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MAV launches 'Make Good Happen' campaign, highlighting five key priorities for Victorian local government before federal election

The MAV's 'Make Good Happen' campaign highlights key priorities for Victoria's 79 councils, advocating for infrastructure, safer roads, energy transition, disaster resilience, and local democracy before the federal election.

By news@gippsland - 7th April 2025 - Back to News

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has launched its 'Make Good Happen' federal election campaign. The campaign has been created on behalf of Victoria's 79 councils, signalling the Victorian local government sector's five highest priorities ahead of the federal election.

Make Good Happen: The MAV advocates for thriving, resilient, and sustainable communities, supporting Victorian councils in shaping vibrant cities, towns, and suburbs

Building resilient communities

Municipal Association of Victoria Chief Executive Officer Kelly Grigsby said, "All councils across Victoria are wanting to partner with the federal government to meet housing demand; fix potholed roads; deliver energy transition commitments; fortify our critical infrastructure to withstand fire, floods or storms; and promote active local democracy and cohesive communities."

"With all of these challenges upon us, there has never been a more important time to advocate on behalf of communities for policies, initiatives and investments that will help build a resilient and sustainable Victoria," Ms Grigsby added.

Making positive change

The Municipal Association of Victoria's 'Make Good Happen' campaign will focus on:

• Making Community Infrastructure Happen: Delivering the infrastructure growing communities need to thrive
• Making Safer Roads Happen: Connecting communities and supporting a safer and more productive Victoria
• Making Fairer Energy Happen: Engaging communities in Victoria's energy transition
• Making Resilient Communities Happen: Future-proofing communities to withstand natural disaster
• Making Local Democracy Happen: Supporting stronger, safer communities and countering disinformation

In each of these five areas, the Municipal Association of Victoria campaign will showcase best practice programs and initiatives that can be replicated state- and nation-wide and call for supportive policy and funding.

Supporting advocacy priorities

Speaking in support of the campaign priorities and their importance in South Gippsland, Mayor John Schelling said, "Standing alongside all Victorian councils makes our voice louder. It was important for us to be part of this campaign to continue to build our connections and lend our voice to key issues faced by all municipalities across the State."

"While it's true that South Gippsland Shire Council also has a set of adopted advocacy priorities that we will also be having conversations with local candidates about, they fit nicely within the five focus points, which I think showcases the connection to the campaign," Mayor Schelling continued.

Engaging offshore wind

Speaking about one of the most topical industries proposed in South Gippsland, offshore wind, Mayor Schelling reminds all levels of government that, "Meaningful engagement with Council and the community is vital. Gippsland is right at the forefront of the future, but conversations on what this does and doesn't look like cannot be underestimated."

"This isn't just about the projects themselves, but the benefits to local communities and the wrap-around infrastructure and services that will need to be built to support the industry and those who work in it," Mayor Schelling said.

The Municipal Association of Victoria's 'Make Good Happen' campaign is providing a unified voice for the local government sector as they advocate to bring about positive change within communities across the state. For more information, visit Municipal Association of Victoria website.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com