It will be a big year in 2014 for local government in Victoria, with the state election on 29 November.
Going into the election we believe there are many opportunities to negotiate our position with all political parties, to discuss potential funding opportunities and projects for local government.
While we are still finalising our election log of claims with input from our members, we would like to see an election commitment of a secure agreement around library funding. In December last year the MAV welcomed release of the Tomorrow’s Library stage two report and called for a strong investment and partnership plan to deliver a 21st century public libraries vision.
Our beloved local libraries continue to receive over 27 million visits each year and 2.5 million Victorians are members of a library. Strong demand continues for traditional book-based services, along with huge growth in demand for computer and wireless internet access, e-books and activity-focused events.
A key challenge for local government remains the deterioration in State funding contributions to libraries which has occurred over many decades. The review has not clarified how this matter will be resolved.
With the launch of a 40-year planning blueprint, Plan Melbourne, the MAV is also calling for a coordinated and funded implementation approach to deliver on the vision. The success of Plan Melbourne will hinge on a whole-of-Government approach to drive infrastructure, service delivery, investment and job creation. A long-term, funded transport infrastructure plan also remains a top priority.
In December 2013, ahead of the election, the MAV launched its Funding Regional Communities campaign, to secure a further four years of funding from the State Government for the Country Road and Bridges Program, the Local Government Infrastructure Program and the Putting Locals First Program in its May budget. In 2011 the government delivered a $360 million windfall for local roads, community facilities and other initiatives, which has funded more than 1,500 projects to date.
We hope to see this funding continued to help regional and rural municipalities renew, revive and revitalise their communities.
A positive achievement for the MAV and councils in Victoria is the revised Victoria-State Local Government Agreement (VSLGA), which is close to being signed.
The VSLGA was established in 2008 and prior to the last election, the government made a commitment to review the agreement to ensure it fulfils its purpose. We have wanted a review of the VSLGA for some time so we look forward to the end result.
The MAV is pleased to be confirmed by members as the preferred signatory to the VSLGA on behalf of local government. We also welcome the proposed inclusion of Cabinet impact statements to consider resource impacts, costs and benefits where new or revised roles are intended for councils, which is a long-standing position of the MAV.
We intend to release a draft position paper on the proposed VSLGA for member feedback early this year. We have advised the government that, following consultation with councils and further negotiations with the Minister for Local Government, we will then be taking the proposed VSLGA to our May 2014 State Council meeting for sector endorsement.
The MAV looks forward to the challenges ahead in 2014, and hopes the election process places local government in a positive position.
