Victorian Infrastructure Plan

Safe and efficient transport networks are important to Victoria’s future.

The Victorian Government is making record investments in transport. Focusing on road and rail initiatives, we’re undertaking the most comprehensive project pipeline in Victoria’s history.

Metro Tunnel, Australia’s biggest public transport project, headlines a program of critical transport investment. The pipeline includes new construction, transport infrastructure upgrades and rethinking our use of current assets to maximise value from our transport infrastructure.

A productive economy relies on the effective transport of goods and materials. This program of priorities, projects and reforms will grow our economy by adding capacity, improving speed and creating cost-effective transport options right across the state.

Investment in our transport infrastructure is important to Victorian business. Our freight moving capability will be strengthened by port and airport enhancements, complemented by the road and rail network upgrades that are already creating jobs

Transport key priorities

Making the most of existing assets

Victoria's transport network connects people to jobs and services across the state. To ensure the network keeps operating reliably and efficiently, Victoria must capitalise on existing transport infrastructure. To do this, the government is improving how assets are maintained and managed. We’re also:

• deploying technology to improve efficiency
• reforming public transport systems to increase capacity
• upgrading arterial roads to reduce congestion

These investments will assure long-term value for money and contribute to more liveable and productive communities.

Building for the future

Our transport system must develop and adapt to the changed needs of Victoria’s people and economy. As our population grows and demographics change, so do our transport system demands. We must think ahead and design new transport infrastructure with an eye to the future. 

Connecting regional Victoria

With regional Victoria’s population expected to almost double by 2051, we are investing in transport infrastructure and services. To give communities in regional Victoria the quality services they deserve.

These investments will make it easier for people to access jobs, education and services. As well as connecting goods produced in Victoria with markets across the country and around the world.

Developing smarter transport solutions

Advancements in technology present a wide range of opportunities to improve the efficiency of our transport system.

Just as important as building new infrastructure is developing smarter transport solutions that use:

• real-time data
• sensor and automation technology

The trend of technology-driven solutions will continue. Especially as technology becomes more embedded in our  networks. And as demand for transport services rises.

The Victorian Government is pursuing a range of latest technology systems to improve:

• travel efficiency
• safety
• sustainability
• amenity for transport users

World-class facilities draw the international events Victoria is known for.

Victoria’s creative, sport and recreation industries, make a sizeable contribution to our economy. Our reputation is growing stronger every year, making facilities investment critical to the infrastructure equation.

The Victorian Government is harnessing the social and economic benefits our cultural, sport and recreation amenities bring.

Regardless of its size or standing, any activity requires suitable facilities. These must be planned and built, maintained, upgraded and fully utilised. Government investment, private development and community involvement are all important inputs to this landscape.

Culture, community and sport key priorities

Maintaining Victoria's competitive edge

Competition from elsewhere means we can’t afford to stand still. That’s why the Victorian Government is undertaking long-term planning to expand and renew our arts and sporting precincts. This investment will protect Victoria’s visitor economy. As well as enhancing our reputation as one of the most liveable places in the world.

Planning for a growing population

Demand for cultural, sporting and recreation spaces is increasing with population growth.

All Victorians should have the opportunity to participate and access activity spaces. No matter where they live. Participation:

• improves health and wellbeing
• encourages social cohesion
• provides employment opportunities

The Victorian Government is delivering new and improved facilities in consultation with local communities. This will better meet the diverse needs of metropolitan and regional areas.

Growing participation

As our population grows in size and diversity, new cultural and sporting pursuits are emerging.

Many single-purpose facilities are no longer suitable. These need upgrading or redesign to accommodate a broader range of activities.

Increasing participation in cultural, sporting and recreation activities improves health and wellbeing and connects local communities. The Victorian Government is committed to working with councils, sporting clubs and community groups so that all Victorians can participate.

Maintaining current facilities

Victoria has significant cultural, sporting, recreation and community assets.

These facilities let people express themselves creatively, engage with their community and stay healthy and active. That’s why current and future generations should have access to upgraded or new facilities.

The Victorian Government is committed to upgrading these assets across the state. These initiatives will:

• encourage community participation and physical activity
• provide amateur to professional pathways
• showcase our sporting and creative talent

All Victorians need access to fast, efficient, reliable digital technology.

The speed and simplicity of digital connectivity is changing how we communicate and do business. By investing in our digital capability, we can better capitalise on the opportunities emerging technologies present.

Dedicated investment in broadband and mobile availability through rural and regional Victoria will enable and foster innovation. Digital agriculture projects like the ‘Internet of Things’ will help more regional users capitalise on fast and reliable connectivity.

By enhancing Victoria’s digital capability, the government is supporting business. Digital connectivity offers access to new markets, supports new product development, enables on demand service delivery and provides a platform for innovative business models.

Digital connectivity key priorities

Improving digital access across Victoria

Digital connectivity is critical in metropolitan and regional Victoria, for households and businesses alike.

The Victorian Government is committed to improving digital access. This is being achieved by connecting regional communities and supporting enhanced digital services across the state.

With initiatives including the $45 million Connecting Regional Communities Program, the government is ensuring all Victorians are connected.

Supporting use of digital technologies

The way Victorians communicate and conduct business is changing as new technologies emerge.

This includes technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things.

The Victorian Government is supporting the use of these new technologies in the private sector. We are also looking at how government service delivery can be improved. For the benefit of all Victorians.

Transforming state assets

Rapidly increasing populations and technology usage brings new demands and challenges.

To capitalise on Victoria’s assets, systems and infrastructure, government is identifying technology solutions in a range of areas. These include:

• traffic management
• energy storage
• emergency communications
• data usage
• cyber security

Technologies are being tested and implemented across all sectors of the Victorian economy to achieve outcomes like:

• transform processes
• deliver cost savings
• improve efficiency
• higher productivity

Education is important in the life of every Victorian. It enables our success, individually and as a state. Education is also Victoria’s largest services export industry.

Through the Education State, the Victorian Government has made a record breaking investment in our education system. Hundreds of school infrastructure projects are preparing Victoria for population growth, building futuristic classrooms and creating integrated community hubs.

These state-shaping initiatives will maintain Victoria’s competitive advantage by strengthening education outcomes and developing the skills needed to drive our evolving economy. This includes the significant export income derived through Victorian education services.

An active project pipeline is supported by landmark facilities maintenance funding. These investments will give all Victorians equal opportunity, and ensure our education system meets community expectations well into the future.

Education and training key priorities

Catering for a growing population

Population growth means more Victorians engaged in education. That means building and upgrading education infrastructure.

Victoria’s population is growing and projected tvo reach 10.1 million by 2051. More students than ever will enrol in our education system.

The Victorian Government is investing in building and upgrading education facilities. This is needed to accommodate growing student numbers and ensure the next generation of students have equal learning opportunities.

Maintaining educational excellence and equity requires more infrastructure and better asset use. In planning for future education developments, government is working with:

• local stakeholders
• national stakeholders
• local governments

Creating inclusive shared spaces

With smarter design, land-use and facility sharing, our schools can be more than places of learning.

Schools are at the heart of local communities. They have potential to be used by different groups and for purposes that benefit the whole community.

To maximise value, the Victorian Government’s Education State will transform many education facilities. This will create integrated community centres that:

• bring people together
• connect local services
• foster community pride

Maximising use of technology

A new generation of students are learning and creating in new ways.

Education facilities and curricula must keep pace with technology and the opportunities it offers students.

The Victorian Government is investing in cutting-edge technology in education centres throughout the state. This will support the next generation:

• innovators
• creators
• digital professionals

The Victorian Government is doubling internet bandwidth in 347 rural and regional government schools. So all students can access a first-rate digital education, wherever they live.

Developing skills for tomorrow

Education State is equipping Victorian students with skills and capabilities to meet future workforce demands.

The Victorian Government is investing in the future of our international education system. So Victorians can adapt and act on new opportunities.

Education State develops the skills students need to thrive in future industries. This includes:

• jobs-focused skills training
• further engagement with Asia

We are committed to maintaining Victoria’s reputation as a global education leader. For both our domestic and international students.

Improving education infrastructure

The quality of school facilities is linked to education outcomes for students and teachers.

Infrastructure helps deliver positive outcomes for both students and teachers. So the quality of our education and training facilities plays a significant role.

To ensure Victoria remains a global leader in education, we are investing in state-of-the-art facilities.

Just as importantly, we current facilities are being optimised and modernised. This will ensure Victoria’s education infrastructure meets our needs, today and tomorrow.

Victorians deserve a modern energy network that delivers secure and affordable supply.

The Victorian Government has committed to net zero emissions by 2050. We’re working with energy infrastructure owners, distributors and sellers to smooth the transition to new technologies and ensure stable, efficient supply.

We’re driving to the heart of energy innovation by supporting the Victorian businesses developing cutting-edge technologies to make renewables more attractive and improve energy efficiency.

Landmark initiatives like the New Energy Jobs Fund are set to improve renewable energy generation uptake and the jobs that support these new technologies. Programs to bring energy efficiency into common practice will complement Victoria’s clean energy credentials.

Catalyst investment in modernising Victoria’s energy networks will bring surety of supply and make doing business in Victoria more attractive than ever. Exploring a range of gas, storage and generation options will ease the transition to a cleaner energy future, and help us make equitable change.

Energy key priorities

Ensuring efficiency and affordability

It’s important that energy efficiency is prioritised from generation through to consumption.

We need to ensure we make the most of the energy we generate. And that it remains affordable for all Victorians.

Energy efficiency reduces usage, lowers costs and drives important innovation. Businesses and households are being supported to make upgrades. These will help improve energy efficiency and bring energy costs down.

Victorian Government buildings are also being improved. To ensure government uses energy as efficiently as possible.

Protecting our energy security

Our electricity transmission and distribution system has served us well.

Location of Victoria’s energy sources and a rapidly changing mix will affect future operation of the electricity grid. We are moving to more diverse and lower emission generation. That means modernising our grid to maintain efficiency and reliability.

The Victorian Government is supporting adoption and development of new technologies. These include large-scale battery storage and smart ‘micro grids’.

Each of these is important to:

• enhanced energy reliability
• address demand across the grid
• avoid costly upgrades of fixed energy infrastructure

Targeting net zero emissions

Victoria has committed to a net zero emissions target by 2050.

This will require action across the whole Victorian economy. Including the energy industry.

Transitioning to a low carbon future means supporting new energy technologies. As well as new ideas that make a real difference.

Investments in large and small-scale renewable energy generation projects will help us make the transition. These investments are also important in developing:

• Victoria’s burgeoning renewable energy sector
• support for skilled jobs

Our pristine natural heritage supports Victorian industry and quality of life.

The Victorian Government is tackling the environmental challenges of population growth, a diversifying economy and preserving our natural heritage. Our proactive approach means investing now to protect Victoria’s natural assets for future generations.

Victoria’s economy depends on the environment. Nature-based tourism is the lifeline of a buoyant tourism sector and our food and fibre producers, together with industries like agriculture, fishing and earth resources are all reliant on capital healthy environment.

Environment key priorities

Protecting Victoria's biodiversity

We’re taking a modern and effective approach to protecting the state’s rich biodiversity.

Victoria’s ecosystems support our wellbeing and prosperity. Those natural environments must be valued and cared for.

The government is putting in place a long-term plan: Protecting Victoria’s Environment - Biodiversity 2037. The plan seeks to safeguard our environment for future generations. It does this through improved planning and protection across the state.

Protecting our natural capital and better managing resources, we support dependent economic activity.

Managing our parks

Victoria's parkland infrastructure helps protect the natural environment and attract people to our parks.

So that people can enjoy the benefits and beauty of Victoria’s parks, the Victorian Government will revitalise existing park facilities. And invest in new ones.

There are also a range of challenges that need to be addressed, including:

• weeds
• pests
• bushfire risks

Taking action on climate change

We recognise more must be done to build resilience and adapt to climate related change. And to manage the impacts of natural disasters.

Climate change brings significant challenges for Victorians. The Climate Change Act 2017 provides Victoria with a world-leading legislative foundation to:

• manage climate change risks
• maximise opportunities that arise from decisive action
• drive our transition to:
• a climate resilient community
• an economy with net zero emissions

Statewide efforts include working with industry, the community and local government. As well as developing better data to inform our actions.

Improving resource recovery and waste management

At current rates of recovery, population growth and industry expansion will mean more materials end up in landfills.

Victoria needs efficient and sustainable resource recovery systems. Long-term planning and investment in waste management will make the most of finite resources.

The Victorian Government is taking an integrated approach to resource recovery and waste management. This will increase recovery rates and reclaim valuable resources from the waste stream. This includes:

• focus on recovering organics
• supporting markets for recycled products
• improving education

These efforts will increase materials recovery rates and create new jobs.

Delivering services equally across a growing Victoria is a key government priority.

Maintaining Victoria’s high service standards in future means investing in our people, facilities, equipment and technology now.

The Victorian Government is making our health system work better for more people. Providing for a growing population and delivering equity of care, especially in rural and regional areas, are key challenges. Our investments in building, extending and upgrading facilities are the foundation of proactively catering for future demand.

We’re also investing to commercialise and export Victorian medical technologies and bioscience discoveries.

Addressing the need for housing, disability, family and child services are central to government investment. Partnerships with the community sector will be essential to delivering these priorities.

Health and human services key priorities

Building a proactive system that anticipates demand

Victoria’s population is growing and ageing, altering the nature and demand on services.

Our health and human services system is under increasing pressure from:

• unprecedented population growth and ageing
• rising costs of care
• technology
• housing

The Victorian Government is investing in key health and human services infrastructure. We're also identifying current gaps and areas of future need to increase capacity for supporting people in their communities.

Driving system wide reform for safer, better services

Our health and human services face extensive and evolving challenges.

As patterns of illness, disease and usage change, different workforce skills and capabilities are needed.

The Victorian Government is responding by investing in:

• quality service delivery
• workforce development
• digital technologies

Big changes are underway. Particularly as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rolls out. Reforms that respond to the Royal Commission into Family Violence will also alter how we help families and children in need.

Integrating care across the health and social service sector

Our health and human services face extensive and evolving challenges.

As patterns of illness, disease and usage change, different workforce skills and capabilities are needed.

The Victorian Government is responding by investing in:

• quality service delivery
• workforce development
• digital technologies

Big changes are underway. Particularly as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rolls out. Reforms that respond to the Royal Commission into Family Violence will also alter how we help families and children in need.

Improving equity and access

Ensuring access to affordable housing and health services is a growing concern for the most vulnerable in our society.

The Victorian Government is taking a coordinated approach to introduce a range of planning and policy reforms that provide all Victorians with better access to housing and the services they need.

Initiatives include making it easier for first home buyers to enter the market. As well as ensuring access to top quality health care. Regardless of where people live.

Investing in the future

New technologies allow us to transform the way services are designed and delivered in future.

A fast-growing population means we cannot stand still on digital innovation. Or translating ‘breakthrough’ research into practice.

The health and human services sector needs to expand its capacity to support 10.1 million Victorians by 2051. The Victorian Government is investing in new ICT platforms to enhance service provision.

These technologies will also strengthen Victoria’s medical research centres and alliances. To translate clinical innovations into the delivery of better, more personalised care.

All Victorians have the right to feel safe in their home and in their community.

The Victorian Government is putting the right people, facilities, systems and equipment in place to ensure the safety of our state.

Justice and emergency services key priorities

Keeping Victorians safe

All Victorians have the right to feel safe, whether at home, work or in the community.

We’re leading the nation with reforms and infrastructure investment to address family violence. The Victorian Government has committed to a 10-year agenda of action. That includes $1.9 billion over four years to protect victims. And hold perpetrators to account.

We’re also making a $2 billion investment in policing across the state. The largest in Victoria’s history. This includes more than 3,100 extra officers on the streets. Equipped with the resources, and equipment to keep our state safe.

New and improved court services

Victorians expect that we keep serious offenders in custody to protect the community from harm.

We’re upgrading and building new corrections and youth justice facilities. To meet growing demand, and so Victorians feel safe.

Our corrections and youth justice systems will be more secure. They will also have better supervision to address offending behaviour.

Victorians can be confident that our corrections and youth justice systems are:

• properly resourced
• future-proofed

Building the corrections and youth justice facilities we need

Victorians expect that we keep serious offenders in custody to protect the community from harm.

We’re upgrading and building new corrections and youth justice facilities. To meet growing demand, and so Victorians feel safe.

Our corrections and youth justice systems will be more secure. They will also have better supervision to address offending behaviour.

Victorians can be confident that our corrections and youth justice systems are:

• properly resourced
• future-proofed

Deploying ICT innovations

Information and communication technologies are creating new possibilities for how services can be delivered.

We need to ensure that our justice and emergency services provide the best service possible for our communities.

The Victorian Government will implement and upgrade ICT capabilities for:

• police
• courts
• other government agencies

This will strengthen communications channels, court processing and data sharing. So government agencies and departments can keep Victorians safe.

Enhancing public safety

When danger arises, we rely on our emergency services and the infrastructure they use to keep us safe.

Victoria is making significant investments in facility upgrades and redevelopments as well as establishing better management procedures.

These actions will help meet the demands of Victoria’s growing population on our:

• fire services
• emergency services
• surf life-savers

This will ensure all Victorians feel supported in emergencies.

Effective management of Victoria’s water resources is integral to our wellbeing.

A secure water future relies on balancing our ecosystems with the needs of communities, industries and agriculture. The Victorian Government is taking a comprehensive approach, where all aspects of water management, investment and reform are shaping future water policy.

Substantial investment in the Water for Victoria plan is a first step towards securing safe and affordable water supplies for all Victorians. Better water management is central to address a complex set of issues, including declining availability, growing population and climate change.

Water key priorities

Extending and using water grid better

Good water management means modernising our grid, ensuring efficient use and securing more resources.

The Victorian Government is building and upgrading water-related infrastructure to ensure we are making best use of our water grid. This includes:

• delivering modernisation projects in irrigation districts
• examining feasibility of further upgrades

Providing more flexibility and support to farmers and communities will help their adaptation. And expand production using less water.

Building resilience to climate change

Securing Victoria’s water supply into the future requires us to plan for and respond to a changing climate.

The Victorian Government is enhancing Victoria’s water security. We are expanding and modernising the state’s water grid. As well as investing in initiatives that:

• better prepare us for water scarcity and drought
• ensure water management keeps up with the best climate science
• optimises use of all available water sources

Improving the health of waterways and catchments

The wellbeing and prosperity of Victorian communities depends on our rivers, wetlands, floodplains, estuaries and catchments.

The health of Victoria’s waterways and ecosystems are at increasing risk from:

• impacts of urbanisation
• industrial and farming activities
• extreme weather events

The Victorian Government is investing in protective infrastructure and working with local communities to protect our rivers and catchments.