Moyne Shire CEO Brett Davis has resigned to take up a role with the state government as Victoria’s new Cross Border Commissioner.
Mayor Cr Ian Smith said he had reluctantly accepted Mr Davis’ resignation and wished him well for his future endeavours.
Mr Davis was promoted to the position from a director role at Moyne in June 2022 following the retirement of former CEO Bill Millard.
Mayor Smith said he expected an interim appointment to be made next week, with further announcements about a recruitment process to follow.
Mr Davis is taking over as Cross Border Commissioner from Luke Wilson, who is completing a five-year term in the role.
Nominations for the Greater Dandenong City Council, Yarraman Ward by-election open on February 1, with a $250 fee required.
Candidates must make an appointment to submit their nomination form in person during business hours.
The election office will be open weekdays from January 31 to March 8, and nominations close at noon on February 6.
The by-election was triggered by the election of former mayor Eden Foster to state parliament.
Central Goldfields Shire Council has appointed new in-home aged and community-based service providers, transitioning away from delivering these services from 1 March, 2024.
The decision was made in response to the Commonwealth Government's new model of care, the In-Home Support program.
The new providers, including Intereach, Maryborough District Health Service, mecwacare, and Uniting AgeWell, will offer services such as domestic assistance, personal care, meals on wheels, home maintenance, and social support programs.
The Council says it is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for the approximately 630 clients affected by this change.
The Victorian Pride Lobby is urging Golden Plains Shire to increase its support for the local queer community by establishing an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee.
Rainbow Local Government co-lead Sean Mulcahy believes this committee is a crucial step for queer inclusion in the municipality, ensuring the voices of the LGBTIQA+ community are heard.
Mulcahy plans to present a petition for this cause in an upcoming council meeting and is optimistic about its reception.
In a report from the Golden Plains Times, a council spokesperson said the shire is keen to broaden its support for the queer community.
In its first month of operation, Strathbogie Council's Textile Recovery Boxes diverted 1,849kg of textiles from landfill.
The boxes, located at various Transfer Stations, allow residents to drop off unwanted items for free.
The majority of contributions came from the Violet Town community.
The collected textiles are sorted into over 500 categories, with priority given to reusing items. If repairable, items are refurbished and returned to local shops.
The second priority is upcycling, where garments are deconstructed and their parts reused.
An 18-month trial using ultrasonic equipment to control blue-green algae in Lake Bullen Merri has been deemed ineffective, according to Corangamite Shire Council.
The process did not significantly change algae densities or disrupt the dominant cyanobacteria species.
The technology did not remove nutrients from the lake, a key factor contributing to algae blooms.
A report on the trial found that any future trials would require optimised technology and a better understanding of nutrient cycles in the lake to be considered.
Baw Baw Shire Council has transitioned to 100% renewable energy for all its major electricity contracts, resulting in savings of over $50,000 in the 2022-23 financial year.
The move is part of the Victorian Energy Collaboration, the largest emissions reduction project by the local government sector in Australia, and aligns with the Council's Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2022 – 2030.
The savings will be reinvested into new sustainability projects.
The City of Casey in Melbourne has completed the first phase of its digital transformation with TechnologyOne, transitioning from on-premise IT infrastructure to Software as a Service (SaaS).
This move is part of the city's Transformation Strategy to modernize operations and enhance customer experience.
The transition will provide staff, residents, and visitors with high-level security and reliability.
The next phase of the project will involve a greenfield reimplementation of the full OneCouncil ERP solution into CiA, providing a fully interconnected solution accessible on any device.
Former Waverley mayor Sally Betts is under internal council investigation following accusations of drunken and offensive behaviour by colleague Leon Goltsman.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Goltsman allegates Betts' behaviour was unacceptable after an extraordinary council meeting.
He has called for her to step down as leader of the Liberals on the council.
Betts has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded and indicative of Goltsman's misguided behaviour.
The allegations are currently being considered by the Liberal Party, but no formal investigation of Betts' conduct is currently underway.
North Sydney Council is urging the NSW government to review the Western Harbour Tunnel project due to concerns about traffic congestion similar to the Rozelle Interchange.
The Mosman Daily (25/1/24) reported that Mayor Zoe Baker has warned of outdated traffic modelling and similar "pinch points" that could lead to increased congestion.
The NRMA is suggesting a toll-free period and clear signage to prevent panic and bypassing.
The tunnel, set to be completed in 2028, is expected to reduce traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge by 17% and save drivers up to 20 minutes between North Sydney and Sydney Olympic Park.
Blue Mountains City Council is opposing proposed planning amendments that would significantly increase building heights and densities, posing a risk to residents and the World Heritage environment due to the region's high bushfire risk.
The changes, proposed by the State Government, would permit building heights up to 21 metres in all town and village centres.
The council argues that these changes disregard local planning controls and increase bushfire risks, and are calling for real solutions to the housing crisis, such as taxation and regulation of Airbnbs.
Internationally renowned American artist, Barnett Newman's only sculpture in Australia, "Broken Obelisk," will be relocated from the National Gallery in Canberra to the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery.
It will be displayed in the town centre of Nowra for the next five years as part of the 'Sharing the National Collection' initiative.
The initiative allows significant works of art to be placed in regional areas across Australia, enabling more audiences to connect with major artworks.
In welcoming the work to Shoalhaven, Mayor Amanda Findley said it was an example of the power of art to inspire, unite and transform communities.
Brett Stonestreet, General Manager of Griffith City Council, has had his contract renewed for another year, extending his term until August 21, 2025.
Mr Stonestreet aims to guide the Council's transition through the first year of the 2024/25 budget, manage the impact of the Water Amendment Act 2023, and provide the opportunity for the next Council to appoint a General Manager for a longer term commencing August 22, 2025.
Townsville City Council has ceased all normal operations across its services, facilities and venues on Thursday and Friday of this week due to the expected impacts of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.
In its latest advice to residents this morning, the council said that Kirrily had passed and the threat had been reduced.
It has warned people to be careful of the dangers and damage caused, including looking out for downed powerlines which can be hidden in fallen trees and debris.
Gold Coast councillors have unanimously rejected a proposal to develop a defunct golf course into a housing estate, despite the ongoing housing crisis.
ABC News reported that the decision was influenced by widespread community opposition, concerns about wildlife, and the need to maintain green spaces.
The proposed development would have resulted in the removal of significant vegetation and impacted native wildlife, including endangered koalas.
The developers have indicated they may appeal the decision.
Councillor Laurie Koranski, currently the Deputy Mayor of Logan City, has announced she will not be contesting the 2024 local government election.
Koranski, who has served since 2016, plans to spend more time with her family, travel, and complete a Masters in Business Psychology.
An independent consultant will review the Cairns Regional Council's response to the December flooding event associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
The review, using an After-Action Review methodology, will involve relevant stakeholders and focus on the effectiveness of operational, tactical, and strategic activities.
The debrief is expected to start in early February with a final report available by late June.
Ipswich City Council has received a $9 million funding boost from the State Government to support the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) waste collection program.
The funding will aid in planning for a citywide FOGO rollout and help move FOGO waste to a provider offering enclosed organic waste processing.
The citywide service is planned to be introduced as part of a three-bin core service in mid 2025. The funding also includes a commitment of close to $1 million for education and awareness.
Hobart City Councillor Louise Elliot has been suspended for one month due to an adverse finding in a Code of Conduct complaint.
The specifics of the complaint have not been disclosed.
Elliot, known for her stance against transgender women being included in women's spaces, is expected to miss two council meetings during her suspension.
She has appealed the decision, but the suspension has not been stayed, according to a report today from the Hobart Mercury.
A King Island councillor removed from office for missing three consecutive council meetings has been re-elected unopposed in a by-election.
The Mercury reports that Sarina Laidler’s council position was declared vacant when she missed the meetings due to her husband's health problems.
Although her absence was for compassionate reasons, the Local Government Act required her removal from the council because she didn't submit a formal leave request.
Regrettably, her husband passed away from a brain tumour around that time.
Ms Laidler has expressed relief and excitement about her win, viewing it as a morale boost during a difficult period.
She plans to advocate for changes in local government regulations, including the allowance of video conferencing for meetings and compassionate leave for councillors.
There’ll be an extraordinary postal election in WA’s Shire of Ashburton in March.
The election is needed to fill a vacancy in Tom Price Ward for a three-year term after the resignation with immediate effect in November of Tina Mladenovic.
The Shire has indicated that backfilling provisions were exhausted during the October elections, making an extraordinary election necessary.
Tenterfield Shire Council in NSW is looking for its next General Manager.
The shire is in the New England region, close to Brisbane and Byron Bay.
Leading Roles is handling the recruitment with applications due by 11th February.
Applications are being called for the inaugural CEO of the Groote Archipelago, in the East Arhnem region of northern Australia.
A $200k compensation package is offered, with applications to be received by Leading Roles by the 14th February.
UK Councils have been given six months to produce new 'productivity plans' for the government as part of the terms of additional funding announced.
They have also been warned to consider whether diversity programs are value for money, according to a report from the Local Government Chronicle.
The communities secretary, Michael Gove, confirmed that social care authorities will share an additional £500m in 2024-25, with a further £100m to be spent on increasing the rural services delivery grant and raising the funding guarantee to 4%.
The core spending power of councils, including assumed maximum council tax increases, is expected to rise by £4.5bn, equivalent to a 7.5% increase above inflation.
The additional funding is intended for frontline services and not to be put aside for later use.
An expert panel will be established to review the plans and advise the government on "best practice" in this area.
The plans will be used to inform funding settlements in future years, and councils must produce them by July 23rd.
Local Government Association Chair Cr Shaun Davies said the LGA welcomes the Government action and recognition of the severe financial pressures facing councils
He said the LGA would continue to work with the government to achieve a sustainable long-term funding settlement and updated distribution mechanisms.
Councillors at Brighton and Hove Council have been accused of abuse, bullying, and harassment, according to a letter written by Councillor Sue Shanks, a Green member of the council.
The letter, which is part of the agenda for the council’s Audit and Standards Committee meeting to be held next week, highlights poor behaviour including shouting, finger-pointing, and personal remarks.
Brighton and Hove News has reported that Shanks is calling for a review into the handling of complaints about behaviour by council members, including how meeting chairs can be empowered to intervene when incidents occur.
Redbridge Council has delivered a blow to West Ham Football Club, cancelling plans to lease the Oakfield Playing Fields to them for a new training facility.
The backflip follows opposition from amateur club Bealonians FC and a petition signed by more than 11,000 people.
The decision means Bealonians FC to remain at their current location, which they have used since 2004.
That club has urged West Ham to recognise the disruption and uncertainty they’ve caused and reconsider their need for the site.
A government minister has ordered an independent inquiry into the conduct of a Canadian councillor who failed to comply with sanctions imposed or resign from office within a deadline given to him.
John Robertson displayed a controversial sign last year, leading to censure from the municipality and a finding that he had violated the councillor code of conduct.
CTV News this week reported that Minister for Housing Land and Communities Rob Lantz cannot make a final determination without conducting an independent inquiry, regardless of the inquiry already conducted by the municipality.
Two members of Mary Esther Council in Florida have resigned due to a new Florida state law requiring them to disclose personal finances in a document called "Form 6".
The law, which took effect on Jan. 1, requires city council members to detail personal financial information including bank account balances, 401(k) plans, and other assets.
Susan Coxwell and Janice Lipscomb join a growing list of councillors across the state giving up their positions as they don’t believe they should have to disclose the level of personal financial information required.
Non-compliance could result in removal or suspension from office, and fines.
NorthWest Florida Daily News reported that the city is now seeking residents interested in filling the vacant positions which are remunerated at $250 per month, soon to increase to $350 per month.
Christchurch City Council has voted to consider a bid for a future Commonwealth Games despite protests and concerns about potential financial and environmental impacts.
The Otago Daily Times reported that a group of about 20 protesters crashed this week’s council meeting, arguing that hosting the Games would be financially irresponsible and increase greenhouse emissions.
Councillors opposing the bid raised concerns about potential rate rises and the timing of the decision.
Mayor Phil Mauger, who originally recommended a bid be considered for the 2030 games, has argued it could be a great opportunity for the city.