Peri Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) visited Canberra recently to push for government funding to open up land for housing developments and provide community infrastructure in Victoria’s high-growth zones.

Led by new Deputy Chair Cr Brett Tessari from Bass Coast Shire Council, the delegation met with federal ministers and shadow ministers responsible for regional development, local government, infrastructure and housing.

Cr Tessari said the delegation welcomed the opportunity to discuss its policy proposal in person with decision makers last week.

“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.

“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.

“We also need government investment in public facilities, such as libraries, pools and sports venues, to ensure areas of new growth are vibrant and connected communities,” Cr Tessari said.

In its pre-budget submission to both the state and federal governments, PUCV has recommended two funds be set up to support infrastructure planning and development in high-growth peri urban areas. They are:

• a federally-administered Capital Investment Fund that provides grants to peri urban councils for community infrastructure (such as sports facilities, libraries and community centres); and
• a State Government-administered Development Contributions Plan (DCP) Future Fund that allows peri urban municipalities to borrow against DCP agreements to fund early-stage infrastructure projects such as water, sewerage and drainage.

The combined population of Victoria’s eight peri urban municipalities is well over 300,000. By 2031, that number is expected to grow by at least 30 per cent.

Cr Tessari said peri urban areas were popular among people wanting to leave the city and settle in local towns and villages, which offer a range of diverse lifestyle, tourism, agricultural and economic pursuits.

“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.

“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,” Cr Tessari said.

PUCV is an alliance of five municipalities located immediately adjacent to metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong — Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Moorabool, Baw Baw and Bass Coast — covering more than 11,000 square kilometres.