This version of the INFRASTRUCTURE 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.
INFRASTRUCTURE FACT SHEET
INTRODUCTION
Infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, utilities and public transport are vital for
Victoria’s economy and maintaining our renowned liveability. As Melbourne grows and changes, so will the
demands on existing infrastructure and the need for new infrastructure.
INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY
Infrastructure is commonly understood to include the facilities, capital equipment and networks that support city
functions. This includes water and sewerage systems, roads and rail networks, energy networks, communication
systems, community facilities such as schools, hospitals and police stations, together with parks, open space,
community halls and libraries.
The State Government has responsibility for a range of infrastructure including roads, rail, ports, public transport,
courts, police stations and some educational facilities, health services, sport facilities and metropolitan open
space networks.
Currently there are around:
 500,000 kilometres of cables distributing electricity to most of the State.
 1,900 kilometres of the Principal Gas Transmission System, transporting gas to Melbourne
and a large proportion of the regional centres. It is then transported by 25,000 kilometres
of the reticulation network.
 1,538 State Government schools.
 150 public hospital campuses.
DID YOU KNOW?
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Melbourne was ranked the most liveable city in 2011 with its healthcare, education and infrastructure
receiving the maximum score of 100.
The Eastern Treatment Plant removes around 14 tonnes of rubbish from our sewage every day - about
ten family cars full of rubbish.
In 2009-2010 solid waste generated per Victorian increased by 160 kilograms to 2.09 tonnes.
If current trends continue, 30 percent more waste will be generated in 2030 and 3.2 million tonnes more
will need to be reprocessed.
Average annual infrastructure construction in Australia between 2007-2010 was almost double that of
the previous eleven years.
INFRASTRUCTURE TOMORROW
Here are some key facts about infrastructure and the changes government, businesses and the community need
to consider.
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING AND DELIVERY
In the past 20 years, the growth areas on the edge of the city have attracted half a million new residents. Based
on current trends, over the next 30-40 years, approximately one million more people will live in these areas.
There are significant costs associated with delivering new infrastructure in these areas. Upgrades to existing
infrastructure may also be required in the established areas, to support more people living and working in these
locations.
A number of financial challenges have an impact on resources available for infrastructure to support growing
communities. Some of these include the instability of the international economy, the price of traded commodities,
rising petrol and oil prices, competing priorities within the national economy, costs associated with natural
disasters, an ageing population, and Victoria’s share of national tax revenue
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These challenges are heightened by increasing construction costs and the need to ensure infrastructure
is resilient and safe in the face of environmental risks such as bushfires and floods.
The infrastructure investment required to address existing backlogs and provide infrastructure for the future is of
a scale and cost not experienced in Victoria for several decades.
Planning for future infrastructure will need to consider existing constraints and the future demands
of a growing and changing population and economy.
EDUCATION
Between 2008-2011 the number of students enrolled in Victorian Government schools accounted for around 63
percent of all school enrolments.
HEALTH
The health system is under increasing pressure as a result of population growth, ageing, increasing chronic
diseases, rapidly evolving technologies and the rising costs of services. With the number of people aged over 65
expected to double there is likely to be greater demands on our health services. Those with multiple chronic
disease leaps from 28 percent in the 50-64 age group to nearly 50 percent in the 65 and over age group.
INFORMATION ANDCOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
Australia has the eighth largest telecommunications market in the world. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s latest
e-readiness rankings, an indicator of the ability of businesses to conduct e-commerce, placed Australia ninth in
the world.
WASTE
In 2010-2011, Melbourne Water treated around 325,300 million litres of sewage at the Eastern and Western
treatment plants. In the last decade waste generation increased on average 4 percent (about 334,000 tonnes) a
year; waste to landfill decreased on average 1.4 percent (about 50,000 tonnes) a year; waste recovered
increased on average 8.3 percent (about 384,000 tonnes) a year.
OPEN SPACE, SPORT AND RECREATION
Public open space is a key contributor to Melbourne’s liveability and is highly valued by the community. Demand
for sport and recreation areas remains strong, with around 83 percent of Victorians aged 15 years and over
participating in physical activity.
WATER
Melbourne’s potable water use in 2010 was 356 gigalitres. Around 63 percent was for residential use and 27
percent was for non-residential use.
JUSTICE
Between 30 June 2007 and 30 June 2011 the prisoner population increased from 4,183 prisoners to 4,737
prisoners, an increase of over 13 percent. The number of issues dealt with by courts, the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal, and the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria also increased from 371,100 in 2008-2009
to 389,500 in 2010-2011.
For information on transport and freight refer to the separate fact sheets.
HAVE YOUR SAY
We are seeking your thoughts and ideas on Melbourne’s future. Join our online forums to discuss:
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What do you think the priority should be when planning for existing and future infrastructure needs?
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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