By Angela Dorizas

Local government representatives from across Victoria have gathered in Melbourne today to debate population growth, politics and public sector reform.

The annual conference of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is expected to attract 200 councillors, mayors, chief executive officers and senior managers. 

MAV president Bill Mitchell said "leadership challenges" will headline the conference proceedings.

“We’ll be talking about population, politics and public sector reform,” Cr Mitchell told Government News.

“With responsibility for more than 100 community programs and combined infrastructure worth $55 billion, the modern Victorian council faces significant competing challenges in delivering efficient and effective services for its diverse communities.

“Self reform is critical for local government to improve its performance, its budget bottom line and community perceptions.”

Delegates will hear from leading experts from the government sector, including former Federal Minister for Finance, Lindsay Tanner; Victorian Premier John Brumby;  Leader of the Victorian Nationals, Peter Ryan; and Nicki de Beer, head of operations at the Leadership Centre for Local Government (UK).

Population growth is set to be a hot topic for discussion and debate as there are mixed views within the sector as to how and where growth should occur.