Peril pitch, budget slashed, and a pigeon furore - #515

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Mildura launches bold campaign for Melbourne's controversial Yellow Peril sculpture
• A council’s budget deficit slashed by $290M in under a year
• Kingston Council asked to consider role statements for its mayor and deputy
• A Council plan to slash rates for some, while hiking charges for others
• A pigeon baiting furore in a NSW town
• Wagga to save a century old bridge from Inland Rail
• Townsville’s waste collection woes, as its mayoral by-election is just days away
• Plus water recycling and SunSmart firsts in South Australia.

All of that and more just ahead on Australia’s number one local government podcast.

Chapters

• 2:05 Victorian Report
• 10:36 NSW Report
• 15:31 QLD Report
• 19:30 TAS/SA/WA/NT Report
• 22:36 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Report

Mildura Rural City Council has launched a campaign to bring Melbourne's controversial Vault sculpture to the regional city.

The artwork, nicknamed Yellow Peril, caused a stir when installed in City Square in nineteen-eighty.

Uner the bold plan, the sculpture would be reunited with its sister sculpture Beethoven, which is already on display in Mildura.

The campaign is part of a plan to position Mildura as an arts and culture destination.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh says the council ****has cut its projected ten-year deficit from two hundred ninety-six million to just three million dollars.

The remarkable financial turnaround was achieved in less than a year.

Cr Marsh says it reflects a cultural change focused on accountability and planning, requiring ongoing financial discipline but delivering better outcomes for residents.

Mildura Rural City Council has elected Ali Cupper and Helen Healy as Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively.

The coming 12 months will be Cr Cupper’s first term as Mildura Mayor, previously serving as Deputy Mayor for three terms - two of those during her first stint on the council between 2013 and 2018.

Cr Cupper sat in the Victorian Parliament as an independent from 2018, and was re-elected to the council last year.

Ballarat, Greater Bendigo and Northern Grampians are all due to elect their mayors tonight, kicking off a busy week of elections at councils around the state.

Keep up to date with results as they come in on the Local Government News Roundup website.

A special meeting of Kingston City Council will tonight consider a recommendation from municipal monitors that role statements be adopted for all councillors and for the offices of mayor and deputy mayor.

The monitors John Tanner and John Watson have advised that the statements be adopted ahead of the election of mayor and deputy mayor as a way of strengthening governance principles and processes

The statements give guidance on matters councillors should consider when thinking about nominating for the mayor or deputy mayor role.

A similar proposal was recently considered and ultimately rejected by Hobsons Bay City Council, where Mr Tanner is also currently serving as a municipal monitor.

The City of Casey has acknowledged the conclusion of the 12 month term of municipal monitors Cameron Boardman and Peter Stephenson last week.

Mayor Stefan Koomen thanked the monitors for their contribution to the return of councillors, saying the milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter for Casey.

One Gippsland representatives have been to Canberra for meetings with federal ministers and MPs.

Chair Cr Nathan Hersey and South Gippsland Shire Council CEO Allison Jones led discussions on disaster resilience funding, telecommunications coverage and offshore wind energy projects.

The delegation emphasised the need for betterment funding in disaster recovery, not just rebuilding to previous standards.

Bass Coast Shire Council has taken possession of the Wonthaggi Men's Shed after the Community Garden Group was locked out, according to a report from the South Gippsland Sentinel Times.

The Men's Shed made an executive decision to shut down the garden group operating within the grounds of the precinct.

CEO Greg Box says council remains hopeful that members will participate in mediation to reach a resolution.

The stalemate is affecting members on both sides, with the Men's Shed claiming they were locked out when disgruntled members blockaded the premises and police had to be called.

https://www.sgst.com.au/community/lockout-stalemate-as-council-takes-control-of-wonthaggi-mens-shed

Horsham Rural City Council has raised its concerns the proposed Warracknabeal Energy Park in a submission to an Environment Effect Statement inquiry.

The inquiry is examining plans to install 219 wind turbines over 26,000 hectares of land, 58 kilometres north of Horsham and five kilometres west of Warracknabeal.

New high-voltage transmission lines will connect the project sections and link into the electricity network at Murra Warra Terminal Station.

The council has a range of concerns about worker accommodation, employment and roads.

A public hearing is expected to commence the week of November 24th.

https://theweeklyadvertiser.com.au/articles/energy-park-concerns-mount-for-horsham-council/

Surf Coast Shire Council's waste report card reveals that more than 70 per cent of residential waste is being diverted from landfill thanks to the four-bin system.

However, audits show that 52 per cent of material in red landfill bins could actually be recycled or composted, with food waste being the main culprit.

The report tracks 12 years of data showing key milestones including the introduction of FOGO bins and purple-lidded glass bins.

Waste report card shows impact of four bin system

Bannockburn residents have won their fight against a proposed Mobil service station.

The Geelong Advertiser reported that Golden Plains Shire Council has unanimously rejected the one-point-seven-million-dollar development, after locals raised safety and environmental concerns about the high-traffic intersection site.

A community petition with hundreds of signatures backed the opposition.

More than one hundred industry leaders have gathered in Frankston to discuss the city’s development future.

Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny was among those to speak at the forum.

The city is being called one of Victoria's hottest property markets, with hundreds of millions in approved developments include nearly one thousand new city-centre apartments.

Major brands like Starbucks and UNIQLO are opening in Frankston, and new planning tools are expected to speed up decision-making and lock in funding for public infrastructure upgrades.

Warrnambool City and Corangamite Shire councils are celebrating a decade of joint road resealing contracts that have saved Warrnambool ratepayers around $900,000.

The partnership combines both councils' annual programs under one contract, attracting more competitive tenders and delivering about 12 percent savings each year.

Warrnambool Mayor Ben Blain said the collaboration demonstrates how regional councils can work together for a mutually beneficial result.

Victorian Briefs

Greater Shepparton Council is introducing free parking permits for returned service personnel.

Eligible veterans can park in the CBD without fees as recognition for their service.

Applicants must be local residents who served in overseas conflicts.

The initiative launches ahead of Remembrance Day.

The Rural City of Wangaratta is holding its first community roads forum next month.

Residents will learn how council manages the road network and responds to defects.

Topics will include transport trends, climate impacts and maintenance investment.

Greater Dandenong residents will get purple-lid glass bins by mid-2027. The Council said new service will operate once every four weeks, separating glass from other recyclables to reduce contamination.

Internationally acclaimed artist Morag Myerscough has launched a new installation called "Sunnyside: Chasing Sunbeams" at Ballarat's historic Mining Exchange.

The installation runs until November 23rd and was developed through collaboration with local artists and Traditional Owners, and is supported by the City of Ballarat and Visit Victoria's Regional Events Fund.

Over two hundred government and industry leaders have gathered in Bendigo for ALGA's National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress.

The two-day event features federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King and Shadow Assistant Minister Matt O'Sullivan.

Australia's local governments manage roughly a third of the country's public assets, worth six hundred billion dollars.

Delegates will discuss strengthening road networks, improving freight connections, and introducing sustainable transport options.

The congress provides a crucial platform for councils to share ideas and learn from technical experts.

NSW Report

The Hills Shire Council is considering a controversial plan to cut rates for 47,000 homeowners while increasing charges for 13,000 apartment dwellers.

The Council argues the change is needed to ensure rates are distributed equitably as the area experiences rapid growth in high-rise developments.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the proposal would see average annual rates for apartment owners rise from 783 dollars to 966 dollars, while homeowners' rates would fall from an average 1,406 dollars.

The restructure is expected to generate an additional 7 point 9 million dollars over ten years.

Ku-ring-gai Council is considering a special rate variation of 24 point 6 per cent to address ageing infrastructure and rising costs.

The proposal, plus a 4 point 4 per cent rate peg, would apply from July 2026 if approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.

Mayor Christine Kay says the increase would allow investment in new footpaths, recreational facilities and infrastructure upgrades.

Public exhibition of the plans continues until November 25, with council to decide in December whether to proceed with the IPART application.

Questions are being asked of Goulburn Mulwaree Council after a social media post revealed suspected pigeon baiting in the area.

Councillor Daniel Strickland says the community is furious and demanding action, posting a picture to social media.

2GB reported that the Council is now investigating the incident and working to prevent further acts of animal cruelty.

Georges River Council has become the first NSW council to sign up to Wesley Mission's 'Put Pokies in Their Place' campaign.

The move comes as poker machine players in the area lost 73 million dollars in the final quarter of 2024.

Mayor Elise Borg says the council is prioritising community wellbeing over gambling profits.

The campaign supports five key reforms including cashless gambling and powering down machines after midnight.

Wagga Wagga City Council has reluctantly taken ownership of Mother's Bridge to prevent its loss to Inland Rail, according to the Daily Advertiser.

The century-old pedestrian crossing links Railway Street to Station Place and has been used by generations of high school students.

Council General Manager Peter Thompson says there was no evidence the bridge was council-owned until now.

Inland Rail insists it remains committed to rebuilding the bridge, but the council says it is taking no chances.

Kiama Council is dealing with a surge in vandalism targeting public toilets and facilities across the LGA.

One disabled-access bathroom has been closed after an electric hoist was damaged beyond repair at a cost of 8,000 dollars.

The council's post-office box was also broken into this week.

Mayor Cameron McDonald says the behaviour is disappointing and costs ratepayers dearly.

Council is seeking state funding to upgrade its damaged CCTV network along Terralong Street.

Inner West Council is trialling food waste and bottle recycling bins in two local parks.

Pioneers Memorial Park in Leichhardt and Enmore Park in Marrickville will be fitted with green-lid FOGO bins and bottle cages.

The initiative aims to make recycling more accessible and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Since 2023, the FOGO program has diverted 31,000 tonnes of organic waste from landfill.

https://cityhub.com.au/inner-west-council-introduces-new-fogo-recycling-initiative-in-parks/

The iconic Rotary clocktower in Byron Bay will be demolished early next year to make way for a drainage upgrade.

Byron Shire Council said the structure will be rebuilt a few metres from its current location, after 30 years near the intersection of Byron and Jonson Streets.

The clocktower was commissioned by the Byron Bay Rotary Club in the 1990s and built by local surfer Ben King.

The new version will retain the original clock faces but feature vandal-resistant tiles or glazed bricks.

NSW Briefs:

Weddin Shire Council has appointed Matthew Sykes as its new General Manager, bringing 32 years of local government experience including over 11 years at the executive level.

Mr Sykes will commence his duties in mid-January 2026.

Deborah Dunne has been elected to Cessnock City Council in a countback election last week.

The election was required to fill one casual vacancy due to the resignation of former councillor Rosa Grine, due to bankruptcy according to media reports.

Singleton Council has been voted the best workplace in Australia by its employees.

The achievement comes from an independent employee satisfaction survey recognising workplace culture and conditions.

Council staff praised leadership, work-life balance, and opportunities for professional development.

Central Coast Council is inviting community feedback on two new draft policies covering memorials and roadside tributes.

The policies aim to provide clear guidelines for commemorating loved ones in public spaces.

The council says the policies balance community needs with safety and maintenance considerations.

Queensland Report

Former Townsville mayor Troy Thompson's election commitment for a twenty-year forensic audit of council finances could face significant obstacles, according to the Cairns Post.

Legal experts say the proposed audit's scope may be too broad and costly, pointing to a similar request by the mayor of Ipswich that was rejected by the Queensland Audit Office in 2022.

Thompson's other policies including an open book approach and locals-first contracting have also raised questions about compliance with the Local Government Act.

Thompson maintains all his proposals sit within the Act and aim to restore accountability.

The mayoral by-election is this Saturday - Mr Thompson is one of nine candidates on the ballot, including current acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney.

Meanwhile, the Council has apologised for garbage collection delays, with recycling running one to three days behind schedule.

The Townsville Bulletin reported the delays have been caused by staff shortages from unplanned leave and difficulty attracting heavy rigid truck drivers.

The Council is testing a new recruitment strategy using a casual pool of drivers instead of full-time employees, targeting part-time workers including parents.

Fraser Coast Regional Council has sold three properties for unpaid rates at a recent land auction.

While a Notice of Intention to Sell was issued for 22 properties, nineteen of those were removed before the auction took place.

The council said auctioning properties for unpaid rates is always a last resort, and that it has been working with property owners over several years, providing multiple opportunities to settle debts.

Redland City Council has reviewed its tree management practices to reduce storm damage, learning from North Queensland councils hit by cyclones.

Redland Bayside News reported that the benchmarking project found no councils currently have dedicated preparation strategies to minimise storm damage before events occur.

A pilot program in Cleveland has already inspected and pruned 3597 street trees.

Council analysis showed root plate rotation in waterlogged soil was the main cause of tree failures during Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Ipswich's Nicholas Street Precinct has recorded two million visits in the past year, marking a stunning turnaround from a derelict mall.

Ipswich Council says the Venue building alone attracted over five hundred and twenty-one thousand visits since opening in November last year.

Daily visitation has grown by thirty percent to almost six thousand people per day, compared to just twenty-two thousand annual visits before redevelopment.

Twenty-one businesses now operate across the precinct, creating jobs and injecting an estimated one point two five billion dollars into the local economy by twenty thirty-two.

The transformation has won multiple national awards including Property Council of Australia's Best Public Building, and is estimated to inject $1.25B into the local economy by 2032.

Goondiwindi Regional Council has launched a comprehensive service mapping project to improve delivery for at-risk youth and families across the region.

Funded by the Queensland Government, the project aims to identify existing services and enhance coordination, particularly given complex jurisdictional challenges along the Queensland-New South Wales border.

Mayor Lawrence Springborg says the initiative will ensure government funding is aligned to meet the needs of the unique border community.

The project emerged from cross-border crime meetings that highlighted difficulties faced by service providers delivering consistent support to border residents.

Council Tackles Cross-Border Service Gaps with New Mapping Project

Support for the Roundup comes from Symphony3, helping councils provide easier and faster access to services.

Like Brimbank Council, where SmartGlue Integration is helping their team replace a maze of disconnected tools with one connected workflow.

Talk to the team at Symphony3 to find out more about how SmartGlue can help your Council provide simple, connected customer experiences.

Tasmania

Hobart's KGV Oval is being baited with green-dyed poison carrots to control a rabbit infestation damaging the playing surface, according to Pulse Tasmania.

Glenorchy Council is using pindone-laced carrots after months of escalating damage and growing injury risks.

Warning signs are up and residents have been notified about the baiting program.

South Australia

SA Water, the City of Port Lincoln and the Department for Education have joined forces in a million-dollar recycled water project that's set to save more than 60 million litres of drinking water annually.

Two council reserves will switch from mains water to recycled water for irrigation, with investigations underway to expand the scheme to local schools.

The project will significantly boost recycled water use at SA Water's treatment plant and reduce pressure on the region's vital groundwater basins.

Council CEO Eric Brown says the expansion will increase recycled water utilisation by up to 50 percent, irrigating 17 hectares of parks and ovals across Port Lincoln.

The City of Onkaparinga has become the first South Australian council to install SunSmart pavement stickers at parks, playgrounds and community centres in partnership with Cancer Council SA.

The eye-catching decals feature Sid the seagull and his "Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide" message, along with QR codes linking to UV alerts.

Twenty locations across Onkaparinga will now remind visitors to protect themselves from skin cancer, which kills more than 2,000 Australians each year.

Western Australia

The Shire of Wagin has partnered with St Luke's Family Practice to deliver bulk billing GP services to the community.

Medicare card holders will no longer face out-of-pocket costs for standard consultations.

The partnership, extended through to 2029, will see an additional doctor join the practice in 2026.

Shire President Phillip Blight welcomed the partnership, saying affordable healthcare is vital for regional communities.

The Shire of Gingin has been certified as film friendly under Screenwest's program.

The shire has recently attracted productions including Outback Truckers and Warner Bros' series about the Postcard Bandit.

Popular filming locations include the iconic Lancelin sand dunes and nostalgic Gingin townsite.

Gingin joins six other Western Australian councils in the film friendly program as the state prepares for the opening of Perth Film Studios in 2026.

Northern Territory

Katherine Town Council could owe more than forty thousand dollars in back pay following a Fair Work Commission ruling, according to ABC News.

The commission found the council improperly refused pay rises to workers in 2022 due to financial concerns, with potentially up to 40 employees affected.

The United Workers Union has called it a clear case of wage theft.

Mayor Joanna Holden declined to comment while the ruling is being considered.

Global Report

NZ:

A government investigation has found that planning restrictions on Auckland's Eden Park could cost the region 432 million dollars and 751 jobs over the next decade.

Current rules limit the stadium to just six concerts per year and cap conferences at 2,000 people.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop is proposing to allow 12 large concerts and 20 medium concerts annually, plus more flexibility for sporting events.

He has written to Auckland Council about the proposed changes, giving it 20 days to respond, according to Inside Government.

Hamilton's new mayor Tim Macindoe has taken a firm disciplinarian approach in his first full council meeting, publicly scolding councillors for poor attendance and unprofessional behaviour in previous sessions.

The Waikato Times reported that the former government whip and deputy principal declared that turning up for work and participating intelligently are "core business requirements, not optional extras."

He also signalled that more council discussions may move behind closed doors to briefing sessions, raising questions about public scrutiny.

The Mayor has also taken issue with how the Waikato Times has reported the issue of councillor pay, insisting a $1.57 million salary allocation was merely a legal requirement.

UK:

Kensington and Chelsea Council plans to make low-income residents pay council tax for the first time and double bills for second-home owners, according to a report from The Standard.

About 8,000 working-age households in Kensington and Chelsea will see their council tax support reduced by 10%.

The move aims to address a £139 million funding gap blamed on Government cuts.

The London Councils group has warned the capital faces a £4.7 billion shortfall by 2029, with many boroughs at risk of bankruptcy.

Conservative and Independent councillors have walked out of a Derby City Council meeting in protest over local government reorganisation plans, according to BBC News.

The proposals would merge 10 Derbyshire councils into two new authorities.

Opposition members were unhappy that the final decision would be made by the cabinet rather than the full council.

A public survey showed 45% opposed the merger plans while 39% were in favour.

Highland Council in Scotland is trialling buses and bin lorries running on recycled cooking oil. The vehicles use hydrotreated vegetable oil, or HVO, made from biomass materials including used cooking fats and greases.

The council says the fuel could cut CO2 emissions by up to 90%.

https://nz.news.yahoo.com/council-vehicles-fuelled-vegetable-oil-105756657.html

CANADA:

From Ontario, a report from CTV News that London City Hall has wasted $1.3 million on computer software it will never use.

The city led an eight-municipality partnership starting in 2011 to develop custom social housing management software.

After years of delays and scope creep, staff admitted two years ago that the project had failed.

The city is now formally withdrawing from the consortium, effective April 2026.

Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis calls it "a good cautionary tale" but says nothing could be salvaged from the decade-long debacle.

USA:

The mayor of the city of Coldwater in Kansas was re-elected to his position last week, commanding 83 per cent of the vote. But it’s what happened after the election that was most notable.

Jose “Joe” Ceballos had little time to celebrate, because the next day the Attorney General charged him with three counts of voting without qualification and three counts of election perjury.

The Kansas City Star reported that Ceballos, a legal permanent resident with Mexican citizenship, allegedly voted illegally in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

His daughter says he genuinely didn't know he couldn't vote or run for office.

Community members have rallied behind the mayor, describing him as hardworking and dedicated to the town.