IMPROVING the Loddon Campapse region's roads, public transport, and internet connection should be a priority of the state government, a draft report says.
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Infrastructure Victoria on Wednesday released its updated 30-year strategy for regional Victoria.
The report provided 95 draft recommendations for the state government, covering everything from climate change to mental health.
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For the Loddon Campaspe region, the agency recommended the government deliver funding certainty for regional road maintenance and upgrades.
Infrastructure Victoria's strategy and policy manager Llewellyn Reynders said the strategy also recommended reforming public transport in the region.
"The road network is critical for economic opportunities as well as access to services," he said.
"We also know there are many other ways to move people around. Better local public transport investment will give people other options, rather than just cars and road transport."
Mr Reynders said another key focus should be telecommunications infrastructure in the region. He said the government needed to improve internet access and capability for residents.
"Access to the internet is beyond just a nice thing to have, it's becoming essential to our everyday life," he said.
"It's essential to our jobs and our education, and it's becoming increasingly essential to access services like healthcare and welfare.
"We need to ensure everyone has good digital access. The Victorian government has just announced a package for more broadband in Victoria, but we think it needs to go beyond that.
"We need to look at the resilience of digital networks, particularly given our warming climate and susceptibility to bushfires."
Infrastructure Victoria also recommended the government fund a Youth Foyer in Bendigo by 2026.
"One thing we noticed in the Bendigo region is that some young people are struggling to make that transition from school to work," Mr Reynders said.
"What youth foyers do is give them a safe environment to live, but also connect them to education and work opportunities.
"Victoria has a number of these foyers already, but not one in Bendigo. We think Bendigo is a really good next step to roll out a youth foyer.
"We have had really good feedback and support from the community."
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The draft strategy also recommended the state government work with Traditional Owners to develop a Aboriginal tourism strategy.
"We know the tourism industry has had a really tough year," Mr Reynders said. "We thought it could seize a new opportunity in the future.
"What our research has revealed is that tourists are increasingly interested in authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences.
"Our suggestion is that the Victorian government should work with local Aboriginal groups and Traditional Owners to develop a long-term plan to develop cultural tourism.
"This will not only build the economic base, but give Aboriginal people job opportunities."
Mr Reynders said the 30-year draft strategy was open to community consultation until February 26.
He said there would be a number of regional workshops and online webinars that people could participate in.
"We have done a bunch of research but we still want to check with the community and are interested in drawing on that local knowledge," Mr Reynders said.
"We want to make sure we have their aspirations of the future right."
Mr Reynders said residents could read the draft strategy and provide feedback at infravic.com/30yearstrategy
The final strategy will be tabled in parliament in mid-2021.
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