Advocacy

Yarra Ranges Council and Councillors represent the interests of the community to decision makers to help gain support for local programs and services. Our advocacy helps us bring in resources and funding for local services and programs so we can meet the needs and goals of our community. 

Council advocates to all levels of government, often working in partnership with local representatives, community organisations and other councils with shared interests. 

Why do we advocate?

Yarra Ranges is geographically and culturally unique. Our community has diverse interests and needs across the urban, hills and valley regions.  

Our advocacy efforts seek support for projects and policies that will improve outcomes for our community. We also look to influence state and federal policy impacting Yarra Ranges’ residents and businesses. 

Council responsibly manages our budget and financial planning and carefully plans our services and infrastructure, some of which are required by law, but only partially funded by state or federal governments. Our advocacy activities seek to ensure we receive equitable and sufficient funds to meet our responsibilities and the needs of our community.  

How do we advocate?

Building strong relationships with the Victorian and Australian Governments is essential for ensuring we can meet the changing needs of our community.  

Advocacy pathways and activities: 

  • The CEO and Mayor meet regularly with local Members of Parliament (MPs) 

  • We connect with government Ministers, government departments and agencies.  

  • We engage with election candidates from all parties and independents. 

  • We submit ideas to influence government inquiries and budget processes.  

  • We work with partners in the community, other local councils and local organisations to collaborate on common issues and amplify our message. 

What do we advocate for?

Council regularly talks with our community to understand the priorities of our residents and businesses. Along with taking notice of the services and infrastructure our community wants and needs, we also use our advocacy agenda to highlight the services or projects that we may not be able to deliver on our own and for which we are seeking additional support from state or federal governments.  

Council is not able to deliver all the types of services, such as mobile phone towers or social housing, that our community needs. We can build community support, data and evidence and use our relationships and advocacy opportunities to encourage the Victorian or Australian Government to address these service gaps. 

To guide our advocacy efforts, Yarra Ranges Council adopted an Advocacy Agenda 2024-2025.  

The Advocacy Agenda promotes the needs and aspirations of the community and showcases the immense potential of our region. The projects highlighted for potential support from the Victorian or Australian Governments would enable Council to further our delivery of services or infrastructure for our community.  

Our Advocacy Agenda is shaped by the key strategic objectives outlined in the Yarra Ranges Council Community Vision, and the actions in the Council Plan 2021-2025. We are reviewing and updating our advocacy priorities for 2025. 

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