“Clearly oppressive” - Slug Gate case dismissed, urgent briefing, facilities closed

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Case dismissed - the latest twist in the Greater Dandenong Slug Gate saga
• Urgent briefing for Yarra Council on a VCAT e-scooter challenge
• A life or death decision looming for kangaroos and wallabies at Mornington Peninsula Shire
• Council financial management concerns laid bare in a new Auditor General report
• Pet ownership limits spark backlash for a NSW council
• Vandalism and asbestos dumping lead to council facility closures
• Townsville’s suspended mayor found in breach of the code of conduct
• and the WA premier flags more local government election reforms ahead

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.

Chapters

• 0:54 Victorian Report
• 9:04 NSW Report
• 12:03 QLD Report
• 14:33 TAS/SA/WA Report
• 17:28 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

The long-running "Slug Gate" saga has taken another turn as the Supreme Court has dismissed Ian Cook's litigation against Greater Dandenong City Council as an abuse of process.

Justice Andre w Keogh ruled that the lawsuit brought by I Cook Foods and its owner Ian Cook was essentially a re-litigation of matters previously withdrawn, calling it "unreasonable" and "clearly oppressive" to the council.

The case stems from the 2019 closure of I Cook Foods following health inspections. Mr. Cook has consistently alleged that a council worker planted a slug at his premises, leading to the shutdown of his business.

While Cook won a partial victory last November when the Supreme Court declared the closure invalid, his claim for $50 million in damages was dismissed. This latest legal action against the council for "malicious prosecution" has now also been thrown out.

The council, which has maintained its officers acted only in the interest of public safety, welcomed the decision, noting that no wrongdoing has been established through multiple investigations over six years.

Cook has been ordered to pay the council's legal costs and told the Herald Sun that he would appeal the decision.

Yarra City Council Mayor Stephen Jolly says the council will receive an urgent briefing on a VCAT case relating to its cancelled e-scooter trial brought by resident Shane Hryhorec.

The council has two weeks to respond to VCAT with regard to the council’s obligation to uphold human rights in the matter.

Cr Jolly noted that the trial ended in April when operators withdrew after Council sought to recover monitoring costs.

He said that there has been limited community support for the return of e-scooters and that the current Council is unlikely to reintroduce them during its term.

The case alleges a breach of the Equal Opportunity Act, with VCAT yet to make a final ruling.

A life-or-death decision looms for approximately 150 kangaroos and wallabies at The Briars animal sanctuary in Mt Martha.

The Mornington Peninsula Leader reported that Mornington Peninsula Shire Council will hold at unscheduled meeting tomorrow evening to vote on how to address overcrowding that has reportedly led to starvation deaths among the macropod population.

Council officers have recommended desexing some animals and providing supplementary feed, though cheaper alternatives—including selective or indiscriminate culling—remain on the table.

Mayor Anthony Marsh called an urgent meeting after noting the council "did not have consensus to move forward quickly on the officer's recommendation which was to avoid a cull."

Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro agreed there was a the need for swift action, stating that "any further postponement risks animal welfare."

The meeting will be livestreamed from 5pm.

Moorabool Shire councillors have given the green light for design work on an indoor swimming pool at the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Maddingley.

The Moorabool News reported that the project has secured $25 million from the Federal Government and $10 million from the State Government, and the Shire will contribute an additional $15 million through loans, bringing the total project budget to $50 million.

Plans include a 25-metre pool, spa facilities, and a gymnasium with fitness rooms.

Community concerns over a proposed Coles supermarket in Point Lonsdale have gained support from the City of Greater Geelong.

K-Rock reported that Mayor Stretch Kontelj has written to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny requesting an urgent review of the development planned for Bellarine Highway.

More than 400 residents attended a recent community meeting to voice opposition to the project, with fears it could damage Point Lonsdale's character, harm local businesses, and impact environmentally sensitive areas.

A report released by the Victorian Auditor-General's Office has raised concerns about the financial management practices of local councils across Victoria.

The audit reveals that while councils generally align their financial strategies at a strategic level, many are failing to update their 10-year financial plans annually, potentially compromising their long-term sustainability.

Only one of the five audited councils—Yarra Council—publicly updates its 10-year financial plan each year, despite changing economic conditions.

The report highlights that rate capping, introduced by the Victorian Government in 2016, has created additional challenges, with many councils reluctant to apply for rate variations due to concerns about community reactions and resource requirements.

For two of the five councils examined, expense growth has outpaced revenue growth since the introduction of rate capping.

In one notable example, Greater Shepparton's councillors chose not to increase rates for two consecutive years, despite warnings from council executives that the decision would result in a cumulative loss of approximately $28 million over eleven years.

The audit also found that while councillors receive comprehensive budget briefings, there's room for improvement in how financial information is presented, particularly for those without financial backgrounds.

The Auditor General has made recommendations for councils and for Local Government Victoria, including:

Local councils should annually update and publish their 10-year financial plans and asset plans to reflect current conditions while improving financial reporting clarity to councillors.

Council executives need to provide better support for councillors without financial backgrounds and Councils should consider applying for rate cap variations when necessary to maintain financial sustainability.

It suggests that Local Government Victoria should offer clearer guidance on financial planning requirements, develop model templates for asset plans and reporting, and establish formal guidance on councillor briefings.

Victorian Briefs:

Moorabool Shire Council will investigate expanding green waste collection services to additional townships as part of a broader waste management review.

The investigation aligns with existing waste review initiatives and Victoria's upcoming standardised four-bin waste system.

Brimbank City Council is establishing a Social Inclusion Action Group to promote community inclusion and wellbeing.

It is seeking diverse community members with lived experience to identify needs and support local initiatives. The group will meet regularly to address social connection and belonging.

Hume City Council has settled on a name for a new arts and culture facility at Jacksons Hill in Sunbury.

The facility will be called "Artrise – Gather, Connect and Create on the Hill", a name chosen to represent creativity, community, and new beginnings.

The Council has also started a formal process to rename the broader precinct.

VLGA Message:

As part of the VLGA’s ongoing commitment to support councillors on their journey to be successful community representatives, the Victorian Councillor Census is back again in 2025. All Councillors in Victoria will be emailed the Census on October 6 and will have until the end of the month to complete. Now in its second year, the VLGA’s annual Census captures and tracks councillor demographics, attitudes, and the key challenges to local governance over time.

You do not need to be a member of the VLGA to participate and at no stage will the VLGA have access to an individual’s responses. The findings of the Census will be used to inform, influence and lead conversations across local government and other tiers of Government. This is your chance to have your voice heard as a councillor. All responses to the Census will be fully confidential.

National Roundup:

NSW:

A draft policy at Eurobodalla Council that proposes strict limits on pet ownership in urban and rural areas has come under heavy criticism.

The policy includes caps of two dogs and four cats for urban households, with slightly higher numbers for rural properties.

Urban properties would also be limited to two horses, no closer than 9m from buildings.

The Daily Telegraph has reported on community backlash to the draft policy, with some residents describing it as unfair and appalling.

Public submissions are being taken until later this month.

Narrabri Shire Council has temporarily closed the Boggabri Transfer Station following illegal asbestos dumping and is working with the NSW Environment Protection Authority to identify and issue clean-up notices to those responsible.

The facility will remain closed until the asbestos is safely removed.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens said he was extremely disappointed by the incident, which has inconvenienced residents and put council staff at risk.

The Daily Leader reports today that officers are closing in on the culprits, and Mayor Tiemens said the council will prosecute and recover clean-up and other costs from those responsible.

Lake Macquarie City Council has closed an oval in Belmont, after a Friday night vandalism attack where vehicles driven across the playing surface caused an estimated $10,000 worth of damage.

A council spokesperson said the incident was deeply disappointing.

The incident represents another setback for community sport competitions which have already been heavily affected by unfavourable weather conditions this year.

Shoalhaven City Council has dispatched a pothole repair crew and equipment to MidCoast Council for a week to help in the response to Northern NSW floods.

Mayor Patricia White said it was important to support other local councils during times of adversity, something well known in Shoalhaven which has experienced 15 natural disasters since 2019.

MidCoast Council estimates the repair bill for roads to be more than $250M, and says it has lost $115M worth of community infrastructure.

The cost of the relief effort from Shoalhaven Council is estimated at around $13,000.

A Sturt Highway Taskforce, comprising eight NSW councils, has united to advocate for critical safety improvements along the 605-kilometre highway that connects NSW to South Australia.

The new taskforce, chaired by Murrumbidgee Mayor Ruth McRae, has come up with a 15-point action plan to address pressing issues including road safety upgrades, additional rest areas, and flood resistance improvements.

The eight councils want to see improvements that will reduce the alarming crash statistics that have affected regional communities.

Wagga Wagga, Narrandera, Leeton, Hay, Murray River, Balranald, and Wentworth are the other councils involved in the taskforce.

QLD:

Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson, currently suspended during a CCC investigation into his credentials, has been found by the Office of the Independent Assessor to have breached the Council’s code of conduct when he sent an email criticising a council worker for delayed response to his legal funding request.

ABC News reported that it was the one of four complaints under review, with the other three found not to be a breach of the code.

The Council will hold a special meeting to consider the report and determine what, if any, action will be taken regarding the breach.

Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald is seeking $97 million in federal funding for the $266 million Cressbrook Dam spillway upgrade.

The Toowoomba Chronicle reported that residents are facing a $250 increase to half-yearly water bills if the funding isn't secured.

The State Government has already committed $54 million to the project, which is required to meet dam safety regulations changed in 2005 and protect approximately 180,000 people living downstream.

Ipswich City Council's FOGO composting initiative has successfully diverted 70,000 tonnes of waste from landfill over three years.

Local Ipswich News reported that the successful program has been supplemented by an additional 2300 tonnes diverted through recycling efforts, including the reintroduction of glass to recycling bins.

The Council continues to implement innovative waste management services including citywide garden organics bins and plans for a new Southern Resource Recovery Centre to help meet long-term waste reduction targets.

National Briefs:

Councillor Sallianne McClelland has been elected as the new Deputy Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council, replacing Councillor Janelle McIntosh for a 12-month term.

Business leaders in Rockhampton have been empowered to create mentally healthy workplaces through a three-part Local Leaders Lunch series, organised by Rockhampton Regional Council's Advance Rockhampton.

The initiative addresses workplace mental health as a significant factor in staff retention and business success.

Yahoo! News has reported on the positive reception from travellers to a new designated 48-hour free parking area for RVs and caravans in Gawler.

The local council has been praised for providing a solution to a contentious issue that others often take a punitive approach to.

TAS:

Launceston City Council has approved sending a delegation of up to 11 people to Japan at a cost of approximately $60,000 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their sister city relationship with Ikeda.

ABC News reported that while some see potential benefits in education, tourism, and trade opportunities, critics including the Tasmanian Ratepayers Association have questioned the expense during a cost-of-living crisis, describing it as an excessive "junket holiday."

SA:

The Deputy Lord Mayor appointment at the Adelaide City Council has been delayed until September 23 amid political complexities, which InDaily reported include councillors running in state elections and attendance concerns.

The delay followed a 50-minute debate last week with multiple amendments, revealing tensions between the Lord Mayor and councillors over political impartiality and factional alliances.

The District Council of Loxton Waikerie has successfully sold all 57 properties at auction to recover more than $170,000 in unpaid rates.

The sales brought in a total of $538,500, despite initial expectations that none would sell, according to Real Estate dot com dot au.

The properties were mostly vacant land and deceased estates.

Sales in the 90 minute auction ranged from $1,000 to $180,000.

WA:

With local government elections just a month away in Western Australia, the state government is reportedly considering reforms to future elections, including implementing compulsory voting and potentially aligning local elections with state polls.

OutinPerth reported that the concerns have ramped up in the wake of the appointment of commissioners at Nedlands and Port Hedland, and an increase in the number of candidates with extremist views running for office.

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said she was ready to have the conversation about voting reform, after Premier Roger Cook indicated his support for changes.

The City of Rockingham is advocating for increased state government investment in crisis accommodation amid growing housing pressures exacerbated by defence upgrades at HMAS Stirling and the AUKUS agreement.

A recent roundtable with Shelter WA and local service providers highlighted an urgent need for both emergency and long-term housing solutions in the area.

City of Busselton CEO Tony Nottle has called an end to his local government career after 24 years.

He is taking up a new role as Manager of Community and Social Performance with mining giant Rio Tinto.

Global Roundup:

NZ:

As elections loom for New Zealand local governments, the NZ Herald has profiled an interesting candidate for Western Bay of Plenty District Council - its former chief executive.

John Holyoake left the role in March this year after nearly four years, and is now competing to return as the district’s mayor.

He is running on a ‘back to basics’ campaign, cost cutting, housing and shared services and/or amalgamations with other councils.

Whanganui District Council has decided against spending $70,000 to correct an election blunder that left Māori ward candidate profiles out of voting packs.

Teaonews reported that the profiles for five candidates competing for the council's first two Māori ward seats were omitted from booklets sent to approximately 30,000 voters on the general roll.

The error, which the election services provider has taken responsibility for, also affected Māori ward elections in Ōpōtiki, South Wairarapa, and Manawatū Districts.

The council will instead run additional social media campaigns and newspaper advertisements to highlight Māori ward candidates.

The Green Party has called for the voting period to be extended, arguing the missing information could influence referendum results.

Voting for NZ local government elections closes 11th October.

UK:

In the midst of a recruitment crisis, a UK Council has resorted to paying a bonus to employees who successfully “refer a friend” to take up one of its “hard to fill” roles.

BBC News reported that Redcar and Cleveland Council in northeast England is one of many in the UK struggling to fill specialised positions that require technical expertise or advanced qualifications.

According to the council's human resources department, traditional recruitment methods have become less effective in the post-pandemic job market, where skilled professionals have more employment options, including remote work opportunities with private companies offering higher salaries.

The council has also implemented other recruitment strategies, including enhanced professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and partnerships with local universities to create pathways for graduates into public service careers.

Similar schemes have been adopted by other local authorities facing staffing shortages, with some reporting positive results from employee referral programs that leverage existing staff networks to identify potential candidates.

However, critics argue that such measures are merely short-term solutions to deeper structural issues in local government funding and compensation that make public sector careers less attractive compared to private sector alternatives.

MPs have passed new legislation giving local authorities more power to protect essential bus routes.

Local Gov dot co dot uk reported that the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill passed by a significant majority in the House of Commons.

The bill aims to prevent bus companies from cutting vital community services while promising improved passenger services, greener fleets, better accessibility standards, and enhanced integration with local transport networks.

USA:

Smart Cities Dive dot com has reported on a recent survey reveals that half of U.S. residents are uncomfortable with AI in government services, a 5% increase from the previous year.

That’s despite many acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in terms of efficiency and service speed.

The survey found that transparency about AI usage is crucial, with over 75% of respondents believing governments should disclose when AI is used for resident services, while concerns persist about accuracy, privacy, bias, job loss, and environmental impacts.