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Annemarie McCabe Mayor of Baw Baw Shire joins Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel for 2023

Annemarie McCabe, Baw Baw Shire Mayor, joins 12 other mayors on the 2023 Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel advising the Minister for Local government.

By news@gippsland - 3rd April 2023 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Annemarie McCabe has been appointed to the Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel for 2023, alongside 12 other mayors from across Victoria. The group, composed of urban, regional and rural mayors, represents the diversity of Victorian communities and works alongside the Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne to provide advice on legislative, regulatory, strategic and policy issues.

Annemarie McCabe, Baw Baw Shire Mayor who has been appointed to the Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel for 2023

Mayor seeks involvement

With new panel members appointed annually, Mayor McCabe has reflected on her decision to apply this year. Driven by an interest to get involved with local government discussions at a higher level, she says "it's all about being a part of the conversation".

"There is room to improve the public perception of local government and in particular the role of councillors. I'm excited to begin conversations in this space and look forward to seeing what that'll look like," she said.

Prioritising the communities

One subject that Mayor McCabe aims to direct her attention to is the growing impact of cost shifting from State and Federal governments onto local governments working amidst the challenges of a rate-capped environment. She also plans to go to bat for regional priorities, advocating for the most pressing needs of rapidly growing communities outside of metro Melbourne.

With the first meeting held in Melbourne today, Mayor McCabe said she is "really looking forward to working with the Minister and other Mayors that may be facing similar challenges to those we're facing here in Baw Baw Shire. I believe it will be a very valuable opportunity to make sure our concerns and priorities are heard at the State Government level, and to make a real impact on legislative and policy decisions that impact councils and our residents."