- Deputy Premier announces a re-elected Coalition Government will establish a $100 million infrastructure fund for regional cities
- Horsham is one of 10 regional cities to benefit from $100 million fund
- The Nationals candidate for Lowan Emma Kealy welcomes commitment
Horsham will be one of 10 regional cities to benefit from a new $100 million Regional Cities Infrastructure Program to be established by a re-elected Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government, Deputy Premier and Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan announced today.
Mr Ryan said the grants program would be delivered out of the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund and would invest in infrastructure projects that help regional cities keep up with their growing populations.
“Regional Victoria is going through a period of significant growth. While this is fantastic news for communities and local economies, it will place pressure on regional infrastructure,” Mr Ryan said.
“If the Coalition Government is re-elected we will introduce the $100 million Regional Cities Infrastructure Program to support critical economic and social infrastructure, urban renewal, and sporting and cultural facilities in these cities to ensure they remain vibrant and successful.
“The fund will be in addition to – not replacing – existing and future government funding for important traditional infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and police stations.”
The Nationals candidate for Lowan Emma Kealy said the current combined population of Victoria’s 10 biggest regional cities was expected to increase from 800,000 to 1.1 million people by 2031.
“Horsham is one of Victoria’s 10 biggest regional cities, with a population of around 19,687 people – expected to reach 22,571 by 2031,” Ms Kealy said.
“While this isn’t surprising to locals who know the city is a fantastic place to live, it is important that Horsham is equipped with the resources to handle the forecast population growth.
“The Nationals, as part of a Coalition Government, know that when the regions do well, the entire state does well. So we are committed to ensuring regional cities continue to thrive.
“Through the Regional Growth Fund the Coalition Government has already invested more than $11 million into 40 projects in Horsham, leveraging almost $69 million worth of total investment.
“This compares to the Labor Party’s policy of scrapping the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund – and therefore the Regional Cities Infrastructure Program – and replacing it with their failed Regional Infrastructure Development Fund which over 11 years invested just $611 million across the entire state.”