REGIONAL Victorian cities are “well placed” to handle population growth spilling over from a rapidly expanding Melbourne in the coming decades, according to a new report.
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Deloitte Access Economics’ Regional Cities Victoria liveability index ranked Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe Valley, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga as a group against greater Melbourne.
The regional cities came out on top in a range of liveability factors, ranging from access to hospital beds to lower unemployment rates.
Bendigo mayor Margaret O’Rourke, who chairs Regional Cities Victoria, said regional cities needed to prepare for a significant increase in population.
“The population of Melbourne is growing faster than any capital in Australia and projected to hit eight million people by 2050,” she said.
“Regional cities have a key role to play in rebalancing this growth by attracting skilled professionals. This will drive productivity in regional communities while easing pressure on Melbourne.
“The report shows we’re well placed to take on more people – now, and into the future.”
Regional cities were better in volunteer figures, access to primary and tertiary health, had more public use zone land and had stronger arts and recreation appeal.
While house prices were on average $500,000 lower in regional Victorian cities, Melbourne did have better access to secondary and tertiary education, and a lower crime rate.
Mobile and broadband coverage were also significantly better in Melbourne, according to the report.
Cr O’Rourke said boosting transport and connectivity – particularly rail infrastructure – would further enhance regional cities as viable alternatives to Melbourne.
Regional Cities Victoria commissioned the report, based on a similar report undertaken for the City of Greater Bendigo in 2014.