and
Regional Development
The
recent closure of the CityLink Burnley and Domain Tunnels, resulting in traffic
chaos throughout Melbourne, has highlighted the importance of developing employment
centres in the fringe suburbs and regional Victoria, the Urban Development Institute
of Australia (UDIA) said today ahead of its State Conference in Geelong.
Executive
Director of the UDIA (VIC) Tony De Domenico said, "With
congestion in Melbourne estimated to be costing around $3 billion a year now and
jumping to $6 billion by 2020, just eight years away, it is clear that Melbourne
could become more like a big car park than the most liveable city in the world
unless urgent funding is found.
"One
has to ask the question - why public infrastructure such as roads, tunnels or
public transport cannot be financed in part from carbon tax credits as they all
will help reduce carbon pollution. This is a better outcome for Australia instead
of the funds from the carbon tax going overseas which has no benefit to the communities
and industries who are paying the carbon tax?
"There
is also the opportunity to introduce Invest in Victoria Government Infrastructure
Bonds and allow people to invest in Victoria's infrastructure with a
reasonable rate of return and a special tax treatment providing for a triple bottom
line return to the Government, community and investors."
Mr
De Domenico said it is quite clear with Victoria's population
expected to grow from 5.6 million to 7.3 million over the next 20
years the congestion issue and vulnerability of Victoria's
economy related to infrastructure failure will increase.
"The
reality is we are behind with infrastructure, both in the CBD
and inner Melbourne suburbs as well as new greenfield areas, which means that
attention needs to be given to both and there needs to be a refined approach to
maximise the funding we need to raise and how it is spent.
"Whilst
the development of more residential opportunities within the CBD
of Melbourne and inner city suburbs has some positive impacts of utilising existing
infrastructure, building up the economic base of central Melbourne
and providing the choice for people to live in the city economically at around
$500,000 to $600,000, it is well out of the reach of first home buyers.
"With
the expected growth to be strongest in the fringe areas of Cardinia, Casey, Hume,
Melton, Whittlesea and Wyndham, these are the areas we see need to be fast tracked
with business opportunities to provide work locally with the establishment of
appropriate infrastructure and incentives to attract industries and businesses.
"Long term the regional cities of Geelong,
Ballarat, Bendigo, Latrobe Valley, Shepparton, Mildura, Wodonga and Warrnambool
should also be given strategic high priority," Mr De Domenico said.
"All
of these areas should be designated as areas with special policy frameworks
in relation to investment and planning, which has now under review to ensure local
communities can maximise opportunities for investment and employment.
"The
current review of the Victorian Planning Scheme should streamline processes and
time lines and will be fundamental in the success of future planning of these
special growth areas."
Mr
De Domenico said, "Whilst the State Government has demonstrated it's willingness
to support such policies with re-locating the TAC to
Geelong, the overall strategy needs to be supported by the private sector and
investment from the Government of State raised taxes to be implemented as part
of the Victorian Government strategy.
"With
current funding difficulties and the need to move on projects in Victoria it is
important that the Federal Government immediately lift its GST contribution to
Victoria to reflect the amount it is collecting from the Victorian community.
Mr.
De Domenico said, "The spreading of the population is often branded the Urban
Sprawl by people and groups who fail to comprehend that Victoria's
population is growing and people need to live somewhere, and whilst bringing some
challenges it also brings advantages.
"The
environmental sense of spreading the population is often not appreciated by those
who attack greenfield development as it spreads pressure
on the environment, infrastructure and facilities."
"The
fact that many families who locked out of home ownership in the CBD,
inner and middle ring suburbs, are able to gain a foothold in the property market
in the outer suburbs where they can raise a family with a backyard and open space
is a fundamental rite of passage.
"Behind
every home stands the aspirations of the homeowners to own their own home and
secure their future and that of their family. Also behind each home stands
the employment and job security of over 310,000 Victorians with the development
industry contributing $4.6 billion in taxes and charges annually to all levels
of Government.
Mr
De Domenico said, "The City of Geelong, a nominated Central Activity
Area in the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Strategy, is one of the
best examples of a regional area which is being developed to cope with population
expansion and the resulting demand for residential housing with projects such
as Armstrong Creek."
Media
Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications,
UDIA (VIC) - Mobile: 0417 329 201
