2024 and 2025 will be busy years for all Victorian councils. A number of key strategic plans will be prepared and there will be council elections in October 2024.
The Local Government Act 2020 requires councils to prepare a long-term Community Vision, a four-year Council Plan, a ten-year Financial Plan and a ten-year Asset Plan, after every four-year election cycle. To support the Financial Plan, councils must also prepare a four-year Revenue and Rating Plan and financial year budgets. In 2025 councils must prepare a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (can be combined with the Council Plan) and a Domestic Animal Management Plan, for the next four years.
Community engagement is mandatory or highly recommended for all these plans. If you think you need to know more, we recommend you take a look at the following web resources:
- A principles-based Act: https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/local-government-act-2020/principles-of-the-local-government-act-2020
- Sector guidance – planning and reporting: https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-innovation-and-performance/sector-guidance-planning-and-reporting
As always, your colleagues in the neighbouring councils are your best resource. Consider meeting informally or formally a few times a year or join the relevant LG Pro Special Interest Group, for your role.
