Final warning, inquiry revelations, and a formal caution

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A final warning over a controversial sea wall in Frankston
• Two rural councils challenge the Victorian Government over drought funding inequities
• Maribyrnong Council the latest to consider funding private security measures
• More revelations from the Liverpool Council public inquiry
• The cost to ratepayers of a failed council merger revealed
• A major sporting infrastructure setback in Redland
• A formal caution for a Tasmanian councillor
• Fresh voter fraud concerns in Adelaide

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
• 9:03 NSW Report
• 13:21 QLD Report
• 15:45 TAS/SA/WA/NT Report
• 20:27 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

Frankston City Council has issued a final warning to a property owner Gene Neill over an unauthorised sea wall built along the Olivers Hill beachfront.

The Age reported that the council has given him one last chance to remove the construction or face prosecution within 60 days.

Despite initially promising to remove the incomplete wall in March, Mr Neill told The Age he not only continued construction but completed the project last month.

It was reported that Mr Neill had previously set aside $400,000 for potential legal fees, claiming the wall was necessary emergency work to combat erosion that threatened his $9.25 million property.

No approvals were given for the private sea wall on Crown land.

Northern Grampians and Horsham Rural City councils are challenging the Victorian Government over drought funding inequities that have left local farmers without critical support.

The State Government recently announced a $75 million drought assistance package for farmers in Victoria's south-west, including substantial rate reductions for eligible producers across 12 local government areas.

However, despite facing what Horsham Mayor Ian Ross describes as "conditions far worse than we've seen in recent history," farmers in Northern Grampians and Horsham have been excluded from the relief measures.

Northern Grampians Mayor Karen Hyslop highlighted the inconsistency in support, noting farmers in their regions can only access grants of up to $5,000 while neighboring areas receive double that amount.

Both councils have formally appealed to Premier Jacinta Allan and Agriculture Minister Ros Spence, requesting an urgent review of eligibility criteria and expressing concern about the lack of Wimmera representation on the government's drought response taskforce.

Meanwhile, Northern Grampians Shire Council has this week resolved to oppose the introduction of a proposed Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in the region.

The Council will advocate against the introduction of a Renewable Energy Zone in its current form, which encompasses extensive areas of prime farming land, and will press for the rights of occupants to be in charge of their own destiny.

The decision came from a notice of motion from Cr Murray Emerson that was the only item of business on the agenda of an unscheduled Council meeting held on Monday.

The Rural City of Wangaratta is amending its Revenue & Rating Plan and Budget 2025/26 due to incorrect application of rate differential definitions for rural properties.

The changes will result in lower rates for 75% of property owners while maintaining the 3% state government rate cap, with rates notices scheduled for distribution in August.

East Gippsland Shire Council has ceased providing insurance coverage for 43 Crown-owned assets, saving ratepayers over $57,000.

Other supports such as annual funding allocations and ground maintenance commitments will continue.

The Council said its decision came after careful consideration, and aligns with Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action guidelines which confirm Council is not obligated to insure state-owned assets.

Mansfield Shire Council has installed a new weather station to provide real-time local weather data and forecasts for the township, addressing the issue of relying on data from the Bureau of Meteorology's Eildon Fire Tower station located 28 kilometres away.

The solar-powered station measures various weather conditions including wind, rainfall, and temperature, with the data accessible through a dedicated webpage created in partnership with Jane's Weather.

The service offers AI-driven 8-day forecasts specifically tailored for Mansfield.

And from the media:

The Point Cook Wyndham Leader has reported on a plan put to Maribyrnong City Council for a six month trial of private security services in the Footscray CBD.

Increasing safety concerns for Council staff and contractors led to an initial trial, and support from businesses.

The Council was last night due to consider endorsement of the proposal, which would require a procurement process and funding of between $70k and $100k.

Bass Coast Shire residents have raised concerns about proposed changes to the council's public question time procedures during a recent council meeting, according to the South Gippsland Sentinel Times.

Under the proposed new governance rules, residents wishing to submit questions would be required to physically attend council meetings, a move that has sparked criticism from some community members concerned about accessibility.

The draft governance rules have been open for consultation, and Council CEO Greg Box said all community feedback will be considered before a final decision.

Victorian Briefs:

Alpine Shire Council has celebrated the completion of significant upgrades in Harrietville including a new shelter, toilet facilities, linking paths, and landscaping improvements across multiple parks.

The project, funded by the Australian Government's Black Summer Bushfire Recovery program, was developed with community input and aims to enhance public spaces for both locals and visitors.

Colac Otway Shire Council has launched an Expression of Interest process for the lease of its council-owned and managed kindergarten facilities.

Current lease agreements are set to expire in November 2026, with the Council now seeking new three-year agreements that could be extended by an additional two years.

The $60 million Frankston Stadium redevelopment, the largest infrastructure project ever delivered by Frankston City Council, has officially commenced construction.

The landmark project, funded by Frankston City Council along with $15 million from the Australian Government and support from the Victorian Government, will create 135 jobs during construction.

The City of Casey has unanimously approved a three-year Forward Works Program for naming Council-owned reserves and community facilities.

The program prioritises naming new capital works, future reserves in growth areas, and existing unnamed spaces, with community consultation playing a key role in the process.

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:

A public inquiry into Liverpool Council has heard of an unprecedented wave of code of conduct complaints at the council, with more than 100 filed this year alone – up from just five complaints last year.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the council has already spent over $200,000 dealing with the complaints, according to testimony at the ongoing inquiry into alleged council dysfunction and maladministration.

Corporate Services Director Farooq Portelli described the situation as "extraordinary," telling the inquiry that complaint numbers could typically "be counted on one hand."

In another revelation, Mr. Portelli testified that former chief executive John Ajaka had asked him to use "creative accounting" to find $25 million in March last year.

Mr. Ajaka is scheduled to testify later this week as the inquiry continues.

North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker is pushing for private schools and educational institutions to contribute to council coffers despite their rate-exempt status.

The North Sydney Sun reported that Cr Baker will ask councillors at next week's council meeting to back her call for the NSW Government to review rate exemptions and amend legislation to allow educational institutions to make voluntary payments without risking their state and federal funding.

Cr Baker claims these institutions occupy over 150,000 square meters of land in North Sydney, which could generate more than $1 million annually if rated at business rates.

Blacktown City Council is launching community consultations on a proposed Special Rate Variation as the rapidly growing area faces infrastructure challenges.

The council says the city's population, currently at 450,000, is expected to reach 600,000 by 2040, placing significant pressure on local services and infrastructure.

For most residents, the proposed one-year rate variation would mean an additional $3.29 per week.

Community consultation will run for 42 days.

There have been 111 applications for SRVs in the past 11 years.

The Mayor of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has revealed the 2016 merger has cost local ratepayers an estimated $44M.

Cr Abb McAlister said the merger created significant animosity between communities with little shared interest, according to the Daily Telegraph.

A demerger of the amalgamated council announced last week is expected to cost up to $3 million to implement.

Wagga Wagga City Council is looking to better protect prime agricultural land from large-scale renewable energy projects following significant community pressure.

The Daily Advertiser reports that at Monday night's council meeting, councillors gave in-principle backing to proposed planning reforms after farmers packed the public gallery, accusing the council of siding with developers instead of supporting local agriculture.

The council's General Manager Peter Thompson acknowledged community concerns about the scale and location of renewable energy proposals, noting that current planning frameworks lack enforceable criteria to protect agricultural land.

The City of Newcastle is asking residents whether the first day of the Newcastle Show should be declared a public holiday for 2026 and 2027.

The council has launched a community survey seeking input from residents, businesses, schools, and tourism operators to gauge public sentiment on the proposal.

David Clarke from the City of Newcastle says the Newcastle Show has been a significant part of the city's identity since 1901 and brings the community together.

If approved, the public holiday would apply to all employees whose place of work is within the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Concerns are mounting over the future of the Bega Saleyards as plans move forward to rezone nearly 280 hectares of vacant land at South Bega for residential development.

Bega Valley Shire Council has endorsed a proposal that could deliver more than 2,200 new homes, along with shops and public spaces in the area adjacent to the saleyards.

Bega District News reported that rthe Bega Beef Co-operative has launched a petition, citing national standards that prohibit saleyards near residential areas.

But Council CEO Anthony McMahon says there are no plans to relocate the facility, with the current lease valid until the end of 2025, and an option to extend for six more years.

The concerns follow the closure of similar facilities in Nowra and Camden due to housing development pressures.

Shellharbour City Council's dog facility is nearing capacity and is seeking adoption homes for unclaimed dogs.

It has launched a lost dogs register, which gives real time access to information about dogs in the council’s care.

The council offers a trial period for potential adopters to ensure compatibility before making a lifelong commitment.

QLD:

A major setback for local sports infrastructure in Redlands has been reported by the Courier Mail.

The $61 million Heinemann Road sports precinct project in Mount Cotton has ground to a halt after Redland City Council and contractor Alder Construction quietly dissolved their agreement just before Christmas last year.

Federal environmental approvals remain the key obstacle, with authorities still waiting for crucial environmental data requested over two years ago. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water says the ball is now firmly in council's court.

At issue are approximately 550 trees that would need to be removed to make way for the ambitious development, which includes 13 touch football fields, three rugby league fields, and extensive parking facilities.

Cairns Regional Council will vote today on whether to approve an international trip for Mayor Amy Eden, according to the Cairns Post.

The proposed visit would see Mayor Eden and sister cities ambassador Sim Hayward travel to Lae in Papua New Guinea in September to commemorate the Pacific nation's 50th independence anniversary.

Council officers have recommended the trip go ahead, stating there is "sufficient allowance" in the operational budget to fund the journey, though specific costs have not been disclosed.

According to a council report, the visit aligns with Cairns' five-year corporate plan to strengthen relationships with Asia-Pacific nations and would present opportunities to meet with key stakeholders in both Lae and Port Moresby.

Sunshine Coast Council is launching a "Citizens' Panel" to give everyday residents a stronger voice in regional decision-making.

Ten thousand randomly selected households will soon receive invitation letters to join the initiative, which Mayor Rosanna Natoli describes as "a commitment to listen better and listen differently."

From those households, fifty residents will be chosen to form a panel that represents the diverse backgrounds of the community, with participants required to be at least sixteen years of age.

The panel will deliberate on complex regional issues, with their feedback directly informing Council decisions.

Noosa Council has welcomed a Federal Government determination that ongoing extractive activity at Kin Kin Quarry requires a new application process due to likely significant environmental impacts.

Mayor Frank Wilkie said the decision follows strong community advocacy and represents progress toward addressing environmental and community concerns related to the quarry operations.

TAS:

In Burnie, a councillor has received a formal caution following a code of conduct investigation.

The Advocate reported that Councillor Ken Dorsey was found to have breached council protocol in his actions against former general manager Simon Overland.

An independent panel determined that Councillor Dorsey attempted to convene an improper meeting with the apparent intention of terminating Mr. Overland's contract early.

According to the panel's findings, the action was 'ill-considered, premature and unnecessary,' and potentially motivated by personal animosity.

While much of Mr. Overland's complaint was dismissed, the panel concluded that Councillor Dorsey had been 'careless of any reputational damage' that might result from his actions.

The City of Launceston is facing a staggering $40 million repair bill for its aging building portfolio, according to a recent council survey reported this week by the Examiner.

The survey examined most of the council's 321 buildings, and it paints a concerning picture with only 10 percent of structures rated in "good" or "very good" condition.

Nearly half of all council-owned buildings require significant maintenance, while 51 buildings are categorised as either "poor" or "very poor" - with some deemed beyond rehabilitation.

Council officers have recommended pausing third-party works on community-leased buildings while they finalise condition reporting and prioritise repairs.

SA:

Fresh concerns have emerged over voter fraud in the upcoming Adelaide City Council Central Ward by-election, according to InDaily SA.

Deputy Lord Mayor Phillip Martin has written to the State Government alleging evidence of forged voter documents from the 2022 election that weren't examined in previous court proceedings.

The by-election itself was triggered after a judge voided four council appointments due to illegal ballot handling in that same 2022 election.

A government spokesperson advised anyone with concerns about improper or illegal behaviour to alert the independent Electoral Commissioner.

The Advertiser reports that some homeowners in Onkaparinga Council may soon need to purchase council land they've been using as their own for years.

The Council has voted against selling a local reserve in Aberfoyle Park, instead deciding to negotiate with residents who have been using a small strip of community land for property access, parking, and bin storage for the past three years.

The issue came to light during a campaign to save the reserve from being sold for housing development.

Of seven reserves under consideration for sale, the council has so far voted to retain three, including the disputed Aberfoyle Park site, while approving the sale of two others. Community consultation continues for the remaining properties.

WA:

The Shire of Coolgardie is pushing back against a proposed merger with its larger neighbour, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, according to ABC News.

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley last month described the shire as a "financial mess" suffering from "gross mismanagement," with council documents revealing creditor debts of $2.8 million and total liabilities of $27.5 million against just $2.9 million in cash reserves.

But Coolgardie councillors have now endorsed a position paper challenging the merger and are threatening legal action should the government force an amalgamation.

And Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor Glenn Wilson has made it clear his community shouldn't "bear the brunt of others' debt."

Representatives from both councils were set to meet with Minister Beazley in Perth yesterday to discuss the situation further.

The Shire of Waroona is urging all residents and landowners to seek proper approval before clearing land or conducting development works, following a court case where $75,500 in penalties were imposed for unlawful clearing.

While recognising that landowners may have legitimate concerns about bushfire safety and land management, Shire President Mike Walmsley said that even well-intentioned activities require proper authorisation to avoid significant legal and environmental consequences.

NT:

Alice Springs Town Council is facing a dramatic shakeup, with seven of nine elected members not seeking re-election in the upcoming August vote, according to NT News.

Both Mayor Matt Paterson and Deputy Mayor Mark Coffey have confirmed they won't contest the August 23rd election.

Only two current councillors have confirmed they will recontest, including Eli Melky, who's running for mayor after serving as the council's longest-standing member.

Nominations remain open until next month.

Global Roundup:

UK:

In Plymouth, BBC News reported that voters have rejected a proposal for a directly-elected mayor in a referendum.

The results showed 19,840 votes against the mayoral system, compared to 18,044 in favour. Despite nearly 200,000 people being eligible to participate, turnout was remarkably low at just 19.1%.

The referendum was triggered by a petition with over 10,000 signatures, but even if passed, the government had already postponed any mayoral election until 2027.

Plymouth will continue with its current system, where the council is led by an elected councillor chosen by fellow councillors, rather than a directly-elected mayor.

Max Caller, the government-appointed commissioner who has been overseeing Birmingham City Council since its financial collapse in 2023, has abruptly resigned from his position.

Caller, who was brought in by former Communities Secretary Lord Michael Gove to rescue the UK's second-largest city from bankruptcy, has stepped down with immediate effect according to an announcement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The Financial Times reported sources close to the situation have suggested his departure may have been prompted by ministers, though Caller himself said he had always planned to retire this year, after 53 years in local government.

In Cambridgeshire, local MPs have proposed a significant shake-up to council reorganisation plans, according to a report from BBC News.

Labour MPs Andrew Pakes and Sam Carling have put forward an alternative three-council model for Cambridgeshire, challenging earlier proposals that would have created just two unitary authorities across the county.

Dorset Council plans to cut hundreds of staff positions as part of a technology transformation project, with proposals now being shared with employees.

The project aims to save £77 million by 2030 through voice automation and AI, costing £48 million to implement.

About 500 employees will be consulted on the proposals, with initial changes to start October.

USA:

In Texas, former La Marque city manager Joshua Pritchett has been arrested on multiple felony and misdemeanour charges.

Local station KHOU-11 reported that the charges include arson, tampering with evidence, false reporting, and fraud after resigning from his position amid controversy.

The charges follow a suspicious fire at his home, allegations that he lied about his credentials, and his claims of harassment and retaliation during his brief tenure as city manager.

CANADA:

A task force reviewing city council compensation in London, Ontario is recommending a substantial pay increase for councillors, while maintaining the current pay structure for the mayor.

CTV News reports that the Council Resourcing Review Task Force is considering boosting councillor salaries from the current $67,420 to somewhere around $90,000.

Meanwhile, the mayor's current salary of $163,188 would remain unchanged, despite additional Strong Mayor Powers granted by the province.

The task force remains divided on whether to provide severance pay to councillors who lose elections or choose not to run again.

NZ:

Gisborne District Council has broken ranks with other local authorities by opposing a campaign against the government's proposed rates-capping policy.

At the Local Government New Zealand conference in Christchurch this week, more than 80% of members voted to actively campaign against the rates-capping process, which Local Government Minister Simon Watts wants implemented "as fast as possible."

However, the NZ Herald reported that Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz voted against joining the campaign, stating her council will wait for more details before determining how potential rate caps might affect the region.

Gisborne residents are facing an average 9.95% rate increase this year, significantly higher than the current inflation rate of 2.2%.

New Plymouth District Council is in damage control after a review exposed significant financial reporting issues that led to multiple rates calculation errors.

Radio New Zealand reported that the review found a GST blunder, which could have cost the council $20 million in lost revenue, stemming from insufficient understanding of the rating process among key managers.

The review also uncovered two additional errors relating residential rates, and a wording error related to industrial water use that could have cost the council another $1.4 million.

Chief Executive Gareth Green acknowledged that a previous restructure, which saved $10 million, contributed to the mistakes by putting "significant pressure" on staff.

Mr Green is now planning another restructure to bring in more financial expertise, though he confirmed he won't be resigning over the issue.

AUSTRIA:

The city of Innsbruck in Austria has taken a significant step toward potentially hosting next year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Eurovoix.com reported that the Municipal Council has narrowly approved funding for the event with a 22 to 18 vote.

If selected as the host city, Innsbruck would make history as the first Austrian city outside Vienna to host the contest. The total cost is estimated at nearly 20 million euros, with the city expected to cover about a third of that amount.

Mayor Johannes Anzengruber said that the tourism and business sectors will contribute more than the city itself, making the project "manageable and feasible."

Austria earned hosting rights after JJ's victory with "Wasted Love" earlier this year, marking the country's third Eurovision win.