Advocating our way to 2025 with a list of priorities

Pandemic recovery initiatives, a local headspace centre to support mental health, investment in local sporting facilities, funding boosts for parks and waterways, and encouraging sustainable and active transport – including a Western Gateway Station at Airport West are among the priority advocacy initiatives endorsed last week by Moonee Valley City Councillors.

Council last week endorsed its Advocacy Strategy 2022-25 and will be using the upcoming State and Federal elections to call for much needed investment in the municipality. The Strategy contains more than 50 initiatives that will benefit local residents. It was developed following extensive community consultation and includes plans for greater transparency for residents with the development of an annual report card and framework. The Advocacy Strategy aligns to priorities in Council’s long-term plan, MV2040 and the Council Plan to progress the Community Vision into reality.

Moonee Valley Mayor Samantha Byrne said advocacy is an important role of local government and the Strategy was developed to outline what is needed to get the best outcomes for our community on all projects, not just the ones that Council manages.

“We have already been meeting with our local MPs to brief them about the Strategy priorities, and will seek meetings with State and Federal Ministers over the coming months to put the case forward for better and more investment in Moonee Valley,” said Mayor Byrne.

“We have worked closely with our community to identify our advocacy priorities – now clearly documented. Now it’s time for the Federal and State Government to ensure they respond quickly so our community can thrive.

“Council works hard to get the best use of ratepayer dollars to ensure Moonee Valley is a great place to live, work and play, however the Advocacy Strategy demonstrates we need major investment in infrastructure and services, and our fair share of grants and funding.”

Mayor Byrne also encouraged local residents to remain involved in advocacy promotion.

Visit our Advocacy page to view our Advocacy Strategy 2022-25.