Victorian Roundup:
The Herald Sun reported this week on a hostile takeover of blue-collar council workers by the CFMEU, led by John Setka.
The move has reportedly prompted a legal challenge from the Australian Services Union, and fears that if successful, it could lead to potential service disruptions and cost increases.
The ASU asserts that the CFMEU has no place in local government, while Mr Setka has dismissed the pushback, accusing the ASU of prioritising political ambitions over member representation.
Greater Geelong City Council has overturned a vote to bring in a 24/7 cat curfew.
A notice of rescission was lodged by Cr Melissa Cadwell after the April decision of the council to bring in the curfew later this year.
Cr Cadwell argued that the policy would impose a financial burden on residents with low fixed incomes, and was concerned about a lack of detail on how it would work for registered cat owners in rental accommodation.
Councillors voted six votes to five to remain with the current sunset to sunrise cat curfew order.
The council also voted last night in favour of an urban design framework for Pakington Street, North Geelong, after a woman shouting about a lack of social housing was removed from the gallery and concerns from some councillors about the panel process used to arrive at a position on preferred building heights.
Hepburn Shire Council's draft budget for 2024-25 reveals a likely $2 million deficit, necessitating $5.5 million in new loans and $1.5 million in operational cuts.
According to an ABC News report, the council will need to make $4 million in permanent savings to break even in the next three years.
Later this year, the council will consider a 10 year financial plan and the option of applying for a variation to the rate cap.
MAV President David Clark told the ABC that many councils are facing financial struggles, and the MAV is advocating for a fairer rate cap system from the state government.
Greater Dandenong Council is negotiating to save a 20-meter tall River Red Gum tree at the edge of a proposed affordable housing development site.
The Dandenong Star Journal reported that the council has voted against a recommendation to remove the tree, and is pressing for a re-design of the six-story, 97-unit apartment block.
If negotiations fail, the council may consent to the tree's removal for a potential $155,000 developer offset, which would fund about 15 replacement trees.
However, the developer has not yet agreed to this offset.
Brimbank council is proceeding with the Sunshine Energy Park (SEP) development, despite the discovery of Indigenous artefacts on site.
The SEP, a 54-hectare closed landfill, is envisioned to become a major parkland with large-scale tree planting, a potential solar farm, sports fields, and more. The council will seek external funding for the project, as it cannot be solely funded by the council.
The Star Weekly reported that some councillors expressed concerns over potential cost overruns, while the majority voted in favour of the plan.
Knox City councillor and former mayor Marcia Timmers-Leitch has announced she will not be contesting the next council election in October.
She said the decision not to stand was difficult, but that it was time to focus on family and on new opportunities.
Cr Timmers-Leitch served as mayor and deputy mayor during her six years on the council.
The City of Greater Bendigo will consult with residents about alternatives to fireworks and animal-based entertainment at city events, due to concerns about safety, inclusivity, and environmental and animal welfare.
It follows the adoption of two Notices of Motion from councillors at the May council meeting.
Options may include spatial animation, drone light displays, and suspended imagery.
Feedback will inform decisions on phasing out fireworks by 2032 and animal-based entertainment by 2028.
Victorian Briefs:
The Ballarat Heritage Festival has been hailed a success, attracting over 25,000 attendees and injecting about $2 million into the local economy.
Over 130 events were held over a 10 day period, including popular attractions like the Ballarat Old Gaol Tours, the night and day Mechanics Institute tours, a vintage car show and the Ballarat Antique Fair.
Campaspe Shire Council has reported an overall improvement in community satisfaction in the latest Customer Satisfaction Survey results.
Mayor Rob Amos said the results were higher than the Victorian average, and while pleased with the outcome, he acknowledged there is still room for improvement.
He said road maintenance and repairs remain a significant issue for the community.
Wellington Shire Council is seeking community input on its long-term growth management plan, which outlines development strategies for six primary urban centres and addresses factors like population changes, economic growth, and climate change.
Feedback on the draft strategy can be submitted online, via email, or by post until 5pm on June 21, 2024.
National Roundup:
NSW:
Shoalhaven City Council has released information about its dealings with Bioelektra Australia Pty Ltd, including correspondence with the NSW Office of Local Government.
The documents have been released in recognition of the high level of community interest in the matter.
They detail the Council's due diligence and risk allocation model for a resource recovery facility project.
An internal review revealed that Bioelektra Australia failed to provide a required $2 million bank guarantee and received milestone payments prematurely.
The company went into administration in May 2023.
The Council has since implemented changes to its contract management procedures and will review its financial, asset management, and risk management policies.
The Office of Local Government has said it does not intend to conduct its own investigation.
A survey conducted by the United Services Union has revealed high levels of workplace bullying at Shellharbour City Council, with 90% of staff witnessing bullying and two-thirds experiencing it directly.
The Illawarra Mercury (27th May 2024) reported this week that the survey was initiated after anonymous letters alleged systemic bullying, particularly targeting female staff and occurring within management.
A council spokesperson said the council takes all allegations of workplace bullying seriously, and said a recent staff survey found that the council is a safe workplace with a "great culture".
The results of the survey coincide with a council restructure, which has resulted in some job losses and a referral to the Industrial Relations Commission.
Clover Moore is seeking an unprecedented sixth term as Sydney’s Lord Mayor in the upcoming Local Government elections.
First elected in 2004, Moore is the longest-serving Mayor since city government incorporation in 1842.
She has promised if re-elected for another four years to continue efforts in fighting climate change, greening the city, and increasing affordable housing, and remains committed to arts and culture.
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) has dismissed former Councillor Elizabeth Flaherty's unlawful dismissal claim against the Upper Hunter Shire Council.
Ms Flaherty was removed from her position for failing to attend three consecutive Council meetings without a leave of absence.
Inside Local Government reported that the Council defended the case without incurring costs to ratepayers and avoiding costly legal fees.
Kiama Council has reached a significant milestone in the divestment of its aged care business, Blue Haven Bonaira.
The Council has agreed to the broad parameters of the sale and delegated the preparation of final contracts to the CEO.
A joint media statement with the preferred tenderer is expected to be released later this week.
Mayor Neil Reilly has assured the community that the decision was not taken lightly and thanked everyone for their patience.
Edward River Council is headed toward elections in September with just six of the nine elected members left, due to resignations and leaves of absence.
The Kyabram Free Press reported this week that Cr Shirlee Burge is taking a leave of absence, and considering resigning after expressing concerns about leadership and a bloc voting mentality on the council.
This follows the resignation of former Deputy Mayor Paul Fellows last year, and comes as Councillor Pat Fogarty is on a leave of absence in the wake of a heated incident in the council chamber in March.
Wagga Wagga City Council has decided to rename the Michael Slater Oval, following allegations of stalking and domestic violence against Slater dating back to 2021.
Region Riverina reported that the decision came after a report recommended the name change and a debate among council members.
The future name of the oval will be subject to a public exhibition process.
TAS:
Tony Foster, Tasmania's longest-serving local government mayor, has passed away this week, at the age of 81.
Mr Foster retired in June 2021 after 35 years on the Brighton council, including 27 years as mayor.
He is being remembered for his integrity, good nature, and vision, and his contributions that significantly shaped Brighton into a progressive, welcoming, and well-administered region.
Premier Jeremy Rockcliff is among those paying tribute to Mr Foster this week.
QLD:
Townsville mayor Troy Thompson has been referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission over claims about his military service, according to a report this week from AAP.
Cr Thompson spoke about his time in the Australian Defence Force during his campaign, but when challenged, he could not remember his service number.
The Office of the Independent Assessor was asked to look into the matter by the Department of Local Government, and has now advised that it referred the case to the Crime and Corruption Commission last week.
Thompson insists that he served in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals and the Special Air Service Regiment, but reports suggest his military activities ended in 1993.
Sunshine Coast Council CEO Emma Thomas has been appointed by Queensland Premier Steven Miles to lead the newly formed Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Ms Thomas’s leadership skills and experience in engineering, state infrastructure, and local government make her well-suited for the role.
She will begin her six-month term on July 1, after leaving her current position at Sunshine Coast Council on June 14.
SA:
LGA South Australia has welcomed new planning and surveying degrees being developed in response to critical planning skill shortages.
The new undergraduate planning program, developed in collaboration with the State Government, Flinders University, and the Planning Institute of Australia, aims to integrate academic coursework with practical workplace experience.
The curriculum will be developed over the next 3 to 6 months with industry experts and professional bodies to ensure workforce-ready graduates.
WA:
The City of Wanneroo has secured an additional $3 million from the State Government towards a $7.5m shortfall for its new Dordaak Kepap Library and Youth Innovation Hub.
PerthNow reported that a council decision to delay the tender approval has resulted in an increase in the tender price but has allowed the city to secure the necessary funds.
The remaining $4.5m shortfall will be covered by the city’s strategic projects/initiatives reserve.
The project has been downscaled due to budget constraints, and is expected to be completed by May 2025.
National Briefs:
Cairns Regional Council is expected to appoint an interim CEO at a closed meeting today.
The Cairns Post reported that former chief executive John Andrejic is believed to be the frontrunner for the position, although some councillors hold conflict of interest concerns.
South Australian councils are being encouraged to prepare for the introduction of new legislation on single-use plastic, to be enacted in South Australia later this year.
Regulations will come into effect on 1 September 2024, with changes to labelling and certification for compostable food and beverage items, and new exemptions for some items.
Burnie City Council was last night due to vote on a new prospectus designed to attract investment to the city.
The new approach, if adopted, would replace an existing and seldom used business assistance policy.
Mayor Teeny Brumby told the Advocate that the city was on the cusp a new chapter of evolution.
Global Roundup:
UK:
Less than 30% of artwork owned by councils is publicly displayed, according to new research reported this week.
The TaxPayers’ Alliance has revealed that councils own nearly two million pieces of art, worth billions of pounds, with some councils growing their collections despite facing bankruptcy.
The Telegraph reports that the revelations have led to calls for councils to sell artwork not on public display to fund public services.
The average council artwork collection is worth more than £8.7 million and contains 6,265 pieces.
Some councils have added artworks to their collections despite collectively accumulating nearly £100 billion of debt.
A Flintshire councillor is under investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales for allegedly abusing his power to secure sandbags for his family during flooding, while others couldn't access them.
The incident occurred during a major storm last October, which caused widespread flooding and damage.
The local authority was criticised for its response to the flooding, with some residents claiming they were left without sandbags despite requests.
The website Deeside.com reported that 16 complaints have been received about the behaviour of elected members in the county since the start of the year.
While eleven cases were dismissed, there are five that remain under investigation.
ITALY:
A long-delayed project to construct a subway line beneath Rome's historic center, including ancient Roman ruins, has entered a crucial phase with the construction of a deep retaining wall around the main station.
The Metro C subway line, expected to be completed by 2034, has faced delays due to archaeological excavations and funding issues, according to a report from the Associated Press.
The line will run beneath significant cultural heritage sites like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
During construction, archaeologists will guide excavations, preserving objects for study and eventual display in a museum within the station.
CANADA: Edmonton City Council is considering new guidelines for neighbourhood development as the city prepares for population growth, according to CBC News.
The plan introduces 15 districts, each a collection of neighbourhoods designed to meet most residents' daily needs within a 15-minute walk, bike, or transit trip.
The district plans do not change zoning but clarify locations of nodes and corridors for potential development.
The city plans to align its planning system with this city plan, despite some opposition from within the community. 80 people are scheduled to speak during three days of public hearings on the new plans this week.
NZ:
Auckland Council is opposing the New Zealand Government's Fast-Track Approvals Bill, which would give three ministers the power to approve projects regardless of expert panel recommendations or previous court denials.
The New Zealand Herald reported that two Auckland councillors have appeared before a Parliamentary committee to speak to a council submission that cites insufficient evidence and poor consultation processes leading to the proposed legislation.
The council also holds concerns about a concentration of power and a lack of environmental considerations.
A proposal to reduce the number of Hamilton City Council seats from 15 to 11 is causing a political dispute.
Two Councillors have proposed replacing the current two-ward system with one city-wide ward and reducing the number of representatives ahead of the 2025 election.
However, other councillors argue it's the wrong time for a review and there are disadvantages to the proposal.
The issue is further complicated by the need to decide on the future of Hamilton's Māori ward seats.
The Waikato Times has more on that developing story.