This version of the REGIONAL fact sheet, May 2012 has been prepared for use with screen reader software.
The PDF version also available at www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au is recommended for general access.
REGIONAL
INTRODUCTION
Melbourne and regional Victoria have strong connections through trade, business, services and people.
Planning for Melbourne will need to consider these links and how to support regional communities.
REGIONAL VICTORIA TODAY
Victoria is Australia’s most compact mainland state with a settlement pattern based on a capital city surrounded
by an arc of regional cities. Regional Victoria accounts for around a quarter of the State’s population and the
major regional cities of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley cluster of cities are home to over a
third of regional Victoria’s population. They are key service cities, driving regional economies, supporting smaller
rural communities and contributing to the prosperity of the State. Over the past two decades regional cities have
transitioned to more diversified service-based economies that are growing strongly.
Regional Victoria’s economies have strong ties to metropolitan Melbourne, Australia and the world. Much of
Victoria’s major goods exports, such as grain, are produced in the regions. Annual food and fibre exports are
valued at over $6.5 billion, of which $5.6 billion is food. These areas also contain important transport networks
that connect to Melbourne and provide freight links for the transportation of goods and services.
Graphic: Diagram map showing regional cities and settlements.
Source: Department of Planning and Community Development, 2011
DID YOU KNOW?
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About one third of regional Victoria’s future growth is likely to occur in Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat.
Between 2005-2011 growth in regional rail patronage doubled.
Domestic day trip visitors were estimated to have spent over $2 billion in regional Victoria in 2010.
Victoria is Australia’s largest exporter of food and fibre, e.g. wool.
REGIONAL VICTORIA TOMORROW
Here are some key facts about Regional Victoria and the changes government, businesses and the community
need to consider.
Regional Victoria is Growing
Victoria’s regional population growth is at its highest rate since 1982. In 2009-2010 the average growth rate
reached 1.4 percent, an increase of around 20,300 people annually.
Over the next 30-40 years, it is currently estimated that an additional 630,000 people will live in regional Victoria.
About 40 percent of this growth is expected to occur in Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat.
Many regional cities provide affordable and attractive alternative lifestyle choices to Melbourne. They have the
potential to accommodate future growth, relieving some of the pressure on Melbourne, while growing and
supporting local communities.
Regional Growth Plans are being developed to help guide growth and change across rural and regional Victoria.
The Regional Growth Plans will assist regional councils in planning for population and economic growth and
enable long term land supply. The plans are being prepared in conjunction with the metropolitan planning
strategy and together will achieve the Government’s vision for the State.
For more information about the Regional Growth Plans visit www.dpcd.vic.gov.au
GEELONG
Geelong is Victoria’s second largest city and is experiencing growth driven by its proximity to Melbourne, size,
attractive coastal location and diverse local economy. The population of Greater Geelong is growing at around
1.7 percent and has reached over 220,000 people. Located within the region is the new growth area Armstrong
Creek, consisting of 2,500 hectares of developable land and the potential to provide for housing for between
55,000-65,000 people.
BALLARAT
Ballarat’s population is approximately 96,000 with an annual growth rate of two percent. Ballarat is shifting to a
knowledge based economy, with more jobs in tourism, health and community services, education and retailing.
Ballarat is one of Victoria’s premier tourist destinations attracting around 1.8 million domestic day trip visitors
each year and contributing $139 million to the local economy.
BENDIGO
Bendigo has a population of over 104,000 and is located at the junction of three highways, providing connections
to interstate and trade routes. While manufacturing is Bendigo’s largest industry there has been substantial
growth in all business sectors and some 51,000 people are employed in Bendigo. Bendigo is home to over
4,000 businesses, including finance, IT, business and personal services, manufacturing, health, education and
government.
LATROBE VALLEY
The Latrobe Valley cluster of cities has a population of over 76,000 and an annual growth rate of 1.4 percent.
The area is the principal service centre for the Gippsland region and includes four major urban centres –
Traralgon, Churchill, Moe and Morwell. Latrobe Valley generates 85 percent of Victoria’s electricity and has
major industries, such as timber processing and manufacturing of paper products.
HAVE YOUR SAY
We are seeking your thoughts and ideas on Melbourne’s future. Join our online forums to discuss:
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How do you connect with regional Victoria?
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What ideas do you have to support growth in regional cities?
Graphic icons showing links to social media and communication tools –
Twitter is #planmelbourne
Internet website is www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au
Email to planmelbourne@dpcd.vic.gov.au
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