On the Roundup for 19th July 2023,
Shock and disappointment across regional Victoria as its hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games is scrapped – a roundup of all the reaction to yesterday’s announcement.
Reaction also to sweeping new reforms to tackle gambling harm;
Tasmania’s government takes forced amalgamations off the table; and then announces a surprise move to remove some planning powers from councils;
A twist in the countback process to fill a vacancy at Strathbogie Council;
Irresponsible dog owners in the sights of government and councils in Queensland;
And shocking new statistics about disposable vape usage leads councils to call for a ban in the UK.
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Transcript (with story links where available):
Hi, this is Chris Eddy, coming to you from the land of the Wadawurrung People with the latest from the Local Government News Roundup.
On the podcast today:
Shock and disappointment across regional Victoria as its hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games is scrapped – I’ll have a roundup of all the reaction to yesterday’s announcement.
Reaction also to sweeping new reforms to tackle gambling harm;
Tasmania’s government takes forced amalgamations off the table; and then announces a surprise move to remove some planning powers from councils;
A twist in the countback process to fill a vacancy at Strathbogie Council;
Irresponsible dog owners in the sights of government and councils in Queensland;
And shocking new statistics about disposable vape usage leads councils to call for a ban in the UK.
All of that and more ahead in the latest update from the Local Government News Roundup.
Thanks for joining me for today’s podcast – brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, your councillor support network – and the national broadcaster on all things local government;
And by Snap Send Solve – in the business of keeping shared spaces safe, clean and great to be in.
Here are some of the Victorian council related stories making news in recent days.
Victoria has withdrawn from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Premier Daniel Andrews made the shock announcement on Tuesday, saying the escalating cost of staging the games in regional Victoria could not be justified.
He said instead of the original budget of $2.6B, it was now looking more likely that the 12 day event could cost around $6 or $7B.
A regional spending package was announced to replace the games funding, with $1B to be dedicated to building 1300 new homes across regional Victoria.
The sporting facilities promised for the games would also still be built, including upgrades to the Eureka Stadium in Ballarat and the Bendigo Stadium; and BMX facilities in Shepparton.
Geelong will get a new indoor sporting complex at Waurn Ponds and a new aquatic centre in Armstrong Creek plus other facility improvements.
And in Gippsland, the regional indoor sports stadium in Traralgon will be refurbished along with the Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe, and new shotgun trap shooting range at Morwell.
Councils around the state took some time yesterday to digest the announcement and its implications before responding publicly.
Today’s Bendigo Advertiser describes the shock at Greater Bendigo Council, with the Mayor Andrea Metcalf finding out around the same time media reports were beginning to circulate.
Acting CEO and Games Director Andrew Cooney told the paper that the council would never apologise for its excitement and hope for the Games, despite the challenging timelines.
Greater Shepparton’s Mayor Shane Sali said he was extremely disappointed as the region was gearing up for the games, and looking forward to a legacy economic boost from the thousands of expected visitors.
He said there was an expectation for further funding beyond that already announced for an upgrade to the Shepparton Sports and Events Stadium, as well as a share of a $150M Regional Tourism and Events Fund.
The mayor of Latrobe, Kellie O’Callaghan, told The Guardian that the cancellation was a pretty big announcement and a significant disappointment for the local community.
She had been concerned that a lack of additional funding in the state budget would have added pressure on being able to deliver Latrobe’s part of the games.
In Greater Geelong, Mayor Trent Sullivan described the cancellation as very disappointing.
He said the council was eagerly awaiting the details of exactly what infrastructure would be funded and delivered.
Mayor Sullivan said councils had entered into an arrangement with the state government in good faith, and have invested time, resources and funds to help deliver a successful Games.
The Roundup understands some councils outside of the main regional hubs have made project commitments on the basis of expected support and economic flow-ons from the Games.
There is some doubt about the viability of some of those projects, and those councils will be keen to discuss support and/or compensation arrangements with the government.
The Regional Cities Victoria advocacy group is greatly disappointed at the loss of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase regional Victoria to the world.
Rural Councils Victoria welcomed the housing commitment in particular. Chair Mary-Ann Brown said the group understood the fiscal constraints that prompted the decision to cancel the Games.
And the MAV said it is cautiously optimistic about the replacement of regional funding packages for infrastructure and housing, and that the $1B housing commitment in particular could have a real and positive impact on the lives of many regional Victorians.
The Victorian Opposition labelled the news as a massive humiliation for the state, and a betrayal of regional Victoria; while the cancellation has been criticised by current and former athletes.
The head of Commonwealth Games Australia, Craig Phillips, told the Guardian that it would cost Melbourne its reputation as a sports-friendly city.
The Commonwealth Games Federation said it was given eight hours notice of the decision, and while hugely disappointed, it is committed to finding another host for the 2026 event.
Another significant state government announcement has been somewhat overshadowed by the Commonwealth Games cancellation.
Sweeping new reforms to address harm from gambling were announced on Sunday, and have been roundly welcomed by councils which have been calling for this type of action for some time.
The MAV said it strongly endorsed the introduction of mandatory pre-commitment schemes and closure periods, and hoped to see that brought into effect as soon as possible.
It said there is more to be done around online gambling, advertising and reducing the prevalence of gambling venues in communities, and that it was looking forward to seeing the detail on the first suite of reforms.
Manningham Mayor Dierdre Diamente welcomed the measures, saying the council has been advocating for poker machine reform.
Hume City Council said it was a major win for communities around Victoria.
Its Mayor Joseph Haweil has spearheaded a campaign involving seven councils to lobby for state mandated regulation of the gaming industry.
He said the announcement was proof of the power of strong, united voices in an issue that affects the entire country.
There’s been a surprise development with the filling of the extraordinary vacancy at Strathbogie Shire’s Lake Nagambie ward.
A countback last week of the two remaining candidates from the 2020 election resulted in the election of Paul Ayton.
However, Mr Ayton presumably chose not to take up the position, resulting in an announcement on Monday by the VEC that Robin Weatherald had been elected as the only eligible candidate remaining.
Mr Weatherald has accepted the position.
The VEC said if another vacancy in that ward was to occur before the 2024 elections, a by-election would need to be held.
Now in today’s Victorian Briefs:
Mitchell Shire Council has revealed the cost of dealing with illegal rubbish dumping.
The North Central Review reports that the council has spent $1.4M over five years collecting and investigating illegally dumped rubbish.
More than 400 incidents were managed during the 2021-22 financial year, at a cost of more than $160k.
Latrobe City Council is celebrating a win at the Aquatic and Recreation Victoria Industry Awards.
An exercise and cancer pilot project at Latrobe Leisure has been recognised with the Community Impact award.
The pilot project was designed to address the needs and challenges for people undergoing cancer treatment or in post-treatment recovery.
Greater Geelong City Council will host a series of community conversation forums on the Voice to Parliament.
The free forums are described as an informal chance to listen and learn about the referendum. There are three forums still to come between 27 July and 21 August.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken encouraged people to attend and participate in respectful conversations about the Voice.
Some Councils making the news this week…
Warrnambool City Council has been fined $12500 plus costs in the local Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to failing to ensure persons were not exposed to risks at the Warrnambool Saleyards.
The case related to the collapse of a walkway during an auction in 2020. According to the Warrnambool Standard, the magistrate found the council’s inspection regime to be completely inadequate.
No one was seriously injured in the incident.
Warrnambool Standard, 15-7-23
The Border Mail reports that Wodonga Council will press its case to not have single member wards with the Local Government Minister.
The council has voted unanimously this week to ask the Minister to use her power to specify that the municipality be unsubdivided, and reject the proposed seven single member ward structure.
Border Mail, 18-7-23
And the Age has reported on Darebin Council’s opposition to a 15 storey tower and supermarket development.
The council’s stand is being criticised by government and opposition MPs who say it is standing in the way of more social and affordable housing.
The proposal is recommended for fast tracked assessment by the state government, which would see it skip normal council planning processes.
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Now for some of the stories making local government news from around Australia this week.
The Tasmanian Government will not force councils to amalgamate, regardless of the outcome of the current Local Government Review Board process.
Premier Jeremy Rockcliff has moved to quell growing disquiet among smaller councils by declaring that the review would not result in forced amalgamations.
He said he wanted to “end fear and uncertainty” by making it clear that councils will make their owndecisions on potential amalgamations.
Local Government Minister Nic Street said that councils would be invited to review the Board’s report, which is due for release on 31st October, and make a submission to the government about their preferences.
The announcement has been welcomed by the sector.
LGAT President Mick Tucker, who is also the Mayor of Break O’Day Council, said it cleared the way for coming up with some real positives from the review process.
In the wake of the Government’s announcement, Sue Smith, the Chair of the board undertaking the review, said rather than looking at ways to push together or amalgamate existing councils, she wanted to see councils help identify how local government areas might evolve, develop and shift to better reflect 21st century communities.
Launceston Examiner, 19-7-23
Meanwhile, there’s been another state government announcement affecting councils in Tasmania this week.
Premier Jeremy Rockcliff yesterday announced a plan to legislate to “take the politics out of planning” by creating independent development assessment panels, taking the responsibility away from councils.
The Premier said too many ideologically motivated, party aligned councillors were holding up critical development projects.
In today’s Launceston Examiner, LGAT President Mick Tucker said he was gobsmacked and blindsided by the move that has come out of left field without any consultation with councils.
The Examiner, 19-7-23; ABC News
The Mayor of Lismore in NSW has called for a locally-led approach to flood recovery management.
He said some 17 months after the February 2022 flood, private sector rebuilding was outpacing government efforts.
Steve Krieg told the ABC the Sydney-centric model is not working and is embarrassing.
Lismore Council wants a Queensland style model, where local disaster management groups lead the process.
Mayor Krieg has criticised the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation’s approach, with fewer than 2 percent of targeted home buybacks settled so far.
Waverley Council in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is being accused of “overreaching” as new planning conditions come into effect banning the installation of gas stoves and ovens, and gas heating in new residential developments.
The Daily Telegraph reports that new developments in Waverley must have electric heating and cooling.
The council says it will improve indoor air quality and help it reach a target of net zero emissions by 2035.
Critics question whether it will lead to lower emissions, and have described it as virtue signalling, and an example of massive government overreach.
LGAQ says Queensland communities are being held to ransom by irresponsible dog owners dragging out appeals through the courts.
The peak body said it has cost one council more than $1M to keep a dog in the pound and pay for court and legal costs.
CEO Alison Smith said it is unfair that ratepayers are paying when most dog owners do the right thing.
She welcomed moves by the state government to get tough with irresponsible owners.
Meanwhile, Gold Coast City Council is set to consider some of the toughest penalties for irresponsible dog owners.
A proposal from the city’s governance committee will go before the Council next week, and could see owners fined $619 for failing to keep a dog under control.
9News said the proposal follows several incidents this year in the city in which people have been mauled by dogs, including a toddler rushed to hospital with serious head and neck injuries.
The City of Cockburn in WA is seeking support from the Minister for Planning for an update to its Town Planning Scheme that would provide more protection for the city’s significant trees.
There are 27 individual listings on the city’s Significant Tree List considered to be of landmark value.
The council has endorsed scheme amendments to provide stronger protections for the trees, including the ability to impose an emergency order where there is an imminent risk of damage to a specific tree.
The move follows endorsement by the WA Local Government Association of a new urban forest advocacy position of a minimum tree canopy target of 30 percent by 2040 for the Perth and Peel regions.
Briefly:
Nominations have opened for the NSW Minister’s Awards for Women in Local Government.
There are six categories for the awards, now in their 16th year. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in October.
Mayors, councillors and CEOs from across rural, remote and regional Queensland will converge on Goondiwindi next week for the LGAQ Bush Council’s convention.
Topics on the agenda for the three day event include disaster management, housing and tourism.
The City of Stirling has launched a first for Western Australia – an AI supported engagement platform to gather direct feedback at local parks, playgrounds and community centres.
The system, called Ainsley, will enable automated two way conversations with residents, accessed by text message or QR codes at 42 locations around the city.
Ainsley will be used to inform the city’s new community infrastructure plan.
Now for today’s International Spotlight:
US
A council in Massachusetts has called on the city’s police department to stop policing cyclists who travel through a red light.
Somerville City Council says despite a state law that requires cyclists to stop at red lights and stop signs, they should be allowed to travel through a red light as long as they give way to pedestrians or vehicles.
198 cyclists have received a written warning from police since June, when they received a state enforcement grant.
The council’s position is merely a recommendation, and it has no power to override the state law.
The Boston Herald reports that there are eight states in the US that do allow cyclists to go through red lights and stop signs in special circumstances.
In Oregon, a council’s mayor and two other elected members are facing recall efforts, with petitions filed this week.
The petitioners looking to unseat Mayor Ron Hedenskog of Brookings City Council say one reason is that the local government is not listening to its constituents.
According to KLCC Public Radio, another factor leading to the recall efforts was a decision in January to reinstate the City Manager, who had been caught shoplifting last year and placed on paid administrative leave.
The leaders of the recall efforts will have 90 days to gather more than 400 voter signatures on each petition, which would then lead to a special election for approval.
Uk
An update from Woking Borough Council in Surrey, which recently ceased all non-essential spending with debts forecast to reach £2.6B.
In the latest development, 350 members of staff have been put on notice of redundancy as the council undergoes a full restructure and downsizing.
The BBC reports that the equivalent of 60 full time jobs are expected to be lost as part of the process.
Local councils in England and Wales are calling for a total ban on disposable vapes by 2024 due to concerns about litter, fire hazards, and their appeal to children.
The Local Government Association says 1.3 million disposable vapes are thrown away each week.
Single-use vapes are often brightly packaged and offer a few hundred puffs of nicotine-containing vapour with added flavours.
Unlike conventional vapes that can be refilled, disposable vapes are discarded when empty. They also contain a small lithium battery that can pose a fire risk when crushed in bin lorries.
The BBC reports research that suggests the issue may be even larger than reported, with nearly 300 million e-cigarettes, including disposables, sold in the UK in the past year.
One UK Council has this week reported that it has discovered a number of retailers selling disposable vapes to under-18s, in breach of the law.
Cumberland Council said it is investigating after undercover test purchases found three out of eight shops selling the e-cigarettes to minors.
This comes as a meeting of Lancashire County Council was last week told that one in six teens were now regular vapers, including kids as young as eight years of age.
The Daily Mail reports that councillors have slammed the unscrupulous businesses that sell brightly coloured and fruity vapes to children for ‘pocket money prices.’
BBC News; BBC News; Daily Mail
In Hong Kong, where smoking is banned, the health secretary has this week asked people to help discourage the practice by staring at individuals who light up where they shouldn’t.
He said staring at smokers in non-smoking areas could serve as a form of social pressure.
The city is looking at stricter anti-smoking measures, including banning tobacco sales to individuals born after a certain year; and increasing cigarette taxes.
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That’s the latest from the Roundup for the 19th July 2023 – brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Snap Send Solve.
Don’t forget to register for the lunchtime webinar on the 20th July at which Snap Send Solve and the City of Swan will showcase the two way integration that is helping to improve customer satisfaction at the city.
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The Local Government News Roundup is recorded in the city of Greater Geelong, Victoria, on the land of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation.
More of the latest local government news coming your way next week. Until then, thanks for listening, and bye for now.