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Peri Urban Councils Victoria advocates for federal and state investment in high-growth infrastructure and housing development

Peri Urban Councils Victoria is advocating for federal and state funding to support infrastructure and housing growth, emphasising the need for investment in essential services, roads, and community facilities in high-growth areas.

By news@gippsland - 20th February 2025 - Back to News

Peri Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) has taken to Canberra its push to secure 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.

PUCV delegation in Canberra (from left): Moorabool Shire Council CEO Derek Madden, Surf Coast Shire Council Government Relations Manager Darryn Chiller, PUCV Deputy Chair and Bass Coast Shire Council Deputy Mayor Cr Brett Tessari, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and Member for Ballarat Catherine King, and Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Greg Box

Investing in growth

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," Cr Tessari said.

"We want to support growth and be part of the solution to the housing crisis, but we do need the 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.

Funding growth infrastructure

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:

• Federally-administered Capital Investment Fund that provides grants to peri urban councils for community infrastructure (such as sports facilities, libraries and community centres)
• 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 percent.

Planning urban growth

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 last week so we can plan for the future together," Cr Tessari said.

For more information, visit Peri Urban Councils Victoria website.

Pictures from Peri Urban Councils Victoria website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester welcomed progress on the Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering a new pavilion and modern changerooms, with government funding and volunteers supporting a safer, more vibrant hub for sport and community activities.
• Wedge Performing Arts Centre in Sale to undergo $3.4M redevelopment enhancing accessibility, creativity, and engagement
  The Wedge Performing Arts Centre in Sale will undergo a $3.4 million redevelopment, improving accessibility, artistic spaces, technical facilities, and community engagement, ensuring it remains a vibrant regional cultural hub.
• Danny O’Brien denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
  Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services.
• Latrobe City Council endorses Transition Reserve Policy to drive economic diversification, growth and long-term job creation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Transition Reserve Policy to support economic diversification, fund enabling infrastructure, attract new industries, and allocate future surpluses to drive long-term regional growth and jobs.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery Mainstreet Cafe fosters skill development, employment, and community engagement for all abilities
  Latrobe Regional Gallery welcomes Mainstreet Cafe, an all-abilities social enterprise providing inclusive hospitality training, employment opportunities, and community engagement, fostering skills development and pathways for people of all abilities.
• Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
  Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan government, warns emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Government for misleading regional Victorians, warning the emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped, and calling for its full abolition to protect farmers and communities.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants now available until 31 January 2026
  Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026.
• Darren Chester welcomes new all-abilities ramp at Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing accessibility and inclusion
  Federal Member Darren Chester welcomed the new all-abilities ramp at Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing accessibility, inclusion, and community participation, supported by local business and the #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Grant.
• Gippsland Water completes major Warragul sewer upgrade, boosting capacity and supporting town’s rapid growth and future reliability
  Gippsland Water has completed a 1.5-kilometre Warragul sewer upgrade, increasing capacity, improving reliability, supporting population growth, and protecting the environment, including relocation of threatened local species during construction.
• Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
  Federal MP Darren Chester has praised Latrobe Valley volunteers for driving the success of the Traralgon International, highlighting their dedication, community pride and vital role in showcasing Gippsland globally.
• Baw Baw Shire Council information session on Warragul and Drouin Development Contributions Plans review on 12 December 2025
  Baw Baw residents are invited to an information session on 12 December to learn about the Warragul and Drouin Development Contributions Plans review and future infrastructure planning.
• Darren Chester demands answers from council over delayed $5M Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk project delays
  Federal MP Darren Chester demands East Gippsland Shire Council explain delays to the $5 million Krauatungalung Walk, seeking clarity on timelines, budget and design for the community-backed all-abilities boardwalk project.
• Darren Chester celebrates Lakes Entrance musician Dr Megan Burslem advancing classical music nationally via ABC
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised Lakes Entrance-born musician Dr Megan Burslem for promoting classical music nationally through ABC Classic, ABC TV, and her new series, Front Row.
• Darren Chester urges sun safety as Australia’s high melanoma rates stress risks, awareness, and early detection
  Federal MP Darren Chester warns Gippslanders of Australia’s high melanoma rates, urging sun protection, early detection, and following the Five Sun Safe Rules as UV levels rise heading into summer.
• Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
  Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives.
• Parliamentary Inquiry visits South Gippsland to examine oil, gas decommissioning and regional transition opportunities
  State Parliament’s Environment and Planning Committee visited South Gippsland to examine oil and gas decommissioning, and local government perspectives, highlighting infrastructure needs and renewable transition opportunities.
• Danny O'Brien visits Gippsland schools honouring Anzac Legacy by planting 100 lone pines across Victoria
  Gippsland schools joined the "100 Lone Pines Project," with Danny O’Brien delivering seedlings, connecting students to Gallipoli history and honoring the Anzac legacy through planting descendant pines across Victoria.
• Danny O’Brien says South Gippsland Highway receives constant patch-ups instead of proper, long-term investment
  Danny O’Brien criticises South Gippsland Highway constant patch-ups, highlighting 169 maintenance tasks since July, calling for proper investment and long-term repairs instead of short-term, wasteful fixes by the Labor government.
• East Gippsland Council confirms compliance with 2025-26 rate cap, maintaining responsible financial management and community support
  East Gippsland Council has confirmed compliance with the 2025–26 Victorian rate cap, keeping increases below the 3% limit to ease cost-of-living pressures while maintaining essential services.