2006-07 strategic plan · web view2006-07 strategic work plan the strategic work plan for 2006-07...

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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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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2. Governance and Professional Development

Strategic Objective: To strengthen the skills, knowledge and capacity of local government’selected representatives and workforce


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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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.


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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4. Human Services

Strategic Objective: To strengthen local government’s ability and capacity to provide for thesocial wellbeing of communities


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


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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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


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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7. Environment

Strategic Objective: To ensure local government has effective practices and processes thatprotect and enhance the environment


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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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


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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10. Workforce Planning

Strategic Objective: To support the attraction, retention and development of local government’sworkforce


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


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 INSURANCE

Strategic Objective: To provide a range of cost effective insurance products for Victorian councils.


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.


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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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.


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.


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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