Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
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The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities.
Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.
Coming up today on the Local Government News Roundup:
Support the Roundup and get access to special episodes and regular breaking news updates by becoming a subscriber for around $5 per month. ($3 USD) Click here to subscribe now.
The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, the national broadcaster on all things local government; with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment and business advisory service; and from Ventia, making infrastructure work sustainably for our communities.
Links for stories referenced in the podcast can be found in the transcript, or by visiting the Roundup website.
Victorian Roundup:
A cartoon depicting East Gippsland Shire Council's first female CEO, Fiona Weigall, in an apron with a broom has drawn criticism as sexist and demeaning.
Women's advocate Ruth McGowan told ABC News that she plans to file a complaint to the Australian Press Council.
Ms McGowan says the cartoon in the Bairnsdale Advertiser used an ‘old sexist trope’ that might look harmless, but has a dangerous undertone.
The council has declined to comment on the cartoon, but it has drawn criticism from readers and community leaders.
The list of sites where asbestos containing material has been found has expanded this week to include parks in the cities of Hume and Bayside.
The EPA has confirmed that a sample collected from Seabrook Reserve was positive for the material, and that further assessments and investigations are underway.
Meanwhile, a sample taken from Dendy Park in Brighton was also confirmed as positive for asbestos, but was not part of mulch delivered to the site.
As of yesterday afternoon, the EPA said a further five of the 14 affected parks in Hobsons Bay had been remediated and reopened for community use.
It says it believes the small amounts of asbestos containing material found across 19 parks and reserves are mostly due to dumping or legacy contamination at the sites.
Public housing residents and Stonnington City Council are concerned a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of two housing estates in Stonnington will neglect vulnerable residents and instead become a profit-making venture.
The Victorian government's $6.3 billion Big Housing Build plans to overhaul the Horace Petty housing complex and the Essex Street public housing estate.
But Stonnington Mayor Joe Gianfriddo told The Age this week that a lack of consultation with the council is jeopardising the inclusion of crucial outreach and health services in the plans.
He said requests to the Housing Minister for an urgent meeting have gone unanswered.
City of Ballarat councillors are set to decide whether to allow debates on topics like Gaza and the Voice to Parliament, according to the Ballarat Courier.
A draft policy has been prepared, following a divisive debate at last month’s meeting which led to a decision to prepare a formal policy on council positions.
The policy has been based on one from Mount Alexander Shire Council, and if adopted would prevent the council from establishing a formal position or undertaking advocacy on certain matters.
The City of Melbourne is pausing the construction of new bike lanes in the Hoddle Grid to focus on routes into the city centre.
The planned bike lanes on Flinders, Bourke, and Spring streets have been delayed, with the latter two postponed indefinitely.
The Age reports that the decision is due to the disruption and delays amidst numerous major state projects.
The council will instead focus on building bike lanes in Grattan and Arden streets, Royal Parade and Abbotsford Street, and an addition to the existing bike lane in Exhibition Street.
Greater Shepparton City Council says the interim report into the 2022 flood event in Victoria, tabled at the regional sitting of the Victorian Parliament in Echuca last week, highlights the need for a more efficient support system for community members and a faster transition to recovery following a major emergency.
The report, which includes the Council's submission, focuses on government support and payments to flood-impacted residents.
The final report due in mid-June will provide recommendations for improvement, including evidence from those directly affected by the floods.
A 'No Glyphosate' trial along Gardiners Creek in the City of Boroondara has been extended until the end of spring.
The trial involves managing weeds without glyphosate.
Initial results have showed similar conditions to before the trial commenced in 2022, a decrease in herbicide use, and an increase in both hours spent and costs of managing weeds.
Councillors have voted to collect more data through the extension before considering a report on two years of the trial’s operation.
Cardinia Shire Council is urging the State Government to fund more kindergartens and prioritise centres on school sites for easier access for young families.
The Pakenham Gazette reported that the call came after the council considered an extensive report into the future development of childcare in the shire amidst the ongoing rollout of free childcare in the State Government’s Best Start Best Life reforms.
The council is also seeking a partnership with the State Government to deliver the infrastructure for these reforms and cover any shortfalls, and has identified Gembrook and Bunyip as candidates for developments on school sites.
Victorian Briefs:
Brimbank City Council has adopted a new Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy, which plans for an additional 34,000 residents and 14,000 dwellings by 2041.
The strategy for future housing needs includes sustainable growth, enhanced liveability, heritage protection, and affordable housing; and addresses issues such as higher density developments, sustainability, tree coverage, climate change, and housing diversity.
Ararat Rural City Council has unveiled plans to revolutionize road maintenance strategies by trialing innovative road treatments, including the introduction of OTTA seals, a cost-efficient solution from Norway.
The seals, suitable for roads with traffic volumes under 200 vehicles per day, use graded aggregates to create a resilient surfacing layer, reducing the need for extensive reconstruction.
The Eastern Region Group of Councils of Knox, Maroondah, Manningham, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges is encouraging residents to participate in the consultation for the State Government's 'Plan for Victoria'.
The group is also developing 'Plan East' to balance growth impacts with community values.
It has identified four priorities: increasing sustainable transport options, funding infrastructure to support growth, maintaining natural assets, and managing housing growth.
The City of Casey will join 51 other councils as part of the Victorian Energy Collaboration from 1st July next year. The move is expected to reduce the Council's total emissions by at least 60,000 tonnes of CO2 over the five-and-a-half-year contract, significantly contributing towards its net zero target by 2030.
This is the Local Government News Roundup for the 24th April, episode number 327 - brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with support from Davidson recruitment and business advisory services; and from Ventia, bringing to local government capability in whole of life asset management and robust use of data for better decision making.
National Roundup:
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is seeking $120 million over four years from the Federal Budget to standardise kerbside bins across Australia and implement a national education campaign.
The initiative aims to reduce the five mega tonnes of waste sent to Australian landfills each year.
President Cr Linda Scott said confusion about which products can be recycled remains a significant barrier to diverting waste from landfill; and that standardizing bin lids and providing clear recycling information can help Australians make more informed decisions about waste disposal.
NSW:
A Federation Council worker has been fined after crashing a grader into a fire truck following consumption of several beers.
Richard John Mazurak, who has previously admitted to drink-driving and negligent driving offences, was slightly drunk at the time of the incident according to police.
The Border Mail reported that a fireman was hospitalised with facial injuries as a result of the incident.
Mr Mazurak was stood down from his job after the incident. He was placed on a conditional release order and fined $300.
The Sydney Morning Herald has the unusual story of a Sydney hotel which is split between Parramatta City and the Hills Shire councils.
The Winston Hotel pays rates to both councils and must submit separate development applications to each.
The owner has proposed that the building be within Parramatta's boundary and the carpark under Hills Shire.
But Parramatta Council has voted to claim the entire precinct, causing a potential loss of rates income for Hills Shire.
The Hills Shire has proposed a division of the land similar to that put forward by the pub’s owner.
The Parramatta proposal is currently under review by Minister for Local Government.
IPART has abandoned its review of the financial modelling of councils, which commenced in January, after being told by the state government that it had withdrawn its referral for the review to avoid duplication.
In a statement on its website, IPART said the matter will now be considered via an inquiry by the NSW Parliament’s Standing Committee on State Development.
IPART said it will consider all feedback received in response to the draft Terms of Reference and provide a summary of issues raised by stakeholders to the NSW Government.
TAS:
Gemma Kitsos has been elected to the Hobart City Council, filling the position left vacant by the resignation of former Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet.
Ms Burnet was elected to state parliament at the recent state election.
Ms Kitsos will make a declaration of office before the next council meeting on 29th April, where a vote will also take place to fill the Deputy Lord Mayor position.
QLD:
A proposal by new Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson to be the primary decision-maker for the interim chief executive appointment has been rejected by a majority of Townsville City councillors.
Despite Mayor Thompson's argument for a swift decision due to the outgoing chief executive's imminent departure, councillors insisted on a more collective decision-making process, according to a report from the Townsville Bulletin.
Dr Prins Ralston resigned the CEO position last week and will finish at the council on 10th May.
The council has advertised for interim CEO applicants with a closing time of 10pm Wednesday 24th April.
Queensland councils face a $2.2 billion infrastructure funding gap over the next four years due to the state's cap on infrastructure charges for property developers, according to research by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ).
The cap, which hasn't been appropriately indexed since 2011, could result in an additional annual cost of $269 for residential ratepayers in South East Queensland and $437 in regional Queensland.
The LGAQ is calling for the cap to be increased and indexed to reflect the true cost of providing critical infrastructure.
Businesses and operators at the Toowoomba City Aerodrome have formed a new group amid concerns over a financial review being undertaken by the council.
The group, which includes LifeFlight and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, is lobbying for the council to reaffirm its long-term commitment to the aerodrome, citing its economic and community benefits.
The council's reported refusal to renew existing leases or permit new hangars has raised concerns, according to a report from the Toowoomba Chronicle.
The Council says it is waiting on completion of the review and has no predetermined view on the aerodrome’s future.
WA:
The Shire of Waroona in Western Australia is calling for the state government to cover the costs of removing dead whales that wash up on the coast.
ABC News reports that the council spent about $20,000 to remove a whale carcass from Preston Beach last year, a significant unplanned expense for the small regional council.
Despite these calls, the state government has no plans to change its current policy, which requires land managers to remove dead whales.
Busselton City Council has decided to request a ban on shark fishing with a wire trace at the Busselton Jetty, following consultation with the local community.
The decision, which received 75.3% support from the community, is due to concerns about the conflict of uses at the jetty, with many locals and tourists using the area for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.
The City will write to the Minister for Fisheries to confirm its support for the ban and request that the Busselton Jetty be included in the State Government’s Prohibition on Fishing (Wire Trace) Order 2022.
National Briefs:
Hills Shire and Hawkesbury City Councils have welcomed the NSW Government's decision to take over the management of the Lower Portland Ferry, following years of advocacy.
The transfer is expected to happen later this year, allowing for more efficient coordination of all ferry services in the Hawkesbury and The Hills
South Burnett Regional Council is intensifying enforcement of dog registration compliance, including property inspections.
The Courier Mail reported that the decision to step up action follows a debate among council members about whether to pursue or waive $72,000 in outstanding registration fees from the last financial year.
The Governor General HIs Excellency David Hurley and Mrs Hurley will visit Kangaroo Island this weekend in continued support of the community after devastating fires in 2019/20.
It’s the second visit by the Governor General and his wife since the fires. They’ll be welcomed by the council and community to view to the revitalisation of the Stokes Bay community and hall.
International Spotlight:
UK:
New research in the UK released by LGIU reveals a continued downward trajectory of public trust in government at all levels.
43 percent of respondents trust their local councillors to act in the best interests of people in their local area, down three points from last year.
Trust in their local council has fallen 7 points to 42 per cent, on a par with local media.
But that’s far more than the national government, with just one in four people saying they trust the UK government to act in their best interests.
LGIU says the declining levels of trust are deeply concerning for all levels of government, but that councils have an opportunity to start turning the situation around.
It says a serious investigation is needed into how local government can facilitate more buy-in from residents and for local government to be enabled to work better.
Scotland's largest local government union, Unison, is warning of potential strikes due to ongoing pay disputes.
Local gov dot co uk reports that Unison, along with Unite, submitted a pay claim for local government workers for 2024-25 in January, but the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has yet to respond.
The unions are calling for an above-inflation increase for the lowest-paid staff and aim for all local government workers to receive at least £15 an hour by April 2026.
USA:
Plano City Council in Texas has approved an ordinance banning new short-term rentals in most residential areas, following concerns from residents about crime and nuisance.
Existing rentals can continue operating, and rentals with live-in managers in heritage districts are also permitted.
The council will also require short-term rentals to register with the city and pay a fee.
Despite unanimous approval, some council members expressed concerns about potential legal challenges and infringement on property rights.
CANADA:
A by-election will be held next month to fill all three positions on the council of the Village of Donalda in Alberta, Canada.
Cross Border Interviews reported that the village’s mayor Doug Booker resigned earlier this month, short circuiting the filing of a recall petition against him.
His resignation follows that of the only other two councillors in the village earlier in the year, after which the an administrator was appointed by the province.
EUROPE:
Dutch local councils are divided over plans to regulate sex work from home.
The government wants to regulate the sector due to the increase in home-based and online sex work, requiring workers to prove they are over 21, working independently, and not under duress.
However, some councils have banned home-based sex work, while others have imposed strict conditions.
There are concerns that licensing will not improve safety or address illegal prostitution, and that it could lead to neighbourhood disturbances and potential exploitation by criminals.
NZ:
Gore District Council is considering a 21.4 percent rates increase in its draft budget, down from an initial 40 percent, according to Radio New Zealand.
Interim CEO Stephen Parry said the lower number was possible after staff undertook a cost-cutting exercise which removed $2.2M in costs from the plan.
They include not fully funding depreciation, deferring hiring and upgrades, and downsizing departments.
Mr Parry said there was an element of “kicking the can down the road” as the community is not well positioned to absorb a very large rate increase.
Wellington City Council is supporting the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, aiming to reduce household food waste by 50% by 2030.
The campaign introduces 'Eat Me First' reusable stickers to remind people of food that needs to be consumed first, reducing waste.
The stickers are available for free and can be ordered online or picked up from selected local libraries and community centres.
The average Wellingtonian discards 3.2kg of food per week, equating to 30,000 tonnes of food scraps sent to landfill annually.