Council's role

Why does council advocate?

Council faces many challenges with increase cost pressures from both federal and state government including rate capping, cost shifting, declining government grants, state levies, state and federal regulations and reporting obligations. Coupled with this is also rising costs for construction, goods and services. Council will continue to look for new ways to efficiently deliver projects, programs and services to our community. 

Australia has three levels of government that work together to provide the services needed by the community. Partnerships with all levels of government, the private sector and community is critical to deliver on the needs and expectations of the community.  

Advocacy is a key role of Local Government Areas like Northern Grampians Shire Council. It involves seeking support and investment from all levels of government and other organisations, and working collaboratively with communities and stakeholders to address inequities and drive changes in policy, process, or practice. 

Council advocates on the community’s behalf across a wide range of issues. This includes pursuing action and investment related to council’s own operations and facilities, as well as championing matters outside council’s direct responsibility when they are important to the community. 

It is worth noting that not all advocacy priorities are the direct responsibility of council, which highlights the importance of advocacy strategy as tool to advocate to the relevant organisations, agencies and government departments.  

In advocating, council will take one of three roles: 

1. Lead: Council takes primary responsibility for the advocacy effort. This includes setting the agenda, drafting positions, coordinating engagement and driving the case forward with stakeholders. Others may contribute, but council is the main driver. 
2. Support: Council contributes to an advocacy effort led by another organisation or level of government. This may involve providing data, endorsing positions, co-signing letters, attending meetings or lending public support, but not carrying the main responsibility.
3. Partner: Council works jointly with other councils, agencies, or organisations where responsibility and influence are shared. Partners collaborate to shape priorities, pool resources, and present a unified advocacy position, with mutual benefit to all parties.