Victoria's 79 councils to Make Good Happen this federal election

Published on 21 March 2025

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), the peak body representing Victoria’s 79 councils, has launched its ‘Make Good Happen’ federal election campaign, signalling the Victorian local government sector’s five highest priorities ahead of the federal election.

“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 fires, floods or storms, and promote active local democracy and cohesive communities,” MAV CEO Kelly Grigsby said.

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

The MAV ‘Make Good Happen’ campaign will focus on:

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

In each of these five areas the MAV campaign will showcase best practice programs and initiatives that can be replicated state and nationwide and call for supportive policy and funding.

Speaking in support of the campaign priorities and their importance in Murrindindi Shire, Mayor Damien Gallagher said “The upcoming federal election is a great opportunity for all councils to advocate on behalf of our residents. Working together on shared goals gives us a greater chance for success. The MAV campaign focuses on areas that we believe will have a lasting impact on our Shire.”

“Together, we are committed to advocating for infrastructure to support sustainable growth in our Shire, pushing for safer roads across our large road network, and supporting our communities’ interests in the transition to renewable energy, while protecting our local environment, farming viability and tourism. Our advocacy also focuses on building resilience to withstand natural disasters, including building back more resilient infrastructure. Strengthening local democracy and the fight against disinformation has always been important, however in the current climate it is even more crucial.”

“By addressing these key priorities, we can ensure a brighter, safer, and more sustainable future for all residents of Murrindindi Shire.” Mayor Gallagher concluded.

The MAV 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 the MAV website.