The Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) was formed in 2008 by the Commonwealth Government to create and establish a dialogue between Federal and Local Governments.  The sessions were held over the Thursday and Friday whereby Mayors and Shire Presidents are invited to speak directly to Senior Members of the Federal Government.

I had the opportunity to discuss Maroondah’s priorities with several Ministers and advisors within the Commonwealth Government and discussed Council’s vision for the municipality.   There is a need for Maroondah to deliver new community facilities and all levels of government need to work together to achieve these outcomes.

The Australian Council of Local Government is a useful forum to demonstrate the importance of local government and the need for ongoing partnerships and collaboration between the Commonwealth and individual Councils.  The ongoing commitment towards the forum should be commended, as well as the focus on collaboration and working together.