The use of local government corporate plans in Victoria

This paper explores the information provided by local government corporate plans in Victoria. Enhanced concepts of accountability in the public sector have resulted in greater use of Research reports, and in Victoria the state government has required local governments to publish their corporate plans. These plans demonstrate diversity in the form and content, but several themes emerge. The lack of performance targets reduces the usefulness of these plans to increase accountability. The paper also explores objectives which are of major importance to the sector. These include financial and asset management together with an emphasis on accountability, issues which were the drivers of the state government's reform agenda. Also of major importance is local economic development, which is an issue difficult to control in the local area.