The consultation program to develop new guidelines for the use of different rates by local councils is officially underway in Victoria.

The Mulgrave Neighbourhood Library was officially opened at the Wellington Reserve Community Centre today by Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell.

A landmark review of Victorian public libraries recommends the creation of a seamless network of library services across the state, Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said today.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell was joined by the Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish in a meeting with Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor John Walsh, Cr Christine Challen, Cr Andrew Derwent, Cr John Kennedy, Cr Margaret Rae, Chief Executive Margaret Abbey and senior executives to discuss progress made in Murrindindi since the Black Saturday bushfires.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has announced the appointment of a third administrator to the Brimbank City Council.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell last night addressed a gathering of newly elected and returning local government Councillors gathered at a function organised by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA).

Victoria’s local governments will be revitalised by the elections currently underway across the state, Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said today.

The contribution of women to local governments across Victoria was acknowledged and celebrated at a luncheon at Parliament House today.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said it was particularly important for all Victorians from all cultural backgrounds to vote in this month’s council elections for candidates who understand and respect their needs.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell today convened the 2012 Ministerial-Mayors Advisory Panel (MMAP) for the final time, ahead of the council elections later this month.

A substantial field of candidates has nominated for the upcoming 2012 Victorian council elections, Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said today.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell today encouraged local government chief executives and senior officers to embrace professional development programs such as the Australian Applied Management Colloquium.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said the establishment of the Mulgrave Neighbourhood Library, expected to open in early 2013, is an important component of the broader Strengthening Mulgrave Community Action Plan launched today.

The $8.1 million Williamstown Library was officially opened today by the Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell, accompanied by Members for the Western Metropolitan Region, Bernie Finn and Andrew Elsbury.

Nominations for the 2012 Victorian local government elections are now open, Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell announced today.

Councils in rural and regional areas and those on the metropolitan fringe will share in a $7.8 million Victorian Coalition Government program to help control roadside weeds and pest animals.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has approved the name change of the Melton Shire Council to Melton City Council after requests from the council.

Five regional Victorian councils shared a prestigious national award at the annual Procurement Australia Awards in recognition of their efforts to get better value for ratepayers.

Campaspe Shire Council residents can now enjoy the best of modern library facilities while acknowledging the rich history of the area at the new $5.1 million Campaspe Regional Library in Hare Street, Echuca.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has approved $5.53 million in funding for 22 library projects across Victoria as part of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program 2011-12: Round 2 Recipients.