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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

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  One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
  Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
• Tim Bull urges community action to prevent gender-based violence during global sixteen-day activism campaign
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges community action during the sixteen-day campaign to prevent gender-based violence, promote respect, and support safety, accountability, and cultural change across all spaces.
• East Gippsland Council urges drivers to follow parking limits, protect access and support local businesses this festive season
  East Gippsland drivers are urged to follow festive-season parking limits, respecting time restrictions, loading zones, and disabled bays to ensure town accessibility and support local businesses.
• Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth.
• Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
  Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience.
• Darren Chester congratulates Infusa Distillery founders for showcasing Gippsland's produce, driving growth in local food and beverage industry
  Darren Chester congratulated Infusa Distillery founders Stu and Jo Taylor for their award-winning spirits, local partnerships, and contribution to Gippsland's food and beverage industry, praising their innovation, growth, and regional pride.
• Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650M Delburn wind farm investment ignoring local community concerns
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650 million Delburn wind farm investment, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money that ignores local community concerns about fire, noise, and visual impact.
• East Gippsland expands Whelans Group road maintenance contract, ensuring service continuity and local job retention across shire
  East Gippsland Council has expanded Whelans Group’s road maintenance role, taking over areas previously managed by Cranes Asphalting, ensuring service continuity, high standards, and retention of local jobs across the shire.
• SEC acquires Delburn Wind Farm, Gippsland’s first public wind project, creating jobs and boosting local energy and economy by 2028
  The SEC’s acquisition of Delburn Wind Farm will deliver Gippsland’s first public wind project by 2028, creating 300 construction jobs, long-term careers, and $22 million in community benefits.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
  Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• Darren Chester welcomes safer Kalimna to Lakes Entrance walking path upgrade completed before Christmas period
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says thousands are enjoying the upgraded Kalimna-Lakes Entrance walking path, with new asphalt, safety barriers and intersection improvements completed before Christmas for locals and visitors.
• Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably.
• East Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, honouring everyday heroes strengthening local communities
  East Gippsland Shire celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising local volunteers’ extraordinary contributions and encouraging community members to get involved, with nominations open for the Volunteer Honour Roll all year.
• Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
  Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible.