In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- A new push for open councillor briefing sessions
- A council’s planning policy under fire
- A positive step in the fight for a new Albury Wodonga hospital
- An administration call for a NSW council
- A sector leading anti-racism strategy launched, as Mayors unite to condemn religious violence
- Council travel expenses under the spotlight
- A mayor defends his city from sensationalist news headlines
- Rat numbers out of control in cities worldwide
All that and more on Australia’s number one local government podcast, brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Symphony3 – simple, connected customer experiences.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Here is all the news from episode 425:
Victorian Roundup:
A motion to make fortnightly councillor briefing sessions open to the public will come before Greater Dandenong Council this week.
The Dandenong Star Journal reported that Cr Rhonda Garad has proposed the move to allow the public to witness the information and presentations that shape council decisions, as way of improving transparency and decision-making processes.
Mayor Jim Memeti told the Star Journal that his only concern with the proposal is the potential associated costs.
If supported, Greater Dandenong would follow a path being forged by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, which decided last year to open briefings to the public online and is currently consulting on a protocol that gives effect to that decision.
From the Berwick Pakenham Gazette, claims that Casey councillors are being sidelined from local planning decisions due to a new policy that delegates most planning application decisions to council officers.
The policy was adopted last year by administrators in response to corruption concerns raised by the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry.
But some former councillors are arguing that the policy goes too far, effectively removing local representation from important community planning matters.
CEO Glenn Patterson said they are exploring ways to involve councillors in consultation meetings for significant planning applications, while Mayor Stefan Koomen said it was important to carefully consider the IBAC recommendations before making any policy changes.
A planned delegation of Mayors, CEOs and community members to the steps of the Victorian Parliament is on hold after the Mayors of Albury and Wodonga secured a meeting with Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas.
The meeting, believed to be occurring this week, is to discuss concerns about plans to refurbish Albury hospital instead of building a new facility on a greenfield site.
Indigo Shire Mayor Sophie Price said the meeting was extremely positive news, as it and 16 other councils in the Albury Wodonga hospital catchment continue to advocate for a new single-site hospital.
Submissions closed over the weekend for the state government’s review of lobbying regulations in Victoria.
Individual councils and peak bodies are expected to be among those providing input into how lobbying reforms can reduce risks of corruption and conflicts of interests for lobbyists and representatives of government and councils.
At its January meeting, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has [called for a compulsory Lobbying Policy](file:///Users/chriseddy/Downloads/Council-Meeting-Minutes-28-January-2025-public_1.pdf) with mandatory regulations for council officers and councillors.
The council has also called for the state government to ban all donations to local government election candidates from developers, gambling businesses and politicians, with a cap of $500 for all other donations, and real time disclosure of donations.
Cardinia Shire has expressed disappointment at the news that the Pakenham Golf Course will no longer be managed by Golf Services Management from April 1, 2025, due to financial challenges and the inability to find viable options for continued management.
The course requires investment of approximately $1.7m to address issues with irrigation, weed infestation, and playing conditions.
GSM will continue managing the course until the end of March.
A property owner in Langwarrin has been fined $15,000 plus $3,946 in legal costs for illegally removing protected vegetation and other planning violations after a successful prosecution by Frankston City Council.
The council said the case demonstrates its commitment to protecting green spaces and urban canopy, and that there are serious consequences for unlawful destruction of the natural environment.
Glenelg Shire Council has expressed disappointment that some staff are taking protected industrial action, after management tabled what it considers to be a generous pay offer.
It has warned the community of potential impacts on services, and says it has contingency plans in place to minimise those impacts.
Meanwhile, enterprise bargaining negotiations are continuing.
Campaspe Shire Council has provided an update on its flood study work, with the Echuca Moama Torrumbarry Flood Study and Levee Design project progressing to Stage 2, which focusses on flood mitigation works and risk management.
The functional design for the Echuca East levee system is scheduled to begin this month, with community consultation and property owner engagement being a key focus.
Data for the Rochester Flood Study has been collected from over 2,500 property owners, and detailed surveys are being conducted to develop an accurate floodplain model.
The model is being calibrated using historical flood events from 2011, 2022, and January 2024.
Community consultation expected to begin around April-May.
Victorian Briefs:
Moorabool Shire councillor Moira Berry has been elected as the new Chair of Peri Urban Councils Victoria.
Bass Coast Deputy Mayor Brett Tessari is deputy chair.
Crs Berry and Tessari will head a delegation to Federal Parliement this week advocating for funding for Peri Urban municipalities to meet growing demand for housing and facilities.
The opening of Alpine Shire’s Myrtleford Splash Park is delayed but making progress, according to the Council.
Water features and shelters will be installed from mid-February, and final commissioning expected by late April 2025.
The project is fully funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.
The town of Castlemaine is about to star as the location for a new Liam Neeson film, and Mount Alexander Shire is excited about the expected tourism and business benefits.
The Mongoose will be filming in some of the town’s streets for a week from 17th February, and the council warns that there may be some traffic disruptions.
National Roundup:
NSW:
From NBN News, a call for Upper Hunter Shire Council to placed under administration – this time from within.
New councillor Troy Stolz says there are systemic failings at the council that have carried over from the last term, and he wants the Office of Local Government to step in.
A similar call for administration came from the community last year, and that was rejected by the Minister.
The council is seeking a 33% special rate variation over three years, to apply from July if approved by IPART.
The Office of Local Government told NBN News it has sought information from the council about how it is addressing its financial challenges.
The Daily Telegraph has put the spotlight on Sydney councils and their expenditure on travel.
A combined $7 million in travel expenses has drawn scrutiny at a time when many councils are considering significant rate increases.
Opposition spokesperson Wendy Tuckerman has questioned the justification for overseas travel during cost of living pressures.
Inner West Council has become the first local government in NSW to release an Anti-Racism Strategy, which includes actions like community grants, Indigenous memorials, and anti-racism training programs.
The strategy comes at a crucial time when Sydney is experiencing increased racial tensions.
Mayor Darcy Byrne said local government has a crucial role in building social cohesion, and advocacy, training and education at the grassroots level is one of the most effective ways to overcome and eliminate discrimination.
Meanwhile, twenty-one Sydney mayors from diverse religious backgrounds have come together to sign a joint statement condemning religious violence and calling for an end to hate crimes across the city.
The statement calls for urgent action from state and federal governments to combat discrimination, and commits their councils to share strategies and work to create greater understanding between different religious beliefs in their local government areas.
QLD:
Gold Coast Council’s approach to dealing with complaints about parking in narrow streets has been called into question by a local MP and the state’s transport minister.
The Council wants the state government to review parking laws after residents expressed outrage over $201 fines for parking with two wheels on footpaths.
MP Mark Boothman told the Gold Coast Bulletin that the council has the power to change the laws independently, as demonstrated by Logan City Council’s approach.
But the Council maintains state-level assistance is needed, based on legal advice which suggests it cannot create local laws that undermine state road rules.
Livingstone Shire Council is advocating for development of a management plan to address coastal erosion concerns and support sustainable development for Great Keppel Island’s Putney and Fisherman’s Beaches.
The initiative is part of the Council’s Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy, and aims to replace temporary solutions like post-cyclone Marcia sandbags with long-term coastal management strategies.
The Council is collaborating with the State Government and Maritime Safety Queensland to integrate the plan with the broader Great Keppel Island Rejuvenation Project while ensuring the island’s future as a resilient tourist destination.
Noosa Council will develop a site in Cooroy, with plans for 25 social housing units on a 3,000 square metre portion, while setting aside 10,000 square metres for cemetery expansion.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the majority of the site (14,000 square metres) will undergo community consultation for its future use.
The project will begin with site remediation in May, after the council committed to clean up the former landfill site.
National Briefs:
Blue Mountains City Council has been awarded the Outstanding Council Award at the inaugural Clean Up Australia awards, recognising a 35-year commitment to supporting environmental cleanup initiatives.
The award was presented at an event at Parliament House in Canberra earlier this month.
Community members in Logan have been invited to create artworks on provided canvases depicting their favourite aspects of Logan for a special exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of Logan Art Gallery.
The gallery, which opened in 1995 and houses over 375 items from 185+ artists, has been a cultural cornerstone of the Logan community, and Mayor Jon Raven said he can’t wait to see which parts of Logan inspires people’s creativity.
The Australian and Queensland Governments have jointly established an $8 million Community Relief Fund to support eight flood-affected councils in North Queensland, offering up to $1 million per Local Government Area for immediate recovery activities.
Plenty of CEO/General Manager opportunities available at the moment around the country.
Narrabri Shire and Liverpool Plains Shire in NSW are currently seeking a new General Manager, while the Shires of Asburton and Wandering in Western Australia have opened applications for the CEO position.
The Mayor of Naracoorte Lucindale Council in South Australia, Patrick Ross, is on the lookout for an interim CEO to take the reins during March, ahead of the arrival of its new CEO.
Kelly Westell is moving from Northern Areas Council to take up the position on the 31st March.
The council is situated in the heart of SE South Australia, about 100kms north of Mt Gambier.
TAS:
Waratah-Wynyard Council has replaced its General Manager with a CEO.
The council has changed the position title, and appointed former Circular Head GM Vanessa Adams to the role.
Ms Adams takes up the position vacated by Shane Crawford who was appointed GM at Burnie City Council.
The Advocate reported that the title change was to reflect “a strategic approach to leadership and governance.”
Glenorchy City Council has approved a major redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Showgrounds that will include new facilities like a pavilion, theatre, auditorium, oval, plaza, public bar, and café.
The council has also agreed to prepare a planning scheme amendment to allow for a tourist operation at the Cadbury factory, though specific development applications are yet to be submitted.
SA:
Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone has addressed recent negative media coverage about the city, calling for unity during challenging times.
Reports across the media have suggested the South Australian government’s planned $600 million hydrogen power plant near Whyalla is in doubt after Premier Peter Malinauskas refused to guarantee the project, citing concerns over steelworks owner GFG Alliance’s unpaid royalties and an uncertain future.
Mayor Stone said he would be contacting the Adelaide Advertiser about its sensationalist, city-centric headlines, and said the State Government was committed to hydrogen projects and financial support for the city’s future.
He is concerned about the potential negative impact on community mental health, and expressed confidence and optimism after recent major funding announcements for much-needed community facilities.
WA:
The Town of Port Hedland has welcomed a WA Labor commitment of $22.5 million for a new aquatic centre in Port Hedland.
The current facilities are nearing end of life and costing around $1 million annually in unplanned maintenance.
The Town has decided to fast-track the project by making it a standalone development rather than part of the South Hedland Integrated Sports Hub.
The City of Kwinana has equipped fire fighting appliances with six Samsung Galaxy Tablet devices, installed in Urban Tankers and Light Tankers at two bush fire brigades.
The tablets feature Firemapper, an application that provides interactive digital maps and allows crews to map fires before air intelligence arrives, enhancing safety and response times.
The initiative, funded through the Local Government Grant Scheme, includes training for brigade members.
NT:
Katherine Town Council has announced a $5 million redevelopment of its Civic Centre, which has undergone minimal maintenance since opening in 1982.
NT News reported that the upgrade will address numerous issues including a leaking roof, disability access non-compliance, and outdated infrastructure.
Construction is planned to begin in late 2025 with completion expected in August 2026.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Aberdeen City Council is the latest Scottish city to consider implementing a tourist tax on overnight accommodation stays..
If adopted, it would add approximately £5 per night to visitors’ costs starting from April 2027.
BBC News reported that the proposed higher rate has raised concerns from industry representatives about potential negative impacts on tourism, and comes after Edinburgh recently approved a 5% tourist levy and as Glasgow is consulting on a similar rate.
The Labour party at Medway Council has lost its majority after Reform UK took two seats in a by-election.
Three seats were being contested after Labour councillors resigned when they became MPs.
Labour regained one of the seats, which means Labour now has 29 of the 59 available seats, not a sufficient number to have overall control.
Solihull Council has ceased posting on X (formerly Twitter) due to concerns about hateful content on the platform since Elon Musk’s takeover.
BBC News reported that it is the latest in a growing list of local authorities who have left the platform, despite Musk’s assertions that hate speech has not increased.
And here’s another example of how AI technology is helping councils carry out some of their most important and challenging functions.
A Council in south London is implementing AI sensors in vulnerable people’s homes to monitor their wellbeing and detect potential emergencies.
Over 1,200 households in Sutton Council are currently using the technology, according to a report from BBC News.
The AI system tracks movement, temperature, and appliance usage to learn residents’ routines and alert carers when unusual patterns are detected.
It has identified more than 1,800 falls in the past year.
The technology does not use cameras or microphones to maintain privacy, and has been praised as an exemplary use of AI to provide peace of mind for families while allowing vulnerable individuals to maintain independence in their homes.
USA:
In Arizona, the City of Tucson is claiming remarkable success in reducing traffic congestion by 46 percent through the implementation of an AI-powered traffic management system.
Cities Today reported that system works across more than 80 intersections, and has resulted in significant time savings and improved safety with an 80 percent reduction in red-light violations.
The system processes real-time traffic data to optimize signal timing, leading to estimated economic benefits of US$24.3 million and environmental impacts equivalent to planting 650,000 trees.
CANADA:
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has welcomed the mayors of Canada’s largest cities to the city for meetings with the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers on the threat of US tariffs to the Canadian economy.
Mayor Sutcliffe said the collective will continue to work together to protect local businesses and jobs.
And a recent study has confirmed an alarming increase in rat populations is being experienced in many of the world’s major cities.
The Guardian reported that the fastest growth is occurring in cities experiencing the most rapid warming, including Washington DC, San Francisco, Toronto, and New York City.
Rising global temperatures have allowed rats to breed for longer periods and forage more effectively, while causing billions of dollars in damage and posing serious health risks to urban populations.
Over the past decade, rat numbers have increased by 390% in Washington DC, 300% in San Francisco, 186% in Toronto and 162% in New York.
Amsterdam and Tokyo also recorded significant rises.
The study authors found effective pest control focuses on making cities less hospitable to rats by using proper waste containment rather than removal after infestations occur.