Regional Growth for the Future
The Government will invest to support future population and jobs growth in regional centres. Through Regional Growth Plans this initiative will deliver the comprehensive land use and urban planning that needs to be undertaken to manage the expected population growth in key regional centres including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley.
This initiative will provide expertise to support local Councils facing significant challenges to plan for the long term development of their growth areas. Partnerships will be established between local councils and the state government to undertaken this important work.
Regional Growth Plans will assess the growth potential, land supply, employment precincts and housing needs in identified regional growth areas. Significant work will also be undertaken to identify open space, infrastructure and services for these communities. In addition to the existing Armstrong Creek Growth Area and the work which will shortly commence to plan the Ballarat West growth area, the government will invite proposals from Councils around Victoria for new growth areas consistent with Regional Strategic Plans. Consideration is already being given to designating new regional growth areas in:
- Warragul / Drouin (Shire of Baw Baw);
- Moe / Morwell / Traralgon (Latrobe Shire);
- Kilmore / Wallan (Shire of Mitchell Shire); and
- Warrnambool
Improving urban design and sustainability will be an important focus of this initiative.
Delivery
The program commenced in early 2011 and is implemented by the Department of Planning and Community Development.
