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New Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced her cabinet today. The main portfolio areas that intersect with councils are unchanged, with Melissa Horne retaining Local Government, along with Roads and Road Safety, Ports and Freight, and Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation. Sonia Kilkenny retains Planning, and takes on responsibility for driving housing and planning reforms […]
Continue ReadingThe latest episode of the Roundup for 30th September 2023 is now online, featuring: A councillor suspended for three months for serious misconduct;A Victorian council facing union claims of bullying leading to staff departures;The only Australian local government to recognised on a most innovative company list;A mayor concerned his council is about to disintegrate as […]
Continue ReadingByron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, has welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to endorse Council’s proposal to cap un-hosted short term rental accommodation (STRA) to 60 days a year across most parts of the Shire. “This announcement by Planning Minster, Paul Scully, broadly aligns with a couple of the key recommendations put forward by the NSW […]
Continue ReadingOn the latest update from the Roundup for 27th Sept 2023, the sector reflects on the end of an era as Premier Daniel Andrews announces his resignation; More reaction to housing and planning reforms; A disappointing planning outcome in Kingston; A challenging insurance market leads a council to rethink the location a major community project; […]
Continue ReadingAdelaide Hills Council’s Towards Community Led Emergency Resilience project has been awarded the Resilient Australia Local Government award for building community resilience to disasters. The project supports communities in preparing for bushfires and other emergencies, drawing from past experiences in the Adelaide Hills district. It focuses on a community-led approach and enhancement of local capacity […]
Continue ReadingThe lord mayoral career of Parramatta councillor Sameer Pandey has lasted just four months, with councillors this week choosing to install long term councillor Pierre Esber to the position. Cr Esber has announced he will not be contesting the next election in Sept 2024 after 23 years on council. Cr Dr Patricia Prociv was elected […]
Continue ReadingHobart City Council has amended its policy on rates and charges to allow for increased rates remissions for vacant residential land that is under development. Earlier this year, the council doubled the differential rate for vacant residential land with the aim of encouraging development for housing. Following a number of ratepayer requests for remissions, the […]
Continue ReadingSheffield City Council is the latest to face mass equal pay claim, and allegations of gender discrimination and wage disparities. The Guardian reports that thousands of women who have been underpaid by up to £11,000 a year are set to launch equal pay claim against the council. The GMB union claims that a job evaluation […]
Continue ReadingAn attempt to overturn an August decision by Ku-ring-gai Council to terminate the employment of its general manager, John McKee, has failed at the second attempt. Consideration of a rescission motion was delayed after the council could not maintain a quorum at an extraordinary meeting on the 12th September. The matter was then dealt with […]
Continue ReadingMore change is assured around the Brisbane City Council chamber next year, with yet another councillor announcing they’ll be stepping down ahead of elections in March. Cr James Mackay said he will not contest the election due to the effects of long COVID. Cr Mackay is reportedly the fifth councillor to bow in this term, […]
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