A collaborative approach between local and federal government is vital to ensure national policies and investments are grounded in local realities, deliver practical solutions, and strengthen communities where people live, work and thrive.
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) will has a Mayoral Delegation to Canberra, ensuring the voice of local government is heard in shaping national policy.
As part of the MAV’s Make Good Happen campaign, the Mayoral Delegation met with federal Ministers, shadow Ministers, senior advisers and departmental officials to strengthen local government and improve outcomes for all of communities.
Joining MAV President Cr Jennifer Anderson and CEO Kelly Grigsby for the Delegation were Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi, South Gippsland Mayor Cr John Schelling, Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher, and Maroondah Mayor Cr Kylie Spears.
MAV President Cr Jennifer Anderson said the delegation present a strong local voice in the federal decision-making process.
“Councils are on the frontline of delivering essential services and infrastructure in every Victorian community, often intrinsically linked to federal policy direction or funding,” Cr Anderson said.
“We’re elevating the voice of Victorian local government in Canberra. Together, we have presented a united case for investment in our key pillars: infrastructure, safer roads, fairer energy, resilient communities, and stronger local democracy.”
Over three meaningful days the Delegation advocated for the five key issues of our Make Good Happen Campaign:
Making Community Infrastructure Happen
Delivering essential infrastructure that growing communities need to thrive
Making Safer Roads Happen
Ensuring local roads are safe, well-maintained, and efficient
Making Fairer Energy Happen
Supporting communities’ participation in Victoria’s energy transition
Making Resilient Communities Happen
Future-proofing communities to withstand natural disasters
Making Local Democracy Happen
Supporting stronger, safer, more democratic communities by enhancing civic engagement and developing tools to counter misinformation and disinformation at the local level
The MAV’s annual Mayoral Delegation is an opportunity to present a united voice for Victoria’s 79 councils, ensuring local government perspectives shape the policies and investments that affect every community.
