Cr Bill McArthur, MAV President said there was significant investment in roads, bridges, street lights and other local facilities used on a daily basis by communities. This funding helps to restore the balance of State investment, given councils have increasingly been relying on ratepayer contributions.

"Rural and regional councils will get access to both the $100 million Local Government Infrastructure and $100 million Putting Locals First programs over the next four years as part of the first $500 million Regional Growth Fund commitment.

"We’re also pleased to see 40 rural councils will receive the first $40 million this year as part of the $160 million Country Roads and Bridges Fund.

"Local roads comprise 85 per cent of the state’s entire road network and this boost will improve councils’ maintenance and renewal programs, which have traditionally only received Commonwealth funding support.

"The MAV welcomes the $20 million Green Lights Plan, commencing this year to assist councils replace the state’s 330 000 local road street lights with energy efficient lighting technologies.

"This responds to a specific local government election request and with some councils ready to proceed with their bulk changeovers, the funding is a great green step forward.

"Additional capital funding for other community infrastructure including sport and recreation facilities, kindergartens, public libraries and public safety is also welcomed. However, appropriate operational funding for public libraries continues to elude local government.

"Victoria’s libraries are a vital and popular community resource with 2.57 million members. For them to keep pace with rapidly changing technology needs of communities such as access to the internet, e-books, DVDs and other IT products, the State Government’s recurrent contribution must increase by at least $10 million a year.

"The Government is also congratulated for its individual transport project commitments, but is yet to clarify how or when an integrated Victorian transport vision will replace Labor’s 2008 plan. An updated approach must also link with the new planning policy for Melbourne.

"It’s pleasing to see $9.7 million to develop the metropolitan planning strategy, plan for regional growth, and coastal settlement adaptation plans. These are needed to provide certainty and clarity for councils and communities by articulating the Government’s big picture vision and to support implementation.

"Local government is more than a stakeholder - it’s a crucial partner to fund and deliver integrated land use planning and transport, and can provide vital input into their development at the State level.

"We’re looking forward to genuine engagement by the Minister for Planning with the MAV and councils as a matter of priority to ensure local government can plan and manage local needs and growth," he said.

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Contact MAV President, Cr Bill McArthur on 0437 984 793 or MAV Communications on 03 9667 5521.