The Roundup is back with the latest news from across the world of local government.
In this episode for 9th October 2024:
- Ballot packs on the way to voters in Victoria
- The gut-wrenching impact of vandalism on candidate signage
- New mayors elected in NSW
- Douglas Shire announces its new CEO
- A Queensland mayor cleared of an alleged campaign donation breach, and
- Hobart City Council embarks on a hunt for inefficiencies and alternate revenue sources
Plus more of the latest news from around the world of local government brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Davidson recruitment and business advisory services.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 381:
As ballot packs go out to voters this week for Victoria’s council elections, there are numerous reports coming through about the scourge of vandalism of campaign signage.
In Geelong, a well-known local butcher has been caught on camera allegedly attempting to deface the signs of council candidate Angela Carr.
The Geelong Advertiser reported that a camera was set up after two posters were stolen and damaged.
A complaint to Victoria Police and the Electoral Commission alleges that businessman John Siketa removed, cut out, burned and graffitied election posters in a local shopping strip last month. Victoria Police is investigating the incident.
Hume City councillor and candidate for re-election Jack Medcraft told the Star Weekly that he was angry to discover several of his signs had been destroyed – some defaced with spray paint and vulgar imagery, and at least three stolen. Sunbury Macedon Ranges Star Weekly
Campaign signs for City of Casey candidate Jamel Kaur Singh have been defaced with racist comments.
She told the ABC that the “act of hate” had shocked her.
Some of her corflute signs have also been ripped in half and discarded.
A Greater Bendigo council candidate says theft of campaign signage is hurting her bid for election.
Shivali Chatley told the Bendigo Advertiser she had reported her signs being stolen to Victoria Police.
Another candidate, Aaron Spong, has also had signs stolen, graffitied and torn down.
Australian Local Government Women’s Association Victoria president Clare Williams told ABC Radio that the vandalism and abuse was gut-wrenching for candidates, with at least one candidate already dropping out of the election because of it.
Geelong Advertiser $; ABC News; *Bendigo Advertiser $; ABC Radio*
The Age has conducted a survey of candidates to find out where they stand on key issues ahead of the election.
It says it heard from 677 of the nearly 1500 candidates, and that nearly half of those want councils to stick to roads, roads and rubbish over getting involved in issues like Gaza, Australia Day and anti-semitism.
Thirty per cent thought councils should be making statements on those issues, while another 22 per cent had no view. The Age
The cost of Council election campaigns is the focus of a story in the Berwick Star News this week.
Some candidates in the Greater Dandenong and Casey elections are reported to be spending in excess of $10,000 on their campaigns, creating financial challenges for independent candidates compared to party-backed candidates.
It’s argued that high campaign costs are a deterrent for potential candidates, especially given cost-of-living pressures.
The article also discusses the impact of preference deals, the suspicion that dummy candidates are being used to funnel votes to some candidates, and the advantage that Labor-aligned candidates receive from preference arrangements. Berwick Star News
The Greek Herald has reported on fears of ‘dummy candidates’ at these elections, citing an example from Yarra Council that it claims is aimed at “inflating votes for certain individuals. Greek Herald
Eleven Greater Geelong council candidates say they will support a motion denouncing Israel’s occupation of Palestine, and a divestment from companies that profit from the occupation.
The Geelong Advertiser reported that the group of candidates, comprising Greens, Socialist Alliance and independent representatives, have given their support to proposals from the group Free Palestine Geelong. Geelong Advertiser $
Bass Coast Shire Council is looking for solutions to a financial crisis that is threatening a local community centre.
The Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre recently discovered an historic staff underpayment issue.
It has prompted urgent discussions between the Council, the centre’s management and local MP Jordan Crugnale.
CEO Greg Box said the the not-for-profit organisation had been an integral part of the fabric of Bass Coast for decades, providing essential services for many vulnerable members of the community.
He said all options to ensure the important and much needed services continue will be explored. Bass Shire Coast Council
Victorian Briefs:
Former Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill was suspended for one month after an arbiter determined that he engaged in misconduct. Mr Hemphill has not nominated for re-election after more than 25 years as a councillor. Star Weekly
Another former mayor, Moonee Valley councillor Samantha Byrne, was suspended for 14 days after an arbiter found she had breached three standards of conduct. Cr Byrne is standing for re-election this month. *Moonee Valley City Council*
Nillumbik Shire councillor Richard Stockman resigned from the council on 11th September, with immediate effect, leaving a vacant position for the remaining weeks of the council term.
Mr Stockman is attempting to switch to Whittlesea City Council, where he is one of eight nominations for Bundoora Ward. *Nillumbik Shire Council*
He’s one of two councillors attempting to change municipalities – Fiona Stevens, currently at Mitchell Shire has nominated for a position on Strathbogie Shire Council.
In executive news, experienced Council CEO Michael Tudball has stepped in at Darebin City Council as interim CEO, replacing recently departed CEO Peter Smith. Darebin City Council
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla and Horsham Rural City Council mutually agreed to part ways last month. Horsham Rural City Council
The council has since appointed former Greater Bendigo CEO Craig Neimann as interim chief executive officer until the incoming council makes a permanent appointment. Horsham Rural City Council
And Baw Baw Shire CEO Mark Dupe has been granted a one year extension to his contract by the council. The extension takes him through to May 2026 in the position.
National Roundup:
NSW:
A referendum of voters in Woollahra has failed to attract support for a proposed reduction in the number of councillors in the municipality.
The proposal to downsize the council from 15 to nine councillors was narrowly defeated, with 50.98 per cent voting to maintain the status quo.
The Woollahra vote was against a trend of council reduction, with similar proposals getting voters’ approval in Central Coast, Hilltops and Port Macquarie. Sydney Morning Herald
Blayney Shire has elected Bruce Reynolds as its new mayor for two years, and Rebecca Scott as deputy. Mayor Reynolds is serving his third term on the council, while Cr Scott is in her first term. Blayney Shire Council
At Berrigan Shire, Julie Cornwell McKean will continue as mayor, having been elected unopposed from the new councillor group. Renee Paine has been elected deputy mayor. Berrigan Shire Council
Central Coast’s first democratically elected council in four years has taken office and a new mayor and deputy have been elected. Lawrie McKinna is mayor, and Douglas Eaton OAM has been elected deputy mayor. Central Coast Council
Paul Smith has been elected mayor of Cowra Shire. He is a second term councillor serving as mayor for the first time. His deputy is Cr Nikki Kiss. Cowra Shire Council
There were two candidates for mayor at Dubbo Regional Council. Joshua Black was successful, beating out former mayor Matthew Dickerson for the job by just one vote. Phillip Toynton was elected to the deputy mayoralty. Dubbo Regional Council
Bob Callow has been re-elected mayor of Junee Shire Council, while Marie Knight has been elected to the position of deputy mayor. Junee Shire Council
The new mayor of Murray River Council is John Harvie. He and deputy Neil Gorey are two of five former councillors to be elected, while there are four new faces on the council team. Murray River Council
Murrumbidgee Shire Council has maintained the status quo, returning Ruth McRae to the mayoralty, a position she has held since 2017. Robert Black was also re-elected as deputy mayor. Murrumbidgee Shire Council
Warrumbungle Shire Council has conducted its mayoral elections, with Cr Kathryn Rindfleish elected unopposed as mayor, and Jason Newton elected unopposed as deputy mayor. Warrumbungle Shire Council
A long list of councils are holding mayoral elections this week, including Bathurst, Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Inner West, Lithgow, Penrith and Randwick.
You’ll find a list of mayoral election results on the Local Government News Roundup website. LG News Roundup – Current NSW Mayors
The NSW Government has proposed to ban private councillor briefing sessions and strengthen lobbying guidelines as part of changes to a “fundamentally broken” Code of Conduct system.
A new model code of conduct would be considerably streamlined, remove the use of private investigators from the councillor conduct process, and give more power to mayors to expel councillors from meetings.
*Canberra Times; Office of Local Government*
Wingecarribee Shire Council is taking action against a luxury rehabilitation facility that allegedly commenced operating without the necessary approvals.
The facility at Bowral is a converted nine bedroom home that is now offering treatment for trauma, mental health issues and addiction at a reported cost of $25,000 per week.
ABC News reported that the Council has confirmed that the property’s zoning requires development approval for the use, which has not been granted.
The property is seeking fast-tracking of approval through the Land and Environment Court. ABC News
QLD:
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli has declared that she has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Electoral Commission of Queensland, after allegations were made that she had accepted a campaign donation from a property developer.
Political donations from property developers have been banned in Queensland since 2018.
Mayor Natoli told ABC News that she had received written advice that she had complied with the rules and that the matter is now closed.
There’s been no confirmation from the Electoral Commission, which has declined to answer any questions about the matter, drawing criticisms about a lack of transparency and accountability in the process. ABC News
Experienced local government practitioner John Oberhardt has been appointed as adviser to Townsville City Council for six months from this week.
Mr Oberhardt has 33 years of experience at Logan City Council, including as Chief Operating Officer.
The government hopes the appointment of an adviser will help to stabilise the council after recent controversies involving Mayor Troy Thompson, who is facing CCC investigation and a potential 12-month suspension. Townsville Bulletin
Douglas Shire Council has appointed its new CEO.
Scott Osman, recently interim CEO at Paroo Shire, will take up the role later in the month, relieving acting CEO Paul Hoye who will return to his role as Manager of Environment and Planning. Douglas Shire Council
Gold Coast City Council has revealed its list of the Top 10 dog breeds in the city, based on the latest registration data.
Topping the list is the ever-popular Labrador, followed by the Maltese Terrier and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Border Collies ranked fourth.
The most common dog names are Bella, Charlie, Coco and Buddy. The Gold Coast Bulletin has more on the Top 10 breeds and dog names. *Gold Coast Bulletin $*
National Briefs:
Core NSW council rate pegs for the 2025/26 financial year have been set by IPART.
They range from 3.6% to 5.1%, exceeding current and forward estimates for CPI in the 2-3% range.
LGNSW, the state’s peak body for councils, said the determination reflected further improvements to the methodology. LGNSW
Sunshine Coast Council has been announced as host of the 2028 Para-cycling World Championships.
More than 500 international athletes and support staff are expected to converge on the city for the event in March 2028, which will be a key qualification event for the Paralympic Games later in the year.
Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood has extended an official invitation to superstar Katy Perry to visit Tasmania.
Mayor Garwood met the star at the AFL Grand Final, and told Pulse Tasmania that he had offered her the chance to hold a real Tasmanian Devil ahead of the launch of the state’s first AFL team in 2028. Pulse Tasmania
North Burnett Regional Council appointed Craig Matheson as its new Chief Executive Officer, bringing over 35 years of experience in public policy, strategic leadership, and corporate governance to the role.
TAS:
Hobart City Council will target inefficiencies and look for alternative sources of revenue through a series of service reviews to commence next month.
The Council’s CEO Michael Stretton told The Mercury that the review would look at its facilities and find ways to deliver services at a reduced cost.
The review process will coincide with the start of a new management structure.
An external review of the council’s finances found significant gaps in financial strategy and governance and labelled them as not fit for purpose. The Mercury$
A former councillor is back on Burnie City Council after a recount to replace former mayor Steve Kons, who resigned recently.
Alvwyn Boyd, who lost his seat at the 2022 elections, is another former mayor and a council veteran of 22 years.
He will fill the vacant position until the next elections in 2026. The Mercury$
The council has appointed Shane Crawford as its new General Manager, to succeed the retiring Simon Overland. Mr Crawford has been GM of Waratah-Wynyard Council for nearly seven years. Burnie City Council
King Island Council has a new member after counting for a by-election was concluded last week.
Rowan Cooke of Currie was successful in a field of three candidates vying to replace Duncan McFie who resigned in August after a long period of service on the council. *Tasmanian Electoral Commission; King Island Council*
SA:
Town of Walkerville CEO Andrew McDonald resigned, and is returning to his hometown of Goolwa where he will be CEO of Alexandrina Council.
Mr McDonald leaves after a little over a year at Walkerville. He was previously CEO of Wakefield Regional Council for 4 years, and Kingston District Council for 5 years. *Town of Walkerville; Alexandrina Council*
South Australia’s City of Unley Council will restore a citizenship ceremony and awards to January 26, reversing an earlier decision to move the events to January 25. News.com.au
WA:
he City of Rockingham has reversed its position on January 26 activities, deciding to hold future Australia Day ceremonies, including citizenship ceremonies, on the date in future.
The council previously resolved to move events away from that date. City of Rockingham
Frustrated locals are calling for the prosecution of those responsible for repeated tree vandalism in Ocean Reef’s Tarolinta Park.
56 trees have been damaged over two years, including the latest incident in which 19 of 20 newly planted trees were cut down, despite deterrent signage.
The City of Joondalup says it is committed to aggressive tree planting despite the vandalism, which is costing between $1500-$2000 per planting round.
WA Today reported that the council is seeking community support to identify culprits. WA Today
The Town of Cambridge council has turned off hot water at public showers on City Beach, in a bid to deter illegal campers using the facilities.
News.com.au reported that the move has been met with significant public criticism, some even labelling it as “cruel” and “flawed”.
Some locals have argued that the decision punishes regular beachgoers, particularly winter swimmers.
The council has also increased ranger patrols, CCTV monitoring, and rubbish collection in the area. News.com.au
Global Roundup:
MEXICO:
A shocking incident in Mexico, where a newly elected mayor has been murdered less than a week after taking office.
News dot com dot au reported that Chilpancingo mayor Alejandro Arcos was decapitated in the latest in a series of deadly attacks on politicians in the country.
Another city official was murdered just days before.
Leaders are calling for justice, and an investigation into the killing is underway. News.com.au
UK:
As supergroup Oasis plans to play five nights at Manchester’s Heaton Park in 2025, the City Council says it will charge the band for additional costs like extra toilets and security to ensure taxpayers do not incur extra costs.
It is following the lead of other councils which have adopted similar policies, including Edinburgh which changed its policy after incurring £40,000 in costs for the recent Taylor Swift concerts. BBC News
A planned fireworks ban in Glasgow for Bonfire Night 2024 has been delayed due to a council error.
The Firework Control Zone (FCZ) was intended to cover both public and private spaces from 1 to 10 November.
But BBC News reported that the council missed the legal deadline to publish the notice 60 days before the control zone’s implementation, and the ban will now be deferred until next year.
The ban is being introduced after serious firework-related anti-social behaviour in previous years. BBC News
One UK council has lost IT equipment valued at over £30,000, including 89 mobile phones and 29 laptops.
BBC News reported that the losses at Dudley Council were devices issued to workers who no longer work for the council.
Councillors have called for tighter procedures, and the council has acknowledged the need to improve inventory management and equipment return procedures.
The council’s debtor’s team is pursuing individuals with outstanding items. BBC News
USA:
In California, concerns about Latino voting representation are behind a push by the state’s Attorney General for a new redistricting process in Los Angeles.
The LA Times reported that the potential redrawing of council districts could significantly reshape L.A.’s political landscape and create an additional “Latino” district in the San Fernando Valley.
City Council members have resisted making changes in the past, leading to attorney general Rob Bonta’s move to press the issue after conducting a two-year investigation.
Some are tipping that the move will lead to a protracted legal battle with the city. LA Times
CANADA:
Alberta municipal leaders are advocating for an Independent Office of Integrity to handle code of conduct investigations.
The Albertan reported that they want the provincial government to set up the independent office to assume responsibility.
The current system requires local administrations to manage investigations, leading to potential conflicts and additional costs.
They say code of conduct investigations can create division among council members and negatively impact public perception, and that an independent office could ensure consistent and fair enforcement of municipal bylaws across the province. The Albertan