RCV urges more infrastructure spending in the regions

REGIONAL Cities Victoria (RCV) have requested a guarantee from the Albanese Government that 25 per cent of Victoria’s infrastructure funding from the federal government is spent on initiatives and projects outside Melbourne.

One in four Victorians live in regional Victoria, and Geelong is the largest of the state’s cities outside Melbourne.

RCV chair Cr Shane Sali said local infrastructure projects were vital for any regional community.

“They not only help maintain services, improve transport options, and make our regional cities and country towns better places to live – they also create jobs for locals and boost the national economy.

“Regional Victorians shouldn’t be denied their share of funding from the Albanese Government simply because Victoria abolished its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.”

Cr Sali said he acknowledged the government’s $1 billion for regional Australia through the Growing Regions Program and Precincts and Partnerships Program, but felt regional Victoria was disadvantaged by these competitive schemes because councils could not get access to compulsory co-contributions from the Victorian government.

“Without infrastructure funding, regional Victoria risks falling behind, unable to provide adequate services to current residents and future generations.

“We were gutted when funding was removed for a series of projects across regional Victoria – like the Geelong Fast Rail, stage one of the Shepparton Bypass, and the Hume Freeway intersection upgrade in Wodonga.”

The Geelong Fast Rail project was scrapped in November last year by the federal government after a review of the Infrastructure Investment Program.

Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker said her government was committed to funding critical infrastructure projects in Victoria’s regions.

“This commitment is reflected in funding for major arterial roads like our $125 million contribution to stage 2 of the Barwon Head Road upgrade, and we’re also funding new aquatic centres, sports club upgrades, targeted environmental projects, and of course, the Geelong Convention Centre to deliver great economic and job outcomes for our region.

“I know, and the government knows how much these investments matter to our communities, and I will continue to advocate alongside my community to make them a reality.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said she was a regional Victorian herself and understood how important it was for the government to deliver the infrastructure growing communities needed.

“Our government is focussed on creating jobs and growing the economy while not increasing pressure on inflation or the construction industry.”