Liquor licence loss, democracy returns, and a “toxic” debate

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• Another council introduces security measures for its meetings
• Concerns as councils are set to lose a say in liquor licence decisions
• Ballarat Council hit with an EPA fine
• A council returning to elected representation after more than a decade
• A NSW Council General Manager resigns
• The cost of a tropical cyclone for one Queensland council
• A councillor ordered to apologise for “toxic” comments
• and warnings for the autonomy of local government in New Zealand

and more of the latest local government news from across Australia and beyond.

Learn more about SmartGlue at www.symphony3.com

On Tuesday, 22 July the VLGA and LGIU will host the next in its series of Global Executive Live Panels for 2025.

This webinar will explore the topic of Building the Local Economy and will be held online from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Panellists include:

• Dr Angela Jackson, Commissioner (Social Policy), Australian Productivity Commission
• David Marlow, Chief Executive, Third Life Economics 
• Merryn Tinkler, Manager Economy & Culture, Mount

Chapters

• 1:55 Victorian Report
• 7:05 NSW Report
• 13:14 National Report
• 19:49 Global Report

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has implemented new security measures requiring pre-registration for council meetings after recent alleged assaults against staff members.

The Mornington Peninsula Leader reported that the incidents occurred during protests about budget cuts to arts, climate action, and Aboriginal programs.

The security changes include providing personal details and checking in with security.

Some protesters view it as an attempt to silence community debate, although Mornington Peninsula Shire is hardly the first to introduce such measures.

Similar processes are now in place at Casey, Darebin, Hobsons Bay, Yarra Ranges and others.

Victorian councils will lose their veto power over liquor license decisions to Liquor Control Victoria from July 1st.

ABC News reported on the situation in Swan Hill, where a ninth bottle shop is proposed despite the town already having eight liquor outlets.

Residents and health researchers have raised concerns about the links between alcohol availability and family violence, particularly given Swan Hill ranks fifth in the state for family violence incidents.

Swan Hill Mayor Stuart King said councils should have more, rather than less, control over new liquor store applications.

The City of Ballarat has been fined nearly $10K by the EPA, which issued an infringement notice after sediment from construction works at Chisholm Street Reserve overflowed into the Yarrowee River.

The overflow occurred following rainfall in March, despite the council having best practice controls in place.

The project, which involves installing a landfill gas trench and upgrading site drainage at the former Black Hill Landfill site, has been temporarily paused to review construction plans and is expected to be completed this year, weather permitting.

The City of Stonnington has approved an 18-month trial to reduce speed limits to 30km/h along Chapel Street and several other high-traffic streets in Melbourne's south-east.

The Age reported that there were 181 crashes involving cyclists on Chapel Street between 2019 and 2023, making it one of the most dangerous roads for cyclist crashes in the state.

A postcard survey of 60,000 residents generated a response of just 1.3 percent, with 40 percent of those respondents supporting the lower limit.

The Warragul and Drouin Gazette reports this week that the tribunal hearing that led to the suspension of Baw Baw ShireMayor Danny Goss cost ratepayers $6,400.

The figure included arbiter costs but not officer time to manage the process.

The cost to the council was revealed after a request from a resident at the council’s latest meeting.

The Murray River Group of Councils has met with Victorian Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos in Yarrawonga to discuss key regional priorities.

Topics for discussion included water, housing, roads, and energy.

The Yarrawonga Chronicle reported that the group also toured the new library and community facilities under construction.

The meeting included representatives from Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Loddon, Campaspe and Moira Shire Councils, and focused on strengthening partnerships with the Victorian Government and addressing challenges faced by cross-border communities.

Victorian Briefs:

Greater Shepparton will host the 2025 Squash International Championships from July 3-6, featuring 32 world-ranked players from over 13 countries competing for $6,000 in prize money.

The PSA 6K Challenger Tour event, supported by Greater Shepparton City Council and Squash Victoria, is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region through increased tourism and business activity.

Warrnambool City Council has reinstated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on its website after removing them ilast month.

The Standard reported that the reinstatement followed discussions during a closed-door councillor briefing.

The decision has been welcomed by councillors, and there are plans to explore appropriate placement of the Australian flag on the website.

A manager from Merri-bek Council has been selected for the inaugural New Zealand Manager Exchange Program, launched by LGPro Victoria in partnership with Local Government Professionals Aotearoa.

Indivar Dhakal, the council’s Manager of Capital Works Planning and Delivery will attend the Taituarā Annual Conference in Christchurch this September.

The Local Government News Roundup is brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association, with a new episode of VLGA Connect coming your way this weekend. Tony Raunic will join me to bring us the legal perspective on a number of recent developments, including that massive parking fund mistake at Merri-bek Council.

And coming next week here on the Roundup, we take a look at a new resource for councils to help plan for the rapid growth in demand for basketball facilities; and I’ll catch up with Clinton Jury who this week announced he is leaving LGA South Australia after four years.

Just some of what’s in store for you next week on the Local Government News Roundup.

National Roundup:

NSW:

Central Darling Shire in far west NSW will hold its first council election in over a decade on September 20, implementing a new Rural and Remote Council model with three elected and three appointed councillors.

The NSW Government has committed $6 million over two years to support the council's transition and ensure long-term financial stability, plus an additional $475,000 for election costs.

The Shire, which is the largest council by land size but has fewer than 2,000 residents, has been under administration since 2013 due to financial and governance issues.

Cessnock City Council General Manager Ken Liddell has resigned after nearly three years in the role.

Councillors accepted his resignation during Wednesday night's Ordinary Meeting.

Mayor Daniel Watton said Mr Liddell had fostered a positive culture and improved project delivery capabilities at the council.

No comment was made on Mr Liddell’s future plans.

Director of Planning and Environment Peter Chrystal will serve as acting General Manager while Council undertakes a recruitment process.

Glen Innes Severn Council has adopted its budget this week, including a revised Special Rate Variation scenario with a 48.3% increase proposed over three years.

Mayor Margot Davis said the Council’s decisions aim to address long-term financial challenges while maintaining community services, ultimately working towards achieving financial sustainability by 2029/30.

The Northern Daily Leader reported on what it described as a heated meeting yesterday, with the mayor using her casting vote to push through the budget.

Pensioners will received an additional $50 rebate as compensation for the increase.

Kiama Council reported this week that it has completed 70 percent of all actions in a Performance Improvement Order, issued by the NSW Government.

Almost all remaining tasks currently in progress.

The Council's Strategic Finance & Governance Improvement Plan, which incorporates the PIO, has completed over 55 actions with a further 35% nearing completion.

The PIO was issued in November 2022 due to concerns including the council’s financial management and legislative breaches, and the ongoing operation of the Blue Haven Bonaira residential aged care operation.

Divestment of Blue Haven to Hall & Prior Aged Care was finalised in April this year.

Edward River Council has successfully completed its Performance Improvement Order (PIO) period.

Mayor Ashley Hall said the organisation has emerged stronger and more united following implementation of all required actions.

The process, which began in July 2024 following conduct and governance concerns, has led to improved internal systems and a more collaborative culture under the leadership of new CEO Jack Bond.

Murrumbidgee Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for a 20-year lease of the Jerilderie Saleyards at a nominal rate of $1 per year.

The successful applicant will be required to upgrade and maintain the facility to modern standards.

If no suitable operator is found, the council may consider decommissioning the existing infrastructure, though their preference is to maintain it as a working saleyard under experienced external management.

Waverley Council has voted to spend an additional $220,000 to manage a massive Christmas Day beach party at Bronte Beach, focusing on waste management, security, and facilities.

Residents have expressed concerns about rubbish and safety issues from the annual gathering, which has become an unofficial "orphans" Christmas celebration for travelers.

The event drew 15,000 revellers last year, and ABC News reported that the council has rejected proposals to turn it into a ticketed event.

Central Coast Council’s free soft plastics recycling program called Curby, is now available to all households in the LGA.

Residents can collect clean soft plastics in bags, tag them using free CurbyTags, and place them in their yellow recycling bins after scanning with the Curby app.

The program has already successfully diverted over 200,000 kilograms of soft plastics from landfill on the Central Coast alone.

NSW Briefs:

Linda Coomber has been appointed as the newest Councillor of Bellingen Shire Council following a countback election to fill the vacancy left by Ellie Tree's resignation in May.

The appointment was officially confirmed at this week’s Council Meeting, where Cr Coomber took the official Affirmation of Office.

Ballina Shire Council and NSW SES are constructing a new, purpose-built emergency facility in Ballina to replace the aging Angels Beach Drive headquarters.

A tender process is under way, with construction planned from August through late 2026.

The City of Newcastle will implement $2 pool entry fees at four swimming pools on a trial basis for the upcoming swimming season.

The trial will run at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend inland pools, with Lambton Pool to be considered in any future expansion of the trial.

QLD:

Logan City Council, Queensland's only certified carbon neutral council, has decided to withdraw from the federal government's Climate Active program due to financial pressures and concerns about the transparency of overseas carbon credits.

ABC News reported that the council plans to redirect the $1.5 million previously planned for carbon credits towards local environmental initiatives, including buying degraded land for revegetation and protecting high-quality habitat.

From the Brisbane Times, a report that Brisbane City Council is introducing a new waste program where all residents will be charged a $50 levy for green bins, regardless of whether they opt to have one.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has called it a "tax-avoidance scheme" to avoid state government bin taxes.

The program aims to divert more green waste from landfill, potentially saving the council up to $32 million over five years, though notably it won't include FOGO (food organics, garden organics) bins.

A post-Jasper economic report reveals devastating impacts of the 2023 tropical cyclone on Douglas Shire's economy.

There was a $56.3 million decrease in Gross Regional Product and significant losses across all businesses, with tourism expenditure alone dropping by $92-105 million.

The comprehensive assessment, commissioned by Douglas Shire Council, highlights the challenges in accessing financial support with only 20% of affected businesses receiving assistance, and more than half reporting difficulties filling the paperwork.

TAS:

Central Coast Mayor Cheryl Fuller has announced her candidacy for the snap state election, according to a report from the Advocate (19th June).

She is standing as a Labor candidate in the seat of Braddon, with her opposition expected to include fellow Central Coast councillor Amanda Diprose.

Cr Fuller previously ran as an independent in Montgomery in 2019, finishing third on first preference votes.

Devonport City Council is set to adopt its budget on Monday, and it includes an exclusive benefit for locals.

The council is proposing to provide Devonport residents with free entry to the Bass Strait Maritime Museum.

Mayor Alison Jarman said while it will only have a small financial impact on the budget, it’s a way of giving back to the community.

The museum is one of the city’s key cultural attractions, featuring stories and exhibitions about the region’s shipping, navigation and life on the water.

SA:

Burnside Councillor Jane Davey has been ordered to publicly apologise and will be referred to the Behavioural Standards Panel after calling the council 'toxic' in comments to The Advertiser last year.

The order follows an external legal investigation that cost ratepayers $22,000.

Councillors debated the issue at a meeting this week, with some defending Cr Davey's right to free speech and criticising the council's handling of the situation.

It was also revealed that the council has spent $60,000 on a psychologist to find a "respectful way" forward.

A state MP has raised concerns about Whyalla Council's attempts to control social media posts by councillors, according to InDaily.

Independent MP Frank Pangallo highlighted in the Legislative Council, an email from Mayor Phill Stone to councillor Tamy Pond requesting removal of a Facebook post expressing sympathy for the community affected by steelworks issues.

The council said the email was not a threat to Cr Pond, and that the criticism was ourlandish and unfounded.

WA/NT:

Local councils in Western Australia are eager to host additional AFL matches under a new fixture proposal that would see more games played outside Victoria, with cities like Fremantle, Bunbury, and Joondalup expressing interest in hosting games.

The West Australian reported (14th June) that the proposal comes as the Fremantle Dockers, who currently travel over 51,000km per season, push for fixture reforms to address travel inequity.

CEO Simon Garlick declared that 13 games in Perth will be the new minimum baseline.

Alice Springs councillor Eli Melky has announced his candidacy for Mayor in the upcoming local government elections, following current Mayor Matt Paterson's decision not to seek re-election.

The NT News reported that several current councillors are undecided about running again in the elections, scheduled for August 23.

Nominations opening July 11 and close July 31.

National Briefs:

A supplementary election will be held to fill two vacant positions on the District Council of Ororoo Carrieton.

Nominations open 24 July, and the counting of votes will be on 23rd September.

Those same dates apply to a supplementary election for Mayor of the Town of Gawler, following the recent resignation of Karen Redman.

Livingstone Shire Council's economic development team has won the 'Initiative of the Year' at the Queensland Small Business Commissioner's Small Business Awards.

The award recognises their innovative Agritourism Program which helped six local farm businesses explore tourism opportunities and diversification strategies.

Ulverstone in Tasmania will host the 2027 Australian Street Rod Federation Nationals, marking the first 'Numbered Nats' event in the state.

Central Coast Council expects the five day event to draw over 800 hot rods, customs, and classic cars from across Australia in March next year, making it the largest street rodding event in Tasmania’s history.

Global Roundup:

NZ:

Warnings are being sounded in New Zealand about the autonomy of local government as the central government makes moves to water down council decision-making powers.

The government is progressing work on a potential rate cap, with local government minister Simon Watts expressing concerns about the level of rate increases.

The Post reported that the government’s frustration comes as a new poll reveals growing public skepticism about local councils' value and financial sustainability.

Just 27% of voters believe councils are providing value for money and 63% are concerned about long-term financial viability.

Meanwhile The Press reports that the Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has likened staff at Christchurch City Council to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, accusing them of bullying the mayor into supporting a submission against proposed regulatory standards legislation.

The Council holds concerns about the bill’s impact on the autonomy of local government.

The Acting PM says unelected staff members have kept councillors “poorly informed” but chief executive Mary Richardson said the submission was developed in good faith, and that it was unfortunate Mr Seymour had resorted to name-calling.

And this week the Housing Minister has announced new government powers to overrule council planning decisions.

The Mayor of Waimate District Craig Rowley told the Press that there is a steady erosion of the “local” from local government as the government is chipping away at council’s power.

UK:

The UK’s local government minister Jim McMahon has announced an extension of the intervention at bankrupt Thurrock Council.

In a letter to the council, he said improvements to date remain fragile and improvement is still needed.

Appointed commissioners will remain in place until the end of April 2028, as their latest report revealed the council’s debt position is forecast to reach £1.1B by the end of the coming financial year.

A Birmingham City Council meeting has been disrupted multiple times by protests over the ongoing bin strike which began in March.

BBC News reported that the meeting was adjourned after three interruptions from the gallery

The action has led to significant rubbish accumulation across the city while a dispute goes on about proposed changes to waste collection that could result in pay cuts for workers.

Unite the Union claims up to 170 workers face £8,000 annual reductions while the council maintains only 17 workers would be affected with smaller cuts.

Bournemouth Council leader Millie Earl has called for the cancellation of an upcoming Halloween Concert by Marilyn Manson at a council owned venue.

BBC News reported that the councillor is concerned about the singer's values despite allegations of rape and domestic violence against him being dropped by California prosecutors.

Ms Earl says the singer doesn’t reflect the community’s values, and wants the concert scrapped to send a message that violence against women and girls isn't something that's acceptable in the community.

After two years of exploring opportunities for greater autonomy from the UK, including potentially becoming a self-governing territory of Norway, Orkney Islands Council has concluded that the proposals were too difficult and expensive to pursue.

According to BBC Scotland, the council is now focusing on reforming local service delivery through a single authority model in collaboration with the Scottish government.

USA:

The Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, says he will veto an ordinance passed by the city council this week.

WGN-TV News reported that the controversial snap curfew ordinance is intended to control violence by teens in the city, and give Police another option for detaining unaccompanied minors.

The ordinance passed by 5 votes.

A city in Vermont has temporarily renamed its downtown Church Street to "Canada Street" as a gesture of solidarity with Canada amid strained U.S.-Canada relations and declining tourism.

The unanimous decision of Burlington City Council comes as Canadian tourism to Burlington has dropped by up to 40% compared to the previous year, affecting local businesses that rely heavily on Canadian visitors.

Meanwhile, several Canadian cities have responded with their own symbolic gestures, including removing American flags from public spaces and considering street name changes.

A move to rename Trump Avenue in the Central Park neighbourhood of Ottawa has resurfaced, according to a report from CTV News.

CANADA:

Ottawa City Hall staff have begun developing a bylaw to address "renovictions" - the practice of landlords unlawfully evicting tenants for renovations, demolitions, or unit conversions.

CTV News reported that the move was previously delayed pending provincial legislation, but there have been no recent updates on that.

The initiative is expected to cost between $1.8-2.2 million and will require 12-15 new employees, Consultations will occur later this year, with a final report due in spring 2026.