Kingston Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns has been appointed to Victoria’s Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel for 2024.

This year’s panel is made up of 10 mayors from urban, regional, and rural areas across the state and provides Local Government Minister Melissa Horne with advice on legislative, regulatory, strategic, and policy issues that affect councils and local communities across the state.

The group will focus its work on governance, representation, and inclusion.

Cr Davey-Burns, who is representing the Association of Bayside Municipalities (ABM) on the panel, said collaborative engagement and partnership with our colleagues in state parliament is a top priority.

“The value that local council brings to tackling big issues faced by Victoria, including coastal inundation, urban heating, and increasing social and affordable housing, is immeasurable,” Cr Davey-Burns said.

“I’m very proud to be part of the ABM, which leads advocacy for the protection and management of our beautiful Port Philip Bay, loved by so many across all seasons.

“Our council in Kingston has a strong track record of engagement with the state government too, and our mayor last year, Cr Hadi Saab, was a member of this panel and worked hard to put community at the centre of all decision-making.

“Now for me to be able to come together with mayors from across Victoria, collaborate, and talk directly with the Minister provides another huge opportunity to find solutions to the significant issues impacting all our communities.

“On a personal level, I am hopeful that meaningful impact on representation and inclusion will be among our priorities, because championing the involvement of more women and people from all cultural backgrounds in local government is a strong commitment of mine.

“Representation really matters. I was personally inspired to get involved in local government by the work of many outstanding female leaders, and I am committed to continuing their wonderful legacies and hopefully empowering others over the coming years.”

As the voice of local government for Port Phillip Bay, the ABM advocates for the protection and sustainable management of the marine and coastal environment and its cultural, social, and economic values.

Founded in 1974, the ABM is made up of the coastal councils around Port Phillip Bay, including Kingston, Hobsons Bay City Council, Bayside City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, City of Greater Geelong, Frankston City Council, Borough of Queenscliffe, Wyndham City Council, and Port Phillip City Council.

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