Victoria local government outlines election priorities and mayoral race updates

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has announced five key priorities ahead of the upcoming Victorian state election. Under the ‘The Future Is Local’ campaign, the MAV is urging the next state government to focus on housing, community safety, transport, resilience, and the future of local government.

MAV President Jennifer Anderson stated that these priorities reflect the immediate pressures facing families and businesses, noting that local councils are best positioned to deliver place-based responses to community needs. The campaign emphasizes the role of councils in providing essential infrastructure, such as roads, housing solutions, and open spaces.

In the city of Victoria, the municipal mayoral race is also taking shape as the October 17 election approaches. Incumbent Mayor Marianne Alto is seeking a second term. Challenger Lyall Atkinson has entered the race, campaigning on platforms of increased public safety enforcement, lower property taxes, and a reduction in bike lanes. Political experts suggest that the short timeframe remaining for the election may make it difficult for new challengers to mount serious campaigns against the incumbent.