Councils push for housing infrastructure funding

PERI Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) is urging federal and state governments to fund infrastructure for housing developments in high-growth regional zones.

A delegation led by PUCV deputy chair Cr Brett Tessari from Bass Coast Shire met with federal ministers and shadow ministers in Canberra last week to push for funding commitments.

“Our municipalities are the gateway to regional Victoria and we are on the frontline of rapid population growth, but our low rate base limits our ability to fund the critical infrastructure we need,” Cr Tessari said.

“We want to support growth and be part of the solution to the housing crisis, but we do need government to partner and invest in essential infrastructure for new housing developments, such as roads, water and power.”

The PUCV’s pre-budget submission recommends two funding streams: a federally administered Capital Investment Fund for community infrastructure such as sports facilities, libraries, and community centres; and a state-administered Development Contributions Plan (DCP) Future Fund, allowing councils to borrow against DCP agreements to fund early-stage projects.

Victoria’s eight peri-urban municipalities – including the Surf Coast Shire – have a combined population exceeding 300,000, expected to grow by at least 30 per cent by 2031.

Cr Tessari said peri-urban areas were increasingly popular for those leaving the city to settle in regional towns.

“Our limited rate base has reduced our ability to effectively plan for high levels of urban growth and provide services and facilities for new residents,” he said.

“PUCV members are looking forward to continuing the conversations we have had with our parliamentarians this week so we can plan for the future together.”