Victorian Roundup:
ABC News has reported that Latrobe City Councillor Sharon Gibson was brought in by police for questioning this week before being released without charge.
The questioning was in regard to a letter drop containing accusations about mayor Darren Howe and state MP for Morwell Martin Cameron, distributed on the eve of last year's mayoral election.
CCTV captured an unidentified person in black clothing delivering the letter that is reported to have contained unsubstantiated allegations unrelated to the conduct of Mayor Howe and Mr Cameron in office.
Cr Gibson confirmed to the ABC that she had been questioned and said she had been ruled out of the investigation.
The ABC says it not suggesting Cr Gibson was involved in the production or distribution of the letter, and that it understands there was no substance to the allegations made in the letter.
The City of Melbourne will deliver its first surplus in five years, amounting to $101,000, a year ahead of schedule, while maintaining frontline services.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the surplus has been possible due to prudent financial management, such as improving efficiency, reducing consultancy costs, and investing in new technology.
The $781M draft budget includes $224.7 million for major infrastructure projects and community assets, and almost $13 million to upgrade roads and footpaths.
There is no ongoing funding commitment in the budget for the Greenline project and a number of other planned major projects, according to a report from The Age.
Grants and donations will be sought for the projects in future years.
As major event funding falls by nearly $2M, general fines revenue is forecast to rise by nearly 60 per cent.
15 projects are reportedly not funded over the four year forecast period, with the Greenline project getting $24.5M next financial year but nothing beyond that.
Cr Capp said the rephasing of project funding was part of difficult decisions that have had to be considered.
The parents of a four-year-old boy who drowned in a suburban lagoon at Officer are calling for the council to take action to prevent similar tragedies.
Yahoo News reported that the family says the thin wire fencing around the lagoon is inadequate to protect children and they are urging Cardinia Shire Council to make changes.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik released a statement this week, extending condolences to the boy's family.
He said the Cardinia community had been deeply affected by the terrible incident, and also acknowledged the impact of the incident on first responders and emergency services personnel.
Bayside Council has expressed concerns with proposed planning changes in the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) Precinct Key Directions which will significantly impact Bayside.
Mayor Fiona Stitfold said excessive height limits, increased traffic congestion, and a squeeze on open space and community infrastructure are likely to have negative effects, particularly in Highett, Hampton East, Cheltenham, and Pennydale.
She said the council’s work with the Suburban Rail Loop Authority to advocate for positive outcomes had not been translated to the key directions.
The council will consider a report on the impacts and a proposed submission on the SRL Precinct Key Directions at upcoming meetings.
Port Phillip City Council has developed guidance for planning safe and inclusive events for the LGBTIQA+ community, and other diverse communities.
An information pack will be presented to the council at tonight’s meeting, in response to a notice of motion from last June that called for the council to work with stakeholders including the Victorian Pride Centre, the MAV and Victoria Police.
The guidance is designed to help respond to security and safety concerns arising from the targeting of events for the LGBTIQA+ community by extremist groups.
At tonight’s meeting, the council will also consider a recommendation for safety improvements to Inkerman Street in St Kilda.
Officers have recommended a revised option with on-road buffered bike lanes and the loss of a significantly reduced number of parking spaces when compared to other considered options.
Traders in the street have been campaigning against the potential loss of up to 116 parking spaces since plans were unveiled last year.
The project is expected to cost nearly $6.9M.
Victorian Briefs:
Greater Shepparton City Council has been awarded $250,000 over three years from the Victorian State Government's Free from Violence Local Government Grant Program.
The funding will support the implementation of a local government guide for preventing family violence and violence against women.
A part-time Project Coordinator will be employed to lead this initiative, with applications open until 17 May 2024.
Hepburn Shire Council and DJAARA have announced the name for the network of mountain bike trails in Creswick as “Djuwang Baring”.
It means ‘long track’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language.
The 60-kilometre network of trails is set to open in late 2024, offering a unique experience of the local landscape’s cultural values, forested ecology, and mining heritage.
Indigo Mayor Sophie Price has welcomed the announcement of Beechworth as the national Tidy Town of the Year.
The honour was announced at an awards ceremony in Gascoyne Junction, WA, a remote outback community that won the title last year.
Cr Price said the win was testament to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers from the Beechworth Tidy Towns Committee, Iris Mannik and Anne Wilson.
Preview: Roundup Unfiltered
Ali Wastie took on the role of CEO at the City of Greater Geelong in August of 2023 after a period of turmoil at the council that saw the appointment of municipal monitors; questions about the process to recruit a new CEO raised by MPs in Parliament; and concerns raised publicly about the Council’s financial sustainability.
On a new episode of Roundup Unfiltered, I sit down with Ali to hear about her approach to meeting the challenges at Victoria’s largest provincial city with one of the biggest workforces in the sector.
The episode is available now for subscribers, ahead of its release for all listeners next week.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Cumberland City Council’s ban on books featuring same-sex parents is back on the agenda for tonight’s Council meeting.
Four councillors have submitted a notice of motion seeking to reverse the controversial decision taken last week.
A petition seeking that the ban be overturned has attracted nearly 50,000 signatures.
The agenda for the council meeting includes a letter from Minister for the Arts, John Graham, who points out that the resolution of the council contravenes Freedom of Access to Information guidelines that are issued under the Library Act.
He has called on the Council to reconsider the resolution with haste.
The council meeting starts at 6.30pm and will be streamed live on the Council’s website.
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has revealed it is investigating a former Canterbury Bankstown Council employee and a contractor.
Operation Mantis is examining whether Benjamin Webb and Pietro Cossu dishonestly used their positions to benefit from a company they had financial interests in, and whether they attempted to influence the awarding of council contracts to another company for personal gain.
The public inquiry is expected to last three weeks, will be presided over by ICAC Commissioner Helen Murrell SC.
ABC News has reported that a property part owned by Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce was transformed from a three-bedroom holiday home into an eight-bedroom luxury rental without obtaining development approval.
The property in the Shoalhaven Council area was purchased in 2014 by Mr Pesce and Cronulla Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta, and then advertised as a family retreat, fetching up to $12,500 a week.
Unauthorized works were discovered by Shoalhaven City Council in 2022, which issued an order banning the the use of a guest cottage that had been converted from horse stables.
Mayor Pesce is now seeking retrospective approval for the building works to avoid a potential demolition order.
AlburyCity Councillors have voted to modify the city’s civic event program around Australia Day, in response to community feedback.
Changes include increased council-funded activities on the day at Noreuil Park, potentially involving music, food trucks, stalls, family games, and Indigenous elements.
The Albury Awards will occur on 25 January, and the Citizenship Ceremony within three days of Australia Day.
The decision followed extensive community consultation, which Mayor Kylie King said showed that most respondents wished to acknowledge Australia Day at Noreuil Park.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved 5 of 9 applications from NSW councils for special variations to increase general income beyond the rate peg.
Councils have their applications approved in full were Blayney Shire - 33.1% over three years; Narrandera Shire: 48.1% over two years: Randwick, for a one off increase of 11.67%; Tamworth: 36.1% over 2 years; and Willoughby, for 15% in one year.
Three applications were approved for a lower increase and one was declined.
Goulburn Mulwaree, Griffith and Kempsey had their applications partially approved, while Snowy Valleys Council was denied permission to increase rates by 42.38% over three years.
QLD:
From the Gold Coast Bulletin this week, news of a multi-million dollar fraud at Gold Coast City Council which is under investigation.
The masthead says councillors were updated on the matter yesterday, and an external review of council procedures is under way.
CEO Tim Baker has confirmed that Police are investigating an incident which resulted in a loss to the council of $2.78M.
He said while the details are confidential, the incident did not breach the council’s operating systems, and personal data has not been compromised.
North Burnett Regional Council CEO Margot Stork has resigned effective immediately due to personal reasons.
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Mayor Les Hotz announced the resignation on Monday, acknowledging Ms Stork’s contributions, particularly in governance and systems improvement.
Anna Scott has been appointed as the Acting CEO until a permanent replacement is found or an Interim CEO is appointed.
Ms Stork was appointed on a four year contract commencing in May 2022.
Her previous Council CEO level roles were at Macedon Ranges Shire in Victoria, and Murray River council in NSW.
In an official statement, Douglas Shire Council said CEO Rachel Brophy has tendered her resignation and will finish at the council on 9th July.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon thanked Ms Brophy for her "continued dedication, professionalism and commitment during good times and challenging situations", noting in particular her leadership of the Council's response to ex-TC Jasper which brought unprecedented damage across the shire.
The council statement said Ms Brophy was taking some down time to spend with family.
The website Newsport reported earlier in the day that the resignation was received in a confidential Council session and that Paul Hoye will fill the position on an interim basis until a replacement CEO is recruited.
It brings the total number of Queensland Council CEOs to depart since the March elections to seven.
One of those was Maranoa, which has advertised the position this week. Applications close on 3rd June with Peak Services Recruitment.
SA:
From the Adelaide Advertiser, a report that legal fees at Adelaide Hills Council have increased by $100,000 this financial year due to the hiring of a lawyer to advise the mayor during meetings.
The council's legal fees are expected to surpass a quarter of a million dollars by June 30.
The rise in legal fees was discussed at a council meeting this week in response to a Question on Notice from Cr Louise Pascale.
The council adopted changes to its Mayor Seeking Legal Advice Policy in February, the same meeting at which it granted a leave of absence for Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom until this week.
Cr Nathan Daniell has been Acting Mayor during that period.
National Briefs:
Northern Beaches Council is addressing safety concerns related to the increase in e-bike usage by launching an educational campaign.
The campaign includes a video detailing "the e-bike code" and encourages riders to slow down, ring their bell, and be ready for sudden changes.
It targets young people and their parents and uses digital, social, and outdoor signage.
Georges River Council hosted its fifth annual Eurovision Live Broadcast Party on Sunday, attracting over 500 attendees.
The event featured a Swedish-themed decor and food in honor of Sweden's hosting of this year’s contest and the 50th anniversary of ABBA's Eurovision win.
Mayor Sam Elmir praised the event for fostering connection, inspiring creativity, and celebrating diversity.
Redlands Coast residents can now compost more affordably due to a subsidy introduced by the Redland City Council.
The council has partnered with Compost Revolution to provide up to 80% off compost bins, worm farms, and bokashi bins, along with composting training and support.
The subsidy aligns with community feedback advocating for home and community composting.
Global Roundup:
UK:
England's councils will soon be able to collect all recyclables in one bin, according to the Recycling Minister Robbie Moore.
Local gov dot co uk reports that it’s all part of Simpler Recycling reforms, which aim to standardise bin collections across the country.
The reforms also allow for co-collection of food and garden waste and require councils to collect residual household waste at least fortnightly.
TheLocal Government Association (LGA) has welcomed the flexibility in waste collection methods, but said that flexibility should extend to frequency of collections in whatever way best supports communities to reduce waste and improve recycling.
BBC News reports today that new leadership roles at Bristol City Council are almost finalised, more than two weeks after elections.
The council will be run under a committee system, with the Greens party to lead six of eight new policy committees, and the other two led by Liberal Democrats.
The Greens won 34 of the 70 council seats.
While Labour holds the second largest group, with 21 seats, the party will not chair any of the new committees.
A senior councillor told the BBC then negotiations have been “like juggling fish.”
CANADA:
Residents of an apartment building in Winnipeg have been ordered to vacate due to serious structural deterioration.
The city issued the order after a third-party engineering inspection found severe deterioration in various parts of the building's structure.
The building, which houses about 180 suites, is expected to take several months to repair.
CBC News reported that the residents, many of whom are seniors, have been left in a state of distress as they scramble to find alternative accommodation.
USA:
The City of Wichita, Kansas, has turned off its computer systems due to a cyber security incident earlier this month.
The city’s IT department and security partners are working around the clock to address the incident, with many systems unavailable while experts determine the source and extent of the incident.
The city is unable to accept credit card payments for services, it has made all transit services fare-free, and screens and public wifi are non-operational at the city airport.
There is no timeline for when systems might come back online.
Los Angeles County prosecutors have declined to file charges against two former union workers who leaked a recording of L.A. City Councilmembers making racist remarks.
The recording, which also discussed manipulating City Council boundaries, led to widespread protests and the resignation of several officials.
Despite the recording breaking California's consent law, prosecutors found the charges did not warrant being felonies.
The California Globe reported that the case has been sent to the L.A. City Attorney’s office and all charges are now misdemeanors.
The Vice Mayor of Cebu City in the Philippines, Raymond Alvin Garcia, has assumed the role of acting mayor following a 6-month suspension order served on Mayor Michael Rama and seven other officials for misconduct and violations of ethical standards.
Mr Garcia has prioritised the processing of salaries and benefits for four employees who filed complaints against the suspended officials, and announced the release of a mid-year bonus, according to a report from GMA Network dot com.
Global Briefs:
Paul Lawrence has been confirmed as the new chief executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, succeeding Andrew Kerr.
Lawrence, who has served as the council’s executive director of place since 2015, will take up his role on June 17.
The CEO of Nottingham City Council, Mel Barrett, has announced he is leaving to take up a new position with Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing.
Mr Barrett joined Nottingham in September 2020 during the Covid pandemic and when the council was facing financial issues that saw the Government appoint Commissioners to oversee its governance.
Arrangements for his replacement are pending.
Jo Miller has been reappointed as Chief Executive of Hutt City Council following a robust externally-led process.
Mayor Campbell Barry said Ms Miller has a proven track record of delivering on council priorities, and experience in leading innovative housing solutions in the UK and New Zealand are invaluable to the council and region.
NZ:
A protester scaled the lower roof of the Christchurch City Council civic offices on Monday morning, waving a Palestine flag.
The 2 hour incident led to the closure of the street below and the involvement of police and firefighters.
The Star News reported that two Police negotiators were lifted in a fire appliance to negotiate with the protester, who then descended with them and was taken away by police.
