2022 has been a turbulent year for councils, as many battled natural disasters, extreme weather and sought out support as recovery began.
This year councils also progressed their net zero and digital journeys, alongside community projects to help foster a sense of normalcy in the midst of trying circumstances.
As always, councils worked to their overall goal to boost liveability, build resilient communities, and create safe and happy spaces for residents.
Below we have collated Council’s top five stories for 2022.
1. SA Council Elections results in
The City of Adelaide held its election in November, with a new interim Lord Mayor elected. City of Adelaide CEO, Clare Mockler, thanked all the candidates who participated in the elections, congratulating all successful candidates as well as thanking those who were unsuccessful.
2. Iconic Moomba Festival back for 2022
Melbourne’s iconic Moomba Festival – the largest free community festival in Australia – returned to the banks of the Yarra River in early March 2022, with a full schedule of family-friendly fun that spanned from thrill-seeking carnival rides to music performances, food trucks and skate competitions.
3. Developing: East Coast flood crisis
Council’s hub of content covering the East Coast flood crisis began in early February – keeping readers up to date with how the crisis affected local councils.
Due to continued flooding throughout the year the hub is still active.
4. Federal Budget coverage 2023
This year Council’s coverage of the federal budgets remained a high interest topic, with our breakdown in March covering what the 2022-23 Federal Budget meant for councils, and our coverage of the mini budget in October showcasing the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) welcoming the announcements, as well as the inclusion of the Association in the landmark Housing Accord.
5. VIC Council concerned about North East Link Tunnels
A Melbourne Council has raised concerns on the potential negative impacts of the North East Link Tunnels Urban Design Landscape Plan (UDLP) on its residents.
Since the UDLP was released, Boroondara City Council (BCC) noted that it planned to build a 17-story structure of “skyscraper dimensions” within its local area and only provided the minimum time required for the statutory requirement.
