The unique needs of rural Victoria — as distinct from those of regional areas — must not be overlooked as the Victorian Government updates its planning and housing strategies, Rural Councils Victoria representatives will tell a Parliamentary Inquiry hearing tomorrow.
Rural Victoria is grappling with a key worker shortage, with the issue exacerbated by a lack of suitable housing. Securing skilled construction workers locally or finding workers able to travel significant distances also remains a challenge.
Against this backdrop, RCV will be present to the cross-party inquiry into the supply of homes in regional Victoria on Friday (tomorrow).
RCV Chair Cr Rob Amos (Campaspe Shire) says there are distinct challenges facing rural areas, such as land readiness.
“Many rural towns have land zoned for housing, but it is not development-ready due to lack of basic supporting infrastructure like roads, sewerage, water and power connections.”
“The cost of installing this ‘trunk infrastructure’ is often too much for councils and developers, especially in low-return rural markets.”
“This creates a dilemma. Councils can’t attract developers without infrastructure, and developers can’t start work without it.”
In a recent RCV survey of rural mayors and council CEOs, a whopping 86% identified land release and development readiness as the main barrier to boosting housing supply.
RCV is calling for the Victorian Government to establish a dedicated Rural Enabling Infrastructure Fund to help councils pay for trunk infrastructure. This support would take the form of subsidised infrastructure and low-interest loans.
“Build it and they will come,” Cr Amos will tell MPs.
This proposal is detailed in Rural Councils Victoria’s full submission to the inquiry.
The RCV submission also calls for Victorian Government action to:
● Help councils attract skilled staff to manage housing projects.
● Streamline planning approvals tailored to rural realities.
● Incentivise housing developments for key workers, seniors, low-income families and women.
● Ensure rural areas receive a fair share of revenue from initiatives like the Short Stay Levy.
● Reinvest revenue from the Windfall Gains Tax directly into rural infrastructure.
Cr Rob Amos and Cr Kate Makin are available for interview.
Media contact: Ryan Sheales. Email | 0402 351 412
