Landslide findings, prayer rejected, and crime wave concerns

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• The MacRae Landslide Board of Inquiry report is out, along with the government’s response
• Prayer rejected - a petition fails to return the Lord’s Prayer to Bass Coast Council meetings
• A charity given notice to vacate by Greater Dandenong Council
• Date set for a de-amalgamation referendum
• Shoalhaven’s new CEO rejects claims he’s not qualified for the job
• A new councillor for Moreton Bay
• Water concerns in Cairns
• and voters go to the polls for local council elections in New Zealand

Also today, a NSW town living in fear, and the local council’s call to the Premier for help - Chris talks to Anthony Doyle from Walgett Shire Council on Roundup Extra.

Chapters

• 2:25 Victorian Report
• 9:09 NSW Report
• 16:21 QLD Report
• 18:35 WA/NT Report
• 20:15 Global Report
• 23:09 Roundup Extra: Anthony Doyle, Walgett Shire Council

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

The Victorian Government has released its response to the findings from the Independent Board of Inquiry into the McCrae landslide on the Mornington Peninsula.

Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos said the government has accepted all twelve recommendations made to the government from the inquiry report.

The landslide in January this year destroyed one house, and damaged three others, and a Mornington Pensiula Shire Council officer was seriously injured.

19 properties were evacuated, with many residents unable to return to their homes for months.

The board of inquiry found that a burst water main was the primary cause of the landslide, and that despite residents raising alarms, both South East Water and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council failed to take effective action.

It found they were operating in silos and didn’t work together to address the problem, and that neither appreciated the seriousness of the issue.

The report also found the council failed to adequately respond to a 2012 geotechnical report classifying the escarpment as highly susceptible to landslides, and should have updated its erosion management overlays.

The board of inquiry made 30 recommendations, including the urgent application of erosion management overlays, and improved responses to water issues in landslide-prone areas.

A key outcome will be the appointment of an independent mediator to facilitate discussions between Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, South East Water, and affected residents. The mediation process, expected to last three months, aims to reach agreement on landslide mitigation and remediation works in the affected area.

Minister Staikos said, “The landslides have taken a significant toll on residents and I call on South East Water and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to work with the McCrae community to achieve the best possible outcomes,” and allow displaced residents to return to their homes as soon as possible.

The full government response to the inquiry report is available on the Victorian Government's website.

A move to have the Lord’s Prayer returned to Bass Coast Shire Council meetings has proved unsuccessful, with the council voting 8:1 against the idea this week.

A majority of Councillors opposed the petition on the grounds that Australia is a secular, multi-cultural country with diverse belief systems.

The South Gippsland Sentinel Times reported that some even suggested the petition was divisive mischief-making.

A refugee support charity in Melbourne's southeast has been evicted from its warehouse, leaving thousands of vulnerable residents without access to essential supplies, according to the Star Journal.

Bakhtar Community Organisation was locked out of its Noble Park North facility on Wednesday after Greater Dandenong Council changed the locks and fenced off the site. The buildings, filled with donated household goods, are now slated for demolition.

CEO Bassir Qadiri says the charity has supported more than 8,000 people with over $3 million worth of aid.

The Council says the arrangement was always meant to be temporary, with the site purchased three years ago for community open space. It said it has met with the group and offered support in finding alternative arrangements, but that its offer was not accepted.

The Council has given them until November 17 to remove the items, or the Council will distribute them to local charitable organisations.

Glen Eira City Council is transforming how it manages waste with new flexible contracts that could change how residents recycle in the future.

The council's Deputy Mayor, Luca Ragni, says the contracts - worth nearly $289 million over 13 years - were designed based on feedback from almost 2,000 residents.

Unlike traditional decade-long waste contracts, the new agreements allow the council to adapt services quickly as community needs change.

New features include expanded services for apartment buildings, better sorting of hard waste to recover usable items, and potential future innovations like soft plastics collection and repair cafés.

The council is also focusing on sustainability by refurbishing its existing fleet of garbage trucks rather than replacing them.

The City of Melbourne is taking action against abandoned and dilapidated properties that have become eyesores across the city, with several Southbank sites now under close scrutiny according to Southbank News.

In a unanimous vote at the recent Future Melbourne Committee meeting, councillors backed Lord Mayor Nick Reece's motion to "use every lever" available to address vacant, unsafe, and unsightly properties.

Lord Mayor Reece said it's time to put "lazy landlords on notice" and transform "hoarded-up grey zones to accessible green zones."

Council officers will report back by November 30th with recommendations.

Victorian Briefs:

A countback to fill an extraordinary vacancy on Surf Coast Shire Council's Torquay Ward will be conducted online on October 27, redistributing votes from the 2024 election to eligible unsuccessful candidates.

The candidate achieving the required quota or highest number of votes will be elected to replace recently resigned Councillor Rebecca Bourke.

Golden Plains Shire Council has secured $2 million from the Victorian Government's Safe Local Roads and Streets Program to fund six road safety projects including raised pedestrian crossings and intersection upgrades across various locations.

The Council is now moving to issue tenders for the works and establish construction timelines.

Towong Shire Council has committed $2 million toward a new $3 million Sports Pavilion at the Bethanga Recreation Reserve, the most it has ever committed to a community facility project

An additional $1 million contribution will come from the Victorian State Government. The project is scheduled to commence construction in early 2026 and be completed by late 2027.

Swan Hill Regional Library, in partnership with Collins Booksellers, is hosting celebrated author, former Wallaby, and Member of the Order of Australia Peter FitzSimons on Saturday 1 November to launch his latest book, The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop.

National Roundup:

NSW:

The date is set for a de-amalgamation referendum for Snowy Valleys Council.

The NSW Electoral Commission announced that the referendum will be held Saturday, 29 November, with all voters on the electoral roll for Snowy Valleys Council required to vote.

The landmark referendum will decide whether to split the council back into the original Tumut and Tumbarumba shires, with a 51% majority required for the demerger to proceed.

About Regional reported estimated costs of a de-amalgamation at nearly $5M in transition expenses, with potential rate increases of up to 15% in Tumut and 45-65% in Tumbarumba over seven years.

The referendum follows years of community activism against the forced 2016 merger, with campaigners arguing the amalgamation disrupted governance structures and reduced local representation.

Shoalhaven Council’s Mayor Patricia White and newly appointed CEO Andrew Constance have held a media conference to mark Mr Constance’s first day on the job, and to talk about the future for the Shoalhaven and its economic opportunities.

The announcement of the former MPs appointment to the CEO position last week has proved controversial, prompting the Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig to request a preliminary investigation into the recruitment process.

Mayor White told the media that she welcomed and would fully cooperate with the investigation.

(Grab)

Mr Constance said he would be focussed on improving Council’s financial sustainability and service delivery while maintaining the area’s natural beauty, and rejected suggestions he wasn’t qualified for the position:

(Grab)

You can watch the full media conference which was streamed live by WIN News, link in the show notes.

IPART has published its Final Report on Lane Cove Council's proposed Developer Contributions Plan for the St Leonards South Precinct, recommending a 2% increase to the total cost and contribution rates in the council’s proposal.

The plan, which would provide essential infrastructure for an additional 3,630 residents in approximately 1,840 new dwellings, is now under review by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces who will decide whether changes are needed before the council can adopt the revised plan.

There are tension between Wollongong City Council and the owners of the historic Illawarra Hotel over a rejected development application.

The Illawarra Mercury reported the hotels owners’ frustrations after their plans to renovate the upper floors of the 1939 heritage building were denied by the council.

The proposal aimed to transform vacant accommodation rooms into hospitality spaces, including a bistro, lounge bar, and private dining area. However, council officials rejected the application, citing concerns over a proposed void area and its potential impact on the structural integrity of the heritage building.

While the hotel owner is considering court action, the Council maintains they're committed to supporting local businesses while protecting heritage values.

It says the decision it has made will stand, regardless of a newly launched petition, and that it is open to alternative design approaches that would address their heritage concerns.

The appointment of a new General Manager at Coonamble Shire will create a vacancy at another rural NSW Council.

Central Darling Shire GM Greg Hill has been appointed to the same role at Coonamble Shire Council, starting 1st December.

Mr Hill has been with Central Darling Shire for seven years, leading $86M worth of major infrastructure projects.

The Council has been under administration since 2013, but recently held elections for a return to elected representation under a hybrid model.

Plans for a controversial solar farm in Orange have been given the green light despite community opposition, according to a report from Central Western Daily.

The Western Region Planning Panel has approved a 13-hectare solar farm development at Cadia Road in south Orange, voting three to two in favour of the project.

The decision comes after significant community backlash, with local residents expressing concerns about visual impact and what they claim was insufficient consultation from the developer, EDPR Australia.

Orange City Council had previously written a letter opposing the development, despite their own staff recommending approval of the project with conditions.

Meanwhile, in another controversial move, the council has narrowly approved a six-month extension for the Greyhound Breeders Owners & Trainers Association to submit their development application for a proposed $15 million greyhound racing facility.

The decision passed by just one vote, with five councillors supporting Mayor Tony Mileto's compromise of a six-month extension instead of the requested 12 months.

A poignant new public artwork commemorating the impact of October 7th on Sydney's Jewish community has been jointly commissioned by Woollahra and Waverley Councils.

The sculpture, titled "In Them We See Ourselves," will be installed at Christison Park in Vaucluse, creating a space for reflection and healing two years after the attacks.

Made of weathered Corten steel, the artwork features fragments rising from the earth that lean inward to create a sheltered space with seating.

The creator has chosen to remain anonymous to keep focus on the community the work represents.

Community members can contribute toward the cost of the commission, with both councils sharing the remaining expenses.

NSW Briefs:

Camden Council has launched its first Cat Foster Care Program, inviting residents to temporarily care for cats and kittens in need until they can be permanently adopted.

The program provides approved foster carers with essential supplies and ongoing support, requiring only that participants be 18 or older, live in the Camden area, and have reliable transportation for emergencies.

Eurobodalla Council is hosting its first Tourism Industry Forum on November 10th, featuring presentations from tourism leaders and a workshop on AI applications in the tourism industry.

The event aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking among local tourism operators while providing an opportunity to engage with the shire’s Visitor Economy Advisory Committee.

Garbage trucks in Tweed Shire have experienced three fires in six weeks due to incorrectly disposed batteries, forcing drivers to dump burning loads and requiring emergency response.

The Council is urging residents to properly dispose of batteries and devices with embedded batteries at designated collection points rather than in residential bins.

QLD:

Ellie Smith has been elected as the new Moreton Bay City Councillor for Division 11, winning 65.67% of the vote after preferences in a postal by-election with a 74.8% voter turnout.

Mayor Peter Flannery will welcome Smith as she takes her oath of office on Friday, while CEO Scott Waters congratulated her and the six unsuccessful candidates for their respectful campaign.

Cairns Regional Council says it is closely monitoring water supply and potential impacts of forecast heavy rainfall, with treatment plants at risk of temporary shutdown due to increased water turbidity during wet weather.

Residents are urged to reduce water usage to ease pressure on the network, particularly as the city faces reservoir challenges and works to implement long-term water security projects.

Gladstone Regional Council has acknowledged the potential 2029 retirement of Gladstone Power Station, a foundational part of the local economy since 1976.

Mayor Matt Burnett said the council is committed to working with operators and government entities to keep the station operational beyond this potential closure date.

A Melbourne engineer has criticised Bundaberg Regional Council's decision to introduce new fees for heavy vehicle route assessments.

Robert Smedley, Managing Director of Smedley's Engineers, told Australian Truck Radio that the additional charges - up to $900 for urgent assessments - create unnecessary barriers for the freight industry and could have damaging ripple effects throughout the region's economy.

He said the fees will impact critical industries like agriculture and manufacturing, with costs potentially flowing on to neighboring communities that rely on Bundaberg as a freight gateway.

The Council defended the fees, saying they help recover costs without relying on ratepayer funds and improve efficiency in processing freight assessments.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator says it has discussed the matter with the council and is committed to ensuring clear communication of these fees to operators.

North Burnett Mayor Les Hotz has joined councillors and local MPs to officially open the new Degilbo Creek Bridge, part of the Paradise Dam upgrade

The $11M, 57 metre dual-lane bridge has been built four metres higher than the old causeway to improve access during the wet season.

Cr Hotz said the project is a major investment in the region, improving flood resilience and ensuring safer travel.

WA:

The Shire of Kellerberrin, 200km inland from Perth, has cancelled this weekend’s Colour Ball, due to poor ticket sales meaning the charity event would not be viable.

Council CEO Raymond Griffiths acknowledged the community is disappointed by the decision, and pledged to learn from this year’s experience to better support future events.

Propel Fremantle, a Fremantle-based accelerator program funded by the City of Fremantle, Lotterywest and Spacecubed, has supported nine ventures in its 2025 program focusing on sustainability, blue & green economies, and creative technologies.

The program has contributed to Fremantle's growing reputation as an innovation hub, with over 70 startups now established in the city across various sectors including biotech, energy, transportation, and fintech.

NT:

The City of Palmerston has rejoined the Local Government Association NT, and nominated Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell to run for the association's presidency in the upcoming November elections.

The move represents a strategic shift toward greater collaboration with other NT councils, with the aim of strengthening local government's collective influence on Territory and Federal policy decisions, according to a report from NT News.

Global Roundup:

NZ:

Voters go to the polls in New Zealand this weekend to elect their local councils.

In Waimakariri District, the Mayor Dan Gordon has addressed online critics at the final meeting before the election, according to 1News.

He has called on them to "stop talking down our district," responding to social media commentary targeting the council's $210 million debt and his opponent's promise of a zero percent rate increase.

NewsTalk ZB has reported on the number of uncontested elections in this cycle.

Over 200 candidates have won positions by default, though the number of unopposed elections has decreased by about a third since 2001.

According to Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz, while some areas may experience apathy among potential candidates, in other cases it could be because voters are satisfied with the current representatives.

She told the New Zealand Herald that improved communication is key to lifting interest in local body elections as voter turnout nationwide looks set to be down again.

UK:

Brighton and Hove City Council has unveiled an ambitious £10 million plan to address the growing homelessness crisis in the city.

BBC News reported the proposal would see the council purchase up to 200 temporary homes to provide much-needed accommodation for vulnerable families.

It comes as new figures from the Museum of Homelessness reveal that 36 people died while homeless in Brighton and Hove last year - a figure unchanged from 2023 but showing a decrease from 43 deaths in 2022.

USA:

CANADA:

The City of Regina is applying to a provincial disaster assistance program to help residents whose homes were damaged by severe flooding last month which prompted 124 service requests, according to CTV News.

If provincial funding is approved, residents would be eligible for funding to cover uninsurable losses including furnace repairs, carpeting, drywall, utility hookups, debris cleanup, and in exceptional cases, mould remediation.

The city has corrected previous information that 1.3 million litres of wastewater had to be pumped in into Wascana Creek. In a statement, it said that information was inaccurate and that the wastewater system maintained sufficient capacity for the full duration of the storm

In Vancouver, the City Council has voted to direct staff to prepare a draft budget for 2026 with $120 million in savings to achieve a zero property tax increase.

The decision comes ahead of next year's municipal election, with critics labelling it a political "Hail Mary pass."

CTV News reported that the city has already begun making departmental cuts, including shuttering its Equity Office.

Roundup Extra:

Walgett Shire Council’s Director Community Planning and Development, Anthony Doyle, joins Chris to talk about the crime wave in the small northwestern NSW town that has made national news headlines; and the Council’s call to the Premier for action.