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Councils key to implementation of State budget

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The 24-25 Victorian budget may be missing many major showstopper headlines but does serve as a reminder of just how critical it is for the State Government to work collaboratively with councils to successfully implement its agenda.

The critical, ongoing support to local communities outlined in the budget can only come to fruition in partnership with councils and our sector stands ready.

Funding support for disaster recovery, Maternal and Child Health services, and local roads and intersections will all rely on significant input from councils.

The size and speed of the Best Start, Best Life early childhood education reforms had presented challenges in workforce and infrastructure for councils in previous budgets. The MAV is pleased our advice has been heeded and the future rollout will be more gradual. Councils remain fully committed to the reforms, but this more measured approach will allow the best possible services to be provided to our communities.

It’s not our only advocacy win in early years, with another two years of increased funding to strengthening participation for CALD children in kindergartens – a program councils have been thrilled to deliver in partnership with the State Government.

The sector is also pleased to see the injection of funding and focus on women’s safety. Councils – via the Free From Violence Local Government Program – are  already demonstrating vital leadership as partners in the prevention of violence against women.

The Budget also highlights the financial sustainability challenges councils currently face in Victoria. Throughout its budget material, the State Government is at pains to point out the 22 percent increase in infrastructure costs – an even more challenging weight to bear for local government with rates capped at just 2.75 percent.

While the infrastructure challenges across the state are clear, councils are pleased to see the commitment to the 10-year roads program, with $964m to be contributed in the 24/25 budget.

And despite the rate cap, rates notices will rise significantly due to the State increasing total Fire Services Levy revenue by 22 percent next year and raising the landfill levy by 30 percent the following year, revenue which goes directly to the State Government.

What we liked:

  • School crossing supervisor funding for next two years
  • Strengthening VBA to increase inspectors and auditors by 50 percent
  • An extra $28m to boost nursing workforce capacity – a major pain point for MCH services

Questions – and ongoing MAV advocacy:

  • Growing Suburbs Fund, which funds important infrastructure projects in emerging communities, further cut to just $5m, reduced by 90 percent in the past two years
  • Are we preparing to adapt to a changing climate? Particularly on resilient infrastructure, with no announcement for things like Betterment funding
  • Need to ensure local government expertise and networks are built upon and utilised through partnership to address primary prevention of violence against women