The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has released the first in its The Future is Local: A Case for Transforming Local Government in Victoria series of papers, calling on the state government to partner in generational transformation of the sector to reduce inequalities, improve services and deliver a future-fit sector.
“The sector is at a crossroads where councils are being asked to do more, in more complex ways, with less certainty and mounting financial strain,” says MAV CEO Kelly Grigsby.
Guided by an expert taskforce from within and outside the sector, The Future is Local papers offer fresh thinking to help councils respond to the major forces of change shaping local government – from climate volatility and digital disruption to demographic shifts and financial sustainability.
This first paper shares the Taskforce’s vision and five foundational commitments the MAV is calling for to enable deep, lasting transformation across Victoria’s local government sector well beyond this election cycle.
By articulating the long-term changes needed to deliver more sustainable, responsive and community-focused local leadership, the Future is Local report directly supports the goals outlined within the MAV’s strategic plan Shaping Our Future 2024-2027.
The MAV has simultaneously outlined its 2026 state election advocacy priorities on behalf of the sector within this long-term context, announcing it will campaign on five themes that can deliver immediate community benefits and establish the foundations for thriving, resilient communities and enduring, system-wide transformation of the local government sector that supports them.
1. Growing futures: A stronger Victoria will be built on connected local infrastructure both above and below ground
2. Local futures: A safe, inclusive and vibrant democracy begins with cohesive communities with diverse local leadership
3. Productive futures: Our shared prosperity depends on state-local transport links
4. Regenerative futures: Cleaner and fairer energy will be powered by fairer local benefit sharing
5. Transformative futures: Victoria’s closest tier of government needs funding to deliver on fast-changing community expectations
Ms Grigsby said releasing the Future is Local paper a year out from the next election was a deliberate signal that the sector wants to lead a conversation with the next State Government on system-wide transformation to deliver the best and most sustainable value for the communities we serve.
“We want to open up plenty of time and space to discuss our ideas, and ensure our immediate advocacy priorities are viewed within a framework that will build a stronger foundation for the long-term interests of Victorian communities.
“Local government is where trust is built – or lost – through the quality of services, streets, and shared spaces. Victoria’s councils are the first tier of government, closest to the community, delivering the services, spaces, and connections that keep over seven million Victorians safe, supported, and thriving from early childhood through to ageing.
“The MAV is ready to work with all levels of government, the community and partners across all sectors to adapt the local government sector to deliver critical place-based services, and that are trusted and ready for the future,” said Grigsby.
