Freight Rail, Passenger Rail

Infrastructure Victoria releases draft 30-year plan

Melbourne tram. Photo State Government Victoria

Train, tram and freight recommendations are included in Infrastructure Victoria’s 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy, released on Tuesday.

Infrastructure Victoria is now calling for community feedback on the draft plan, which outlines three decades of transport and other infrastructure recommendations.

Infrastructure Victoria says it consulted across several different areas, including transport, health, energy and community development during its consultation for the report.

The resulting draft strategy includes proposals to increase housing density in established areas to make better use of existing infrastructure, and boosting investment for social and affordable housing.

It also considers a range of statewide transport upgrades across rail and road, among other recommendations.

Victoria’s special minister of state Gavin Jennings said once the Andrews Government sees Infrastructure Victoria’s final report, it will respond with a five-year Infrastructure Plan outlining its priority projects and funding commitments.

“Through the development of a landmark 30 year strategy, Victoria will have a steady pipeline of projects to grow our state, create jobs and keep us number one,” Jennings said.

“While Infrastructure Victoria finalises its strategy, we’re getting on with the projects that Victorians need, including the Metro Tunnel, the Western Distributor, and the removal of 50 of our most dangerous and congested level crossings.

“We thank Infrastructure Victoria for its work and I encourage Victorians to have their say in the coming weeks.”

The full report, and an opportunity to respond, is available at yoursay.infrastructurevictoria.com.au by 31 October 2016.