infrastructure victoria draft 30-year infrastructure strategy€¦ · infrastructure victoria draft...

Infrastructure Victoria Draft 30-Year Infrastructure StrategyConsultation ReportNovember 2016

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Document!title:!

Infrastructure!Victoria!Draft&30)year&infrastructure&strategy&Consultation!Report!

Version:! FINAL!

Date:! November!2016!

Prepared!by:! Kerry!Yu;!Dashiel!Lawrence!Approved!by:! Jenni!Forrester!

File!name:! !Nation!Partners!Pty!Ltd!ABN!77!88!6784!591!!Tel:! 1!300!876!976!Web:! www.nationpartners.com.au!

COPYRIGHT:!The!concepts!and!information!contained!in!this!document!are!the!property!of!Nation!Partners!Pty!Ltd.!Use!or!copying!of!this!document!in!whole!or!in!part!without!the!written!permission!of!Nation!Partners!constitutes!an!infringement!of!copyright.!

!Contents!!!!! Page!

!1.!Introduction!!

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2.!Methodology!and!profile!of!participation! 3!! 2.1!Engagement!approach! 3!! 2.2!Participation!and!representation! 4!! 2.3!Feedback!and!reporting!methodology!!

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3.!Key!findings! 8!! 3.1!Survey!results! 8!! 3.2!Do!the!recommendations!achieve!the!objectives!and!meet!the!needs?! 10!! 3.3!Is!the!timing!right?! 13!! 3.4!Do!the!recommendations!work!well!together?!!

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4.!Detailed!discussion!of!consultation!feedback! 16!! Quick!reference!guide!to!recommendations! 17!! 4.1!Densification! 18!! 4.2!Transport!network!pricing! 22!! 4.3!Affordable!housing! 24!! 4.4!The!common!link:!ICT!infrastructure! 30!! 4.5!Other!high_interest!recommendations!! 31!! 4.6!Further!observations!on!sectors!not!already!covered!!

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5.!Options!previously!listed!!

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6.!Themes! 50!! 6.1!Funding! 50!! 6.2!Decentralisation!–!perspectives!from!rural!and!regional!Victoria! 51!! 6.3!Infrastructure!Victoria’s!role! 52!! 6.4!Interface!with!other!levels!of!government!and!organisations! 53!! 6.5!Future_proofing!a!30_year!infrastructure!strategy!!

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Appendix!A:!List!of!recommendations!by!number!of!submissions,!source!and!geography!

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Infrastructure+Victoria+–+draft+303year+infrastructure+strategy++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Consultation+Report++ + ++www.nationpartners.com.au+

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1.# Introduction###In"developing"the"first"304year"infrastructure"strategy"for"Victoria,"Infrastructure"Victoria"actively"sought"feedback"from"stakeholders"and"the"community"at"three"key"stages"of"the"strategy"development"process.""Throughout"2016,"Nation"Partners"has"been"involved"in"the"development"and"implementation"of"various"aspects"of"the"stakeholder"and"community"engagement"program,"and"reporting"on"feedback.""Consultation"first"began"in"February"2016"on"the"draft"objectives"and"needs"through"Laying'the'Foundations'and"attracted"126"submissions."The"second"round"of"consultation"was"undertaken"in"May"2016"to"seek"feedback"on"the"options"in"All'things'considered'to"meet"the"objectives"and"needs."That"process"attracted"264"submissions."""Infrastructure"Victoria’s"draft"304year"infrastructure"strategy"was"released"on"4"October"2016,"followed"by"a"four4week"consultation"period."This"was"the"third"and"final"round"of"consultation"that"Infrastructure"Victoria"has"undertaken"in"2016"to"inform"the"development"of"the"304year"strategy."""Formal"feedback"was"received"via"the"online"survey"at"yoursay.infrastructurevictoria.com.au."Submitters"were"also"given"the"opportunity"to"provide"additional"information"in"the"form"of"an"attachment"and"submitted"via"the"website"following"the"completion"of"the"survey.""Three"survey"questions"were"asked:""1.! Will"the"recommendations"in"the"draft"304year"infrastructure"strategy"help"to"achieve"the"

objectives"and"meet"the"needs?"2.! Is"the"timing"of"the"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy"appropriate?"3.! Overall,"do"the"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy"work"well"together?"For"example,"is"

the"balance"between"new"build"and"making"better"use"of"existing"infrastructure"right?""Nation"Partners"was"engaged"to"analyse"and"report"on"the"findings"of"the"formal"submissions"received.1"This"report"presents"the"key"findings"of"the"formal"feedback"on"the"draft"304year"infrastructure"strategy."It"does"not"include"other"feedback"that"Infrastructure"Victoria"may"have"received"through"its"interactions"with"stakeholders,"government,"agencies,"and"the"broader"community.""" "

1 Nation"Partners"analysed"all"formal"feedback"received"up"to"and"including"a"short"grace"period"permitted"by"Infrastructure"Victoria."260"submissions,"including"246"survey"responses"and"205"which"attached"formal"submissions,"were"analysed"for"this"report."In"total,"more"than"270"submissions"were"received"and"considered"by"Infrastructure"Victoria.


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"""In"addition"to"this"introduction,"this"report"has"five"sections:"""

Section"2"provides"an"outline"of"the"engagement"program"and"consultation"approach,"a"profile"of"participation"and"representation,"and"a"description"of"the"method"for"analysing"and"reporting"on"feedback."""Section"3"is"an"overview"of"the"key"findings."

Section"4"provides"detailed"commentary"on"the"recommendations"that"generated"the"most"feedback"in"response"to"the"three"key"consultation"questions,"including"the"top"priorities"identified"by"Infrastructure"Victoria."Most"frequently"discussed"recommendations"in"other"sectors"have"also"been"included.""

Section"5"provides"a"summary"of"the"previously"listed"options"that"were"not"recommended"in"the"draft"304year"infrastructure"strategy"and"attracted"the"most"formal"feedback."

Section"6"is"a"summary"of"other"themes"that"emerged"from"the"consultation."

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2.# Methodology#and#profile#of#participation##2.1# Engagement#approach#"Following"the"release"of"the"draft"304year"infrastructure"strategy,"Infrastructure"Victoria"undertook"a"proactive"engagement"program"to"provide"stakeholders"and"the"community"with"information"about"the"process"to"develop"the"draft"strategy,"the"rationale"underpinning"the"recommendations"and"to"seek"feedback."The"draft"strategy"also"discussed"why"some"options"from"the"preceding"consultation"phase"were"not"included"as"recommendations.""The"engagement"program"involved"a"multi4pronged"approach"consisting"of:""

1.! Face4to4face"engagement"with"stakeholders"across"a"range"of"sectors,"including"local"government"as"a"key"conduit"to"the"broader"Victorian"community"and"in"recognition"of"the"role"they"play"in"managing"and"maintaining"much"of"the"state’s"infrastructure;"

2.! Face4to4face"engagement"with"key"stakeholder"groups,"with"a"focus"on"sectors"directly"impacted"by"the"top"three"recommendations"identified"by"Infrastructure"Victoria."This"included"forums"held"with"the"affordable"housing"sector"and"the"planning"and"development"sector,"as"well"as"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"Local"Government"Technical"Reference"Group;"

3.! Direct"contact"with"stakeholders"who"were"actively"engaged"during"the"consultation"phase"for"All'things'considered;"and"

4.! A"forum"aimed"at"engaging"with"representatives"aged"18"–"24,"including"university"students"and"peak"youth"advocacy"groups."

"Infrastructure"Victoria"developed"and"implemented"a"proactive"media"and"advertising"campaign"to"support"the"engagement"process."The"campaign"aimed"at"increasing"community"awareness"of"the"draft"strategy"and"encouraged"people"to"visit"yoursay.infrastructurevictoria.com.au"for"more"information"and"to"provide"formal"feedback.""While"a"range"of"feedback"was"received"by"Infrastructure"Victoria"during"the"forums,"all"those"engaged"were"encouraged"to"provide"formal"feedback"via"yoursay.infrastructurevictoria.com.au."""Those"wishing"to"provide"formal"feedback"were"asked"to"complete"a"survey"comprising"three"questions."The"results"of"the"survey"are"in"Section"3:"Key"Findings.""Submitters"were"also"given"the"opportunity"to"provide"additional"information,"either"by"free"text"to"support"responses"given"to"the"three"questions"or"in"the"form"of"an"attachment."""This"report"summarises"the"key"findings"of"formal"feedback"received."""


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2.2# Participation#and#representation#"Of"the"260"submissions"considered"in"this"report,"179"(68.8%)"were"from"organisations,"also"referred"to"as"‘stakeholders’"for"the"purpose"of"this"report,"and"the"remaining"81"(31.2%)"from"individuals."205"attached"additional"information"to"support"their"responses."""A"number"of"stakeholders"who"participated"were"involved"in"the"earlier"phases"of"consultation."Additionally,"there"were"several"submitters"who"participated"for"the"first"time"during"this"phase."Some"stakeholders"commented"on"their"appreciation"for"the"multiple"opportunities"to"provide"input"throughout"the"strategy"development"process." "

"Figure#A.#Submissions#by#type##"Among"submissions"received"from"stakeholders,"a"large"number"were"from"individual"councils"(representing"58.2%"of"all"councils"in"Victoria),"the"health"and"human"services,"transport"and"planning"sectors."""It"should"be"noted"that"local"government"elections"were"held"on"22"October"2016."Councils"were"in"caretaker"mode"for"most"of"the"consultation"period"on"the"draft"strategy."This"meant"that"council"submissions"were"made"by"council"officers,"and"not"elected"representatives."""However,"it"should"also"be"noted"that,"as"a"sector,"local"government"has"been"particularly"active"throughout"all"phases"of"the"consultation"in"2016"and,"generally"speaking"demonstrated"a"very"good"understanding"of"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"processes"and"areas"of"focus"prior"to"the"release"of"the"draft"strategy."

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

Organisation Individual

Participation


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"Figure#B.#Submissions#by#sector2#

"Few"formal"submissions"were"received"from"stakeholders"in"the"energy,"justice"and"emergency"services,"education,"and"science,"agriculture"and"environment"sectors."Those"who"did"submit"from"these"sectors"included"detailed"submissions"and"evidence"for"Infrastructure"Victoria"to"consider"in"its"assessment"of"recommendations"pertinent"to"these"stakeholders."No"submissions"were"received"from"the"ICT"sector.""67.9%"of"survey"respondents"were"from"metropolitan"Melbourne,"27.6%"from"other"parts"of"Victoria"and"4.5%"from"outside"Victoria."These"results"reflect"a"slightly"higher"representation"of"submissions"from"outside"metropolitan"Melbourne"than"the"earlier"phases"of"consultation."""#

#Figure#C.#Survey#participation#by#locality##

2"Multi4sector"includes"stakeholders"such"as"local"government."

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Energy

Justice#and#emergency#services

Health#

Science,#agriculture#and#environment

Education#and#training

Water#and#waste

Culture,#community,#sporting,#recreation#…

Economic#development

LandRuse#Planning

Human#Services

Transport

MultiRSector

Individuals

Sector

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

Metro Regional Interstate

Locality


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"In"terms"of"the"age"of"individual"submitters,"the"highest"number"of"responses"were"received"from"those"aged"55"–"64"years"and"65"years"and"above."##

#Figure#D.#Survey#participation#by#age#group#

""

# #

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

15R19 20R24 25R34 35R44 45R54 55R64 65#and#over

Age


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2.3# Feedback#analysis#and#reporting#methodology# ##Preparation"of"this"report"has"been"conducted"through"an"intensive"program"of"data"capture"and"analysis."The"qualitative"research"tool"NVivo"has"been"used"to"organise"and"analyse"consultation"data."""A"code"frame"was"developed"to"sort"and"analyse"the"data."Codes"were"applied"to"data"referring"to"specific"recommendations,"options"previously"identified"by"Infrastructure"Victoria,"funding"and"financing,"timing"and"balance."""This"process"of"coding"has"produced"a"quantitative"picture"of"qualitative"consultation"data."There"is"limitation"to"this"approach"in"that"it"is"guided"by"how"a"given"piece"of"qualitative"information"was"coded"or"interpreted."The"tallied"numbers"that"feature"in"this"report"should"be"read"as"a"broad"insight"into"trends"across"the"consultation"data.""""""

# #


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3.# Key#findings##The"following"is"an"overview"of"the"key"findings"of"the"formal"feedback"received"during"the"consultation"period"for"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"draft"304year"infrastructure"strategy."The"key"findings"are"structured"according"to"the"three"core"consultation"questions.""Many"submissions,"including"those"which"agreed"that"the"recommendations"will"help"achieve"the"objectives"and"needs,"also"included"suggestions"on"how"the"draft"strategy"can"be"improved"and"strengthened."Suggestions"included"a"range"of"advice"from"wording"changes"and"clarification"on"definitions,"to"further"research,"process"improvement"and"implementation."These"suggestions"were"wide4ranging"and"varied"in"the"depth"and"breadth"of"content."""Discussion"about"those"recommendations"which"attracted"the"most"feedback,"including"suggestions,"is"in"Section"4."Other"common"themes"arising"from"the"submissions"will"be"discussed"in"Section"6.""3.1# Survey#results#"Of"the"260"submissions"analysed,"246"completed"the"online"survey."This"included"surveys"completed"by"late"submitters"during"the"grace"period"up"to"4"November."Some"late"submissions"were"received"via"direct"email."14"submitters"did"not"complete"a"survey."""The"following"provides"a"breakdown"of"the"246"responses"to"the"three"core"consultation"questions.""“Will'the'recommendations'in'the'draft'309year'infrastructure'strategy'help'achieve'the'

objectives'and'meet'the'needs?”'

"

'

'

“Is'the'timing'of'the'recommendations'in'the'draft'strategy'appropriate?”'

'

"'

68.8% StronglyAgree 30 12.2%31.2% Agree 118 48.0%

100.00% Neitheragreenordisagree 58 23.6%Disagree 23 9.3%StronglyDisagree 17 6.9%Total 246 100%

19.6%6.9%

19.2% StronglyAgree 21 8.5%31.2% Agree 90 36.6%

100.0% Neitheragreenordisagree 74 30.1%Disagree 42 17.1%StronglyDisagree 19 7.7%Total 246 100%


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“Overall,'do'the'recommendations'in'the'draft'strategy'work'well'together?'For'example,'is'the'

balance'between'new'build'and'making'better'use'of'existing'infrastructure'right?”'

'

"# #

2.3%3.5%

31.2% StronglyAgree 18 7.3%8.8% Agree 92 37.4%2.3% Neitheragreenordisagree 90 36.6%2.3% Disagree 28 11.4%

11.2% StronglyDisagree 18 7.3%6.5% Total 246 100%


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"3.2# Do#the#recommendations#achieve#the#objectives#and#meet#the#needs?# 60.2%"of"survey"respondents"agreed"or"strongly"agreed"that"the"recommendations"in"the"draft"304year"infrastructure"strategy"would"help"achieve"the"objectives"and"meet"the"needs."16.2%"of"survey"respondents"disagreed"or"strongly"disagreed"that"the"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy"would"help"achieve"the"objectives"and"needs."The"remaining"23.6%"indicated"that"they"neither"agreed"nor"disagreed.""Agreement"that"the"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy"would"help"achieve"the"objectives"and"meet"the"needs"came"from"stakeholders"in"many"different"sectors,"from"community"services"to"transport,"and"also"across"different"types"of"organisations,"such"as"peak"bodies"and"local"government."""Many"submitters"said"the"approach"taken"by"Infrastructure"Victoria"to"develop"the"strategy"was"holistic"and"comprehensive."They"felt"the"package"of"recommendations"contained"in"the"draft"strategy"was"well4considered,"particularly"in"how"Infrastructure"Victoria"was"able"to"consider"the"inter4relationships"across"different"infrastructure"components"and"sectors"in"the"draft"strategy."Others"commended"the"draft"strategy"for"taking"a"balanced"approach"by"considering"social,"economic"and"environmental"elements,"an"approach"that"Infrastructure"Victoria"has"set"out"to"achieve"and"articulated"from"the"outset"of"the"strategy"development"process."""“We'strongly'support'the'comprehensive'and'integrated'approach,'reflected'in'the'vision,'

principles'and'objectives'of'the'Strategy.'This'reflects'the'essential'interrelationship'across'key'

infrastructure'components'and'our'own'experience'of'working'with'communities'across'Victoria.'

We'commend'the'focus'on'disadvantage'in'the'community'and'how'integrated'infrastructure'

could'and'should'support'social'inclusion'and'participation.'We'also'commend'the'priority'

placed'on'affordable'housing'as'key'infrastructure'not'welfare.”'

Brotherhood"of"St"Laurence""“We'commend'IV'for'the'breadth'and'depth'of'research'and'consultation'undertaken'to'develop'

the'document'and'believe'this'is'reflected'in'the'robust'nature'of'the'recommendations.'We'

believe'that'the'strategy'sets'out'a'credible'path'to'achieving'the'objectives'and'meeting'the'

needs'as'defined'by'IV'in'their'strategic'framework.”'

Consult"Australia"'

“In'general'we'are'very'supportive'of'the'draft'plan,'as'it'recognises'the'great'value'of'Victoria’s'

remaining'natural'areas,'the'importance'of'the'ecosystem'services'they'provide,'and'the'need'to'

be'astute'and'vigilant'in'regard'to'their'management.”'

Victorian"National"Parks"Assocation"'

“The'AWU'advocated'for'some'years'for'the'creation'of'Infrastructure'Victoria,'and'is'gratified'

by'the'depth'of'the'draft'309year'strategy'it'has'produced.'Its'scope'and'intent'lays'an'

impressive'blue'print'for'a'co9ordinated'response'to'the'needs'of'the'state’s'growing'population,'

accessibility'to'work'and'services,'as'well'as'the'social'opportunities'and'economic'repercussions'

of'infrastructure'development.”"Australian"Workers"Union"

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Stakeholders"also"acknowledged"that"some"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy"address"multiple"needs,"for"example:""“Melbourne'Water'is'pleased'to'note'the'recognition'of'the'important'role'that'green'

infrastructure'plays'in'addressing'multiple'needs'and'the'role'that'suitable'water'sector'

governance'has'in'supporting'the'delivery'of'innovative'and'adaptable'solutions.”'

Melbourne"Water""Those"who"made"critical"comments"about"the"recommendations"not"achieving"the"objectives"and"meeting"the"needs"have"generally"focused"on"identifying"deficiencies"relating"to"a"particular"need,"sector"or"geographic"location:""“We'have'some'concerns'that'the'recommendations'for'particular'needs'do'not'appear'to'be'

ambitious'enough,'for'example,'the'recommendations'against'or'underneath'Need'4'–'Enable'

physical'activity'and'participation'do'not'appear'to'be'far'reaching'enough'to'lead'to'the'

sustained'behavioural'change'required'to'significantly'increase'the'role'these'modes'should'play'

in'meeting'overall'transport'needs,'as'well'as'improving'health'and'other'community'

outcomes.”'

Consult"Australia""“The'draft'Strategy'does'not'appear'to'incorporate'coastal'assets'(environmental,'cultural'and'

infrastructure).”'

Corangamite"Catchment"Management"Authority""Transport"Australia"was"among"few"stakeholders"that"questioned"whether"the"recommendations"identified"in"the"draft"strategy"would"contribute"to"“well4integrated"outcomes”:""“While'the'draft'309Year'Infrastructure'Strategy'clearly'articulates'community'needs,'and'broad'

overarching'objectives,'we'believe'there'is'a'lack'of'clarity'about'how'the'individual'

recommendations'will'be'coordinated'to'contribute'to'well9integrated'outcomes.'This'is'also'

reflected'in'the'lack'of'measurable'indicators'of'success,'which'would'enable'IV'to'monitor'

progress'over'time.”''

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Transport"Australia'"

"Of"the"134"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy,"the"top"three"recommendations"identified"by"Infrastructure"Victoria"were"among"those"which"attracted"the"most"feedback.""

""Social"and"affordable"housing"recommendations"attracted"strong"support,"particularly"from"the"community"services"sector"and"local"government,"with"a"number"of"stakeholders"offering"further"information"and"evidence"for"implementation"to"strengthen"the"draft"recommendations."""There"was"also"support"for"the"principle"relating"to"Transport"network"pricing"and"Development"in"established"areas."However,"there"were"some"mixed"views"about"how"these"two"recommendations"can"be"implemented"and"the"challenges"involved."""


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The"recommendation"on"increasing"density"in"established"areas"attracted"strong"support"from"a"range"of"stakeholders,"with"few"individual"submitters"making"comment."Many"of"the"stakeholders"who"were"supportive"of"this"recommendation"agreed"with"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"assessment"of"how"this"recommendation"can"improve"liveability,"encourage"healthy"living,"improve"access"to"a"range"of"services"and"make"better"use"of"existing"infrastructure."Some"mixed"views"were"received"on"this"recommendation,"particularly"from"local"government"and"some"residents’"groups."""Infrastructure"Victoria’s"identification"of"ICT"connectivity"as"the"‘common"link’"underpinning"the"draft"strategy"also"attracted"much"feedback"with"strong"interest"particularly"from"rural"and"regional"stakeholders."There"was"a"general"view"that"ICT"infrastructure"is"an"enabler"for"economic"growth,"supports"other"infrastructure"development"and"addresses"issues"of"physical"and"social"access."""In"the"metropolitan"context,"ICT"connectivity"was"regarded"by"some"stakeholders"as"a"critical"enabler"for"the"development"of"other"infrastructure,"such"as"future"transport"initiatives.""Submissions"challenged"the"assumptions"made"by"Infrastructure"Victoria"on"what"the"state"of"Victoria"will"look"like"in"304years"time,"such"as"the"extent"and"nature"of"population"growth."Other"criticisms"were"about"the"geographic"spread"of"the"recommendations"and"perceptions"of"bias"towards"particular"areas"–"this"is"discussed"further"in"Section"3.3"–"and"challenged"why"specific"projects"or"issues"were"not"included"in"the"draft"strategy.""#" #


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3.3# Is#the#timing#right?#"45.1%"of"survey"respondents"agreed"or"strongly"agreed"that"the"timing"of"the"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy"is"appropriate."24.8%"of"survey"respondents"disagreed"or"strongly"disagreed"that"the"timing"of"the"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy"is"appropriate."The"remaining"30.1%"indicated"that"they"neither"agreed"nor"disagreed.""Those"who"agreed"with"the"timings"of"the"recommendations"generally"felt"that,"given"the"breadth"and"mix"of"the"infrastructure"needs"considered,"the"timing"proposed"for"recommendations"is"broadly"appropriate."Some"felt"that"the"time4scale"proposed"in"the"draft"strategy"provides"an"appropriate"framework"for"decision4making"over"a"304year"horizon.""

"Submitters"who"disagreed"with"the"timings"of"recommendations"felt"that"the"timelines"indicated"for"specific"recommendations"are"too"long.""

"A"common"sentiment"was"that"infrastructure"in"particular"areas"4"be"it"geographical"or"sectoral"4"has"been"neglected"for"too"long."This"related"to"infrastructure"which"were"either"at"or"near"capacity"or"being"needed"sooner"than"has"been"proposed"in"the"draft"strategy,"such"as"impacts"of"climate"change."On"that"basis,"they"called"on"Infrastructure"Victoria"to"advise"government"to"accelerate"the"implementation"of"particular"recommendations."""Some"stakeholders"also"interpreted"the"045"years"timeframe,"particularly"in"reference"to"government"processes,"as"being"too"conservative."As"the"City"of"Casey"suggested"with"respect"to"the"recommendation"of"Government"service/infrastructure"planning:'“The'timeframe'indicated'

however'is'too'conservative,'it'suggests'State'Government'could'take'5'years'to'get'its'act'

together'and'then'it'might'engage'with'Local'and'Federal'levels'of'Government.”'

City"of"Casey""For"large4scale,"new"infrastructure"projects"recommended"in"the"draft"strategy,"a"number"of"submitters"felt"that"a"staged"approach"would"be"appropriate."While"the"project"may"not"be"built"for"some"time,"they"argued"that"early"works"to"plan"and"develop"these"projects"should"start"within"045"years."This"is"particularly"the"case"for"projects"where"there"is"high"level"of"interest"and"multiple"stakeholders,"including"local"government.""Some"submitters"highlighted"the"challenges"in"mobilising"to"implement"the"recommendations"within"the"045"years"timescale."A"number"of"other"submitters"suggested"that"government"should"not"wait"5"years"to"implement"some"of"the"recommendations."As"Government"is"required"to"respond"to"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"strategy"in"12"months,"some"submitters"felt"that"the"timeline"of"the"process"is"being"further"delayed"and"may"further"compromise"implementation"of"recommendations."""Some"submitters"noted"that"technological"advances"may"impact"upon"the"timing"for"some"recommendations,"with"recommendations"either"requiring"earlier"delivery"or"being"rendered"redundant"due"to"technological"advances."""" #


14"

3.4# Do#the#recommendations#work#well#together?#"44.7%"of"survey"respondents"agreed"or"strongly"agreed"that"the"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy"work"well"together."18.7%"of"survey"respondents"disagreed"or"strongly"disagreed"that"the"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy"work"well"together."The"remaining"36.6%"indicated"that"they"neither"agreed"nor"disagreed.""To"assist"people"in"considering"this"question,"respondents"were"prompted"to"consider"whether"the"balance"between"new"build"and"making"better"use"of"existing"infrastructure"is"right."This"sub4question"has"prompted"feedback"on"a"range"of"themes"relating"to"‘balance’."""There"was"general"support"from"stakeholders"across"different"sectors"for"the"framework"used"by"Infrastructure"Victoria,"to"consider"the"mix"of"recommendations"from"managing"demand,"making"better"use"of"existing"infrastructure"and"building"new"infrastructure."Submitters"felt"that"this"was"a"pragmatic"and"efficient"approach."The"principle"of"assessing"infrastructure"priorities"based"on"making"better"use"of"existing"infrastructure"before"building"new"infrastructure"was"considered"by"several"submitters"to"be"particularly"appropriate"in"an"economically"constrained"environment."

"Broadly"speaking,"submitters"agreed"that"the"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy"worked"well"together"and"expressed"support"for"the"balance"between"making"better"use"of"existing"infrastructure,"managing"demand"and"building"new"infrastructure.""

"Of"those"who"felt"that"the"balance"between"managing"demand,"better"use"of"existing"infrastructure"and"building"new"infrastructure"is"not"right"in"the"draft"strategy,"there"were"mixed"views"about"how"this"could"be"improved."Opinions"were"divided"as"to"whether"there"should"be"more,"or"fewer,"‘new"build’"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy.""On"the"one"hand,"calls"for"the"draft"strategy"to"consider"more"‘new"build’"projects"were"based"on"concerns"about"pressure"on"existing"infrastructure"caused"by"increasing"demand,"e.g."in"areas"experiencing"high"population"growth,"and"a"view"that"there"has"been"underinvestment"in"infrastructure"for"some"time."Some"felt"that"the"costs"of"building"new"infrastructure"may"be"less"than"retrofitting"existing"infrastructure,"particularly"in"established"areas."""On"the"other"hand,"some"submitters"felt"that"the"draft"strategy"contained"too"many"large4scale,"costly,"new"infrastructure"projects."Some"submitters"directed"their"criticism"at"particular"new"road"projects"as"unnecessary.""“…'a'small'number'of'initiatives—in'particular'the'proposed'expansion'of'urban'motorways—

are'more'likely'to'have'the'opposite'effect'In'short,'they'will'make'it'more'difficult'to'meet'

demand'for'movement'of'people'and'goods'in'30'years’'time'and'beyond;'discourage'physical'

activity;'destroy'urban'amenity'and'accessibility;'result'in'increased'travel'times'for'people'and'

freight'compared'with'alternative'measures;'degrade'natural'environments;'fail'to'reduce'

carbon'emissions;'and'further'degrade'the'resilience'of'our'cities'and'critical'systems.”''

Public"Transport"Users"Association""

" "


15"

Similarly,"the"Victorian"Transport"Action"Group"submitted:""“In'most'parts'of'the'world'it'it'is'now'agreed'that'building'more'roads'will'never'solve'the'

mobility'problem.'What'are'needed'are'a'range'of'transport'options'that'allow'everyone,'

wherever'they'live,'work,'shop'or'play,'to'have'a'public'transport'alternative'that'allows'them'to'

leave'their'cars'at'home.”'

Victorian"Transport"Action"Group""Others"felt"that"the"draft"strategy"can"do"more"to"capitalise"on"opportunities"to"utilise"existing"infrastructure."A"number"of"submitters"also"pointed"out"that"‘better"use"of"existing"infrastructure’"is"only"appropriate"if"the"existing"infrastructure"is"still"useable."""Some"submitters,"notably"from"local"government,"suggested"that"the"strategy"should"do"more"to"target"and"prioritise"asset"management"and"maintenance"so"that"existing"infrastructure"could"be"in"service"for"longer."They"argue"that"appropriate"asset"management"could"potentially"reduce"the"need"and"subsequent"cost"for"building"new"infrastructure"in"the"long"term.""On"the"topic"of"‘balance’,"a"number"of"submitters"also"felt"that"the"draft"strategy"focuses"too"heavily"on"metropolitan"Melbourne."They"drew"attention"to"the"importance"of"ensuring"sustainable"infrastructure"development"in"rural"and"regional"Victoria,"and"the"importance"of"rural"and"regional"Victoria"in"the"development"of"the"state"as"a"whole."Several"rural"and"regional"councils"supported"this"view"by"drawing"attention"to"the"needs"of"their"particular"regions"or"locality"and"submitted"projects"that"they"felt"should"be"included"in"the"strategy."A"small"number"of"growth"councils"located"on"Melbourne’s"fringe"also"felt"that"the"draft"strategy"favours"‘central"Melbourne’"and"that"better"balance"could"be"achieved"by"doing"more"to"invest"in"infrastructure"to"support"these"areas."""There"was"also"some"critical"feedback"on"whether"all"‘Needs’"in"the"draft"strategy"have"been"treated"with"the"same"level"of"consideration."There"was"a"perception"that"some"sectors"were"not"regarded"with"the"same"level"of"importance,"when"the"number"or"spread"of"recommendations"in"different"sectors"are"compared."The"draft"strategy"was"perceived"by"some"submitters"as"being"transport4focused."However,"this"was"countered"by"a"general"view"that,"in"considering"the"breadth"and"depth"of"the"draft"strategy,"the"right"balance"has"been"struck"in"the"recommendations.""" "


16"

4.# Detailed#discussion#of#consultation#feedback###This"chapter"provides"detailed"commentary"on"the"recommendations"and"issues"that"generated"the"most"feedback"in"response"to"the"three"key"consultation"questions."""Infrastructure"Victoria’s"three"top"priorities"in"the"draft"strategy"attracted"the"most"feedback"during"the"consultation"period."They"are:"""

1.! Increasing"densities"in"established"areas"to"make"better"use"of"existing"infrastructure."2.! Introducing"a"comprehensive"transport"pricing"regime"to"manage"demands"on"the"

network."3.! Investing"in"social"and"affordable"housing"for"vulnerable"Victorians"to"significantly"

increase"supply.""

The"table"on"the"following"page"provides"a"quick"reference"guide"to"the"recommendations"discussed"in"this"section.""" "


17"

Quick#reference#guide#to#recommendations#"

Recommendation##

Page#

Affordable"housing"plan" 24"Affordable"housing"planning"mechanisms" 25"Affordable"rental"housing"provision" 25"Brown"coal"transition" 47"Community"space"refurb/rationalisation" 31"Community"space"shared"use"agreements" 31"Community"sport/recreation"facilities" 32"Crisis"and"transitional"housing"" 26"Cycling"corridors/walking"improvements" 32"Development"in"established"areas" 18"Development"in/around"employment"centres" 21"Driverless"vehicles"" 33"Eastern"Freeway4CityLink4Western"Ring"Road" 34"Energy"efficiency"of"new"buildings" 47"Freight"precincts" 44"Geelong/Werribee/Wyndham"rail" 35"Government"service/infrastructure"planning" 36"Green"infrastructure" 37"Health"care"ICT"systems" 45"Housing"rental"assistance" 27"ICT"infrastructure" 30"Justice/human"services"integrated"planning" 44"Landfill"buffers" 46"Melbourne"Airport"rail"link"" 38"North"East"Link" 39"Organic"waste" 47"Public"housing"refurb/rationalisation" 28"Public"libraries" 40"Regional"highways" 41"Regional"local"road"maintenance" 41"Schools"as"community"facilities" 42"SmartBus"network" 43"Stormwater"harvesting" 46"Stormwater"quality" 46"Transport"network"pricing" 22"Waste"pricing" 46"Western"Intermodal"Freight"Terminal" 45"

#" #


18"

#4.1! Densification##"The"recommendations"of"Development"in"established"areas"and"Development"in"and"around"employment"centres"received"broad"support"from"business"and"industry,"local"governments"and"peak"bodies"as"a"viable"approach"to"responding"to"Melbourne’s"projected"population"growth."It"also"attracted"critique"by"some"stakeholders"concerned"about"the"impact"of"densification"on"communities"and"existing"infrastructure.""#Development#in#established#areas##"Development"in"established"areas"was"supported"by"a"number"of"local"government"stakeholders,"including"the"City"of"Whitehorse:"""“Recommendation'is'generally'supported.'This'has'already'been'put'in'place'for'Whitehorse''s'

Major'Activity'Centre'of'Box'Hill.'It'would'require'additional'strategic'planning'work'for'some'

train'stations'which'are'adjacent'to'Industrial'areas'(such'as'Nunawading'and'Mitcham)'or'have'

limited'other'services'close'by.(i.e.'Laburnum'and'Mont'Albert).”"City"of"Whitehorse"

"The"Property"Council"of"Australia"was"among"several"peak"bodies"that"backed"the"recommendation."It"submitted:"""“Policy'makers,'academics'and'industry'representatives'understand'that'to'accommodation'

population'growth,'the'density'profile'of'Melbourne'must'change.'This'requires'a'major'shift'in'

the'way'Melbournians'will'live,'work'and'play.'There'is'a'large,'vocal'section'of'the'community'

who'do'not'accept'this'position'and'actively'work'against'increased'densification'particularly'in'

the'middle'ring'suburbs.”'"The"Property"Council"of"Australia"

"Young"Planners"Victoria"(a"division"of"the"Planning"Institute"of"Australia)"endorsed"the"recommendation"from"a"planning"perspective:"""“We'are'particularly'supportive'of'the'draft'strategy’s'recommendation'to'increase'densities'in'

established'areas.'We'have'long'advocated'for'the'need'to'direct'growth'and'development'to'

areas'with'high'levels'of'amenity,'but'note'that'this'needs'to'be'delivered'with'the'support'of'a'

transport'network'that'prioritises'walking'and'cycling'to'achieve'wider'social,'economic'and'

environmental'benefits.”'"Young"Planners"Victoria" "


19"

Support"for"the"recommendation"was"often"qualified."Place,"Health"and"Liveability"Research"Program,"a"network"of"researchers"at"the"University"of"Melbourne,"pointed"out"that"for"the"recommendation"to"be"successful,"development"needed"to"be"directed"in"appropriate"areas:'“High'density'development'must'be'located'in'areas'with'good'public'transport'and'amenities'to'

ensure'that'we'are'not'creating'high'rise'sprawl'and'also'requires'sufficient'public'open'space'

and'recreational'opportunities.”"Place,"Health"and"Liveability"Research"Program,"the"University"of"Melbourne"

"Another"supporter"of"the"recommendation,"the"City"of"Monash,"shared"the"view"that"Development"in"established"areas"needed"to"be"carefully"planned:###“Development'needs'to'occur'in'a'planned'and'structured'way.'Intensity'of'development'is'

directly'related'to'accessibility'but'also'the'importance'of'retention'and'enhancement'of'

neighbourhood'character.'The'approach'needs'to'be'holistic'with'appropriate'consideration'of'

access,'recreation'and'jobs'and'how'these'are'provided'and'funded.”'

# City"of"Monash""

Other"stakeholders,"primarily"those"based"in"Melbourne’s"west"and"north,"were"also"supportive"of"the"recommendation"but"sought"for"the"scope"to"be"broadened."As"LeadWest,"an"advocacy"group"for"Melbourne’s"west,"explained:""“LeadWest'agrees'with'the'broad'recommendation'to'increase'proportion'of'housing'in'areas'

that'are'well'serviced'with'infrastructure,'but'disagrees'with'the'specific'recommendation'that'

Melbourne’s'eastern'and'southern'suburbs'should'be'the'key'area'focus.'LeadWest’s'view'is'that'

all'established'areas'with'good'access'to'existing'infrastructure'should'be'in'scope.”'''"LeadWest"

"In"a"similar"vein,"Brimbank"City"Council"suggested"that"the"“statement'should'not'exclude'

“established'areas”'in'the'western'region'or'prioritisation'of'areas'to'the'east'and'south.”"Brimbank"City"Council"

"Regional"councils"also"felt"that"this"recommendation"was"Melbourne4centric"and"did"not"consider"the"opportunity"that"regional"cities"can"offer."The"Gippsland"Local"Government"Network,"among"others,"said:"""“This'call'for'increased'densification'in'these'areas'should'strengthen'the'case'for'enhanced'

development'of'employment'areas'to'the'east'of'Melbourne'and'appropriate'freight'

infrastructure'roads'rail'and'ports'on'the'eastern'side'of'Melbourne'–'thus'reducing'the'impacts'

of'eastern'generated'congestions'through'the'Melbourne'CBD.”"Gippsland"Local"Government"Network"

"" "


20"

Some"stakeholders"observed"that"existing"efforts"to"achieve"development"in"established"areas"was"not"being"delivered"in"key"parts"of"Melbourne."The"Master"Builders"Association,"a"supporter"of"the"recommendation,"reflected"that:"""“some'councils'do'not'implement'state'strategic'policy'direction'when'it'comes'to'zoning'

strategic'areas.'Given'this,'there'is'no'reason'to'believe'that'a'mere'recommendation'to'

increased'density'in'established'areas'will'change'the'status'quo.”"Master"Builders"Association"

"Opposition"to"Development"in"established"areas"was"also"recorded"in"submissions;"including"from"local"councils"and"a"handful"of"other"respondents,"mostly"individuals."""These"criticisms"revealed"a"tension"between"increasing"development"and"respect"for"neighbourhood"character"and"local"planning"policies."Boroondara"City"Council"stated"it"was"opposed"to"any"amendment"to"planning"schemes"that"would"further"increase"density:'“Increased'densification'beyond'that'permitted'in'the'current'planning'scheme'is'not'compatible'

with'the'need'to'ensure'adequate'open'space'and'green'infrastructure'for'community'

enjoyment.”'

Boroondara"City"Council""

This"council"also"cited"concerns"about"the"impact"of"densification"on"existing"infrastructure,"for"example:"""“The'ability'of'drainage'networks'to'cope'with'additional'demand'is'a'case'in'point.''Drainage'

infrastructure'in'established'areas'was'designed'and'installed'generally'many'years'ago'to'deal'

with'a'certain'service'demand.''Population'growth'in'established'areas'over'decades'has'already'

significantly'stretched'the'drainage'system'capacity'and'ability'to'cope'particularly'with'a'

growing'number'of'heavy'rainfall'events.”''"Boroondara"City"Council"

"The"City"of"Stonnington"was"concerned"about"the"impact"of"densification"on"existing"infrastructure"and"that"local"government"should"remain"the"Responsible"Authority"to"determine"planning"decisions:'''

“Significant'land'use'change'(approvals)'should'not'precede'infrastructure'provision;'

infrastructure'(transport,'drainage'and'green'infrastructure)'must'be'in'place'to'meet'service'

demand'needs'or'be'available'in'the'very'near'future...will'strongly'object'to'Any'further'

intensification'of'residential'development'outside'of'these'well9planned'areas,'Victorian'

Government'imposed'decision9making'authority'or'(redesigned)'development'controls'that'are'

not'compatible'with'existing'character'within'adopted'strategic'land'use'planning'strategies'and'

plans.'Local'government'must'be'retained'as'the'Responsible'Authority'to'determine'the'policy'

balance'between'land'use,'infrastructure'and'community.”"City"of"Stonnington"

# #


21"

Development#in/around#employment#centres#"Development"in/around"employment"centres"was#also"generally"welcomed"by"stakeholders"and"individuals.""Councils"were"among"the"strongest"advocates."One"of"these,"the"City"of"Greater"Dandenong,"encouraged"Infrastructure"Victoria"to"consider"modifying"the"recommendation"to:""“reflect'the'need'for'a'strong'centralised'policy'direction'to'encourage'growth'in'and'around'

activity'centres'through'instruments'such'as'the'long'awaited'Plan'Melbourne'Refresh.”'"City"of"Greater"Dandenong"

"The"Council"explained"that"changes"to"planning"schemes"would"not"by"themselves"“be'sufficient'to'encourage'development.”"Rather"a"more"“holistic'approach”"was"required"that"“includes'good'urban'design,'a'clear'strategic'framework,'investment'by'Governments'in'infrastructure,'

land'assembly'in'some'cases'and'the'necessary'administrative'mechanisms'to'achieve'this.”'

City"of"Greater"Dandenong""

Brimbank"City"Council"was"another"council"that"supported"the"recommendation:""“…'Emphasising'employment'areas'that'have'good'access'to'established'transport'infrastructure'

and'workforce'catchments.'Recognition'should'also'be'given'to'the'need'to'reinvest'and'expand'

existing'transport'corridors'to'accommodate'future'population'growth'in'the'local'area'and'in'

adjacent'growth'areas.”"Brimbank"City"Council"

"Supporters"of#Development"in/around"employment"centres"also"included"Victoria"Walks,"a"not4for4profit"organisation"focussed"on"encouraging"walking:""“Victoria'Walks'strongly'supports'this'

option,'which'has'many'benefits'beyond'encouraging'walking,'as'noted'in'the'options'

document.''From'a'walking'perspective'however,'having'destinations'such'as'shops,'offices'and'

quality'public'transport'in'close'prioximity'is'arguably'the'most'important'single'factor'in'

encouraging'walking'for'transport.'Put'simply,'people'will'not'walk'for'transport'if'they'have'

nowhere'to'walk'to.”'

""""""""""Victoria"Walks'"

The"Municipal"Association"of"Victoria"provided"measured"support"for"this"recommendation:"""“Supportive'of'existing'State'Policy'position'to'locate'high'density'development'along'public'

transport'routes'and'around'activity'nodes.'Not'supportive'of'wholesale'changes'to'all'planning'

scheme'to'mandate'this.'We'note'that'to'facilitate'development'around'employment'centres'

Federal,'State'and'Local'Government'must'develop'complimentarystrategies'such'as'

coordinated'government'action,'taxation,'financial'incentives'and'pricing.”"""Municipal"Association"of"Victoria"

"Blackburn"Village"Residents"Group"was"one"of"a"handful"of"community4based""organisations"which"flagged"concerns"with"the"recommendation,"particularly"its"impact"on"community"amenity:"“there'is'a'limit'to'what'level'of'development'can'take'place'without'unduly'reducing'

liveability'and'creating'problems'associated'with'traffic'movement,'parking'accessibility,'public'

transport'and'other'services'such'as'health'and'education.”'

Blackburn"Village"Residents"Group""


22"

4.2! Transport#network#pricing##"There"was"general"support"for"the"recommendation"to"introduce"pricing"signals"in"the"transport"network."The"recommendation"of"Transport"network"pricing"generated"significant"comment,"and"was"considered"a"necessary"response"to"the"current"and"projected"demand"on"the"road"network."""The"recommendation"was"particularly"popular"with"transport"and"economic"development"sector"stakeholders."Monash"Infrastructure,"a"network"of"researchers"based"at"Monash"University,"is"an"example"of"stakeholders"supportive"of"the"recommendation:"“We'strongly'support'transport'

network'pricing'in9principle.'The'key'will'be'peak'pricing'to'reduce'non9essential'peak'travel'and'

encourage'a'shift'to'off9peak.'Freight'should'travel'at'night'when'demands'are'very'low'and'

capacity'is'available.”""Monash"Infrastructure"

"In"recognition"that"a"transport"network"price"regime"would"require"a"shift"of"community"understanding"and"expectation,"stakeholders"provided"Infrastructure"Victoria"with"ideas"about"how"it"could"be"implemented."""The"Australian"Logistics"Council"encouraged"Infrastructure"Victoria"to"better"communicate"the"intent"and"function"of"a"road"pricing"mechanism:'''

“Infrastructure'Victoria'should'explain'precisely'what'is'meant'by'the'phrase'‘transport'network'

pricing’.'Moreover,'to'the'extent'it'principally'deals'with'congestion'charging,'a'principle'should'

be'established'that'only'the'amount'necessary'to'cover'the'externality'of'congestion'is'

recovered,'and'not'an'additional'general'revenue'amount.”''

Australian"Logistics"Council""

While"there"was"strong"support"for"this"recommendation,"not"all"submitters"believed"that"a"transport"network"price"regime"is"an"effective"response"to"managing"demand."Some"raised"concerns"about"the"potential"negative"impact"this"recommendation"may"have"on"disadvantaged"Victorians."Others"questioned"whether"there"were"more"effective"ways"to"respond"to"congestion."""The"Planning"Institute"of"Australia"(Victoria)"(PIA)"was"one"such"critic:'''

“PIA'sees'this'recommendation'as'a'complex'solution'that'will'be'extremely'difficult'to'

implement'in'an'equitable'way.'PIA'also'believes'that,'by'focussing'of'this'price'based'solution,'

IV'have'missed'a'very'real'opportunity'that'could'be'provided'by'introducing'real'time'

information'for'road'users'that'could'potentially'create'the'same'benefits'without'the'obvious'

political'and'implementation'complexities.”'

Planning"Institute"of"Australia"(Victoria)"" "


23"

Other"stakeholders,"including"the"Law"Institute"of"Victoria"and"Youth"Affairs"Council"of"Victoria,"also"raised"concerns"about"the"possible"inequity"of"a"pricing"system."Both"groups"argued"the"recommendation"could"entrench"existing"disadvantage"for"vulnerable"members"of"the"community."The"Youth"Affairs"Council"of"Victoria"argued"that:'''

“It'is'vital'any'initiatives'to'better'leverage'resourcing'from'Victoria’s'roads'do'not'have'the'

effect'of'worsening'the'marginalisation'of'disadvantaged'young'people.'To'further'guard'

against'this,'any'transport'pricing'developments'should'occur'following'the'strengthening'of'

Victoria’s'public'and'community'transport'systems.”'

Youth"Affairs"Council"of"Victoria"# #


24"

4.3! Affordable#housing###Infrastructure"Victoria"was"commended"by"stakeholders"and"individuals"for"its"approach"to"meeting"Need"7:"Provide"better"access"to"housing"for"the"most"vulnerable"Victoria."Of"the"seven"recommendations"identified"to"directly"respond"to"this"need,"six"recommendations"were"among"the"top"25"recommendations"commented"on"in"submissions."The"recommendations"received"numerous"comments"and"suggested"changes"or"improvements."""Affordable#housing#plan#"The"recommendation"to"establish"an"Affordable"housing"plan"was"seen"as"long4overdue"by"many"stakeholders."""Transforming"Housing,"a"network"of"researchers"based"at"the"University"of"Melbourne"welcomed"the"recommendation."The"group"commented"that"“A'statewide'30'year'affordable'housing'plan'is'essential,'and'we'completely'agree'with'the'identification'of'suitable'

government'land'provision'and'funding'schemes'to'support'such'a'pipeline.”""Transforming"Housing"

"In"offering"their"support,"Launch"Housing,"a"large"provider"of"housing"and"homelessness"support"services,"suggested"that:"“the'plan'should'begin'with'a'needs'assessment'to'determine'how'

much'affordable'housing'is'required'and'where'it'is'needed.'It'should'then'set'clear'targets'and'

timelines,'along'with'funding'responsibilities,'to'deliver'the'plan.”"""Launch"Housing"

"Mornington"Peninsula"Shire"echoed"the"view"of"other"submitters,"calling"for"an"interim"target"to"be"implemented:"“MPS'supports'the'need'to'have'an'Affordable'Housing'Plan'(Recommendation'

7.4.1)'to'provide'targets'for'housing'assets.'However,'given'the'current'situation'of'many'

Victorian’s'facing'housing'stress,'we'suggest'that'an'interim'target'be'immediately'adopted.”"Mornington"Peninsula"Shire"

"The"timing"of"this"recommendation"was"also"an"issue"for"some"submitters."Stakeholders"interpreted"the"045"years"timeframe"as"indicating"the"recommendation"would"not"be"implemented"for"at"least"5"years."""The"Brotherhood"of"St"Laurence,"a"key"social"service"organisation,"was"one"of"several"organisations"to"call"for"this"recommendation"to"be"expedited:"""“we'believe'that'the'development'of'an'Affordable'Housing'Plan'is'urgent.'We'cannot'

understand'why'a'59year'timeline'is'set'for'this'task.'The'State'Government'is'already'

undertaking'detailed'analysis'and'consultations'for'an'Affordable'Housing'Strategy'to'be'

released'in'November'2016.'The'core'policy'levers'are'well'known'and'thus'a'one9year'timeline'

to'finalise'the'plan'is'sufficient.”'

Brotherhood"of"St"Laurence"# #


25"

Affordable#housing#planning#mechanisms#"The"Victorian"Council"of"Social"Services"(VCOSS)"applauded"Infrastructure"Victoria"for"adopting"a"recommendation"that"would"enable"a"regulatory"mechanism"to"leverage"social"and"affordable"housing"from"private"development."VCOSS"observed"that"the"recommendation"would"provide"“the'benefits'of'producing'‘salt'and'pepper’'housing'distributed'in'new'communities,'

encouraging'diversity'and'reducing'locational'disadvantage'risks.”"Victorian"Council"of"Social"Services"

"Another"strong"supporter,"the"Victorian"Public"Tenants"Association,"wanted"to'see"“the'Victorian'Government'committing'to'an'Inclusionary'Zoning'scheme'for'sale'and'use'of'any'

crown'land'for'development.'Consideration'should'also'be'given'to'make'provision'for'a'

percentage'of'public'housing'to'be'included'in'the'development'of'new'housing'estates'or'larger'

scale'residential'developments'(say'5'dwellings'or'more)'as'a'planning'permit'condition'thereby'

extending'the'scheme'program'to'multi9residential'and'major'development'projects.”'"Victorian"Public"Tenants"Association"

"Other"supporters"of"the"recommendation"agreed,"but"felt"the"recommendation"could"be"more"ambitious."""The"Council"to"Homeless"Persons"called"for"a"“10%'allocation'of'affordable'housing'within'all'new'developments'of'greater'than'10'dwellings.'This'call'goes'beyond'the'recommendation'

made'by'Infrastructure'Victoria,'and'does'not'limit'itself'to'government'land,'but'includes'

privately'owned'land'being'redeveloped.”"Council"to"Homeless"Persons"

"While"this"recommendation"was"well"supported"in"submissions,"it"was"also"challenged"by"a"small"number"of"stakeholders"–"all"of"whom"were"concerned"by"the"‘inclusionary"zoning’"component"of"the"recommendation."""The"Property"Council"of"Australia"was"one"stakeholder"that"argued"“inclusionary'zoning'increases'overall'development'costs,'which'in'turn'undermines'private'housing'affordability.'The'

supply'backlog'of'affordable'housing'cannot'be'met'through'inclusionary'zoning.”"Property"Council"of"Australia"

"Affordable#rental#housing#provision##"Stakeholders"were"broadly"supportive"of"the"recommendation’s"two"aims:"to"increase"the"provision"of"social"housing"and"support"investment"by"the"private"sector"in"affordable"private"rental"housing."""Yarra"Community"Housing"was"among"the"strongest"advocates"for"this"recommendation:""“Of'all'the'recommendations'in'the'Draft'Strategy,'increasing'the'provision'of'affordable'rental'

housing'will'have'the'greatest'impact'on'people’s'lives.”"Yarra"Community"Housing"

"Catholic"Social"Services"Victoria"(CSSV)"also"endorsed"the"idea"of"increasing"the"level"of"affordable"housing:"""


26"

“CSSV'believes'that'the'commitment'to'providing'secure'and'affordable'housing'for'those'people'

and'families'on'low'incomes'is'a'responsibility'the'government'cannot'walk'away'from.''A'secure'

and'decent'home'is'fundamental'to'enhancing'people’s'capacity'for'social'and'economic'

participation,'increasing'support'within'informal'and'formal'community'networks,'and'

importantly'enables'families'to'meet'the'developmental'needs'of'children,'so'that'they'in'turn'

can'be'healthy'and'productive'members'of'the'community.''Safe,'secure'and'affordable'housing'

is'fundamental'to'personal'and'social'wellbeing'and'cohesion,'and'this'makes'housing'policy'and'

provision'a'major'government'responsibility.”'''Catholic"Social"Services"Victoria"

"Council"to"Homeless"Persons"agreed"with"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"assessment"that"the"private"rental"market"also"has"a"role"to"play"in"supplying"increased"levels"of"affordable"housing"in"Victoria:'“This'is'likely'to'prove'a'useful'mechanism'to'increase'the'supply'of'affordable'housing'

in'Victoria,'as'part'of'a'larger'affordable'housing'plan'for'the'State.”'''

Council"to"Homeless"Persons""

Transforming"Housing"also"agreed"but"ultimately"questioned"whether"it"would"be"“the'most'

effective'response'for'very'low'and'low'income'households.'We'agree'that'various'low9subsidy'

mechanisms'(ranging'from'reduced'parking'requirements'to'a'proportion'of'inclusionary'zoning'

being'for'moderate'income'workers)'be'investigated.”'

Transforming"Housing""

Yarra"Community"Housing"recommended"that"initiatives"to"encourage"the"provision"of"affordable"private"rental"stock"should"be"“recast'to'include'the'need'to'develop'subsidy'and'regulatory'systems'that'support'private'investment'in'affordable'housing'products.”"

Yarra"Community"Housing""

Crisis#and#transitional#housing##"The"response"to"this"option"from"stakeholders"was"mostly"encouraging,"with"several"caveats"noted"and"a"handful"of"alternative"views."""The"McAuley"Community"Services"for"Women"supported"the"recommendation,"believing"that"there"was"a"shortfall"of"crisis"accommodation"for"women"and"their"children."Likewise"Boroondara"City"Council"stated"there"“is'a'serious'lack'of'crisis'and'transitional'accommodation'

in'Boroondara'particularly'for'women'fleeing'family'violence,'and'for'young'homeless'people.”"McAuley"Community"Services"for"Women"

"Yarra"Community"Housing"echoed"the"view"of"many"stakeholders"when"it"offered"conditional"support"for"the"recommendation:"""“Homelessness'service'interventions'should'aim'to'make'the'experience'of'homelessness'rare,'

brief'and'one'off.'An'immediate'investment'in'crisis'accommodation'is'required,'however'over'

the'life'of'the'strategy,'the'investment'focus'should'be'on'creating'as'new'long'term'affordable'

housing'products,'in'order'to'reduce'demand'for'crisis'responses,'and'ensure'that'crisis'stays'are'

as'a'short'as'possible.”"Yarra"Community"Housing"

"


27"

Others,"such"as"the"Brotherhood"of"St"Laurence,"challenged"the"inclusion"of"the"recommendation,"citing"alternatives:""#“We'question'the'assumption'that'the'Strategy'should'include'an'increase'in'crisis'

accommodation.'Rather,'we'believe'that'more'effective'interventions,'targeted'at'household'

needs'and'circumstances,'are'more'effective.'If'policy'reform'is'enacted'to'unblock'pathways'

into'affordable'housing'(private'rental,'supported'and'social'housing),'then'there'is'an'argument'

that'additional'crisis'and'transitional'housing'is'not'needed.'In'particular,'more'effective'early'

intervention'strategies'aimed'at'addressing'the'causes'of'homelessness'are'required.'This'

includes'focussing'on'supporting'individuals,'particularly'women'and'children,'escaping'family'

violence,'young'people'leaving'institutional'settings'and'ex'offenders.”'

Brotherhood"of"St"Laurence""

Similarly,"some"stakeholders"were"concerned"that"the"recommendation"would"give"rise"to"a"model"of"housing"that"would"prove"ineffective"or"exacerbate"disadvantage."As"the"Housing"for"Aged"Action"Group"explained:"""“although'we'recognise'there'is'an'undersupply'of'crisis'housing,'we'will'only'support'an'increase'in'this'type'of'housing'if'there'is'a)'exit'options'into'long'term'housing;'and'b)'

appropriate'to'the'needs'of'older'people,'especially'those'who'may'be'escaping'elder'abuse.''We'

are'concerned'that'an'increase'in'funding'for'crisis'housing'may'give'rise'to'“slum'landlords”'

who'take'advantage'of'both'government'funding'and'desperate'people'in'need'of'

accommodation.”'

Housing"for"Aged"Action"Group""

Housing#rental#assistance##This"recommendation"was"welcomed"by"some"stakeholders,"particularly"those"in"the"social"service"and"affordable"housing"sectors."""The"Victorian"Council"of"Social"Services"agreed"that"private"rental"assistance"and"advocacy"could"help"people"afford"and"maintain"private"rental"accommodation."The"organisation"submitted"that:"""“current'state'government'housing'advocacy'support'is'piecemeal,'and'may'be'limited'to'certain'

forms'of'housing'tenure.'For'example,'the'social'housing'advocacy'and'support'program'helps'

people'maintain'social'housing,'but'no'equivalent'is'available'for'private'rental'housing.”"Victorian"Council"of"Social"Services"

"The"Council"to"Homeless"Persons"identified"the"opportunity"to"extend"state"housing"rental"assistance"as"a"crucial"intervention"that"would"keep"people"in"private"rental"and"reduce"demand"on"crisis"accommodation:"""“Targeted'intervention'payments'and'supports'as'recommended'by'Infrastructure'Victoria'to'

ensure'that'those'facing'crisis'may'sustain'their'housing'both'ensures'an'efficient'use'of'

homelessness'infrastructure'by'reducing'demand,'while'mitigating'the'risk'that'long9term'rental'

assistance'packages'will'result'in'widespread'increased'spending'capacity'and'lead'to'increased'

rental'prices.”'"Council"to"Homeless"Persons"


28"

"Despite"the"general"support"for"this"recommendation,"several"stakeholders"also"stressed"that"housing"rental"assistance"only"ever"represented"a"‘short"term"intervention’"and"that"other"measures"would"be"required"to"deal"with"some"of"the"structural"issues"in"the"embedded"in"the"private"rental"market,"including"insecure"housing"tenure"and"discrimination."""Victorian"Legal"Aid"spoke"of"this"in"its"submission:"""“Arbitrary'and'unreasonable'evictions,'and'limited'recourse'in'these'circumstances,'have'

significant'bearing'on'the'ability'of'low9income'households'to'sustain'tenancies'in'the'private'

rental'market.'We'consider'that'Recommendation'7.1'could'be'bolstered'through'the'inclusion'

of'an'option'that'addresses'the'legislative'and'policy'framework'that'supports'tenants'to'remain'

in'the'rental'market.”'

Victorian"Legal"Aid""

Public#housing#refurb/rationalisation#"This"recommendation"received"support"from"stakeholders"while"also"generating"some"differing"perspectives."""""Carers"Victoria,"a"not4for4profit"group"representing"the"interests"of"carers,"welcomed"the"initiatives"embedded"in"the"recommendation:"“The'refurbishment'of'existing'housing'assets'to'

ensure'they'are'fit9for'purpose'and'in'good'condition'is'highly'desirable;'many'public'housing'

properties'are'long'overdue'for'repair'or'replacement.”'

Carers"Victoria""

Maribyrnong"City"Council"not"only"supported"the"recommendation"but"identified"that"an"opportunity"existed"to"provide"a"considered"pilot"model"(for"the"refurb"and"rationalisation)'in"the"suburb"of"Braybrook:'''

“This'well'planned'housing'precinct'can'model'the'rationalisation'of'broad'acre'blocks,'and'

much'needed'rejuvenation'of'an'area'that'will'ideally'be'in'proximity'of'community'facilities'and'

be'founded'on'identified'needs'in'the'area.”'"Maribyrnong"City"Council"

"Several"stakeholders"expressed"concern"at"the"‘rationalisation’"component"of"this"recommendation."In"particular,"they"were"concerned"that"the"term"denoted"there"would"be"an"overall"reduction"in"the"number"of"housing"dwellings."The"Housing"for"the"Aged"Action"Group"did"not"support"stock"transfer:"""“We'do'not'support'the'transfer'of'ownership'of'public'assets'to'non9government'or'private'

providers.'Our'view'is'based'on'current'housing'justice'benchmarks'assessment'we'have'

conducted'(detailed'analysis'can'be'provided'if'required).”'"Housing"for"the"Aged"Action"Group"

"" "


29"

Victorian"Public"Tenants"Association,"a"supporter"of"the"recommendation,"offered"this"improvement:"""“We'don’t'believe'there'is'a'need'for'the'“rationalisation”'(defined'in'economics'as'an'attempt'

to'change'an'ad'hoc'workflow'into'one'based'on'published'rules)'of'public'housing.'Talk'of'

“rationalisation”'and'“divest(ment)”'of'public'housing'serves'only'to'create'the'impression'that'

public'housing,'as'a'vital'and'integral'component'of'affordable'housing,'is'not'supported.”"Victorian"Public"Tenants"Association"

# #


30"

4.4# The#common#link:#ICT#infrastructure##ICT"connectivity"has"been"recognised"by"Infrastructure"Victoria"as"the"common"link"underpinning"the"draft"strategy."The"recommendation"for"improving"ICT"infrastructure"under"Need"12"received"much"feedback"from"stakeholders,"particularly"from"regional"and"rural"stakeholders."""For"several"of"these"submitters,"ICT"infrastructure"has"the"potential"to"increase"productivity,"strengthen"critical"incident"responsiveness"and"encourage"population"growth.""""Mount"Alexander"Shire"Council"explained"the'provision"of"improved"ICT"infrastructure"“would'further'add'to'the'‘lifestyle’'competitive'advantage'that'Shires'such'as'ours'can'offer'over'

Metropolitan'and'regional'counterparts'while'still'supporting'the'overall'economy.”"Mount"Alexander"Shire"Council"

"Similarly,"Buloke"Shire"Council"indicated"that"ICT"had"the"potential"to"be"key"enabler"for"jobs"in"rural"Victoria"and"a"driver"of"population"growth,"yet"was"continually"lacking:"""“There'is'a'high'level'of'frustration'from'existing'residents'in'the'Buloke'Shire'with'the'poor'

phone'reception'and'poor'connectively,'as'running'a'business'or'farm'remains'incredibly'

inefficient.'Council'endorses'the'recommendation'12.1.13'across'Victoria,'and'the'need'to'

engage'with'local'government'in'establishing'service'level'and'prioritising'need.”'

Buloke"Shire"Council""

Nillumbik"Pro"Active"Landowners,"a"not4for4profit"group"of"landowners"and"ratepayers"in"the"municipality,"supported"the"recommendation"on"the"basis"that"""“The'proper'and'immediate'introduction'of'ICT'systems'throughout'Nillumbik'Shire,'but'in'

particular'rural'Nillumbik,'are'of'paramount'importance'in'relation'to'notifications'and'

awareness'regarding'up'to'date'and'ongoing'bushfire'information.”'

Nillumbik"Pro"Active"Landowners""

Tenderfield,"a"construction"industry"service"provider,"called"for"Infrastructure"Victoria"to"widen"the"scope"of"this"recommendation"to"encompass"a"greater"breadth"of"the"strategy:"“The'309year'strategy'recognised'ICT'as'a'common'link'between'key'strategic'areas,'yet'extension'of'ICT'

implementation'is'very'limited'beyond'the'description'of'Need'12'9'“Improve'access'to'jobs'and'

services'for'people'in'regional'and'rural'areas”.'"Tenderfield"

"# #


31"

4.5# Other#highRinterest#recommendations##"Community#space#refurb/rationalisation##"The"idea"of"creating"an"incentive"fund"to"assist"local"government,"service"providers"and"community"organisations"to"refurbish"or"rationalise"community"assets"was"generally"seen"as"meeting"the"needs"and"achieving"the"objectives.""""The"recommendation"was"keenly"endorsed"by"councils"with"building"stock"in"requiring"maintenance"or"upgrade."Mount"Alexander"Shire"was"one"such"example:""“We'are'very'supportive'of'the'proposed'approach'as'many'of'our'community'buildings'have'

poor'accessibility'and'are'not'fit'for'purpose.'We'have'begun'a'community'services'and'

infrastructure'planning'project'that'will'identify'service'gaps,'refurbishment'requirements'and'

opportunities'for'divestment'however,'as'noted'above'this'is'extremely'challenging'to'achieve'in'

practice.'State'driven'change'will'be'critical'to'our'success.”"Mount"Alexander"Shire"

"Monash"Infrastructure"also"welcomed"Community"space"refurb/rationalisation"as"“another'great'initiative'and'offers'a'great'opportunity'to'respond'to'changing'demographics'is'local'

areas.”"Monash"Infrastructure"

"However,"the"model"under"which"the"fund"would"operate"generated"significant"feedback."Glen"Eira"City"Council"suggested"that"any"proposed"incentive"fund"should'“differentiate'between'rural,'growth'and'metro'councils.''There'needs'to'be'clarity'of'state'and'federal'government'

funding'opportunities'for'major'projects'that'removes'the'reliance'on'local'governments'

receiving'a'rates'capping'variation'from'the'Essential'Services'Commission'(ESC).”"Glen"Eira"City"Council"

"Wellington"Shire"Council"identified"its"own"concerns"with"the"‘competitive’"nature"of"bidding"for"funding:"""“Funding'arrangements'need'to'avoid'the'cost'shifting'currently'in'vogue'and'also'to'avoid'the'

risk'of'just'managing'the'deficit'by'competitive'bid'processes.'Such'competitive'bid'processes'will'

not'enhance'the'desire'for'collaboration'between'owners'nor'with'community're'optimal'

outcomes.”"Wellington"Shire"Council"

"Community#space#shared#use#agreements###The"opportunity"to"develop"better"standards"for"shared"use"agreements"and"to"provide"supporting"tools"and"resources"for"use"in"state""and"local"facilities"generated"significant"feedback"from"stakeholders"during"consultation."""The"general"attitude"expressed"by"stakeholders"was"that"community"organisations"were"frequently"hamstrung"in"accessing"affordable,"currently"underutilised"sources"and"spaces.""The"Victorian"Council"of"Social"Services"(VCOSS)"explained"that"community"organisations"frequently"


32"

“operate'from'dilapidated'premises.'Some'are'rented'commercially,'and'others'are'subsidised'by'

local'or'state'governments.'Few'not9for9profit'community'organisations'can'access'finance'to'

purchase'property.'VCOSS'endorses'better'use'of'existing'and'surplus'facilities'owned'by'state'

and'local'governments'for'community'service'organisations”.""Victorian"Council"of"Social"Services"

"Monash"Infrastructure,"while"supportive"of"the"development"of"community"space"shared"agreements,"also"submitted"that"the"scoping"of"the"needs"of"communities"in"different"contexts"was"important:"“Some'communities'may'need'more'assistance'and'varied'strategies'to'be'able'

to'use'these'spaces'effectively.'Simply'tearing'down'a'fence'and'expecting'it'to'become'a'vibrant'

community'space'won’t'necessarily'work.”""Monash"Infrastructure"

"The"Municipal"Association"of"Victoria"(MAV)"offered"suggestions"on"what"shared"use"agreements"might"include:"“In'relation'to'local'government'facilities'the'MAV'considers'such'

agreements'need'to'set'out:'expectations'of'the'landlord'and'the'parties'using'the'facilities;'

division'of'expenses;'insurance'and'liability'provisions,'and'dispute'resolution'clauses”.'"Municipal"Association"of"Victoria"

"Community#sport/recreation#facilities###Stakeholders"provided"mostly"positive"comments"in"relation"to"this"recommendation.""The"idea"of"developing"a"stronger"evidence"base"and"more"transparent"decision4making"processes"for"future"state"government"investment"in"sport"and"recreation"infrastructure"was"met"with"particular"support"from"local"councils."""Wyndham"City"Council"said"the"recommendation"should"be"implemented"in"partnership"with"local"government"“who'are'usually'the'larger'economic'investors'in'this'type'of'infrastructure.”"

Wyndham"City"Council"#

Northern"Horizons,"an"alliance"of"councils"in"Melbourne’s"north,"emphasised"the"need"for"development"to"be"prioritised'“particularly'in'the'area'of'state9scale'sporting'facilities'and'in'response'due'to'community'feedback'that'has'demanded'such'investment.”'"

Northern"Horizons""

In"addition,"the"proposed"integration"of"community"sport"facilities"on"school"sites"was"welcomed"by"some"stakeholders"such"as"Basketball"Victoria:""“In'previous'submissions'we'have'made'reference'to'colocation'of'facilities'such'as'indoor'stadia'

and'open'field'sports.'We'are'very'strong'in'our'support'of'this'proposition'as'we'believe'it'offers'

the'best'return'for'the'invested'dollar.”'

Basketball"Victoria""

Cycling#corridors/walking#improvements#"The"finalisation"and"delivery"of"Victoria’s"Strategic"Cycling"Corridors"and"identified"walking"network"improvements"was"keenly"supported.""""


33"

The"Heart"Foundation"welcomed#this#and"other"recommendations"listed"under"4.1"that"were"designed"to"foster"greater"uptake"of"cycling"and"walking."“Heart'Foundation'Victoria'welcomes'

Infrastructure'Victoria’s'determination'to'promote'physical'activity'and'participation'in'sport'

and'recreation'to'contribute'toward'preventing'chronic'disease.”"The"Heart"Foundation""

"The"recommendation"was"also"supported"by"Bicycle"Network,"which"said"“the'finalization'and'roll'out'of'Victoria’s'Strategic'Cycling'Corridors'plan'was'of'critical'importance'to'continuing'and'

accelerating'the'benefits'to'Victorians'from'bike'riding.”"They"also"used"their"submission"to"highlight"projects"that"stood"out"as"critical"for"dedicated"investment.""

Bicycle"Network""

Another"peak"group"with"a"strong"interest"in"this"recommendation,"Victoria"Walks,"used"its"submission"to"emphasise"the"need"for"a"clear"separation"of"cyclists"and"walkers;"“walking'and'cycling'paths'rather'than'shared'paths,'where'there'is'a'high'level'of'cycling”.""

Victoria"Walks""

Stakeholders,"particularly"local"governments,"were"pleased"to"see"the"recommendation’s"focus"on"delivery"rather"than"high4level"planning."As"the"City"of"Whittlesea"explained:"“Both'State'and'local'government'have'conducted'multiple'planning'exercises'in'this'field'over'

many'years.'Most'of'the'missing'links,'possible'new'links'and'dearth'of'facilities'have'already'

been'identified'in'numerous'local,'regional'and'state9wide'assessments'but'have'lacked'

funding.”""City"of"Whittlesea"

"A"small"number"of"local"government"stakeholders"argued"that"funding"should"also"be"set"aside"for"facilities"on"local"roads.""As"the"City"of"Yarra"submitted:""“This'project'summary'appears'to'recommend'only'projects'on'state'government'roads,'and'

overlooks'the'fact'that'many'highly'used'commuter'cycling'routes'are'located'on'local'roads.''

Corridor'funding'should'be'made'available'to'local'government'for'improvement'of'facilities'on'

these'roads'also.”'

City"of"Yarra""

The"timing"of"this"recommendation"was"queried"in"some"of"the"submissions."This"includes"Bayside"City"Council:"“The'accelerated'roll'out'of'Victoria's'Strategic'Cycling'Corridors'and'identified'walking'network'is'supported.'However,'given'the'under'investment'in'this'important'

area'by'the'State'government'in'recent'years,'greater'priority'should'be'given'to'this'need.”'

Bayside"City"Council""

Driverless#vehicles#"The"introduction"of"regulatory"changes"to"enable"testing"and"deployment"of"driverless"vehicles"piqued"the"interest"of"stakeholders"and"individual"submitters."""GoGet,"Australia’s"largest"car"share"operator,"congratulated"Infrastructure"Victoria"for"the"inclusion"of"Driverless"vehicles"in"their"strategy:"""


34"

“We'would'like'to'commend'Infrastructure'Victoria'for'recognising'the'wide'scale'impact'

driverless'cars'will'have'on'our'cities'and'infrastructure'network'in'the'future.'We'believe'

strongly'that'autonomous'vehicles'will'be'a'core'component'of'our'urban'mobility'in'the'future.”''

GoGet""There"were"mixed"views"expressed"about"the"timing"of"this"recommendation."Some"believed"it"could"happen"earlier'9'“Automated'vehicles'will'be'a'significant'factor'inside'5'years'and'by'2030'

you'must'expect'no'manual'vehicles'in'the'CBD”"was"the"view"of"one"online"survey"respondent."Others"were"less"certain."""Several"submissions"highlighted"the"many"unknown"consequences"of"introducing"driverless"vehicles"onto"roads."Monash"Infrastructure"said:"“We'support'the'measures'identified,'but'an'

important'omission'is'monitoring'the'desirability'of'driverless'vehicles.'It'is'entirely'possible'they'

will'be'the'cause'of'new'problems'that'need'to'be'managed”."Monash"Infrastructure"

"The"City"of"Yarra"provided"specific"examples"of"the"potential"negative"consequence"to"arise"from"Driverless"vehicles."“The'anticipated'benefits'of'these'vehicles'(improvements'to'traffic'

flow)'have'not'been'confirmed,'and'there'will'be'many'dis9benefits'such'as'even'lower'car'

occupancy'ratios,'increased'kilometres'travelled'per'vehicle,'and'potential'higher'impacts'on'

safety'of'vulnerable'road'users.'Measures'to'support'driverless'cars'should'be'carefully'

considered'prior'to'being'adopted.”'"City"of"Yarra"

"Eastern#FreewayRCityLinkRWestern#Ring#Road###This"recommendation"produced"polarised"views"during"consultation."The"RACV,"an"advocate"for"its"inclusion"in"the"304year"strategy,"said"that"while"the"Western"Distributor"will"provide"short"to"medium"term"relief"in"Melbourne’s"west,"“planning'must'begin'for'a'connection'between'the'

Eastern'Freeway'and'Citylink'(EWE).'In'the'medium'to'longer'term,'a'connection'between'

Citylink'and'the'Western'Ring'Road'is'needed'(EWW)'to'deliver'Melbourne'a'genuine'east9west'

alternative'to'the'West'Gate'Freeway.”"'""RACV"

"Eastern"Freeway4CityLink4Western"Ring"Road"caught"the"eye"of"individual"submitters,"several"of"whom"questioned"why"the"recommendation"had"not"been"prioritised"in"the"strategy."An"individual"submitter"commented:"“I'cannot'fathom'any'assessment'that'sees'this'crucial'project'

deferred'for'decades.”"'Online"survey"respondent"

"Brimbank"City"Council"offered"an"alternate"perspective"on"this"recommendation,"that"would"separate"the"two"sections:"""“We'do'not'see'this'project'as'a'single'unitary'proposal'but'rather'2'distinct'projects.'We'

recommend'that'the'western'component'be'separated'out'and'evaluated'accordingly.'As'a'

separate'project'we'argue'that'the'western'component'has'strong'social'community'and'

economic'benefits'in'its'own'right.'We'recommend'that'2'distinct'projects'be'proposed'and'that'

the'establishment'of'a'western'corridor'reservation'process'be'initiated'in'the'next'5'years”."Brimbank"City"Council"


35"

"Despite"the"strong"support"for"Eastern"Freeway4CityLink4Western"Ring"Road,"the"recommendation"was"also"met"with"criticism"from"individuals"and"other"stakeholders."""The"City"of"Yarra"criticised"its"inclusion"in"the"strategy."“This'is'essentially'the'East'West'Link,'a'

highly'contentious'project'with'a'low'BCR'that'was'cancelled'following'the'last'State'Election.'

The'City'of'Yarra'does'not'support'this'project'and'questions'the'reasons'for'its'inclusion'as'

stated'by'IV.”'

City"of"Yarra"'

Likewise"the"Public"Transport"Users"Association"argued"that"with"cities"around"the"world"dismantling"inner4city"motorways"rather"than"building"more,"“the'people'of'Melbourne'should'

not'be'encumbered'with'easements'for'urban'roads'that'are'likely'to'be'more'destructive'than'

beneficial'and'to'perpetuate'congestion'problems.”"'Public"Transport"Users"Association"

#"Geelong/Werribee/Wyndham#rail#"This"recommendation"was"generally"well"received"by"submitters.""The"Geelong"Chamber"of"Commerce"was"one"of"several"Geelong4based"stakeholders"who"welcomed"Geelong/Werribee/Wyndham"rail:"“The'Chamber'supports'any'moves'to'fast9track'

funding'towards'significant'upgrades'to'Geelong’s'passenger'rail'service'to'ensure'the'flow9on'

economic'benefits'are'felt.'Improving'the'rail'infrastructure'on'the'Geelong9Melbourne'line'

should'also'lead'to'improvements'in'service'frequency'and'reliability.”"Geelong"Chamber"of"Commerce"

"Most"comments"received"on"this"recommendation"drew"attention"to"timing;"a"quarter"of"all"commenting"stakeholders"were"of"the"view"that"Geelong/Werribee/Wyndham"rail"needed"to"be"expedited.""'

The"Planning"Institute"of"Australia"(Victoria)"(PIA)said"Infrastructure"Victoria"had'“under'estimated'the'demand'for'this'infrastructure'and'supporting'infrastructure'such'as'parking'at'

stations'–'multi'deck'parking'solutions'are'required'now.'PIA'recommends'that'IV'revisit'this'

recommendation,'bring'forward'the'current'recommendation”'"Planning"Institute"of"Australia"(Victoria)"

"Likewise,"City"of"Greater"Geelong"submitted:"“Given'the'levels'of'usage'and'overcrowding'experienced'at'the'moment'a'timeline'revision'of'59'10'years'should'be'considered.”'

City"of"Greater"Geelong""

While"support"for"this"recommendation"was"almost"uniformly"recorded,"the"Rail"Futures"Institute"questioned"whether"Geelong/Werribee/Wyndham"rail"would"result"in"a"better"service"for"passengers"on"the"Melbourne"to"Geelong"line:'''

“Geelong'line'trains'will'continue'to'use'the'RRL'corridor'in'the'medium'term.''Once'Wyndham'

area'suburban'passengers'are'accommodated'on'the'electrified'metropolitan'network,'Geelong'

services'using'existing'VLocity'rolling'stock'(expanded'to'8'cars'at'peak'times)'will'have'


36"

adequate'capacity'until'at'least'the'mid92030s.''As'such,'there'is'no'requirement'to'procure'a'so9

called'“high'capacity'new'generation'regional'train”'for'this'or'other'corridors.''Such'rolling'

stock'would'provide'Geelong'line'passengers'with'a'less'comfortable'journey'than'they'currently'

experience”."Rail"Futures"Institute"

##

Government#service/infrastructure#planning#"This"recommendation"prompted"significant"engagement"from"a"cross"section"of"stakeholders,"all"of"whom"provided"clear"support"for"its"implementation."""The"Municipal"Association"of"Victoria"described"the"recommendation"as"essential:"“Government'

should'utilise'existing'subregional'groups'(VPA'subregional'groups'and'regional'partnership'

groups)'to'inform'itself'of'infrastructure'and'service'priorities'for'each'region.”"Municipal"Association"of"Victoria"

"The"Property"Council"of"Australia"was"one"among"several"industry"peak"groups"that"were"also"pleased"to"see"an"attempt"to"‘minimise"siloed"decision4making’"as"they"stated"in"their"submission:"“Historically'policy'decisions'have'been'made'in'silos,'leading'to'poor'outcomes,'

especially'in'the'growth'areas”.''

Property"Council"of"Australia""

The"recommendation"was"of"particular"interest"to"local"governments"in"growth"areas,"most"of"whom"looked"to"such"a"recommendation"to"prioritise"infrastructure"development."""Wyndham"and"Whittlesea"City"Councils"both"emphasised"the"need"for"Infrastructure"Victoria"to"include"mechanisms"to"collaborate"with"local"government"early"rather"than"focusing"on"integrating"state"government"first"and"engaging"with"local"government"later."""Wellington"Shire"Council"gave"insight"into"the"perspective"of"regional"councils"on"this"recommendation:"“AGREE'with'Proviso.'Such'a'process'will'be'most'valuable'for'the'State,'but'

will'need'to'ensure'that'it'has'mandatory'criteria'for'considering'the'impact'of'all'outcomes'

upon'rural'and'regional'Victoria'–'a'plan'impact'assessment'on'regional'Victoria.”"""Wellington"Shire"Council"

"Although"supportive"of"the"recommendation,"the"Housing"Industry"Association"(HIA)"did"raise"concerns"that"it"has"the"potential"of"creating"“another'layer'of'government.'HIA'is'not'confident'

this'risk'has'been'adequately'considered'as'part'of'carrying'this'option'forward'to'the'

Infrastructure'Strategy.”"Housing"Industry"Association"

"The"timing"of"this"recommendation"produced"some"comments"from"stakeholders,"among"them"the"City"of"Casey"which"encouraged"Infrastructure"Victoria"to"bring"forward"the"timing"(Refer"to"Section"3.3).""

## #


37"

Green#infrastructure#"Green"infrastructure"received"considerable"feedback."The"recommendation"was"well"received"by"a"diversity"of"stakeholders"including"councils,"research"groups"and"water"groups."Green"infrastructure"was"viewed"as"enhancing"community"amenity,"contributing"to"health"and"wellbeing"and"offsetting"the"effects"of"climate"change."""The"City"of"Port"Phillip"was"pleased"to"see"the"inclusion"of"this"recommendation:"“Green'infrastructure'will'provide'a'multiplicity'of'benefits'at'a'local'level'across'resilience,'health'and'

wellbeing,'amenity'and'tourism'amongst'others.'Inner'urban'areas'experience'less'canopy'cover'

and'action'to'increase'these'levels'is'a'significant'opportunity.'“'

City"of"Port"Phillip""Monash"Infrastructure"also"welcomed"the"inclusion"of"Green"infrastructure"in"the"draft"strategy:"“The'recommendations'should'recognise'the'multiple'functions'and'benefits'of'green'

infrastructure,'which'extend'beyond'flood'mitigation'to'include'water'production,'pollution'

mitigation,'biodiversity'promotion'and'improvement'of'microclimates.”"Monash"Infrastructure"

"Melbourne"Water"was"encouraged"by"Green"infrastructure,"regarding"the"recommendation"as"an"opportunity"to"contribute"to"this"initiative:'''

“Melbourne'Water'supports'this'and'add'that'Melbourne'Water'should'also'be'a'partner'in'

developing'the'green'infrastructure'plan'given'the'extensive'areas'of'land'we'own'and'manage.'

Melbourne'Water'notes'that'research'by'the'CRC'for'Water'Sensitive'Cities'shows'that'blue9

green'infrastructure'(bringing'together'water'cycle'management'and'green'infrastructure)'is'the'

optimal'approach.”''

Melbourne"Water"'

Place,"Health"and"Liveability"Research"Program"was"another"supporter."In"their"submission"the"group"suggested"Green"Infrastructure"should"be"focussed"on'delivering"fewer"larger"parks,"rather"than"many"smaller"parks:'''

“Our'team’s'research'shows'that'small'pocket'parks'do'not'encourage'recreational'walking.'Our'

research'suggests'that'attractive'parks'of'at'least'1.5'hectares'are'needed'to'encourage'

recreational'walking,'however,'more'research'is'required'to'confirm'this'finding'and'for'different'

sub9populations'such'as'children'and'families.”''

Place,"Health"and"Liveability"Research"Program,"the"University"of"Melbourne"'

Other"stakeholders"provided"considerations"or"areas"of"further"improvement"for"the"recommendation.""The"Victorian"Landcare"Council"was"one"example:'''

"Focusing'on'existing'green'infrastructure'in'public'hands,'whether'it'be'urban'or'regional'parks,'

risks'the'deterioration'of'the'existing'asset.''Protection'and'enhancement'of'the'asset'requires'

investment'in'habitat'and'riparian'corridors'across'public'and'private'land.'Harnessing'

community'and'private'land'managers'commitment'to'this'asset'protection'and'management'is'

the'most'cost'effective'way'to'achieve'this,'with'the'Landcare'model'providing'a'successful'

example'of'how'this'can'be'accomplished."'

Victorian"Landcare"Council"


38"

"Likewise,"Hurstbridge"Community"Voice"cautioned"“the'selling'of'public'land'must'be'

immediately'stopped'while'the'green'infrastructure'plan'in'partnership'with'local'governments'

is'put'in'place.""Hurstbridge"Community"Voice"

"While"the"recommendation"was"largely"welcomed"by"local"government,"the"City"of"Stonnington"criticised"Infrastructure"Victoria"for"being"too"focussed"on"‘hard"built’"form"infrastructure"and"failing"to"adequately"consider"the"liability"of"future"urban"communities."The"Council"suggested"that"the"304year"Infrastructure"strategy"needed"to:"“better'articulate'priority'support'to'acquire'additional'land'for'open'space,'improve'linkages'between'open'space,'and'improve'the'quality'

and'amenity'of'existing'open'space'to'achieve'this'objective.”"City"of"Stonnington"

##Melbourne#Airport#rail#link#"The"delivery"of"a"rail"line"to"Melbourne"Airport"received"uniform"support"from"stakeholders"and"individuals."""The"recommendation"was"of"particular"interest"to"Rail"Futures"Institute,"a"not4for4profit"group"advocating"for"the"uptake"of"freight"and"transport"rail"projects."The"group"argued"that"the"rail"link"should"be"the"next"major"rail"project"to"follow"Melbourne"Metro"with"“engineering'resources'dovetailed'with'those'for'Melbourne'Metro'and'construction'commencing'within'10'

years'for'completion'by'2030.”'

Rail"Futures"Institute"'

The"group"suggested"that'detailed"planning"should'“commence'to'determine'and'safeguard'its'

final'alignment,'including'reservation'of'an'appropriate'rail'corridor'linking'Melbourne'Airport'

and'Clarkefield.''Finalised'rail'alignments'within'the'Melbourne'Airport'boundaries'should'also'

be'confirmed'in'the'Airport’s'next'209year'Masterplan,'due'for'release'in'late'2018.”''

Rail"Futures"Institute"'

The"timing"of"this"recommendation"was"of"considerable"interest"to"stakeholders."A"third"of"all"stakeholders"and"individuals"who"commented"on"this"recommendation""sought"a"change"to"its"timing."For"example,"the"Australasian"Railway"Association"said:"“The'ARA'suggests'that'the'timing'of'this'is'revisited'to'so'that'the'project'commences'before'the'“additional'capacity'on'

the'airport'bus'has'been'exceeded”'rather'than'“once”'the'airport'bus'capacity'has'been'

exceeded'as'currently'proposed.”"Australasian"Railway"Association"

'

The"alignment"of"the"Melbourne"Airport"rail"link"emerged"as"a"theme"within"consultation."Stakeholders"and"individuals"offered"several"suggestions,"such"as"Maribyrnong"City"Council,"which"promoted"an"alignment"to"link"with"the"Highpoint"Activity"Centre"and"future"Maribyrnong"Defence"Site"development."""# #


39"

North#East#Link##The"recommendation"to"construct"the"North"East"Link"was"strongly"supported."""The"recommendation"was"of"particular"interest"to"residents"in"north4east"Melbourne."In"their"submission,"Robert"and"Christina"Thornton"reflected"the"view"of"many"who"provided"feedback:"“It'is'very'apparent'that'a'new'road'(North'East'Link)'linking'the'Ring'Road'at'Greensborough'to'

the'Eastern'Freeway'near'Bulleen'or'East'link'at'Ringwood'is'needed.'This'has'been'discussed'for'

a'number'of'years.”"Robert"and"Christina"Thornton"

"Stakeholders,"many"of"whom"represented"industry,"argued"the"implementation"of"North"East"Link"would"relieve"congestion"in"other"parts"of"Melbourne’s"road"network,"enhance"connectivity"and"improve"efficiency"of"freight"networks."The"Victorian"Farmers"Federation"explained"in"their"submission:"“The'Link'would'provide'major'benefits'to'horticulture'producers'and'flower'

growers'transporting'fresh'produce'to'the'Melbourne'wholesale'market'and'improve'the'

efficiency'of'feed'transport'for'dairy,'pork,'and'poultry'farms'east'of'Melbourne.”"Victorian"Farmers"Federation"

"The"timing"of"North"East"Link"also"emerged"as"a"strong"theme"with"stakeholders"calling"for"the"recommendation"to"be"brought"forward"by"Infrastructure"Victoria."The"Victorian"Chamber"of"Commerce"and"Industry"was"one"of"among"several"groups"who"argued"the"timeframe"for"the"project"to"be"completed"within"10415"years"was"“too"long”:'''

“Infrastructure'Victoria’s'modelling'and'economic'analysis'of'the'project'indicates'it'is'a'high'

performing'project'offering'substantial'benefits'in'terms'of'linking'people'to'employment'across'

the'city'and'improving'freight'reliability'and'travel'times.''The'Victorian'Chamber'recommends'

that'the'timing'for'the'completion'of'the'North'East'Link'be'bought'forward'so'that'the'benefits'

can'be'delivered'sooner.”'

Victorian"Chamber"of"Commerce"and"Industry""

An"additional"trend"observed"from"the"submissions"was"the"alignment"of"a"potential"North"East"Link."Banyule"City"Council"pointed"out"the"potential"alignment"options"before"stressing"the"need"for"further"investigation:"“As'identified'in'the'draft'strategy,'a'detailed'assessment'of'alternative'

alignments'is'required'as'a'matter'of'urgency'to'identify'the'preferred'route.”"Banyule"City"Council"

"While"there"was"support"overall,"a"small"number"of"submitters"were"not"in"favour"of"the"recommendation."The"Public"Transport"Users"Association"was"one"that"questioned"the"justifications"for"this"major"road"project."As"the"group"explained"in"their"submission:'''

“The'Strategy'has'noted'the'North'East'Link'as'one'of'the'proposed'projects'showing'highest'

benefit'in'its'indicative'evaluation.'We'submit'this'is'actually'due'to'critical'errors'in'modelling,'

primarily'(a)'the'failure'to'adequately'account'for'induced'traffic,'(b)'the'misattribution'of'short9

distance'local'trips'as'long9distance'orbital'travel,'and'(c)'the'overestimation'of'future'orbital'

traffic'flows'in'the'absence'of'a'new'road.”'

Public"Transport"Users"Association""

# #


40"

Public#libraries#"Support"for"local"government"to"deliver"21st"century"municipal"libraries"was"welcomed"by"councils"and"peak"bodies.""""Public"Libraries"Victoria"Network,"a"group"that"advocates"on"behalf"of"Victoria’s"public"library"network,"welcomed'“the'strategy’s'recognition'of'the'importance'of'continued'investment'in'

provision'of'new'or'upgraded'21st'century'public'libraries'‘which'perform'a'crucial'role'in'

supporting'lifelong'learning'and'meeting'multiple'community'needs’”.""Public"Libraries"Victoria"Network"

"The"Planning"Institute"of"Australia"(Victoria)"offered"its"endorsement"of this"recommendation"and"highlighted"the"important"role"played"by"libraries"more"generally:"“Public'libraries'are'key'community'facilities,'especially'for'older'age'cohorts'and'student'users.'Their'integration'into'

daily'life'and'facility'improvement'must'be'a'very'high'priority.”"Planning"Institute"of"Australia"(Victoria)"

"

The"Victorian"Multicultural"Commission"re4affirmed"the"important"role"that"public"libraries"play"for"multicultural"communities:''

“They'provide'free'services'and'support'that'includes'a'range'of'collections'and'programs,'

including'English'language'courses,'and'socialising'opportunities.'In'ethnically'diverse'LGAs'like'

Darebin,'Yarra'and'Dandenong'they'also'provide'community'language'collections'as'well'as'

access'to'hundreds'of'online'overseas'newspapers'in'numerous'languages.'They'also'provide'

important'opportunities'to'socialise,'particularly'for'mothers'with'small'children'and'school'age'

children.”'

Victorian"Multicultural"Commission""Councils"were"particularly"enthused"by"the"opportunity"presented"by"this"recommendation.""Bayside"City"Council'stated:'“The'need'for'additional'support'to'local'government'for'the'

delivery'of'21st'century'municipal'libraries'is'essential'if'libraries'are'to'maintain'and'strengthen'

their'vital'contribution'to'individual'and'community'outcomes.”'

Bayside"City"Council"'

The"opportunity"for"integrating"municipal"libraries"on"school"sites"was"of"particular"interest"to"several"submitters."The"City"of"Yarra"was"among"a"handful"of"councils"who"raised"some""concern"regarding"the"possible"integration"of"public"libraries"and"schools:'''

“The'design'is'also'critical'to'ensure'facilities'remain'accessible'to'the'general'public'and'are'not'

seen'as'‘school'facilities’.'Libraries'are'currently'one'of'the'few'places'open'to'anyone'free'of'

charge,'and'attract'a'diverse'range'of'visitors'(incl.'homeless,'substance'affected,'people'with'

mental'health'issues'etc.)'–'some'of'whom'may'be'deemed'a'risk'or'concern'and'may'not'be''

welcome'on'a'school'site.'Any'model'should'ensure'these'facilities'remain'available'to'

everyone.”'

City"of"Yarra""

# #


41"

Regional#highways## The"idea"to"transparently"identify"and"prioritise"upgrades"to"regional"highways"was"welcomed.""""Regional"stakeholders,"particularly"councils,"provided"a"long"list"of"highway"projects"within"their"regions"that"required"upgrade"or"attention."All"highlighted"the"role"that"roads"played"in"rural"parts"of"Victoria."The"City"of"Greater"Shepparton"explained"that"“such'infrastructure'is'very'important'in'the'movement'of'people'and'goods'including'support'for'the'visitor'economy.”"

City"of"Greater"Shepparton""

RACV"drew"attention"to"the"lack"of"funding"currently"in"place"in"parts"of"the"state:"“RACV'and'its'members'are'very'concerned'that'the'State’s'highway'network'is'not'being'

adequately'funded'and'maintained.'This'is'particularly'evident'in'South9West'Victoria'and'we'

encourage'your'team'to'contact'local'governments'and'to'inspect'the'network.'We'believe'

Infrastructure'Victoria’s'final'report'should'have'greater'emphasis'on'restoring'the'condition'of'

the'existing'network,'and'also'ensuring'its'maintenance'is'adequately'funded'into'the'future.”''

RACV'"The"vast"majority"of"other"comments"related"to"specific"highways"requiring"maintenance."""""Regional#local#road#maintenance#"Providing"additional"support"for"road"maintenance"and"upgrades"was"supported."This"recommendation"received"particularly"strong"feedback"from"regional"stakeholders,"many"of"whom"discussed"specific"road"projects"of"interest"to"their"region"in"this"context."""The"Municipal"Association"of"Victoria"captured"the"view"of"many"local"government"stakeholders:"“Maintenance'of'existing'assets'is'a'high'priority'for'councils'as'there'is'a'large'amount'of'

critical'infrastructure'in'Victoria'which'is'either'reaching'the'end'of'its'useful'life'or'experiencing'

demand'beyond'design'capacity.'Lack'of'road'maintenance'funding'is'causing'the'State’s'

arterial'roads'to'fall'apart,'where'large'sections'of'freeway'have'had'speed'reduced'to'60km/h'

due'to'a'60'per'cent'cut'in'VicRoads'maintenance'funding.'This'adversely'impacts'on'freight'

movement'efficiency'and'road'safety,'as'well'as'slowing'down'travel'time'for'both'personal'cars'

and'public'transport'which'use'the'arterial'road'network.”"Municipal"Association"of"Victoria"

"The"Victorian"Farmers"Federation"(VFF)"was"one"of"only"a"handful"of"stakeholders"which"commented"on"the"recommendation"in"general"terms:"“The'VFF'are'highly'supportive'of'an'ongoing'comprehensive'strategy'for'the'maintenance'of'local'roads.'Local'roads9'both'those'

under'the'management'and'maintenance'regime'of'local'government'as'well'as'minor'class'

roads'in'the'VicRoads'network'–'require'ongoing'and'adequate'financial'investment.“'Victorian"Farmers"Federation"

"Murrindini"Shire"Council"cautioned"against"adopting"a"competitive"grant"funding"system"for"Regional"local"road"maintenance,"indicating"a"view"that"such"“programs'mean'that'those'who'

are'most'in'need'have'the'least'capacity'to'participate'in'such'programs.”'

Murrindini"Shire"Council"'


42"

Moyne"Shire"Council"called"for"greater"clarity"to"be"given"on"this"recommendation:"“Section'13.4.4'is'a'bit'confusing.'What'are'regional'local'roads?'The'State'provides'a'miniscule'amount'

of'local'road'funding.'The'local'roads'are'funded'99%'by'federal'and'local'government.”""Moyne"Shire"Council"

"Other"captured"comments"related"to"specific"local"roads"requiring"maintenance."""""Schools#as#community#facilities#"The"opportunity"to"transform"state"schools"into"community"facilities"was"of"considerable"interest"to"stakeholders."The"recommendation"attracted"support"from"a"range"of"submitters,"with"some"suggesting"improvements"to"the"recommendation.""""Monash"Infrastructure"described"Schools"as"community"facilities"as"an"excellent"initiative"to"transform"state"schools"and"value4add"by"co4locating"community"facilities:"“They'could'become'

environmental'facilities'as'well,'meeting'other'aspirations'within'the'strategy'through'things'like'

gardens'and'low9carbon'demonstrations.'But'all'this'requires'careful'planning'to'ensure'

community'safety.”""Monash"Infrastructure"

"The"Brotherhood"of"St"Laurence,"supporters"of"transforming"schools"into"community"spaces,"cautioned"Infrastructure"Victoria"on"the"design"of"this"recommendation."In"particular,"they"were"concerned"about"adopting"a"“one"size"fits"all”"approach"with"this"model:"""“Again,'service'planning,'tailored'to'the'needs'of'individual'communities'is'important.'

Consideration'needs'to'be'given'to'the'best'configuration'of'services'and'infrastructure."This'could'include'the'development'of'more'specialist'facilities'adjacent'to'school'sites'to'provide'

safe'spaces'for'more'vulnerable'people'in'the'community'who'may'not'wish'to'access'services'

that'are'located'in'schools.”'""Brotherhood"of"St"Laurence"

"The"City"of"Melton,"a"supporter"of"this"recommendation,"offered"the"experience"of"a"greenfield"area"council:'''

“The'City'of'Melton'has'a'number'of'Joint'Use'Agreements'in'place'whereby'the'development,'

use'and'maintenance'of'assets'are'shared'by'schools'and'the'local'community.'The'challenge'of'

this'approach'in'greenfield'areas,'is'that'Council'often'provides'community'facilities'such'as'

active'open'space'and'early'childhood'facilities'prior'to'the'Department'of'Education'purchasing'

land'for'schools'and'planning'how'the'site'will'be'used.”'

City"of"Melton""Another"local"government,"Whitehorse"City"Council,"identified"the"impact"of"the"recommendation"on"residents:"""“Agree'in'principle'that'schools'sites'could'be'open'for'a'broader'community'benefit,'however'

school'sites'are'traditionally'in'residential'areas.'If'the'activities'were'to'increase,'the'community'

may'not'respond'well'as'this'may'encroach'on'their'amenity.'For'example,typically'basketball'

stadiums'operate'until'11.00pm.'Residents'may'not'welcome'the'increase'cars'and'noise'at'a'


43"

facility'that'typically'closes'at'4.00pm.'The'other'issue'facing'Local'Government'is'that'if'the'

school'facility'is'open'for'activities'outside''school'activities','this'may'trigger'the'need'for'a'

planning'permit.”'

Whitehorse"City"Council""

The"Youth"Affairs"Council"of"Victoria"flagged"one"concern"with"the"recommendation"4"the"possibility"that"the"sharing"of"important"activities"on"school"grounds"might"prohibit"its"access"by"some"people,"including"those"excluded"from"schools."As"they"explained"in"their"submission:"“we'would'not'support'any'approach'which'limited'young'people’s'access'to'wellbeing,'sporting'or'

cultural'facilities'by'only'making'these'things'available'within'schools.'This'would'be'especially'

unsuitable'for'young'people'no'longer'attending'school'or'young'people'who'have'been'

excluded'from'their'local'school.”"Youth"Affairs"Council"of"Victoria'

""SmartBus#network##The"idea"of"expanding"the"SmartBus"network"and"providing"service"enhancements"to"support"cross4town"travel"was"keenly"supported"by"stakeholders."""Peak"bodies"such"as"RACV"and"rail"advocacy"group"the"Rail"Futures"Institute"provided"their"backing"for"this"recommendation."RACV"provided"this"comment:"“Smart'Bus'network'is'needed'

across'Melbourne,'as'well'as'more'direct'and'frequent'bus'services'in'middle'and'outer'

metropolitan'growth'areas'to'support'rapidly'growing'communities,'as'well'as'in'Victoria’s'

regional'cities.”"RACV"

"Local"government"was"pleased"to"see"the"recommendation’s"inclusion"in"the"strategy."The"recommendation"was"of"particular"interest"to"councils"in"the"south"and"east"of"Melbourne,"many"of"whom"felt"the"services"in"those"areas"were"in"greater"need"than"the"nominated"priority"areas"of"the"western"suburbs"and"inner"city.""The"City"of"Greater"Dandenong"was"one"of"those"councils:"“In'the'eastern'growth'areas'the'population'significantly'exceeds'that'of'the'west'and'will'do'so'for'many'decades.'The'eastern'

growth'areas'are'poorly'served'by'bus'public'transport'and'require'feeder'and'trunk'services'to'

access'the'future'high9capacity'rail'corridor'as'well'as'employment'opportunities'in'Dandenong,'

Monash'and'beyond.”"City"of"Greater"Dandenong"

#For"Bayside"City"Council,"however,"the"timing"needed"to"be"reconsidered."They"believed"the"proposed"timeline"of"0415"years"was"“too"slow”:"“The'expansion'of'the'Smart'Bus'network'

needed'to'be'undertaken'within'a'shorter'timeframe'if'buses'are'to'be'considered'a'suitable'

alternative'mode'of'transport'to'private'vehicles.”#Bayside"City"Council#

""# #


44"

4.6## Further#observations#on#sectors#not#already#covered##'

In"addition"to"the"high4interest"recommendations"discussed"in"Section"4.1"to"4.5,"formal"feedback"was"received"for"recommendations"and"needs"across"other"sectors."While"smaller"in"overall"number,"this"feedback"provided"additional"information"and"evidence"for"Infrastructure"Victoria"to"consider."Below"is"a"snapshot"of"the"most"frequently"discussed"recommendations"in"the"Justice,"Transport"(Freight),"Health,"Water,"Waste"and"Energy"sectors.3"""4.6.1## Justice##Justice/human#services#integrated#planning##"This"recommendation"was"generally"well"supported"by"stakeholders."""Victorian"Legal"Aid"and"the"Law"Institute"of"Victoria"both"supported"this"recommendation."They"called"for"more"prominence"for"legal"assistance"in"an"integrated"model:"""“VLA'welcomes'integrated'service'delivery'models'as'a'way'to'ensure'people'receive'holistic'

assistance'to'address'their'various'needs.'However,'we'recommend'that'the'strategy'expressly'

recommend'the'inclusion'of'legal'assistance'in'these'integrated'service'hubs'alongside'other'

essential'health,'human'services'and'justice'services'such'as'police.”''

Victorian"Legal"Aid""

Some"stakeholders"highlighted"the"challenges"of"integrating"services."While"supportive"of"this"recommendation,"the"Victorian"Council"of"Social"Services"(VCOSS)"cautioned:"""“Including'health'and'human'services'in'justice'facilities'may'have'unintended'consequences'in'

some'communities'and'for'some'people.'For'example,'some'people,'including'Aboriginal'people,'

young'people'in'the'out9of9home'care'system,'refugees'and'asylum'seekers'may'have'had'

previous'negative'experiences'with'the'justice'system'making'them'distrustful'of'justice'

services.”"Victorian"Council"of"Social"Services"

"4.6.2# Transport#(Freight)#"Freight#precincts##"This"recommendation"was"received"positively"by"stakeholders."Freight"on"Rail,"a"freight"advocacy"group,"regarded"this"recommendation"as"an"important"element"in"“addressing"the"freight"task”"and"key"to"reducing"congestion."The"Property"Council"of"Australia"also"saw"it"as"a"critical"element"to"maintaining"Victoria’s"competitive"edge"in"freight"and"logistics."""The"Australian"Logistics"Council"stressed"that"the"final"Strategy"should:'“recommend'that'either'

the'State'Planning'Policy'Framework'or'planning'legislation'require'town'planners'not'to'make'

planning'instruments'that'permit'alternative'land'uses'near'any'identified'freight'precinct'that'

will'prevent'the'precinct'from'operating'on'a'24'hour,'seven'day'basis.”''"Australian"Logistics"Council"

3 See"Appendix"A"for"the"full"list"of"recommendations"and"number"of"submission"received."


45"

"Western#Intermodal#Freight#Terminal##"This"recommendation"was"generally"supported,"with"submitters"seeing"it"as"part"of"a"package"of"initiatives"to"support"greater"access"and"efficiencies"for"rail4based"freight."The"Australian"Logistics"Council"noted"that:"""“In'the'longer'term,'WIFT'will'play'an'important'role'in'allowing'freight'to'move'more'efficiently'

from'Melbourne’s'logistics'heartland'as'well'as'reducing'congestion'around'the'Dynon'precinct.”'"Australian"Logistics"Council"

"Several"submissions"also"suggested"alternative"sites"and"provided"evidence"for"consideration."""4.6.3# Health##Health#care#ICT#systems##This"recommendation"received"general"support,"particularly"from"local"government"and"the"community"services"sector."Some"councils"requested"consideration"be"given"to"how"local"governments"can"interface"with"and"maximise"benefits"from"a"digital"health"system:""“Health'information'needs'to'be'considered'in'the'widest'context'and'in'consideration'of'the'

relationship'between'different'service'sectors'e.g.'public'and'private'health'systems,'acute'and'

community'based'systems,'adult'and'child'focused'services.'Professionals'such'as'family'support'

and'MCH'generate'health'information'which'present'opportunities'to'link'these'information'

systems'into'broader'health'care'ICT'systems.”'

City"of"Whittlesea""'“…'there'is'a'gap'in'the'discussion'paper'about'technology'investment'for'preventative'health'

care.''It'would'assist'local'government'planning'if'the'Victorian'Government'takes'into'account'

the'barriers'that'exist'for'local'government'in'accessing'local'level'data'from'services."'

Boroondara"City"Council""VCOSS"argued"that"the"application"of"technology"solutions"should"consider"the"specific"needs"of"certain"cohorts"and"the"varying"levels"of"access"that"people"have"to"technology:""""Advances'in'telehealth'can'improve'health'care'access'for'Victorians'experiencing'

disadvantage,'including'people'living'in'rural'and'regional'areas.'However,'some'people'have'

limited'technology'access.""Victorian"Council"of"Social"Services"

## #


46"

4.6.4# Water##Stormwater#harvesting###Submissions"supported"Stormwater"harvesting"and"there"were"calls"to"consider"applying"this"recommendation"to"brownfield"sites"and"to"bring"forward"the"timing"of"the"recommendation,"for"example":""""Melbourne'Water'recommends'the'timing'be'changed'from'5'9'30'years'to'now'as'significant'

urbanisation'is'happening'now'and'in'five'years'time'many'of'the'Precinct'Structure'Plans'will'be'

completed'meaning'a'reduced'opportunity'for'stormwater'harvesting'opportunities."''

Melbourne"Water"#

Stormwater#quality###This"recommendation"was"generally"well"received."Monash"Infrastructure"suggested"a"broader"approach"be"adopted"to"link"this"recommendation"with"other"aspects"including"building"resilience:""""What’s'missing'in'the'document'overall'is'the'link'between'water'recycling,'pollution'

mitigation,'stormwater'harvesting,'water'production'and'green'infrastructure,'which'is'the'way'

of'delivering'all'these'things'and'in'the'process'providing'multiple'benefits'including'beautifying'

and'adding'value'to'the'cities'that'embrace'them.""Monash"Infrastructure"

#4.6.5# Waste##Waste#pricing###Submissions"generally"supported"a"review"of"waste"pricing"but"some"stakeholders"called"for"better"recognition"of"local"government"responsibilities"in"waste"management."The"City"of"Greater"Geelong"explained"what"a"review"of"waste"disposal"charges"could"mean:"''

“This'could'change'the'dynamic'of'the'waste'industry'making'alternative'options'for'the'

management'of'waste'more'or'less'acceptable'with'a'consequent'implication'for'land'use'and'

entrants'in'to'the'industry.""""City"of"Greater"Geelong"

#Landfill#buffers###Submissions"generally"supported"the"need"for"better"planning"of"existing"and"future"landfill"and"waste"management"sites. Place,"Health"and"Liveability"stated:"""“We'support'the'integration'of'Environmental'Protection'Authority'Victoria'(EPAV)'buffer'zones'

for'landfills'in'an'effort'to'avoid'land'use'conflicts'that'cause'amenity'impacts'and'negative'

effects'of'the'quality'of'life'of'nearby'residents'and'other'sensitive'environments'and'species.”'

Place,"Health"and"Liveability"## #


47"

Organic#waste###Submissions"generally"supported"organic"waste"management"with"a"few"noting"how"this"option"could"be"activated."Gippsland"Regional"Plan"Leadership"Group"noted"its"strong"support"for"this"recommendation:""'

“Consider'the'opportunity'for'Gippsland'Water’s'Soil'Organic'Recycling'Facility'(SORF)'at'Dutson'

Downs'to'offer'industry'opportunities'in'the'disposal'of'further'green'waste'/'organic'waste'

from'Melbourne.”'' ' ' ' ' ' ''''''''''Gippsland"Regional"Plan"Leadership"Group'#4.6.6# Energy##Brown#coal#transition###A"transition"from"brown"coal"was"broadly"supported."However,"a"call"to"better"recognise"broader"issues"facing"the"energy"sector"was"also"evident"in"a"number"of"submissions."The"Clean"Energy"Finance"Corporation"noted:'''

"Victoria'has'special'challenges'that'are'more'complex'than'other'states'and'it'needs'to'consider'

how'it'will'ensure'security'of'power'supply'without'brown'coal'generation."""Clean"Energy"Finance"Corporation"

"Some"stakeholders"noted"that"a"carbon"price"was"the"most"effective"way"to"transition"to"a"low"carbon"future."#Energy#efficiency#of#new#buildings###Submissions"were"broadly"supportive"of"this"recommendation,"with"some"calling"for"an"expansion"of"this"recommendation’s"scope."The"Municipal"Association"of"Victoria"articulated"the"view"of"local"government"stakeholders:""""It'is'councils’'view'that'the'introduction'of'state9wide'sustainability'standards'would'provide'

broad'and'lasting'benefit'for'community.'Multiple'Victorian'councils'are'actively'pursuing'

sustainable'built'environments'the'Built'Environment'Sustainability'Scorecard'(BESS)'9'an'online'

tool'for'assessing'the'sustainability'of'development'proposals'at'planning'stage.'The'

government'will'need'to'work'with'councils'to'determine'how'existing'programs/standards'work'

and'interact'and'what'gaps'exist."'"Municipal"Association"of"Victoria

"#

# #


48"

5.# Options#previously#listed##Infrastructure"Victoria"received"several"submissions"from"stakeholders"and"individuals"that"discussed"options"previously"listed"in"All'things'considered."""These"submissions"were"primarily"concerned"with"Doncaster"heavy"rail,"Rowville"heavy"rail"and"Greenfield"development"sequencing."""Other"options,"such"as"the"South"Yarra"Metro"Station,"were"also"discussed."While"these"options"were"commented"on"much"less"frequently,"submitters"expressed"strong"views.""""Doncaster#heavy#rail#(DHR)#"This"option"attracted"the"most"number"of"submissions"among"those"who"commented"on"options"not"captured"as"recommendations"in"the"draft"strategy."This"was"despite"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"evidence"of"DHR’s"low"contribution"to"Need"10:"Meet"growing"demand"for"access"to"economic"activity"in"central"Melbourne,"and"its"prohibitively"high"cost."""Cr"Jackie"Fristacky"challenged"the"assessment"of"DHR"and"the"supporting"Technical"Reports"by"KPMG,"Arup"and"Jacobs,"as"deficient."She"argued"that"Infrastructure"Victoria"had"failed"to"consider"other"possible"alignments"including:"“the'superior'route'of'Doncaster'Rail'interchanging'with'Victoria'Park'Station'and'continuing'east9west'under'Alexandra'Parade.”"According"to"the"submitter"this"alignment"would"prove"to"be"a"“less'costly'route'with'greater'benefits'than'the'proposal'for'lines'through'Clifton'Hill'to'the'CBD'from'the'north'which'is'said'

by'IV'to'be'dependent'on'Melbourne'Metro'2.”"Cr"Jackie"Fristacky"

'

Manningham"City"Council,"which"submitted"extensively"on"this"option"during"the"last"phase"of"consultation,"questioned"the"assumptions"that"Infrastructure"Victoria"had"made"about"the"demand"for"heavy"rail"from"the"Eastern"Freeway"corridor"to"Doncaster."Referring"to"the"URS"Doncaster"Rail"Study,"Council"claimed"“the'line'would'command'greater'patronage'than'the'

present'Glen'Waverley'line'does”."Manningham"City"Council"

"Banyule"City"Council"similarly"criticised"the"exclusion"of"DHR."However,"the"council"offered"the"following"suggestion:"“[while]'current'modelling'data'may'not'support'the'inclusion'of'DHR'in'

the'draft'strategy,'nevertheless'it'is'strongly'recommended'that'the'final'strategy'identify'this'

corridor'as'a'future'heavy'rail'link,'and'that'any'future'work'along'the'eastern'freeway'corridor'

consider'the'long9term'integration'with'heavy'rail.”"Banyule"City"Council#

# #


49"

Rowville#heavy#rail#(RHR)##Rowville"heavy"rail’s"exclusion"from"the"draft"strategy"generated"criticism"from"stakeholders."""Eastern"Transport"Coalition,"a"coalition"of"local"governments"in"Melbourne’s"east"advocating"for"improved"transport,"submitted"on"the"subject"of"Rowville"and"Doncaster"heavy"rail:'“The'Eastern'Transport'Coalition'believes'that'these'projects'remain'viable'and'are'of'a'strategic'

nature'which'warrant'articulation'in'the'Infrastructure'Victoria'strategy'and'seeks'to'ensure'that'

appropriate'planning'processes'are'put'in'place'to'maintain'the'deliverability'of'these'projects.”'

Eastern"Transport"Coalition""

Shing"Hei"Ho,"a"previous"submitter"on"this"option"during"the"All'things'considered'phase,'reflected"the"view"of"individual"submitters"who"commented"on"this"option:"“By'refusing'further'planning'and'inclusion'in'the'30'Year'Strategy,'Infrastructure'Victoria'will'effectively'continue'to'

deprive'the'region'of'the'possibility'of'finally'connecting'to'the'city’s'major'public'transport'

network,'a'rail'link'that'has'been'due'for'more'than'30'years.”'

Shing"Hei"Ho"

Not"all"submissions"on"RHR"were"dissenting."Rail"Futures"Institute"backed"the"assessment"made"by"Infrastructure"Victoria:'“Rail'Futures'does'not'support'construction'of'a'heavy'rail'line'to'Rowville,'partly'because'of'its'potential'impact'on'otherwise'needed'capacity'on'the'Dandenong'

Rail'Corridor'but'principally'because'an'appropriately'configured'light'rail'application'could'

provide'a'more'comprehensive'solution'at'substantially'lower'cost.”'

Rail"Futures"Institute"#Greenfield#development#sequencing#(GFS)#"Councils"in"growth"areas"of"Melbourne"were"disappointed"to"see"that"the"Greenfield"development"sequencing"was"not"included"in"the"draft"strategy.""Melton"City"Council"was"one"local"government"stakeholder"with"a"strong"view"about"its"exclusion"from"the"draft"strategy:'“We'want'this'option'included'in'the'Strategy'as'it'is'an'issue'

now,'not'just'in'15930'years.'The'development'of'multiple'growth'fronts'is'placing'pressure'on'

Growth'Area'Councils'and'state'infrastructure'providers'(such'as'education'and'transport)'as'

there'is'a'high'demand'for'new'infrastructure.'When'development'is'staged,'sequenced'and'

concentrated'on'one'or'two'growth'fronts'it'is'easier'for'servicing'authorities'to'plan'for,'fund'

and'deliver'infrastructure.''The'population'triggers'for'new'infrastructure'is'reached'earlier'

under'this'arrangement'which'may'result'in'residents'accessing'infrastructure'in'a'more'timely'

manner.” Melton"City"Council"

In"contrast,"the"Housing"Industry"Association"(HIA)"was"pleased"that"this"option"was"not"recommended":"“For'reasons'provided'in'our'response'to'the'Draft'Options'HIA'are'pleased'this'option'has'not'been'carried'forward'to'the'Infrastructure'Strategy.'The'HIA'maintain'that'it'may'

be'appropriate'for'government'to'have'a'high'level'strategic'role'to'guide'greenfield'sequencing'

but'most'definitely'not'to'govern'or'mandate'and'that'to'some'extent'this'is'already'done'as'

part'of'the'PSP'approvals'system.”'

Housing"Industry"Association"


50"

6.## Themes"#This"section"captures"the"common"themes"that"do"not"relate"to"recommendations"discussed"in"Section"3"or"4."The"list"of"themes"are"not"presented"in"any"particular"order.""6.1# Funding# Value#capture# Infrastructure"Victoria"invited"feedback"from"stakeholders"and"the"community"about"value"capture"as"a"funding"mechanism."Feedback"from"stakeholders"across"different"sectors,"including"local"government,"residents"groups"and"peak"industry"bodies"gave"in4principle"support"to"value"capture"as"a"mechanism"to"raise"revenue"for"infrastructure."There"was"general"agreement"with"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"assessment"that"value"capture"should"be"assessed"on"a"case4by4case"basis"and"may"not"necessarily"be"appropriate"in"all"circumstances.""A"number"of"submissions"cited"international"experiences"and"case"studies"to"support"their"views"about"how"value"capture"could"be"developed"and"implemented."""A"common"theme"arising"from"the"submissions"was"that"value"capture"would"only"be"supported"if"funds"generated"were"hypothecated"and"re4invested"for"specific"infrastructure"and"service"improvements"to"benefit"the"community."Transparency"of"value"capture"policy"and"implementation"were"considered"by"stakeholders"such"as"the"Urban"Development"Institute"of"Australia"and"City"of"Stonnington"as"fundamental"conditions"of"their"support."""'“…'the'implementation'of'value'capture'mechanisms'must'be'fair'and'equitable;'transparent'

and'accountable;'and'audited'to'ensure'captured'value'is'attributed'to'the'value'generating'

infrastructure,'not'general'revenue.”''

Urban"Development"Institute"of"Australia""“The'most'important'aspects'of'value'capture'are'the'equity'and'beneficiary'principles.'This'

requires'a'transparent'process'to'accurately'quantify'the'benefits'of'infrastructure'or'planning'

decisions'and'attributing'them'to'specific'beneficiaries.'Funds'derived'(including'betterment'

levies)'must'be'spent/allocated/’put'back'into’'local'area'infrastructure'improvements.'Benefit'

obtained'in'one'location'should'not'be'handed'over'to'the'vacuum'of'consolidated'state'

government'revenue'and'reallocated'elsewhere'(program'and'location).”'

City"of"Stonnington""Not"all"submissions"were"in"support"of"the"principle"of"value"capture."Some"local"governments"raised"concerns"about"potential"impacts"of"value"capture"on"particular"segments"of"their"communities"and"noted"the"need"to"consider"equity"and"beneficiary"principles"in"any"value"capture"assessment."The"Peri4Urban"Group"of"Rural"Councils"was"one"of"these"stakeholders:"""“The'communities'and'Councils'of'these'areas'[Peri'urban'rural'areas]'are'faced'with'a'

significant'infrastructure'gap,'and'we'believe'the'use'of'a'value'capture'model'in'rural'and'

regional'areas'would'further'exacerbate'the'infrastructure'challenges'of'these'communities.”'

" " " " " " " " Peri4Urban"Group"of"Rural"Councils""


51"

The"Shopping"Centre"Council"of"Australia"also"expressed"concerns"about"value"capture"and"the"potential"for"it"to"become"another"tax"on"its"industry."It"provided"a"detailed"submission"and"suggested"more"work"be"done"on"analysis,"in"consultation"with"potentially"affected"stakeholders."Similarly,"the"Property"Council"of"Australia’s"submission"highlighted"considerations"for"Government:""“in'determining'the'best'funding'options'for'a'project,'it'is'important'to'understand'the'current'

tax'and'charges'burden'borne'by'the'property'industry.'This'is'particularly'important'for'the'

Victorian'property'industry,'which'currently'contributes'more'than'50'per'cent'of'state'revenue'

(primarily'through'transfer'duties'and'land'tax)'and'myriad'developer'charges.'While'the'

composition'of'state'funding'is'out'of'scope'of'Infrastructure'Victoria’s'mandate,'

recommendations'relating'to'alternative'funding'and'financing'arrangements'must'be'

considered'within'the'context'of'the'current'state'taxation'system.”''

Property"Council"of"Australia""Rate#capping#"A"number"of"local"councils,"including"the"peak"body"–"Municipal"Association"of"Victoria"–"expressed"disappointment"with"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"position"on"rate"capping."There"was"a"common"view"among"these"submitters"that"while"rate"capping"is"unlikely"to"create"any"serious"issues"in"the"short"term,"it"will"likely"affect"the"overall"quality"of"Victoria’s"infrastructure"network"in"the"long"term"as"local"government’s"capacity"to"generate"income"to"deliver"and"maintain"community"infrastructure"is"compromised."One"of"the"growth"councils"asserted"that"the"infrastructure"challenges"they"face"as"a"result"of"rapid"population"growth"warrants"special"consideration"under"the"rate"capping"legislation."""6.2# Decentralisation#–#perspectives#from#rural#and#regional#Victoria#"Several"rural"and"regional"councils"felt"that"the"draft"infrastructure"did"not"pay"enough"attention"to"directing"infrastructure"investment"in"rural"and"regional"Victoria."They"drew"attention"to"the"needs"for"particular"regions."The"common"concerns"expressed"by"these"councils"are"best"represented"in"the"Municipal"Association"of"Victoria’s"submission.""Rural'and'regional'councils'have'concerns'that'benefits'will'be'felt'predominantly'in'the'city'for'

the'statewide'recommendations,'and'that'only'10'per'cent'of'the'recommendations'are'specific'

to'regional'and'rural'Victoria.'Rural'shires'are'faced'with'pressures'of'long'road'lengths,'large'

land'size,'and'limited'capacity'to'grow'their'rates'revenue'to'provide'the'essential'services'and'

infrastructure'needed'by'their'communities.'Additionally,'rural'and'regional'Victoria'lack'

adequate'public'transport'infrastructure'and'service'levels,'and'have'differing'rail'gauges'for'rail'

freight'lines'which'unevenly'impacts'industry'development'and'efficient'rail'freight'movements'

across'the'state.'

Municipal"Association"of"Victoria""Submitters"from"different"parts"of"rural"and"regional"Victoria"took"the"opportunity"to"call"for"investment"in"transport"connections"within"their"region,"arguing"that"transport"infrastructure"underpins"regional"economic"growth."Varying"levels"of"evidence"were"provided"by"submitters"to"support"specific"projects.""""


52"

“There'is'little'or'no'mention'of'much'expansion'of'passenger'rail'services'outside'of'Melbourne'

to'support'decentralisation…'The'over'reliance'of'long'distance'road'coach'services,'and'the'lack'

of'vision'to'expand'rural'passenger'rail'services'is'deeply'concerning,'and'will'do'little'to'aid'

decentralisation'and'remove'pressure'from'the'growth'of'Melbourne.”'

North"West"Rail"Alliance""Similar"views"were"also"expressed"by"others,"including:""“Evidence'is'abundant,'and'common'sense'shows,'that'improvements'in'infrastructure'and'

connectivity'in'regional'cities'makes'them'more'attractive'places'to'live.'When'rail'services'have'

been'improved'to'places'such'as'Bendigo'and'Ballarat'the'use'of'the'services'has'increased.”''"Committee"for"Shepparton"

"“Melbourne’s'continued'growth'cannot'be'sustained.'The'Government'is'already'looking'at'

regionalisation'or'decentralisation'as'one'of'its'strategies'to'relieve'the'pressure'on'

metropolitan'Melbourne.'

'

“Key'regional'centres'such'as'Ballarat,'Geelong'and'Bendigo'offer'alternatives'9'are'all'within'

commuting'distance'from'Melbourne,'provide'attractive'lifestyle'options'and'are'well'serviced'

with'health'and'education'facilities.'

'

“However,'for'these'centres'to'be'attractive'to'those'currently'living'in'Melbourne,'there'needs'

to'be'a'better'road'network,'with'easier'access'to'Melbourne'and'faster'and'more'reliable'rail'

services.”'

Buningyong"&"District"Community"Association#"6.3# Infrastructure#Victoria’s#role#"While"the"role"of"Infrastructure"Victoria"is"generally"well"understood,"some"submissions"show"that"there"is"still"some"confusion"about"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"ongoing"role"once"the"strategy"is"delivered."""A"number"of"submissions"raised"issues"outside"of"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"scope;"for"example,"suggestions"about"the"logistics"of"implementing"specific"recommendations."""Broadly"speaking,"many"submissions"were"strongly"supportive"of"the"formation"of"Infrastructure"Victoria"and"understood"its"role"as"an"independent"advisor"to"the"Government."A"number"of"submitters"acknowledged"the"non4political"role"of"Infrastructure"Victoria’s"in"infrastructure"planning"and"advisory.""“Consult'Australia'is'a'longstanding'supporter'of'IV'and'their'role'as'a'far9sighted'mechanism'to'

deliver'greater'independence,'transparency'and'a'stronger'evidence'base'to'support'

infrastructure'decision'making'and'policy'development'and'we'trust'that'Infrastructure'Victoria'

will'use'its'remit'as'an'independent'advisor'to'continue'to'provide'frank'and'fearless'advice'to'

Government'where'it'sees'their'decision'making'deviating'from'the'best'interests'of'the'public.”'

Consult"Australia""# #


53"

6.4# Interface#with#other#levels#of#government#and#organisations#"Submitters"highlighted"the"importance"of"clarity"and"alignment"between"different"levels"of"government,"including"Engineers"Australia,"who"said:""“We'believe'the'success'of'Infrastructure'Victoria’s'309Year'Infrastructure'Strategy'is'very'much'

dependent'upon'clearly'identifying'and'aligning'jurisdictions'that'exist'among'stakeholders'

across'all'levels'of'government.'These'are'the'decision9makers'who'will'determine'the'success'or'

failure'of'any'long9term'strategy.”'

Engineers"Australia""

Others"highlighted"the"challenges"for"the"strategy,"and"for"the"State"Government"in"its"implementation,"in"sectors"where"policies"are"driven"at"a"national"level."An"example"is"in"Need"18:"Transition"to"a"lower"carbon"energy"supply"and"use,"where"stakeholders"acknowledged"the"issues"in"national"policies"and"room"for"improvement,"for"example:"""One'of'the'major'problems'with'climate'change'policies,'both'in'Australia'and'elsewhere,'is'the'

failure'to'adopt'a'singular'mechanism'to'internalise'the'environmental'cost'of'climate'change'

and'then'apply'other'policies'only'to'address'market'failures'and'barriers.'The'result'has'been'

very'messy'and'inefficient'outcomes."'''

Grattan"Institute""Similarly,"there"are"a"range"of"recommendations,"such"as"affordable"housing,"public"libraries"and"shared4use"agreements,"where"implementation"would"require"collaborative"efforts"and"partnerships"between"State"Government,"local"governments,"the"not4for4profit"sector"and/or"businesses"and"industry."Some"local"governments"advocate"that"partnerships"between"the"State"and"councils"should"be"formalised"for"integrated"planning"and"joint"infrastructure,"while"other"bodies"such"as"the"Committee"for"Melbourne"proposed"that: “state'government'collaboration'within'and'between'other'agencies'such'as'local'councils,'could'

receive'more'prominence'to'optimise'and'ensure'ownership'of'the'recommendations.”'

Committee"for"Melbourne""

A"number"of"submissions,"particularly"from"local"government"and"peak"industry"bodies,"also"queried"how"the"304year"infrastructure"strategy"would"link"or"interface"with"other"strategic"plans"developed"by"Government,"including"Plan'Melbourne'Refresh"and"Regional'Network'Development'Plan.# "


54"

6.5# FutureRproofing#a#30Ryear#infrastructure#strategy#"A"number"of"submitters"highlighted"the"challenge"of"being"able"to"accurately"predict"what"may"happen"in"the"medium"and"long"term"in"developing"a"304year"infrastructure"strategy."""For"the"strategy"to"remain"relevant,"submitters"agreed"that"it"needs"to"be"regularly"reviewed"and"refreshed"to"take"into"account"changing"technologies"and"environment"etc.:"""“The'rate'of'change'of'technology'etc.'is'so'fast'that'any'long'term'strategy'will'become'

outdated'and'sub9optimal'well'within'30'years.'Therefore,'a'review/update'of'priorities'should'

be'done'every'5'years.”""Online"survey"respondent"

"Some"submitters"discussed"the"need"for"‘future4proofing’"the"strategy"by"illustrating"technological"changes"in"particular"sectors"or"recommendations:""“Without'question,'technology'will'continue'to'play'a'key'role'in'improving'freight'rail'

efficiencies.'The'Paper'makes'a'number'of'assumptions'for'future'operating'conditions.'This'

section'would'benefit'from'a'focus'on'the'government’s'role'in'proactively'managing'technology'

implications'and'impacts'to'ensure'future'directions'are'shaped'appropriately,'rather'than'

delivered'on'an'ad9hoc'basis…'Infrastructure'Victoria'should'consider'ways'to'better'understand'

the'challenges'this'era'will'bring'and'opportunities'that'can'be'exploited'now'to'bring'forth'

meaningful'change'in'the'future.”'

Freight"on"Rail""Some"submitters"called"for"Infrastruture"Victoria"to"be"more"ambitious"in"encouraging"innovation"in"its"strategy:""“We'are'concerned'that'the'need'for'an'innovative'approach'to'planning'and'implementing'

infrastructural'change'over'the'next'30'years'is'not'considered'a'guiding'principle.'We'as'a'

community'will'all'need'to'“think'differently”'about'how'we'address'our'infrastructure'

requirements'in'the'context'of'the'broader'environment'and'this'document'should'lead'the'way'

by'taking'an'innovative'approach.”'

Victorian"Landcare"Council""“It'is'very'difficult'to'solve'the'challenge'now'but'it'is'important'to'strive'to'limit'resistance'to'

innovation.'I'believe'that'the'government'needs'to'be'more'active'in'supporting'and'funding'

innovation'of'the'main'key'issues'mentioned'above.'As'population'grows'this'will'put'a'huge'

strain'on'energy'consumption,'water'use,'waste'production,'transport'infrastructure'which'will'

all'effect'how'productive'the'state'becomes.”'

Online"survey"respondent""Irrespective"of"the"nature"of"suggestions"expressed"by"submitters,"the"consistent"theme"arising"from"submissions"was"the"strong"desire"for"a"long4term"infrastructure"plan"to"remain"relevant"to"deliver"positive"social,"economic"and"environmental"outcomes"for"Victoria."""# #


55"

Appendix#A:#List#of#recommendations#by#number#of#submissions,#source#and#geography##Recommendation" Total"

Sources"Individuals" Organisations" Metro" Regional" Statewide" Interstate"

Development in established areas 44 5 39 16 9 18 1

Transport network pricing 43 6 37 10 5 26 1

North East Link 38 9 29 22 5 10 1

Melbourne Airport rail link 32 9 23 17 5 9 1

Affordable housing planning mechanisms 30 0 30 10 3 17 0

Affordable housing plan 29 0 29 6 9 14 0

Government service infrastructure planning 29 0 29 9 8 12 0

Cycling corridors-walking improvements 25 0 25 14 4 7 0

Green infrastructure 25 0 25 13 6 6 0

ICT infrastructure 24 2 22 6 11 5 1

Public libraries 21 0 21 8 7 6 0

Development in and around employment centres

21 0 21 9 2 10 0

Public housing refurb and rationalisation 21 1 20 8 2 11 0

Schools as community facilities 20 0 20 10 3 7 0

Regional highways 20 3 17 1 16 3 0

SmartBus network 19 2 17 13 0 6 0

Geelong Werribee Wyndham rail 19 4 15 8 6 4 1

Driverless vehicles 19 5 14 9 3 6 0

Community space shared use agreements 18 0 18 8 3 7 0

Housing Rental Assistance 18 0 18 3 1 14 0

Community space refurb-rationalisation 18 0 18 7 5 6 0

Eastern Freeway-CityLink-Western Ring Road

18 6 12 12 4 2 0

Crisis and transitional accomodation 17 0 17 6 0 11 0

Community sport-recreation facilities 17 1 16 6 7 4 0

Regional local road maintenance 16 0 16 1 12 3 0

Growth area local buses 14 2 12 3 4 2 0

Regional rail eastern corridor 14 2 12 2 5 6 1

Clyde Rail extension 14 4 10 6 3 4 1

Cyclling and walking in established areas 13 0 13 6 1 6 0

Cycling end of trip facilities 13 0 13 7 0 6 0

Freight precincts 13 1 12 2 4 7 0

Melbourne Metro - future stages 13 4 9 8 1 3 1

Affordable rental housing provision 12 0 12 3 0 9 0

Public transport accessibility 12 0 12 8 1 3 0

Universal design 12 0 12 4 1 7 0

Stormwater harvesting 12 0 12 9 1 2 0

Outer metropolitan arterial roads 12 0 12 7 2 3 0

Waste pricing 12 1 11 5 5 2 0

Outer Metropolitan Ring Road 12 1 11 7 3 2 0

Stormwater quality 11 0 11 5 4 2 0


56"

Recommendation" Total"Sources"

Individuals" Organisations" Metro" Regional" Statewide" Interstate"

Landfill buffers 11 1 10 5 1 5 0

Western Intermodal Freight Terminal 11 1 10 3 2 5 1

Coastal protection infrastructure 11 1 10 4 6 1 0

Port of Melbourne rail access 11 1 10 1 2 8 0

Metropolitan bus network 11 2 9 8 1 2 0

Regional rail gauge standardisation 11 2 9 2 5 3 1

School investment pipeline 10 0 10 2 3 5 0

Road asset management 10 0 10 3 4 3 0

Level crossing removals 10 1 9 6 0 3 1

Health care ICT systems 10 1 9 3 3 3 0

On-demand transport services 10 1 9 1 6 3 0

Regional rail upgrades 10 2 8 1 7 1 1

Brown coal transition 10 2 8 3 4 2 1

Organic waste 9 0 9 6 3 0 0

Habitat corridors 9 0 9 3 4 2 0

Justice human services integrated planning 9 0 9 3 0 6 0

Major cultural sporting infrastructure 9 0 9 0 1 5 0

Energy efficiency of new buildings 9 0 9 5 2 2 0

High Productivity Freight Vehicles 9 2 7 1 3 4 1

Melton rail electrification 9 3 6 2 1 4 1

Long-distance rail services 9 3 6 1 6 1 1

Relocatable community infrastructure 8 0 8 4 0 4 0

Cycling Walking data 8 0 8 5 0 3 0

Metropolitan rail stations 8 0 8 6 0 2 0

Environmental water delivery 8 0 8 3 4 1 0

Mental health and AOD facilities 8 0 8 3 2 3 0

Transport interchanges 8 0 8 6 0 2 0

Aged care facility approvals 8 0 8 4 1 1 0

Courts in high growth areas 8 0 8 3 1 2 0

Melbourne Airport bus 8 0 8 4 0 4 0

City Loop reconfiguration 8 1 7 4 0 3 1

Wallan rail electrification 8 2 6 3 0 4 1

Metropolitan rail upgrades 7 0 7 5 1 1 0

Waste management sites 7 0 7 4 1 2 0

School network planning 7 0 7 3 4 3 0

Education delivery through technology 7 0 7 2 4 1 0

Innovative transport services 7 0 7 3 2 2 0

Integrated community health hubs 7 0 7 3 2 2 0

Public transport real time information 7 0 7 3 1 3 0

Regional coaches 7 0 7 0 5 2 0

10-car metropolitan trains 7 1 6 5 0 1 1

High-capacity signalling 7 1 6 4 0 2 1

Employment centre mass transit 7 1 6 6 0 1 0


57"



Torquay transport links 7 2 5 0 5 1 0

Affordable housing fast-track approvals 6 0 6 2 0 4 0

Active lifestyle facilities 6 0 6 4 0 2 0

Recycled materials in construction 6 0 6 4 0 2 0

Riparian fencing 6 0 6 2 4 0 0

Parks partnerships 6 0 6 1 3 2 0

Health care delivery through technology 6 0 6 1 3 2 0

Recycled water (non-potable use) 6 0 6 1 3 2 0

Driverless freight vehicles 6 0 6 2 1 3 0

Public space utilisation 6 0 6 3 0 3 0

Wollert transport links 6 0 6 2 0 4 0

Energy efficiency of existing public buildings 6 0 6 3 1 2 0

Dispute resolution technology 6 0 6 1 2 3 0

Community cultural facilities 6 1 5 3 2 1 0

Regional rolling stock 6 1 5 2 2 1 1

Doncaster bus system 6 2 4 4 0 1 1

Fishermans Bend tram link 6 2 4 2 1 3 0

Parks governance 5 0 5 1 3 1 0

Park princing funding and expenditure 5 0 5 0 4 1 0

Small-scale solar 5 0 5 4 0 1 0

Police communications channels 5 0 5 0 3 2 0

Employment centre arterial roads 5 0 5 4 0 1 0

Transport modelling 5 0 5 2 0 3 0

Water governance 5 0 5 2 1 2 0

Road space allocation 5 1 4 3 0 1 0

Train timetabling 5 1 4 3 0 1 0

Energy pricing 5 0 5 2 0 3 0

Acute and sub-acute health facilities 4 0 4 4 0 0 0

Forensic mental health facilities 4 0 4 0 0 4 0

Regional city local buses 4 0 4 0 2 2 0

Metropolitan rolling stock 4 0 4 2 0 1 1

Water trading 4 0 4 0 3 1 0

Police station supersites 4 0 4 1 1 2 0

Teriary education VET in schools 3 0 3 0 2 1 0

Community use of TAFE assets 3 0 3 0 2 1 0

Electricity network capability 3 0 3 0 2 1 0

Health care partnerships 3 0 3 1 0 2 0

Courts maintenance 3 0 3 0 0 3 0

Traffic management systems 3 0 3 0 0 3 0

Major hospitals 2 0 2 1 1 0 0

Transport control centres 2 0 2 1 0 1 0

Major water supply augementation 2 0 2 0 2 0 0

Irrigation water delivery 2 0 2 0 1 1 0


58"



School maintenance 2 0 2 0 0 2 0

Courts in Melbourne's CBD 2 0 2 0 0 2 0

Justice case management ICT system 2 0 2 0 0 2 0

Critical infrastructure control systems 1 0 1 1 0 0 0

Driver assistance applications 1 0 1 0 0 1 0

Public transport resilience 1 0 1 1 0 0 0

Transport contingency planning Critical infrastructure contingency planning

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

#'

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