More land for housing developments could provide community infrastructure in Victoria’s high-growth zones if government funding is secured.
Peri Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) met with Federal and Shadow Ministers in Canberra on February 11, 2025 to discuss the opportunities surrounding housing help.
The delegation led by new Deputy Chair Cr Brett Tessari from Bass Coast Shire Council welcomed the opportunity to discuss its policy proposal in person with decision makers last week.
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 they need government investment in public facilities, such as libraries, pools and sports venues, to ensure areas of new growth are vibrant and connected communities.
“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,” Cr Tessari said.
PUCV’s pre-budget submission to both the state and federal governments recommend two funds to support infrastructure planning and development in high-growth peri urban areas.
A federally-administered Capital Investment Fund that provides grants to peri urban councils for community infrastructure (such as sports facilities, libraries and community centres).
The second is 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.
