2008-09 strategic plan - mav.asn.au · Web viewof common interest. Melbourne and regional....
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Municipal Association of VictoriaStrategic Work Plan2008-2009
MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
SUMMARYThe MAV Strategic Work Plan for 2008-09 details ongoing work program commitments and newwork priorities identified through member council feedback and MAV analysis of current state andfederal political and policy issues affecting local government. The work priorities for the comingyear cover each of the key policy areas as summarised briefly below.
Finance: Priorities to address financial sustainability and cost shifting include continued advocacyto secure improved Commonwealth financial assistance grants; signing of the Victorian State-LocalGovernment Agreement; opportunities to participate in the COAG reform agenda and red tapereduction opportunities; and investigations of alternative tax sources and efficiency improvements.
Governance and Councillor Development: Priorities to address good governance and councillorconduct include progressing changes resulting from the Better Local Governance discussionpaper; ongoing council support with governance, conduct and conflict of interest processimprovements; and a range of services to assist with conduct of the 2008 council elections.
Environment: Priorities to enhance local government’s role in water management include sectorrepresentation on government committees, reviews and consultation processes for stormwater,domestic wastewater, floods, drainage and alternative water sources. The MAV will lead a nationalapproach to advocate for local government responses to climate change, and assess the risks tocouncils from climate change.
Planning and Building: Priorities include ongoing advocacy and support to assist with planningsystem reform improvements including cutting red tape initiatives, new residential zones and reviewof planning fees; projects to strengthen implementation of rural zones and regional planning; aframework for urban land use; and ongoing initiatives to progress sustainability planning.
Human Services and Public Health: Priorities will advocate for improved funding, accessibilityand integration of childcare; council support to implement new home and community care servicemodels; development of a sector position on the future of public libraries; improved provision ofdisability services and access standards; and facilitation of affordable housing opportunities.
Infrastructure: Priorities to address infrastructure renewal gaps include integration of gap datawith financial statements; expansion of the Step Program; implementation of a new “Star Rating”Level of Service Framework; and advocacy to secure additional funding support nationally.
Transport: Priorities include advocating for implementation of the MAV Transport Strategy andSustainable Transport Action Plan; improved investment in the freight network; strategies toaddress congestion issues; a coordinated response to the Eddington Review; and support to assistcouncils to meet their obligations on rail crossing safety.
Emergency Management and Community Safety: Priorities include advocacy to ensure clarity oflocal government’s role in emergency management; supporting councils’ pandemic planning; andongoing representation of the interests of councils affected by drought.
Community Development: Priorities include ongoing delivery of the Small Towns Program;implementation of Lighthouse community planning initiatives; alignment of State and localcommunity planning activities; and roll-out of Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) program.
Workforce and Professional Development: Priorities include a new local government employmentand re-branding strategy, and other recruitment and retention initiatives to support councils.
Collaboration and Improvement: Priorities include progressing Future of Local Governmentaccountability, cooperation and performance framework programs; participation in the CouncilsReforming Business project; and extension of Swift and EasyBiz programs.
Insurance: Priorities include assessing the potential risk exposure for local government, includingcatastrophic events; delivering significant premium reductions for the CMP scheme for 2008-09; andexamining options around insurance other than professional indemnity, public liability and fidelity.
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
INTRODUCTION
The Municipal Association of Victoria was established to promote the efficient carrying out ofmunicipal government throughout the State of Victoria and to watch over and protect the interests,rights and privileges of municipal corporations. (Municipal Association Act, 1907)
In fulfilling its purpose under the Act, the MAV is a representative body - developing policy andpromoting effective inter-governmental cooperation, and advocating actively and energetically torepresent its membership in a variety of political, community and media forums.
The activities of the MAV are supported by a comprehensive policy research base, which coverseconomics and finance, governance and councillor development, planning and building, humanservices and public health, infrastructure, transport, environment, emergency management andcommunity safety, community development, workforce and professional development andcollaboration and improvement.
The process endorsed by State Council for developing the MAV's Strategic Work Plan involves theMAV Board first developing the broad policy direction with input from staff, and then member councilswere consulted on these directions through regional meetings held across the state.
This document outlines the work program the MAV proposes to undertake in 2008-09 in pursuit of themajor issues raised by its membership, and is presented in draft form for consideration by councilsahead of the MAV State Council.
Issues incorporated into the Work Plan are typically statewide in nature and greater priority isattributed to matters affecting the whole local government sector.
The regional meetings confirmed there is significant agreement among councils on the majorissues affecting local government and there is a consensus on those that require priority MAVeffort. The top five issues raised by the members were:
1.2.3.4.5.
Water: management of the state’s water resourcesFinance: effects of cost shifting and the long-term financial sustainability of the sectorClimate Change: adaptation to climate change and the use of renewable energyInfrastructure: renewal of local government and community infrastructureWorkforce: challenges of workforce shortages and staff recruitment
Major changes to MAV priorities highlighted through the regional meetings are the elevationof climate change and management of water resources; and workforce challenges facingcouncils. Other notable priorities in the ‘top ten’ issues identified by members were the directtranslation of rural zones; and the limitations on the current transport infrastructure to meetstatewide freight capacity and movement needs, and this impact on local roads.
A critical function of the MAV is its ability to remain flexible and adaptable enough to achieve both itsset objectives and respond in a timely manner to issues affecting the sector as they arise.
Accordingly, the MAV will continue to undertake additional work activities as issues affecting thesector emerge. The Board of Management, with support from established advisory groups, will beresponsible for prioritising these matters in the context of the agreed work program.
The MAV will report its achievements against this plan in its Annual Report 2008-09.
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
OUTCOMES OF REGIONAL PLANNING MEETINGSThe MAV held 13 regional planning meetings with its member councils in February and March 2008to identify priority local government issues for inclusion in the MAV Strategic Work Plan.
These views were collated and are summarised below, including the frequency with which they wereraised.
Economics & FinanceFinancial sustainability * * * * * * * * * * * * * 13Cost shifting * * * * * * * 7Capacity to pay ratesEconomic developmentRed tapeUnbundling of waterInflationCost impactsRatingGrantsRevaluations
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Governance & Councillor DevelopmentGood governance / councillor conductVEC Electoral ReviewIncrease skill level of councillors
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* * 755
Council electionsElection CostLength of caretaker periodStrategic planningMAV State CouncilCouncillor remunerationCertified councillor trainingRelationship between MAV & LGProDiversity of councillorsVoting inequities MAV membersAccountabilityTraining on the Winky Pop court decision
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332221111111
Planning & BuildingImplementation of rural zones * * * * * * * * 8State planning for growthLand use
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* 42
Sustainable developmentLocal planningDeveloper contributionsGreen wedgesSubdivisionsCity entertainment precinctsUrban developmentEstablishment of housing in rail corridorsFeedlot codeGrowth areas
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221111111
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
Human Services & Public HealthHousing affordabilityEarly yearsAged care
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* * 533
Public library fundingChildcareEarly intervention for children’s servicesCost of human servicesEducationHomeless
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* 211111
InfrastructureInfrastructure renewalFreight infrastructure
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* 98
Roads funding/R2R * * * * * 5Sport, community infrastructureInfrastructure AustraliaStreet lightingVicRoadsNatural gas extensionRoad freight
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221111
TransportPublic transport * * * * 4Community transportCongestionPassenger rail transportPeak oilCouncil car fleets
Environment
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WaterClimate change and renewable energy
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* 1312
Weed managementCoastal issuesWaste managementNorth-South pipeline
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* * 4222
Natural resource managementAgricultureDomestic Waste Water
Emergency Management& Community Safety
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DroughtAlcohol related violenceLaw and order
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GamblingEmergency managementBushfires
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Community DevelopmentCommunity viabilityDemographic changeRegional developmentPopulation mobilityCommunity Indicators Victoria
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22211
Workforce and Professional DevelopmentStaff recruitment / workforce shortages * * * * * * * * * 9
Collaboration & Capacity BuildingCollaboration and resource sharing * * * * * 5Community expectations around council servicesProcurement
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Communications & MarketingImage of local governmentFreshen up communication with membersRate increasesCommunicationCustomer service
State Government too centralisedMAV structure and governanceStronger MAV advocacyAbolish the statesHold MAV meetings outside of work hoursIntegration of sustainability agenda
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* 31111
222111
InsuranceQuality of risk management adviceInsurance cost savings
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* 21
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
ACTION ITEMS
The MAV’s strategic work plan includes issues of a long-term and short-term focus. Accordingly,many issues identified in previous strategic work plans remain, while issues that have beenresolved in 2007-08 are replaced by new priorities.
To clearly document the flow of actions in the strategic plan, the following table illustrates thoseissues from the Strategic Work Plan 2006-07 which will be incorporated in the Work Plan for 2007-08, the completed issues, and priority issues identified through the regional planning meetings thatwill be incorporated into the Work Plan.
Strategic objectives have been defined for each policy domain following the widespread planningand consultation process undertaken by the MAV. All items in the subsequent action plan for eacharea have been aligned to the achievement of the relevant objective.
As outlined previously, the work plan of the MAV will evolve throughout the year as new issuesemerge. The MAV Board of Management and the State Council will guide this evolution.
1. FinanceStrategic Objective: To strengthen local government funding and finances to ensure long-termsustainability for the sector
Complete Ongoing NewNational Funding Support the ALGA Continue to support the Work with the ALGA and
Federal Electioncampaign for theestablishment of acommunity infrastructurefund
Australian LocalGovernment Association(ALGA) in its campaignfor an improvedescalator for theFinancial AssistanceGrants, theestablishment of acommunity infrastructurefund, and a continuationof Roads to Recoverybeyond the currenttranche of fundingContinue to collect andanalyse and report to thesector at least annuallythe financial state ofVictorian localgovernment
councils on a position forfederal funding ofcouncils with the newFederal Government
Local GovernmentRevenue Raising
Prepare a submission tothe Productivity
Seek to identifyalternative sources of
Provide advice tocouncils about the
Commission (PC) reviewof local government
taxation for localgovernment
implications of the PCreview and its effect on
revenue raising onbehalf of the sector
Examine the policyimplications of thecapacity to pay rates
the campaign for betterfunding support to localgovernment
research undertaken bythe MAV
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
Complete Ongoing NewIntergovernmentalAgreement (IGA)
Establish protocols andpractice to support the
Support the ALGAConstitutional
implementation of theIGA
Recognition for LocalGovernment campaign
Ensure there areprocesses to monitor theapplication of the IGAComplete the
Participate in theConstitutionalConvention in December2008
development of theState-based IGA
Identify the incidence ofcost shiftingAdvocate for a clearerallocation ofresponsibilities betweenthe spheres ofgovernment
CommonwealthReform Agenda
Work with the ALGA toadvocate for payments
Examine theopportunities for local
for reforms under theNew Reform Agenda
government toparticipate in the Councilof AustralianGovernments’ (COAG)work on theCommonwealth reformagendaWork with the ALGA toexamine opportunitiesfor local government toreceive payments forreforms under the COAGagenda
Fire Services Levy(FSL)
Continue to advocateagainst the significantescalation of the FSL
Revaluations and RateIncreases
Undertake acommunications
Implement strategies toincrease the media and
campaign onrevaluations
community’sunderstanding of
Advocate for a three-year valuation cycleCollect data on rateincreases and positionrate increases in thecontext of long-termfinancial sustainabilitychallenges
revaluations
Local governmentefficiency
Examine factorsaffecting cost escalationin local governmentExamine priority areasfor improving localgovernment efficiency
Rate rebate for ECDeclared Councils
Represent the concernsof councils in thereimbursement of therate rebate paid to ECeligible ratepayers
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
Complete Ongoing NewSuperannuationpayback
Investigate the feasibilityof returning excess fundsfrom the defined benefitsfund
Gas pipeline rating Examine the feasibility ofundertaking an advocacycampaign on gas andutilities pipeline rating
Review of Local RoadGrants
Water Rights andRates
Represent the interestsof Victorian councils inthe review of theinterstate distribution oflocal roads grants
Complete the projectwith councils and theDepartment ofSustainability andEnvironment on waterunbundlingAdvocate on behalf ofcouncils for a financialcommitment thatsupports affectedcommunities
2. Governance and Councillor Development
Strategic Objective: To strengthen the skills, knowledge and capacity of local government’selected representatives and workforce
Complete Ongoing NewCouncillor conduct Advocate for the Provide advice and
adoption of the MAVpreferred model toresolve governancebreakdowns in councils
guidance to councilsabout the Better LocalGovernanceamendments to theLocal Government Actincluding processesabout councillor conductpanels
Legislative amendments Provide an integratedand proactive approachto dealing with theimplementation oflegislative changecritically affecting localgovernment
Good Governance Assist councils to Ensure adequateidentify strategies toencourage and supportgood governance withinternal and external
‘model’ policies andguidelines for goodgovernance areavailable to councils
policies, programs andseminars
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
Complete Ongoing NewCouncillorRemuneration
Develop a sectorposition for the
Provide ongoing councilsupport to implement
councillor remunerationreview
changed councillorallowance processesfollowing outcomes ofthe review
Councillor Census Undertake a census of Conduct a census toat least 90 per cent ofVictoria’s councillors tounderstand thedemographic profile ofelected officials andappropriately targetsupport for councillors
understand thedemographic profile ofelected officialsfollowing the 2008 localgovernment elections.
Electoral RepresentationReviews
Examine the operationof the first iteration ofthe electoralrepresentation reviews
Election reforms Examine options to Support councils inreform local governmentelections to reduce thecosts borne by councils
electoral serviceprovider issues andopportunitiesComplete the electoralservices tenders
Councillor DevelopmentProgram
Offer advanced andfoundation media
Ensure professionaldevelopment offering
training
complements theIntegrated PerformanceFramework forCouncillors as it evolvesProvide, upon request,any training programoffered by the MAV atthe council’s preferredlocation
Prospective and NewCouncillor Training
Provide an extensiveand extended programof training for new andexperienced councillorsEstablish a websiteproviding information tonew and prospectivecouncillorsProvide informationsessions for prospectivecandidates
State Council VotingEntitlements
Consult with individualcouncils to ensure allissues pertaining toState Council votingentitlements areconsidered and optionsaddressed
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
3. Environment
Strategic Objective: To ensure local government has effective practices and processes thatprotect and enhance the environment
Complete Ongoing NewClimate Change &Renewable Energy
Complete a study ofclimate change and
Engage and representVictorian local
develop localgovernment casestudies
government toparticipate in a nationalapproach to achievingemission reductionsUndertake the LocalGovernmentEnvironment Survey toidentify currentstrategies, programsand projects, andperceived priorities forfuture MAV and councilactivitiesAdvise councils on thelikely implications ofclimate change on theiractivities
Water Represent the sector’s Advocate to theperspective on variousgovernment committeesand consultationprocesses onstormwater, domestic
Commonwealth andState on behalf of localgovernment in relationto issues about watersupply
wastewater, floods anddrainage and alternativewater sourcesComplete a study onlocal government
Participate in the EPAreview of onsitedomestic wastewatermanagementframework.
resourcing for domesticwaste water to informpending regulatoryreview
Planning andEnvironment
Continue to integrateland use planning and
Undertake a scopingproject to investigate
regional catchmentplanning
options to achieve betterenvironmental outcomesfrom the planningsystem
Weed Management Continue to advocate forclarification to theCatchment and LandProtection Act to ensurelocal government is notburdened with theresponsibility to manageroadside weeds
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
Complete Ongoing NewNative Vegetation Support councils Represent council views
through the rollout of the‘New Approach’ tonative vegetationmanagement, includingthe development ofreferral agreements
in the upcoming reviewof the Native VegetationFramework
Local government as arole model forsustainability
Reflect the sector’sperspective on localgovernment
Support theSustainability Victoria’sSustainability in Local
sustainability throughthe Minister for theEnvironment’s LocalSustainability AdvisoryCommittee
GovernmentFramework, which aimsto make environmentalsustainability withincouncils and theircommunities easier
Coastal issues Provide on-going Advocate on behalf ofsupport to coastalissues in Port Phillip Baythrough the Associationof Bayside Municipalities
councils throughmembership on thesteering committee forthe Future Coasts:Preparing Victoria’sCoasts for ClimateChange projectContribute to the reviewof the Victorian CoastalStrategy
Waste Management
Develop a sectorposition on theeffectiveness of theNational PackagingCovenant in the lead upto the 2008 mid-termreviewAddress resourcerecovery expectations ofratepayers for servicesin rural areasAssist rural councils todeal with the increasingregulatory burden ofwaste managementDevelop a localgovernment position onthe land fill levy when itis reviewed
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
4. Planning and Building
Strategic Objective: To support and strengthen local government to fulfil its planning functionsand to improve the planning system, processes and practices, for improved natural and built-formoutcomes in Victoria.
Complete Ongoing NewRural and RegionalPlanning
Provide input to theDepartment of Planning
Advocate for policyresponses to resolve the
Ensure rural andregional councils are
and CommunityDevelopment (DPCD)rural planning grantsprogram
findings of the RuralZones planning projects,particularly relating topriority issues facing
engaged in the FutureFarms initiative
Provide opportunities forcapacity building forregional councilsthrough participation inthe Melbourne 2030local governmentreference group
rural councilsSupport councils in theplanning andmanagement of ruralland and regional growthImplement projects toimprove the capacity ofcouncils to apply thenew format Rural Zonesand support the planningand management ofrural land
Metropolitan Planning Advocate for increased Convene and support Develop a framework tosupport from the StateGovernment indeveloping infrastructure
the Melbourne 2030local governmentreference group
improve council andcommunity engagementwith urban issues
to support Melbourne2030Identify council concerns
Conduct issue specificforums on place-makingand integrated transport
around land use anddevelopmentAssess and optimise
about Melbourne 2030 planning implications for councils
and makerepresentations to theState about theseconcernsAdvocate for planningprocesses and controlsto improve integratedtransport outcomes forurban areasUtilise the Melbourne
Explore housing issuesfocussing onaccessibility, housingdiversity and affordabilityEnsure that GAA workinforms and adds valueto directly affectedcouncils as well assector knowledge
arising from theMinister’s response tothe Melbourne 2030Audit Expert GroupreportEnsure council input tothe structure of theUrban Growth Zone andthe Precinct StructurePlanning process
2030 review to exploresub-regional economic,retail and employmentfunctions
Advocate localgovernment issues inthe establishment phasethrough the Growth AreaEstablishment Taskforceand the Growth AreaAuthority (GAA)
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
Complete Ongoing NewPlanning Reform Examine the role and Lobby to ensure that Support council input to
structure of localplanning policy
planning fees meetcouncil costs
Cutting Red Tape andMaking Local Policy
Pursue opportunities tosimplify processes for
Participate in theDevelopment
Stronger projectsConvene the local
councils to modify and Assessment Forum government referencetailor ResCodeprovisions
Advocate for ongoingreform, improvementand resourcing of the
group for planning feesreviewRepresent the interest of
Victorian PlanningSystem and Planningand Environment Act
councils in the plannedreview of the Planningand Environment Act
Represent the interestsof local government inany attempt to alignstate-local planningpolicySupport the stakeholder,technical reference andlocal government reviewgroups
Assist councils indeveloping responses tothe consultation on thenew Residential Zonesdrafting processEnsure that ResCodeprovisions align withnew zone objectives andcan be readily varied inschedules to zones
Developer contributions Examine options to fund Explore opportunities toinfrastructuredevelopment throughdeveloper contributionsand betterment levy
commission research onoptions to improvefunding for urban andinfrastructure services
schemes Lobby to improve theprocesses and increasethe limits on developercontributions
Sustainability planning Develop information Develop a localresource for councils government
Advocate for regulatoryreformParticipate in drafting“Your Development”guide
sustainability websiteDevelop support for ahigh level working groupon environmentallysustainable design(ESD) in the planningand building system
Participate in theVicUrban SustainabilityIndicators industryinitiative
Aboriginal Heritage Actand RegulationsImplementation
Monitor impactsassociated withintroduction of new Act
Contribute to scopingand undertaking of the12 month review of
and associatedregulations
implementation ofAboriginal Heritage
Support transition, Regulationsmonitoring of impactsand possible review ofimplementation ofAboriginal Heritage Act
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
5. Human Services and Public Health
Strategic Objective: To strengthen local government’s ability and capacity to provide for thesocial wellbeing of communities
Complete Ongoing NewHousing Update the MAV Facilitate mechanisms Participate in projects
publication Housing:Your basic infrastructure– A toolkit for localgovernment housingpolicies and strategies
and opportunities withthe Federal and Stategovernments, housingassociations and theprivate sector to assistlocal government todevelop affordablehousing through placebased planning
aimed at planning forhousehold andpopulation growth
Early Years Advocate for affordable, Extend the use ofaccessible and qualitychildcare
Municipal Early YearsPlans as the basis for
Advocate for funding tosupport localgovernmentkindergarten andchildcare servicesWork with councils tomaintain and renewearly years strategiesAdvocate for fundingsupport for integration ofchildren’s servicesStrengthen partnershipswith key stakeholders to
the development of theearly childhood servicesystem in VictoriaParticipate in theimplementation of theCOAG early childhoodreformsRepresent localgovernment inprogressing theBlueprint for EarlyChildhood Developmentand School Reform
achieve betterintegration of children’sservices at the locallevel.
Work with metropolitancouncils to strengthenthe effectiveness of theirplanning and servicedelivery for youngfamiliesAdvocate for capitalfunding for early yearsinfrastructure,particularly kindergarteninfrastructure
Maternal and ChildHealth (MCH)
Review the outcomes ofthe Memorandum of
Negotiate the signing ofan updated MCH MOU
Understanding(MOU)between the MAVand Department ofHuman Services (DHS)for the MCH service,pending the outcomes ofthe costing study
Advocate for greaterState funding support forMCH services
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
Complete Ongoing NewPositive Ageing Support the effective Promote the principles
delivery of positiveageing strategies andgrants to councilprojects
for positive ageingacross councils andadvocate on behalf oflocal government forcommitment to andfunding of a range ofservices needed tocreate environments forpositive ageing withinlocal communities
Home and CommunityCare (HACC)
Advocate for improvedfunding and service
Support councils toimplement new HACC
standards for HACC service models Review trends in
councils’ financialcontribution
Library funding Advocate for greater Convene an event topublic library funding develop a local
government position onthe issues facing publiclibraries
Disability servicesprovision and advocacy
Advocate for a BuildingAccessibility Standard,
Develop a quantitativeassessment of current
Build strategies andsupports to enable
such as thosesuggested in theAccessible HousingTaskforce
accessibility in localgovernment anddevelop a costed actionplan for making councilbuildings and facilities
councils to deliveragainst the fouroutcome areas underthe (Victorian) DisabilityAct 2006
Indigenous
accessibleResolve localgovernmentresponsibility for busstop compliance underthe DisabilityDiscrimination Act
Advocate for theimplementation of thedraft Access toPremises standard, asrecommended by theAccessible HousingTaskforce
Encourage councils tofly the Aboriginal Flagon the day of theFederal Government’sapology to demonstratelocal government’scommitment toreconciliation betweenIndigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
Public Health Develop a local Influence the drafting of Establish an advisorygovernment position onthe VictorianCompetition andEfficiency Commissionreview of food safety
legislative amendmentsto the Food Act 1984proposed to beintroduced intoParliament in 2008
group to consider thenext tobacco serviceagreements that willdisseminate fundingprovided by the
regulation Represent the interestsof local government in
Department of HumanServices
the development of theproposed Public Healthand Wellbeing Bill
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
Complete Ongoing NewDiversity – Multicultural
Support localgovernment tostrengthen and furtherdevelop its capacity toaddress, embrace andengage with culturaldiversity.Support councils inpromoting cohesive andharmoniouscommunities and goodcommunity relations
6. Infrastructure
Strategic Objective: To support and enhance local government’s provision, renewal andmaintenance of sustainable local roads, infrastructure and integrated transport systems
Complete Ongoing NewAsset ManagementCapacity Building
Integrate asset renewalfunding gap data with
Apply the Step Programmethodology, which
financial statements ofcouncils
improves council assetmanagement practices,
Document case studieson council efforts inasset management tobuild the case foradditional asset renewalfunding support
to the roadway leadingup to railway crossingsand resolve assetmanagement issuesSupport councils todeveloping interfacesafety agreements withrail operators
Implement the new“Star Rating” Level ofService Framework intocouncil reportingpractices of all assets inall asset classes
Road Management Act Participate in the reviewof the RoadManagement Act andadvocate for outcomesto support localgovernment
Sport and communityinfrastructure
Undertake technicalwork to develop
Advocate to secureongoing funding and
Advocate for funding toexpand a pilot interface
strategies to droughtproof sporting groundsand community
resource support toassist councils droughtproof sports facilities
program documentingalternative water supplydata
infrastructure and communityinfrastructure
Create an AlternativeWater Supply Atlasdetailing non-potablewater access, usage,location and assetmanagement data
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
Complete Ongoing NewNational Road Funding
State infrastructure
Build a case for a thirdround of Roads toRecovery funding(beyond the Mark IIextension to 2013)Assist ALGA inadvocating for Roads toRecovery mark IIIWork with eightVictorian regions todevelop regionaltransport plansAssist ALGA toprogress the NationalLocal Road Dataframework (joint projectbetween the MAV andLocal GovernmentAssociation ofQueensland (LGAQ) toimprove sector roaddata quality
Advocate to improve thestandard of stateinfrastructure
7. Transport
Strategic Objective: To enhance and support local government’s advocacy and delivery ofimproved mobility and transport for the community
Complete Ongoing NewTransport Coordinate a local Advocate for the Work with councils to
government position onthe East West LinkNeeds Assessmentreview and facilitate
implementation of theMAV Transport Strategyand SustainableTransport Action Plan
develop a sectorposition to the EastWest Link NeedsAssessment
opportunities forcouncils to meet withthe study teamProvide further
Continue to advocatethe interests of localgovernment on issues oftraffic congestion in
recommendationsExamine council fleetvehicle policies toidentify how councils
opportunities fortransport alliances tomeet to progress issuesof common interest
Melbourne and regionalVictoria
balance local industrysupport & environmentalconsiderationIdentify innovativecouncil practices injourney to work policies
Community transport Examine options toprogress community-based transport with theDepartment ofInfrastructure; theDepartment of Planningand CommunityDevelopment and otherkey stakeholders
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
Complete Ongoing NewCongestion
Disabled Parking
Develop a localgovernment position oncongestion issues
Partner the StateGovernment to reformand enhance theDisabled PersonsParking Scheme
Freight Progress statewide Advocate for investmentroute connectivityimprovements for B-double trucks through
in the rail freight networkand support for a railfreight operator
the MAV Truck ImpactWorking Group project
Develop a localgovernment position onthe improvement of theVictorian freight networkDevelop a sector-wideposition on the future oflarge trucks in Victoriato inform the state’sfreight challenges
8. Emergency Management and Community Safety
Strategic Objective: To support local government’s community safety and emergencymanagement roles that contributes to the protection of local communities.
Complete Ongoing NewEmergencyManagement
Pandemic Planning
Community Safety
Drought
Continue to advocate fora more clearly definedlocal government role inemergencymanagement, includingnecessary legislativeamendments
Advocate for the role oflocal government inState andCommonwealth plansfor avian influenzapandemic planningAssist councils toundertake their ownpandemic planning andpreparedness activities
Work with the LocalGovernment DrugIssues Forum tofacilitate informationsharing betweencouncils and to promotesuccessful strategies inmanaging local drug andalcohol issues
Represent the interestsof councils and theircommunities that areaffected by drought
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
9. Community Development
Strategic Objective: To strengthen connections and engagement between councils and theircommunities
Complete Ongoing NewLighthouse Project(Community planningand wellbeing project)
Implement communityplanning initiativesthrough the Lighthouse
Deliver the BEAR(Business Expansionand Retention)
program Program across Advocate for greater
alignment between Stateand MAV communityplanning activities
councils following theconclusion offacilitator trainingsessions for councilsImplement a newLighthouse module tomaximise youthinvolvement incommunity planning
Small town viability
Deliver the Small TownsProgram with RegionalDevelopment VictoriaRepresent the interests ofthe Rural CouncilsVictoria groupAdvocate for improvedhealth services in ruralcommunitiesBuild the economiccapacity of councils andassist them to deliverdeeper relationships withbusiness, industry andcommunity leader tostimulate local economies
10. Workforce and Professional Development
Strategic Objective: To support the attraction, retention and development of local government’sworkforce
Complete Ongoing NewWorkforce Planning Run an HR conference, Continue progressing Undertake a local
including a workshop oncreating the local
workforce recruitmentand retention strategies
government employmentre-branding strategy
government workforcebrand
on behalf of the sectorContinue the workforce
Examine the effect ofthe employment re-
planning advisorygroups
branding strategy forexpansion to other
Deliver two ‘localgovernment villages’ atcareer fairs to build the
initiatives that improvethe image of localgovernment
image of councils asemployers
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
11. Collaboration and ImprovementStrategic Objective: To advance innovation and reform of business practices through localgovernment collaboration and utilisation of economies of scale
Complete Ongoing NewCollaborative networks Participate in Councils Extend the participation
Reforming Businessinitiative to identify
of the Swift librarymanagement project
collaborative localgovernment projects
Deliver clever networksproject (MMV)
Procurement
Continue to supportmaterials and servicesprocurement for librariesPursue opportunisticprocurement prospectsfor the sector
Future of LocalGovernment
Draft the threeframeworks on localgovernmentaccountability,performance andregional cooperation
Accountability Framework: Work with councils to
complete at least onecommunity plan by endof 2008
Ensure input of keystrategic communitypriorities (as identifiedby councils) to the StateCabinet Roundtable
Cooperation Framework: Complete scoping and
business cases forcollaboration initiativesidentified by MAVregions
Performance Framework:
Continue developing theframework for sign-offby councils in late 2008Implement the TopTeams program in 2009
Other priorities:
Produce a documentspecifying core role ofVictorian localgovernmentSeek the involvement ofother state associationsin the FoLG process
Regulation reduction Complete EasyBiz Contingent on funding,expansion andinstallation
explore extension ofEasyBiz to remainingcouncils
ICT Commence agreed Explore collaborativeprojects in the localgovernment ICTstrategy
and innovativeopportunities for servicedelivery in regionalVictoria usingBroadband and ICTtechnologies
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09
12. Insurance
Strategic Objective: To offer a range of insurance products which meet appropriate prudentialstandards at the lowest possible cost and tailored to the needs of councils
Complete Ongoing NewRisk Coverage Assess the potential risk
exposure of councilsand appropriate levels ofcover, including ananalysis of the risk ofcatastrophic loses
Civic Mutual Plus
Fidelity
Examine options todeliver significantpremium reductions forthe Civic Mutual Plusscheme whilepreserving underwritingsecurityDeliver significantpremium reductions forthe CMP scheme for the2008-09 financial year
Provide fidelityinsurance to councils
Civic Workers Plus Assist councils toreduce WorkCover coststhrough theestablishment of CivicWorkers Plus
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