GBAC welcomes 'Plan for Victoria' and calls for stronger regional and rural investment

The Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils (GBAC), representing six regional and rural councils in western Victoria, welcomes the Victorian Government’s release of the Plan for Victoria—a long-term strategy for managing the state’s growth and development.

GBAC supports the Plan’s recognition of the vital role regional and rural areas play in Victoria’s future. Our councils have long advocated for strategic investment that strengthens regional economies, enhances service delivery and ensures rural communities remain vibrant and sustainable.

Each of the six councils that make up GBAC has undertaken extensive work to identify areas for future growth—both greenfield and non-greenfield—ensuring development aligns with local needs and opportunities. As we plan for the future, it is critical that housing targets are backed by detailed infrastructure plans that enable sustainable growth while maintaining the liveability of our communities.

In our August 2024 submission, we emphasised the importance of aligning population growth with infrastructure planning, ensuring that communities of all sizes have access to essential services such as healthcare, education, transport, and digital connectivity. While we acknowledge the steps taken in the Plan, we urge the government to prioritise direct investment in regional road networks, telecommunications and workforce attraction to support local industries.

For smaller rural communities, securing the necessary infrastructure and services to support sustainable growth remains a challenge. GBAC encourages a targeted approach that recognises the diverse needs of regional and rural areas, ensuring that local businesses, agricultural enterprises, and tourism hubs can thrive with appropriate government support.

While the plan provides a high-level vision for the future, GBAC looks forward to working with the Victorian Government as further details are announced, ensuring the Plan for Victoria delivers practical and lasting benefits for regional and rural communities, reinforcing their role as key contributors to the state’s future prosperity.