Economically sound councils
Key issues: COVID-19 recovery for communities and councils; financial capacity
COVID recovery
Current situation
The longer-term impacts of the last two years of the pandemic are becoming evident – there’s joy as communities re-connect with others and get out and about. Serious economic and social impacts are also coming into sharp focus. Many shopfronts in local precincts still closed and those businesses which are open struggling to source skilled staff.
What we need from the state government
- A local government-specific workforce development program generating local employment opportunities and addressing key local government workforce skill deficits
- Reduce duplication by using existing local government conduits to generate increased economic development and innovations which benefit local businesses
- Immediate rollout of the Social Inclusion Action Groups recommended by the Victorian Royal Commission into Mental Health to support for people with mental health needs connect with people and organisations close to where they live and work
- Support for reconciliation and strong constructive relationships between councils and local Aboriginal communities, including a capacity building program for councillors to partner with Victorian Traditional Owners
- An investment in new local, place-based creative industries strategies, which support collaboration and identify local priorities for investment; and an expansion of Creative Victoria’s Regional Partnerships program to enable new entrants from regional and outer-suburban areas
- Restore funding to the Building Inclusive Communities program to local government to support the State Government’s delivery of the Victorian Disability Plan through place-based approaches and involvement of local people, groups, businesses and services.
Financial capacity
Current situation
Rising expenses and the ongoing rate capping system pose an increasing challenge to the financial sustainability of councils. In turn, this negatively impacts the vital services and infrastructure delivered on behalf of the community.
What we need from the state government
- No shifting of new or additional costs and responsibilities to local government without ensuring adequate and ongoing resources to meet them
- Reform the rate capping system to support rather than hinder the ongoing financial sustainability of councils
- Renegotiate agreements for co-funded services that over time have shifted an increasing burden to councils.