Make this election count: vote for communities
September 30, 2022
Colac Otway Shire Council will urge local voters to consider their local community wants and needs when casting their ballot at the upcoming Victorian State Election.
Council is joining the Vote for Communities campaign, which is being led by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), to highlight the importance of an effective local government sector.
Mayor Hanson explained that, in the lead up to this year’s state election, council would highlight the opportunities to work respectfully with local government.
This campaign aligns with the MAV Strategy 2021-25, which was adopted by the MAV’s State Council in May 2021, and outlines opportunities to ensure we can deliver in the best interests of local communities.
“The 2022 Victorian State Election provides a unique opportunity for local government to come together and ensure the delivery of more positive outcomes for councils and communities,” Mayor Hanson said.
“It is imperative that the next State Government – no matter its stripes – understands and acts on the needs of communities through their local councils.
“We strongly believe that government needs to focus on getting back to making decisions not just on the cost of living, but also the quality of living.”
The key asks from the local government sector are fully documented in the MAV’s State Election Platform (PDF 3.8MB) or State Election Platform (Word - 34KB). (See also 2022 Victorian State Election - Vote for Communities)
Local issues for Colac Otway Shire include support around workforce issues, such as the lack of childcare options currently available and regional social and affordable housing for key workers. Council will be looking for regulatory change and ongoing funding for these housing solutions, as well as improved digital access as part of these workforce issues.
Support for tourism in regional areas will also be sought, which will create jobs by boosting visitation. Linking our region to opportunities coming from the Commonwealth Games, as well as support for infrastructure in the shire will also be important.
Overall, the key issues for councils in this election are:
• COVID-19 recovery for communities and councils; financial capacity
• Supporting our young families and senior Victorians; housing
• Planning and building; community resilience and emergency management; infrastructure and transport
• Sustainability and climate change
• Democracy in action
• State-Local government relations
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400