Mayors from across Australia gathered in Canberra yesterday for the meeting, which will discuss ways the Federal Government can help strengthen local governments.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and a host of other senior ministers will be in attendance today to talk directly to local councils about a range of issues, with infrastructure a particular focus.

But the City of Ballarat has not sent anyone to the meeting.

A council spokeswoman said the upcoming election and a lack of notice about the meeting were among the reasons no one attended. She said representatives of the Central Highlands Mayors and CEOs forum, of which Ballarat

is part, were attending the meeting and had discussed issues to be raised with the Ballarat council.

Ballarat MP Catherine King is also attending and is co-chairing a session with Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese.

"The council will, for the first time, allow a direct dialogue between the Commonwealth and local communities on issues of national significance, including the provision of economic and community infrastructure," Ms King said.

"The session will allow the government to discuss its plans to establish a four-year community infrastructure renewal fund."

In a welcome message, Mr Rudd said the meeting would help councils and communities shape Australia's future.

"This meeting is also an opportunity to work together to solve the challenges facing local and regional communities, such as urban congestion, delivering high-quality services and improving the quality of life in our regional

towns, suburbs and major cities," he said.