The great divide between city and regional spending continues to widen, with new data painting a stark picture of the Allan Labor Government’s neglect of Victorians outside of Melbourne.
Regional Victoria is home to 25 per cent of the state’s population, yet only 12 per cent of infrastructure investment is spent outside of Melbourne.
The damning figure is contained in a new Parliamentary Budget Office report on Victorian infrastructure investment.
Regional Victorians deserve their fair share, which based on population numbers would be around 25 per cent of spending. The current spending rate is less than half of that.
The report estimates asset investment in Melbourne is $19,338 per person – almost 57 per cent more than the $12,348 spent on regional Victorian projects.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Liveability, Danny O’Brien, said the Allan Labor Government continued to treat regional Victorians as second-class citizens.
“This report, by the independent Parliamentary Budget Officer, shows just how little regional Victoria is getting under Labor,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This neglect has been a hallmark of the Labor Government with billions spent on mega-projects in the city and regional Victorians left wanting.
“Last year, 13 per cent of infrastructure spending went to regional Victoria, this time it’s 12 per cent.
“Our roads are in an appalling state yet billions are being wasted in cost over-runs in the city.
“It’s downward spiral and the disregard for regional Victorians shows no sign of abating.
“Labor can’t manage money and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
