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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

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

6. 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

7. 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