New Chair and Deputy Chair appointed to lead Regional Cities Victoria

A new Chair and Deputy Chair have been appointed to Regional Cities Victoria (RCV), a leadership group
comprising the Mayors and CEOs of the 10 largest cities outside Melbourne – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong,
Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

The new Chair of RCV will be Cr Shane Sali, Mayor of Greater Shepparton City Council, with Cr Andrea
Metcalf, Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo, to serve as Deputy Chair.

Cr Sali grew up in Shepparton, where he is now raising his three children with wife Lirie. Outside his
Mayoral role Shane remains very connected to the operations of his family retail businesses.

Shane is deeply committed to Greater Shepparton and regional Victoria and served as Deputy Chair of RCV this year, after becoming Mayor of Greater Shepparton in June 2022.

“It is an honour to be able to lead RCV for the next 12 months. I look forward to working with the group to
strengthen our regional economies and maximise regional liveability,” Cr Sali said.

“We will continue to work with and advocate to the State and Federal Governments to ensure regional
Victorians are not left behind, maintaining our focus on ensuring the infrastructure, services and amenities needed to accommodate new families and residents.

“I would like to thank Cr Andrea Metcalf for her leadership as RCV Chair during the past 18 months. RCV is the leading voice for regional communities and Cr Metcalf has been a strong advocate for the regions. I
look forward to continuing to work with her as Deputy Chair,” Cr Sali concluded.

Following Mayoral elections, RCV has also welcomed two new Mayors to the group, Darren Howe from
Latrobe City Council and Ben Blain from Warrnambool City Council.

RCV advocates for the sustainable growth of Victoria’s regions, and for policies and programs that help
attract business investment and a diverse workforce to regional Victoria. Collectively, these cities are home to more than 800,000 Victorians.

Media contact: Emily Broadbent – 0413 133 627

Regional Cities Victoria welcomes incoming Premier Jacinta Allan and Deputy
Premier Ben Carroll

Regional Cities Victoria welcomes the appointment of the Hon. Jacinta Allan as the 49th Premier of Victoria, and incoming Deputy Premier Ben Carroll.

Regional Cities Victoria Chair Cr Andrea Metcalf said the appointment was good news for regional Victoria.

“As a regional Victorian, Ms Allan has represented the electorate of Bendigo East for 24 years and has an
outstanding understanding of the issues faced by regional communities,” Cr Metcalf said.

“We have always had a productive and responsive relationship with Ms Allan while she was Deputy Premier, and we will continue to engage with her office on regional issues in her new position as Premier.

“In particular, RCV will continue to work with the Government in relation to its Housing Statement and the
$2 Billion Regional investment package.”

Regional Cities Victoria acknowledges outgoing Premier Daniel Andrews for his commitment to regional Victoria through his government’s agenda.

“Over almost a decade, Premier Andrews implemented many policies that benefitted our regional
communities, such as investing in regional hospitals, the Regional Rail Revival, ensuring payroll tax in
regional Victoria was the lowest in the country, and creating jobs that ensured record low unemployment in the regions. The lasting effects of his government’s agenda will be felt for many years to come,” Cr Metcalf said.

Regional Cities Victoria comprises the 10 largest regional cities in Victoria – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong,
Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

Download the media release here.

Regional Cities Victoria welcomes more housing for the regions but warns that regional communities will have less say over major developments

Regional Cities Victoria welcomes the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement, which seeks to make it quicker and easier for people to build new homes but has warned that the State’s take-over of major housing developments worth more than $15 million must come with a commitment to listen to local communities.

Chair of Regional Cities Victoria, Cr Andrea Metcalf, said RCV welcomed the announcement of future housing stock for the regions and was particularly pleased to see a commitment to review and rewrite the Planning and Environment Act 1987, which RCV called for in its Planning Paper earlier this year.

“Regional Victoria has been growing faster than predicted over the past five years, a trend exacerbated through the pandemic, and that growth will only continue over the next 10 years,” she said.

“We knew that to accommodate that growth, an overhaul of the planning system was desperately needed as it was clearly not benefitting our regional cities, so we applaud the State Government for making it a priority.”

While additional housing is welcome in the regions, RCV cautions that the expanded Development Facilitation Program will remove councils as the decision makers for state-significant developments in regional towns worth $15 million or more, or where they deliver at least 10 per cent affordable housing.

Planning approvals for these developments for these developments will now include a fast-tracked timeframe of four months (currently 12 months).

“It is pleasing to see government’s recognition that water connections to new housing developments must happen more quickly. But it there is no detail on how this new infrastructure will be paid for – this has been the key issue delaying many housing projects in regional Victoria,” Cr Metcalf said.

The Government has committed to a $400 million package of works in Melbourne’s growth corridors for “things like toilets, shelter and lighting upgrades at bus stops and train stations, footpaths and cycling paths”. RCV calls on a similar commitment to civic infrastructure in growing regional towns and cities.

“In our submissions to government we acknowledged that the shortage of housing is an urgent issue in the regions. It is critical that land supply is unlocked and enabling infrastructure built, however this cannot come at the expense of regional residents’ ability to have a say in developments,” Cr Metcalf said.

“As the Minister for Planning becomes the decision maker for significant residential developments that include affordable housing, grassroots campaigns to influence development will have fewer avenues to have their voices heard.”

RCV also notes the establishment of a new Short Stay Levy of 7.5 per cent on short stay accommodation platforms. RCV is supportive of the Government’s decision to direct 25 per cent of funds gathered from this levy to regional Victoria. RCV will be closely analysing the flow of these funds to ensure that regional Victoria is not short-changed.

Changes to the planning approvals process and new ‘Deemed to Comply’ residential standards will benefit councils, developers, and residents by fast-tracking the approval process for new homes, and in some instances, removing the need for planning permits entirely.

Download the media release here.

Funding for regions welcomed, following Commonwealth Games cancellation

Regional Cities Victoria has welcomed the Victorian Government’s release of further detail today about
additional investments to be made across regional Victoria, following the disappointing cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“There is no doubt that the decision to cancel the Commonwealth Games was a shock, and very
disappointing for regional communities. We welcome the Victorian Government committing to delivering
on some of the promised legacy, directing funds into boosting housing, tourism, and sporting groups in
country communities,” RCV Chair Cr Andrea Metcalf said.

Funding redirected from the Commonwealth Games budget includes:

• A new $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, in addition to a $1 billion boost to social and affordable housing in regional cities and towns;
• $140 million to bring new events, multi-cultural festivals, and more visitors to regional Victoria, including workforce development programs, $70 million for new visitor attraction campaigns, and $60 million for tourism infrastructure such as new destination accommodation;
• $10 million to grow our food and fibre exports and encourage more people to buy Victorian;
• $35 million for new community sport infrastructure and another $25 million to support community sport programs;
• $20 million to support Aboriginal businesses, employment programs, and Aboriginal cultural tourism initiatives across regional Victoria;
• A $25 million Council Support Package, recognising the investment ratepayers have already made in planning and preparing for the Commonwealth Games; and
• A doubling of the Tiny Towns Fund to $20 million, providing grants of up to $50,000 to projects and organisations in communities with up to 5,000 people.

“While nothing can match being broadcast into billions of lounge rooms around the world, we look forward to working with the Victorian Government to attract more visitors to regional Victoria, sell more Victorian grown and made products to Australians, and support the massive population growth across our regional cities,” Cr Metcalf said.

“A lack of housing stock is keeping regional businesses from attracting the workers they need, and many locals are increasingly being priced out of the market – especially renters. These new investments in workers accommodation and social and affordable housing are very welcome,” Cr Metcalf said.

“Regional Cities Victoria has been calling for local community sporting groups in every corner of the state to see a benefit ever since the Commonwealth Games was first announced. It is fantastic to see this will come to fruition.”

But RCV says the additional investment in tiny towns does not make up for the abolition of the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund in the recent State Budget. Regional cities still have no access to any funding to help build community centres, news open spaces, and provide the infrastructure needed to make regional Victoria a better place to live and work. It also puts access to Federal Government grants in
jeopardy.

“Regional Victorians had excitedly welcomed the Commonwealth Games because of the long-term value it promised for their communities. We are pleased many of these benefits will still flow. But we must see a
renewed focus on making our regional cities even better places to live and work,” Cr Metcalf said.

Regional Cities Victoria will continue to advocate to the Victorian Government to ensure funding is
delivered across all parts of the State, and in a timely manner.

Download the media release here.

Cancellation of 2026 Commonwealth Games a major loss for regional cities

Regional Cities Victoria is greatly disappointed by the Victorian Government’s decision to cancel the 2026
Commonwealth Games.

RCV Chair Cr Andrea Metcalf said the promised Commonwealth Games was an opportunity to showcase
regional Victoria to the world, better connect regional communities with each other, and gain long-term
value from tourism, job creation, and attracting skilled workers to our regional cities.

“The opportunity to host a once-in-a-lifetime event in regional Victoria has been something our cities and
regional communities embraced and welcomed since Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian
Government submitted the bid,” Cr Metcalf said.

“The 2026 Commonwealth Games promised flow on benefits for every corner of the state. Outside of the
hub cities, this now appears lost.”

“We look forward to seeing details of the proposed state-wide tourism package but recognise this will not
deliver the same benefits as broadcasting the best of regional Victoria into billions of lounge rooms around the world.”

Cr Metcalf said RCV understood the fiscal reasons behind the Victorian Government’s decision today, but
says the need for long-term investment in the still exists.

“The Victorian Government’s announcement of a $1 billion package for social and affordable housing in the regions is much needed. The shortage of affordable housing is an urgent issue across all our cities and is impacting our availability to attract and retain skilled workers,” Cr Metcalf said.

“Regional Cities Victoria is keen to work with the Victorian Government to ensure the new $1 billion
package is delivered to areas most in need and adds to the Big Housing Build.”

RCV recently launched its Commonwealth Games legacy document. Among the top priorities highlighted is the need to invest in community infrastructure; repairing an old legacy and creating a new one.

“We are pleased that the infrastructure legacy across Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, the Latrobe Valley and
Shepparton will still be delivered. But we reiterate our call for repairs and upgrades to sporting facilities in
other regions,” Cr Metcalf said.

Today’s announcement comes on top of the Victorian Government’s decision to axe the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund in the 2023-24 State Budget, which for over two decades was used to create jobs, help businesses relocate to regional cities, build community centres, and make regional Victoria a better place to live and work.

“Without this funding, Councils no longer have the same access to funding co-contributions from the
Federal Government.”

“This is a disappointing day for the 1.5 million people – a quarter of all Victorians – who call regional Victoria home and had excitedly welcomed the Commonwealth Games, encouraged by the long term value it promised for their communities,” Cr Metcalf said.

The full media release is available to download here.

‘The Winning Formula for Regional Victoria’ – how the 2026 Commonwealth Games can benefit all of regional Victoria

Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) today launches ‘The Winning Formula for Regional Victoria’, a document
outlining the group’s priorities to ensure a lasting legacy is created for the whole of regional Victoria as part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

As regional Victoria prepares for the biggest event it has ever seen, RCV is calling for measures that ensure all regional cities benefit from the influx of athletes, visitors and publicity the Games will bring.

RCV Chair, Cr Andrea Metcalf said the 2026 Commonwealth Games presents a unique opportunity that
must reach all parts of the State – capturing real and positive benefits for locals, and creating a sustainable legacy that future generations can enjoy.

“This is the time for regional Victoria to shine on the world stage and we must ensure that we build on this exposure, maintaining momentum as we showcase our amazing regional cities and get long-term value out of the investment made through the Games,” she said.

“It is a priority that First Peoples and Traditional Owners are engaged in all aspects of the Games delivery
and ensure they reflect Victoria’s rich cultural history.”

“With the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund discontinued in the 2023-24 Victorian Budget, our regional cities need assurance from the Government that they will invest in our regions to ensure they continue to be great places to live, work and visit.”

The Winning Formula for Regional Victoria examines six key areas with recommendations that will
ensure a lasting legacy for every regional city beyond the event period and across the whole state, not just for the five cities hosting events:

• Pre-Games Opportunities – hosting & training: Facilitation of partnerships between regional cities and participating countries to provide a base for their training and Games preparation.
• Infrastructure – repairing an old legacy & creating a new one: Including $2 million to conduct repairs or upgrade sporting facilities in each regional city; $30 million for a Regional Parks and Civic Space Program, creating new parkland and upgrading existing spaces; and all equipment provided for the Games be donated to local regional sporting organisations.
• Cultural Experiences – community engagement: the Victorian Government to sponsor free cultural activities and events across the regions.
• People – skilled workers & volunteers: creation of a new local Victoria Skills Authority liaison officer role to be based in each regional city for at least three years; establish a Commonwealth Games Regional Volunteer Program to provide training, pre- employment qualifications and supported accommodation for 16–21-year-olds to volunteer at the Games.
• Business procurement – business opportunities: regionally based businesses to make up 100% of all opportunities created through the Games’ procurement processes, with priority given to First Nations businesses and employers.
• Tourism and the visitor economy: Invest $30 million into a tourism campaign; offer regional tourism packages when people are purchasing their Games tickets; ensure the Royal Baton Relay visits all 10 regional cities, and that the baton is designed by a regional Indigenous artist.

Regional Cities Victoria comprises the 10 largest regional cities in Victoria – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

Regional Victoria is home to more than 1.5 million people, or a quarter of all Victorians. Approximately
800,000 people call one of our regional cities home and the cities make up 10 per cent of Victoria’s
economy.

Funding for jobs and regional infrastructure axed in 2023-24 Victorian Budget

Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) has called on the Victorian Government to outline how regional Victorians will access State Government funding for infrastructure in growing communities and new job-creating projects following the discontinuation of the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF).

Councils and regional businesses have had access to more than $100m each year through this grants
program since it was established by the Bracks Government more than two decades ago.

RCV spokesperson Cr Shane Sali said the RJIF has been used to create jobs, help business relocate to
regional cities, build community centres, and make regional Victoria a better place to live, work and visit.

“It is incredibly disappointing that this funding has not been continued and there is no support available for local infrastructure projects in our growing regional cities. RCV is seeking an assurance from the Victorian Government that regional Councils will be able to access State Government funding via other means,” he said.

“Without access to Victorian Government funding, Councils will find it even harder to secure Federal
Government funding, due to co-contribution requirements.”

RCV welcomed a series of 2023-24 Budget announcements, including:

• Significant investment in the regional rail network:

• $190 million towards capping regional rail fares at metro prices (which began on 31 March).
• $601 million to deliver 23 new Victorian-made VLocity trains.
• $111 million to support the regional rail network operations, reliability and punctuality.
• $3.5 million to maintain the Mode Shift Incentive Scheme, encouraging the transfer of freight from road to rail.

• $677 million in ongoing flood recovery

• And outdoor recreation initiatives such as:

• $32 million for the Go Fishing Victoria program
• $16 million for recreational boating infrastructure
• $2.5 million for the Country Football and Netball Program.

Cr Sali added that while RCV is looking forward to working with the Government to support planning
legislative reform to increase housing supply, regional councils had hoped there would be support for
enabling infrastructure in this budget.

“We would also like more information on plans to capitalise on 2026 Commonwealth Games for all regional areas in future budgets, not just the cities hosting the sports events.”

RCV is a regional leadership group dedicated to building a sustainable Victoria by providing strategic advice, coordination and advocacy to State and Federal Governments to support policies which enable Victoria’s regional centres to grow and develop.

Comprising Mayors and CEOs of the 10 largest cities in regional Victoria – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga – RCV is focused on achieving real change in regional Victoria through policy development and active implementation of those policies.

Regional Cities Victoria comprises the 10 largest regional cities in Victoria – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong,
Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

Download a copy of the media release here.

Regional Cities Victoria applauds 2023-24 Federal Budget tackling cost of living
pressures, but regional Victoria misses out on funding

Regional Cities Victoria today congratulates Treasurer Jim Chalmers on delivering the 2023-24 Budget,
providing much-needed relief for households struggling with cost-of-living increases.

Key items in the 2023-24 Budget such as energy bill relief, increases in JobSeeker payments and the $5.7
billion committed to strengthening Medicare will benefit all Victorians and investments in clean energy will help secure our path towards net zero.

RCV also acknowledges the new Regional Investment Framework outlined in the 2023-24 Budget that will
establish a regional development forum for Australian Government agencies. Under the framework, all
regional investments must meet standards of merit and integrity.

RCV welcomed particular announcements complementing the ongoing Growing Regions Program,
including:

• Committing a further $4 billion to the renewable energy superpower plan
• $2 billion to make Australia a world leading hydrogen producer
• $400 million over 4 years to support reduction of direct and indirect emissions at existing industrial facilities, or clean energy development, in regional Australia.

However, Chair of Regional Cities Victoria, Cr Andrea Metcalf, said RCV had hoped to see more targeted
funding for regional Victoria.

“Investment in regional Victoria is critical for our local economies, especially as we prepare to welcome
visitors from around the world to the Commonwealth Games in 2026,” she said.

“We welcome the Government’s funding for clean energy and cost-of-living relief, however we would have liked to see regional Victoria secure more targeted funding for much-needed projects.”

Prior to the budget, RCV called on the Federal Government to:

• Match the $165 million ‘road repair blitz’ provided by the Victorian Government;
• Provide $10 million to develop a Regional Transport Plan for Victoria that will design ways to improve inter-city transport connectivity and safe and fast transport links between regional cities;
• Introduce ‘improved resilience’ as an objective for the rebuilding and repair of community infrastructure following a natural disaster and provide the additional funding necessary to ensure communities can ‘build back better’;
• Ensure regional Victoria receives its fair share of funding under the Better Connectivity Plan; and to commit to the continuation of funding for the Plan.

Download RCV’s media release here.