In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Julie Hansen, President of the Victorian Local Governance Association.
The benefits of pushing boundaries, planning strategically, and working in cooperation with State Government will soon deliver to Victorian Local Governments the opportunity to implement a significant new agenda.
Why did the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), a peak Local Government body formed in response to the sacking of all democratically elected Councillors nearly a decade ago, play such a pivotal role?
One positive aspect of the Kennett Government’s forced amalgamations was to build the strategic capacity of the sector.
The first Bracks Labor term pushed a largely hands off approach. However, the VLGA believed there was evidence of a creeping complacency within Victorian Local Governments, a growing conservatism of the sector, and even a retreat from a leadership focus on strategy and policy back to the pot holes.
In this time, our membership and the broader community have been advocating for increased engagement with governments.
Communities expect dialogue with governments outside of election time. Communities do really want to have a say in how they are governed and what services, projects and programs are possible. Community planning is a tool which engages communities, identifies the values of the community’s vision, and then develops strategies to achieve this vision.
Changes to the Victorian Local Government Act in the Spring session of Parliament provide an exciting opportunity to involve Local Governments and communities in a ‘conversation’ about needs, interests and expectations.
Community planning can drive Council Plans and eventually Council budgets. While maintaining a commitment to representative democracy where ultimately decisions rest with those who are elected, community planning provides the opportunity to engage citizens in the real work of Local Government, which is building strong, capable and sustainable communities.
We see the emergence of a Local Government planning model that provides for engaging of communities as a real and genuine reform. These changes sit well with the recognition of Local Government in the Victorian Constitution, which was achieved early in 2003.
Introduced following a strategic campaign initiated by the VLGA, this now provides some protection for the sector. The move soon to four year terms and a fixed and common election date provides opportunities for better governance and longer term planning. It significantly lifts the profile of Local Governments in Victoria.
On behalf of our ‘passionate’ diversity of Council and community membership, we boldly advocated this democratic reform agenda.
Our Minister Candy Broad’s strong commitment to the important role of Local Government with communities, has resulted in the Bracks majority Government support.
Throughout the nation, the momentum that is growing for the emerging agenda for change and greater community involvement and engagement, is in Local Government’s hands. More Councillors, officers, and citizens need to grasp that opportunities exist for Local Governments and communities to shape their own destiny, and strengthen local democracy.
