The Victorian local government sector consists of 79 councils, 10 regional library corporations and 16 associated entities.
The sector delivers a range of services to local municipalities including operating aquatic facilities, maintaining local roads, waste management, and delivering family services.
The Victorian local government sector consists of 79 councils, 10 regional library corporations and 16 associated entities. Each year, we audit the finances of these 105 entities.
This report outlines the results of our 2017–18 audits of the financial reports and performance statements of these entities. We also analyse the financial results and outcomes of the sector.
| DELWP | Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning |
| DPC | Department of Premier and Cabinet |
| LGICI | Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate |
| LGMFR | Local Government Model Financial Report |
| LGPRF | Local Government Performance Reporting Framework |
| LGV | Local Government Victoria |
The Victorian local government sector consists of 79 councils, 10 regional library corporations and 16 associated entities.
This report provides Parliament with an outline of the results of our financial audits of the entities within the sector, and our observations, for the year ended 30 June 2018. We also comment on the outcomes of our audits of the 79 council performance reports.
We also assess the sector’s financial performance during the 2017–18 financial year and the council’s financial sustainability as at 30 June 2018.
Ordered to be published
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER September 2018
PP No 440, Session 2014–18
Dear Presiding Officers
Backlog refers to the number of residential properties not serviced by a water authority, usually where:
Our 2006 report, Protecting our environment and community from failing septic tanks, made recommendations to improve the management of onsite systems. Table B1 identifies the recommendations and our assessment of agencies progress made in addressing these.
Figure B1
Progress on 2006 VAGO recommendations
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Recommendation |
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We have consulted with DELWP, EPA, MPSC, YRC, SEW and YVW, and we considered their views when reaching our audit conclusions. As required by section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, we gave a draft copy of this report, or relevant extracts, to those agencies and asked for their submissions and comments. We also provided a copy of the report to the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the agency head.
Responses were received as follows:
Backlog programs implemented by water authorities do not aim to provide services to all unsewered properties; rather, they are responsive programs that target high-risk unsewered areas. Councils identify these areas and refer them to water authorities for prioritisation through the development of sewerage management plans, which now form part of a water authority's five-year water plan.
An effective regulatory framework and strong oversight of its performance and implementation is essential for responsible agencies to manage the environmental and health risks posed by the poor management of domestic wastewater.
In this part of the report, we examine how effectively the regulatory framework for onsite systems manages these risks.