Councillor Libby Buckingham attended the MAV State Council on 29 May 2026 as Council's delegate, representing Port Phillip in discussions that brought together councils from across Victoria to consider shared challenges and opportunities facing local communities.
A total of 84 motions were considered on the day, with all but one passed. Importantly, all seven motions submitted by the City of Port Phillip were adopted with a strong majority, marking a significant result for Council's advocacy efforts.
The successful motions focused on issues that matter deeply to the Port Phillip community and to councils across Victoria. They included strengthening council-led social cohesion and responses to antisemitism and other forms of religious intolerance, improving infrastructure planning to support population growth, housing supply and economic development, addressing homelessness, improving bus services, establishing a statewide beach renourishment and coastal infrastructure program, increasing funding for active transport, and protecting authorised officers as front-line workers.
One of the most notable outcomes from the day was Port Phillip's motion on "Strengthening Council-Led Social Cohesion and Responses to Antisemitism and Other Forms of Religious Intolerance", which was recognised by MAV as a Key Resolution.
Councillor Buckingham spoke in support of the motion, highlighting the importance of addressing antisemitism both within Port Phillip and across the wider Victorian community.
"As the closest tier of government to community, councils are uniquely placed to convene local partners, deliver prevention and education, and coordinate rapid responses. We will have the greatest impact when we're well resourced and working together," Councillor Buckingham said.
The result reflects the City of Port Phillip's continued commitment to advocating for practical, community-focused solutions and working with the local government sector to influence policy at a statewide level.
These motions align closely with Council's advocacy priorities and reinforce the issues being raised by the community, from social cohesion and safety to housing, transport, coastal resilience and frontline worker protection.
