Misconduct allegation dismissed, formal frustration, and demerger optimism

On your Monday morning edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A mayor’s misconduct complaint against a councillor dismissed
• Whitehorse council’s multi-million dollar fight with SRL
• Buloke formalises its frustration with the state government
• A wave of demerger optimism in NSW
• Rising Tide stands firm on protest plans in Newcastle
• Sunshine Coast Council bypassed over festival development
• A Council’s large rate increase prompts a call for legislative change
• And a Tasmanian mayor facing a no-confidence motion

plus more local government news from across Australia and beyond.

To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no matter their size or location, the VLGA is offering a special Councillor Professional Development (CPD) Intensives series.

Partner with three other councils and save more than 50% off the minimum cost of completing all 13 modules in Year 1.

Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com

Chapters

• 1:49 Victorian Report
• 8:54 NSW Report
• 14:26 QLD Report
• 16:50 TAS/SA/WA Report
• 22:23 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

An arbiter has dismissed an application for a finding of misconduct brought by Wyndham Mayor Mia Shaw against Cr Robert Szatkowski.

The allegation of misconduct related to the forwarding of a letter, written to the minister for local government, to a third party, who then published the content on Facebook.

The letter outlined governance concerns that Cr Szatkowski had about the council, that he had written about to the Chief Municipal Inspector.

Arbiter Joel Silver suggested the distribution of the letter was a self-interested exercise, and had some sympathy for Cr Shaw’s concerns.

But the arbiter said while Cr Szatkowski did not act ideally, he was not satisfied that he had engaged in misconduct, and the application was dismissed.

The arbiter’s decision will be tabled at the Council’s meeting on Tuesday.

The Age has reported on a multi-million dollar dispute between Whitehorse City Council and the Suburban Rail Loop Authority over a Burwood park.

The council is seeking nearly $7 million in additional compensation for Sinnott Street Reserve, which was compulsorily acquired in 2023 for a new underground train station.

While the state government has offered $9.5 million for the land, Whitehorse Council is taking the matter to the Supreme Court, claiming the true value is $16.4 million.

The dispute centres around different valuations of the land - with the council arguing it should be valued as potential residential housing, while authorities maintain it should be valued as a public park.

Buloke Shire Council has formalised its frustration with what it describes as a lack of transparency from the Victorian Government regarding major energy infrastructure projects.

At its July meeting, the Council passed a motion to formally request better engagement from government ministers and departments following a recent visit by Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio.

Councillors say they were blindsided when, just eight days after the Minister's visit, legislation was introduced granting expanded powers to access private land for electricity transmission projects, including the controversial VNI West route through Buloke.

Mayor Alan Getley said “this is not how a respectful partnership looks. Our community is already grappling with multiple floods, deepening drought, rising emergency levies, and now divisive energy projects."

The Council remains opposed to the VNI transmission line in its current form and has invited the Premier, Opposition Leader, and Western Victorian Parliamentarians to hear community concerns firsthand.

Indigo Shire Council says it will work directly with current operators at the Beechworth Childcare and Kindergarten Centre on new leasing arrangements, after an expression of interest process was ended due to the withdrawal of the preferred provider.

Mayor Sophie Price said the remaining proposals don’t meet community needs.

She said the current operators, Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre and Beechworth Kindergarten, have agreed to collaborate.

The council will receive a further report on the matter soon.

Greater Dandenong City Council is taking a stand against gambling harm in the community.

The Dandenong Star Journal reported that councillors have voted to lobby the state government to prevent any additional poker machines in the area.

Despite being one of Victoria's most disadvantaged municipalities, Greater Dandenong residents lost a staggering $138 million on poker machines last financial year - that's over $1,000 per adult and the second-highest loss rate in the state.

While the municipality currently has 928 machines across 14 venues, regulations would allow for another 61 machines under the regional cap - something the council wants to prevent.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece is pushing for electoral reform in the City of Melbourne, requesting a review of the 2001 City of Melbourne Act in a letter to Local Government Minister Nick Staikos last week.

The Age reported that the move comes after a recent electoral commission report showed voter participation in Melbourne at just 70 percent—well below the state average of nearly 84 percent.

A key focus of the proposed review is the controversial rule giving businesses two votes in council elections while residents get just one—a system unique to Melbourne among Australian capital cities and described by critics as undemocratic.

Cr Reece is also advocating for real-time disclosure of political donations and bans on contributions from property developers and gambling interests.

Victorian Briefs:

Greater Shepparton City Council is implementing a trial of 15 'Touch N Go' parking payment machines across its CBD, offering residents a modern smartphone payment option using NFC and QR code technology.

The trial comes at no cost to the council or community and aims to assess usability while simplifying the parking experience for CBD visitors.

Mansfield Shire Council is hosting its second "speed dating for housing" event on August 6, where residents and developers can meet with Council staff to discuss housing needs and development opportunities in a one-on-one format.

It follows a successful first event in November 2024 that generated 14 potential development inquiries.

Bass Coast Shire Council has decided to demolish the Kilcunda Viaduct Bridge after engineering reports confirmed it is structurally unsafe and beyond repair following a partial collapse in 2024.

While acknowledging the bridge's significance to the community, Council will explore commemorative options and future site activation through community engagement.

Stonnington Council has renewed its call for the Victorian Government to remove newly implemented immunisation charges.

It now costs councils $2.32 per immunisation, which the Council warns will strain budgets, potentially compromise access for families, and risk the health of vulnerable children.

VLGA Message:

To ensure all councils can comply with mandatory requirements, no matter their size or location, the VLGA is offering a special Councillor Professional Development (CPD) Intensives series.

Partner with three other councils and save more than 50% off the minimum cost of completing all 13 modules in Year 1.

The Intensives will be held over three days, will include all 13 mandatory modules, are cost effective, time efficient and promote the benefits of peer-to-peer and face-to-face learning.

In addition to the Intensives, and in recognition that every council has different needs, the VLGA also offers bespoke training options, both online and in person.

A Faculty of Facilitators will work with you to customise a program that responds directly to the unique professional development needs of your council, delivered in a way which suits you.

To find out more, head to vlga@vlga.org.au

National Roundup:

NSW:

The decision to split Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has sent waves of optimism through communities across New South Wales still grappling with forced amalgamations from nearly a decade ago.

ABC News reported that after Thursday's announcement by Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig, phones have been ringing non-stop at the offices of community action groups from Tumbarumba to Bombala.

Grantley Ingram, coordinator of the Demerge NSW Alliance, said the decision represents a "turning point" for local democracy.

"This isn't just a win for Cootamundra and Gundagai - it's a beacon of hope for every community that lost its voice in 2016.

In the Snowy Valleys region, where Tumbarumba and Tumut were forced together, Councillor Trina Thomson says the announcement has reinvigorated their demerger campaign.

However, not all merged councils are rushing to divorce papers. In Dubbo, where the regional council includes the former Wellington Shire, Councillor Matthew Dickerson believes most residents have moved on.

Minister Hoenig has emphasised that while a legislative pathway now exists for demergers, the process must be led by democratically elected councillors with genuine community consultation.

Climate action group Rising Tide is standing firm on plans for their 2025 People's Blockade despite facing scrutiny from local authorities, according to the Newcastle Weekly.

The group met with Newcastle City Council and NSW Police last week to discuss their land use application for a protest camp at Richardson Park and Camp Shortland in late November.

Rising Tide spokesperson Zack Schofield confirmed the group will proceed with harbour protest activities regardless of the council's decision.

The group cited a recent YouGov poll showing two-thirds of Newcastle residents support their application. NSW Police representatives presented their case in a closed session, which Rising Tide criticised as lacking transparency.

Newcastle City Council will hold a special meeting on August 12th to make its final decision on the land use permit.

Goulburn Deputy Mayor Caitlin Flint has publicly criticised both the NSW and federal governments, claiming they have "failed" the community following the shutdown of the city's urgent care clinic.

The closure, which occurred on June 30th, has left many residents concerned about access to critical healthcare services in the region.

In a statement to the Goulburn Post, Deputy Mayor Flint demanded that health ministers from both levels of government provide explanations for the clinic's closure.

The concerning development comes as rural healthcare access continues to be a pressing issue across regional Australia, with many communities facing similar challenges in maintaining adequate medical services.

Bega Valley Shire Council is warning residents about a significant increase in improperly discarded used needles found in public areas and waste bins throughout the shire.

It warns that the situation poses serious health risks including potential transmission of blood-borne diseases.

The Council urges anyone who discovers needles not to touch them but instead report findings to the NSW Government's Needle Clean-up Hotline, and reminds those who use needles to dispose of them properly at designated community sharps disposal points.

The Armidale Airport Cafe has been thrown a financial lifeline, with the local council agreeing to subsidise operations until Christmas.

Armidale Regional Council has unanimously approved a $3,000 monthly subsidy to keep The Airport Cafe's doors open, plus an additional $13,000 payment for operations earlier this year.

The Armidale Express reported that the cafe has struggled since REX Airlines withdrew from the Armidale-Sydney route in October 2023.

The cafe currently serves passengers from approximately three daily Qantas flights and one Link Airways service to Brisbane.

The NSW government has endorsed all thirteen recommendations from a report on post-mining land use in the Hunter region.

Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton has praised the decision, emphasising that communities need new industries before mines close.

He told the Newcastle Herald it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide industry, innovation, and manufacturing capability which will power the nation.

The government will complete some of the recommended review work by June 2026, focusing on land use reform and infrastructure reuse.

NSW Briefs:

The Hills Shire Council is partnering with Hills Football Incorporated and Hills United Football Club to transform Caddies Creek Reserve in Beaumont Hills into an elite football facility.

The Stage 2 development will include four additional full-sized football fields, mini fields, amenities, and improved access, establishing the reserve as the premier destination for football in The Hills region.

Bathurst Regional Council is intensifying its anti-littering campaign, encouraging residents to report litterbugs through the NSW EPA's reporting service, with significant fines for offenders.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Ben Fry, said the campaign sends a clear message that littering is unacceptable and that litterers will be seen, reported and fined.

Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson has issued a strong plea for better behaviour online, saying social media abuse is 'truly damaging' to individuals and the community.

The Newcastle Herald reported the mayor’s concerns about a documented increase in negative and abusive comments toward councillors, staff and community members over the past six months.

QLD:

The Queensland government has taken control of a major music festival development on the Sunshine Coast, bypassing local council objections, according to ABC News.

It reported that Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie has called in a $35 million application for a tourist park in Coochin Creek that would include 75 cabins and 75 campsites.

The controversial move overrides Sunshine Coast Council concerns about potential environmental impacts on a nearby wetland of international importance.

The development by the Comiskey Group could eventually host up to 35,000 people at music festivals throughout the year.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli has raised issues about bushfire risk, limited road access, and ecological impacts, while developers claim the project will generate $60 million annually for the local economy and create nearly 600 jobs.

ABC News reported that North Burnett Regional Council’s record-breaking 25 percent rate increase, has prompted a call from Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce for an overhaul of Queensland's Local Government Act.

The council cited declining revenue growth and increasing regulatory compliance costs as key factors behind the decision. Chief Executive Craig Matheson noted that while costs have risen by 10 percent in recent years, the ratepayer base has grown by just 1 percent over the past decade.

Mr. Boyce claims the current legislation is making local governments "simply not sustainable," pointing to complex requirements around environmental protocols, native title, and cultural heritage.

Queensland Minister for Local Government Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli government is already working on reforms to reduce red tape and cut costs for councils

The Townsville Bulletin reports on Townsville City Council’s push to speed up the appeals process for dangerous animals, which currently takes up to 400-500 days to resolve.

The council unanimously passed a resolution to present a motion at the LGAQ Conference in September, seeking changes that would benefit councils, attack victims, and animal owners.

Ipswich City Council is conducting a citywide safety inspection of its footpath network using specialised vehicles equipped with cameras to assess over 300km of footpaths from July to mid-August.

The assessment will help the council identify areas requiring maintenance, guide future works planning, and improve accessibility for pedestrians of all abilities.

TAS:

In Burnie, Cr Ken Dorsey has tabled a no-confidence motion against mayor Teeny Brumby, scheduled for discussion at the July 22 council meeting.

Cr Dorsey told The Advocate that he hopes the motion will address what he describes as "toxicity" within the council.

The motion calls for Cr Brumby to resign as mayor while retaining her councillor position.

Mayor Brumby has declined to respond directly to Cr Dorsey's comments, while General Manager Shane Crawford confirmed that regardless of the motion's outcome, the mayor can continue in her role should she choose to do so.

Former mayor Sam Samec has criticised the situation as a "monotonous distraction" from important council business.

Tasmanian councils are looking to the future with a new plan to use artificial intelligence to streamline planning processes. The Local Government Association of Tasmania is investigating how AI could review development applications, helping developers identify requirements and supporting council officers to spot non-complying elements.

LGAT Chief Executive Officer Dion Lester told the Mercury the initiative aims to reduce workload for planners, noting that councils across Tasmania and nationally face a chronic shortage in this area.

The proposal will be discussed at next Friday's LGAT general meeting.

SA:

A dramatic display of local government dysfunction at Burnside Council last week, when several councillors either walked out or refused to participate in meeting, effectively blocking discussion on a damning culture report.

According to The Advertiser, the council was set to debate the report, which described the council as "psychologically unsafe" and "dysfunctional.”

However, when Mayor Anne Monceaux attempted to start the meeting, Councillors Jo Harvey, Jane Davey, Harvey Jones, and Jennifer Turnbull walked out. Another councillor, Mike Daws, remained in the chamber but refused to take his seat.

The political manoeuvre successfully prevented the council from reaching the required quorum, forcing the discussion to be postponed until August 19th.

The controversial report, for which all councillors were interviewed, found the organisation in "urgent need of intervention" and made ten recommendations, including outsourcing code-of-conduct complaints and limiting face-to-face interactions between councillors.

Mount Barker Council is urging residents not to panic after early concept designs for the new City Centre project were shared online without proper context, causing some community concern according to a PowerFM report.

The designs shown to council members are preliminary concepts, not final plans, and officials have stressed there's still extensive community consultation ahead before any decisions are made.

To clear up confusion, the council will upload the full presentation to their website with explanatory notes and a FAQ section in the coming days.

A draft masterplan is not expected until early next year.

WA:

From PerthNow, a report that two well-established playgroups in Bayswater are facing an uncertain future as the City of Bayswater considers selling the land they've called home for nearly a decade.

Casa Mia Montessori Playgroup and Bayswater Playgroup, which together serve approximately 100 local families, say they were shocked to discover their Hudson Street premises has been identified for potential disposal under the council's land asset strategy.

The Council’s CEO has since clarified that they're considering a "part-disposal" of the site, focusing on the car park rather than the entire property.

No alternative location has been identified for the playgroups, whose current lease runs until 2027.

Community members have launched petitions to save the facility, while the council is expected to make a decision at its meeting this week.

The City of Melville is set to honour AC/DC frontman Bon Scott with a permanent tribute.

The Council voted at its July meeting to investigate options for commemorating the late singer, who spent his youth in Melville and was laid to rest at Fremantle Cemetery in Palmyra in 1980.

Canning Highway, which inspired the band's iconic hit "Highway to Hell," runs through the heart of Melville and was once home to legendary pubs where AC/DC performed.

Deputy Mayor Karen Wheatland says the city is looking at various options, from naming a park to creating a performance space or public artwork. Local schools, artists, and community groups will be invited to help co-design the tribute.

National Briefs:

The District Council of Ceduna is seeking feedback from ratepayers on a proposed jetty levy to address the deteriorating condition of three local jetties that would require an estimated $17.9 million in repairs.

Residents have until August 3rd to complete an online survey indicating their willingness to pay additional rates for ongoing jetty maintenance.

The City of Cockburn has named Cr Kevin Allen as Honorary Freeman of the City for his significant contributions to the community and sports achievements.

The highest civic honour in the city will be bestowed at the annual Civic Dinner in December, making Cr Allen only the sixth person to ever receive the title.

Australia's first stacked Carbon and Cassowary Credits project has launched at Ninds Creek in the Cassowary Coast, where 3,000 native trees were planted by 70 volunteers.

The pioneering initiative rewards landholders for ecosystem restoration while generating both carbon and biodiversity credits, with potential to expand across 50,000 hectares in the Wet Tropics region.

Global Report:

UK:

Sheffield City Council has issued a formal apology to four tree campaigners who were threatened with legal action during the city's controversial tree-felling program in 2017.

BBC News reported that an independent review found the council's approach was "heavy-handed" and resulted from what investigators called a "bunker mentality" within the authority.

This latest apology follows a broader one issued last year after an inquiry identified a "failure of strategic leadership" in handling the £2.2 billion street improvement project

In Oxfordshire, a local council's efforts to become a certified real living wage employer have hit a roadblock, according to BBC News.

Vale of White Horse District Council has paused its application for accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation, citing resource constraints and the upcoming local government reorganisation.

The council revealed that contacting all third-party suppliers and contractors to commit to the higher wage rate was proving "time-consuming and resource intensive."

The decision comes despite Green councillors pushing for the accreditation since 2023, after discovering some council contractors were only paying the minimum wage.

USA:

The family of Cornelius Taylor, a homeless man who died after being crushed by a bulldozer during an encampment sweep, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Atlanta.

The 46-year-old man was inside his tent when city workers cleared the homeless encampment without checking if anyone was inside.

The Associated Press reported that the lawsuit alleges that city employees failed to perform basic safety checks before using heavy machinery. Mr Taylor suffered a broken pelvis, internal organ damage, and bleeding that led to his death.

The city had ordered the clearing of the encampment ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations.

Loveland City Council member Erin Black has resigned from her position, following months of controversy, according to the Coloradoan.

Ms Black cited what she called a "toxic" political environment as the primary reason for her departure.

The council member had been under scrutiny after an altercation at a park in March, where she was involved in a heated verbal exchange with a Loveland resident. Though Ms Black wasn't charged in the incident, four others received misdemeanor harassment summonses.

Additionally, she faced allegations of violating the city charter through her interactions with the city’s Police Chief. A special counsel investigation found evidence supporting these allegations but recommended censure rather than prosecution.

It’s the council’s second vacancy this year, following an earlier resignation in March.

CANADA:

Hamilton City Council has rejected a proposal to implement online voting for upcoming elections, going against officer recommendations, according to CBC News.

In a 9-5 vote, councillors turned down the option that would have allowed residents to cast ballots online for both the September Ward 8 byelection and the October municipal election.

Supporters of online voting argued the digital option would actually provide more security checks than traditional in-person voting.

But the majority of council expressed concerns about cybersecurity, particularly following a recent costly cyberattack on city systems.

NZ:

Local Government New Zealand is calling for a significant change to electoral terms, proposing that both local government and parliamentary terms be extended to four years. The peak body has suggested that it be put to voters in a referendum.

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith, who chairs LGNZ's working group on electoral reform, said local and national elections should be spaced two years apart to avoid voter confusion.

The working group has also recommended abandoning postal voting in favour of in-person voting over a two-week period, similar to general elections.