Mallee Summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021-2051 - August 2021 - Infrastructure Victoria
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Regional priorities Victoria’s infrastructure strategy 2021–2051 Mallee Summary August 2021
02 Infrastructure Victoria Mallee 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 Mallee region’s
This work produced a Mallee regional
profile, a Mallee regional industry profile,
strategy 2021–2051 infrastructure needs, industry composition, and a Factsheet on Mallee 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 Mallee communities, Mallee region.
strategy. The 2016 strategy was evidence- industries and local governments to build
based, covered all types of infrastructure, our 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
Aboriginal acknowledgment During the consultation period for the draft Combined, this comprehensive process This document provides a summary of
strategy, we provided more opportunities of consultation and engagement guided selected recommendations from Victoria’s
Infrastructure Victoria acknowledges the
for Mallee communities and stakeholders the development of this Mallee regional infrastructure strategy which respond to
traditional owners of country in Victoria and
to offer feedback on our draft summary and the relevant strategy the needs and opportunities we identified
pays respect to their elders past and present,
recommendations, including through recommendations. It focusses on in Mallee.
as well as elders of other Aboriginal
surveys, submissions, and hosting a infrastructure-related opportunities to
communities. We recognise that the state’s
Mallee regional roundtable discussion. build on Mallee’s economic and industry
infrastructure is built on land that has been
advantages, and to strengthen local
managed by Aboriginal people for millennia.
communities by improving health,
The Mallee region includes the traditional lands
education, and social inclusion outcomes,
of the First Peoples of the Millewa-Mallee, being
while reducing disadvantage.
Latji Latji, Ngintait and Nyeri Nyeri Traditional
Owners, and the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa,
Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk peoples.
04 Infrastructure Victoria Mallee summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021-2051 05
Overview
Bordering the Murray River, the Mallee is The Mallee region includes the traditional
the only region in Victoria bordering both lands of the First Peoples of the Millewa-
New South Wales and South Australia. Mallee, being Latji Latji, Ngintait and Nyeri
The main freight route from Adelaide to Nyeri Traditional Owners, and the
Sydney passes through Mildura, the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia
region’s largest city. and Jupagalk peoples.
Agriculture – broadacre cropping and Mildura and Swan Hill are the main regional
irrigation – dominates the Mallee’s economy, centres. Mildura is a major centre for jobs
along with associated processing, and services for the Mallee’s smaller towns
manufacturing, and services. The region and rural areas. The Mallee is one of
benefits from its proximity to the River Victoria’s more remote regions, located
Murray. Water is used for irrigation in a long distance from Melbourne.
agricultural production of fruit, citrus and Mildura
grapes, in the tourism and recreation
industries and provides drinking water
for local communities.
Enhance market access and regional economic growth
Unlock industry growth Mallee stakeholders also identify electricity Our recommendation to co-fund power
infrastructure as a potential constraint on supply upgrades responds to constraints
The regions opportunities
business productivity and future growth in associated with outdated power supply
of Mallee Of the six Victorian renewable energy zones the region. Where outdated single wire earth infrastructure and allows new investment
identified by the Australian Energy Market return power lines power farms, changing opportunities for regional businesses.
Merbein Operator, the Murray River zone in Victoria’s industry practices and more energy intensive Where upgrades are shown to deliver
Mildura
north-west is forecast to see significant farming equipment are leading to capacity benefits to existing users and unlock
Red Cliffs new generation by 2040. The Mallee has
Regional constraints which limit production and stop potential future investment, upgrade costs
centres
Mildura (RC) significant renewable energy sources, farms from expanding. can be shared between the Victorian
Robinvale Agriculture – broadacre particularly solar. Areas around Mildura, Government, power distribution companies,
cropping and irrigation – Swan Hill and Gannawarra are developing and local businesses.
Mildura and Swan Hill are
the main regional centres.
drives the Mallee’s economy. large scale solar farms. However, existing Recommendations to remove
transmission infrastructure limits the ability energy infrastructure barriers
Swan Hill of generators to connect to the grid, which in the Mallee Recommendation 03
(RC)
impedes future industry development. For Our renewable energy recommendations Augment electricity transmission
Swan Hill instance, the Kiamal solar farm near Ouyen aim to remove constraints to future industry
The region benefits from for renewable energy and resilience
The Mallee region includes its proximity to the River experienced delays due to grid constraints.
the traditional lands of
development, advocating for solutions
Murray. Support augmentation of critical electricity
the First Peoples of the The Mildura-based Regional Innovation which leverage potential renewable energy
Kerang transmission infrastructure by 2027–28
Millewa-Mallee, being Latji opportunities in the Mallee. Infrastructure
Centre is recognised as a National Energy to accommodate new renewable energy
Latji, Ngintait and Nyeri Gannawarra (S) Cohuna
Nyeri Traditional Owners, Buloke (S) Resources (NERA) Hydrogen Technology Victoria supports the Australian Energy
generation and improve network resilience
and the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Rural Cluster, and the Centre has obtained funding Market Operator’s proposed transmission
and reliability through interconnection with
Jadawadjali, Wergaia and cropping South East extension of the Victoria to New South Wales
Jupagalk peoples. area area from both the private sector and the other states.
Charlton Interconnector West (VNI West), which will
The Mallee is one of Victorian Government. While the cost and
Donald Victoria’s more remote
application of hydrogen technology are still better connect these states and unlock the
regions.
uncertain, stakeholders report that Mallee’s potential of significant renewable energy Recommendation 04
unique and extensive solar resources would resources. The Victorian Government’s
preferred route, known as KerangLink, would Identify and coordinate
allow it to produce cheap hydrogen—thus
significantly increase the ability for renewable Renewable Energy Zones
increasing its viability.
generation to connect in the Murray River In the next year, identify Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Zone. Zones, especially in the state's north-west,
and continue to coordinate their
development over the next 10 years.
06 Infrastructure Victoria Mallee summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021-2051 07
Recommendation 80
The Murray River is a key natural Recommendation 16 Foster tourism in the Mallee Recommendations to support Recommendation 81
advantage, but water security will be a recovery in regional tourism
Upgrade power supply for increasingly uncertain. The Barmah Choke, The Mallee region’s tourist offering includes Plan for and facilitate regional
Strengthen agricultural water
the Murray River, natural attractions such as Our regional tourism recommendations,
agriculture and regional industry for example, helps deliver irrigation water security by modernising irrigation nature-based tourism investments
the Murray-Sunset and Wyperfeld National centred on nature-based and Aboriginal
In the next five years, contribute toward to the Mallee, stakeholders have revealed In the next two years, develop a Victorian
In the next 30 years, contribute funding Parks and Lake Tyrrell, Victoria’s largest tourism opportunities, aim to support
strategic power supply infrastructure that water capacity through the Choke is nature-based tourism strategy to guide
toward planning and delivery of water salt lake. The Mallee region has a strong sustainable growth in Mallee’s tourism
upgrades for agriculture and regional substantially decreasing which elevates industry development and prioritise future
infrastructure and irrigation modernisation Aboriginal heritage. Important heritage sites industry. Developing a nature-based
industry, where an independent assessment the risk of water delivery shortfalls. While investments. During the next 15 years,
projects across Victoria. on the land of the First Peoples of the tourism strategy to guide future investment
demonstrates significant potential for stakeholders report that irrigation systems support regional tourism investment by
Millewa-Mallee are found in the Hattah- in Mallee’s tourist infrastructure will help
increased productivity, competitiveness, in the Mallee are amongst the most efficient allowing more site-specific leases for up to
Kulkyne National Park and the Murray- ensure tourism experiences, and
and growth. in Australia, a continued focus on renewing Recommendation 17 49 years for infrastructure proposals that
Sunset National Park. In addition, the supporting facilities and infrastructure,
irrigation infrastructure and improving water meet strict criteria and complement
region’s gourmet food and wine production meet visitor expectations and that the
efficiency can help ensure future water Upgrade Victoria’s emergency environmental and cultural values.
Enhance water security security. Community members also water network can support agritourism experiences. region’s natural assets are protected and
enhanced. Nature-based tourism sites,
and industry resilience underscored the need for a balanced In the next year, assess the condition, The COVID-19 pandemic significantly
including national parks, require basic
implementation of the Murray-Darling capacity and security of Victoria’s affected the tourism and hospitality Recommendation 82
The Mallee is a highly productive agricultural amenities and infrastructure to encourage
Basin Plan. emergency water supply point network, industries in the Mallee. Tourism can
and horticultural region. It is one of Victoria’s investment in experiences, food, and Develop a Victorian Aboriginal
major dryland cropping regions. Along its and upgrade or replace inadequate supply support the region’s economic recovery.
accommodation services. Re-examining tourism strategy with Aboriginal
northern border, the Murray River supports points. Clarify ongoing responsibility for Projects — such as the development of
Recommendations to improve existing policies, such as policies around communities
extensive horticulture and dairy. The Mallee monitoring, maintenance and funding to Koondrook Wharf and the creation of the
water security for the Mallee’s tourism leasing in national parks, can help Support and partner with Aboriginal
produces more than 90% of Victoria’s secure a resilient network. Silo Art Trail — serve as examples of
agriculture industry encourage investment in tourist facilities communities in the next two years to guide
grapes and nuts, 86% of its citrus and success in the region and demonstrate the
and services, as well as support longer- future investments in Aboriginal tourism
28% of its grains. Our recommendations aim to further economic potential of tourism in the Mallee.
term industry growth in Mallee. and cultural heritage, including through
strengthen water security in the Mallee For instance, the Koondrook Wharf helped
The past decade has been challenging Developing a Victorian Aboriginal tourist Joint Management Plans.
by using all sources of water supply, attract private investment in the town,
for the Mallee agriculture industry, Please refer to Victoria's
continuing to modernise irrigation systems, and has subsequently underpinned the strategy with Aboriginal communities can
with extensive periods of drought and infrastructure strategy (section 1.2)
and upgrading Victoria’s emergency water establishment of new eco-tourism help further drive sustainable economic
unfavourable conditions affecting the for additional recommendations
supply network to ensure farmers can offerings. Opportunities exist to further activity in the Mallee, helping to preserve
region’s grain production. However, on water and responding to a
get water as rainfalls continue to decline. develop the region’s domestic tourism and promote the region’s Aboriginal
the diversity of Mallee’s agricultural changing climate.
These recommendations will benefit offering in the short to medium term, cultural histories and heritage sites as
produce is its key strength. Mallee’s agriculture and related building on the Mallee’s existing natural well as create job opportunities for
In the longer term, climate change is a businesses, helping to support continued By the 2030s assets and Aboriginal heritage. Aboriginal communities
significant threat for the region. Climate industry growth.
Mallee stakeholders told us improving These recommendations can build on
change is likely to increase the incidence
and severity of droughts, extreme weather
1.6ºc access and facilities for tourists can Victorian Government investments in
Recommendation 13 enhance the visitor experience and Mallee’s tourism infrastructure, including
events and reduce average rainfall. encourage longer stays in the region. funding towards the Buloke Town Revival
Average maximum temperatures
Consider all water supply sources For example, they said improved amenities Project, the Murray River Adventure Trail,
By the 2030s, Mallee’s average maximum could increase by up to 1.6°C
temperatures could increase by up to Consider all water sources for supply and accommodation along the Murray River a visitor centre for Lake Tyrrell and the
1.6°C, while average annual rainfall is augmentation, including identifying and can help develop the Mallee’s nature-based next stage of the Mildura Riverfront
projected to decrease by 9%. By the addressing barriers to purified recycled 9% tourism offering. Enabling infrastructure Precinct development.
2050s, the Mallee could have twice as drinking water within the next 10 years. could better support the seasonal tourist
When planning for future water supply, Average annual rainfall is population at Lake Tyrrell, while
many days over 40°C and up to 50% more
investigate all options including, but not projected to decrease by 9% development of tracks, trails and bike
very high fire danger days.
limited to, recycled water, seawater networks will further expand the range of
desalination, stormwater harvesting and By the 2050s
activities on offer within the region.
better use of the water grid.
x2 40ºc
Could have twice as many days
over 40ºC
50%
Could have up to 50% more
very high fire danger days
Lake Tyrrell
08 Infrastructure Victoria Mallee summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021-2051 09
Better connect the regions
Improve freight networks Recommendations to better Recommendation 78 Improve public transport on community and public transport Recommendation 83
connect Mallee businesses options in Buloke, Gannawarra and
The Mallee is centrally located between Deliver long-term funding certainty Mallee residents are highly dependent on Redesign regional public
with processors and markets Swan Hill. However, community transport
Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney, with for regional road maintenance cars to get around. Less than 1% of the solutions may rely on volunteers, and transport to meet local needs.
the region’s major freight routes providing Providing funding certainty for road region’s workforce travel to work by public
and upgrades funds are limited. In the next five years, redesign existing
access to domestic and export markets. maintenance and upgrade programs transport, and access to public transport
Within two years, specify clear levels of Timely and reliable access to transport is regional transport services so they are
Mallee’s freight task is growing due to its can help leverage Mallee’s road freight across the region is very low – including in
service for each type of regional road and essential for residents in the Mallee’s rural integrated, based on regional needs
expanding horticulture, grain, and mineral networks to better support the region’s Mildura, where 53% of residents live within
bridge. Following this, dedicate a 10-year and semi-rural communities to access the assessments, and sustainably funded.
sands industries. But existing freight businesses – helping to improve market ready access of public transport compared
funding program to sustainably fund services they need and to foster social Use significant technological and reform
networks are struggling to meet demand. access, connectivity, and safety while to the Victorian average of 74%. Public
Victorian Government regional road and inclusion, including for residents who do opportunities to deliver innovative service
Rail freight can offer advantages in costs, also reducing supply chain costs, transport access among Buloke Shire
bridge maintenance and upgrades to meet not own a car or who do not drive—such as delivery models that meet local needs.
capacity, and efficiency, but rail’s share allowing businesses to remain competitive. residents falls to just 7%.
these service levels. Funding should be older residents, young people, low-income
of Victorian freight is currently stagnant As large freight vehicles and smaller private
prioritised based on improving safety, Stakeholders highlighted a range individuals, and people with a disability.
or in decline. vehicles share the road network, ongoing
decreasing vehicle emissions, and of transport issues within the region,
maintenance and upgrades not only
The rail freight network has more assets lifting productivity. affecting residents’ ability to access work,
produce efficiency benefits, but also Recommendations to Please refer to Victoria's
in average, poor, or end-of-life condition, healthcare, education and services, which
help keep all road users safe. enable viable transport infrastructure strategy (section 4.2)
compared to regional passenger rail. are increasingly concentrated in larger
Funding and planning for ongoing rail Recommendation 79 options across Mallee for Infrastructure Victoria’s position
Many Mallee stakeholders expressed centres. These include:
disappointment in the reduced scope of freight network development and Our recommendation to reform regional on Very Fast Rail for the regions.
Fund and plan for ongoing regional \ Limited public transport and poor
the Murray Basin Rail Project. maintenance can help maximise efficient public transport focusses on improving
rail freight network development timetabling within Mildura, and from
investment and support the Mallee’s rail transport options within the Mallee region.
Mallee stakeholders also express a need for and maintenance surrounding areas into regional centres.
freight competitiveness. A published It seeks to develop solutions which
improvements on major road freight routes. In the next year, fund a 30-year periodic \ A lack of public transport infrastructure
long-term network development and asset integrate traditional public transport with
Agricultural representatives observe that regional freight rail maintenance program, between townships.
management plan would offer an opportunity more innovative, flexible transport options
changing crop yields and freight vehicles informed by a publicly available network
to consider scope that is no longer part of \ Limited frequency of the regional train to deliver services which respond to
are affecting the road freight network’s development and asset management plan.
the revised Murray Basin Rail Project and and coach network to Bendigo and community needs, such as by using
performance. They identify opportunities to Using the plan, thoroughly determine the
help address concerns raised by Mallee Melbourne, particularly affecting residents community transport, on-demand
assess Mallee’s current B-double network, feasibility of the next major regional freight
stakeholders. Additionally, an ongoing freight needing to travel to Bendigo Hospital services, and the school bus network
which contributes to longer travel times, upgrade within five years.
rail development and maintenance program for healthcare services. It advocates ongoing funding for regional
productivity obstacles, and more wear on
would provide further confidence to investors \ Limited public transport networks to transport, moving away from short-term
the roads with multiple trips. Likewise,
and producers in the Mallee. link Aboriginal community controlled trials to lasting transport commitments,
Mallee stakeholders name the Swan Hill
organisations (ACCOs) to key services and providing long-term certainty to
Bridge replacement project as a desirable
and regional transport links. local communities.
option to lower business transport costs
and facilitate economic growth. Community transport provides an The Victorian Government is improving
alternative to public transport within the service quality and capacity between
Maintaining and enhancing transport
region. For example, the Mallee Flexible Melbourne and Swan Hill under the
infrastructure will help future industry
Local Transport project, funded by the Regional Network Development Plan,
development, by creating cheaper,
Victorian Government’s Flexible Local which aims to deliver five service
faster connections between producers
Transport Solutions Program, provides every weekday.
and their processors and markets.
community bus services and information
10 Infrastructure Victoria Mallee summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021-2051 11
Improve digital connectivity biggest towns in Victoria that lacks fixed are low across the Mallee, due to inequity Recommendations to Recommendation 84 Households without
and telecommunications wireless NBN technology. in digital infrastructure, service quality continue to bridge the internet access
and cost Mallee’s digital divide Address regional Victoria’s digital
infrastructure Instead, Sea Lake’s local businesses and
connectivity gaps
tourism sector, schools, emergency One in four Mallee households do not Recommendations to address regional
The Mallee digital plan identifies the lack of In the next five years, continue delivering
services, and hospital can only access have internet access compared with the Victoria’s digital connectivity gaps aim to
availability of adequate, affordable business- regional digital connectivity improvements,
satellite internet, which can be slower, less Victorian average of one in seven. The improve internet and telecommunications
grade telecommunications services for and monitor and review the need for further
reliable, and have less data allowance than COVID-19 pandemic increased the need infrastructure in Mallee. Stakeholders in the
regional businesses, along with poor mobile The COVID-19 pandemic
fixed wireless or fibre services. for internet access and connectivity, and government investment following the
region emphasise the need for reliable and has increased the need for
coverage, a lack of Wi-Fi networks and roll-out of the Digital Future Now initiative.
highlighted the deficiencies of current cost-effective business-grade broadband
low take-up of Internet of Things (IoT) For the Mallee’s businesses, improvements internet access, highlighting
levels of connectivity across the Mallee. across the region.
applications. IoT enables devices embedded to digital infrastructure and connectivity the deficiencies of current
Families and young people without internet
with sensors to connect to and interact could enable productivity gains in farm Reliable and high-speed internet Recommendation 85 levels of connectivity across
at home experienced barriers to remote
with each other via the internet, collecting businesses and processing facilities, connections can help Mallee businesses the Mallee region
learning and working from home. Poor Improve regional
information and monitoring data to help and meet demands across the health, to operate and compete from any location,
digital connectivity has made it difficult telecommunications
farmers make more informed decisions. education, tourism, and local government placing businesses in a stronger position
for some people to connect with services infrastructure resilience
Research suggests that digital agriculture sectors. Stakeholders highlight to weather future crises and explore
could increase the gross value of agricultural infrastructure for digital connectivity as a
and support, increasing social isolation.
potential opportunities created by any In the next five years, develop more resilient 1 in 4
production by up to 25%. necessary tool to aid tourism, since booking Mobile coverage is also an issue across the longer-term shift to remote working. regional telecommunications infrastructure One in four Mallee
systems, point-of-sale, and marketing region. The Mallee digital plan highlights Access to high speed internet can also so communities can stay safe during households do not
IoT network deployment is a priority digital emergencies, including better mobile
technologies all rely on high-speed mobile a persistent divide in the quality of mobile offer community benefits, by supporting have internet access
project for the region, to underpin future coverage, back-up systems and power
phone and broadband coverage. services available to regional users remote access to health and education
competitiveness and productivity in the supply, and emergency mobile roaming.
Lower population densities across the compared to Melbourne, with 195 mobile services, and by fostering community
region’s agriculture industries. The Victorian
region and a lack of competition between black spots registered across the region. social connections.
Government’s On-Farm Internet of Things
suppliers is creating a need for bespoke Stakeholders have identified the area north
trial in Birchip is supporting digital Improving regional telecommunications Recommendation 86
connectedness for broadacre grain farms,
solutions, with implications for service and
cost. Resilience is a consideration for
of Birchip, Wooroonook/Jeffcott and
Coonooer West, and the Mallee track
infrastructure resilience will also help 1 in 7
address Mallee’s digital infrastructure
Fund regional libraries to provide
helping collect and manage detailed In comparison, one in seven
Mallee telecommunications technology between Ouyen and Murrayville as some better internet access
location and plant-specific data across and connectivity needs. We recommend Victorian households do not
upgrades, as stakeholders have noted of the worst affected areas in the Mallee.
large areas to help mitigate risk. continuing to address mobile coverage In the next year, start a five-year funding have internet access
that telecommunications in areas subject Poor mobile quality and coverage have
gaps to provide equitable access to mobile program for libraries in regional towns and
Mallee stakeholders told us improving to flooding have often failed during implications for public safety, affecting
services and help to ensure residents can rural areas to improve community access
digital coverage and capacity for flood events. emergency services and the ability of
remain connected during emergencies. to fast, free internet services, leveraging
businesses remains a priority. Current residents to access critical information
Poor digital connectivity also affects A comprehensive approach across fixed, existing library infrastructure.
digital connectivity prevents businesses in times of need.
liveability and community safety in the mobile and Wi-Fi networks can ensure
from fully benefitting from new technologies.
region. Household internet access rates more resilient telecommunications.
For example, Sea Lake is among the
Providing better internet access in Mallee’s
libraries provides support for digital literacy Please refer to Victoria's
skills development and improves access infrastructure strategy (section 1.4)
for those without home internet access. for recommendations which
Investments could foster better internet embrace technological
access, leveraging the existing opportunities.
infrastructure, expertise, and support
available within the library network, such
as layout upgrades to support out-of-hours
access and installing Wi-Fi technology in
mobile libraries. It can also complement
improvements in business and household
digital access.
12 Infrastructure Victoria Mallee summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021-2051 13
Foster regional Victorians’ health, wellbeing, and inclusion Improve and better use Cases such as these demonstrate the
need for funding to be directed towards
Recommendation 88
community and council
councils in the Mallee so communities can Deliver multipurpose shared social
infrastructure improve, repurpose, or retire and replace service facilities in the regions
Improve access to healthcare Across the region, ACCOs play a central Recommendation 25
Demographic changes, such as an ageing existing infrastructure.
role in the provision of services and the In the next year, start regional planning
Outside Mildura, the Mallee region has Use innovation to deliver better population, are affecting the scope and mix for social services to identify opportunities
promotion and protection of Aboriginal
relatively high rates of preventable models of health care of services councils need to provide. Recommendations to for multipurpose shared services facilities,
people’s rights. The Mallee’s large
hospitalisation, suggesting that primary Regional councils can lack the revenue make better use of then deliver them where appropriate, over
Aboriginal population is projected to grow Within two years, help slow the growth
health provision may not be readily available to upgrade and repurpose existing community infrastructure the next five years, in partnership with local
30% between 2018 and 2028, which in demand for hospital infrastructure
or accessible for some Mallee residents. infrastructure, often relying on Victorian governments and community organisations.
could lead to more demand for Aboriginal by developing a comprehensive statewide The Victorian Government can support
Like some other regional areas, the Mallee Government grants.
and other services in the region. The health innovation strategy, supported by regions and local governments in providing
faces challenges in attracting and keeping combination of increasing client numbers funding over five years to promote and The Mallee faces challenges in ensuring fit for purpose social infrastructure which
a skilled health workforce to the region. and inadequate infrastructure is restricting Recommendation 89
progressively implement better models that residents have access to the services can respond to local needs. Service
Centralisation of health care services from the ability of ACCOs to provide timely and of health care. that they need. For instance, smaller rural planning can help identify gaps in existing Update community infrastructure
rural areas to regional centres means that effective service delivery across the region. councils such as Buloke and Gannawarra, infrastructure, or opportunities for shared
fewer services are locally available for Fund regional councils in the next five
Stakeholders highlighted the need for family have a small (and declining) ratepayer facilities, supported by funding to retrofit,
declining rural populations, and there is years to update, repurpose or retire
healing facilities to provide integrated, Recommendation 67 base which is further constrained by below repurpose, or retire existing community
limited public transport to access services. outdated community infrastructure for
culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal average incomes of residents. These facilities. Integrating transport planning
While telehealth services can help improve Co-design an Aboriginal community better service delivery.
people in Mallee. councils face additional complexities in within planning for service delivery will
service access, local services will continue controlled infrastructure plan
continuing to provide services over a ensure that essential services can be
to be needed, particularly for certain health In the next year, start a co-design process
Recommendations to relatively dispersed area. Areas of relative accessed by all those who need them. Recommendation 90
services that require face-to-face interactions. with Aboriginal Victorians to develop a plan
improve health outcomes socio-economic disadvantage such as
to guide investment in Aboriginal community Our recommendation to create climate- Create climate-adapted facilities
Mallee Regional Partnership’s Addressing for Mallee residents Buloke, the tenth most disadvantaged local
controlled infrastructure to meet current and government area in Victoria, have a higher
adapted facilities for rural communities for rural communities
Entrenched Disadvantage project highlights
Our recommendations aim collectively to future social, economic, and cultural needs. aims to support local governments to
pockets of socio-economic disadvantage per capita need for a range of health and In the next five years, fund local
improve access to healthcare and related deliver a network of facilities which can
across the region, with interdependent community services. As regional centres governments to plan and help deliver
services for Mallee residents. We help reduce the health impacts of
factors including relatively high rates of for relatively remote communities, it is a network of designated, accessible
recommend using innovation in healthcare Recommendation 70 exposure to heat, and prolonged smoke
preventable health issues, particularly important that Mildura and Swan Hill climate-adapted community facilities,
delivery and seek to expand the use of from bushfires. Combined with the
related to alcohol and drug use, and Deliver infrastructure for a more provide a range of services to the wider to manage the health impacts of extreme
technology in service provision, to better recommendation to build back better after
obesity. The region has above average responsive and integrated mental region, and that these are accessible to all. heat and bushfire smoke.
connect regional communities with emergencies, this aims to build community
numbers of mental health clients, as well as health system
specialist health services. A plan for future The impact of climate change adds further resilience to the impacts of climate change.
those receiving drug and alcohol treatment. In the next year, establish a dedicated
investment in Aboriginal community complexity to the challenges facing local
Mildura has double the Victorian average controlled infrastructure aims to respond to infrastructure fund to support more governments and communities. Already
of registered mental health clients and the current and future infrastructure needs responsive and integrated mental health one of the hottest regions in the state, Recommendation 19
Please refer to Victoria's
persons receiving drug and alcohol of the Mallee’s Aboriginal community, as and wellbeing services, consistent with the the Mallee is further exposed to the
Build back better after emergencies infrastructure strategy (section 2.4)
treatment services, while Gannawarra well as contribute to Closing the Gap recommendations of the Royal Commission impacts of climate change with even higher for more recommendations
into Victoria’s Mental Health System. temperatures, more days of extreme heat, In the next year, consider policy changes
Shire has high rates of drug and alcohol outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians. on adapting infrastructure for
and declining rainfall forecast. As well and funding mechanisms so high priority
treatment – more than four times the state modern needs.
Providing residential rehabilitation public infrastructure destroyed by
average. However, access to local support as increasing the incidence of extreme
facilities in the Mallee and improved Recommendation 91 emergencies is built to a more resilient
services is limited. There are no residential heat and heatwaves, climate change is
access to mental health facilities aim standard or in less vulnerable locations.
alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities in Build regional residential alcohol increasing the frequency of conditions
to respond to gaps in local service
the region, for example, and many people and drug rehabilitation facilities for catastrophic bushfires.
availability and provision. Residential
need to leave the area to access the Within five years, build residential
alcohol and drug rehabilitation services Poor revenue and limited grants dedicated
services they need. The Mallee’s detoxification and rehabilitation facilities in
are particularly needed in Mallee, due to to upgrades or maintenance means many
geographical remoteness means local regional Victoria to provide equitable access
community distances from other centres. ageing community facilities across the
provision of treatment services is needed to alcohol and other drug treatment.
Service planning can help guide the Mallee need upgrading. Stakeholders
to support improved health outcomes.
development and location of residential identify ageing aquatic facilities throughout
Stakeholders report that the COVID-19 rehabilitation facilities. Mallee local government areas, the Swan
pandemic has exacerbated existing mental Hill Municipal Office, and aerodromes in
These recommendations can build on
health issues in the regions. Vulnerable Swan Hill, Robinvale, and Sea Lake, as key
recent Victorian Government investments in Please refer to Victoria's
groups include Aboriginal Elders, older sites requiring attention.
Mallee’s healthcare infrastructure, including infrastructure strategy (section 3.3)
community members who are socially
funding towards the Swan Hill District for recommendations on aligning
isolated, those experiencing family violence
Hospital upgrade, the future redevelopment social infrastructure with better
and agricultural workers who are already
of Mildura Base Hospital, and a new mental service delivery.
affected by drought.
health clinical outreach facility at Swan Hill.
14 Infrastructure Victoria Mallee summary Victoria's infrastructure strategy 2021-2051 15
Address social housing The Mallee Family Care Report examined Recommendations to enhance Recommendation 55
challenges the lived experiences of social housing access to affordable, fit for
residents in Mildura who do not have purpose housing Rapidly renew old public housing
The Mallee region has relatively high, access to air conditioning during extreme
Making social housing suitable for Rapidly renew dilapidated public housing
and increasing, levels of socio-economic heat conditions and identified negative
changing climates helps address the properties to improve functionality,
disadvantage compared with Victorian physical, mental, and social health and
need for adequate heating and cooling accessibility and energy efficiency with
averages. Other drivers of demand for wellbeing impacts on residents. Mildura
in the region’s social housing. As well a priority to renew at least half of all older
social housing in the region include social housing residents, for example,
as installing split system air-conditioning low-rise apartments and older three
homelessness and family violence. Mallee reported various issues in extreme heat,
to better regulate temperatures in the -bedroom detached dwellings by 2031.
has an estimated 3.2 homeless persons including dehydration, headaches, heat
per 1000 people, the second highest rate home, solar panels can help low-income
stroke, and breathing troubles. Residents
in regional Victoria. The region has the residents to offset additional energy costs
with pre-existing medical conditions also Recommendation 92
highest per capita rate of family violence during extreme temperatures.
shared that chronic conditions or illnesses
in Victoria. In December 2020, over 900 worsen during extreme heat, increasing Combined with recommendations to Fund more Youth Foyers
Mallee households were on the waiting their vulnerability. expand social housing in regional centres, in regional Victoria
list for social housing, with almost 500 in locations with good access to transport, Fund at least six new Youth Foyers in
Mallee stakeholders also expressed
households requiring urgent assistance. work, education and services, and to regional Victoria by 2026, to better use
concerns about the rising number of
Although Mildura and Swan Hill have renew old public housing stock, this aims existing education infrastructure and
young people seeking assistance from
higher levels of social housing compared to improve Mallee residents’ access to support vulnerable young people.
social housing agencies in the region.
to Victorian averages, access to affordable affordable and fit for purpose housing.
The combination of poor access to social
housing remains an issue. One in three rental housing and the disproportionate impact Funding more Youth Foyers in regional Recommendation 93
households in Mildura experience rental of the COVID-19 pandemic on young Victoria responds to housing and integrated
stress, and stakeholders have raised people has potentially further exacerbated services gaps for young people who are at Expand social housing in
concerns about the poor quality of existing hardships for this cohort in the Mallee who risk of homelessness, including in Mallee. regional centres, in locations
housing stock. Mallee Regional Partnership’s are navigating significant life transitions. It aims to help break cycles of disadvantage with good access
Addressing Entrenched Disadvantage Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing stable accommodation for Focus social housing investments in
project focused on the need to improve the only 57.1% of Mildura young people aged young people aged 16-24 who commit regional centres, near transport and
availability of appropriate housing in the 17-24 years were engaged in full-time to education and training pathways. Our services, for better access to health,
region. This project found that the private study or work, compared to 71.8% in recommendation for Youth Foyers identifies social and economic support.
rental market is tight. Cheaper housing Victoria. Mallee stakeholders suggested Mildura as a possible priority location.
options are often poorly heated or cooled that a Youth Foyer in Mildura would benefit
and may be far from required services. disadvantaged young people who are Recommendation 94
It highlighted the need for improved social particularly at risk for homelessness and
housing, in locations which are accessible Make social housing suitable
are disengaged from education
for work, healthcare, education and services. for changing local climates
and employment.
Continue to deliver a long-term program
Even where heating and cooling is available,
of modifying social housing to be climate-
the region’s extreme temperatures have
resilient by improving the energy efficiency
a significant impact on energy costs.
and energy affordability of residences.
This negatively affects the cost of living,
meaning many low income residents
avoid using air conditioning to reduce
energy costs.
This can particularly affect the health
of vulnerable residents, including infants,
the elderly, or persons with a disability.
Swan Hill
This publication may be of assistance to you,
but Infrastructure Victoria and its employees
do not guarantee that the publication is without
flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your
particular purposes and therefore disclaims all
liability for any error, loss or other consequence
that may arise from you relying on any information
in this publication. You should seek appropriately
qualified advice before making any decisions
regarding your particular project.
Printed on 100% recycled paper
August 2021
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