Victorian Roundup:
Moonee Valley Mayor Pierce Tyson has accused Melbourne Airport of having a conflict of interest, claiming it is putting protection of its parking revenue ahead of getting behind the airport rail link project.
Cr Tyson made that accusation at the ALP State Conference yesterday, according to a report from The Age.
The claims came ahead of the conference passing a motion “condemning the airport’s greed” and calling on the government to “get serious” about the project.
A spokesperson for the airport said it was supportive of the rail link and that the state had refused its requests for a meeting.
Glenelg Shire Council has appointed Helen Havercroft as its new permanent CEO.
Ms Havercroft is originally from the UK, arriving in Australia in 2021 to take up the role of Director Corporate Performance at Alpine Shire.
She is a former CEO of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, a UK overseas territory in the South Atlantic.
Ms Havercroft will take over from interim CEO Craig Neimann on 29th July.
Mr Neimann is filling the position for eight weeks, having recently relieved interim CEO Greg Wood, who held the position from November 2023.
The Geelong Advertiser reports on the announcement of three Greens candidates for the upcoming Geelong council elections.
The three women include include a former NSW councillor and a queer, trans woman looking to bring progressive change to the council.
They’ll stand in three of the eleven single member ward elections, with more Greens candidates tipped to be announced between now and the opening of nominations in September.
The City of Whittlesea and the Shire of Mitchell have welcomed the announcement of an additional $750 million funding for the Camerons Lane Interchange to progress the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct.
The announcement takes the total Federal Government commitment towards the project to $900 million.
The investment is expected to boost job creation and contribute $2.5 billion annually to the Victorian economy by establishing a major freight and logistics hub in Melbourne's north, catering to a rapidly growing population.
A Hume City Council meeting was briefly adjourned last week due to what was described by Sunbury Life as unruly behaviour from councillors.
The adjournment came after a debate on a report on councillor conduct and expenses which revealed a cost of $361,513 to deal with complaints about councillor conduct during the past two financial years.
Repeated shouts of "point of order" and claims and counter-claims were reported, particularly from Councillors Jack Medcraft and Trevor Dance.
Councillor Medcraft admitting to being on the receiving end of 25 complaints during the current term.
A group of Greater Bendigo community leaders, including Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, has condemned a recent spate of vandalism against various cultural, sacred and historic sites in Bendigo.
The group has emphasised the community's commitment to equality, peace, and goodwill, and called for understanding and respect among different faiths and cultures.
It also acknowledges the contributions of First Nations Peoples and migrants to the city and region.
The community leaders have encouraged residents to continue to contribute to a community where understanding triumphs over ignorance and intolerance, and inclusion and acceptance prevails.”
East Gippsland Shire Council is urging cat owners to adhere to cat containment laws to protect their pets and local wildlife.
Cats kept within property boundaries tend to live healthier lives and pose less threat to native species.
The Council provides tips for creating a stimulating home environment for cats and offers free cat traps for stray cats.
It is a legal requirement for cats aged 3 months and over to be microchipped and registered.
Campaspe Shire Council has secured $11.3 million in funding from the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program to redevelop Victoria Park into a multipurpose community and emergency relief centre.
The project, part of the Victoria Park and Scenic Trail masterplan, will include the demolition of existing infrastructure and the construction of a new sports, events, and emergency relief centre.
The redevelopment will also feature a new grandstand, a universal community facility, a function space, and family-friendly environments.
The project is expected to start in the 2024/25 financial year.
The City of Ballarat has launched a campaign to address gender-based violence, in response to a number of high-profile cases in the region.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the work led by Women’s Health Grampians through the Communities of Respect and Equality (CoRE) alliance, a partnership of over 120 organisations committed to preventing violence against women and children.
The City of Ballarat, as a leading employer and active member of CoRE, is implementing measures such as Active Bystander Training, paid family violence leave for staff, and community initiatives focused on family violence.
Advocacy from Glenelg Shire Council and the Port of Portland has been rewarded with a $150 million Federal Government commitment to upgrade the Maroona-Portland rail line.
The upgrade will enable increased axle limits and is expected to make the Port of Portland more competitive by strengthening supply chains, supporting emission reduction targets, and lifting the line's speed limits to 80 km/hr.
The council says the project will also contribute to economic growth by creating jobs and opening key markets.
Victorian Briefs:
Yarra Ranges Council has approved a pilot parking improvement program in Warburton.
The program will manage traffic flow through parking information displays and charge non-residents for parking in certain areas, with the revenue reinvested into the local community.
Yarra Ranges residents will be eligible for free parking permits.
The program is a response to increased tourism and the associated pressure on local residents.
The Victorian Government has announced 19 new and upgraded dog parks across Melbourne and Geelong to be funded under the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program.
The six new parks and 13 upgrades will be designed to meet local community needs, with features such as ball play areas, agility equipment, and doggy drinking fountains.
The locations were chosen through an application process with eligible councils, and all projects are expected to be completed by 2026.
Ararat Council has released a draft budget with a net zero percent rate rise and a $15,513,000 investment in capital works.
Highlights include a $100,000 commitment to young peoples’ programs, a $500,000 contribution to Ararat Housing Enterprise, and a $1,800,000 investment in renewing rural gravel roads.
The council is seeking community feedback on the draft budget.
National Roundup:
NSW:
The board of the New England Weeds Authority (NEWA) has been suspended by the Minister for Local Government due to serious financial and governance concerns.
An interim administrator, John Rayner, has been appointed to investigate the issues.
The minister’s decision follows reports of financial irregularities, including incomplete financial records that prevented an audit.
The suspension will initially last for three months.
The Land (19th May 2024) has reported that Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes and Uralla Shire Mayor Robert Bell have both welcomed the appointment of an administrator, agreeing that the decision has been a long time coming.
Central Coast Council in NSW has been criticised for excessive wait times for development approvals and for delaying a proposed 500-home development due to unresolved issues related to sewage and environmental concerns.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the average assessment time for a development application on the Central Coast is 136 days this year, the second longest for all major councils outside of Sydney.
The council is currently approving about 2500 dwellings per year, but only 61% are being built or completed.
Central Coast Council is due to return to elected councillors in September after being under administration since 2020.
Wagga Wagga City Council is urging the community to support its campaign to retain the lease on the Wagga Wagga Airport, which expires in June 2025.
The council has launched an advocacy campaign for a new and improved lease with the Commonwealth Department of Defence.
Stakeholders are encouraged to write letters of support to relevant ministers and voice their support on the council's website.
Mayor Dallas Tout said the airport is a critical community asset, and the council fears that privatisation would increase costs and create barriers for the community.
QLD:
South Burnett Regional Council has called for a moratorium on renewable energy projects unless certain conditions are met, including a bond for decommissioning and project removal costs, protections for endangered species, full state government approval, and minimal impact on ratepayers.
The council will seek endorsement from the Wide Bay Regional Organisation of Councils for the positions.
Mayor Kathy Duff said renewable projects were causing a lot of concern in communities, emphasising the need for proper planning and guidelines.
Logan City Council's Illegal Dumping Taskforce has received a $90,000 funding boost from the Queensland Government, bringing the total funding to $354,804.
The council says the funding will enable the employment of more compliance officers to combat illegal dumping.
Since its establishment in 2022, the Taskforce has increased public awareness, implemented enforcement measures, and utilized safety camera networks for detection.
45% of illegally dumped waste was removed by offenders at no cost to the Council, saving over $579,000, and fines of over $516,000 have been issued.
TAS:
Tasmania's Ombudsman is investigating claims that Hobart City Council and its Lord Mayor breached privacy laws by informing transgender activists about a proposed "women's rights" event.
The investigation has been revealed in an exclusive report from The Australian, and follows a complaint by councillor Louise Elliot, who alleges her private request to book the Town Hall ballroom for an event featuring critics of trans rights was leaked to activists.
The Ombudsman's preliminary assessment is believed to have examined text messages and emails obtained by Ms Elliot under Right to Information laws.
SA:
A $14m project to revamp the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards has been hit with a setback after failing to secure $7M in vital federal funding, according to the Adelaide Advertiser.
The project aimed to transform the saleyards into a regional hub, increasing market sales and providing a platform for producers.
Grant Council CEO Darryl Whicker said they would seek feedback from the federal and state government on how to deliver their mutual commitment in the best interest of primary producers.
Adelaide City Council has extended its bilingual (Chinese-Mandarin) community liaison officer service until June 2025, after receiving 200 enquiries from July 2023 to March 2024.
The majority of the enquiries related to council services, with a smaller portion related to police matters.
InDaily.com reported that Councillor Simon Hou believes there is a need for a Mandarin-speaking community safety officer, noting that while South Australia Police (SAPOL) have recruited three Mandarin-speaking officers, none are currently stationed in Adelaide.
WA:
Joondalup mayor Albert Jacob has apologised after being found to have breached conduct rules during a meeting, according to a report from PerthNow.
Cr Jacob was accused of slamming a desk, throwing a pen, and using offensive language after a committee voted against his motion.
The incident occurred during a CEO Performance Review Committee meeting, where his amendment to exclude elected member comments from the record was voted down.
Cr Jacob has denied some of the accusations, but admitted his actions were wrong and that he has sought counselling to better handle the pressures of public office.
An online petition to save a residential gum tree in Alexander Heights, set for removal by Wanneroo council, has gathered nearly 7000 signatures.
PerthNow reports that there were initial requests from residents for its removal due to concerns over falling branches, but the tree was found to be in good health.
Critics argue that the removal contradicts the City of Wanneroo's urban forest strategy and street tree policy.
The city has confirmed that the tree will be replaced as part of its 2024 tree planting program.
National Briefs:
Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery has announced his decision to step down from his role at the upcoming local government elections, according to WAVE FM.
Lord Mayor Bradbery has led the City of Wollongong since 2011, and said it's been a great honour to serve for the past 13 years.
Northern Beaches Council near Sydney has installed seven new street side power pole-mounted electric vehicle (EV) chargers, in collaboration with utility services company Intellihub and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
The installation is part of a larger 12-month, $2 million trial aiming to install 50 7.4kW pole mounted EV chargers across nine NSW councils.
The City of Mandurah has been named Platinum Waterwise Council of the Year for the second time in seven years at the 2024 Waterwise Recognition Awards.
The city has been recognised for its innovative waterwise principles and practices, including a centralised digital metering system and a 10-year environmental strategy.
Wanneroo Aquamotion has been crowned Waterwise Aquatic Centre of the Year for its water-saving installations.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Losses to fraud and human error at a UK council have increased five-fold in the last financial year to £2.8m, including nearly £63,000 to a care provider for a deceased person and over £16,000 in salaries to former employees.
BBC News reported that the higher figures at Kent County Council were said to be because of better awareness of reporting irregularities.
The council's counter fraud manager said significant work has been done to prevent such irregularities in the future.
A protest has been held against West Northamptonshire Council's handling of abuse allegations against its leader, Jonathan Nunn.
The protest was organised by domestic abuse survivor Hannah Martin, according to a BBC News report.
Cr Nunn, who denies the allegations, stepped down as council leader but remains on the council as an independent.
Ms Martin believes suggests that Cr Nunn should fully resign., and that council members need proper training on domestic abuse.
Glasgow City Council has deemed the actions of celebrating football fans as unacceptable, after they left litter, debris and broken glass in the wake of their team’s premiership win.
The council had called on fans to “respect the city” during their celebrations, but that appears to have fallen on deaf ears with bus stops and traffic signals damaged ahead of a major charitty event due to take place in the city.
BBC News reported that concerns were heightened after last year’s celebrations which saw three people seriously assaulted and 10 arrests made.
Nottingham City Council has been criticised for the slow pace of change amid financial turmoil, in a report by the Improvement and Assurance Board (IAB).
BBC News reported that the board noted some progress, but found that the council has not fully grasped the severity of the situation.
It’s report is critical of the council's culture and inefficient working practices, and noted that the council's workforce was over 500 people larger than comparable authorities.
NZ:
Christchurch City Council is being urged to review its oversight of the city's strategic assets, after the shock resignations of four Christchurch City Holdings Limited board members last week.
The Otago Daily Times reported that the resignations, including that of board chair Abby Foote, were attributed to a breakdown in the relationship between the board and the council, including its current management.
Business Canterbury's CEO, Leeann Watson, has criticised the council's ineffective oversight of the board and its rejection of a proposal that would have allowed for increased dividend returns and reduced rates pressure.
USA:
Los Angeles City Council is investigating the deaths of two Asian elephants, Jewel and Shaunzi, at the LA Zoo.
The council unanimously approved a motion to study the cause of death and evaluate the current standards of care for the remaining elephants.
The Daily News reported that Jewel and Shaunzi were both euthanized due to declining health.
The council is hoping to ensure the health and safety of the two remaining elephants, Tina and Billy.
Global Briefs:
Mohammed Asaduzzaman has been unanimously elected as the first South Asian Muslim mayor of London’s Brighton and Hove Council.
Asaduzzaman has lived in the city for 30 years and has a background in public service in Bangladesh. He was first elected to the council last year.
The UK government has allocated nearly £1 million to 26 councils to combat fly-tipping.
The funds will support various initiatives, including increased CCTV surveillance, AI-assisted camera technology, and campaigns to raise awareness about using licensed waste companies. The councils will each receive grants of up to £50,000.
Whitehorse City Council in Yukon, Canada, has rejected a recommendation to introduce online voting in the next municipal elections.
Councillors rejected a plan put forward by the council administration with the support of Yukon’s chief electoral officer, due to concerns about security flaws, potential for vote selling, coerced voting, and vulnerabilities to cyber attacks.
North Yorkshire Council has reversed its decision to remove apostrophes from new street signs after backlash from residents and language experts.
The council had initially decided to omit the punctuation mark to avoid computer system issues, but the move sparked global criticism.
The council has confirmed that not only will apostrophes be included in future signs, but also hyphens and ampersands.
A controversial sign at St Mary's Walk in Harrogate will be corrected to include the proper punctuation.