Post on 10-Apr-2019
2006-07STRATEGIC WORK PLAN
The Strategic Work Plan for 2006-07 sets out the goals and initiatives of the Municipal Associationof Victoria (MAV) for the coming financial year. The plan provides an overview of the strategicactions the MAV will pursue in 2006-07 and outlines performance measures to gauge its success.
The MAV undertakes an annual process, outlined in Figure 1, to consult with member councils todetermine its strategic priorities. The process commences in January and includes regionalstrategy meetings with MAV members to highlight the major issues facing councils, considerationby the MAV Board, and discussion and endorsement at the MAV State Council.
January/FebruaryIssues identification andcollation undertaken by
October/NovemberState CouncilAnnual Meeting - report backto members
September/OctoberAnnual Report finalisedproviding report on progressagainst objectives
MAV staff February/MarchMeetings held with membershipto confirm issues & provideopportunity to input to draft
AprilMAV Board discussion andadoption of draft annualwork plan and strategy
May/June State CouncilConsideration and adoption ofStrategic Work Plan bymembership
April/MayDraft sent to councils forconsideration 4 weeks in advanceof State Council meeting
Figure 1: Strategic Plan Development Process
The purpose of the MAV is defined under the Municipal Association of Victoria Act 1907 andstates:
The Municipal Association of Victoria was established to promote the efficient carrying out ofmunicipal government throughout the State of Victoria and to watch over and protect theinterests, rights and privileges of municipal corporations. (Municipal Association Act, 1907)
Similarly, under the Local Government Act 1989, the objectives and obligations of councils areoutlined. Accordingly, in order for the MAV to achieve its legislative purpose, it should support thedefined objectives and obligations of the Local Government Act 1989.
The actions listed in this strategic work plan are, at the time of publication, the major initiatives theMAV aims to pursue in 2006-07. However, it is important to note that the MAV needs to beresponsive as emerging issues arise. The Association will accordingly include additional items inits work plan as new matters occur throughout the year.
The MAV Board of Management, with support from established advisory groups, will beresponsible for the prioritisation of emerging matters.
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2006-07
ACTION PLANThe following sections provide a detailed list of the actions the MAV will undertake in 2006-07which have been identified in the regional strategy meetings and by the MAV Board ofManagement.
The Action Plan is divided into three sections. The first provides an overview of the advocacy,policy and capacity building goals of the MAV, divided into the policy domains of the sector; thesecond provides an overview of the major actions the MAV insurance businesses will undertake;and the third outlines initiatives related to the internal governance of the MAV.
Strategic objectives have been defined for each policy domain following the widespread planningand consultation process undertaken by the MAV. All items in the subsequent action plan for eacharea have been aligned to the achievement of the relevant objective.
As outlined previously, the work plan of the MAV will evolve throughout the year as new issuesemerge.
POLICY, ADVOCACY, AND CAPACITY BUILDING
1. FinanceStrategic Objective: To strengthen local government funding and finances to ensure long-termsustainability for the sector
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
National FundingDeal
Work cooperatively with the ALGA and councils toestablish a model for increased funding for local
2007-08
government
Develop a funding model that promotes constantimprovement in efficiency and effectivenessDevelop a vision for local government through theFuture of Local Government Advisory Group
June 2008
December 2006
IntergovernmentalAgreement (IGA)
Work with the Commonwealth and StateGovernments and councils to establish protocols
December 2006
and practice to support the implementation of theIGA
Ensure there are processes to monitor theapplication of the IGA
December 2006
ProductivityCommission reviewof local governmentrevenue raising
Develop a submission to the ProductivityCommission Review of local government revenueraisingWork closely with the Productivity Commission to
2006-07, contingentupon the timelines for thecompletion of the review
promote the Victorian local government positionGrants commissionreview of local roadgrants
Advocate for a national model to provideappropriate funding based on a rationalassessment of need for road distribution
December 2006
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2006-07
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Water rights andrates
Work with affected councils and the Departmentof Sustainability and Environment to examine the
2006-07
options available to councils
Continue to lobby the State Government to ensureit will support affected councils during transitionalarrangements in 2006-07Work to ensure there is minimal or nodisadvantage to the community and councils as aconsequence of the reform
June 2007
Ongoing
Revaluations Work cooperatively with councils and the Valuer September 2006General to develop a strategic communicationscampaign to raise awareness of the purpose ofrevaluations and the effect it has on ratesdistribution
Review and prepare a report on the impact of thefrequency of revaluations as they relate to ruralcommunities
March 2007
Capacity to Pay Commence detailed work examining the June 2007community’s capacity to pay rates
Produce research that explores the connectionbetween property values and capacity to pay andwork with councils to disseminate the findingsExamine whether there are additional methods ofpaying rates
June 2007
June 2007
National CompetitionPolicy
Continue to advocate to the Commonwealth andState Governments to provide a tranche of
June 2007
funding to local government to offset the loss ofpayments under the Local GovernmentImprovement Incentive Program
Work with the ALGA to advocate for localgovernment access to payments under the newNCP agendaWork with State Government and councils todetermine how the new NCP agenda will beapplied to local government activities and functions
2006-07
December 2006
Fire Services Levy –MFESB
Continue campaign to significantly pressure theState Government to amend the budget setting
ongoing
structure for the MFESBLibrary Funding Advocate for increased recurrent library funding ongoing
for councils Review the appropriate level of support the State
should provide to public librariesPlanning fees Advocate to ensure planning fees are set at a 2006-07
level to cover costs borne by councils Advocate for an appropriate review mechanism
which ensures ongoing alignment between feesand costs
ongoing
Land Fill Levy Develop a local government position on the land June 2007fill levy when the current incremental growthmandated under the Environment Protection Actconcludes on 30 June 2007
Land Tax Advocate for the reduction of the land tax burden June 2007for small and medium sized businesses in Victoria
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2006-07
2. Governance and Professional Development
Strategic Objective: To strengthen the skills, knowledge and capacity of local government’selected representatives and workforce
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Governancemechanisms
Legislativeamendments
Work with councils to identify models to resolvegovernance breakdowns in councilsAdvocate for the adoption of the preferred modelProvide an integrated and proactive approach todealing with the implementation of legislative
December 2006June 2007
ongoing
change affecting local governmentGood governance Assist councils to identify strategies to encourage ongoing
and support good governance with internal andexternal policies, programs and seminars
Support councilpractices
Identify the needs of councils and produce guides,codes, manuals and other resources as
ongoing
considered desirable to support improved councilpractices
Councillordevelopmentprogram
Complete the Councillor Competency FrameworkresearchReview and align councillor development
July 2006
July 2006programs to the findings of the CouncillorCompetency Framework research
Ensure professional development offeringcomplements the Integrated PerformanceFramework for Councillors as it evolves.
June 2007
Councillor Advocate for a review of councillor remuneration June 2007remunerationCouncillor census Undertake a census of at least 90 per cent of July 2006
Victoria’s councillors to understand thedemographic profile of elected officials andappropriately target support for councillors
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2006-07
3. Land Use Planning
Strategic Objective: To support and strengthen local government to fulfil its planning functionsand to improve the planning system, processes and practices, for improved natural and built-formoutcomes in Victoria.
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Rural zones and ruraland regional planning
Develop and implement projects to improve thecapacity of councils to apply the new format rural
March 2007
zones and support the planning and managementof rural land
Conduct a forum on planning and management ofrural land and regional growth
September 2006
Melbourne 2030 Continue to convene and support the Melbourne Ongoing2030 Planning Technical Committee andCouncillor Reference Group
Conduct issue specific forums on place-makingand integrated transport planningProgress green wedge survey outcomes throughDSE and green wedge management planningIdentify priorities for councils in theimplementation of Melbourne 2030 in the lead upto November election and the DSEimplementation reviewAdvocate for increased support from the StateGovernment in developing infrastructure tosupport the strategyUnderstand council concerns about Melbourne2030 and make representations to the State aboutthese concerns
3 per annum
August 2006
July 2006
Ongoing
Ongoing
Streamlining theplanning permitassessment process –Carbines Reviewcommittee
Support local government representatives on thereview committeeParticipate in the Development AssessmentForumAdvocate for ongoing reform, improvement and
July 2006
Ongoing
August 2006resourcing of the Victorian Planning System
Growth Area
Convene the six councils affected by the growtharea implementationAdvocate local government issues in the
July 2006; potentiallyongoingOngoing
establishment phase through the Growth AreaEstablishment Taskforce and Growth AreaAuthority
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2006-07
4. Human Services
Strategic Objective: To strengthen local government’s ability and capacity to provide for thesocial wellbeing of communities
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Early Years Strategy Work with councils to develop an early years September 2006strategy
Advocate for affordable, accessible and qualitychildcareAdvocate for funding to support local governmentkindergarten and childcare servicesAdvocate for the expansion of Best Start sitefundingImplement the childcare register pilot project
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
December 2006Housing Update the MAV publication Housing: Your basic July 2006
infrastructure – A toolkit for local governmenthousing policies and strategies
Positive ageing Support the effective delivery of positive ageing 2006-2008strategies & grants to council projects
HACC
Undertake a baseline study of HACC costsContinue to advocate for improved funding and
June 2007Ongoing
service standards for HACCMaternal and ChildHealth
Develop mechanisms to share best practice andservice enhancement between servicesReview the outcomes of the Memorandum of
June 2007
September 2006Understanding between the MAV and theDepartment of Human Services
Undertake a baseline study of the costs and June 2007relative funding levels for MCH services
5. Infrastructure
Strategic Objective: To support and enhance local government’s provision, renewal andmaintenance of sustainable local roads, infrastructure and integrated transport systems
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Asset managementcapacity building
Conduct an independent audit of council capacityin asset management through the introduction of a
Ongoing
new advanced Step Program
Refine the measurement of the asset renewalfunding gapIntegrate asset renewal funding gap data withfinancial statements of councils
March 2007
March 2007
Road Management Act Participate in the review of the Road Management OngoingAct and advocate for outcomes to support localgovernment
Regional transportgroups
Examine options for Victorian regional transportgroups to finance the identified regional
Ongoing
development and transport plans
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2006-07
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Roads to Recoverymark III
Build a case for a third round of Roads toRecovery fundingConsider advocating for an expansion of Roads to
November 2006 – 2008
OngoingRecovery to cover other infrastructure
Assist ALGA in advocating for Roads to Recoverymark III
Ongoing
National road data Assist ALGA to progress the National Local Road OngoingData framework, a joint project between MAV andLGAQ to improve the quality of local governmentroad data
6. Access and mobility
Strategic Objective: To enhance and support local government’s advocacy and delivery ofimproved mobility and transport for the community
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Transport Draft and adopt the Sustainable Transport Action July 2006Plan
Implement the MAV Transport Strategy andSustainable Transport Action PlanReview outcomes of the Transport and LiveabilityStatement and advocate for support to overcomeany gapsContinue to advocate the interests of localgovernment, particularly through involvement withthe Victorian Competition and EfficiencyCommission’s report into traffic congestion acrossMelbourne and regional Victoria
Ongoing
December 2006
Ongoing
Disability servicesprovision and advocacy
Advocate for Building Accessibility Standard, suchas those suggested in the Accessible Housing
Ongoing
Taskforce
Develop a quantitative assessment of currentaccessibility in local government and develop acosted action plan for making council buildingsand facilities accessibleResolve local government responsibility for busstop compliance under the DisabilityDiscrimination Act
2006-2008
December 2006
Disabled parking Work in partnership with the State Government to January 2007advocate for reforms to enhance the DisabledPersons Parking Scheme
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2006-07
7. Environment
Strategic Objective: To ensure local government has effective practices and processes thatprotect and enhance the environment
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Waste watermanagement
Develop a position in response to the AuditorGeneral’s Report about the management of
December 2006
backlog sewerage connections
Advocate for further State Government investmentin domestic wastewater management following onfrom the Country Towns Water Supply andSewerage ProgramObtain continued State Government funding forthe Smart Septics capacity building program
October 2006
Weed management Advocate for an amendment to the Catchment and 2006-2007Land Protection Act that reinstates the propertyowner’s responsibilities to manage roadsideweeds
Waste management Develop a sector position on the effectiveness of December 2007the National Packaging Covenant in the lead up tothe 2008 mid-term review
Address resource recovery expectations ofratepayers for services in rural areasRespond to the Productivity Commission Inquiryinto Waste Generation and Resource EfficiencyRepresent the interests of councils through thecurrent metropolitan waste reformsAssist rural councils to deal with the increasingregulatory burden of waste managementExamine the options to finance the development ofnew technologies for waste management
Ongoing
December 2006
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Native vegetation Support councils through the rollout of the ‘New 2006-07Approach’ to native vegetation management,including the development of referral agreements
Planning andenvironment integration
Continue working on the integration of land useplanning and regional catchment planning
2006-07
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2006-07
8. Emergency Management and Community Safety
Strategic Objective: To support local government’s community safety and emergencymanagement roles that contribute to the protection of local communities.
Item
Emergencymanagement
Action
Continue to advocate for a more clearly defined localgovernment role in emergency managementincluding necessary legislative amendments
Proposed CompletionDate2006-07
Pandemic planning Advocate on the role for local government in OngoingState and Commonwealth plans for avianinfluenza pandemic planning
Assist councils to undertake their own pandemicplanning and preparedness activities
Community safety Coordinate a sector-wide response to the OngoingGambling Licenses Review and advocate localgovernment’s position
Represent the local government position inrelation to the high cost of graffiti managementfor councils and the need for state levelcoordination to the State Government. A graffitimanagement information-sharing session forlocal government is planned for October 2006 aspart of Community Safety MonthWorking with the Local Government Drug Issues
Ongoing
OngoingForum to facilitate information sharing betweencouncils and to promote successful strategies inmanaging local drug and alcohol issues.
9. Community Development
Strategic Objective: To strengthen connections and engagement between councils and theircommunities
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
SustainabilityplanningVolunteerparticipation
Implement community planning initiatives throughthe Lighthouse programUndertake a research project exploring the role oflocal government in supporting and enabling
2006-07
September 2006
volunteering in a community development context
Support councils to address volunteering as acore component of their community strengtheningworkDevelop resources with councils to identify andadopt best practice in community volunteeringDevelop and promote partnerships and cross-sector engagement and networkingProvide ongoing support in the implementation ofthe Volunteer Support Grants
Ongoing
June 2007
June 2007
June 2007
Provincial Statementinitiatives
Deliver funding for new Small Towns Programwith Regional Development Victoria
Ongoing
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2006-07
10. Workforce Planning
Strategic Objective: To support the attraction, retention and development of local government’sworkforce
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Workforce planning Progress the eleven action items highlighted at the 2006-07Workforce Planning Forum in February 2006 byworking with appropriate peak and industry bodies
Coordinate a nation-wide Skills Shortage project onbehalf of the Australian Local GovernmentAssociation (ALGA)Combine the GoGrad development program withGetSet initiatives and open enrolments to all councilemployeesLeverage on-line recruitment and selection softwareand electronic channels to reduce managementeffort devoted to GoGrad
June 2007
December 2006
December 2006
Maternal and ChildHealth recruitmentand retention
Strengthen partnerships with the Department ofHuman Services Grampians region to implement anurse bank for maternal and child health nursesDevelop marketing material to promote this
June 2007
October 2006profession
Planning bank Establish and run a planning bank to increase June 2007supply of statutory and strategic planners for ruraland regional councils
11. Business Collaboration and Reform
Strategic Objective: To advance innovation and reform of business practices through localgovernment collaboration and utilisation of economies of scale
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Collaborativeservices
Undertake research examining alternative models todeliver collaborative servicesIdentify legislative and non-legislative constraints
December 2006
December 2006which may impede adoption of identified servicedelivery model/s
Develop cost effective shared operational models forlibrary management systems and the developmentof portals, such as the SWIFT project, a jointinitiative between MAV and VicLink
December 2006
Future of localgovernment
Develop a report to State Council followingconsultation with councils on the proposed future
November 2006
vision for the sector
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2006-07
MAV INSURANCE
Strategic Objective: To provide a range of cost effective insurance products for Victorian councils.
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Work cover Mutual Complete and lodge an application to operate a June 2007worker insurance scheme
Prepare necessary policies and guidelines tosupport the effective operation of the work covermutual
June 2007
Civic Mutual Plus Improve the cost structure of the Scheme by July 2006increasing the excess from re-insurers to an amountof up to $500,000 for each and every claim, allowinggreater flexibility for members
Municipal OfficersFidelity Guarantee
Negotiate a long term re-insurance arrangement forthe fund
July 2006
FundInformation provision Increase provision of information updates to July 2006
councils on MAV Insurance related matters
CORPORATE
1. MAV Governance
Strategic Objective: To enhance the MAV’s processes to ensure that decision making andactions undertaken by the Association accord with the principles of good governance.
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Rules Review Finalise a comprehensive and consultative review December 2006of the MAV Rules and implement actions resolvedby State Council
MAV Board andPresident Election
MAV Process Review
Conduct the elections for the MAV Board andPresident in line with the MAV Rules
Undertake a review, as informed by the Rules
February 2007
December 2006Review process, of the internal processes andsystems relating to the State Council, Board andorganisation
Conduct a review of the Advisory Committee September 2006structure of the MAV Board to ensure integration ofsound governance practices
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MAV STRATEGIC WORK PLAN 2006-07
2. Communications and Marketing
Strategic Objective: To strengthen and enhance the communications and information provided bythe MAV to promote an understanding of the role of local government, improve the perceptions andimage of the sector and increase accessibility to information.
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Website review Undertake a comprehensive review of the format, December 2006functionality and content of the MAV web site
Communications Implement the recommendations of the MAV June 2007Member Communications Review conducted in2005/06
Adopt consultation, communication and reportingstrategies that enhance information flow betweencouncils and the MAV
Ongoing
Promote localgovernment
Continue to identify opportunities to promote animproved understanding and positive image of
Ongoing
local government in the media, and to convey localgovernment views on relevant issues to thecommunity
3. Corporate and Finance
Strategic Objective: To ensure that the Association’s resources are managed in an efficient andeffective manner to support the MAV to deliver its strategic objectives.
Item Action Proposed CompletionDate
Corporate and financeservices
Undertake an internal review of the roles,responsibilities and services within the corporate
August 2006
and finance area to ensure they meet the needs ofthe organisation
Risk Management Support the MAV Audit Committee to identify and Ongoingmanage risk, enhance internal controls andfacilitate the Association’s continued ethicaldevelopment
Implement the Lawlex electronic compliance andrisk management system across the whole of thefunctions of the MAVReview and improve the Occupational Health andSafety processes
2007-08
December 2006
Finance Select and install a new finance and customer 2006-07relationship management system
Records Management Implement a new Electronic Document September 2006Management System within the organisation andmonitor its use in accordance with MAV recordsmanagement policy and procedures
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