Regional Cities Victoria congratulates Andrews Government on re-election
Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) congratulates Premier Daniel Andrews and the Victorian Labor Party
on their success in the 2022 state election.
RCV Chair Cr Andrea Metcalf said the re-election of the Andrews Government for a third term would
enable policy continuity for the regions at a time of great growth and development.
“Victoria’s regional cities are growing at a faster rate than metropolitan areas and the policies
Regional Cities Victoria has advocated for will ensure liveability in our regions is protected through
investment in essential services and civic infrastructure,” said Cr Metcalf.
RCV represents Victoria’s 10 biggest regional cities and called for three key priorities ahead of the 26
November election:
• A $200 million Regional Living Fund to allow cities to invest in civic, community, and cultural
infrastructure and open spaces to enhance the liveability of regional cities and boost the
visitor economy.
• A $500 million Growing Regions Development Fund to ensure utilities and services like
stormwater, sewerage, water, gas and electricity can be provided across the regions in a
timely manner.
• A ‘regional spend guarantee’, ensuring at least 20 per cent of public agency and government
entity investments are regionally based.
In the lead up to the state election, RCV met with representatives from the major parties to discuss
the concerns and priorities of regional Victoria.
Significant election commitments made by the Andrews Government, welcomed by RCV include:
• $1 billion package for the regional rail networking including cheaper fares, more VLocity
trains and extra weekend services.
• One full page of Victorian Government advertising in every regional newspaper.
• $125 million to deliver Stage 2 of the Barwon Heads Road upgrade.
RCV acknowledges the willingness of Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and Nationals Leader Peter
Walsh MP, and their parties, to engage with regional cities and discuss the RCV’s policy platform.
“We would like to congratulate former RCV Chair Cr Kim O’Keefe as the new member for Shepparton
and wish her success representing her regional community in the 60th Parliament,” Cr Metcalf said.
“We look forward to continuing our productive and robust working relationship in the next term of
the Andrews government,” Cr Metcalf concluded.
