Mayors sworn-in and resign, a CEO steps down, and an integrity referral

On the Local Government News Roundup for 3rd July 2024:

• A call on IBAC to investigate a community donation scheme
• Melbourne’s 105th Lord Mayor sworn in
• A CEO and a Mayor resign
• A former mayor to contest the next federal election
• Local government converges on Canberra for the National General Assembly
• A council CEO refers three councillors to ICAC
• A QLD mayor charged with domestic violence offences
• A spaceman to descend on Perth
• And a UK councillor found guilty of gross misconduct over online behaviour

Plus more local government news from Australia and beyond.

Victorian Local Governance Association
The VLGA is an independent organisation supporting councils and councillors in good governance.

Chapters

• 2:16 Victorian Roundup
• 7:10 National Roundup
• 15:49 Global Roundup

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

Six Port Phillip councillors have requested Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog to investigate a "gold and platinum" donation scheme by the Residents of Port Phillip (RoPP) group, which they fear compromises council impartiality and transparency.

The Age has reported that the scheme offers tiered memberships for up to $2000, providing access to council advice and executive meetings.

Two Port Phillip councillors, Rhonda Clark and Christina Sirakoff, have been endorsed by the group which insists there has been no wrongdoing and says the complaint has been motivated by vexatious politics.

The six councillors have concerns about potential conflicts of interest, and have called on IBAC and the local government inspectorate to investigate the scheme which they say sets a dangerous precedent.

Nicholas Reece has been sworn in as the 105th Lord Mayor of **Melbourne,** succeeding Sally Capp who has stepped down after six years in the city’s top position.

Cr Reece will serve as Lord Mayor until elections take place in October, promising strong, hands-on leadership, and aiming to address ongoing challenges for the city including safety and cleanliness, and the e-scooter scheme.

He is yet to announce if he will stand for the position in October.

Outgoing Lord Mayor Sally Capp has been praised for her leadership since being successful in a by-election in 2018, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Lucy Roffey has resigned as CEO of **Central Goldfields Shire** after six years with the council.

Mayor Cr Liesbeth Long said while she was saddened to receive the CEO’s resignation, her expertise and leadership meant the organisation was well placed for the future.

Ms Roffey has accepted an executive position with a metropolitan council, and will finish at Central Goldfields in August.

The council will appoint an interim CEO until after elections in October.

Merri-bek council and property developer Milieu are in conflict over plans to replace the Brosnan Centre in Brunswick with a nine-storey building.

The Brunswick Voice reported that council would only support the project if the building height is reduced and additional commercial space is included.

Milieu does not accept the Council’s position, and is taking the matter to VCAT, with a hearing expected in September.

The proposed development includes 80 apartments, with 20% allocated for affordable housing.

Ballarat Mayor Des Hudson has told local radio that the council needs to take responsibility for recent community satisfaction survey results, which showed average ratings in customer service, decision making, and consultation.

Lower satisfaction was recorded in waste management and sealed local roads.

Radio 3BA reported that Mayor Hudson has no issue with the survey methodology, but he has questioned the representativeness of the survey sample.

A team has planted 400 critically endangered Charming Spider-orchids across three sites in Nillumbik Shire in an attempt to increase wild populations and reduce the risk of the plant becoming extinct.

The project, involving multiple partners including the council, aims to boost existing populations and create sustainable long-term habitats.

The orchid relies on a symbiotic relationship with specific fungi and native wasps.

Victorian Briefs:

Former Indigo Shire mayor James Trenery will represent the Liberal Party against Indi MP Helen Haines in the next federal election.

The Border Mail reported that Mr Trenery won the party preselection with a majority of votes, which he attributes to his local roots and community involvement.

An important milestone for the Rainbow Silo Art project in Hindmarsh Shire last week with the issuing of the building permit for construction of the new viewing platform, stairway and elevator alongside the Silo.

A preconstruction meeting will take place soon, and the Council will turn its focus to engaging artists for the internal and external Art Activation.

From this week, seven major leisure facilities in the City of Casey come under the management of Aligned Leisure.

The transfer from previous management follows a council decision last year to streamline the management and operation of the facilities.

Corangamite Shire has announced a new event in November to showcase the best of the region.

Graze the Day, to be held on November 23, will highlight Timboon as a foodie destination and celebrate local cultural heritage.

The shire will take the lead on delivering the event with support from local producers and organisations.

National Roundup:

Local government leaders are gathering in Canberra this week for the 2024 National General Assembly (NGA) and the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) assembly.

The NGA, themed "Building Community Trust," will feature discussions on trust in government and include the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum.

The ACLG assembly on Friday will address local government priorities and challenges, with over 750 representatives expected.

The event will also feature the National Awards for Local Government.

Airbnb claims its customers contributed $12.4 billion to regional economies in the year to March 2023 and it is urging rural councils to support holiday rentals despite the national housing crisis.

The company has launched a toolkit to help councils create sustainable rental policies, according the Australian Associated Press.

The NSW government is reviewing short-term rental policies, and Airbnb is suggesting tourism levies may be a better way of supporting affordable housing, rather than rental caps.

NSW:

The CEO of Kiama Council has referred three councillors to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), under Section 11 of the ICAC Act.

In a statement yesterday, the council said the referral follows matters brought to light during Land and Environment Court proceedings in the matter of Vortex Developments Pty Ltd trading as Plannex Environment Planning v the Council of the Municipality of Kiama.

Section 11 of the ICAC Act requires a principal officer of a NSW public authority to report any matter where there is a reasonable suspicion that corrupt conduct has occurred or may occur.

Mayor Charlie Sheahan of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has announced his resignation effective next week, and says he will not seek re-election in September.

In a statement, he said his decision stems from frustration over the Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig's inaction on deferring Council elections amid a demerger proposal.

Cr Sheahan criticised the minister for lacking the commitment to resolving the demerger issue and for the negative impact on the community and council staff.

An extraordinary meeting will be held on July 16, 2024, to elect a new mayor.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill has welcomed an exemption from new state planning reforms that would have increased building heights and densities.

The council credits advocacy from local government and community groups and support from local MP Trish Doyle for outcome.

The government announced last week that the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Wollondilly local government areas were not included in the changes due to their heightened risk of bushfire and flood.

Bathurst has also not been included because there is no suitable R2 zoned land in the local government area that meets the policy objectives.

The exemption was announced just before the changes were due to take effect on 1st July.

Yass Valley Council has commenced a $50 million development of the Crago Mill site in the town’s centre.

The development is intended to house a new council administration building and community precinct.

Despite long-term planning for the project, About Regional reported that it has faced community backlash due to urgent needs for water treatment upgrades.

Some residents have protested the allocation of funds, citing ongoing issues with brown, smelly water from outdated waterworks.

The City of Ryde has finalised the purchase of the Denistone Sports Club from the Carlingford Sports and Bowling Club.

The council will negotiate a two-year license with bowlers to use the bowling greens while community consultation determines the property's future use.

Mayor Clr Trenton Brown said he welcomes community feedback to ensure the facility remains available for public use.

QLD:

The Mayor of Lockhart River, a remote Cape York council, has been arrested and charged with seven serious domestic violence offences, including assault, deprivation of liberty, and choking.

Wayne William Butcher was taken into custody on June 29 and is awaiting a bail hearing, according to a report from the Cairns Post.

The charges have prompted an emergency council meeting to discuss the situation.

Mr. Butcher, elected in 2012, has been a prominent advocate for his community and was scheduled to meet with federal ministers for funding discussions, which have now been canceled.

Queensland's local government sector is mourning the passing of Neil Fisher, a four-term Rockhampton Regional Councillor and former Deputy Mayor.

Mr Fisher played a key role in upgrading Rockhampton Airport and advocating for waste management reform.

He received the 2022 Ross Overton Memorial Award for Excellence in Waste Management.

LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said the local government family had lost a passionate, popular and generous champion. Vale Neil Fisher.

National Briefs:

Former MP Bob Baldwin has indicated he may run for Mayor of Port Stephens at September’s elections.

2HD reported that he is canvassing community support for a tilt at the position.

It comes after current mayor Ryan Palmer announced he would not be running again.

The Australian Capital Territory Government has partnered with TechnologyOne to implement a new SaaS-enabled application system, replacing the current eDevelopment system.

The new application system will make application processes faster and enable users to view progress from initial lodgement through to verification and determination.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek is challenging business CEOs and community leaders to help tackle homelessness with his second annual Lights Out Sleepout.

Mayor El-Hayek said he wants leaders to join him and experience what it is like to sleep rough on a cold winter’s night, or to dig deep and support the event by donating.

The Sleepout on Thursday 18th July is aiming to increase the $30,000 raised at last year’s event.

Applications are open for the CEO position at the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council in WA.

The council, based in Ascot, represents the interests of four member councils in Perth’s east, focussing on waste management and education, resource recovery and sustainability initiatives.

Applications are due by 24th July with Beilby Downing Teal.

SA:

Adelaide City Council has adopted its 2024/25 budget after extensive debate.

InDaily reported that the budget includes a 5.9% rate increase to fund asset renewals and park lands upgrades.

The budget projects an operating surplus of $9.367 million and reinstates a $100 pensioner rate rebate.

A prolonged legal dispute between Port Augusta City Council and two property owners has led to a private prosecution in the Magistrates Court.

The dispute is centred on unpaid property rates, which led to properties being sold at public auctions.

The council says multiple court challenges have been either abandoned or rejected.

It is accused of one count of stalking and 47 counts of dishonestly dealing with property, allegations that the council rejects.

It plans to seek to have the case summarily dismissed.

WA:

A seven-metre tall Boonji Spaceman statue by US artist Brendan Murphy will be installed in Perth as a gift, following a Council vote.

Made from carbon fibre and steel, the statue will feature Perth's City of Light brand.

Previously, similar statues have become major tourist attractions in cities like London and Oslo.

The statue, which typically sells for US$1 million, will only cost Perth between AUD$150,000 and $250,000 for transportation and installation.

The City of Melville has opened the Dyoondalup Bike Park at Point Walter Reserve to address the need for safe biking facilities and prevent informal tracks that threatened local bushlands and wildlife.

The $1.48 million park, funded by the Federal Government, features flow trails, a jump park, and a pump track for various skill levels.

The project involved community input, especially from local youth, and respected the cultural significance of the site to the Whadjuk Noongar people.

Mayor Katy Mair said the park promotes the city’s commitment to a healthy, active community.

The search for a new CEO for the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup is nearing its end.

The council has called a special meeting for later today to consider a confidential item regarding an appointment.

The council last week announced the appointment for former Bridgetown-Greenbushes CEO Tim Clynch as a temporary CEO from this week.

He relieves Garry Hunt who spent the last 8 months as the shire’s temporary CEO.

Global Roundup:

UK:

Kyle Daisley, a former chairman of Worcestershire County Council and a special constable, has been found guilty of gross misconduct for using a fake Facebook profile to exchange explicit images with men.

Local gov dot co dot uk reported that the misconduct panel rejected the councillor’s claim his actions were in jest and not for sexual gratification.

Mr Daisley was arrested in August 2022 on an unrelated matter, leading to the discovery of the fake account.

Meanwhile, the leader of Bolsover District Council Steve Fritchley has been suspended by the Labour Party following allegations of that he used homophobic slurs against a Conservative candidate.

The suspension is pending a formal investigation.

The council's chief executive officer, Karen Hanson, said there would be a thorough and independent review of the complaint.

Mike Harden, Chief Executive of Knowsley Council, will retire in January 2025 after a nearly 40-year career in local government, including 28 years at Knowsley Council.

A recruitment process for his successor will begin straight away to ensure a smooth transition early next year.

NZ:

Six former members of Tauranga's "dysfunctional" council, removed in 2020, are restanding in the upcoming July 20 elections, according a report from Stuff.

The candidates include former mayor Tenby Powell and five former councillors, each with their own reasons for running again.

The elections mark Tauranga's return to a democratically elected council after nearly five years.

Commissioner Anne Tolley has questioned why people would vote for their re-election, after the government rejected her suggestion of a hybrid transitional governance model.

Christchurch City Council will review its decision not to disclose whether former chief executive Dawn Baxendale received an exit package, following an Ombudsman investigation prompted by complaints.

Ms Baxendale resigned amid an unfavourable performance review and issues with staff morale, according to a report from The Press.

Comparatively, Stephen Parry at Gore District Council received a significant payout upon his resignation, with those details released after a 10-month Ombudsman dispute.

A self-imposed two-year pay freeze by Whanganui District Council’s chief executive, David Langford, may be extended if economic conditions do not improve, according to a report from Scoop.

The pay freeze, along with other measures like a vacancy management program and reducing the council's vehicle fleet, has contributed to $1 million in savings for the 2023/24 financial year.

Mayor Andrew Stripe said the council accepted the CEO’s suggestion of pay freeze two years ago, when he felt the focus should be on ensuring that lowest-paid staff are appropriately looked after before him.

CYPRUS:

The city of Nicosia in Cyprus has a new mayor, Charalambos Prountzos, who has committed to making local government reform successful, emphasizing efficient service delivery and resident-focused operations.

The Cyprus Mail reported that he plans to visit all departments of the newly unified municipality, which results from the merger of four major urban clusters.

Outgoing Mayor Constantinos Yiorkadjis said the merger's goal was to create economies of scale and ensure financial viability, with ongoing projects in the area valued over €115 million.