Roundup News Update, 23rd August

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Listen: Update, 23rd August

Here are some of the stories making local government news today: 23rd August

The City of Melbourne is reportedly considering a plan to expand the number of smoke-free zones in the city. A report in today’s Age says that the current number of 13 outdoor areas with smoking bans could be expanded to include entry points to transport hubs; sporting venues and council owned property including the Melbourne Town Hall.

In NSW, Kiama Council will hold an extraordinary meeting tomorrow to discuss the council’s financial position, after the NSW auditor-general raised concerns with the Local Government Minister. The ABC has more on the council’s plan to sell assets to ease its financial burden.

Devonport City Council in Tasmania has reiterated its support for amalgamating councils in the Mersey Region. The council has endorsed a phase two submission to the state’s Future of Local Government Review, and does not support the suggestion to remove delivery of some key services from councils.

And Geelong City Council has scrapped a $2.7M tender for the final stage of a bike path project that would connect the CBD to Waurn Ponds, and Herne Hill via Geelong West. The council voted to defer a decision on the tender last month, and the CEO says further discussion is needed with key partners. 

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