Ravim RBC is a strategic consultancy moving Councils beyond day-to-day management. We focus on assisting local government authorities with a range of initiatives. This blog category is used to update clients on industry news based on John Ravlic’s extensive experience in the Australian local government environment.
The economic effects of the Iran conflict are likely to be felt for years as damaged oil and gas infrastructure is repaired and global supply chains stabilise. Fuel prices are expected to remain elevated while supply remains constrained and markets continue to price in geopolitical risk. Until supply conditions normalise, Read more
Briefing Note Purpose The purpose of this briefing note is to inform Council executives of the emerging financial, operational and reputational risks associated with continued procurement of internal combustion engine (ICE) fleet assets in the context of declared emissions targets (particularly 2030), and to outline recommended strategic responses. Councils Leading Read more
The current fuel crisis, driven by global conflict, has significantly accelerated interest, enquiries and demand for electric vehicles (EVs), acting as a catalyst that has brought consumer interest to a “tipping point”. As petrol and diesel prices spike (seeing diesel surpass $3.00 a litre), consumers are rapidly pivoting towards EVs Read more
Australia relies on a relatively small number of regional partners to meet most of its refined fuel needs, while those same partners depend on Australia for a significant portion of their LNG supply. This mutual dependence strengthens trade relationships but also highlights the interconnected nature of regional energy security, particularly Read more
This Briefing Note accompanies the Fuel Risk & Financial Impact: What Councils Need to Know Now Council Information Session held online on 8th April 2026 by the CT Management Group and Uniqco. Purpose The purpose of this Briefing Note to Council Executives is to: Councils need to consider their response Read more
“By introducing the Fair Go Rates system, the Andrews Labor Governmentis delivering on its commitment to cap council rate rises and protectVictorian households from uncontrolled hikes.”Then Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins When the Fair Go Rates system was introduced, the then Minister for Local Government stated that the reform Read more
In the commercial sector, the way financial sustainability is approached can translate effectively to local government if applied thoughtfully. Many contemporary public-sector management frameworks follow a similar sequence: In commercial organisations, financial sustainability rarely begins with revenue. It usually begins with clarity of purpose and disciplined management of the cost Read more
When governments seek to improve the financial sustainability of organisations, they typically introduce measures that encourage greater efficiency and cost discipline. These reforms often focus on improving productivity, rationalising services or restructuring organisations so that they can operate more efficiently. The Fair Go Rates system adopted a very different approach. Read more
Pools Are Not Commercial Services Regional public pools are not designed to operate on a commercial basis. They are subsidised essential public infrastructure delivering: Profit and loss measures financial performance, but these community-based outcomes sit outside the revenue line. Structural Cost/Revenue Imbalance The business model for regional pools is inherently Read more
Since around 2010, England alone has seen hundreds of swimming pool closures – estimates suggest almost 400 fewer pools in the decade following austerity-era funding cuts and rising costs. Pools have continued to close or face closure for multiple reasons, including operating deficits, ageing infrastructure, and constrained local government finances. Read more