2008-09 strategic plan€¦ · Web viewMunicipal Association of Victoria. Strategic Work Plan. 2008-2009. MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09. SUMMARY. The MAV Strategic Work Plan for

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.

1


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.

2


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

*********

***

222111111

Governance & Councillor DevelopmentGood governance / councillor conductVEC Electoral ReviewIncrease skill level of councillors

***

***

***

***

***

* * 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

************

*****

**

332221111111

Planning & BuildingImplementation of rural zones * * * * * * * * 8State planning for growthLand use

**

**

**

**

* 42

Sustainable developmentLocal planningDeveloper contributionsGreen wedgesSubdivisionsCity entertainment precinctsUrban developmentEstablishment of housing in rail corridorsFeedlot codeGrowth areas

**********

**

221111111

3


Human Services & Public HealthHousing affordabilityEarly yearsAged care

***

***

***

* * 533

Public library fundingChildcareEarly intervention for children’s servicesCost of human servicesEducationHomeless

******

* 211111

InfrastructureInfrastructure renewalFreight infrastructure

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

* 98

Roads funding/R2R * * * * * 5Sport, community infrastructureInfrastructure AustraliaStreet lightingVicRoadsNatural gas extensionRoad freight

******

**

221111

TransportPublic transport * * * * 4Community transportCongestionPassenger rail transportPeak oilCouncil car fleets

Environment

*****

11111

WaterClimate change and renewable energy

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

* 1312

Weed managementCoastal issuesWaste managementNorth-South pipeline

****

****

* * 4222

Natural resource managementAgricultureDomestic Waste Water

Emergency Management& Community Safety

***

111

DroughtAlcohol related violenceLaw and order

***

***

**

**

442

GamblingEmergency managementBushfires

***

111

4


Community DevelopmentCommunity viabilityDemographic changeRegional developmentPopulation mobilityCommunity Indicators Victoria

*****

***

22211

Workforce and Professional DevelopmentStaff recruitment / workforce shortages * * * * * * * * * 9

Collaboration & Capacity BuildingCollaboration and resource sharing * * * * * 5Community expectations around council servicesProcurement

**

* 21

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

*****

******

*

***

* 31111

222111

InsuranceQuality of risk management adviceInsurance cost savings

**

* 21

5


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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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

7


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

8


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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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

10


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

11


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)

12


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

13


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

14


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

15


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

16


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

17


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

18


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

19


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

20


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

21

2008-09 strategic plan€¦ · Web viewMunicipal Association of Victoria. Strategic Work Plan. 2008-2009. MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2008-09. SUMMARY. The MAV Strategic Work Plan for

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