Closing the loophole, poor communication, and shocking mismanagement

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• An appeal to the Governor over the ESVF levy
• A council’s planned exit from maternal and child health services
• A grant loophole closes on the Mornington Peninsula
• Violent incidents shut down a Council library
• A mayor’s war on visual pollution
• A council’s warning for pet owners after three dog deaths
• Two high profile mayors announce future plans
• Shocking mismanagement of a WA council revealed
• And council tax arrears in Britain reach a staggering new high

Also today, Derek Madden, CEO of Moorabool Shire Council joins Chris to discuss viral list of the 10 reasons people don’t appreciate local government.

Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com

On Tuesday, 22 July the VLGA and LGIU will host the next in its series of Global Executive Live Panels for 2025.

This webinar will explore the topic of Building the Local Economy and will be held online from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Panellists include:

• Dr Angela Jackson, Commissioner (Social Policy), Australian Productivity Commission
• David Marlow, Chief Executive, Third Life Economics 
• Merryn Tinkler, Manager Economy & Culture, Mount

Chapters

• 1:56 Victorian Report
• 8:37 NSW Report
• 12:28 QLD Report
• 14:30 TAS/SA/WA/NT Report
• 20:08 Global Report
• 24:46 Interview: Derek Madden, CEO Moorabool Shire Council

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

Horsham Council has taken the unusual step of appealing directly to Victoria's Governor, asking her not to sign the controversial Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Levy Bill.

In a unanimous decision, Horsham Rural City councillors have "vehemently opposed" the levy, citing what they call "significant, unfair and inequitable impacts" on farming, commercial and industrial sectors.

Mayor Ian Ross didn't mince words, describing the timing and scale of the increase as deeply unjustifiable.

While the State Government has announced it will cap the levy for primary production properties due to drought conditions, the council says this doesn't go far enough.

The Weekly Advertiser reported that Horsham is now considering joining a coalition of regional councils led by Loddon Shire to present a united front against the levy.

Campaspe Shire Council has announced plans to transition its Maternal and Child Health and Immunisation Services to external providers. Mayor Daniel Mackrell says the move aims to strengthen access to consistent healthcare for local families.

Under the new model, the State Government will take over Maternal and Child Health services, while a procurement process will begin to find an external provider for immunisation services.

The Council says the decision follows extensive community consultation and reflects current trends in local government. They've assured residents that services will continue uninterrupted until the transition is complete.

Private schools on the Mornington Peninsula will no longer be eligible for community grants from the local council, with one notable exception, according to the Mornington Peninsula Leader.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has voted to change criteria for its Community Investment Fund, closing a loophole that previously allowed private schools to access a share of the $4 million fund.

Mayor Anthony Marsh stated that funding projects at private schools was 'not what ratepayers' money is for' and expressed concerns about potential cost shifting even with public schools.

The council did agree to one compromise - private schools can still apply for biolink support grants to plant trees, acknowledging the importance of increasing canopy cover in the region.

New rules for the awarding a key to the City of Melbourne have been introduced by Melbourne City Council, according to The Age.

The changes were prompted after the awarding of the honour to pop star Robbie Williams earlier this year.

Some councillors sought a review of the procedure, and the honour can now only be awarded after a council briefing and a formal Council resolution.

Strathbogie Shire Council has received formal heritage approval to demolish and restore the flood-damaged Chinaman's Bridge.

Following extensive advocacy efforts, Heritage Victoria granted approval in February this year, acknowledging both safety concerns and the structure's historical significance.

The Council has now appointed heritage and engineering specialists to oversee the project, with detailed planning currently underway.

Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy says while removing the bridge wasn't an easy decision, the project will ensure its heritage value is preserved through various interpretation efforts.

Demolition work is expected to begin in early 2026 and be completed by mid-year.

Hepburn Shire Council has recorded a slight decrease in its overall performance rating in the latest community satisfaction survey results.

The rating is down from 49 to 46, eight points below the average for small rural councils in Victoria.

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson said while score is disappointing, it reflects how the community currently feels, and urges them to do better.

There were improvements recorded in areas such as appearance of public areas, tourism development, and recreational facilities, while customer service remains one of their strongest performing areas.

Central Goldfields Shire Council has secured $9 million in funding from a combination of federal, state, and council sources to rebuild and reopen the heritage-listed Maryborough Olympic Outdoor Pool Complex.

The large multi-year project has been in planning for several years, with stage one now progressing as teams work on further planning and scoping.

I have an update for you from the Warrnambool City Council enterprise agreement vote.

You may recall I reported recently that the council had put a single employer agreement to a staff vote, attracting some criticism from the ASU for not participating in a multi-employer bargaining process.

The vote is complete: 65% of respondents voted YES, while 35% voted NO.

An application has been made to the Fair Work Commission for approval of the agreement.

Former Casey Council director Sally Curtain has been announced as the incoming chief of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ms Curtain has been the chief executive officer of the Bendigo Kangan Institute for the past six years.

She will take over from Paul Guerra at VCCI at a date to determined, prior to the 1st September.

Victorian Briefs:

The City of Greater Geelong is investing $3.4 million into the Lara Golf Course for water security initiatives and facility upgrades.

Works will commence in September, causing partial course closures until mid-2026.

The improvements aim to ensure the course's long-term sustainability and are part of the City’s plans to exit direct operation of golf facilities.

West Wimmera Shire Council has secured $1.308 million in state government funding for three infrastructure projects in Goroke and Kaniva to improve sporting facilities.

Mayor Tim Meyer said the investments in AFL lighting, bowls accessibility, and swimming centre design reflect the Council's commitment to creating safe, inclusive recreational spaces through close community collaboration.

Wodonga and Albury Councils have joined forces in a three-month blood donation drive that kicked off on July 1, aiming to contribute to the 33,000 weekly blood donations needed by Lifeblood across Australia.

The initiative highlights the critical importance of blood donation, especially during winter when regular donors may be affected by seasonal illnesses.

National Roundup:

NSW:

Wallsend Library has been forced to close temporarily following a series of violent incidents targeting staff and visitors. City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath says the decision comes after what he described as a "week-long campaign of increased anti-social behaviour."

Police have been called multiple times in recent days, responding to reports of staff being attacked, a security guard being spat on, and youths carrying knives in the vicinity. The library has also suffered vandalism, including graffiti and smashed glass.

Despite employing a security guard and implementing card access restrictions during afternoon hours, the situation has deteriorated to the point where officials felt they had no choice but to close the facility.

Mr. Bath has called for community-wide support in addressing the problem.

Strathfield Council is considering a ban on real estate signs placed on public land, as Mayor John-Paul Baladi declares war on what he calls "visual pollution" in the suburb.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on resident frustrations with real estate corflutes cluttering nature strips, roundabouts, and green spaces throughout the area.

Local agents have defended their practices and say the crackdown is merely "revenue raising" and arguing most agents responsibly manage their signage.

Strathfield isn't alone in taking action, with Blacktown Council already issuing $58,000 in fines this year for illegal signage. The council is now investigating enforcement options and potential fines for agencies that breach the proposed new rules.

Wentworth Shire Council has shared the sad news of the passing of councillor Tim Elstone.

Cr Elstone served for 9 years, including as mayor and deputy mayor, and is being remembered as a pillar of the community.

He had been attending Council meetings via video conference this year, since his last in-person appearance in December.

MidCoast Council has announced the closure of the Nabiac Library following a decision made at Monday's council meeting.

The closure comes after the State Library of NSW identified that the facility was not meeting minimum public library standards. The Council said low usage was a key factor in the decision, with only 8% of Nabiac residents being library members.

The required upgrades would have cost approximately $196,000 in building works and connectivity improvements, along with a significant increase in annual funding.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of MidCoast Council has expressed gratitude for crucial assistance from Wollongong and Newcastle Councils, who sent road work crews to help with flood recovery efforts.

Mayor Claire Pontin described the help as a display of Australian spirit as the community works to repair extensive infrastructure damage caused by the May floods.

NSW Briefs:

Yass Valley Council will advocate for natural disaster status for the current “green drought”.

The decision to request relief funding and transport subsidies for farmers was made at the Council’s June meeting, where it also decided to advocate on community concerns about the impact of over saturation of renewable energy turbine projects in Yass Valley.

Central Tablelands Water and Orange City Council have signed a water supply agreement formalising the operation of the Orange to Carcoar pipeline.

The agreement will deliver water security for residents of both areas, and ensure the ability to tap into a greater diversity of supply.

The NSW government has declared 21 additional housing projects as State Significant Development, potentially creating nearly 6,000 new homes across metropolitan Sydney and regional areas.

The Government has already declared 157 proposals amounting to nearly 59,300 potential homes as state significant.

Port Stephens Council has launched a Local Voices competition to engage residents in creating road safety messaging about safe driving speeds.

Submissions are open until September 14, with prizes totalling $5,800.

QLD:

Townsville City Council has issued a warning to pet owners following the deaths of three dogs believed to have ingested toxins from mouldy coconuts at Rowes Bay Beach.

Pet owners have been advised to keep their dogs away from the area until further notice and seek immediate veterinary attention if their pets show signs of illness after visiting the beach.

Mount Isa could soon become a recycling hub for the Northern Territory, with Barkly Regional Council eyeing a potential partnership with the Queensland city's new recycling facility, according to a report from the North West Weekly.

The $21 million Material Recovery Facility, which opened in February, has already transformed waste management in Mount Isa with the introduction of yellow-top recycling bins.

Barkly Mayor Sid Vashist says the partnership could address the Territory's recycling challenges, where currently only four percent of plastic waste is recycled.

Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae welcomed the potential partnership, highlighting improved logistics and connectivity as key priorities.

North Burnett Council will vote on a 25 per cent rate increase in its annual budget when it meets on Monday.

Cottons and Grains Outlook (4th July 2025) reported that the proposed increase equates to more than $10,000 extra per year for some primary producers.

It will likely be the largest rate rise in regional Queensland this year.

At Goondiwindi, the council has endorsed a $54M budget, with an average 4 % rate rise.

Mayor Lawrence Springborg told the Argus (4th July 2025) the council had kept the rise as low as possible.

The Mayor of Torres Strait Island Regional Council has welcomed the release of a new $2 coin commemorating the 30th anniversary of official recognition of the Torres Strait Islander flag as an official national flag.

Phillemon Mosby said the coin was a “national acknowledgement of the cultural richness and contributions of our people.” (The Advertiser, 4th July 2025, p.13)

TAS:

Controversy in Launceston this week, as the City Council claims it was blindsided by an announcement by Premier Jeremy Rockliff regarding Hawthorn AFL games.

The Premier promised a minimum of six games annually in Launceston once the Tasmania Devils enter the league in 2028. But Council CEO Sam Johnson told The Examiner that he only learned about the plan hours before it was announced to the public.

The Council had been advocating for four Hawthorn games annually in Launceston, but the unilateral nature of the decision has proved contentious.

Premier Rockliff said the minister has met with the council and there had been good strong conversations around the need for more AFL games."

Independent MP Rebekah Pentland described the announcement as "disrespectful" to the council's ongoing efforts.

Meanwhile, Labor has yet to clarify whether they will match or increase the Liberal Party's commitment.

Bendigo Bank has announced it will be closing its Queenstown branch on September 26, leaving the West Coast without a single bank branch, according to a report from The Advocate.

West Coast mayor Shane Pitt has criticised the bank's communication as "pretty poor," saying he first heard of the closure through community members rather than official channels.

The closure will affect nearly 500 personal banking customers and more than 260 businesses, who will now need to travel over two hours to the Burnie branch for in-person services.

Bendigo Bank says "evolving customer preferences," reduced business activity, and increased costs are the reasons for the closure, and suggested customers can use Australia Post services or digital banking alternatives.

SA:

Four regional councils are transitioning their community transport services to Care in Motion, a not-for-profit organisation that will take over for the Yorke & Mid Northern region.

The four councils are Clare & Gilbert Valleys, Regional Council of Goyder, Wakefield Regional Council, and Adelaide Plains Council.

The transition will occur in two phases with ensuring continuity through retained vehicles and volunteers.

Northern Areas Council has expressed deep disappointment over Golden North's decision to relocate from Laura to Murray Bridge after more than 100 years in the community.

The decision will affect approximately 50 staff.

Mayor Sue Scarman said the Council is working with the State Government to implement a $1 million Community Infrastructure Program aimed at stimulating local employment and ensuring Laura remains vibrant while the ice cream manufacturer gradually transitions operations over the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, a community forum was held this week to provide support services and employment options for workers and suppliers affected by the impending closure of Seven Point Pork at Port Wakefield.

Wakefield Regional Council said the goal is to minimise population decline and mitigate wider regional impacts.

WA/NT

City of Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob has announced he will not seek re-election for a third term in the upcoming October elections.

Cr Jacob, who has served as Mayor since 2017, made the announcement this week, calling it "a hard decision" after nearly two decades in public service.

He highlighted the progress of the Ocean Reef Marina development as a particular point of pride during his time in office.

Cr Jacob previously served as a local Councillor, State Member of Parliament, and WA Environment and Heritage Minister before taking on the mayoral role.

He will remain in office until the local government elections conclude in October.

A damning audit report has cast serious doubt on the future viability of the Shire of Coolgardie

ABC News reported this week that the Western Australian Auditor-General's report has uncovered a litany of issues at the troubled shire, revealing a net loss of $4.6 million for the 2023-24 financial year.

The audit shows the council's liabilities exceed its assets by $14.2 million, with nearly $5 million in overdue vendor payments.

Among the more startling revelations, the report found that a senior project officer was working remotely from the Caribbean island of Montserrat - approximately 18,000 kilometres from the shire offices and with a 12-hour time difference.

Other findings include unfair dismissal of staff who questioned tender processes, costing ratepayers $150,000 in settlements, and failure to follow purchasing policies for a $1 million housing project.

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has described the situation as "shocking mismanagement" and is now in discussions about a potential merger with the neighbouring City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis has confirmed he will seek a third and final term in the upcoming Northern Territory local government elections on August 23rd.

The NT News reported that the 68-year-old incumbent wants to "finish the job" before stepping down.

Cr Vatskalis has outlined several projects he hopes to complete, including upgrading childcare facilities in Casuarina, establishing new childcare services in Karama, finishing the new civic centre, and improving local sporting ovals.

The Lord Mayor made history in 2021 when he became the first Darwin mayor in nearly two decades to win re-election.

Global Roundup:

UK:

Council tax arrears across Britain have reached £8.3 billion, representing a 79% increase over the past five years.

That’s according to Government figures analysed by Debt Justice, and reported by local gov dot co dot uk.

The figures have prompted calls for councils to reform debt collection practices and the Government has launched a consultation aimed at overhauling the practices.

GMB union members have voted overwhelmingly (77%) to reject a 3.2% local government pay offer, with the union describing it as a "real-terms pay cut" that ranks among the worst in the public sector.

The rejection follows a similar decision by Unite members last week, signalling growing dissatisfaction with public sector compensation.

A coroner has ruled that failings by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council contributed to the tragic death of 60-year-old foster carer Marcia Grant, according to The Guardian.

The respected foster carer was killed in April 2023 when a 12-year-old boy in her care ran her over with her own car outside her Sheffield home.

The inquest revealed critical gaps in the council's placement process, including inadequate documentation and failure to communicate known risks about the child, who had a previous youth caution for knife possession.

South Yorkshire coroner Marilyn Whittle announced she will be issuing a prevention of future deaths report addressing these systemic issues. The boy, identified only as Child X, was sentenced to two years in custody after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

FRANCE:

The glamorous French Riviera city of Cannes, famous for its film festival, is taking decisive action against overtourism.

The Associated Press reported that the City Council has voted to impose what they're calling "drastic regulation" on cruise ships visiting the popular destination.

Starting next year, only 6,000 cruise passengers will be allowed to disembark daily, and by 2030, ships carrying more than 1,300 passengers will be banned entirely from the harbor. The city is also cutting the number of mega-ships by nearly half by 2026.

Cannes Mayor David Lisnard said the decision isn't about eliminating cruise tourism but creating better guidelines. He said the city wants cruise ships that are "less numerous, less big, less polluting, and more aesthetic."

It follows a similar limit introduced by the nearby City of Nice earlier this year.

CANADA:

The Mayor of Victoria, in British Columbia, has unveiled a $10.35 million funding package aimed at tackling community safety concerns.

CTV News reported the investment will see the hiring of 12 new bylaw officers and 9 additional police officers focused primarily on the downtown core.

The funding will also support temporary emergency shelter spaces outside downtown and includes nearly $4 million for rebuilding a part of the city which has become the epicentre of homelessness.

Mayor Marianne Alto assured residents they'll notice improvements within six months and emphasised that no tax increases will be needed, as funds will be redirected from existing budget allocations.

NZ:

New Plymouth ratepayers will face unexpected increases in their bills after the district council discovered a significant error in its annual plan. What officials are calling a "typo" means that GST was not included in the rates figures adopted back in May.

The Post reported that the mistake, which was only caught during an Audit New Zealand review, means ratepayers will now pay 15% more than originally stated. For example, the sewage treatment rate will jump from $708 to $815, while refuse collection will increase from $262 to $302.

An extraordinary council meeting was called this week to correct the error.

Wellington's coastline is serving as a crucial sanctuary for New Zealand's native birds, according to a new report from Wellington City Council. Annual surveys have identified four key areas along the 55-kilometre stretch that are essential for indigenous coastal bird populations.

Despite Wellington's urban landscape, these areas support rare breeding colonies for several threatened species. Seven bird species are considered regionally critical, including the spotted shag and reef heron.

The Council says human activities like off-road vehicles and fishing are threatening sensitive breeding grounds, particularly for ground-nesting birds.

ROUNDUP EXTRA:

Derek Madden, CEO of Moorabool Shire Council joins Chris to discuss his viral list of the 10 reasons people don’t appreciate local government.