Victorian councils could be forefront in voters’ minds at the upcoming state election. 

Victoria’s peak body for local government, the Municipal Association of Victoria, says councils should look to highlight the importance of an effective local government sector at the polling booth. 

MAV President, Cr David Clark, says it is imperative to make sure the next State Government – no matter its stripes – understands and acts on the needs of communities through their local councils.

“The next State Government needs to focus on getting back to making decisions not just on the cost of living, but also the quality of living,” Cr Clark said.

“Whoever wins will have the opportunity to harness the extensive local knowledge of every Victorian council to shape the future of the state through better, locally targeted infrastructure projects, circular economy solutions and emergency management resources.”

Overall, MAV considers the key issues for councils in the election to be:

  • COVID-19 recovery for communities and councils; financial capacity

  • Supporting young families and senior Victorians; housing

  • Planning and building; community resilience and emergency management; infrastructure and transport

  • Sustainability and climate change

  • Democracy in action

  • State-Local government relations

“These are significant issues across the state of Victoria - increasingly we are seeing the State Government legislating through councils and expect councils to shoulder additional costs,” Cr Clark explained.

“Or arrangements for co-funded services such as libraries, maternal and child health and school crossing supervisors have shifted in favour of the state. Increases in costs are being left solely for councils and it’s time to address these issues and make a real difference to communities and the lives of the residents we serve.”