VLGA Year in Review 2018
The VLGA is a progressive, independent not for profit peak body supporting councils and councillors. We support, facilitate and provide opportunities for councillor networking, professional development and information exchange and we actively engage with key policymakers and broader stakeholders to inform, influence and lead the conversations that determine the priorities for the local governments
Waste Forum – Reshaping the Conversation
This issue of Discuss comes from the VLGA Waste Forum – Reshaping the Conversation held on Thursday 25 October 2018, moderated by Sebastian Klein from Delivery ZCE at Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd.
Using data to reinvigorate democracy
Democracy has become something of a stalemate. We seem to be stuck in a loop, a kind of Mexican stand -off between frustrated and angry citizens and governments, who are equally frustrated, unsure of how to respond. Trust in governments is at an all-time low and the challenge to their legitimacy is almost paralysing. Meanwhile, citizens don’t feel listened to, especially those who participate in g
Communique #2: State Budget Update 2018
The VLGA is pleased to present its Communique #2 to all councils following our initial Communique in March and in response to the Victorian State Budget released on 1 May 2018 As stated in Communique #1, the upcoming November state election presents councils with the opportunity to advocate for the needs of their communities. We have analysed the State Budget and provide the following update for y
Communique #1: Issues for 2018 State Elections and beyond
The VLGA has prepared this briefing for all council CEOs and mayors. The upcoming November state election presents councils with the opportunity to advocate for the needs of their communities. The VLGA encourages councils to actively explore local issues in the context of this communique and identify their community-specific issues. These issues will be the basis on which local councils develop ad
The Essential Service Commission Latest Report into Rate Capping 2018
The Report was compiled by the ESC based on data provided by councils, certified by the council’s chief executive officer. The ESC did not independently verify the data. The Report highlighted the following: Most councils were compliant with the average rate cap set for 2017-18. Seventy-six councils were compliant with the average rate cap or higher cap. One council was materially non-compliant wi
Solar farming for Local Councils
Article by Demian Natakhan, Director at Enhar Pty Ltd Repurposing low-value land into solar farms is an increasingly active area where local government has a key role to play. How can this trend be harnessed to deliver carbon reduction and energy bill savings for local councils? Enhar is providing consulting services to a number of local councils in Victoria to answer this exact question. Establis