Special Edition: Municipal Monitors, ft. Tony Raunic - #538

In this special edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• A plea for people to stay away from fire affected areas
• A council survey of young people shows high levels of psychological distress
• A call for changes to new laws in Queensland with fears it will lead to more by-elections
• and Tony Raunic joins Chris to discuss the recently released Darebin municipal monitors’ report, and the use of monitors more broadly at Councils in Victoria.

Chapters

• 5:36 Interview: Tony Raunic on Municipal Monitors

Transcript

Latest News Update:

Rural Councils Victoria has paid tribute to the many councillors and staff working in difficult conditions, fighting fires on the frontline, or in service and support roles.

It says devastating events like the fires remind us just how indispensable the work of local government is to communities.

RCV has also made a polite request for people to stay aware from fire affected areas, saying now is not the time for 'rubber necking' or fireground tourism. The time to visit will come in the weeks ahead.

A Mission Australia Youth Survey of 119 young people aged 14-19 in Alpine Shire has found that while most feel safe and connected to their community, 46% experience moderate to high psychological distress, with mental health, school stress, and cost-of-living pressures being major concerns.

Mayor Sarah Nicholas said the Council will use the findings to advocate for more accessible youth support services and wellbeing programs across the region.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has awarded a new 8-year contract to Four Seasons Waste for kerbside bin collection services, which includes using new Euro 6 emission-compliant trucks and a fully electric bin maintenance truck.

Bay 93.9 reports on the phased implementation of a 24-hour cat curfew by Wyndham City Council this year, requiring cat owners to keep their pets within property boundaries at all times.

There’ll be an education campaign while the current 10pm-6am enforcement remains in place during the transition period.

Federation Council and Berrigan Shire Council are sending emergency preparedness toolkits to all households starting January 19.

The toolkits include '72-Hour' campaign materials and paper emergency plan templates to help families prepare for the critical first three days of an unexpected emergency.

The initiative comes as devastating bushfires burn across nearby Victoria, emphasizing the importance of having physical copies of emergency plans when power and internet services may fail during disasters.

Yass Valley Council has launched a recruitment campaign to fill vacant roles across the organisation.

It follows a four-month review that modernised its management structure, aiming to attract skilled workers—especially locals—to support major upcoming projects and community services.

CEO Gayleen Burley said the changes mark a positive step forward for the council.

Queensland councils are urging the state government to abandon new laws requiring councillors to resign before running for state parliament.

LGAQ argues the new laws will deter civic participation and force costly by-elections on ratepayers.

The Australian reports that the government is defending the changes, saying the recent shift to fixed-term elections for both state and local government has created a different political landscape that requires certainty and stability.

Toowoomba Regional Council's credit rating has been affirmed as Sound with a Neutral outlook by Queensland Treasury Corporation, reflecting the council's strong financial management and ability to deliver essential services, according to its Mayor Geoff McDonald.

Whitsunday Regional Council is consulting residents currently on whether to maintain six councillor divisions or adopt an undivided electoral model for the 2028 local government elections.

The consultation runs until 22nd February.

A new mural has been unveiled at Glenorchy Council Chambers, featuring natural landmark Humphreys Rivulet and native wildlife in vibrant detail.

The artwork, by Tasmanian artist Trent Fischer, is part of Council's Glenorchy – City of Arts 2040 strategy and represents the first of many planned murals to celebrate the city's landscape and cultural identity.

Chris is joined by Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers to discuss the recently released Darebin City Council Municipal Monitor Report, and the use of municipal monitors more broadly at Victorian Councils.