Yesterday’s State Budget has been mostly well received by Victorian councils although there were a few sticking points.
A flagship item is $1.9 billion towards counteracting family violence, which has been widely commended. This will include 17 support hubs in areas of high violence.
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) President Mary Lalios also commended the State Government’s investment in early learning and health.
“We welcome the significant investment in early childhood services, many of which are delivered or supported by councils. There is $87.1 million in funding for kindergartens, including $55 million to provide greater support for young children facing particular challenges.
“As well as this, $81.1 million for Maternal and Child Health services will allow council MCH nurses to provide greater support to local families and give children the best start in life. This funding does not require co-investment by councils.”
It had been expected the school crossing supervisor program would return to an equal State-Local funding model, however this was not outlined.
“Last year the government announced a return to a 50:50 funding partnership for school crossing supervisors, but today’s budget does not shed any light on how this will be achieved from 1 July as promised.
“Victorian councils have been contributing as much as 80 per cent of the program costs, so the MAV will continue working with the government to ensure it delivers on its 50:50 commitment so that children can continue to get to school safely.”
Cr Lalios welcomed the $14.9 million towards the State Emergency Services (SES).
“The MAV has been working with the government to ensure a more sustainable and fair funding model for the SES, because we believe is a critically important service that shouldn’t have to rely on local councils, fundraisers and community goodwill,” she said.
The MAV flagged a few major disappointments for councils.
“It’s also disappointing that the government has halved the Growing Suburbs Fund and is raiding the Sustainability Fund and landfill levy for initiatives like the Parks Victoria Asset Management System and website redevelopment.
“There is also a lack of detail around the State Government’s plan to take over property valuations and conduct them annually from 2019. This policy was announced without any consultation with councils, who are currently responsible for most property valuations in Victoria.
“It is also disappointing to see that there is no money for rural council roads and bridges, something the MAV has repeatedly requested. Local roads are critical to the state’s freight network and need to be adequately funded to support rural and regional economies.”
