In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:
- An urgent arbitration request against a Mayor
- Mornington Peninsula’s move to open briefings takes a step forward
- Performance improvement ordered for Snowy Monaro council
- A mass exodus from a Tasmanian and a Western Australian Council
- Gold Coast Council responds to anger over parking fines
- A Lord Mayor ordered to apologise for a breach of the Act
- And in the UK, elections delayed and mergers approved, but some are left disappointed
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 424:
Victorian Roundup:
Whittlesea City Council has resolved to make an urgent application for an Internal Arbitration process in relation to alleged breaches of the Model Councillor Code of Conduct and Election Period Policy by its Mayor Cr Aidan McLindon.
The allegations relate to media comments and social media posts by Cr McLindon in the lead up to and during his candidacy for the Werribee District by-election this weekend.
The Age reported yesterday that councillors were concerned about “escalating” behaviour since Cr McLindon launched his campaign – including criticism that the Local Government Act was stifling councillor freedom of speech, and sparring with a former councillor on social media.
A confidential session of the Council was held on Tuesday evening during an Unscheduled Council Meeting, after which the confidential minutes were made public.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Daniela Zinni, has been authorised to write to the Local Government Minister seeking that the application for internal arbitration be expedited.
The decision of the council was unanimous, except for Cr McLindon who chaired the meeting and abstained from the vote.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s sector leading move to open up its briefing sessions has moved a step closer, with the release of a new Protocol for Briefings and Workshops.
The council is now seeking community feedback on the protocol, which outlines rules for making Council briefings and workshops publicly available online.
It aims to balance transparency by providing public access to significant discussions while protecting sensitive information.
Last July, the council became the first in Victoria to vote to open its briefing sessions to the public online following a review of its Public Transparency Policy.
The protocol has since been developed to give effect to the decision made in the last term of the council.
Community consultation is open until March 3rd.
Latrobe City Council is calling on the Victorian Government to intervene in ongoing industrial action at Maryvale Mill, where workers have been locked out and operations have halted.
Mayor Dale Harriman said the industrial action is affecting not only those directly involved, but was placing undue strain on the Latrobe City community.
The Council believes that resolving this dispute is crucial for protecting local jobs and ensuring the mill’s continued role as a vital economic contributor to the region, and it wants the State Government to help find viable and sustainable solutions to the crisis.
Brimbank Council is shining the spotlight on illegal footpath trading, issuing a warning to people to beware of food items being sold as they may not be safe.
The council is working with the Sherriff’s office and Victoria Police, targeting the illegal sale of grocery goods, and resulting in the seizure of goods, fines and arrests.
The Council says buyers are putting themselves at risk of food poisoning, and they may also be purchasing stolen goods.
A dramatic increase in parking infringement revenue for Yarra Ranges Council has prompted a call from councillors for a review of parking monitoring processes.
Revenue rose from $27,600 to $501,200 in the year to 2023-24, with the number of infringements growing from 143 in 2023, to 1608 in 2024.
It followed the introduction of number plate recognition technology, according to a report from the Lilydale Star Mail.
The information was shared in response to a question from a member of the public, prompting councillors to call for a report on parking enforcement and consultation particularly in relation to work on a Lilydale Precinct Plan.
An unfavourable budget result for Greater Dandenong Council has meant the deferral of several major projects, including the $100-million-plus Dandenong Wellbeing Centre, according to the Dandenong Star Journal.
The council’s financial challenges are reported to stem from rising contract costs, unexpected legal expenses, and structural issues with existing facilities, though there has been some offset from higher-than-expected revenue from grants, fines, and rates.
Swan Hill Rural City Council is urging boat users at Lake Boga to follow the rules after receiving complaints about Personal Watercraft and Jet Ski users exceeding speed limits within the 5 knots zone.
The Council and Victoria Police are working to enforce safety regulations to ensure the lake can be safely enjoyed by all users, including swimmers, fishing enthusiasts, and those engaging in non-motorised activities.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CEO have met with Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos to discuss urgent coastal erosion concerns at Inverloch and Silverleaves.
The Minister has acknowledged the serious impact of coastal erosion and confirmed that funding applications are under active consideration by the State Government, with decisions expected soon.
Victorian Briefs:
Murray River Council and Campaspe Shire Council have launched a new website visitechucamoama.com.au to promote tourism in the Echuca Moama region.
The website is a collaborative effort between the councils and the Committee for Echuca Moama (C4EM) to consolidate digital assets and enhance the visitor experience in the historic Murray River destination.
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos has visited Knox Library to launch a new round of Living Libraries Infrastructure grants.
$4M in grants will be distributed to support library upgrades and services like mobile library vans. Applications must be in by 14th March.
Whitehorse City Council is the latest to arrange a community forum to shed light on the impact of the state government’s proposed planning reforms.
A lineup of industry experts will unpack key reforms including Housing Targets, RESCODE updates, the Suburban Rail Loop and Activity Centres.
The forum is set for Thursday, 27th February in Nunawading.
VLGA Connect is back for 2025 with a fresh new format, featuring news, interviews and discussions on the latest top topics.
This week, I’m joined by the mayor of Ararat, Jo Armstrong, to talk about the last few months on the frontline of the ongoing bushfires in western Victoria. She tells me about a need for more, ongoing support to fight fires….
and how a major investment in the emergency management capabilities of staff has really paid off…..
Catch the full interview with Mayor Jo Armstrong from Ararat, and much more in the 2025 premiere of VLGA Connect – on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Snowy Monaro Regional Council has been issued a Performance Improvement Order from the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig.
Minister Hoenig said the intent of the PIO is to establish clear expectations around councillor and Council performance over the next 12 months.
It requires the Council as an organisation, and councillors as individuals, to take action to address three areas of concern:
- Councillor conduct in the chamber, in correspondence, and on social media
- Council’s progress in implementing planned financial and organisational reforms
- Addressing work health and safety risks affecting Council staff
If the Council or councillors don’t comply with the order, further intervention measures may be taken by the Minister.
The council will table the order at its next meeting on 20th February.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported on a Ku-ring-gai councillor workshop being held this week at the historic Hydro Majestic hotel in the Blue Mountains, at an estimated cost of $20K.
Some councillors have reportedly expressed concerns privately about the optics of the event during a cost of living crisis.
One councillor is believed to be a late withdrawal but has not made any comment as to the reason.
Councillors and senior management are expected to discuss key issues, including the council’s response to state government housing targets and a possible special rate variation request.
Central Coast Council this week issue, and then rescinded**,** a boil water alert for several suburbs including Terrigal, North Avoca, and Avoca Beach.
The alert was issued after detecting E. Coli bacteria in the Terrigal Reservoir, and the affected water supply was cut off on Tuesday afternoon.
Residents were advised to boil water for drinking and food preparation until further notice, with immune-compromised individuals urged to be particularly cautious.
However, on Wednesday afternoon the council announced that further testing had found no E. Coli bacteria in the water.
Council CEO David Farmer told the Central Coast Express Advocate that a precautionary approach had been taken after the initial test, and that he was relieved and pleased to advise the clear result from further testing.
Federation Council has endorsed a proposal for a permanent 69.94% increase to general rates over two years starting July 2025.
If approved by IPART, it would increase average residential rates from $961 in 2024/25 to $1,144 in 2025/26 and $1,279 in 2026/27.
Mayor Cheryl Cook said the rate increase is essential for upgrading the Council’s extensive road network, maintaining essential services, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the council.
QLD:
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate will write to the State’s Transport Minister calling for reform of parking laws following widespread anger over fines issued to residents parking on their own driveways in narrow suburban streets.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported on how the issue has particularly affected areas like Robina where streets less than six meters wide make it difficult for residents to park without putting two wheels on grass verges.
That can currently result in a $201 fine.
In 2024, the Council issued over 178,000 parking infringements, with more than 2,000 specifically for parking illegally on or across driveways, leading to nearly 17,000 complaints from residents.
A key adviser to Cairns Mayor Amy Eden has departed the council after struggling to work collaboratively during her probationary period, according to the Cairns Post.
The loss of Bree Graafland from her team comes as Mayor Eden has been under fire for sending an email that contained serious criticisms of the Council’s new CEO, and for suggesting that the council buy a stake in the $3B North Queensland Airports Group.
Logan City Council is calling for urgent action from the Queensland Government to address critical transport infrastructure needs in Flagstone, a rapidly growing area projected to house 140,000 residents.
The Beaudesert Times (4th February 2025) reported that the current situation has led to significant traffic congestion and limited access routes, particularly during peak hours and flooding events, with environmental concerns now complicating plans for a second access road.
Mayor Jon Raven is advocating for greater council control over planning development and improved infrastructure, including the delivery of the Salisbury to Beaudesert passenger rail service and the Southern Gateway Motorway.
The Scenic Rim region in Queensland has achieved ECO Destination Certification from Ecotourism Australia, becoming the sixth destination in Queensland and twelfth in Australia to receive this prestigious recognition for sustainable tourism practices.
The certification evaluates destinations across more than 90 criteria including environmental management and cultural preservation, and according to Mayor Tom Sharp inspires a deeper appreciation for preserving the region’s extraordinary landscapes.
National Briefs:
South Burnett Regional Council is actively promoting the region to medical professionals through a new series of locally-produced videos.
The YouTube videos showcase the area’s lifestyle benefits and professional opportunities in an effort to address rural healthcare shortages.
The City of Belmont has renewed its 40-year sister city agreement with Adachi-Ku, Japan.
Mayor Robert Rossi and Adachi Mayor Yayoi Kondo recently signed a renewed agreement and exchanged artworks, and to commemorate the milestone, cherry blossom trees were planted in both cities.
LGA South Australia and LG Professional SA have launched a comprehensive Local Government Careers Kit to address skills shortages and promote diverse career opportunities in local government.
The initiative includes a promotional toolkit, a revamped careers website, and an innovative chatbot, all designed to attract talent and showcase the wide range of roles available in local councils.
Regional Cities NSW has developed a new business case which identifies 93 chokepoints across NSW’s freight network that are causing $80 million in annual efficiency losses,.
The report recommends a $346 million investment from the upcoming state budget for 10 priority projects to address the issues.
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TAS:
Six of Dorset Council’s elected members have resigned in the wake of a Board of Inquiry report released last month.
The board found significant failings of governance, conduct and decision-making within the Council.
The Council’s website lists Mayor Greg Howard and Crs Anna Coxen, Leonie Stein, Beth Donoghue, Jerrod Nichols, and deputy mayor Dale Jessup as having resigned.
Their photographs have been removed, leaving just three councillors listed as currently serving – Melvyn Chilcott, Edwina Powell and Kahlia Simmons.
Two recounts are scheduled to replace Jerrod Nichols and Dale Jessup, who resigned on the 23rd and 24th January respectively.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission advised that a by-election will be required to fill the positions of mayor and one councillor after the resignation of Mayor Greg Howard, and they will be scheduled after the recounts.
A separate countback process will commence 12th February to fill the positions vacated by Anna Coxen, Beth Donoghue and Leonie Stein.
The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for Monday 17th February.
A compulsory by-election is underway to fill a vacancy on Tasman Council.
That follows the resignation of Jim Sharman in November. There are no remaining unsuccessful candidates from the last election in 2022.
A result of the by-election is expected on Friday 14th February.
And at Flinders Council, Peter Rhodes resigned his councillor position on Monday.
The Electoral Commission is contacting unsuccessful candidates from the 2022 election inviting their participation in a recount.
A result is expected as early as the afternoon of Monday 17th February.
Glenorchy City Council is preparing to commence recruitment of a new CEO, after Tony McMullen recently advised he will not be seeking a new contract when his current deal expires in June.
Mr McMullen has been with the council since 1994, and in the CEO role since 2018.
Mayor Sue Hickey said the council is aiming to run an appointment process to ensure the role is filled by 30th June.
WA:
Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has been ordered to apologise for breaching the Local Government Act by using his mayoral Facebook account to promote his Liberal Party election campaign.
The state’s Local Government Standards Panel found it to be a minor breach, requiring a public apology at a future council meeting, though Cr Zempilas has 28 days to appeal the decision.
ABC News reported that Lord Mayor Zempilas has expressed concern about the leaking of the ruling to the media before being released through official channels.
He said he will refer the matter to the corruption watchdog, while also taking a leave of absence from his mayoral duties during the election period.
Councillor Tim Turner has resigned from the Town of Port Hedland council after serving since October 2020, including a stint as Deputy Mayor from 2021 to 2023.
It’s the latest in a string of resignations from the council in recent months, after Sven Arentz resigned in late January, and the departure of Flo Bennett in November.
The town’s CEO Carl Askew resigned in September, after which Mark Dacombe was elevated as Acting CEO.
Mayor Peter Carter thanked Cr Turner for his service, and noted the council’s ongoing efforts to improve teamwork and address its challenges.
The Town made national headlines last year when it resolved to call for an immediate suspension of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and distribute correspondence to every local government in Australia.
That move brought the ire of WA Premier Roger Cook, who said the council should “stick to its knitting” and focus on local issues.
ABC News has reported this week that the Premier is “very concerned” about the current state of the council, and it was something the minister for local government was looking very closely at.
The Council of Capital City Lord Mayors is urging the federal government to increase funding for Australia’s growing cities, with key priorities including housing, climate resilience, infrastructure, and cost of living support.
Chair of the Council, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said with over 80% of Australians living in cities, federal support is crucial for addressing challenges like climate change, inequality, and the housing crisis.
Outgoing Chair, Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis stressed the importance of collective advocacy in securing federal funding, and highlighting the connection between city success and national prosperity.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Local elections in nine areas across England will be delayed for a year to allow for council reorganisations that will merge smaller district councils with county councils into new unitary authorities.
The Labour government claims this will enable devolution and shift power from Whitehall to local areas, with plans to create new mayoral positions in six regions by 2026.
BBC News reported that opposition parties, including Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK, have described the delay of elections as undemocratic.
There are also concerns about the costs of reorganisation and the potential centralisation of power away from local communities.
The UK Local Government Association said the announcement would remove uncertainty for local areas affected, but the tight deadline to submit detailed proposals is challenging.
LGIU Chief Executive Jonathan Carr-West said the program would receive a mixed reaction from the sector, with successful councils pleased and others frustrated after investing significant time and resources into their applications over the Christmas period.
He said the centralised control over rules and selection of winners contradicts the spirit of devolution, highlighting a fundamental tension in the process.
Glasgow City Council is reaching out to owners of over 2,500 vacant properties in an effort to address the city’s housing emergency, where around 7,000 homeless applications and 4,000 households in temporary accommodation are straining resources.
BBC News reported that the council is offering assistance to property owners to help bring their empty homes back into use through various means including support for repairs and renovations.
Glasgow declared a housing emergency in 2023, which was followed by a national housing emergency declaration for Scotland in 2024.
A report from The Telegraph reveals that cash-strapped councils in England and Wales are likely to reduce their high pension contributions (currently up to 27%) due to a significant improvement in the Local Government Pension Scheme’s funding.
The scheme now has an £85bn surplus.
The potential reduction in employer contribution rates, which could be cut by up to 50%, would provide relief to struggling local authorities whose spending power has decreased by 18% in real terms since 2010-11.
Council pension schemes have been under scrutiny, particularly after it was revealed that a significant portion of council tax goes toward pension funding, with thousands of ex-council workers receiving annual pensions exceeding £50,000.
USA:
The D.C. Council has unanimously voted to expel Councilmember Trayon White following his arrest on federal bribery charges, marking the first time in modern D.C. history that the Council has expelled one of its members.
NBC Washington reported on the Council vote, which came after White was accused of accepting $35,000 in cash bribes from a city contractor-turned-informer in exchange for influencing contract decisions.
The FBI has documented multiple payments through hidden camera footage.
A special election will be held for the council seat within 70 to 174 days, and White is eligible to run again unless he is convicted of a felony.
CANADA:
Calgary City Council is considering bylaw changes that would impose a $10,000 fine on tow truck operators who show up uninvited to collision scenes.
According to the Calgary Herald, the move is in response to reports of predatory behaviour where operators were pressuring accident victims to allow their cars to be towed.
The proposed amendments would prohibit tow operators from being within 200 meters of accident scenes unless specifically requested, with operators required to prove they were invited.
The proposal is being voted on by a committee this week, and if approved, will advance to a regular city council meeting later in the month.
NZ:
An increase in staffing numbers at New Zealand’s West Coast Regional Council has sparked heated debate, with the council defending the growth as a strategy to reduce consultant dependency.
Radio New Zealand reported the 15 per cent increase year on year was part of efforts to manage the mix of staff and consultants, within budget constraints.
A discussion about the figures at a Council meeting turned heated with a tense exchange between council chair and another councillor, highlighting ongoing tensions and sparking allegations about non-attendance at workshops where the staffing moves had been discussed.