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 2

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 3

Introduction Major change for 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. 4

Introduction Role of LG evolving from Traditional ‘RRR’ to Community governance/advocacy – LG identifies outcomes and brokers delivery – Trend in legislation 5

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