Archive:   Minister for Local Government

Last Updated  26/11/06

Minister For Local Government Says The State Government's Fixed Problems With Councils

(28/8/06 - C)  Haven't noticed 'the fix' in Macedon Ranges - have you?

Local Government Minister Candy Broad presented a Ministerial Statement to the Victorian Upper House of Parliament on August 10, a sort of 'State of the Nation' statement about how the Bracks government thinks things are going with local government.

Some of the key features were:

•  The government's belief that it has delivered stronger, more democratic, transparent, accountable and responsive local government.
• The government has introduced reforms to make Council elections fairer and more representative.
• The government amended the Local Government Act to establish clear accountability principles to better inform the local community and encourage community consultation.
• Liveability is affected by what happens at a local level.
• Melbourne 2030 is an action plan to ensure the benefits of growth are shared fully across the state and in a sustainable way.  We [the government] are helping regional councils manage growth, plan for the future and deliver projects that address their community's social, infrastructure and environmental needs.
• The government is also working closely with local government in environmental management and land use planning.

MRRA Says:

Our thanks to independent MP Dianne Hadden for bringing this to our attention.  

The Minister seems not to be familiar with Macedon Ranges - we only wish what she says is happening was happening in Macedon Ranges.  Click here to see the Hansard transcript of the Minister's Statement [MRRA emphasis added], and the lively debate that followed, including comments by Dianne Hadden.