Threats of violence lead to cancelled events

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On the latest episode of Australia's number one local government news podcast: 

Threats of violence lead to more council events being cancelled;

A rural mayor attracts criticism over his council’s support for duck hunting;

Sorrento traders campaign to secede from Mornington Peninsula Shire;

The local government funding model to be examined by a parliamentary inquiry;

A deputy mayor resigns, dropping bombshell allegations as he does;

And another US mayor takes his gavel and goes home in the middle of a Council meeting;

All of that and much more ahead in the latest update from  the Local Government News Roundup.

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Transcript

Hi, this is Chris Eddy, coming to you from the land of the Wadawurrung People with the latest from the Local Government News Roundup.

On the podcast today: 

Threats of violence lead to more council events being cancelled;

A rural mayor attracts criticism over his council’s support for duck hunting;

Sorrento traders campaign to secede from Mornington Peninsula Shire;

The local government funding model to be examined by a parliamentary inquiry;

A deputy mayor resigns, dropping bombshell allegations as he does;

And another US mayor takes his gavel and goes home in the middle of a Council meeting;

All of that and much more ahead in the latest update from  the Local Government News Roundup.

Thanks for joining me for today’s podcast - brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association.

Here are some of the Victorian council related stories making news in recent days.

The Monash Council Drag Storytime event for IDAHOBIT Day has been cancelled in the interests of safety.

Monash CEO Dr Andi Diamond said the decision was made in consultation with Victoria Police after repeated threats of violence and intimidation against Councillors, families booked to attend the event, the performer and Council staff.

Dr Diamond said it was incredibly disappointing to have to cancel the event, but was left with no choice after being advised of the risks associated with holding the event.

She apologised to the LGBTIQA+ community for the outcome.

The decision to cancel comes after the Council resisted calls to do so at a council meeting last week, which was disrupted by a large group of protestors agitating for the cancellation of the event.

Late Friday, reports emerged that Boroondara City Council had also cancelled a rainbow storytime event that had been scheduled for IDAHOBIT Day.

The minister for Local Government Melissa Horne issued a statement after the Monash cancellation, saying it was unacceptable that the council has been forced to cancel the event.

She said while public debate is fundamental to democracy, there is never room in this state for hate speech, intimidation or violence.

Minister Horne said the government will work with Victoria Police to ensure the safety of LGBTIQ+ performers, and continue to protect the rights of councils to program events which celebrate LGBTIQ+ Victorians, increase visibility and uphold diverse communities’ rights, identities and dignity.

Source: Monash City Council; Victorian Government

Meanwhile, earlier in the week Latrobe City Council adopted a statement of support for the LGBTIQA+ community, in response to recent examples of transphobia and transmisogyny.

One of its councillors, Melissa Ferguson, recently tweeted articles and comments criticising transgender rights activists and supporting a view that predators are using the rainbow to prey on children.

The ABC reports that upper house MP Harriet Shing and the Gippsland Pride Initiative are among those to condemn the posts as reprehensible and spreading misinformation.

The Council says it is committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the community, free from discrimination, harassment and violence.

The statement of support follows a motion brought forward at the council’s meeting on Monday night by Cr Tracie Lund.

Source: ABC News; Latrobe City Council

A Loddon Shire decision to formally support duck hunting is attracting some criticism.

The Bendigo Advertiser reports that Mayor Dan Straub’s motives in bringing forward a motion of support are being questioned.

The council will make a submission to a senate inquiry highlighting a positive economic and mental health impact on the shire, and a view that duck hunting is a long standing local tradition for many families in Loddon.

The Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting lobby group has expressed dismay at the Council’s position, and has alleged that Mayor Straub has used his position to promote personal interests.

Cr Straub is an ex-president of the Victorian Duck Hunters Association.

He says he has received a lot of support for the council’s stance from the local duck hunting community, local businesses and the farming community.

Cr Straub says he classifies duck hunting as part of the shire’s eco tourism activities.

Source: Bendigo Advertiser, 2/5/23, 3/5/23

Reports this week of a push from traders in Sorrento to secede from Mornington Peninsula Shire.

The Herald Sun says a group of dissatisfied traders has written to Local Government Victoria for advice on how to become a separate municipality, modelled on the Borough of Queenscliffe.

The group’s spokesperson says the move is in response to “reverse snobbery” and being ignored by the shire.

A recent council decision to allow a food truck on the foreshore has upset some traders, with one allegedly threatening to stage a blockade to stop it from operating.

Mayor Steve Holland has described it as “cartel conduct” and at odds with community values.

Source: Herald Sun, 4-5-23

An upper house committee will conduct a parliamentary inquiry looking at cost-shifting to councils, local government service delivery, and the overall revenue structure and sustainability of the sector.

The inquiry was sought by the opposition, with Nationals Leader Peter Walsh saying in a statement that it would be about more than looking at council rates - it would examine the entire funding model for local government.

Recommendations from the inquiry are due to be provided by June 30 next year.

Source: The Daily Liberal

Now in today’s Victorian Briefs:

A new collaboration between three councils will seek to grow the visitor economy in Victoria's  Goulburn region.

The Victorian Government is supporting Greater Shepparton, Mitchell and Strathbogie councils to form a tourism partnership which will work on a regional destination management plan, industry skills building and investigating the region’s place in the regional tourism network.

Source: Strathbogie Shire Council

The planning function at Alpine Shire has been described as in-crisis. The Alpine Observer has this week reported the results of a review that found an under-investment in strategic planning over the last 15 to 20 years.

Source: Alpine Observer

Nillumbik Shire Council has been recognised on the AFR Boss Best Places to Work list for the second time in three years.

The council placed sixth in the Government, Education and Non-Profit category. More than 700 organisations from Australia and New Zealand were nominated.

Source: Nillumbik Shire Council 

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Now for some of the stories making local government news from around Australia this week.

A sensational development at Sydney’s Strathfield Council, with its deputy mayor resigning the position and making bombshell allegations on the way out.

According to the Inner West Courier, Matthew Blackmore has alleged development lobbying and the attempted appointment of senior council staff “sympathetic to their cause.”

Cr Blackmore, who it’s understood will remain on the Council, quit the deputy post in chambers on Tuesday referencing unnamed members from both parties as having lobbied for development in the council area.

The former mayor was elected to the deputy position in March for the remainder of the current term which expires in September.

The Council is expected to elect a new deputy mayor in due course.

Source: Inner West Courier 3-5-23; Strathfield Council

The NSW planning minister, Paul Scully, has briefed a number of mayors in the state’s north about a potential 60 day cap on short-term rentals such as Airbnbs.

According to the Guardian, the minister told a group of mayors and planning staff about his consideration of advice from the state’s independent planning body to introduce a cap in Byron Shire, due to a housing crisis.

He has reportedly said he expected 12 other councils to consider similar measures after a decision on Byron is made.

Source: The Guardian

Meanwhile, the state’s peak body LGNSW has warned that a government decision to not subsidise an increase in the Emergency Service Levy this year will have a catastrophic impact on council budgets.

It estimates the levy contribution from councils to be around $77M.

President Darriea Turley says councils are reeling at the news which has come late in the council budgeting cycle, and well after the rate peg determination for next year.

She said rural and regional councils with small rate bases will be hardest hit.

Source: Local Government NSW

A Townsville City Council employee has been the target of a campaign by the owner of a declared dangerous dog recently found roaming in a local suburb.

The owner had previously been prosecuted following an incident involving the dog in which one dog was killed and another grievously injured. 

The council has issued a statement condemning the targeting of its employee, and imploring others to refrain from doxing any Council employees.

Source: National Tribune

The City of Cockburn will develop an innovative accelerator hub to connect as many as 40 blue economy-focused businesses with major maritime and defence organisations under one roof.

The advanced research and innovation facility will foster local supply chain capability and capacity.

It will also provide solutions for an estimated shortage of 1,000 workers and a critical deficit of specific trades and technical skills in Cockburn.

The council has identified a site in Henderson and is pursuing a lease arrangement subject to finalising founding partner commitments.

Source: City of Cockburn

The CEO of WA’s Shire of Mundaring Jonathan Throssell will not apply to keep his position, and is stepping away after 18 years.

WA legislation requires a CEO’s position to be advertised after 10 years, and Mr Throsell says it's now the right time to explore future opportunities.

He’ll remain in the position until his contract expires in December.

Source: Jonathan Throssell LinkedIn

Launceston City Council is planning to lift its dangerous dog registration costs by 30 per cent in its upcoming budget.

The council says the increase to register a declared dangerous dog with microchip will rise from $577 to $750 due to costs associated with significant public demand.

Mayor Danny Gibson told the Launceston Examiner it was disappointing that officers have to deal with incidents involving dangerous dogs, and that it required a much higher level of oversight.

Source: The Examiner

Staff at Queensland’s Redland City Council have commenced industrial action this week over dispute about conditions for compliance officers,

The Redland City Bulletin reports that members of The Services Union are taking the action because they say management is trying to slash wages and conditions.

The industrial action could include a ban on rate collection, fines and late fees, as well  as stop-work action and wearing campaign badges.

The council says it supports employees’ rights to strike, and has made arrangements to limit any impact on the community.

It says it has made what it considers a reasonable wage increase offer of 5 percent in the first year, with subsequent years dependent on finalisation of a full log of claims.

The council has made an application to the Industrial Relations Commission and is awaiting a scheduled conference date.

Source: Redland City Bulletin; Redland City Council 

Briefly:

WA Councils have been recognised for sustainability practices and water saving efforts at a special event this week.

The City of Stirling and the Town of Cambridge earned special accolades for water saving success, while leisure centres in Albany and Kwinana were named Waterwise Aquatic Centre of the Year.

Source: Government of Western Australia

Hornsby Shire has lifted restrictions on the receipt of soft plastics at its recycling centre, but from residents only.

After the collapse of REDCycle, the council and its contractor Plasmar have made arrangements to ensure soft plastics from residents can be responsibly and sustainably recycled.

Restrictions remain in place for businesses and anyone outside of Hornsby Shire.

Source: Hornsby Shire Council

Now for today’s International Spotlight:

Polls have closed in local council elections across England, and not without some controversy.

New photo ID requirements in place for these elections have reportedly led to confusion with some people being turned away for not having the right documentation. 

The Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit, Jonathan Carr-West told the Guardian that their research shows a worrying disconnect between how important local elections are, and how well people understand them.

He said only 34% of people understand how decisions are made and the role of an elected councillor, while 56% believe councils have the biggest impact on their quality of life.

Source: The Guardian

In what is being described as a blow to democracy, the leader of Hong Kong is pushing ahead with plans to reduce the number of directly elected seats on local municipal councils.

Chief Executive John Lee’s proposal would see just 20 percent of the 470 seats filled by direct election, down from 90 per cent currently. 

The Diplomat reports that the vast majority of seats would be filled by government appointees, rural committee chairpersons, and those elected by pro-establishment local committees.

The changes are seen as part of the increasing control of Beijing over Hong Kong, and follow a landslide victory in 2019 by pro-democracy candidates and subsequent amendments to electoral laws two years ago that reduced the public’s ability to vote.

Source: The Diplomat

In the US, the Mayor of a Florida council has deliberately missed three consecutive meetings, saying he was directed to stay away by the Lord, according to a report from Florida Today.

Rob Medina is the Mayor of Palm Bay, and by staying away from the meetings, a quorum could not be achieved and a deadline to replace a former council member expired.

The former councilman, Peter Filiberto, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and DUI, and resigned six days later.

The mayor and the former member were the only Republicans on the council.

As a result of the failure to appoint a replacement by the deadline, the council will have to continue to operate with only four members until November 2024.

Source: Florida Today

Another example of an emerging trend of mayors or deputy mayors making dramatic exits, this time from the US state of IOWA.

At the city of Waukon this past week, Mayor Pat Stone used his regular report to say that his concerns about the direction of the city have fallen on deaf ears.

He said the council has not corrected mistakes or dealt with insubordination concerning the City Manager, and announced that he would not be finishing his mayoral term.

The Waukon Standard reported that Mr Stone left his key to City Hall on the dais, but said he would be keeping his gavel - and with that he exited the meeting.

Source: Waukon Standard

And from NZ, a new campaign was launched this week at the City of Christchurch highlighting an escalation in the abuse of staff.

Radio New Zealand reports how upset council employees have described being regularly targeted by racial and physical abuse from members of the public.

Some of them speak about their experiences in a video posted to the council’s Facebook page.

The number of reported incidents have increased by more than 200 percent over the past three years.

The campaign is called Be Cool, Not Cruel - zero abuse, that’s the rule.

Source: Radio New Zealand; City of Christchurch

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That’s the latest from the Roundup, recorded 6th May  2023.

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The Local Government News Roundup is recorded in the city of Greater Geelong, Victoria, on the land of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation. 

I’ll be back soon with more of the latest local government news. Until next time, thanks for listening, and bye for now.