Inquiry validates: With the right investment, regional Victoria can help solve the state’s housing challenge
19 November 2025
MEDIA STATEMENT
The Parliamentary Inquiry into the Supply of Homes in Regional Victoria has confirmed the huge opportunity regional cities present in meeting Victoria’s housing needs – provided the State invests in critical infrastructure, strengthens the regional workforce and partners with the Commonwealth to unlock land.
RCV Chair Shane Sali, Mayor of Greater Shepparton, said the Inquiry’s findings mirror the evidence RCV presented in March.
“The Inquiry confirms what RCV highlighted: regional Victoria has the land, the community appetite and the growth strategies to deliver more homes. We simply need the infrastructure in place to bring this opportunity to life,” Cr Sali said.
“If we invest now in the enabling infrastructure identified in the report – the water mains, sewerage upgrades, intersections and local roads – we can unlock homes quickly, grow local jobs and take real pressure off Melbourne’s growth corridor.”
The Inquiry also emphasises that major enabling infrastructure cannot be funded by Victoria alone, calling for stronger Commonwealth–State co-investment to service new housing in the regions.
Cr Sali said this is exactly why RCV has been advocating for the reinstatement of a dedicated regional infrastructure program.
“Regional Victoria stands ready to partner with both levels of government. But without a fund like the scrapped Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, it’s basically impossible to secure matching Commonwealth contributions,” Cr Sali said.
“Re-establishing a regional fund would put Victoria back at the table for national housing and infrastructure programs – and re-open the door to significant Commonwealth co-investment.”
The Inquiry also supported RCV’s position on critical workforce requirements, acknowledging significant shortages in planners, engineers, surveyors and building inspectors which are professions essential to designing, approving and delivering new homes.
“Our regional cities are ready to go. We want to welcome new residents, support industry and play a bigger role in the state’s housing future,” Cr Sali said.
“But that future depends on a strong regional workforce. If we invest now in planners, engineers and surveyors, and create pathways for them to build their careers in regional communities, we can dramatically accelerate housing delivery.”
Importantly, the Inquiry recognised that regional cities cannot rely on infill alone to meet State housing targets. RCV’s evidence showed that while higher-density housing is supported in key locations, viability and infrastructure constraints meant greenfield growth would continue to be essential.
As Victoria heads to an election in 12 months, Cr Sali said the findings gives both Government and Opposition a clear path forward.
“These findings should be a turning point. They acknowledge the reality RCV has been highlighting for years. If we are going to meet housing targets, we must invest in enabling infrastructure, rebuild the regional workforce, fix decision-making bottlenecks and partner meaningfully with the Commonwealth,” Cr Sali said.
“Regional Victoria is not asking for special treatment – only investment that matches our contribution to the state. Every dollar spent in the regions works harder to unlock housing, grow the economy and ease pressure on Melbourne.”
