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Growth Framework To Guide Growth In Victoria'S Regional Cities

Victoria's Regional Cities now have access to a purpose-built planning framework that will help them prepare for a forecast population increase to more than one million people over the next 20 years.

By Regional Cities Victoria - 21st August 2013 - Back to News

With the Regional Cities Victoria Growth Framework released today by Regional Cities Victoria (RCV), councils can gain a clear picture of their current infrastructure and services levels and then develop strategies to drive investment in the areas that most support their future needs.

RCV, which represents the State’s 10 largest regional cities – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga, commissioned the development of the framework to guide Regional Cities as they plan for future population growth and economic development.

Released at the annual Celebrating Regional Cities forum, the Regional Cities Victoria Growth Framework provides a process for setting each city's priorities for investment in services and infrastructure. It also produces a strong evidence base that Regional Cities can draw on when seeking government funding or attracting private investment.

The Victorian Government contributed $300,000 towards developing the Regional Cities Victoria Growth Framework, which has three core components:

• A resource paper explaining the economic theory underlying Regional City growth
• A set of growth indicators enabling each Regional City to determine its current position and to set growth benchmarks
• A diagnostics tool each Regional City can use to set targets and priorities.

RCV Chairman, Cr Mark Byatt, said the Regional Cities Victoria Growth Framework would position Regional Cities to achieve their full potential as thriving communities that offer more jobs, better services and attractive investment opportunities, as well as a great lifestyle.

"The Regional Cities Victoria Growth Framework embodies the concept of Victoria as a 'State of Cities', a vision RCV shares with the State Government. It recognises the role of Regional Cities in supporting the State's growth and prosperity by fostering conditions that will stimulate the economies within Regional Cities and their catchment areas."

Cr Byatt said the next step was for Regional Cities to use the diagnostics tool to conduct their own city-based assessments and prepare action plans that would enable councils to prepare for their growth and development aspirations.

"RCV is committed to working with governments, industry and our communities to develop long-term solutions to meet Victoria’s growth challenges," he said.

"RCV-commissioned research confirms that Regional Cities have the capacity to accommodate more residents and businesses and this growth framework will help the RCV continue to create sustainable and livable communities.

"We thank the Victorian Government and in particular Premier and Minister for Regional Cities, Dr Denis Napthine, for supporting this important project and for his ongoing support for RCV."

To view the growth framework materials, visit www.regionalcitiesvictoria.com.au

Media contacts: Andrew Turner or Jack Herbert: 03 9654 4799, 0405 584 567 or rcv@cprcomm.com.au

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Danny O’Brien says Nationals and Liberals’ economic plan aims to cut waste, reduce taxes, ease cost pressures and restore investment in Gippsland services and infrastructure.
• Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
  Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security.
• Gippsland farmers gain access to expanded Irrigation Farm Plan Incentives across Lake Wellington catchment
  Gippsland farmers can now access expanded Irrigation Efficiency Incentives, covering up to 75% of farm plan costs, improving water efficiency, reducing nutrient losses, and supporting tailored upgrades across Lake Wellington Catchment.
• Danny O’Brien backs plan to recruit 3,000 police, strengthening community safety and regional policing
  Danny O’Brien supports a plan to recruit 3,000 police officers, saying it will improve community safety, reduce crime and strengthen regional policing across Gippsland.
• Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs and celebrating regional products
  Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs, celebrating regional produce, and helping small enterprises like Sale’s "Love in a Jar" thrive across the community.
• Darren Chester welcomed Generous Gippsland fund supporting local projects and lasting community-led regional change
  Darren Chester has welcomed Generous Gippsland, a new community fund supporting local projects, strengthening regional resilience and ensuring Gippsland contributions remain locally guided and impactful.
• Labor’s Wonthaggi Hospital promise remains unfunded, with rising demand and worsening regional wait times
  Labor’s Wonthaggi Hospital promise remains unfunded, with rising demand, longer emergency wait times and delayed upgrades despite growing Bass Coast population pressures.
• Latrobe City Social Inclusion Action Group application is now open, submit expressions of interest by 24 April 2026
  Latrobe City Council seeks community members to join its Social Inclusion Action Group, helping guide funding decisions, strengthen connections, and improve inclusion and wellbeing, with applications open until April 24, 2026.
• Draft Flood Overlay Amendment for South Gippsland Planning Scheme feedback is now open, submit yours by 6 July 2026
  South Gippsland and WGCMA have released a draft planning amendment combining 10 flood studies, updating flood overlays for affected properties and seeking community feedback until 6 July 2026.
• Southern Rural Water invites community to have your say on future water services, pricing and sustainability
  Southern Rural Water invites the community to help shape future water pricing and services, balancing cost, access, sustainability, and regional needs across southern Victoria.
• South Gippsland Kinder registrations are now open until 17 May 2026 with updates on other projects and programs
  Kinder registrations for 2027 are now open; apply by June 30, attend Leongatha Rail Trail Market info session, and contact Council Early Years team for support and enrolment details.
• Heyfield Wetlands visitors can now refill bottles and provide water for dogs using new fountain
  Heyfield Wetlands receives new drinking fountain, supporting community recreation, hydration, pets and Gippsland Water’s broader public refill network initiative.
• Tim Bull urges better local firewood access from roadside clearing to ease East Gippsland shortages before winter arrives
  Tim Bull urges authorities to make roadside clearing timber available locally, expand collection areas, and improve access to firewood for East Gippsland communities ahead of winter shortages.
• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• Second round of South Gippsland community grants now open, with drop-in support sessions in various dates and locations
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s second round of community grants is open until 31 March 2026, with seven drop-in sessions available to assist local clubs and groups with applications.
• Second round of South Gippsland community grants now open, with drop-in support sessions in various dates and locations
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s second round of community grants is open until 31 March 2026, with seven drop-in sessions available to assist local clubs and groups with applications.
• Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
  World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage.