Regional Cities Victoria is calling for clarity around how regional Victorians can access state government funding for infrastructure and for the government to do more to ease the housing crisis.
The body, which represents a number of councils across the state, said regional councils had hoped for support for infrastructure to help alleviate the state-wide housing crisis in the budget.
City of Greater Shepparton mayor and RCV spokesperson Shane Sali said he hoped the government would work with RCV to support planning legislative reform to increase housing supply.
Cr Sali said it was no longer clear how regional councils would access the funding following the discontinuation of the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
Councils and regional businesses have had access to more than $100 million each year through this grants program since it was established by the Bracks Government more than two decades ago.
Cr Sali said the RJIF had been used to create jobs, help businesses relocate to regional cities, build community centres, and make regional Victoria a better place to live, work and visit.
“It is incredibly disappointing that this funding has not been continued and there is no support available for local infrastructure projects in our growing regional cities,” Cr Sali said.
“RCV is seeking an assurance from the Victorian Government that regional councils will be able to access state government funding via other means.
“Without access to Victorian Government funding, councils will find it even harder to secure Federal Government funding, due to co-contribution requirements.”
He said there was a distinct lack of funding for the Commonwealth Games due to be held in three years.
“We would also like more information on plans to capitalise on the 2026 Commonwealth Games for all regional areas in future budgets, not just the cities hosting the sports events,” Cr Sali said.
Cr Sali said RCV welcomed investment in rail networks, in capping regional fares and 23 new VLocity trains, as well as $677 million in flood recovery money, and some funding for recreational activities.