Goulburn Summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021-2051 - August 2021 - Infrastructure Victoria
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Regional priorities Victoria’s infrastructure strategy 2021–2051 Goulburn Summary August 2021
02 Infrastructure Victoria Goulburn summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021–2051 03
Infrastructure Victoria listened
to regional Victorians
Victoria’s infrastructure Over the last four years, we built a deeper
understanding of the Goulburn region’s
This work produced a Goulburn regional
profile, a Goulburn regional industry profile,
strategy 2021–2051 infrastructure needs, industry composition, and a Factsheet on Goulburn’s regional
and social disadvantage, in our Regional disadvantage, all available on our website.
infrastructure needs and Infrastructure We used this evidence to develop strategy
In 2016, Infrastructure Victoria developed priorities for the regions projects. We have recommendations that can apply to the
Victoria’s first ever 30-year infrastructure consulted widely with Goulburn communities, Goulburn region.
strategy. The 2016 strategy was evidence- industries and local government to build our
Yea
based, covered all types of infrastructure, regional knowledge, and examined the
and we consulted widely with stakeholders unique opportunities and challenges that
and the community. To stay relevant and face each of Victoria’s regions.
reflect Victoria’s evolving infrastructure
needs, we update the strategy every three Engagement timeline
to five years.
Victoria’s infrastructure strategy 2021– 2051 2017 Oct–Dec 2018 Mar 2019 Apr–Jun 2019 Oct 2019
builds on the 2016 strategy, revising many
of our original recommendations and adding
others in response to Victoria’s changing Regional Consultation: Regional Consultation: Consultation:
circumstances. But we retain a long-term view work program regional Infrastructure Targeted workshops
of Victoria’s infrastructure needs over the next inception workshops Needs profiles meetings
30 years, remembering that infrastructure lasts
many decades, and must meet both immediate
needs and those in the future. The strategy Mid-2021 Dec 2020–Feb 2021 Dec 2020–Feb 2021 Dec 2020 Nov 2020
can be downloaded from our website at
infrastructurevictoria.com.au
Final Consultation: Consultation: Draft Infrastructure
strategy draft strategy submissions strategy Priorities for the
process Regions profiles
During the consultation period for the Combined, this comprehensive process This document provides a summary of
draft strategy, we provided more of consultation and engagement guided selected recommendations from Victoria’s
Aboriginal acknowledgment opportunities for Goulburn communities the development of this Goulburn infrastructure strategy which respond to
and stakeholders to offer feedback on our regional summary and the relevant strategy the needs and opportunities we identified
Infrastructure Victoria acknowledges the
draft recommendations, including through recommendations. It focusses on in Goulburn.
traditional owners of country in Victoria and
surveys, submissions, and hosting a infrastructure-related opportunities to build
pays respect to their elders past and present,
Goulburn regional roundtable discussion. on Goulburn’s economic and industry
as well as elders of other Aboriginal communities.
advantages, and to strengthen local
We acknowledge the Yorta Yorta, Taungurung,
communities by improving health,
and Wurundjeri peoples, whose traditional lands
education, and social inclusion outcomes,
are in the Goulburn Region. We recognise that
while reducing disadvantage.
the state’s infrastructure is built on land that
has been managed by Aboriginal people
for millennia.
04 Infrastructure Victoria Goulburn summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021–2051 05
Overview
Goulburn’s economy is mainly focused Bordering metropolitan Melbourne,
on agriculture, manufacturing and health Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires are within
care. The region is also abundant in Melbourne’s peri-urban fringe, leading to
natural resources such as timber, sand population and development pressures.
and stone, as well as solar and wind The fast-growing parts of Mitchell Shire
energy. The region is a well-known are located within Melbourne’s northern
centre for irrigated fruit and dairy milk urban growth corridor. Goulburn’s north
production. Goulburn's highly fertile is dominated by rural areas with smaller
soils and ready access to irrigation established towns, lower population
water are the foundations of its growth and fewer development pressures.
productive capacity. Traditionally Shepparton, the regional hub, provides
considered a ‘food bowl’ for Victoria, economic diversity, services and
Goulburn’s economy is heavily reliant employment opportunities for the region.
on the agriculture and food processing The Y Water Discovery Centre at the Yea Wetlands Walk park.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many
industries. Goulburn is also home to
regional towns experienced increased
the Puckapunyal army base which is
demand for housing and increase in house
an important employer for the region.
prices. Some of these towns experienced
The Goulburn region includes the traditional a shortage of affordable housing for Enhance market access and regional economic growth
lands of the Yorta Yorta people in the north the first time.
and the Taungurung and Wurundjeri peoples
in the south.
Unlock industry growth Recommendations to remove Recommendation 04
opportunities energy barriers to business
investment Identify and coordinate Renewable
Renewable energy is an emerging Energy Zones
The regions of Goulburn opportunity for the region, with growth Removing constraints to future industry
development and leveraging potential In the next year, identify Renewable Energy
potential identified by the energy industry.
renewable energy opportunities can help Zones, especially in the state's north-west,
However, Goulburn Regional Partnership
Moira (S) grow the Goulburn economy. Developing and continue to coordinate their
and other stakeholders have identified that
Yarrawonga the region’s Renewable Energy Zone could development over the next 10 years.
inadequacies in the region’s current
The region’s highly fertile transmission infrastructure limit energy unlock new renewable energy resources –
soils and ready access to including pumped hydro across the
irrigation water are the innovation. Transmission network Recommendation 80
Greater Goulburn region, as well as in the Ovens
Shepparton (C) foundations of its productive connections are essential if Goulburn is to
capacity. realise the potential benefits associated with Murray region.
Shepparton Rural areas
Upgrade power supply for
regional hub Shepparton pumped hydro energy generation. Our recommendation to co-fund power agriculture and regional industry
Electricity infrastructure has been identified supply upgrades responds to constraints In the next five years, contribute toward
N associated with outdated power supply
as a potential constraint on farm productivity strategic power supply infrastructure
S and future growth, particularly for Goulburn’s infrastructure, opening up new investment upgrades for agriculture and regional
dairy industry. Where farms are powered opportunities for Goulburn’s dairy farmers industry, where an independent
Goulburn is abundant in natural The Goulburn region includes
resources such as timber, Strathbogie the traditional lands of the through outdated single wire earth return and other industries. Where upgrades are assessment demonstrates significant
(S) Euroa
sand and stone, as well as Taungurung and Wurundjeri power lines, changing industry practices and shown to deliver benefits to existing users potential for increased productivity,
solar and wind energy. peoples in the south and the and unlock potential future investment, competitiveness and growth.
more energy intensive farming equipment
Yorta Yorta people in the north. upgrade costs can be shared between the
are leading to capacity constraints which
limit production and stop farms from Victorian Government, power distribution
Mitchell (S) Seymour companies and local businesses.
expanding. The benefits of better power
supply can be significant, allowing
Please refer to Victoria's infrastructure
Alexandra businesses to expand, to attract new
strategy 2021–2051 (section 1.1) for
MILK Murrindindi (S) investment and support local communities.
Bordering metropolitan additional recommendations on
Melbourne, Mitchell and navigating the energy transition.
Goulburn is a Murrindindi Shires are within
well-known centre Melbourne’s peri-urban fringe,
Southern
for irrigated fruit and peri-urban fringe leading to population and
dairy milk production. development pressures.
06 Infrastructure Victoria Goulburn summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021–2051 07
Improve water security and The recommendations build on Victorian By the 2030s
Government funding for network
industry resilience
improvements in drought-affected
Agriculture is an industry of competitive areas, including the Goulburn Murray 1.8ºc
strength for Goulburn. The region is a Irrigation District.
nationally significant production base for Average maximum temperatures
dairy, apples, pears and stone fruits, and could increase by up to 1.8°C Mitchelton Winery, Nagambie
the region’s agricultural products have a Recommendation 13
reputation for quality and safety. Goulburn
Consider all water supply sources
farms produce over 50% of Victoria’s table
tomatoes and almost 50% of the state’s Consider all water sources for supply
9%
fruit (excluding table grapes). augmentation, including identifying and
Average annual rainfall is
The projected impacts of climate change
addressing barriers to purified recycled Fostering tourism Recommendations to support Collectively, these recommendations build on
projected to decrease by 9% a recovery in regional tourism existing Victorian Government regional
have significant consequences for
drinking water within the next 10 years. in Goulburn
When planning for future water supply, tourism infrastructure investments, including
agricultural production in the region. Goulburn is well-endowed with natural Our tourism recommendations, centred on
investigate all options including, but not the funding for new fish hatchery operations
By the 2030s, Goulburn’s average By the 2050s assets, including the Strathbogie Ranges, Aboriginal and nature-based opportunities,
limited to recycled water, seawater in Shepparton to support recreational fishing
maximum temperatures could increase by Lake Eildon National Park and Cathedral aim to enable future growth in the region.
desalination, stormwater harvesting and in the region.
up to 1.8°C, while average annual rainfall Range State Park. However, tourism across Development of a nature-based tourism
is projected to decrease by 9%. By the
better use of the water grid.
x2 35ºc regional Victoria has been acutely affected strategy will guide future investment in the
2050s, Goulburn could have twice as many by the 2020 bushfires, closely followed by region’s tourist infrastructure to ensure that Recommendation 81
days over 35°C and up to 60% more very Could have twice as many days the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebuilding experiences, and supporting facilities and
Recommendation 16
high fire danger days. The Goulburn Murray over 35ºC Goulburn’s tourist industry will be a central infrastructure, meet visitor expectations and Plan for and facilitate regional
resilience strategy also recognises the need Strengthen agricultural water part of the region’s wider economic recovery, that the region’s natural assets are protected nature-based tourism investments
to respond to climate change and the security by modernising irrigation with an initial focus on domestic tourism. and enhanced. Nature-based tourism sites, In the next two years, develop a Victorian
including national parks, require basic
decline in water resources in the region. In the next 30 years, contribute funding 60% Agritourism, which builds on Goulburn’s amenities and infrastructure to encourage
nature-based tourism strategy to guide
industry development and prioritise further
The availability and cost of irrigated water toward planning and delivery of water
agricultural strength, has the potential to investment in experiences, food and
are likely to become a significant challenge. infrastructure and irrigation modernisation investments. During the next 15 years,
Could have up to 60% more draw visitors out of Melbourne to the region accommodation. Removal of investment
Irrigation infrastructure upgrades through projects across Victoria. support regional tourism investment by
very high fire danger days and further stimulate industry recovery. barriers in national parks would help
the Goulburn-Murray Water Connections allowing more site-specific leases for up
As well as food and wine experiences, encourage investment in tourist facilities and
Project have increased water use efficiency to 49 years for infrastructure proposals
the region’s tourism offerings include services. The region has already identified
and will generate long-term savings.
Recommendation 17 that meet strict criteria and complement
nature-based tourism, Aboriginal culture opportunities for tourism investment in the
Further opportunities are associated with environmental and cultural values.
Upgrade Victoria's emergency and heritage, arts and festivals. region, for example through the Goulburn
implementation of priority actions from
water network The region’s rich Aboriginal history and Murray resilience strategy and the Lake
the Goulburn Murray irrigation district
In the next year, assess the condition, culture is celebrated at the Bangerang Eildon masterplan. Recommendation 82
master plan.
capacity and security of Victoria's Cultural Centre. Important heritage sites in A Victorian Aboriginal tourist strategy,
Develop a Victorian Aboriginal
emergency water supply point network, the lands of the Yorta Yorta people include: co-developed with Traditional Owners,
Recommendations to improve tourism strategy with Aboriginal
and upgrade or replace inadequate supply can further drive sustainable economic
\ Barmah National Park communities
water security for the agriculture points. Clarify ongoing responsibility for activity in Goulburn, helping to preserve
industry monitoring, maintenance and funding \ Kow Swamp Support and partner with Aboriginal
and promote the region’s Aboriginal cultural
to secure a resilient network. \ Gunbower National Park, and communities in the next two years to
Our recommendations aim to strengthen histories and heritage sites and create job
guide future investments in Aboriginal
water security for Goulburn’s agriculture \ Kanyapella Wildlife Reserve. opportunities for Aboriginal communities.
tourism and cultural heritage, including
industry, including by The strategy should align existing joint
The Murray and Goulburn Rivers are both through joint management plans.
management plans, including the Joint
\ Modernising irrigation systems important assets to the Yorta Yorta people
management plan for Barmah National
and are attractive to tourists.
\ Maximising every source of water supply Park, and guide Victorian Government
\ Upgrading Victoria’s emergency water Our research has identified opportunities investment in Aboriginal tourism
supply network to ensure farmers can to enhance nature-based and rural tourism infrastructure to meet Aboriginal cultural
get water as rainfall continues to decline. sites in Goulburn, which include linkages and economic development needs. It will
between experiences and the development complement Victorian Government funding
of tracks and trails in national parks, such to deliver the joint management plan for
as the Strathbogie Ranges. The Lake Eildon Barmah National Park in partnership with
tourism masterplan outlines opportunities to the Yorta Yorta people.
further develop Lake Eildon’s tourist offering.
Spring Creek – Beechworth Gorge Walk
08 Infrastructure Victoria Goulburn summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021–2051 09
Facilitate regional recycling The extra recycling and resource recovery The Inland Rail project, expected to be Developing the outer metropolitan road and Recommendation 66 Recommendation 78
infrastructure required in the Goulburn operational by 2025, will improve the rail corridor will improve access to proposed
industries in Goulburn
region could include plastic processing region’s connection to the national freight terminals and precincts, along with Construct an outer metropolitan road Deliver long-term funding certainty
Victoria can transform its resource and plants and organic composting facilities. freight network. the future Bay West Port and connections and rail corridor for regional road maintenance
recycling sector to recover up to 90% of By processing materials from both to Melbourne Airport. and upgrades
But freight network inefficiencies are Within two years, determine staging for the
our waste with $1 billion of investment in Melbourne and local areas, regional
constraining the ability of Goulburn Upgrades to existing interstate and intrastate outer metropolitan rail and road corridor. Within two years, specify clear levels of
infrastructure from both government and Victoria can provide products closer to
producers to increase agricultural exports, road corridors can effectively serve Subject to detailed business cases, start service for each type of regional road and
the private sector by 2039. Dozens of end users, reducing transport costs and
and better road infrastructure can improve increasing travel demands between regional construction of priority sections, starting with bridge. Following this, dedicate a 10-year
resource recovery centres across Victoria creating new jobs and services.
linkages between dairy and fruit producers, and metropolitan areas. the E6 motorway by the end of this decade. funding program to sustainably fund
collect materials from their local areas for
storage, processors and Melbourne Progressively stage corridor development for Victorian Government road and bridge
transport and further recovery, of varying These recommendations will build
Recommendation 28 markets. Stakeholders in the region completion in the next 30 years. Provide a maintenance and upgrades to meet these
capacity and capability. A resource on short-term Victorian Government
continue to advocate for the Shepparton freight rail link to coincide with the opening of service levels. Funding should be prioritised
recovery centre network with more funding commitments for road and rail
Facilitate improved recycling bypass. The Australian Government added the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal. based on improving safety, decreasing
strategically located and better resourced maintenance, to deliver longer term funding
infrastructure for priority materials the proposed Shepparton Bypass (currently vehicle emissions, and lifting productivity.
facilities can reduce the costs of certainty for freight networks. The Victorian
regional road C391) to the National Land
transporting materials, and bring them In the next year, focus efforts to increase Government has also invested in bridge Recommendation 76
Transport Road Network in 2020, and is
closer to end users. and upgrade waste processing infrastructure structure renewals and maintenance at Recommendation 79
yet to clarify its long-term intention and Expand and upgrade Melbourne’s
on six priority materials. Facilitate increased crossings along the Murray River.
The supply of recyclable materials has funding commitments. Goulburn regional
recovery and reprocessing capacity and outer suburban road and bus Fund and plan for ongoing regional
not been matched by demand for them. stakeholders also suggested the following
capability for paper and card, plastics, networks rail freight network development and
More reliable markets for priority materials road and freight priorities:
and organics by 2025. Revisit funding In the next 15 years, deliver a program maintenance
– recyclable glass, plastic, paper and card,
mechanisms and align recycling \ The safe and reliable Maroondah Highway of upgrades to Melbourne’s arterial road,
organics, tyres and e-waste – can support In the next year, fund a 30-year periodic
infrastructure with land use settings. over the Black Spur, which is a major freeway and bus networks beyond what is
economic development, help address the regional freight rail maintenance program,
entrance to the region currently funded, focusing on congested informed by a publicly available network
stockpiling of recovered materials, and
\ The outer metropolitan road and roads and corridors in outer metropolitan development and asset management plan.
reduce Victoria’s reliance on landfill. Recommendation 29
E6 can activate future logistics and and growth suburbs council areas. Using the plan, thoroughly determine the
Markets for these materials vary greatly,
presenting different challenges for each Strengthen end markets for employment precincts in the region feasibility of the next major regional freight
material. Ongoing research and recycled materials \ Well-connected and integrated freight upgrade within five years.
development can help to identify new Continue to deliver market development terminals can support a broader and
potential uses for recycled materials, for recycled materials by updating more equitable access to freight logistics.
either as direct substitutes for virgin standards and specifications to be Better local or country roads can link
materials or new uses. performance-based rather than material- regional centres with agritourism experiences
based, and explicitly require the Victorian on the Murray River, benefitting Goulburn’s
Facilitate regional recycling public sector to use recycled products tourism industry. Improvements to
industries where feasible. In the next five years, connecting roads can also support future
support research, development and development of the region’s emerging solar
Infrastructure Victoria's Advice on recycling demonstrations to build confidence and and wind power generation sectors.
and resource recovery infrastructure demand for recycled products.
recommends upgrading or building new
processing infrastructure for six priority Recommendations to better
materials – plastics, paper, cardboard, Improve freight networks
connect Goulburn’s businesses
glass, organics, tyres and e-waste. Facilitating domestic and export demand with processors and markets
This would create over 5000 new jobs for Goulburn’s fresh and processed fruit,
and produce high quality, recycled products Road and rail maintenance and upgrade
milk and milk products is an important
for use in major infrastructure projects, programs can leverage Goulburn’s road and
regional growth strategy, and is dependent
manufacturing and agriculture. Regional rail freight networks to better support the
on the region’s capacity to harvest,
Victoria stands to benefit most from needs of the region’s businesses – helping
transport, process and store produce
significantly increased processing capacity, to improve access, connectivity and safety
locally and on efficient links to road, rail and
with the advice recommending 52 out of 87 while also reducing supply chain costs,
air freight hubs. Goulburn is well connected
new or upgraded facilities be located allowing businesses to remain competitive.
to key economic centres through its major
outside of metropolitan Melbourne. Ongoing maintenance and upgrades not
transport infrastructure, including the Hume
only improve efficiency, but also work to
Freeway, the Goulburn Valley Highway and
keep all road users safe.
the North East Rail Line.
10 Infrastructure Victoria Goulburn summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021–2051 11
Better connect the regions
Improving transport options Recommendations to enable Recommendation 74 Improve digital connectivity in orchard management to optimise Recommendation 84
viable transport options in the and telecommunications decisions, manage input costs and drive
Shepparton, as Goulburn’s regional hub,
Goulburn region Extend rail services in Melbourne’s return on investment. But opportunities Address regional Victoria’s
has good access to community services infrastructure remain to improve digital coverage and
western and northern growth areas digital connectivity gaps
and resources. Residents across the region Reforming public transport can improve
Goulburn residents have lower rates of capacity across Goulburn. Better mobile
need ready access to Shepparton for work, transport options within Goulburn. Solutions In the next two years, develop business In the next five years, continue delivering
internet connection and inferior internet phone and internet connectivity in tourist
education, health and other services, can integrate traditional public transport with cases to extend electrified metropolitan regional digital connectivity improvements,
speed when compared with Melbourne. locations would help meet visitor
particularly those in the central and northern more innovative, flexible options to deliver train services from Sunshine to Rockbank, and monitor and review the need for further
One in five Goulburn households do not expectations. Better connectivity would
parts of the region. Better community services which respond to community from Craigieburn to Beveridge, and on the government investment following the
have internet access, rising to one in four in also enable further process automation
transport could provide an alternative to needs, such as community transport, Wyndham Vale corridor, to be delivered by roll-out of the Digital Future Now initiative.
Moira Shire. This compares with an average and sensor technologies in the region’s
public transport within the region to access on-demand services and the school bus 2031. Deliver extra services to south-east
of one in seven across Victoria. As more food processing businesses.
services in the larger centres and townships network. Good regional transport services Melbourne by running Rockbank services
businesses and services move online, poor Recommendation 85
such as Euroa, Kilmore, Yea, Alexandra, can provide long-term certainty to local to Pakenham via the Melbourne Metro The Victorian Government's Digital Future
digital connectivity creates a barrier for
Yarrawonga and Seymour. Timely and communities and ensure that Goulburn Tunnel. Consider adding extra stations on Now initiative aims to address Goulburn's
Goulburn residents to access the services Improve regional telecommunications
reliable access to transport helps the residents can access education, health and the Wyndham Vale and Melton corridors, connectivity issues by funding faster
they need. Poor mobile quality and infrastructure resilience
Goulburn region’s rural communities access other services, which are increasingly and secure remaining land required for broadband for regional towns and
coverage have implications for public safety, In the next five years, develop more resilient
the services they need and fosters social centralised in Shepparton, Kilmore, Seymour stations and stabling. eradicating mobile black spots in populated
affecting emergency services and the ability regional telecommunications infrastructure
inclusion. This includes for residents who and other regional centres. areas of regional Victoria, in partnership
of residents to access critical information in so communities can stay safe during
do not own a car or do not drive, including with the Australian Government.
The Victorian Government’s Regional Recommendation 83 times of need. emergencies, including better mobile
older residents, young people, low-income network development plan is delivering
Poor internet connections meant that many coverage, back-up systems and power
individuals, and people with a disability. Redesign regional public transport
better connections between Goulburn and
of the region's students could not
Recommendations to continue to supply, and emergency mobile roaming.
While 80% of Goulburn workers are Melbourne. A minimum frequency of a train to meet local needs bridge Goulburn’s digital divide
participate fully in remote learning or
employed within the region, many people every 20-minutes at peak times and every In the next five years, redesign existing maintain their social connections during the Continuing to address regional Victoria's
living in the region’s south travel to Melbourne 40 minutes in off peak periods is planned regional transport services so they are Recommendation 86
COVID-19 pandemic. The Goulburn Region digital connectivity gaps will include
for work. For example, around half of Mitchell between Melbourne and Seymour, and five integrated, based on regional needs digital plan identified that fixed access improving both fixed broadband and mobile Fund regional libraries to provide
Shire residents commute to Melbourne. This services each weekday to Shepparton. assessments, and sustainably funded. broadband had an intermediate supply services in the long term. Improved better internet access
area is undergoing rapid population growth, Expanding rail access in outer suburbs Use significant technological and reform shortfall in 17 localities. connectivity will ensure that more of
causing transport corridors into Melbourne to opportunities to deliver innovative service In the next year, start a five-year funding
aims to further respond to growing Goulburn’s businesses can take advantage
face growing pressure. models that meet local needs. Mobile and digital access in Goulburn can program for libraries in regional towns and
demand for public transport into Melbourne of the opportunities digital technology
be inconsistent and unreliable, constraining rural areas to improve community access
Our regional consultation highlighted that from Goulburn’s high-growth peri-urban provides. Reliable and high-speed internet
productivity and business competitiveness. to fast, free internet services, leveraging
access to public transport is low. For areas. This aligns with the Northern connections can help businesses to
Poor digital connectivity can make it hard to existing library infrastructure.
example, just 6% of Murrindindi residents Councils Alliance’s advocacy and is operate and compete from any region,
do business, access information or even
live within ready access of public transport, expected to alleviate crowding on placing businesses in a stronger position to
Please refer to Victoria's infrastructure make mobile phone calls. Coverage is weak
creating barriers to accessing services for passenger rail services, both for V/Line weather future crises, and take advantage
strategy 2021–2051 (section 3.1) for in more remote tourist areas, and service
those who cannot drive. This includes passengers boarding from stations between of potential opportunities created by any
additional recommendations on quality in primary production areas is
young people accessing education, helping Wallan and Seymour and beyond, as well longer-term shift to remote working. Please refer to Victoria's infrastructure
shaping the transport network for variable. While larger towns generally have
to perpetuate cycles of lower engagement as northern growth area communities such Improving the resilience of strategy 2021–2051 (section 4.2) for
better access. better coverage, quality and reliability can
with education in the region. Stakeholders as Donnybrook and Beveridge. telecommunications infrastructure will help additional recommendations on
fade quickly outside regional centres and
highlighted that some students needed to to ensure residents can remain connected better connecting the regions.
townships. The COVID-19 pandemic has
travel up to 80 kilometres to access TAFE in times of emergency.
further highlighted a lack of digital capacity
in the region. Goulburn Regional Partnership among the region’s businesses. Leveraging the existing infrastructure and
has also identified a relationship between
expertise in Goulburn’s library network can
transport difficulties and increased The Goulburn Murray resilience strategy
support digital literacy skills development
loneliness and social isolation for some suggests that robotics, big data and the
and improve access for those without
people living in the region. Internet of Things (IoT) can reduce the cost
internet access at home. This can
of production and make the region’s
complement the Shepparton VicFreeWiFi
agriculture industry more competitive.
pilot, a partnership between the Victorian
The Victorian Government’s On-Farm IoT
Government, local government and industry.
trial in Tatura is digitally enabling horticulture
farms, to test the use of sensor technologies
Seymour Station
12 Infrastructure Victoria Goulburn summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021–2051 13
Foster regional Victorians’ health, wellbeing, and inclusion
Improve access to Recommendations to improve Recommendation 25 Improve and better use Recommendations to make better Recommendation 88
health care health outcomes for people in community and council use of community infrastructure
Goulburn Use innovation to deliver better Deliver multipurpose shared social
Goulburn has a higher per capita rate of infrastructure Better using community facilities can
New or innovative use of existing models of health care service facilities in the regions
registered mental health clients than the support regions and local governments to
infrastructure can improve access to health Goulburn’s diverse and changing
Within two years, help slow the growth provide fit for purpose social infrastructure In the next year, start regional planning
Victorian average in all local government demographic mix is likely to alter future
services for Goulburn residents. A plan for in demand for hospital infrastructure by which can respond to local needs. Service for social services to identify opportunities
areas and is much higher in Greater service demand. For example:
future investment in Aboriginal community developing a comprehensive statewide planning can help identify gaps in existing for multipurpose shared services facilities,
Shepparton. Ambulance attendances for
controlled infrastructure can respond to the health innovation strategy, supported by \ An ageing population in Murrindindi Shire infrastructure, or opportunities for shared then deliver them where appropriate, over
alcohol and illicit drugs are increasing in the
current and future infrastructure needs of a funding over five years to promote and is likely to change the scope and mix of facilities, supported by funding to retrofit, the next five years, in partnership with local
region. Goulburn Regional Partnership has
Goulburn’s Aboriginal community and progressively implement better models services needed, including health care. repurpose or retire existing community governments and community organisations.
identified gaps in the region’s mental health
contribute to Closing the Gap in outcomes of health care. facilities. Transport planning can integrate
and alcohol and drug treatment services, \ Mitchell Shire and, to a lesser extent,
for Aboriginal Victorians. with service planning to ensure people can
with no locally available residential drug and Shepparton, are undergoing rapid
Recommendation 89
alcohol rehabilitation facilities in Goulburn. Fostering innovation by expanding the use population growth, placing pressure on access essential services.
Recommendation 67
of technology in service provision can better services and facilities. Often the existing Developing multipurpose shared social Update community infrastructure
Aboriginal community controlled
connect regional communities with Co-design an Aboriginal community facilities are far from the places where service facilities aligns with an already Fund regional councils in the next five
organisations (ACCOs) provide services to
specialist health services. This builds on controlled infrastructure plan population growth is occurring. identified opportunity to enhance Seymour’s years to update, repurpose or retire
the region’s Aboriginal people, and promote
Goulburn’s progress in increasing uptake in In the next year, start a co-design process \ Addressing the unique service and role as a regional service centre and outdated community infrastructure for
and protect their rights. Goulburn’s
online health treatments and support with Aboriginal Victorians to develop a plan infrastructure needs of the region’s rapidly employment hub. For example, Mitchell better service delivery.
Aboriginal population is projected to grow
services during the COVID-19 pandemic. to guide investment in Aboriginal community- growing Aboriginal communities can help Shire Council has proposed an integrated
44% between 2018 and 2028, which could
New residential drug and alcohol controlled infrastructure to meet current and to Close the Gap in outcomes for health and community hub at Seymour,
lead to more demand for Aboriginal and
future social, economic and cultural needs. Aboriginal Victorians. co-locating a library, allied and primary Recommendation 90
other services. Current demand for services rehabilitation facilities in the region and
improved mental health facilities can help health consulting rooms and a variety of
for Goulburn’s Aboriginal residents is Local governments face many service Create climate-adapted facilities
address gaps in local service provision. community spaces.
already high, particularly for child and family delivery challenges, including different for rural communities
Recommendation 70
services. Increasing client numbers and patterns of population growth, budget Creating climate-adapted facilities In the next five years, fund local governments
limited infrastructure is restricting the ability Deliver infrastructure for a more constraints, and funding multiple services to for rural communities can support to plan and help deliver a network of
of ACCOs to provide timely and effective responsive and integrated mental geographically dispersed towns with small, local governments to develop facilities designated, accessible climate-adapted
service delivery. health system often disadvantaged populations. Social which can help reduce the health impacts community facilities, to manage the
In the next year, establish a dedicated infrastructure, and the services it enables, of exposure to heat, and prolonged smoke health impacts of extreme heat and
infrastructure fund to support more can flexibly respond to changing community from bushfires. Combined with the bushfire smoke.
responsive and integrated mental health needs. For example, new schools in recommendation to build back better after
and wellbeing services, consistent with the Shepparton and Mitchell Shire can provide emergencies, this helps build community
recommendations of the Royal Commission opportunities for shared multi-purpose resilience to the impacts of climate change.
into Victoria’s Mental Health System. facilities on school sites.
Please refer to Victoria's infrastructure
The impact of climate change adds further Recommendation 19 strategy 2021–2051 (section 3.3) for
complexity to the challenges facing local recommendations on aligning social
Recommendation 91
governments and communities. Goulburn is Build back better after emergencies
infrastructure with better service
Build regional residential alcohol exposed to the impacts of climate change In the next year, consider policy changes delivery.
and drug rehabilitation facilities with higher temperatures, more days of and funding mechanisms so high priority
Within five years, build residential extreme heat and declining rainfall forecast. public infrastructure destroyed by
detoxification and rehabilitation facilities in Climate change also cause frequent emergencies is built to a more resilient
regional Victoria to provide equitable access catastrophic bushfires. standard or in less vulnerable locations.
to alcohol and other drug treatment.
14 Infrastructure Victoria Goulburn summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021–2051 15
Recommendation 93
Expand social housing in
regional centres, in locations One in five low-income households in
with good access Goulburn experience financial stress
Focus social housing investments in from mortgage or rent.
regional centres, near transport and
services, for better access to health,
social and economic support.
Recommendation 94
3.7 per 1000 people are homeless in
Make social housing suitable the Goulburn region, rising to 5.5 per
for changing local climates 1000 people in Greater Shepparton.
Continue to deliver a long-term program
of modifying social housing to be climate-
resilient by improving the energy efficiency
Yarrawonga
and energy affordability of residences.
Address social housing Recommendations to enhance Making social housing suitable for changing
challenges access to affordable, fit for climates responds to the need for adequate
purpose housing heating and cooling in the region's social
The Goulburn region has the highest rates housing, building on recent Victorian
of homelessness in regional Victoria, an Expansion of social housing in regional
Government funding commitments for
estimated 3.7 homeless per 1000 people at centres, in locations with good access
energy efficiency upgrades in social housing
the time of the 2016 Census. This rises to to transport, work, education and services,
properties. As well as installing split system
5.5 per 1000 people in Greater Shepparton, aims to improve Goulburn residents' access
air-conditioning to better regulate
a higher rate of homelessness than to affordable housing. Rapid renewal of old
temperatures in the home, solar panels
metropolitan Melbourne. public housing stock aims to ensure that
are recommended to help low-income
the existing housing stock is fit for purpose.
residents to manage energy-related cost
One in five low-income households in The Victorian Government has committed
of living pressures. Collectively, these
Goulburn experience financial stress from to building social and affordable housing
recommendations aim to ensure a long-term
mortgage or rent, which rises to one in in regional Victoria with minimum
focus on provisioning of social housing
four in Greater Shepparton and Mitchell guaranteed investments already committed
following the roll out of the Victorian
Shire region. Goulburn also has the third for Shepparton and Mitchell Local
Government's four-year Big Housing
highest rate of family violence in Victoria, Government areas.
Build program.
further driving demand for social housing.
Regional stakeholders highlight a particular
regional housing need for seasonal
Recommendation 55
agricultural workers.
Rapidly renew old public housing
Rapidly renew dilapidated public housing
properties to improve functionality,
accessibility and energy efficiency with a
priority to renew at least half of all older
low-rise apartments and older three
bedroom detached dwellings by 2031.
Shepparton Moooving
art exhibition
Goulburn Valley Football League
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August 2021
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