Our Policy Advocacy Areas

Local Communities Victoria is committed to strong, accountable local government that prioritises the needs of residents and ratepayers. We advocate for policies that ensure councils remain financially sustainable, focused on essential services, and protected from state overreach. Our key policy areas address the most pressing challenges facing Victorian communities today.

Ending State Government Cost-Shifting and Service Cuts

State governments have increasingly shifted responsibilities onto local councils without providing adequate funding, forcing councils to either cut services or increase rates. Examples include underfunded mandates for libraries, maternal and child health services, immunisations, and infrastructure maintenance. With rate caps limiting revenue growth (set at 3% for 2025-26), this unfair practice exacerbates financial pressures, leading to reduced services in roads, parks, and community facilities. We demand an end to cost-shifting, full funding for transferred responsibilities, and a fairer rate-capping system that reflects real council costs.

Cost shifting is estimated to cost councils (and their rate payers) $1.2 billion per annum.

Reforming the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (formerly Fire Services Property Levy)

From 1 July 2025, the Fire Services Property Levy has been replaced by the broader Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), with significantly higher rates to fund additional services like VICSES, Triple Zero, and recovery agencies. This has resulted in substantial increases – up to 150-190% for some property types – placing an extra burden on ratepayers, farmers, businesses, and households. Councils collect this levy but face community backlash. We call for a fairer, more equitable structure that avoids disproportionate impacts on property owners and ensures transparent funding without hidden tax hikes.

Restricting Councils to Core Business

Councils exist to deliver essential services: roads, waste collection, parks, recreation facilities, local planning, and community support. Diversions into non-core activities drain resources from what matters most. We support policies that refocus ratepayer funds on high-quality core services, promoting efficiency and accountability to prevent unnecessary expenditure.

Opposing Activity Centre Planning Reforms

The Victorian Government's Activity Centre Program, part of broader housing reforms, is imposing top-down changes to enable higher-density development in established suburbs around train and tram zones. With plans finalised for pilot centres in 2025 and expansion to more areas, these reforms risk over-development, high-rise buildings, loss of neighbourhood character, and inadequate infrastructure. We oppose state-driven overrides that bypass local councils and community input, advocating instead for planning that respects local amenity and prioritises liveable, low-density communities.

Making Our Communities More Liveable

Liveability means safe streets, green spaces, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and protection from over-development. We fight for policies that enhance environmental sustainability, ensure genuine community consultation, and deliver affordable, high-quality services that put residents first.

Local Communities Victoria will continue to lobby for these changes to protect Victorian communities and ensure local government works for you.