Home » The Future of Local Government Summit 2005

The Future of Local Government Summit 2005

7–8 June 2005
Melbourne Convention Centre (Latrobe Theatre)

A lack of sector wide planning and self determination, restricted access to a sustainable financial base, the relatively low appeal of Local Government as an employer, and the often -poor public perception of Local Government are all factors working to constrain or even threaten the future of the sector. While Local Government has variations in responsibilities and characteristics from region to region and country to country, there are certain basic functions that are relatively consistent across many First World nations.

Now for the first time the best collection of authorities from around the world will assemble in Australia for the Future of Local Government Summit 2005.

This summit is well overdue

Local Government is possibly the most complex business in the world. It is the sphere of government closest to the people, accounting for the significant majority of all community to government interaction. Despite this, major decisions about the structure and financing of the sector are still made by other levels of government. Individually, Councils adopt long term plans, but there has been very little discussion about what the sector as a whole should be trying to achieve strategically into the future.

Plan for the future of Local Government

Share in knowledge from around the world on key Local Government directions. Learn about the new ‘earned autonomy’ and efficiency targets in the UK, regional collaboration occurring in the USA, and long term Council Community Plans in New Zealand. Help define the current strategic position of Local Government and identify key issues, threats and opportunities.

Join in creating a broad vision for Local Government in the future and strategies for the sector to move towards this vision. Further conference information is available at www.mav.asn.au/folg2005

Digital Editions


  • Supporting Waverley

    Supporting Waverley

    Councils across NSW are being encouraged to continue to provide direct support for the Waverley community in the wake of December’s devastating terrorist attack at…

More News

  • Fraser Coast support announced

    Fraser Coast support announced

    Fraser Coast Regional Council has renewed and expanded its support for three key emergency services – the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), LifeFlight, and local Rural Fire Brigades. At their…

  • Council named among Australia’s most inclusive employers

    Council named among Australia’s most inclusive employers

    Lake Macquarie City Council has become one of only two local government organisations in Australia included in a benchmark list of inclusive employers. The Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) added…

  • New deputy in Griffith

    New deputy in Griffith

    Griffith City Council has elected Councillor Scott Groat as the new Deputy Mayor at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 28 October 2025. Cr Groat will hold the position…

  • Planning for the future

    Planning for the future

    Cowes Primary School students brought plenty of energy and curiosity to Berninneit Cultural Centre in mid-October for a special Meet the Mayor visit as part of their Community Walk. Organised…

  • Wollongong named as host city

    Wollongong named as host city

    Wollongong has been announced as the host city for the 2026 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference, following a warm invitation from the Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown…

  • Grant secured for Northwood Street Road Safety Masterplan

    Grant secured for Northwood Street Road Safety Masterplan

    The Town of Cambridge, in partnership with the Flower District Town Team, has been awarded a 2025 Streets Alive Stream Two Grant to develop the Northwood Street Road Safety Masterplan.…

  • WSROC President re-elected, Board appointed

    WSROC President re-elected, Board appointed

    Councillor Brad Bunting has been re-elected as President of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) at its Annual General Meeting held at Blue Mountains City Council Chambers on…

  • Council seeks new voices for Advisory Committees

    Council seeks new voices for Advisory Committees

    Georges River Council is seeking new members for the Multicultural Advisory Committee and the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee. They are part of Council’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion and…

  • New president meets PM

    New president meets PM

    Newly elected Local Government NSW (LGNSW) of president Mayor Darcy Byrne has wasted no time in advocating for councils across the State, heading to Canberra to meet with Prime Minister…

  • Greater action called during 16 Days of Activism

    Greater action called during 16 Days of Activism

    Hobsons Bay City Council is calling on the Victorian state government to take greater action to address gender-based violence in the municipality. As part of the global 16 Days of…