http://vanilla.clients.squiz.net/news-rssVanilla Site Template RSS Feed2017-02-20T00:00:00Zhttps://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/state-election-2018/councils-seek-action-to-improve-the-economy-and-liveability-17may182018-05-17T09:09:21+11:00Councils seek action to improve the economy and liveabilityVictorian councils are calling on all political parties to commit to 42 actions ahead of the November state election that will grow Victoria’s economy, improve liveability and support stronger communities.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/state-election-2018/parliament-urged-to-oppose-reforms-that-will-hurt-communities-19jun182018-06-19T13:18:37+11:00Parliament urged to oppose reforms that will hurt communitiesThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is calling on political parties to oppose four elements of the Local Government Bill when the reforms are debated in Parliament this week.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/state-election-2018/equal-access-to-local-services-needed-for-all-victorians-27jun182018-06-27T09:38:25+11:00Equal access to local services needed for all VictoriansIn the lead up to the November state election, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is calling on political parties and candidates to commit to election policies that ensure communities have equal access to local services regardless of where they live.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/time-to-action-wasted-landfill-levy-opportunities-27jul182018-07-27T09:38:25+11:00Time to action wasted landfill levy opportunitiesThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has welcomed the release of a report by the Victorian Auditor General into the use of State landfill levies, with many of the findings reflecting concerns raised by local government in recent years.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/state-election-2018/call-for-state-political-parties-to-improve-liveability-31jul182018-07-31T09:03:52+11:00Call for State political parties to improve liveabilityLocal government is calling on political parties to commit to actions that will improve liveability for all Victorians in the lead up to November’s state election.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/kindergarten-campaign-2016-17/permanent-kindergarten-funding-needed-07aug182018-08-07T13:04:45+11:00Permanent kindergarten funding neededThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has serious concerns about the future access and quality of four-year old kindergarten facing Victorian families amid renewed calls for the Turnbull Government to continue its share of early childhood education funding.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/state-election-2018/call-for-political-parties-to-improve-assets-for-the-future-20aug182018-08-20T15:00:20+11:00Call for political parties to improve assets for the futureAhead of the upcoming November state election, local government is urging all political parties to commit to improving Victoria’s assets to help grow our economy and strengthen community safety.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/state-election-2018/population-plan-needed-to-improve-regional-liveability-10sep182018-09-10T09:28:24+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - Population plan needed to improve regional liveabilityLet’s talk people, or more particularly population. Melbourne’s is going gangbusters, our regional centres are just doing okay, while many of our more regional and rural areas struggle to attract and retain sustainable population levels in their towns.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/kindergarten-campaign-2016-17/kinder-investment-welcome-but-four-year-olds-still-at-risk2018-10-04T16:15:39+11:00Kinder investment welcome but four-year olds still at riskThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has cautiously welcomed a proposal from the Victorian Government to deliver an extra funded year of kindergarten for three-year olds, despite Federal funding for four-year old kindergarten programs only promised until the end of 2019.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/state-election-2018/call-for-political-parties-to-support-stronger-communities-08oct182018-10-08T09:26:45+11:00Call for political parties to support stronger communitiesThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has called on all political parties contesting the November state election to support initiatives that make local communities stronger, more resilient and better connected.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/recycling-crisis-was-a-wake-up-call-06oct182018-10-06T10:36:53+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - Recycling crisis was a wake-up callWhen the recycling crisis hit in February it caught many off guard. Yet this crisis has arguably been decades in the making and delivered an important wake-up call.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/pokies-reform-previous-campaign/mav-opinion-editorial-rules-overhaul-needed-to-reduce-pokies-pain2018-11-02T11:15:45+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - Rules overhaul needed to reduce pokies painThe community pain from pokies losses is soaring. It’s causing devastating harm to people across rural and regional Victoria. From relationship breakdowns, family violence and mental illness to increased crime rates and loss of life.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/kindergarten-campaign-2016-17/mav-opinion-editorial-preschool-rite-of-passage-under-threat2018-12-01T11:19:37+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - Preschool rite of passage under threatAs a mother, I ensured my kids got the best access to quality education to set them on a path to a bright future.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/library-funding-previous-campaign/celebrate-library-lovers-day-embrace-a-life-of-books2019-02-14T09:38:30+11:00Celebrate Library Lovers Day: Embrace a Life of BooksToday is Library Lovers Day and councils in Victoria are celebrating books, libraries and the staff who help to sustain local communities with a wide range of library services and resources that contribute to our social and economic wellbeing.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/recycling-industry-volatility-continues2019-02-15T12:59:42+11:00Recycling industry volatility continuesThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is calling for consideration to be given to greater State Government oversight of the recycling industry amid today’s notice by the Environment Protection Authority to stop two Melbourne sites from receiving recyclable materials.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/recycling-crisis-state-and-national-leadership-and-action-urgently-needed2019-02-25T09:18:14+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - Recycling crisis: State and National leadership and action urgently neededLast February, China’s ‘National Sword’ policy to restrict imports of some recyclables set off a chain reaction that exposed how vulnerable our recycling system is.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/rescue-our-recycling-action-plan-launched2019-03-07T12:15:32+11:00Rescue Our Recycling Action Plan launchedThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has launched a Rescue Our Recycling Action Plan, which sets out five key actions each level of government should take to help solve our recycling crisis.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/big-infrastructure-spend-fails-to-deliver-for-our-recycling-system2019-05-27T16:42:06+11:00Big infrastructure spend fails to deliver for our recycling systemThe 2019 Victorian Budget spends big on jobs and infrastructure for Victoria, but does not deliver the level of investment urgently needed to strengthen our fragile recycling system.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/victorian-government-announces-recycling-reviews2019-06-04T15:25:51+11:00Victorian Government announces recycling reviewsThe past 18 months have shown us that Victoria’s recycling system is fragile, unsustainable and in need of urgent reform and investment.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/mav-opinion-editorial-what-the-e-waste-ban-means-for-you2019-07-08T12:22:59+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - What the e-waste ban means for youDid you know 1 July marked the start of the Victorian government’s ban on e-waste going to landfill, which affects all Victorians?https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/mav-response-to-skm-recycling-story2019-07-15T09:27:56+11:00MAV response to SKM recycling story Cr Coral Ross, MAV President said one of the critical actions identified in our Rescue Our Recycling Action Plan is greater oversight of the recycling industry by the State Government.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/reiterating-the-roadmap-to-rescue-our-recycling-system2019-07-15T17:01:04+11:00Reiterating the roadmap to rescue our recycling systemThe latest challenges facing SKM again highlight the ongoing vulnerability of Victoria’s recycling industry, which has faced three crises in the past 18 months.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/statement-on-funding-support-for-communities-devastated-by-bushfire2020-01-14T08:43:21+11:00Statement on funding support for communities devastated by bushfire The State Government today announced $7.3 million in funding for three Victorian councils to coordinate and drive bushfire recovery efforts for their communities.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/new-disaster-response-human-resource-sharing-database2020-01-17T10:51:37+11:00New disaster response human resource sharing databaseTo streamline the process for inter-council human resource sharing during this and future emergencies, the MAV has established an online Human Resource Sharing Database.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/local-government-recognised-in-australia-day-honours-list2020-01-28T13:23:09+11:00Local government recognised in Australia Day Honours ListWe would like to offer our sincere congratulations to the individuals recognised in the Australia Day 2020 Honours List for their work in Victorian local government as well as their numerous other endeavours.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-opinion-editorial-its-time-victorians-got-waste-wise,-otherwise-our-future-is-just-rubbish2020-02-10T09:48:02+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - It's time Victorians got waste wise, otherwise our future is just rubbishFor too long, waste has been a problem we start thinking about when choosing which bin to put something in. As the level of government responsible for collecting household waste, councils see first-hand that this is unsustainable. We need urgent action to reduce the levels of waste we produce and get the most out of our resources through reuse and recycling.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-statement-on-city-of-casey-dismissal2020-02-18T17:46:29+11:00MAV Statement on City of Casey dismissalThe Minister for Local Government’s decision to dismiss Casey Council is the first step in the process of restoring community trust.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/statement-on-container-deposit-scheme-and-four-bin-system2020-02-24T23:23:37+11:00Statement on Container Deposit Scheme and four-bin systemThe Municipal Association of Victoria welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement of a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) for the state.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/how-the-new-gender-equality-act-will-make-communities-safer-and-stronger2020-03-13T09:26:49+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - How the new Gender Equality Act will make communities safer and strongerWhen it comes to achieving equality, there is often an assumption that things happen automatically once society becomes aware of the problem. However, evidence and experience shows this is not the case, and those who have been working to address gender inequality welcomed the passing of the Gender Equality Bill into Victorian law on Thursday, 20 February 2020.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-statement-on-whittlesea-city-council-dismissal2020-03-17T12:13:34+11:00MAV Statement on Whittlesea City Council DismissalThe State Government’s decision following the report of the independent monitor is an opportunity for Whittlesea Council to start the process of rebuilding trust with their community.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/covid-19-update-for-mav-key-stakeholders2020-04-16T16:14:45+11:00COVID-19 update for MAV key stakeholdersIn order to protect the MAV workforce and support social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, MAV staff and contractors have been asked to work from home and limit face-to-face external engagements until further notice.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/delivery-curfews-are-not-impacting-supermarket-stock2020-03-20T08:59:53+11:00Delivery curfews are not impacting supermarket stockThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) says Victorian councils are working closely with the State government, supermarkets, transport companies and the community to address increased consumer demand in our supermarkets.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/council-meeting-changes-needed-to-protect-community2020-03-24T14:47:29+11:00Council meeting changes needed to protect community The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is calling on the Victorian Government to urgently make changes to council meeting requirements to enable meetings to take place online.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/how-councils-are-supporting-their-communities-through-coronavirus2020-04-06T09:41:13+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - How councils are supporting their communities through coronavirusWhat an extraordinary and challenging year it has been for Victorian communities so far. First, the bushfires that did so much damage to parts of the east and north-east of our state, and now an unprecedented global health crisis in the form of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. These really are testing times.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-welcomes-legislative-changes-to-enable-councils-to-meet-electronically2020-04-23T19:24:47+11:00MAV welcomes legislative changes to enable councils to meet electronicallyThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) welcomes the passing of legislation today that enables council meetings to be conducted electronically.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/councils-and-covid-192020-04-30T16:30:49+11:00Councils and COVID-19Victoria’s 79 councils are playing an important role in working with their communities and the State Government in responding to COVID-19.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/treasurer-leaves-council-staff-high-and-dry2020-05-06T16:26:00+11:00Treasurer leaves council staff high and dryThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) says the Victorian Government’s announcement today that council workers will be ineligible for State funding assistance for public sector workers is disappointing and frustrating.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/election-announcement-disappointing2020-05-15T16:13:51+11:00Election announcement disappointingThe Victorian Government’s decision to go ahead with the general council elections this year is disappointing, says the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/victorian-maternal-and-child-health-service-continues-to-operate2020-05-21T11:12:01+11:00 Victorian Maternal and Child Health Service continues to operateThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is reassuring young families that all Victorian councils’ Maternal and Child Health Services continue to operate during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/councils-welcome-federal-funding-boost-for-local-government2020-05-22T16:18:48+11:00Councils welcome Federal funding boost for local governmentThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to funding the vital work councils do to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-opinion-editorial-family-violence-support2020-05-25T10:03:21+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial – Family Violence Support Living, working and socialising from home has become our new normal, but for some of us, home is not the safe haven it should be.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/councils-support-coag-call-for-long-term-preschool-funding2020-05-26T16:50:15+11:00Councils support COAG call for long-term preschool fundingThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) supports the call from the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to lock in long-term funding for kindergartens.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/victorian-local-government-recognised-in-queens-birthday-honours2020-06-09T16:59:19+11:00Victorian local government recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours The Municipal Association of Victoria extends its congratulations and thanks to all current and former Victorian local government recipients of this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding service and commitment to their communities.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-and-local-government-support-artists2020-06-17T12:24:20+11:00MAV and Local Government support artistsLocal Government is committed to the creative sector and supports all art forms at all levels across the State.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/welcome-to-the-new-local-government-minister-the-hon-shaun-leane-mp2020-06-23T12:22:02+11:00Welcome to the new Local Government Minister, the Hon. Shaun Leane MPThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) extends its congratulations to the newly-appointed Minister for Local Government the Hon. Shaun Leane MP and looks forward to a strong and collaborative partnership.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-opinion-editorial-an-invitation-to-women-stand-for-council2020-07-02T15:04:33+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - An invitation to women: Stand for council, stand for community, stand for changeFor women’s voices to be heard, they must be represented in every part of society, up to the highest levels of power.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/how-councils-are-helping-to-feed-people2020-07-02T15:12:52+11:00How councils are helping to feed people who don’t know where their next meal is coming fromBeing able to feed yourself and your family is a fundamental human right.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-renews-call-for-state-government-to-defer-local-government-elections2020-07-10T10:00:07+11:00MAV renews call for State Government to defer local government electionsThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is once again calling on the State Government to defer this year’s council elections due to the ongoing negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on councils, communities and local businesses.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/call-it-out-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence-in-victoria2020-07-17T16:06:40+11:00Call it Out: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in VictoriaResearch tells us that violence often spikes in times of disasters. Imagine being isolated and forced to stay home with an abusive partner. The stark reality for many women and children is that life has only got worse over the past few months.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-opinion-editorial-the-link-between-the-arts-and-wellbeing2020-08-14T16:53:05+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - The link between the arts and wellbeingArts and culture are an important part of our physical, mental and social wellbeing. With the close connection councils have to their communities, they know about this indelible link and are integrating arts and culture into areas like business development, early childhood development, mental health and crime prevention.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/statement-from-the-president-of-the-municipal-association-of-victoria2020-08-19T17:35:05+11:00Statement from the President of the Municipal Association of VictoriaThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is disappointed by the announcement by the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Shaun Leane MP, of the Victorian Government’s decision not to defer the state’s council elections.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/councils-call-for-funding-support-to-increase-walking-and-cycling-opportunities2020-08-28T10:00:52+11:00Councils call for funding support to increase walking and cycling opportunitiesThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is encouraging the Victorian Government to make the most of a rare opportunity to increase safe walking and cycling options for the community.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-opinion-editorial-councils-delivering-in-a-digital-world2020-09-14T11:25:38+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial – Councils delivering in a digital worldOver the last six months, most, if not all, of us have become more reliant on technology to do our jobs, connect with loved ones and access goods and services. Video-calls and conferencing have become a daily activity for many, offering a vital opportunity to work and see the faces of our colleagues, family and friends. The fact the pandemic hit at a time of digital innovation and fast-moving technological development is one small mercy.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/spring-into-school-holidays-with-council-online-activities2020-09-17T18:22:01+11:00Spring into school holidays with council online activitiesWith the school holidays fast approaching, Victorian councils are providing local families with a range of fun activities for the kids!https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-president-councillor-coral-ross-not-standing-for-re-election2020-09-22T16:22:28+11:00MAV President Councillor Coral Ross not standing for re-electionMunicipal Association of Victoria (MAV) President Councillor Coral Ross has announced she will not stand for re-election at the Victorian local government elections on 24 October.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-technology-awards-for-excellence-2020-winners-announced2020-10-13T13:16:51+11:00MAV Technology Awards for Excellence 2020 winners announcedThe MAV Technology Awards for Excellence recognise outstanding team and individual efforts in the use of technology to improve service delivery and efficiency to local government organisations or communities.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/councils-welcome-temporary-changes-to-state-planning-laws2020-10-22T15:36:28+11:00Councils welcome temporary changes to state planning lawsThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) welcomes the Victorian Government’s decision to provide exemptions in the planning system to facilitate outdoor dining across the state.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/collection-network-critical-to-container-deposit-scheme-success2020-11-02T15:55:44+11:00Katherine LeonardCollection network critical to container deposit scheme successThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) welcomes the release of the Victorian Government’s discussion paper on the design of the container deposit scheme.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/state-landfill-levies-what-a-waste!2015-10-29T16:30:39+11:00State landfill levies - what a waste!Councils and landfill operators are due to collect almost $175 million in State landfill levies this year, yet much of the money collected in previous years remains unspent by the Victorian Government.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/diversity-on-the-up-in-victorian-councils2020-11-13T14:05:07+11:00MAV Communications UnitDiversity on the up in Victorian councilsThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) extends its congratulations to all of the successful candidates in the 2020 council elections.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/opportunity-for-increased-participation-by-councils-in-recovery-planning2020-11-23T09:08:06+11:00Opportunity for increased participation by councils in recovery planningVictoria’s re-opening and recovery, following the COVID-19 pandemic, will be the top priority of the Municipal Association of Victoria’s newly appointed interim President, Cr Josh Gilligan.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/victorians-are-encouraged-to-consider-what-respect-means-to-them-during-the-16-days-of-activism2020-11-23T16:29:28+11:00Victorians are encouraged to consider what respect means to them during the 16 Days of ActivismIn 2020, the MAV is again supporting Respect Victoria to deliver its Respect Women: ‘Call It Out’ campaign from 25 November to 10 December to coincide with the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/commitment-to-rebuild-communities-welcomed2020-11-25T12:12:08+11:00Commitment to rebuild communities welcomedThe 2020/21 Victorian Budget’s strong focus on supporting communities and businesses, as they rebuild in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been welcomed by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/international-day-of-people-with-a-disability2020-12-03T09:47:13+11:00International Day of People with a DisabilityWith 1 in 5 Victorians experiencing a disability, Victorian councils play a large role in advocating for, and supporting those, to have better access to community participation.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/mav-opinion-editorial-working-together-to-keep-community-safe2020-12-15T12:09:01+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - Working together to keep community safeIt goes without saying that 2020 has provided many challenges.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2020-news/missed-opportunity-to-reform-the-victorian-local-government-rating-system2020-12-21T16:13:58+11:00Missed Opportunity to Reform the Victorian Local Government Rating SystemThe Victorian Government’s response to the Local Rating System Review has only gone some of the way to providing much-needed taxation reform, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) declared today.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/mav-opinion-editorial-staying-on-top-of-water-safety-this-summer2021-01-11T09:31:32+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - Staying on top of water safety this summerJanuary is usually the time many of us allocate for some much-needed respite, to enjoy catch-ups with family and friends and take the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and everything that Victoria’s regions have to offer.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/plan-ahead-for-sustained-heat2021-01-22T14:05:26+11:00Plan ahead for sustained heatIt’s going to be hot and dry on Sunday and Monday. While it’s tempting to spend time outdoors, extreme heat can impact your health and under hot conditions fires can run and take hold.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/MAV-President-and-regional-Board-members-elections-20212021-01-22T16:22:08+11:00MAV President and regional Board members elections 2021In accordance with the MAV Rules 2013, the elections for MAV President and the 12 regional Board members of the MAV Management Board are being held on 5 March 2021.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/COVID-19-Update2021-02-12T16:17:20+11:00COVID-19 UpdateIn line with the public health advice there will be a stage four lockdown in place from 11.59pm today for the next five days, until next Thursday or further advice from the State Government. Please see the Statement from the Premier of Victoria.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/MAV-President-and-Management-Board-Elections-20212021-02-15T11:08:06+11:00MAV President and Management Board Elections 2021The list of candidates, in ballot paper order, for the MAV President and Management Board elections is available on the Victorian Electoral Commission's MAV President and Management Board Elections 2021 page.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/call-to-improve-recycling-and-reduce-litter2021-02-15T16:28:21+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - Call to improve recycling and reduce litterWith the shift to takeaway dining, especially during lockdown last year, it seems a lot of the messaging about avoiding waste and using reusable cups and containers has been forgotten.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/cr-clark-elected-as-new-president2021-03-10T12:20:59+11:00Cr Clark elected as new PresidentThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is pleased to announce that Cr David Clark, of Pyrenees Shire Council, has been elected President for the next two years.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/a-call-for-local-government-representation-on-national-cabinet2021-03-11T09:05:27+11:00A call for local government representation on national cabinetA push to include local government representation on national cabinet has been welcomed by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) today.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/congratulations-to-the-finalists-of-the-2021-mav-technology-awards-for-excellence2021-04-07T10:13:43+11:00Congratulations to the Finalists of the 2021 MAV Technology Awards for ExcellenceTen Victorian councils are finalists in one or more categories in the 2021 MAV Technology Awards for Excellence. The annual awards recognise how councils are transforming and serving communities in the digital era.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/unprecedented-opportunity-to-fix-our-building-regulatory-system2021-04-08T14:01:17+11:00Unprecedented opportunity to fix our building regulatory systemSignificant changes to the building regulatory system are needed to improve community safety and address conflicts of interest, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) advocated today.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/vale-cr-malcolm-hole-a-man-of-the-people2021-04-14T16:12:45+11:00Vale Cr Malcolm Hole: A Man of the PeopleFormer MAV Board member and long-term Wellington Shire Councillor, Malcolm Hole, passed away over the weekend following an illness.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/container-deposit-scheme-design-a-win-for-communities2021-04-15T14:03:38+11:00Container deposit scheme design a win for communitiesVictorian councils and communities can celebrate a big win today with the announcement of the final design for Victoria’s container deposit scheme, said the Municipal Assocation of Victoria (MAV).https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/planning-the-development-of-regional-victoria2021-03-12T12:46:11+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - Planning the Development of Regional VictoriaOne of the notable changes to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is the number of Victorians seeking a different lifestyle.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/mav-opinion-editorial-significant-step-towards-gender-equality2021-04-10T12:53:54+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - Significant step towards gender equalityVictoria took a significant step forward in achieving gender equality with the Gender Equality Act 2020 coming into effect last week – the first of its kind in any jurisdiction in Australia.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/victorian-councils-win-top-tech-awards2021-05-06T15:20:04+11:00Victorian Councils Win Top Tech AwardsOne of the smallest councils in Victoria and Australia, Yarriambiack Shire Council, contested strong competition from larger metropolitan councils nationally to clinch two awards for excellence at the 2021 MAV Technology Conference.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/mav-calls-for-increased-road-safety-funding-ahead-of-road-safety-week2021-05-14T15:49:09+11:00MAV calls for increased road safety funding ahead of Road Safety WeekThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is calling on the Victorian and Australian governments to better fund councils to deliver safety improvements on local streets and roads, ahead of Road Safety Week.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/Op-Ed-An-unprecedented-opportunity-to-fix-our-building-regulatory-system2021-05-19T15:06:45+11:00MAV Opinion Editorial - Unprecedented opportunity to fix our building regulatory systemThe release of the Framework for Reform discussion paper by the Victorian Government’s independent expert panel looking at Victoria’s building regulatory system presents the opportunity for a huge win for local communities.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/investment-in-mental-health-and-jobs-welcomed2021-05-21T13:31:29+11:00Investment in mental health and jobs welcomedA spotlight on mental health and jobs as the two key areas of investment in the 2021/22 Victorian Budget has been welcomed by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/covid19-update-27-may-20212021-05-27T16:18:06+11:00COVID-19 Update - 27 May 2021In line with advice from the public health team, the MAV Office at 60 Collins Street, Melbourne, will be closed from 11.59pm today until 11.59pm on 3 June or until further advice from the State Government.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/support-for-communities-during-covid-19-restrictions2021-06-11T15:33:36+11:00Regional Op Ed - Support for communities during COVID-19 restrictionsVictoria’s continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic has provided challenges at many levels. The crisis continues to touch every corner of the State.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/regional-op-ed-david-clark-holistic,-long-term-approach-to-road-safety-is-needed2021-07-12T12:22:15+11:00Regional Op Ed - Holistic, long-term approach to road safety is neededThese school holidays have been a great opportunity to take a winter break.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/tackling-ageism-in-our-communities2021-08-12T09:22:23+11:00Regional Op Ed - Tackling Ageism in our communitiesAgeism may not be a word you are familiar with, but it does impact people of all ages within our communities, particularly older people and young people.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/councils-keen-on-role-to-assist-infrastructure-plan-delivery2021-08-20T17:45:19+11:00Councils keen on role to assist infrastructure plan deliveryPlans for infrastructure that improves social equity and connectedness and protects natural resources, as outlined in Infrastructure Victoria’s Infrastructure Strategy 2021 – 2051, are welcomed by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/everyone-benefits-from-everyone-having-a-home2021-09-14T15:38:51+11:00Regional Op Ed - Everyone benefits from everyone having a homeCouncil involvement in the Victorian Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build is a no-brainer.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/call-for-councils-and-communities-to-tackle-ageism2021-09-30T15:03:52+11:00Call for councils and communities to tackle ageismThe Municipal Association of Victoria is supporting a state-wide campaign to reduce ageism in our community.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/engagement-with-councils-on-emergency-management-is-vital2021-10-15T17:22:01+11:00Engagement with councils on emergency management is vitalThe public release of the second phase report from the Inspector-General for Emergency Management’s (IGEM) independent inquiry into the 2019-20 Victorian fire season has been acknowledged by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/Advanced-Notice-of-Tender-Liability-Mutual-Insurance-Scheme-Service-Providers2021-10-20T10:50:43+11:00Advanced Notice of Tender Liability Mutual Insurance Scheme Service ProvidersMAV Insurance (Liability Mutual Insurance) will soon test the market to ensure value for money for members through an open and transparent tender process for its next insurance service provider (or providers).https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/prepare-for-this-summer-and-avoid-a-tragedy2021-10-16T14:16:17+11:00Regional Op Ed - Prepare for this summer and avoid a tragedyThe arrival of daylight savings, warmer weather and a vaccination-led easing of the COVID-19 public health restrictions means there is a lot to look forward to this summer.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/message-from-the-mav-president2021-10-29T16:18:39+11:00Message from the MAV PresidentThe UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow presents a critical opportunity for world leaders to come together to commit to meaningful action on climate change.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/circular-economy-bill-right-destination-wrong-path2021-11-11T15:50:22+11:00Circular Economy Bill: Right destination, wrong pathOne size will not fit all Victorians for recycling services. That’s the message from the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) after the State Government’s Circular Economy Bill hit parliament in October.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/local-councils-connecting-community-to-government2021-11-15T09:38:08+11:00Local councils: connecting community to GovernmentAs the peak body for the local government in Victoria, MAV has watched with interest the reaction to the Mayor and council CEO wage data, collated by the Herald Sun this week. It is right that the data is publicly available through annual reporting and the Local Government sector in Victoria is proud of our transparency to rate payers.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/transparency-needed-now-and-into-the-future2021-11-26T09:29:31+11:00Transparency needed now and into the futureCommunity consultation has long been a key plank of Victoria’s planning system. It is an element of our system that is well-regarded nationally and internationally. Through their elected councillors, communities have a say, and always have had a say, in the development of the places they live.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/christmas-at-the-mav2021-12-02T09:36:39+11:00Christmas at the MAVIt's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and the MAV is sharing the spirit of the season.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/councils-at-the-forefront-of-family-violence-prevention2021-12-08T11:17:54+11:00Councils at the forefront of family violence preventionCouncils across Victoria can continue important work in the prevention of family violence with the release of the Free from Violence Local Government Program 2022-2025.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/why-getting-home-safely-matters-to-your-council2021-12-10T18:38:37+11:00Why getting home safely matters to your councilAsset management is a fundamentally important issue for local government and local communities. Ensuring the road your drive to get to and from home is well maintained or your local park is ready for a summer picnic are key council responsibilities.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/a-great-day-to-love-kinder2021-12-15T17:21:08+11:00A great day to #lovekinderLife can be unpredictable even when you’re four years old, so the announcement of a more-sustainable state and federal preschool funding agreement is wonderful news for young families and their communities across the state.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2021-news/regional-op-ed-2021-year-in-review2021-12-15T17:50:32+11:00Regional Op Ed - 2021 Year in ReviewIt goes without saying that 2021 has provided unprecedented challenge and social change.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/rate-cap-sets-benchmark-for-all-in-covid-recovery2022-01-20T12:30:29+11:00 Rate cap sets benchmark for all in COVID recoveryBy setting the 2022/23 rate cap at 1.75 per cent, the Victorian Government has set the benchmark for what all levels of government should be asking of their citizens as the Victorian economy moves into recovery mode over the next 18 months.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/the-good-the-bad-and-the-costly2022-02-18T16:00:11+11:00The good, the bad, and the costlyThe significant community investment in social housing that is required for Victoria will come from a narrow and often under pressure sector of the community, being new home buyers, as well as through rate increases for all Victorian ratepayers.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/councils-welcome-step-away-from-rates-exemption2022-03-02T08:50:13+11:00Councils welcome step away from rates exemptionVictorian councils are relieved today after the State Government confirmed the rates exemption for social and affordable housing is ‘off the table for good – it will not proceed under a re-elected Andrews Labor Government.’https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/respect-all-three-levels-of-government2022-03-16T09:28:51+11:00Regional Op Ed - Respect all three levels of governmentWith both Federal and State elections locked in for this year, the role of different levels of government will be magnified. One important element to this focus will be understanding how well each level works with each other, and why it is so critical that they do.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/flexibility-the-key-to-economic-recovery2022-03-29T14:57:01+11:00Flexibility the key to economic recoveryNo two councils in Victoria are the same. They all have their own unique budgets and face individual challenges after two years of COVID-19 pandemic, making flexible funding the key to economic recovery.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/local-communities-need-investment-to-continue-for-the-longer-term2022-04-01T09:12:23+11:00Local communities need investment to continue for the longer termIn announcing a budget headlined by responding to short-term financial pressures, the Federal Government has missed an opportunity to deliver further longer term benefits by investing in Victorian communities through councils.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/building-a-better-australia-together2022-04-06T08:46:23+11:00Building a better Australia, togetherWith the Federal election just around the corner, both major parties must look for new infrastructure funding that will support councils to create new jobs, deliver safer roads for all users and improve community wellbeing.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/local-infrastructure-key-to-connecting-communities2022-04-12T15:22:19+11:00Regional Op Ed - Local infrastructure key to connecting communitiesLocals know what locals need. That’s a catch cry that certainly rings true when it comes to roads and footpaths. Communities, through their elected council, have insights and local knowledge, and are best placed to understand their own transporthttps://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/local-projects-key-to-building-a-more-resilient-australia2022-04-13T15:14:00+11:00Local projects key to building a more resilient AustraliaAt the beginning of the twentieth century, Dorothea Mackella wrote ‘I love a sunburnt country … of drought and flooding rains.’ Unfortunately, as climate change takes hold, these aspects of Australian life are becoming increasingly dangerous in the twenty-first century.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/dont-leave-local-communities-behind2022-04-14T09:00:56+11:00Don’t leave local communities behindAs Federal Election campaigning kicks off in earnest today, the Municipal Association of Victoria is reminding all parties and candidates not to leave local communities behind.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/circular-economy-requires-national-action2022-04-20T09:19:55+11:00Circular economy requires national actionThere’s plenty of garbage spoken throughout election campaigns, but not nearly enough focus on the circular economy. The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is hoping to change that.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/community-deserves-a-voice2022-04-28T16:31:52+11:00Community deserves a voiceMany governmental decisions have a profound impact on communities. Therefore, it stands to reason that the level of government closest to community would have a seat at National Cabinet.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/five-key-budget-asks-from-local-government2022-05-02T09:46:43+11:00Five Key Budget Asks from Local GovernmentIn the handing down of its budget on 3 May, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is calling on the Victorian Government to better recognise the significant economic challenges faced by councils, following the sizeable loss of revenue from the mandated closure of facilities during the pandemic, together with the current rate cap and escalating operation and maintenance costs.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/turning-challenges-into-opportunities-its-time-for-state-government-to-partner-with-councils2022-05-04T09:52:33+11:00"Turning challenges into opportunities" - it's time for State Government to partner with councilsVictorian councils are likely to welcome the State Government’s pandemic repair plan but have identified the need for a more collaborative relationship between both tiers of government.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/state-arrives-late-to-party-demands-cake2022-06-09T09:08:36+11:00State arrives late to party, demands cakeHardworking Councils across Victoria yesterday received a kick in the guts by the Andrews Government, which has once again shown itself to be big on blame and little on responsibility and leadership.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/a-critical-service-for-all-new-parents2022-06-14T09:13:21+11:00Op Ed - A critical service for all new parents“They don’t come with an instruction manual”It’s a somewhat ominous old saying for many new parents that is ringing in their ears as they take their newborn baby home from hospital for the first time. Those first few weeks can be a daunting experience, often leaving many parents feeling out of their depth.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day2022-06-15T12:02:18+11:00World Elder Abuse Awareness DayAs many councils begin to change the way they deliver aged care throughout the community, they remain as passionate as ever about ensure positive ageing experiences for their constituents.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/local-government-to-xperience-the-evolution2022-06-21T15:11:52+11:00Local government to "Xperience the Evolution"Councils are uniquely placed to bring people together by leveraging the best in technology and there’s no better place to learn what’s hot in the tech world than MAV Technology’s ‘Xperience The Evolution Conference and Awards’ in August.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/lets-fix-building-regulation-not-handball-responsibility2022-06-23T17:16:53+11:00Let’s fix building regulation, not handball responsibilityA focus on practical reforms and addressing workforce shortages is key to improving the safety of all Victorians in their homes.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/lets-go-for-zero2022-07-21T11:36:03+11:00Let's go for Zero - Councils push for greater sustainability requirements for new developmentCouncils from across Victoria have joined forces to push for more sustainable design within planning requirements.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/op-ed-andrews-government-abandoning-local-communities-facing-increased-disaster-risk2022-08-05T14:25:57+11:00Op Ed - Andrews Government abandoning local communities facing increased disaster risk Now, more than ever, it is critical for governments of all levels to work together to support local communities staring down an increase in the risks posed by natural disasters.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/celebrating-councils-as-they-embrace-technology2022-08-12T15:38:48+11:00Celebrating councils as they embrace technologyAn app to manage waste collection proving anything but rubbish, modern customer management systems, digitalising historical documents and revolutionary open data exchange have been celebrated at MAV Technology’s awards night.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/OpEd-work-with-councils-on-in-home-care-evolution2022-08-19T12:54:55+11:00Op Ed - Work with councils on in-home care evolutionVictorian councils, through the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), have spent years warning both State and Federal Governments about how the move to marketise in-home aged care would put the strength of Victoria’s system at risk.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/make-this-election-count-vote-for-communities2022-09-23T10:06:36+11:00Make this Election Count: Vote for CommunitiesAs we race toward this year’s Victorian State Election, Victoria’s 79 councils are calling for local community aspirations to be at the forefront of your mind when you enter the ballot box.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/council-calls-for-financial-independence2022-10-03T09:15:58+11:00Council calls for financial independenceVictorian councils, together with the MAV, are repeating the call for the next State Government to better recognise the significant economic challenges faced by the sector.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/pushing-back-against-ageism-through-art2022-10-06T12:05:24+11:00Pushing back against ageism through artArt has been used for centuries to send powerful messages about society, so what better way to mark ageism awareness day on Friday, 7 October in our community than through an exhibition celebrating older citizens!https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/planning-for-a-changing-climate2022-10-12T09:33:34+11:00Planning for a changing climateUrgent amendments to the Victorian planning system are needed to help keep Victorian communities safe and resilient in a changing climate.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/long-term-community-service-celebrated2022-10-14T10:58:26+11:00Long term community service celebratedDo you remember busting a move to Kylie Minogue’s Locomotion? It was 1987 – 35 years ago – undoubtedly a long time in music, but an extraordinary length of time to have served your community.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/op-ed-other-states-see-through-victorias-plan-for-households-to-bear-cost-of-glass-recycling2022-10-21T10:01:45+11:00Op Ed - Other states see through Victoria’s plan for households to bear cost of glass recyclingLet communities cash in.That’s the message the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is sending the Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Action ahead of the Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brisbane today.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/op-ed-long-road-to-recovery-after-the-headlines2022-10-24T11:51:16+11:00Op Ed - Long road to recovery after the headlinesAs we've seen time and again, communities across the state pull together when disaster strikes. We saw it last week during the flooding across Victoria. Communities, emergency services, and council staff on the front lines are to be commended for their work in supporting those in need.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/survey-finds-kinder-building-blocks-arent-in-place2022-10-26T14:19:33+11:00Survey finds kinder building blocks aren’t in placeA house of cards. That’s what this year’s kinder reforms are built on as new data reveals just how much investment in infrastructure is needed to successfully implement the State Government’s overhauled program.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/positive-start-councils-will-look-to-build-on2022-10-27T09:24:48+11:00Positive start councils will look to build onLast night’s federal budget, the first handed down by new Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers, included significant positives for local government, headlined by a $250m expansion of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/mch-is-an-investment-worth-making2022-11-09T11:22:14+11:00MCH is an investment worth making Maternal and Child Health (MCH) is the most valuable early intervention service provided by Victorian local government, a service councils across the state have provided for more than 100 years.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/merry-christmas-from-the-mav2022-12-20T12:41:27+11:00Merry Christmas from the MAVOn behalf of our organisation, MAV President Cr David Clark and CEO Kerry Thompson wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/common-sense-approach-for-flood-damage-recovery2022-12-21T15:02:38+11:00Common sense approach for flood damage recoveryWith councils across the state still counting the cost of the extensive damage to local road networks from the recent floods, they are applauding a change to Victoria’s application of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements announced today.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/2022-news/modest-rate-increase-underlines-need-for-rate-cap-review2022-12-29T12:44:28+11:00Modest rate increase underlines need for rate cap reviewA modest increase in the rate cap announced today will at least avert the financial stress of the previous few years on Victorian councils. It is however short term relief and pressure will now be on The State Government to provide fair increases in its upcoming budget for the key services councils deliver on its behalfhttps://www.mav.asn.au/news/joint-media-release-urgent-funding-needed-to-address-australias-housing-crisis2023-02-24T11:05:10+11:00Joint media release - Urgent funding needed to address Australia’s housing crisisLocal government and community housing leaders are calling for urgent funding in the upcoming Federal Budget to address Australia’s affordable and social housing crisis.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/joint-media-release-bringing-local-government-back-to-the-table2023-02-22T12:32:46+11:00Joint media release - Bringing Local Government back to the tableThe Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) will be re-established.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/joint-media-release-permanent-funding-needed-to-future-proof-community-infrastructure2023-03-03T15:18:01+11:00Joint media release - Permanent funding needed to future-proof community infrastructureCouncils and public works engineers are calling for permanent funding in the upcoming Federal Budget to improve the liveability and productivity of Australian communitieshttps://www.mav.asn.au/news/mav-president-and-board-elected-for-next-two-years2023-03-06T16:18:39+11:00MAV President and board elected for next two years Cr David Clark has been re-elected as President of the Municipal Association of Victoria, alongside 10 board directors, after the MAV board election results were declared earlier today.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/steps-forward-on-building-reform,-but-challenges-remain2023-03-10T11:06:50+11:00Steps forward on building reform, but challenges remainMeaningful progress, but there’s plenty more to do. That’s how the Municipal Association of Victoria has described this week’s announcements on critical building reform.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/reforming-infrastructure-contributions-critical2023-04-05T08:57:36+11:00Reforming infrastructure contributions criticalVictorian councils are key players in the development and delivery of housing diversity and choice. After Infrastructure Victoria (IV) released its Our Homes Choices report, councils are renewing calls for a stronger partnership between state and local governments to meet Victoria’s growing housing needs.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/Transparency-must-stay-in-planning-system2023-04-20T14:58:17+11:00Transparency must stay in planning systemStatement from MAV President Cr David Clark: Planning should be about building and growing communities, not lining developers’ pockets. Any move by the State Government to sideline councils and communities from important planning decisions – as has been reported this week – would put at risk the transparency and effectiveness of the current system.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/protecting-people,-protecting-democracy2023-04-26T16:53:45+11:00Protecting people, protecting democracy Statement from MAV President Cr David Clark: Anyone from any community can participate in decision making at their local council. It’s what makes local government such a unique and integral part of our democratic system.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/inquiry-must-find-balance-for-councils-amid-cost-shifting2023-05-10T11:28:21+11:00Inquiry must find balance for councils amid cost shiftingCouncils work tirelessly to balance costs and service provision for their communities, with a far lower tax take than other levels of government. That’s why the MAV is pleased to see – and participate in – the State Upper House inquiry into Local Government Finances.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/stable-budget,-but-more-needed2023-05-11T10:18:30+11:00Stable budget, but more needed The Albanese Government has been cooperative in working to understand the challenges of local government since it came to office in 2022, and while councils didn’t lose in this week’s budget, neither was it the boost required.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/communities-to-benefit-from-councils-guide-to-prevent-family-violence2023-05-16T10:50:33+11:00Communities to benefit from councils’ Guide to Prevent Family ViolenceThis week the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), in partnership with the Victorian Government has released The local government guide for preventing family violence and all forms of violence against women. This Guide will support councils to further progress their important contribution to preventing family violence and all forms of violence against women in Victorian communities.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/local-government-come-together-to-protect-democracy2023-05-18T16:11:39+11:00Local government come together to protect democracyAbout 100 representatives from councils across the state came together today to discuss the rising levels of unpredictable and disruptive behaviour at council meetings over the last few months.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/wins-and-losses-for-local-communities-in-state-budget2023-05-23T16:52:59+11:00Wins and losses for local communities in State budgetThe 23-24 State budget includes some wins for local government, yet challenges remain for the delivery of council services cost shared with the State Government.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/kelly-grigsby-our-next-chief-executive-officer2023-06-01T11:21:04+11:00Kelly Grigsby - our next Chief Executive OfficerA highly experienced local government executive, Kelly Grigsby was announced as the next Chief Executive Officer at the Municipal Association of Victoria today.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/older,-not-alone-campaign-to-support-older-victorians-over-the-winter-months2023-06-07T07:09:41+11:00Older, Not Alone campaign to support older Victorians over the winter monthsCOTA Victoria, Seniors Rights Victoria, the Victorian Government, and the Municipal Association of Victoria have partnered for a new, winter-long campaign called Older, Not Alone.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/victorian-communities-miss-out-on-disaster-funding2023-06-30T12:04:35+11:00Victorian communities miss out on disaster funding In an extraordinary move, the Andrews Government has refused disaster funding from the Federal Government, leaving desperate communities to fend for themselves.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/one-year-on,-24-councils-still-waiting-on-minister2023-07-21T09:12:08+11:00One year on, 24 Councils still waiting on Minister One year after lodging an innovative planning scheme amendment with the State Government, twenty-four Victorian CASBE member councils are still waiting for a response from the Victorian Minister for Planning.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/spring-street-backrooms-dont-equate-to-more-transparency2023-07-27T15:03:49+11:00Spring Street backrooms don’t equate to more transparency For councils it is a relief to finally see IBAC’s Operation Sandon report released.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/better-off-with-betterment2023-08-18T12:41:20+11:00Better off with BettermentAfter almost a year of campaigning, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is pleased to see the State and Federal Government coming together to deliver a Council Priority Betterment Program.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/celebrating-mav-technology-award-winners2023-08-14T13:56:15+11:00Celebrating MAV Technology award winnersThe Local Government sector has come together to celebrate councils utlising the latest advancements in technology to enhance their services to community at MAV Technology’s Annual National Conference and Awards for Excellence.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/changes-afoot,-but-councils-must-remain-autonomous2023-09-14T15:03:03+11:00Changes afoot, but councils must remain autonomous By Cr David Clark – President of the Municipal Association of Victoriahttps://www.mav.asn.au/news/first-steps-taken-lets-walk-together2023-09-20T12:41:54+11:00First steps taken … let’s walk together Councils are fully committed to addressing the current housing crisis in an effective and timely manner.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/questions-to-be-asked-on-planning-scheme-changes2023-09-20T15:51:24+11:00Questions to be asked on planning scheme changes Alongside today’s housing statement, the State Government has gazetted significant changes to all planning schemes.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/mav-statement-on-premier-daniel-andrews2023-09-26T16:13:59+11:00MAV statement on Premier Daniel AndrewsThe Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, will be remembered as a leader of conviction and instrumental in social reform over his nine-year tenure.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/long-term-community-service-celebrated22023-10-13T11:58:34+11:00Long term community service celebrated Serving your community for the four year term of a council is a great honour for councillors. When terms extend to 10 years and beyond, it deserves recognition.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/planning-reform-needs-collaboration2023-10-20T09:17:26+11:00Planning reform needs collaboration A collaborative approach between State, Federal and Local governments is essential to achieve planning reforms that actually make a difference to the housing crisis.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/essential-climate-change-considerations-a-step-closer2023-11-30T16:00:22+11:00Essential climate change considerations a step closerLocal government has long been calling for increased climate change considerations to be included in Victoria’s planning system.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/merry-christmas-from-the-mav22023-12-21T11:36:45+11:00Merry Christmas from the MAVOn behalf of our organisation, MAV President Cr David Clark and Victoria's mayors wish everyone a Merry Christmas.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/disappointing-rate-cap,-system-needs-review2023-12-22T11:17:21+11:00Disappointing rate cap, system needs reviewThe difficult discussions councils across the state have been having with their communities are set to continue into the next financial year after the State Government’s rate cap announcement.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/victoria-must-act-now-on-climate-risk2024-01-11T16:21:00+11:00Victoria must act now on climate riskThe publication of the Port Phillip Bay Coastal Hazard Assessment today provides another stark reminder of the very real risks and challenges Victorians face as result of climate change.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/certainty-important-as-we-head-towards-elections2024-02-15T20:23:56+11:00Certainty important as we head towards elections Statement from MAV President Cr David Clarkhttps://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/rate-capping-update-30jan152015-01-30T00:00:00+11:00Rate Capping updateLast week we invited all CEOs to advise us by the end of January if your council is not currently represented, but would like to participate, on our Finance and Rate Capping Taskforce.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/regular-review-into-the-ongoing-impact-of-rate-capping-welcome-28may152015-05-28T00:00:00+11:00Regular review into the ongoing impact of rate capping welcomeThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) welcomes six monthly reviews into the ongoing impact any rate capping measure will have on council operations, services and infrastructure, as well as the local communities they serve.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/esc-rate-capping-submission-28may152015-05-28T00:00:00+11:00Essential Services Commission rate capping submissionThe MAV has provided a draft submission to the Essential Services Commission (ESC) on the rate capping framework.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/mav-submission-to-rate-capping-inquiry-16jul152015-07-16T00:00:00+11:00MAV Submission to Rate Capping InquiryThe MAV has made a preliminary submission to the Environment and Planning Committee’s inquiry into rate capping.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/councils-work-hard-to-keep-rates-low-24jul152015-07-24T00:00:00+11:00Councils work hard to keep rates lowVictorian councils have worked hard this year to keep the average rate increase to a 10-year low of 3.8 per cent, or $67, while still providing more than 100 vital community services and maintaining $73 billion of infrastructure and assets.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/rate-capping-taskforce-update-27aug152015-08-27T00:00:00+11:00Rate Capping Taskforce updateThe MAV’s Rate Capping Taskforce met last week to discuss the draft Rates Capping and Variation Framework from the Essential Services Commission (ESC), and inform the MAV’s submission to the ESC process.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/submission-to-esc-draft-rates-capping-and-variation-framework-02sep152015-09-02T00:00:00+11:00Submission to ESC draft Rates Capping and Variation FrameworkThe MAV provided a submission to the Essential Services Commission’s (ESC) draft Rates Capping and Variation Framework last week.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/rate-capping-legislation-22oct152015-10-22T00:00:00+11:00Rate Capping LegislationThe Local Government Amendment (Fair Go Rates) Bill 2015 provides substantial autonomy to the Minister for Local Government to establish the detailed features of the rate capping system. The Bill does not specifically require the imposition of a rate cap; rather it provides a legislative base to establish a cap.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/rate-capping-report-released-10dec152015-12-10T00:00:00+11:00Rate capping report releasedThe Legislative Council’s Environment and Planning Committee has released its first report into the State Government’s rate capping policy.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/rate-cap-short-term-gain-longer-term-pain-22dec152015-12-22T00:00:00+11:00Rate cap = Short term gain + longer term painCouncil rates linked to the Consumer Price Index may seem like a win for ratepayers, but could deliver a sting in the tail when the impacts of the Victorian Government’s 2.5 per cent rate cap are felt down the track.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/councils-look-to-reverse-state-cost-shifting-15feb162016-02-15T00:00:00+11:00Councils look to reverse State cost shiftingWith 75 per cent of Victorian councils committed to the State Government's 2.5 per cent rate cap, tough conversations with communities are occurring so councils can trim their budgets.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/inquiry-told-cap-on-rates-will-hurt-those-who-can-least-afford-it-10mar162016-03-10T00:00:00+11:00Inquiry told cap on rates will hurt those who can least afford itWith rate capping only a few months away, the MAV has made it clear that communities will be negatively impacted.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/stand-for-council-2017/stand-for-council-campaign-launch-22apr162016-04-22T00:00:00+11:00Stand for Council campaign launchThe MAV has invited governance and communications staff from member councils to the launch of our Stand for Council campaign on 5 May.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/stand-for-council-2017/dont-stand-back-stand-for-council-05may162016-05-05T00:00:00+11:00Don't stand back - stand for councilPassionate community members who want to have a greater say in future decisions at the local level should consider standing for council at the 22 October elections.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/mav-response-to-esc-rate-cap-variation-decisions-31may162016-05-31T00:00:00+11:00MAV response to ESC rate cap variation decisionsThe ESC has just released its decision on rate cap variations sought by nine municipalities.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/mav-response-to-parliamentary-inquiry-into-rate-capping-report-07jun162016-06-07T00:00:00+11:00MAV response to rate capping reportThe Environment and Planning Standing Committee of the Victorian Parliament has released its second report on its Inquiry into Rate Capping.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/stand-for-council-2017/survey-reveals-councillor-election-motivations-28jun162016-06-28T00:00:00+11:00Survey reveals councillor election motivationsA Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) survey of successfully elected councillors has revealed the most common reasons that motivated them to stand for council and their campaigning tips for election hopefuls.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/stand-for-council-2017/information-is-key-for-council-election-candidates-18-july-162016-07-18T00:00:00+11:00Information is key for council election candidatesPeople interested in standing for council should engage with key community leaders, according to results from a new Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) survey.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/rate-capping-advocacy-05aug162016-08-05T00:00:00+11:00Rate capping advocacyThis week the MAV met with Peter Brown who has been commissioned by the Essential Services Commission to undertake an independent review of its rate capping variation process.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/stand-for-council-2017/be-the-voice-of-your-community-15aug162016-08-15T00:00:00+11:00Be the voice of your communityThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is encouraging community-minded citizens to put up their hand to influence the future of their community, with the opening of nominations for the 22 October council elections only four weeks away.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/stand-for-council-2017/dont-hesitate-nominate-14sep162016-09-14T00:00:00+11:00Don't hesitate, nominateThe election race gets underway tomorrow with nominations opening on 15 September for Victorian council-hopefuls, following a successful campaign by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to increase community interest in standing for council.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/stand-for-council-2017/record-numbers-ready-to-run-the-election-race-21sep162016-09-21T00:00:00+11:00Record numbers ready to run the election racePassionate citizens are ready to represent their communities, with 2135 candidates running in the 22 October council elections, an increase of 6.5 per cent since the last elections in 2012.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/rate-cap-double-standard-sets-councils-on-path-to-service-cuts-19dec162016-12-19T00:00:00+11:00Rate cap double standard sets councils on path to service cutsThe State has ignored warnings from councils, the MAV, a Parliamentary Inquiry, the Auditor General and irrefutable evidence from independent assessments of rate cap regimes in other states to set a lower rate cap for councils in 2017.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/rate-capping-what-the-government-didnt-tell-you-30jun162016-06-30T00:00:00+11:00Rate capping – what the Government didn’t tell youWhile most Victorian councils have confirmed their intention to not raise rates above the State’s 2.5 per cent rate cap from 1 July, the Government hasn’t been upfront about how individual ratepayers will be impacted.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/state-property-taxes-rise-dark-side-of-rate-capping-revealed-20oct152015-10-20T00:00:00+11:00State property taxes rise, dark side of rate capping revealedNew data has revealed that Victorians faced an average State tax increase of almost six per cent every year for the last decade, while analysis shows NSW rate caps have devastated the local infrastructure.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/kindergarten-campaign-2016-17/15-hours-of-kindergarten-27oct162016-10-27T00:00:00+11:0015 hours of kindergarten advocacyOur push for continued Federal funding for 15 hours of kindergarten has ramped up recently, in an effort to secure ongoing funding before the current funding ends in just over 12 months.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/recycling-storm-to-have-costs-of-living-impacts-16feb182018-02-16T00:00:00+11:00Recycling storm to have costs of living impactsThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is warning that China’s ban on certain types of recycling material could see all Victorians facing a rate increase above the State-imposed rate cap.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/kindergarten-campaign-2016-17/15-hours-kindergarten-funding-secured-till-2019-06feb182018-02-06T01:00:00+11:0015 hours kindergarten funding secured till 2019The Turnbull Government has announced funding for Victorian children to receive early childhood education through to 2019, with $440 million nationally for 15 hours kindergarten each week for four-year olds.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/mav-presents-at-rate-capping-inquiry-hearing-07sep172017-09-07T12:49:34+11:00MAV presents at rate capping inquiry hearingThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has told a Parliamentary inquiry that a reduction in State and Federal Government funding combined with the two per cent rate cap has left small rural councils struggling to maintain local services and assets.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/vago-to-investigate-landfill-levy-09jun172017-06-09T12:48:19+11:00VAGO to investigate landfill levyFollowing extensive lobbying by councils and the MAV, the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office plans to assess whether the landfill levy system is being managed transparently and is meeting its intended legislative objectives.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/kindergarten-campaign-2016-17/funding-win-for-kindergartens-but-uncertainty-remains-10may172017-05-10T15:44:07+11:00Funding win for kindergartens, but uncertainty remainsThe MAV welcomes news that Victorian children can continue accessing 15 hours of kindergarten a week in 2018, but remains concerned about the long-term future of the partnership funding arrangement.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rescue-our-recycling-2015/wasted-opportunity-on-landfill-levy-spending-04may172017-05-04T12:51:58+11:00Wasted opportunity on landfill levy spendingThe recent State Budget revealed that the government is draining landfill levy revenue to pay for projects unrelated to waste reduction or recycling.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/state-election-2018/mav-response-local-government-bill-exposure-draft-21mar182018-03-21T15:02:02+11:00MAV response: Local Government Bill Exposure DraftThe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) response to the Local Government Bill exposure draft has welcomed many of the proposed reforms, but also raised a number of concerns including an expanded use of regulation, electoral structures, conflict of interest provisions, and a failure to properly review the rating system.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/kindergarten-campaign-2016-17/kinder-funding-campaign-31jan172017-01-31T00:00:00+11:00Kinder funding campaignThe MAV is increasing its advocacy efforts to ensure the Federal Government includes its share of funding for 15 hours kindergarten in the 2017/18 May Budget.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/rate-capping-passed-in-victorian-parliament2015-12-04T00:00:00+11:00Rate capping passed in Victorian ParliamentLast week the Local Government Amendment (Fair Go Rates) Bill was passed in Victorian Parliament without amendment. It was disappointing that the Bill received unanimous support from the Opposition. The Greens voted against it.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/rate-capping-campaign-2015-17/fair-go-rates-reference-group-rate-capping-04jun152015-06-04T15:37:55+11:00Fair Go Rates Reference Group: rate cappingOur CEO recently attended the first meeting of the Local Government Sector Reference Group, established by the State Government.https://www.mav.asn.au/news/campaign-news-items/kindergarten-campaign-2016-17/kindergarten-funding-progress-update-29mar182018-03-29T00:00:00+11:00Kindergarten funding progress updateWhilst the extension of funding under the National Partnership for Universal Access to Early Childhood Education is secured until the end of 2019, MAV advocacy to ensure an enduring Commonwealth funding arrangement continues.