Funding disadvantage, a damn disgrace, and a problematic proposition

In this edition of the Local Government News Roundup:

• The Victorian Government accused of holding back crucial infrastructure funding
• A surprise bank branch closure angers a rural council
• A council introduces body worn cameras for council officers
• Innovative council waste management and animal control initiatives
• The massive investment from councils in tackling climate change- and a call for more government assistance
• Sydney Council enters a controversial stadium debate
• A popular NYE fireworks show under threat
• And a council merger under consideration in Western Australia

Plus MAV Chief Innovator in Residence, Bonnie Shaw, talks to Chris about the exciting new innovation awards for Victorian councils.

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

• 1:56 Victorian Report
• 10:27 NSW Report
• 16:09 National Report
• 21:02 Global Report
• 24:51 Interview: Bonnie Shaw, MAV Chief Innovator in Residence

Transcript

Victorian Roundup:

The Herald Sun has reported on mounting concerns over unspent infrastructure funds in Melbourne’s rapidly growing outer suburbs.

It claims the State Government is currently holding more than $230 million in developer contributions that local councils say is desperately needed for critical infrastructure.

Melbourne's western suburbs are being particularly disadvantaged, contributing significantly to the infrastructure levy but seeing just over half of those funds returned to local projects.

Melton Mayor Steve Abboushi is calling for greater transparency and guaranteed funding commitments, while the Property Council is concerned about families moving into new developments without essential services.

The Opposition has accused the government of stockpiling the funds to offset budget pressures.

A government spokesperson told the Herald Sun the quoted figures were outdated without providing new numbers.

Wellington Shire Council is angered by Bendigo Bank's decision to close its Yarram branch in September, announced without community consultation.

Cr Garry Stephens, a resident of Yarram, said closure will significantly impact elderly residents, small businesses, and community organisations that rely on face-to-face banking services.

He said they will be forced to travel over 60 kilometres to the nearest branch.

The council is calling on the bank to reconsider its decision, which come as Yarram is poised for growth through a range of economic and workforce opportunities from renewable energy projects.

Buloke Shire Council representatives have met with Transmission Company Victoria regarding the VNI West transmission project, expressing disappointment at the lack of transparency and substantive information provided during the meeting.

The Council is concerned about a proposed amendment to energy infrastructure legislation that would consolidate planning under VicGrid and potentially impact landowners.

It has highlighted ongoing issues with communication and engagement from project proponents and government agencies, noting that the proposed amendment was not mentioned during a recent visit from Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio.

Frankston City Council has adopted a $300M 2025/26 Budget that focuses on supporting long-term growth, delivering vital infrastructure.

It includes a $1.7 million local support package to help residents with cost-of-living pressures, and a $72.9M capital works program featuring the $60 million redevelopment of Frankston Stadium.

A new differential rate for vacant land in the city centre has been introduced to discourage land banking and encourage development.

Average increases for residential and commercial ratepayers have been limited to 2.24 percent and 1.12 percent respectively through $3.6 million in operational efficiencies and cost savings.

A notable initiative is an Australian-first three-month pilot initiative in partnership with Accessible Beaches Australia (inspired by a model in Nice, France) that will deliver enhanced opportunities for people with mobility-related disabilities to experience Frankston’s Foreshore.

Pyrenees Shire Council is implementing body worn cameras for Community Safety and Amenity officers to enhance safety and transparency following incidents of anti-social behaviour towards them.

CEO Jim Nolan said the safety of the council’s officers is paramount, and body worn cameras have been proven as a deterrent against anti-social behaviour.

The cameras will only be activated when necessary during public interactions, with footage stored according to relevant guidelines and accessible through Freedom of Information requests.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has endorsed a new Visitor Economy Partnership to strengthen the region's tourism industry, which attracted 7.9 million visitors and contributed $1.8 billion to the local economy in 2024.

The partnership, supported by a $200,000 annual investment from Council, will serve as an official voice for tourism in the region and play a key role in setting strategic direction and securing state funding.

Additionally, a new Destination Management Plan has been released to provide a long-term framework for sustainable tourism growth on the Mornington Peninsula.

Yarra City Council is implementing a user-pays model for bank fees and charges on parking and leisure centre services starting July 1st which will save the council nearly $1 million annually.

Mayor Stephen Jolly said the change creates a fairer system where users rather than ratepayers bear the costs, aligning with standard business practices.

The City of Whittlesea has launched a new program offering free desexing, microchipping, and registration for stray cats being cared for by residents.

It’s hoped the program will help to reduce the stray cat population while supporting community members who provide food and shelter to these animals.

Participants have the option to adopt the cat or allow it to be rehomed through the Council’s wat djerring Animal Facility.

Port Phillip Council has launched a trial installing metal baskets on public litter bins to make it easier for recyclers to collect eligible containers for Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme refunds.

It’s hope the new baskets will help to prevent damage to bins while encouraging recycling.

The initiative has been funded in partnership with CDS Vic. The trial will be evaluated in nine months and the results potentially shared with other councils.

Community Satisfaction Survey scores:

**Surf Coast Shire’**s results have returned a score higher than the statewide average, and similar large rural councils.

Its overall performance score of 57 is the same as last year, and seven points higher than the large rural councils group average.

Stonnington City Council has ranked above the state average on most service areas, especially in community facilities, parks and public spaces.

Its overall performance score of 60 is slightly down, two points behind the metropolitan average, with planning, traffic and parking noted as areas for improvement.

Knox City Council has scored a slightly lower overall performance than last year, but is tracking above its longer term average.

Best performing areas were library services, youth services, sports oval and waste management.

Road maintenance and repairs was the main issue highlighted for improvement.

Jane Cowell is stepping down as CEO of Yarra Plenty Regional Library after seven years.

Ms Cowell has been instrumental in expanding digital services and fostering collaborative partnerships during her time in the role, helping make YPRL one of Australia's most progressive library services, according to Chair and Nillumbik Shire Councillor Grant Brooker.

Nillumbik is one of three member councils, along with Banyule and Whittlesea.

She will finish up in October, and the board will soon commence a process to appoint a new CEO.

Victorian Briefs:

The City of Greater Geelong is introducing free two-hour parking in all on-street 2P spaces on weekdays in central Geelong.

The new initiative starts July 14, aiming to support local businesses and revitalise the city centre.

The City of Casey has launched an interactive Open Data Exchange web page to provide transparent access to Council decisions, voting records, and meeting information.

The council says the initiative will foster stronger community engagement and accountability in local governance.

Monash City Council has revealed updated designs for a new civic precinct in Glen Waverley, which will feature a modern library, civic hall, community spaces, parking, and council offices.

The community is invited to provide feedback on the designs before July 27 and attend a drop-in session at Glen Waverley Library on July 8.

Maroondah City Council has received $1 million in Victorian Government funding for a new state-of-the-art library in Croydon, which will be part of the Cultural Hub in the Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct.

The project is expected to commence construction in September and be completed by 2027.

National Roundup:

In a groundbreaking report released at last week’s National General Assembly in Canberra, Australia's local councils are taking climate change into their own hands, with plans to invest more than $2 billion over the next five years to protect communities from the changing climate.

The Australian Local Government Association's report, titled "Adapting Together," reveals the investments could save communities up to $4.7 billion by 2030.

ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett said councils are leading the way in preparing for and managing these ever-increasing impacts, including from natural disasters.

ALGA is calling on the Government to provide a new $400 million climate adaptation fund, distributed to all Australia's councils each year.

NSW:

A battle over Allianz Stadium has intensified with the City of Sydney Council unanimously backing South Sydney Rabbitohs in their bid to return to Moore Park, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore will now formally contact Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to express the council's support for the Rabbitohs' relocation.

Councillor Olly Arkins, who proposed the motion, claims the precinct "cannot thrive on 10 home games from the Eastern Suburbs Roosters alone" and that the Rabbitohs' return would bring "substantial economic benefits" to local businesses.

Despite the State Government recently rejecting Souths' proposal, the club has rallied supporters with an online petition that has already gathered 15,000 signatures.

Kiama's popular New Year's Eve fireworks display is under threat unless the council can obtain significant sponsorship funding.

The annual Sky Show, which attracts up to 20,000 visitors to the coastal town, has been running for more than a decade with Council previously investing approximately $80,000 annually.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald says the decision is part of the Council's focus on achieving financial sustainability by 2026-27.

It has launched a call for corporate sponsors with expressions of interest being taken until 13 July.

The decision is not without controversy, with Councillor Yasmin Tatrai telling The Bugle that she feels "hoodwinked" by the decision to overlook what she describes as "the most important night of the year for our community."

But Councillor Mike Cains remains optimistic, saying he "can't believe there isn't a solution" to keep the tradition alive.

Edward River Council is advocating for a new Deniliquin Hospital to reduce pressure on larger regional facilities like Albury Hospital while providing enhanced healthcare services to the Southern Riverina region.

Mayor Ashley Hall said the issue will be highlighted to the NSW Government and personnel involved in providing health services across the state.

The Council has adopted a Position Statement calling for a new hospital as part of a broader health precinct to address community concerns, attract healthcare professionals, and improve service delivery in an area that has experienced limited healthcare investment for decades.

Blue Mountains Council has decided to end its sister city relationship with Sanda, Japan, after more than three decades, according to a report in the Blue Mountains Gazette.

Council CEO Rosemary Dillon recommended the discontinuation of the arrangement, due to the availability of alternative channels for cultural exchange and global connection.

Activities like the Japanese Friendship Garden maintenance and school artwork exchanges are likely to continue without the formal sister city arrangement that began in 1991.

Cumberland City Council has constructed Australia's first Green, Cool Carpark at Holroyd Gardens in Merrylands, featuring a vine-covered trellis structure that reduces surface temperatures by up to 50% and improves thermal comfort by 10°C.

The innovative urban cooling solution addresses extreme heat while providing additional benefits such as UV protection for vehicles and extended asphalt lifespan.

It will potentially serve as a model for the 99% of Western Sydney's currently unshaded car parks.

Liverpool City Council is the first in Australia to utilise a drone-powered cleaning technology on a public building.

Australian company ‘WashDrones’ has cleaned the exterior of the Liverpool City Library using advanced surface-tracking technology. The drone efficiently navigated the building’s unique round design, removing the need for scaffolding, rope access or elevated work platforms.

The council says its use of technology is making things better – by improving service, increasing safety, and reducing long-term costs. You can see the technology in action from the link in this episode’s transcript.

NSW Briefs:

Glen Innes Severn Council has welcomed confirmation from the NSW Government of $50 million funding for the Glen Innes Hospital upgrade as part of the 2025-26 NSW Budget.

Mayor Margot Davis said the news was reassurance for the community, and that the council would continue to advocate for additional funding needed to deliver the full master plan.

Griffith City Council has warned residents of $2,000 fines for water meter tampering or theft.

It said such actions constitute criminal water theft and pose safety and public health risks.

Mayor Doug Curran highlighted that water theft affects the entire community financially and stresses the water network, and has encouraged residents to report suspicious activity.

Parkes Shire Council has been named the Outstanding Rural and Remote Council at the 2025 National Awards for Local Government for its innovative fleet management system built in-house using TechnologyOne.

The award-winning project has transformed Council's approach to managing its $18 million fleet through real-time data integration, predictive maintenance, and GPS telematics, resulting in improved safety, efficiency, and cost savings.

QLD:

Tensions flared at the Toowoomba Regional Council chambers last week as Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vonhoff condemned what she called a "damn disgrace" - a seven-month delay in developing environmental protections for the region.

The Toowoomba Chronicle reported on a fiery council meeting, in which Dr. Vonhoff secured enough votes to continue work on managing significant vegetation.

The motion passed 6-4 and will see the findings incorporated into the council's new planning scheme, which is set to replace the current 13-year-old document.

Environmental activists have been pushing for stronger protection of mature trees and wildlife corridors, citing concerns about widespread land clearing by developers.

Sunshine Coast Council has appointed a new Executive Leadership Team and streamlined its structure from six to five departments, following an extensive recruitment process that attracted over 500 applicants.

The four new Directors—Debra Robinson, Jodie Fielding, Jane Want, and Scott Whitaker—will join CEO John Baker and CFO Keith Parsons on July 28, 2025, as part of a transformation aimed at better serving community priorities.

The leadership refresh comes with a focus on greater efficiency and addressing key community concerns. Outgoing Directors Bill Haddrill and Greg Laverty will conclude their roles on July 4.

Rockhampton Regional Council will honour the late former councillor Neil Fisher OAM with a new memorial and walking track named in his honour at Mount Archer.

Mr Fisher passed away last July after dedicating over 20 years to serving the Rockhampton region and was a key figure behind the mountain's development.

The memorial, featuring a plaque and bench at The Saddle, honours his significant contributions to infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and community spaces, ensuring his legacy lives on for future generations.

TAS:

Circular Head Council is disappointed with the Federal Environment Minister's decision to defer environmental approval for the $3 billion Robbins Island Wind Farm project until August 29.

General Manager Andrew Wardlaw said the 900 MW renewable energy facility, which would create approximately 400 jobs during construction and power around 250,000 homes, is crucial for the region’s goals of economic resilience and environmental sustainability.

He said the repeated deferrals are deeply concerning, and is urging the Federal Government to prioritise its assessment of the project.

SA:

The City of Prospect Council has formally endorsed the Prospect Lifestyle Precinct Masterplan, which aims to transform Prospect Oval and surrounding areas into a vibrant hub for health, wellness, fitness, and sport.

The comprehensive plan addresses long-standing issues like buried waste and non-accessible facilities while creating new community assets, with implementation details to be developed through continued community engagement over the next 12-18 months.

Onkaparinga City Council has developed a new four year Affordable Housing Strategy which outlines 28 specific actions aimed at increasing housing diversity and affordability through planning, partnerships, and advocacy.

The strategy, which was unanimously endorsed by the council, recognises that addressing the housing crisis requires collaboration between all levels of government, developers, community-housing providers, and local residents.

WA:

WA Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley has suggested a merger between the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Shire of Coolgardie councils, located about 600 kilometers east of Perth.

Speaking in state parliament on Thursday, Minister Beazley described the Shire of Coolgardie as a "financial mess" suffering from "shocking mismanagement and poor governance."

ABC News reported that the shire is currently facing a $6.5 million budget deficit after a failed attempt to increase mining rates by 97 percent.

The minister has arranged meetings with representatives from both councils to discuss what she terms a "boundary adjustment" rather than a full amalgamation.

Meanwhile, the Shire of Coolgardie has decided to put its controversial Bluebush Village mining camp on the market. The accommodation facility, which opened in late 2022, saw costs balloon from an initial $9 million to more than $24.5 million and has suffered from lower-than-expected occupancy rates.

Perth council leaders are demanding more financial support after the Western Australian government abandoned its efforts to eradicate the destructive shot-hole borer beetle. The invasive pest has already claimed nearly 5,000 trees across Perth's suburbs.

PerthNow reported that the State Government last week conceded defeat in its eradication campaign, pivoting to what they're calling a "management strategy" instead. The shift has sparked significant backlash from local governments who claim they've been blindsided by the decision.

Subiaco Mayor David McMullen expressed disappointment, questioning whether the government "could or should have done more" while eradication was still possible. In Peppermint Grove, where over 200 trees have been removed, Shire Chief Don Burnett raised concerns about coordinating management efforts across 30 metropolitan councils with varying resources and priorities.

The financial burden is particularly concerning for local governments. While the State has allocated $7.2 million for tree replacement through its Tree Recovery program, council leaders argue this falls far short of addressing ongoing management costs.

Global Roundup:

UK:

Experts are warning that local government reorganisation in the UK could see the loss of 90% of councillors, according to local gov dot co dot uk.

In a Localis essay, Professors Colin Copus and Steve Leach say councillor numbers could fall from around 12,000 to 1,200, potentially threatening local democracy.

They argue a planned reorganisation will increase workloads for remaining councillors, reduce public trust, lower electoral turnout, and diminish community identity by creating "meaningless conglomerates" that make little sense as units of local government.

The UK Government has announced that even if Plymouth votes for a directly elected mayor in the July 17 referendum, no mayoral election will take place until 2027.

That would give the Parliament time to pass legislation potentially scrapping the role.

Plymouth Live has reported on the controversy surrounding the announcement, with pro-mayor campaigner Angus Forbes accusing the Government of "betraying democracy."

Officials maintain the postponement will provide clarity and prevent resources being spent on governance changes that may be reversed.

Preston City Council in Lancashire has established a friendship agreement with Hebron, a Palestinian city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The Lancashire Times reported that the new partnership is aimed at creating practical and cultural links between the two cities, and is being seen as a humanitarian gesture.

Some councillors have expressed concerns about the council potentially taking sides in the Middle East conflict, describing it as a “problematic proposition.”

USA:

In Texas, LGBTQ+ advocates have staged a rainbow sit-in protest at a Lubbock City Council meeting.

They’re seeking Pride recognition after the council opted against approval for the third consecutive year.

USA Today reported that the council's previous opposition has significantly impacted the LGBTQ+ community, with advocates stressing that public recognition would help community members feel seen in a city that often silences their voices.

CANADA:

In Canada, Edmonton City Council's has decided to extend a controversial downtown revitalisation levy to 2044, according to CBC News.

The levy is used to fund development projects including a proposed event park near Rogers Place, despite concerns from some citizens about the use of taxpayer money.

The 9-4 vote followed a two-day public hearing where supporters argued for downtown vitality while opponents questioned whether the benefits were being distributed equitably across the community.

THE MALDIVES:

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Thinadhoo City in The Maldives have been suspended for three months and one month respectively, following an LGA investigation into 19 issues including misuse of powers and resources.

The entire city council received penalties, with four council members receiving warnings and the President of the Women’s Development Committee instructed to return allowances taken against regulations.

The decision followed an inquiry by the Local Government Authority into complaints submitted to it, according to a report from the Raaje news website.

NZ:

Eight Wellington region mayors have approved a 10-year emergency management strategy to strengthen communities' ability to manage severe storms and other emergency events, which have increased by 330% over the past decade.

Wellington Scoop reported that the new strategy aims to build resilient communities through a whole-of-society approach while addressing challenges like climate change impacts, aging infrastructure, and insufficient preparedness.

Roundup Extra:

Interview with Bonnie Shaw, Chief Innovator in Residence, MAV, about the new Innovation Awards for Victorian Councils.