Regional Cities unite with housing industry leaders to drive Victoria’s growth agenda

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Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) convened a strategic forum today at Victoria’s Parliament House with leading housing and infrastructure industry organisations including the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA Victoria), Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders Victoria (MBAV), Property Council of Australia (Victoria Division), and the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV).

The forum was held in the spirit of collaboration and forward planning to shape a unified vision for Victoria’s growth over the next 25 years, with a specific focus on ensuring regional cities are part of the state’s long-term economic, housing, and infrastructure agenda.

 

Discussion highlights:

• Industry leaders and RCV agreed that regional cities can play a central role in accommodating population growth sustainably and affordably with the right investment.
• Challenges identified included a shortage of skilled professionals and constrained enabling infrastructure funding (water, sewerage, power, roads, public transport) contributing to delays in development of more homes.
• The shortage of skilled workers is exacerbated by housing availability and affordability, highlighting the need for worker accommodation.
• Participants noted the contrast between metropolitan Melbourne’s “Big Build” funding and the limited support for growth projects in regional cities acknowledging the loss of the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF) has left a significant gap in opportunities to anchor long-term regional investment.
• Internal migration trends from metro capitals to cities like Geelong, Bendigo, Latrobe and Wodonga, signals the urgent need to align infrastructure with demographic momentum for sustainable growth.
  
  

 

Points of Consensus:

• Focus investment in enabling infrastructure to unlock zoned land for housing in regional cities.
• Improved transport infrastructure and connectivity locally, between cities and to metropolitan Melbourne.
• More cross-sector action to address critical skill shortages; including in urban planning, surveying, civil engineering and building assessment.
• Broad agreement on the need for renewed regional economic development funding – building on the legacy of RJIF – and restoring confidence for councils, businesses, and investors.
• That Victoria’s future prosperity depends on a whole-of-state approach – one that enables regional and metropolitan growth to complement, not compete.

 

RCV and industry shared commitments 2025-2026:

• Continuation of joint advocacy efforts in the lead-up to the November 2026 Victorian State Election, ensuring the sustainable growth of regional cities is acknowledged across party platforms.
• United voices that with the right investment regional Victoria is an affordable solution to Victoria’s housing pressures.
• Collaboration and data sharing around market trends, migration insights, and development constraints to support joint policy and investment outcomes.

 

RCV Chair Cr Shane Sali, Mayor of Greater Shepparton said the forum was a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when regional leaders and the housing sector come together with a shared vision.

“We know that the future of Victoria depends on strong, confident, connected regional cities and today we took an important step toward that future. Our cities are ready to grow, and we welcome the industry’s insights to making that a reality,” Cr Sali said.

“Our collaboration today reaffirms that regional Victoria isn’t just a beneficiary of the state’s growth, it is central to how that growth will be delivered.

“With the right investment regional cities are ready to grow and ready to go – and industry stands with us.”

Cr Shane Sali is Mayor of Greater Shepparton and Chair of Regional Cities Victoria – an assembly that represents Victoria’s 10 largest regional cities: Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

Media: Emily Broadbent 0413 133 627.

OPINION: Regional cities are central to Victoria’s growth story 

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One of the most important conversations facing Victoria is where and how we will grow over the next 25 years.

Today, Regional Cities Victoria will have that conversation with some of the state’s most influential housing and infrastructure leaders at Parliament House. Together, we’ll be talking about some of the top issues facing our regional cities and what should be done about them.

As Chair of Regional Cities Victoria and Mayor of Greater Shepparton, I know our cities have never been more important to the state’s future.

Infrastructure Victoria’s draft 30-year strategy acknowledges regional and rural areas contribute nearly 20 per cent of Victoria’s economy and account for around one-third of its exports. We are fundamental economic drivers, not merely support hubs.

In fact, developing regional Victoria is a core focus of the 30-year plan, with approximately a quarter of the strategy’s 43 recommendations specifically addressing regional infrastructure needs, from transport and connectivity to social and community services.

I know that the opportunities ahead – if we plan well for them – can deliver enormous benefits for all Victorians.

The most recent Regional Movers Index (March 2025) shows this shift is already under way. Wodonga, Latrobe and Geelong all ranked in the top 10 local government areas nationally for net regional migration. These are people voting with their feet – moving to regional cities that offer affordability, lifestyle and jobs.

That’s not just a trend – it’s a signal.

It’s a signal that regional cities are not just part of the solution to Melbourne’s population pressures, but are actively shaping a shared and sustainable Victoria.

The Victorian Government has set housing targets for regional cities. We need to deliver 280,950 by 2051 – that’s about 30 houses a day for the next 25 years.

We can do it.

But we can’t do it alone.

That’s why we invited the REIV, HIA, UDIA, the Property Council, Infrastructure Victoria and the Master Builders Association to our Annual Forum. These are organisations that hold enormous influence in the way housing, infrastructure, and planning are shaped in Victoria. And it’s vital that when they speak to government about the future of growth, our voice – regional voices – are part of that conversation.

We share more in common than ever before. We all want faster planning approvals. We all need more skilled workers – especially planners, engineers and surveyors. We all want reliable investment in infrastructure. And we all want a development pipeline that gives certainty to business, communities and councils alike.

Regional cities can help deliver on all of that, and we’re ready to go.

We have land for new homes – with the right infrastructure. We have councils that have done the work for growth. We have communities that want to welcome new residents and businesses. What we need now is partnership and confidence – from government and industry.

That means a commitment to long-term, regionally inclusive investment strategies. It means replacing what was lost with the end of the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which once allowed local government, state and industry to co-invest in transformative projects. And it means not placing additional burdens on already stretched councils and ratepayers – like the sudden Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy, which will cost regional cities tens of millions of dollars each year.

Victoria’s growth challenge is not just a metropolitan issue. It’s a whole-of-state opportunity. And if we get it right, regional cities can offer solutions that benefit everyone – from more affordable housing and sustainable services to stronger local economies.

The next state government, due to be elected in November 2026, has a unique opportunity to put regional cities at the centre of today’s conversation about growth.

Together with the state’s housing industry partners, regional cities can offer sustainable growth for Victoria’s future, and we can do that with essential investments to deliver those ambitions.

Cr Shane Sali is Mayor of Greater Shepparton and Chair of Regional Cities Victoria – an assembly that represents Victoria’s 10 largest regional cities: Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

Media: Emily Broadbent 0413 133 627.

Growth of regional cities tops agenda for housing industry leaders at Parliament forum 

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Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) hosts its Annual Forum at Victoria’s Parliament House tomorrow, bringing the state’s most influential housing and infrastructure stakeholders together for critical discussions on the future of growth across regional Victoria.

Industry leaders from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), Housing Industry Association (HIA), Property Council of Australia, Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), Infrastructure Victoria, and the Master Builders Association (MBA) will engage directly with regional city leaders on the urgent challenges and opportunities shaping regional development.

At the heart of the forum is a call for essential investment to unlock the full potential of Victoria’s regional cities. A key focus will be the economic vacuum left behind following the scrapping of the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF) – a fund that previously delivered essential investment to underwrite regional growth.

“The absence of a dedicated regional fund has created a glaring gap in Victoria’s economic development policy,” said Cr Shane Sali, Chair of Regional Cities Victoria and Mayor of Greater Shepparton.

“The RJIF helped shape the liveability and prosperity our regions are known for today and gave us the opportunity to act on the long-term priorities of our cities and the rural towns and communities they support.”

RCV’s agenda for the forum includes calls for:

• a new, fit-for-purpose regional fund to underwrite projects for growth, create jobs and pursue strategic priorities with long-term impact;
• investment in essential infrastructure (water, sewerage, power, roads, public transport) to meet demand for affordable homes in the regions and support sustainable growth of new communities; and
• workforce solutions to address critical skills shortages across planning, surveying and engineering roles within local government.

Cr Sali said the current term of government had been a turbulent time for regional Victoria with the scrapping of the RJIF, the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, crippling drought and the ambush of the Emergency Service Volunteer Fund tax which will take another $60 million out of regional cities each year.

“As we approach the 2026 Victorian state election, our message is clear. With genuine consideration of the rural and regional context – and the right support from government – our regional cities can play a vital role in the plan for Victoria’s future,” Cr Sali said.

RCV comprises the Mayors and CEOs of the 10 largest cities in regional Victoria – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham Latrobe Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga – and advocates for policies that invest equitably and sustainably in regional cities to support a growing and prosperous Victoria.

Media: Emily Broadbent 0413 133 627.

RCV welcomes further drought support measures

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RCV has welcomed the extra $75 million for the Victorian Government’s drought package to assist the state’s vital agricultural industry, which includes primary producer support payments for council rate relief.

Chair Cr Shane Sali, Mayor of Greater Shepparton, said RCV had consistently advocated for direct relief to farmers during Drought Taskforce Response discussions.

“The state is relying on Victoria’s regions for food and fibre products to boost the state’s economy, that’s why direct relief to farmers continues to be our priority,” Cr Sali said.

Primary producers in shires of Ararat, City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway, Corangamite Glenelg, Golden Plains, Moyne, Pyrenees, Surf Coast, Southern Grampians, Warrnambool and southern parts of West Wimmera will receive a rebate of about 40 per cent as part of an overall $144 million response package.

Cr Sali said there should be further consideration for expansion to the south and west areas of Horsham Rural City Council also.

“Our agriculture sector is the backbone of our economy. Right now, they need all the support they can get – even with recent rains there is a long road to recovery ahead for Victoria’s primary producers and for the regional and rural economies that rely on them.”

Cr Sali said despite the pause on the rollout of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy for those who are drought-affected, there was still significant angst across rural and regional Victoria about its eventual impact.

RCV has also written to the Federal Agriculture Minister and the Federal Water Minister urging the Albanese Government to expand supports for drought relief in Victoria and to request an immediate and indefinite pause on the Commonwealth’s water buyback scheme while Victoria is in drought.

“Water already taken out of our regions has had a noticeable effect on farms and regional towns, however buybacks in dry years like this exacerbate existing water shortages further,” Cr Sali said.

RCV is the trusted voice to government for the regions, their cities and the rural communities they support.

“We are committed to working with governments, on behalf of regional and rural Victorians, to ensure our regional cities see the right investment to support our growth,” Cr Sali said.

Media: Emily Broadbent – 0400 390 008

Regional Cities Victoria drought taskforce update

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Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) joined key industry and government stakeholders including the Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins as part of drought taskforce talks in Ballarat today.

This was the third meeting in as many weeks where regional and rural leaders provided vital insights to the Premier and Ministers to address critical drought concerns.

RCV Chair Shane Sali, Mayor of Greater Shepparton, said the $69 million package already announced by the Victorian Government included important measures to support Victoria’s primary production industry, but there was still more to do.

“The state is relying on Victoria’s regions for food and fibre products to boost the state’s economic prospects – that’s why direct relief to farmers continues to be our priority,” Cr Sali said.

“We have consistently – with our taskforce counterparts Rural Councils Victoria and the Victorian Farmers Federation – sought additional support measures including council rate relief and an increase to the on-farm drought infrastructure grants.

“We look forward to further announcements from the Victorian Government in the coming weeks.”

While acknowledging yesterday’s announcement of grants of up to $5,000 for community-led events that promote social connection and mental health awareness, to be delivered through the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Government, Cr Sali said that initiative should also be available to local councils.

“Local councils have a grassroots understanding of their communities and bringing people together when things are tough is what they do best,” Cr Sali said.

Cr Sali said the taskforce had been an important forum to provide the Premier and Ministers with feedback and insights.

“There is significant concern about a lack of future investment in community infrastructure, about critical workforce shortages, and about housing and services needed to accommodate the thousands of extra people coming to live in regional Victoria every year,” Cr Sali said.

“And while the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy has been paused for 12 months, there is still significant stress being felt regarding its eventual rollout and the financial impacts it will have on primary producers and regional and rural areas more broadly as they recover from drought.

“Victoria’s regional cities must be heard. We need considered investment to underpin our long-term economic prosperity and ensure we can maintain everything we love about living in our regional cities.”

RCV is the trusted voice to government for the regions, their cities and the rural communities they support.

“Our leadership group – led by the Mayors and CEOs of the 10 largest cities in regional Victoria – has provided strategic advice to government, ministers and industry stakeholders for the last 25 years,” Cr Sali said.

“We are committed to working with governments, on behalf of regional and rural Victorians, to ensure our regional cities see the right investment to support our growth.”

Media: Emily Broadbent – 0413 133 627

RCV appointment to drought taskforce

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STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIR CR SHANE SALI, MAYOR OF GREATER SHEPPARTON

RCV has been appointed to the Victorian Government’s drought taskforce.

RCV is the trusted voice to government for the regions, their cities and the rural communities they support.

Our leadership group – led by the Mayors and CEOs of the 10 largest cities in regional Victoria – has provided strategic advice to government, ministers and industry stakeholders for the last 25 years.

When we are at the table, we are a direct report for our communities, our businesses and the industries that the state’s economy relies on.

I have called an extraordinary meeting of RCV Mayors for Monday to discuss the priorities we will take to next week’s inaugural taskforce meeting.

We’re all facing this challenge together, no regional city is immune from the consequences of drought.

While we acknowledge today’s announcements from the Victorian Government including the $37.7 million statewide drought package and the ESVF reprieve for primary producers, we are acutely aware of impacts from current policies for rural and regional Victoria.

Right now, we need to support our farming communities in drought, but we also need to see a broader reset on government investment priorities to capitalise on the economic opportunities the regions offer.

This is why we continue to advocate for the return of the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund – a guaranteed $100m investment every year that our cities, industry and businesses could rely on to back projects that support growth.

Strengthening the Victorian economy will depend on genuine consideration of the regional and rural context.

MEDIA:
Emily Broadbent
0400 390 008

Regional Cities Victoria response to State Budget

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Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) Chair Shane Sali said today’s State Budget was another modest budget for regional Victoria, with missed opportunities for the regions.

While acknowledging investment in services statewide for health, education and transport, Cr Sali said strengthening the Victorian economy depends on genuine consideration of the regional and rural context.

“We need to see a reset on government investment priorities to capitalise on the economic opportunities the regions offer,” Cr Sali said.

“Many regional Victorians look at the tens of billions being spent to ease growth pains in metro Melbourne and wonder about the potential of some of that level of investment in growing our regional cities.

“Today’s State Budget is a missed opportunity to provide dedicated investment in Victoria’s regions.

“The introduction of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy at a time when regional and rural Victorians are experiencing significant cost of living pressures and concerningly dry conditions will continue to further impact the regions.

“There is so much opportunity outside Melbourne to give rise to new and emerging industries, create more jobs, more affordable housing, and stronger communities,” Cr Sali said.

“Regional Victoria is ready to go. Our governments need to look beyond metropolitan areas. Collectively we must raise aspirations for our regional cities,” Cr Sali said.

RCV’s 2025-26 State Priorities missing from the budget include:

• a new grants-based community infrastructure fund to establish partnerships with federal government for large-scale projects such as arts or aquatics centres, interchanges etc.
  
• a new enabling infrastructure fund to unlock housing supply in regional Victoria, boosting affordable and diverse housing types by directly funding the design and construction of water, utilities, and sewerage upgrades, upgrading local roads and intersections, and other housing-related infrastructure through grants.
  
• expansion of existing programs to address critical workforce shortages so more planners, building surveyors and civic engineers enter the rural and regional local government workforce.

Introduction of the ESVF

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Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) member councils are bracing for a $60m hit to communities next financial year from the Victorian Government’s Emergency Service Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy.

RCV Chair Cr Shane Sali, Mayor of Greater Shepparton, said Mayors and CEOs across the cities hold significant concern about the financial impact on residents, primary producers and regional businesses already struggling with cost-of-living pressures and dry conditions.

“Farmers can hardly afford to feed and water their stock at the moment – and now they’re being slugged the ESVF. The new levy is tone deaf to the situation in the regions. It really feels like the Government’s not getting it,” Cr Sali said.

“We are the nation’s food bowl – the Government should be pouring money into our regions not taking it out.”

Instead, in this term of government alone, the regions were stripped of the Commonwealth Games – costing the state $600m, and the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund – which provided $100m annual investment in the regions.

Councils are also picking up an increasing tab for the State for libraries, school crossings, maternal child health services, kindergarten infrastructure, waste services and environmental protection.

Meanwhile on the eve of next week’s State Budget, regional Victorians look at the tens of billions being poured into metro projects – like $13.48bn for Metro Tunnel, $11bn for West Gate Tunnel and $216bn for Suburban Rail Loop (east/north) – and wonder about the potential of some of that investment in our regions.

The ESVF is another ongoing cost to local government too, when the revenue base of local government is already unsustainable.

“It’s concerning that ensuring someone answers the phone at Triple Zero relies on regional and rural communities being slugged this new levy,” Cr Sali said.

“Councils have a rate cap – this government needs a tax cap.

“This consistent cost shifting from the State is ultimately borne by our ratepayers, and it has to stop,” Cr Sali said.

With the levy now due to come into effect on 1 July 2025, councils are still yet to receive advice on implementation of the levy, and whether their existing administrative systems can facilitate the process.

RCV is a powerful assembly representing the Mayors and CEOs of Victoria’s 10 regional cities – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.