Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
- We run through the latest provisional results from council elections across Victoria, which include a few surprises
- We’ll take a brief look at stories making news around the country
- And in a Roundup Extra Chris is joined by Murrindindi CEO Livia Bonazzi to talk about the funding challenges faced by small rural councils
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.
Transcript for episode 395:
Provisional election results – full list here
A resident has filed a discrimination case against Yarra City Council over e-scooters blocking footpaths, impeding his mobility.
Shane Hryhorec, a wheelchair user, alleges that the council has failed to enforce parking rules for hire e-scooters, which he claims frequently obstruct narrow streets in Richmond, Collingwood, and nearby suburbs.
The Age reported that the council has argued that maintaining footpaths is not a “service” under the Equal Opportunity Act. The Age
Ballarat City Council is collaborating with Victoria Police to address a recent spate of vandalism incidents in the city, including damage to the Botanical Garden’s floral clock and arson at St. George’s Reserve. 3BA
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has appointed an interim General Manager to take over from Steve McGrath, who is leaving the organisation in December.
Mr McGrath was initially appointed for 12 months and extended his stay by a year to assist with progression of a potential council demerger.
Roger Bailey will step into the position on 13th December, bringing extensive experience in local government, particularly at the rural and regional level. Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council
A new FOGO waste collection service will start in the City of Parramatta next week for 65,000 households in houses, townhouses, and small apartment buildings.
The council is aiming to divert 85% of the City’s waste from landfills by 2038, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and turning waste into compost for gardens and parks.
The new system includes weekly collection of a 240-litre green lid FOGO bin for food scraps and garden waste, an 80-litre red lid garbage bin for general waste, and a fortnightly collection of a 240-litre yellow lid recycling bin. Parramatta City Council
Shoalhaven City Council is seeking community feedback on proposed Special Rate Variation options, which include rate increases of 8% or 12% (including Rate Peg) or no variation above the 3.8% Rate Peg.
The council is hosting in-person events and an online survey to gather input from residents on the options, which aim to address a significant annual shortfall in the general fund and prioritise maintenance across the city, particularly on roads. Shoalhaven City Council
Kiama Council has achieved a significant milestone with the NSW Audit Office providing an unqualified audit opinion for their 2023-24 Financial Statements.
CEO Jane Stroud described the clean bill of health as a brilliant achievement, marking a crucial step towards removing the NSW Government’s Performance Improvement Order.
Despite recording a $14.2M loss due to various external factors, the council remains optimistic about improving its financial outlook and aims to achieve a balanced budget by 2026-27. Kiama Municipal Council
Orange City Council has elected a new deputy mayor. Cr Tammy Greenhalgh, a second term councillor, won a ballot from two other candidates for the position. Orange City Council
Dr Heather Holmes-Ross, Mayor of Mitcham, has been elected as the new President of the Local Government Association of South Australia for a two-year term. The election, which involved votes from all 68 South Australian councils, marks a transition in leadership with Mayor Holmes-Ross succeeding outgoing President Dean Johnson. LGA SA
The City of Launceston has implemented a new policy to significantly reduce permit fees for food truck operators in an effort to revitalise the local food scene.
The Advocate reported that it’s part of a plan to make Launceston more attractive for mobile vendors while balancing the interests of existing brick-and-mortar establishments. The Advocate 5/11/24
Roundup Extra:
The recently concluded Victorian parliamentary inquiry into local government sustainability heard from a number of Council CEOs from around the state.
They included Livia Bonazzi from Murrindindi Shire Council, who unwittingly created a stir when she characterised her council as the Cinderella of the local government sector.
Today, Livia joins me to tell us why she feels her council doesn’t get a fair deal in the current funding environment, and what needs to be done to even the scales for small rural councils.