Latrobe City Council will advocate for six key reforms at the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council, seeking support from councils across Victoria on issues that impact regional communities, economic growth and local government sustainability.
The MAV State Council is the peak policy forum for Victoria's 79 councils and provides an opportunity for local governments to collectively advocate to the State Government on matters of statewide significance.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, said the six motions reflect priorities that were important not only to Latrobe City, but to many regional councils across Victoria.
"These motions focus on practical reforms that can support investment, create jobs, improve housing outcomes and ensure regional communities are treated fairly," Cr Gibson said.
Council has endorsed motions calling for:
- Better funding support for major waste and recycling projects that reduce waste and reuse resources.
- A review of planning rules to support housing, economic growth and better preparation for climate impacts.
- Fairer Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy arrangements for regional communities and farmers, building on Council's previous advocacy for changes to the levy and its impact on regional ratepayers. (Council collects this levy on behalf of the State Government to help fund emergency services.)
- Fair rating and valuation outcomes for emerging industries such as data centres and battery storage facilities.
- Incentives to encourage redevelopment of underutilised sites and support housing growth in existing town centres.
- Review of the level of the funding provided to the school crossing supervisor program to ensure the Victorian Government's commitment to funding 50 percent.
Cr Gibson said Council's proposed ESVF motion reflected concerns it had consistently raised on behalf of regional communities and farmers.
"Council has consistently raised concerns about the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy, its impact on regional communities and farmers, and for the tax to be scrapped," she said.
"This motion allows us to continue that advocacy alongside councils from across Victoria and push for a fairer approach."
Cr Gibson said the motions will be voted on by participating Victorian councils at the MAV's biannual State Council meeting in October.
Successful motions gain the specialist resources and political influence of the MAV, creating a stronger, united local government voice that is harder for decisionmakers to ignore.
"As our region continues to diversify in industry and grow, it is important that policy settings support investment and job creation while ensuring communities have the infrastructure, services and funding they need," she said.
"We know many councils are grappling with similar issues, whether it's the cost of climate adaptation, attracting housing development, supporting new industries or ensuring funding models are fair for regional communities."
The motions will now be submitted to the MAV ahead of its State Council meeting in October 2026. If supported by Victorian councils, they will form part of the MAV's advocacy program with the Victorian Government.
