03/03/2026
The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, was wrong when she recently implored councils to return their focus to "roads, rates and rubbish".
The throwaway line was used during a debate about local government sustainability sparked after some city councillors suggested another round of council amalgamations should be considered. (See link in comments.)
Councils are easy targets for criticism, but the real damage from Ms Allan's remark is how it seemingly disregards much of what local councils actually do — especially in rural areas.
Planning, environmental programs, relief supports in emergencies, running and maintaining parks and sporting facilities, youth programs, security, food safety inspections, immunisation services, pet registration... the list really does go on.
It's also councils that local communities turn to, often even when the responsibility falls with other tiers of government, or when statewide policy approaches fail to take account for local needs and conditions.
Road maintenance, rubbish and recycling are big challenges for councils.
But if councils truly stuck to only providing "roads and rubbish" services, Victoria would be a poorer place.
Ratepayers would be denied many of the other vital supports and services councils provide, and communities would lose a critical voice in state and national debates.
It's long past time our state leaders stopped with the council bashing, and began to value local government for what it truly is: an efficient, effective and vital governing partner, and a key force supporting Victorian communities to thrive.
🗣️ RCV Chair Cr Rob Amos (Campaspe Shire).
