Infrastructure Victoria launches discussion paper and floats rethink on future of high density living

Victoria’s peak infrastructure body has called on governments to rethink their approach to density and decentralisation as the state’s population continues to soar.

Victoria’s peak infrastructure body has called on governments to rethink their approach to density and decentralisation as the state’s population continues to soar.

Infrastructure Victoria has released a discussion paper focused on the challenge of meeting growing demand for homes and services over the next 30 years.

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In the year to June 2018, the state’s population grew by 138,000 to 6.4 million and is expected to reach 10 million by 2051.

The analysis comes as local councils across Melbourne continue to grapple with balancing surging demand with crippling congestion and frustrations from long-term residents.

Infrastructure Victoria’s chief executive Michel Masson said decisions about the city’s future would come with “trade offs” and honest conversations were needed between authorities.

Melbourne’s infrastructure may struggle to keep up with its population boom. Picture: AFP

“If we want to increase infrastructure service levels, then we need to think about the level of density that will be required to support it,” he said.

“Victoria has a transformational opportunity to harness the potential of its population growth and thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.

“We’ll have a focus on how we make the most of Victoria’s regions, what level of density is right for a growing Melbourne and how we ensure we have the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time.”

Infrastructure Victoria will also begin updating its 30-year strategy for the state to focus on the policies and projects that will be needed all the way to 2050.

Plans for Melbourne’s suburban rail loop.

It comes months after Premier Daniel Andrews revealed plans for a $50 billion suburban rail loop linking Melbourne’s suburbs over the next few decades.

The proposal blindsided experts at Infrastructure Victoria when it was announced and $300 million has been committed to planning the major city-changing project.

“Through our work we will continue to look at how we manage demand and how we get the most out of our existing infrastructure because we know that adding new infrastructure will only ever be part of the solution,” Mr Masson said.

“If we want to grow our regions, then we need to talk about the unique strengths each region has and the challenges they face.”

The planning body, established by the Andrews Government in its first term, has previously championed cutting congestion without major construction projects and last year recommended expanding the CBD’s congestion levy to inner suburbs.

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