On the Local Government News Roundup for 24th December 2024:
- A new local government minister for Victoria
- Next year’s rate cap announced
- Ballarat prepares to support fire fighters
- The NSW local government minister defends a proposed ban on private councillor briefing sessions
- The Ipswich garbage collection strike is over
- CEO appointments in three states
- and the UK office of local government to be shut down
Plus more news from across the world of local government.
The Local Government News Roundup is 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.
Here is all the news from episode 413:
Victorian Roundup:
Victoria has a new local government minister following a cabinet reshuffle announced by Premier Jacinta Allan.
Nick Staikos has been appointed as Minister for Consumer Affairs and Local Government.
Mr Staikos is a former councillor at Glen Eira, and has been the Member for Bentleigh since 2014.
The former local government minister Melissa Horne is now the Minister for Health Infrastructure.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny retains the portfolio and becomes the new Attorney General.
The reshuffle was triggered by the resignation of Tim Pallas as Treasurer and Member for Werribee.
Jaclyn Symes is the state’s new and first female Treasurer.
Media Release: A Strong And Focused Team To Build Homes And Help Families
The MAV welcomed the appointment of Minister Staikos as a fresh opportunity for collaboration, noting that his firsthand experience as a councillor would help strengthen local government’s voice in Cabinet.
Glen Eira Council also extended its congratulations to the new Minister, saying it was thrilled to have such a strong advocate and former Glen Eira councillor leading in the local government space.
One of the new Minister’s first tasks in the local government portfolio has been to announce next year’s rate cap for Victorian councils.
The cap has been set at three per cent, equal to the forecast CPI for 2025/26 and in line with the recommendation of the Essential Services Commission.
Minister Staikos said the cap ensures councils can raise the necessary revenue for services they provide without adding cost of living pressure on households.
Since the introduction of rate capping in Victoria in 2016, the average rate cap has been 2.3 per cent.
The City of Ballarat is assisting state fire authorities to establish a base camp at Victoria Park, which will be home to around 200 fire fighters over the coming days.
The location was used as a base camp earlier this year and will again be used to provide facilities to fire fighters currently working to contain a bushfire in the Grampians National Park.
Road closures will be in force from today, and the council is working with users of the park to work through potential alternative venue options.
Base camp at Victoria Park established to support fire response | City of Ballarat
Greater Bendigo City Council has approved a planning permit for the development of a 6.2ha organics processing facility in Huntly that will process up to 30,000 tons of organic waste annually.
The facility, which has already received EPA approval despite 141 objections, will process domestic and commercial food/garden waste into compost through a controlled process.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the facility would replace the need to cart organic waste out of the region for treatment.
Council approves planning permit for organics processing facility | City of Greater Bendigo
Nillumbik Shire Council has renewed a push for improved bus services in its region, noting the successful implementation of a new bus network in the Yarra Valley as evidence that similar improvements could work in the shire.
The council has highlighted significant challenges faced by residents, particularly in rural areas like St Andrews where over 3,500 people lack adequate public transport options, making it difficult to access essential services.
It is calling for a comprehensive local area bus review across the Northern Metropolitan Partnership Region.
“If it can work for the Yarra Valley, it can work here too”
Wodonga Council has taken a major step forward in its strategy for a greenfield hospital site for the region.
It has received a report identifying four potential locations in Wodonga, and determining a vacant landholding on the Murray Valley Highway as its preferred choice.
The report also explored opportunities to partner with AlburyCity which has also identified potential options for a future hospital development.
Victorian Briefs:
Greater Shepparton City Council has announced the immediate end of its free textile recovery service due to industry challenges, global market saturation, and rising processing costs.
Over 20 tonnes of textiles were diverted from landfill through the service since October 2023.
The Council is now investigating alternative solutions while encouraging residents to donate, repurpose, or give textiles to animal shelters as alternative waste reduction methods.
Textiles recovery service ending
The City of Whittlesea has secured $11.5 million in Federal Government funding for its Regional Sports Precinct in Mernda, with $10 million allocated for an indoor sports stadium and $1.5 million for outdoor netball courts.
The project will also receive $10 million from the Victorian Government towards the indoor stadium.
Council welcomes Federal Government funding for sports precinct
Swan Hill Rural City Council has secured funding through the Victorian Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund to build 10 residential units in Robinvale, addressing critical housing shortages for essential workers in the region.
The “Enabling Robinvale’s Potential” project includes eight two-bedroom and two three-bedroom units at the former preschool site in McCartney Court, and aims to attract and retain key workers while supporting the region’s economic growth and service delivery.
Council Secures Funding for Affordable Housing Project
National Roundup:
NSW:
NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has defended the government’s push for a ban on private council briefing sessions, telling Government News they pose corruption risks and reduce transparency in council decision-making.
The Local Government NSW peak body is opposing the ban, and says that private briefings are necessary for sensitive discussions.
Mr Hoenig said the legislation allows for confidential or legal matters to be dealt with privately, and he was not proposing any changes to how those exceptions could be dealt with.
The proposed changes are part of a new code of meeting practice that includes other reforms such as making closed meeting notes public and requiring councils to explain planning decisions that differ from staff recommendations.
Submissions to a discussion paper on the proposals are due by the end of February.
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has expressed surprise at the federal government’s decision to revise plans for relocating SBS headquarters to Western Sydney.
A feasibility study found that a full move would be too costly, and the government has committed $5.9 million for a production hub instead.
WSROC President, Blacktown Mayor Brad Bunting said Western Sydney is an ideal location for SBS to fulfill its mission of reflecting Australia’s multicultural society, with its diverse population where over 45% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
A rescission motion seeking to overturn a decision to explore options for a new, larger town hall at 1 Devlin Street, Ryde, has been defeated at an extraordinary meeting of Ryde City Council.
Mayor Trenton Brown accused some of the councillors seeking to overturn the 10th December resolution of a lack of engagement in the project, having not attended a workshop briefing session or an on-site inspection.
In rejecting the rescission motion, the Council noted an overwhelming community mandate for the mayor to deliver on election campaign commitments, including resolving the future of the Devlin Street site and delivering a Ryde Town Hall during this term of office.
Extraordinary Council Meeting summary – 16 December 2024
The Daily Telegraph says a corruption probe has been launched into Tweed Shire Council.
It says multiple sources have confirmed an investigation into council processes, including a recent raid of the council offices and the suspension of a number of staff members.
Mayor Chris Cherry told the Telegraph she was unsure if there was an active investigation.
The council has referred inquiries to ICAC, which will not confirm or deny if it is undertaking investigations.
Edward River Council has appointed Jack Bond, a Deniliquin local with over 15 years of local government experience, as its new Chief Executive Officer starting January 29.
Mr Bond has most recently served as Director of Infrastructure at Murray River Council, and brings expertise in infrastructure, asset management and community development to the role.
The position has been vacant since March when the Council removed former CEO Philip Stone, and appointed Mark Dalzell as acting General Manager.
Edward River Council Appoints Jack Bond as New Chief Executive Officer
Peter Ryan has been elected as a Councillor to Hawkesbury City Council after the resignation of Tom Aczel earlier this month, which triggered a countback election by the NSW Electoral Commission.
Mr Ryan was born in the Hawkesbury and is a former President, and is currently the Vice President of the Pitt Town Progress Association.
Peter Ryan replaces Tom Aczel on Council
QLD:
Garbage collections are returning to normal in Ipswich, after the council and unions reached an in-principle agreement, ending the protected industrial action that saw tens of thousands of bins left uncollected last week.
The new agreements will offer a 13.75 per cent wage increase over three years, with five per cent in the first two years.
Acting Council CEO Matt Smith said residents can now expect to see all their bins collected as normal before Christmas.
Bin collections back as Ipswich City Council and unions reach agreement – Ipswich First
Southern Downs Regional Council has confirmed the appointment of experienced senior council executive Rachel Brophy as its new CEO.
Ms Brophy will take up the role in mid-January.
The former Douglas Shire CEO has been on a break since May this year, as she explained to me on the Local Government News Roundup earlier this year.
The appointment of Ms Brophy brings to an end a long-running saga at Southern Downs since the shock termination of Dave Burges while on leave in September.
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Rachel Brophy to lead Southern Downs into new chapter as CEO – Southern Downs Regional Council
Meanwhile, Tablelands Regional Council has announced the appointment of its new CEO.
Dr Nikola Stepanov, currently the General Manager of planning and development at Toowoomba Regional Council, will take up the top job at the Far North Queensland council in February.
The appointment follows the resignation in October of Gary Rinehart after more than three years in the role.
AusTriathlon has announced a new 7-year partnership with the City of Gold Coast, making it their new headquarters and training base leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The partnership is expected to generate $30 million in local economic benefits, create 14 new jobs, and support over 90 national pathway athletes who will train on the Gold Coast.
AusTriathlon set to call the Gold Coast home
National Briefs:
Cairns Regional Council is expanding its Express DA program which fast-tracks low-risk development applications, reducing approval times from 35 to just 10 business days, with actual averages of 6 days being achieved.
Phase 2, launching on January 6, broadens eligibility criteria to include additional zoning and development types like crossovers, driveways, and excavation works up to 50 cubic metres.
https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/council/news-notices/media-releases/media-releases/express-da
MidCoast Council has approved a contract to build a state-of-the-art FOGO processing facility near Tuncurry Waste Management Centre, which will process up to 95,000 tonnes of organic waste annually and generate renewable energy for 1,300 homes by 2027.
The facility will utilise hybrid organic waste technology and represents a significant step toward meeting state-mandated FOGO requirements by 2030.
MidCoast Council approves major step toward FOGO
Liverpool City Council says it has achieved full occupancy of its 11-storey commercial tower at Civic Place, with the University of Wollongong as anchor tenant and other significant tenants including St George Community Housing and the Council itself.
The $600 million Civic Place development represents the largest public project in Liverpool’s CBD and includes council offices, chambers, a 5,000m² library, civic plaza and parking facilities.
Liverpool Council Celebrates 100% Occupancy of Civic Place
Tasmania’s Derwent Valley Council says its extremely saddened and disappointed at the theft of a slide from one of its local playgrounds.
It described the theft as heartbreaking, and has called for anyone with information to contact local police.
The council is working on sourcing a replacement slide as soon as possible.
SA:
ABC News reports that the Whyalla City Council in South Australia has issued legal threats against residents over their social media posts.
It has retained lawyers to send take-down notices to several individuals including administrators of a local Facebook group.
CEO Justin Commons said the council was acting on its moral and legal obligation to protect staff and councillors from bullying and harassment.
Critics, including former senator Rex Patrick and MP Frank Pangallo, argue that it is an inappropriate use of ratepayer funds and an attempt to silence legitimate criticism.
SA council accused of attempt to ‘muzzle’ residents with legal threats
Kelly Westell has been appointed as the new CEO of Naracoorte Lucindale Council.
Ms Westell is currently the CEO at Northern Areas Council and has previously held positions at Wakefield Regional Council and SA Water.
The appointment is effective on March 31st.
WA:
The Western Australian Department of Local Government is seeking feedback on new regulations requiring the publication of local government CEO performance reviews, and public registers for key financial agreements.
The proposed changes include standardised CEO KPIs, requirements for CEO selection panels, and mandatory public registers for leases, contracts, grants, and developer contributions.
Submissions on the new regulations are open until March 21, 2025.
Joondalup Council is investigating solutions to protect kangaroos from being killed on roads, including the possibility of installing virtual fencing or a nature overpass.
PerthNow reported that the move follows concerning reports of numerous kangaroo deaths and injuries, with one wildlife carer claiming that 40 injured kangaroos had to be euthanised in a single year.
New plan to save kangaroos from being killed on WA roads
Global Roundup:
UK:
The UK Government is shutting down the Office of Local Government after just 18 months.
Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, announced the decision last week after a review of how local government should be measured and supported.
He said the office had been hampered by a ‘broad and vague remit’, risking duplication of functions performed elsewhere.
Mr McMahon also said there is an urgent need to fix the local audit system, which was not part of Oflog’s remit.
Closure of the Office for Local Government (Oflog)
The UK government has announced an additional £700m funding for English councils in 2024, bringing the total extra funding to £2bn, with £515m is earmarked to offset National Insurance contribution increases.
BBC News reported that despite the funding boost, concerns remain about councils’ ability to balance budgets amid rising costs, with debates emerging about the fairness of funding allocation between rural and urban areas, and plans for local government reorganisation.
English councils to get £700m budget top-up next year
Ten district and borough council leaders in Hertfordshire have jointly opposed the creation of a single unitary council for the county, arguing it would diminish local representation for the region’s 1.2 million residents.
The leaders have also rejected postponing the 2025 county council elections and are calling for proper consultation with residents and stakeholders before any reforms are implemented.
The London Borough of Newham has settled an employment tribunal claim brought by its directly elected mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, relating to treatment of her by some councillors at a meeting in 2022.
It has acknowledged that it could have dealt with things differently and unreservedly apologised to the mayor, according to a report from the Local Government Lawyer.
In a joint statement, the parties said the terms of settlement were made without admission of liability, and the council has made a capped contribution to the mayor’s legal costs.
USA:
The Village of Odessa in New York is at risk of dissolution due to a lack of candidates willing to run for local government positions, including trustee and mayor roles.
WENY reported that candidates need to declare their candidacy by January for the March municipal elections.
If the village dissolves, which would take 12-18 months and require public hearings and votes, its services such as water, sewer, and road maintenance would be transferred to neighbouring the Town of Catharine.
Village of Odessa Could Dissolve, Candidates Needed to Continue Village Government
CANADA:
CTV News has reported on how some towns in Ontario with local police services are not eligible for a provincial government subsidy.
330 municipalities serviced by the Ontario Provincial Police will share in $77M in subsidies to help cover rising costs.
Some local mayors have expressed frustration over the decision, arguing it creates an unfair system where municipalities with local police services receive less provincial support despite facing similar budget increases.
Some have seen police budget increases of up to 21 percent.
Deep River, Ont. mayor disappointed town will not receive government funding to cover policing costs
NZ:
Dunedin City Council has announced plans to lease office space in the upper level of its new $22 million Library and Community Complex to commercial tenants to help offset the facility’s $2.8 million annual operating costs.
The ground floor will remain dedicated to community use with features including meeting rooms, a maker space and sound studio when it opens in June 2025.
A council spokesperson said the project is on track and on budget.