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Hobart City Council has amended its policy on rates and charges to allow for increased rates remissions for vacant residential land that is under development. Earlier this year, the council doubled the differential rate for vacant residential land with the aim of encouraging development for housing. Following a number of ratepayer requests for remissions, the […]
Continue ReadingSheffield City Council is the latest to face mass equal pay claim, and allegations of gender discrimination and wage disparities. The Guardian reports that thousands of women who have been underpaid by up to £11,000 a year are set to launch equal pay claim against the council. The GMB union claims that a job evaluation […]
Continue ReadingAn attempt to overturn an August decision by Ku-ring-gai Council to terminate the employment of its general manager, John McKee, has failed at the second attempt. Consideration of a rescission motion was delayed after the council could not maintain a quorum at an extraordinary meeting on the 12th September. The matter was then dealt with […]
Continue ReadingMore change is assured around the Brisbane City Council chamber next year, with yet another councillor announcing they’ll be stepping down ahead of elections in March. Cr James Mackay said he will not contest the election due to the effects of long COVID. Cr Mackay is reportedly the fifth councillor to bow in this term, […]
Continue ReadingInner West Council in Sydney has deferred the adoption of a draft policy that would require dog walkers to pay a fee and obtain a permit to use parks in the area. A proposed fee of $552.60 would be accompanied by additional requirements such as being over 16 years old, holding first aid certificates for […]
Continue ReadingOn the weekend update from the Local Government News Roundup for 23rd September:The Victorian local government sector responds to the state government’s announced housing and planning reforms; Councils react to the NSW state budget; A council GM’s employment terminated at the third attempt; Mayoral election results from across NSW; A high profile mayor found to […]
Continue ReadingThe Victorian State Government has released its awaited housing statement, and announced a new affordability partnership with the housing industry. The statement sets a target of 800,000 new homes over the next decade, and outlines five focus areas to tackle housing supply. They are described as: Councils will be most interested in the detail of […]
Continue ReadingOn the midweek update from the Local Government News Roundup, the state government set to reveal reforms to deal with a housing crisis, as councils hit back against claims they are to blame; Council waste charges in the media spotlight this week; A Melbourne council holding firm on Australia Day events; The challenges faced by […]
Continue ReadingBayside City Council has moved to clarify that it is not proposing to change the date of Australia Day. The council is due to consider a recommendation from its Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group at its council meeting tonight which, if adopted, would see it advocate for the Federal Government to consider an alternative date […]
Continue ReadingShoalhaven City Council’s CEO Stephen Dunshea has announced that he will soon draw the curtain on a 40 year local government career. Mr Dunshea has served as Shoalhaven CEO since early 2019. He started his four decade local government career in 1983 at Campbelltown Council and later held positions at Blacktown, Wagga Wagga and Woollahra […]
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