast News reports that the rebate applies to all forms of affordable housing provided by registered entities that meet the eligibility criteria of the newly adopted changes to the council’s rebate policy.
Bundaberg Regional Council is seeking State Government support for a business case to investigate the feasibility of a new up-to-10,000 seat stadium.
The Mayor Jack Dempsey argues that the stadium is overdue given the region’s booming population and economic growth, and points out that neighbouring regions with smaller populations have larger stadiums.
He said potential benefits include increased tourism, job opportunities, and local business activity.
The council will contribute 50% of the cost towards a business case and is seeking funding from the State Government for the other half.
SA Electoral Commissioner Mick Sherry has defended his oversight of the disputed 2022 Adelaide City Council Central Ward election, which was marred by allegations of a voter scam.
It led to the rejection of 23 ballots over suspicions they were not returned by the residents whose names were on the voting slips.
Former city councillor Alex Hyde, who narrowly lost the election, petitioned the Court of Disputed Returns to declare the election void, alleging illegal practices and voter harvesting.
Sherry, who was cross-examined in court last week, confirmed that the investigation into the matter remains open and ongoing, according to a report from InDaily.
Devonport City Council has agreed to sell part of a Council-owned site to Indie Education, paving the way for a $15 million, three-storey development as part of the LIVING CITY initiative.
The project, which includes the demolition of an old library building to create space for retail, commercial, and residential opportunities, is fully funded by Indie Education.
Construction is set to commence before the end of 2024, with the new building expected to open in 2026.
Mayor Alison Jarman said, “This significant development marks a new chapter for Devonport. Indie Education’s investment in our city not only benefits our local economy but also supports diverse educational opportunities for our youth.”
Despite claims of strong community support, the Western Australian government is reportedly set to scrap a scheme to protect mature trees on private properties in Perth.
Last year, the Nedlands and South Perth councils voted to require landowners to seek approval before cutting down large trees.
However, the Planning Minister John Carey has decided to reject the scheme amendment that would give effect to the new rules, according to ABC News.
Mr Carey says no official decision has been made, but a broader greening strategy is being developed by the government that would seek to “respect the rights of private property owners.”
He also suggested that Nedlands Council had skewed the data about the level of support for the scheme.
Critics argue that the government is prioritizing housing developments over tree protection.
Perth has the least tree canopy of any Australian capital city.
The development of a 122-room resort at Kalgoorlie Golf Course has stalled, despite a $10 million commitment from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
That’s according to a report from ABC News.
The DoubleTree by Hilton project has faced ongoing delays over six years.
The city has completed earthworks and connected services as part of its commitment, but the state of the WA construction industry has cast doubt over the project.
The quarterly report to the Council last week described the project as “on hold” and “off track.”
But both parties have now reaffirmed their commitment to the project, saying they are eager to commence before the end of the year.
National Briefs:
Logan City Council mowing crews and a dozen volunteers from other departments are working overtime to tackle rapid grass growth in local parks, footpaths, and road reserves due to recent weather conditions.
An expanded mowing schedule is being rolled out alongside the Council’s staged Christmas Day storm clean-up program, which is continuing across impacted streets in the city’s south.
Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood and Tasmania’s Minister for Stadia and Events Nic Street have signed a new stadium agreement.
The Examiner (5/1/24, p.2) reports that the MOU was signed yesterday, demonstrating commitment to attracting more events to the UTAS Stadium under a new management model.
Stadiums Tasmania will take over the running of the venue from the council, and the MOU details intentions to attract international events to the stadium on top of AFL and AFLW games.
West Arnhem Regional Council has appointed Andrew Walsh as its new Chief Executive Officer. Walsh has previously served in East Arnhem and will commence his role on the 4th of March.
International Spotlight
More than 28% of Seoul Metropolitan Council employees have witnessed or experienced workplace sexual harassment, according to a Ministry of Gender Equality and Family report released on Sunday.
The Korea Herald reported that the council scored higher than the government organization average in negative perception towards victims.
Most harassment was verbal, often occurring at work dinners or official events, primarily perpetrated by superiors.
In response, the council says it will implement guidelines to prevent sexual harassment and violence, establish a hotline for victims, and enforce a strict no-tolerance policy with heavy penalties for offenders.
A recent poll reveals that about two-thirds of Americans believe their property tax rates are too high, with 69% considering them unfair.
The highest rates are in New Jersey, Illinois, and New Hampshire, while the lowest are in Hawaii, Alabama, and Colorado. Republicans are more likely than Democrats to view property taxes as too high.
Newsweek reported that 36% of respondents believe the value of services received from taxes is poor, and only 41% have confidence in their local government’s responsible use of tax money.
Localgov.co.uk reports that Kent County Council is considering over 180 redundancies and a reduction of over 25 full-time posts as part of a move to transform services and deliver savings.
The changes will impact the open access teams in the children, young people, and education directorate and reduce youth services to accommodate the Government’s family hubs.
The council estimates the reforms could save £7m.
From BBC News, a report that Liverpool City Council will have to repay millions to the government after failing to meet a job creation target for a waterfront regeneration project.
The council blames a car park fire for the failure to create hundreds of jobs at Kings Dock.
The council had received £25m from the government in 2012 for an employment scheme, which was expanded to include King’s Dock in 2016.
The council will now repay £4m of the original allocation, despite being almost 70% below the jobs target.
The winners of the World Mayor Prize and Awards were announced last week, with exceptional mayors honoured from across the globe.
Tony Keats, the Mayor of Dover, Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, has been awarded the 2023 World Mayor Community Award for extraordinary service to his community since 1996.
Mayor Stefan Fassbender of Greifswald in Germany was awarded the Friendship Award for cooperation with and support of communities in Ukraine, Poland and Brazil.
A Mayor Jury Award went to Mayor Manuel De Araujo for his defence of democratic values in Mozambique.
And the major honour – the 2023 World Mayor Prize was awarded to Elke Kahr, Mayor of Graz in Austria for selfless dedication to her city and its people. Her decision to share a large part of her salary with people in need is said to have attracted worldwide admiration.
The World Mayor Project was established in 2004, with awards presented every two years.