Shaping the Future of Local Government in Victoria The Changing Environment for Local Government MAV 2012

Introduction Why the interest in the Future of LG? We live in a time of dramatic transformations Shifting lines of power Information Age Decline of the Oil Age Job of government is more complex Silos are collapsing Front line needs improvisation/innovation Citizens want more local control

Introduction LG issues The urgent crowds out the important: LG sector does not have strategic capability All the big decisions are taken by other Govts. LG is reactive LG in monopoly position: driver for performance? LG has focus on regulation (blocker) rather than adding value for stakeholders No LG ‘game plan’ for the future

Introduction Major change for LG Outcome: decisions opposed by LG Traditionally State Govts decide without consultation State Govts issue ‘warning’ Outcome: decisions opposed by LG Observation: when LG is reactive: others decide. When LG leads, others follow.

Introduction Role of LG evolving from Traditional ‘RRR’ to Community governance/advocacy LG identifies outcomes and brokers delivery Trend in legislation

Question LG needs more resources Public sector funds are very tight, and getting tighter Is LG doing all it can to be efficient and effective? Yes No Usually Too busy to think about it

Another question Road maintenance contracts Big ticket item Regional collaboration Are there potential longer term benefits? Identify problems Identify solutions (over 5 year period) > is there a way to make it work if we take a medium-long term view? Yes/No/Maybe