Advocacy

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.  

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. 

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. 

Council’s Advocacy Framework strengthens the planning and coordination of advocacy efforts to deliver better outcomes for the Yarra Ranges community. It guides the development of our advocacy priorities through a community-driven, evidence-based approach that considers long-term risks and sustainability.

Our advocacy priorities promote the needs and aspirations of the community and showcases the immense potential of our region. These priorities are shaped by strategic objectives outlines in the Yarra Ranges Community Vision 2036, and the major initiatives/actions in the Council Plan 2025-29.