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21 Victorian councillors have signed a letter to the state government seeking an end to Christian prayers at council meetings. The letter argues that the use of single faith prayers at meetings is inconsistent with the multicultural, multi-faith diversity of communities, and may be inconsistent with the principles-based Local Government Act 2020. A government spokesman […]
Continue ReadingNottingham City Council has avoided the appointment of commissioners after making significant progress meeting a list of 67 requirements imposed on it. The council has been monitored by a government-appointed board since September 2020 over concerns about its financial sustainability. According to the BBC, the government has noted the council’s good progress and that it […]
Continue ReadingToday on the Local Government News Roundup, a council meeting closed and police called to an unruly public gallery; a mayor calls for more councils to support the Voice to Parliament; tributes for Australia’s longest serving female councillor; the timeline for a council demerger announced; a council’s smart cities plan prompts protests and a police warning; […]
Continue ReadingThe NSW State Government has produced a preliminary roadmap for the demerger of Cootamundra-Gundagai Council. The timeline for the implementation of the demerger sees the legal path being established after the March state elections due to the need for legislation to facilitate the process. The current merged council would cease functioning in mid-2024, allowing the […]
Continue ReadingGold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says he won’t consider introducing an acknowledgement of country at his council’s meetings in the current term. According to a report from the ABC, Mayor Tate believes having an acknowledgement before council meetings is not efficient, and he “doesn’t waste a minute on other things”. While 60 per cent of […]
Continue ReadingA South Australian council has responded to ‘misleading and disturbing information’ circulating online and in print form about its adoption of smart cities technology. Information Age reports on protests led by the No Smart Cities Action Group about the City of Salisbury’s roll out of CCTV cameras to deal with graffiti, hoon driving and illegal […]
Continue ReadingThe Big Rainbow has found its home in Daylesford, after Hepburn Shire Council settled on Victoria Park as the location for the new landmark. Daylesford was chosen from a shortlist of four locations last October, and the shire has since conducted community consultation to determine exactly where it should be erected. The Big Rainbow is […]
Continue ReadingCity of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath has received a new contract that will see him serve in the role through December 2027. According to the Newcastle Herald($), the decision to extend Mr Bath’s employment was made almost 12 months ago at the first meeting of the newly-elected council. At that time, the Council authorised its […]
Continue ReadingAs representation reviews get underway for a number of councils around Victoria, one Mayor has expressed disappointment in the short notice and limited period for community input. Strathbogie Shire Mayor Laura Binks said her council had hoped the community would have longer to understand the process and provide feedback, and that an extension to the […]
Continue ReadingBunbury City Council will seek permission to retain a vacancy until elections in October this year, after the resignation this week of Cr Kris Plumb. Mr Plumb was a councillor for three years, and the council says it won’t be making any further comment out of respect for his privacy. Under the Western Australian local […]
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