Often, the amount of money typically spent on infrastructure does not need to increase, it just needs to be spent more wisely. For example, unlikely it’s government will stop building and upgrading schools over the next 30 years, but there is an opportunity to introduce more transparency and certainty into the prioritisation process by which investments are made. Sometimes more investment in infrastructure is required. For example, there is a strong case for substantially increasing the amount of money spent on social housing, given the scale of the unmet need and the potential social and economic benefits from making such an investment. There is no point providing new infrastructure if asset management and For example, providing extra support to maintenance are not done properly. refurbish or rationalise community facilities that are poorly maintained or no longer fit-for-purpose will have a much greater impact overall than cutting ribbons on new buildings. Technology has the potential to transform the way infrastructure is used. For example, advances in digital health care will continue to have a transformative effect on the settings for service delivery and the patient experience (assuming enabling communications infrastructure is in place, as discussed below). Our top three All of the recommendations outlined in this strategy have been identified as priorities by Infrastructure Victoria. But if we had to nominate the top three most important actions for government to take in the short to medium term, we would choose: Increasing densities in established areas and around employment centres to make better use of existing infrastructure. Introducing a comprehensive and fair transport network pricing regime to manage demands on the network. Investing in social housing and other forms of affordable housing for vulnerable Victorians to significantly increase supply. The common link Another important area for action is improving internet and mobile phone coverage, particularly in regional and rural areas. The recommendation on communications network infrastructure a simple fix and isn’t have a guaranteed outcome. But it does encourage state government to take a doesn’t more proactive, coordinated approach to addressing this pressing infrastructure challenge. Digital connectivity will be critical to success over the coming decades. It will Victoria’s enable the uptake of technological developments in a range of sectors and industries. It is the common link running through this strategy. We think these recommendations on densification, transport pricing, housing for vulnerable Victorians and communications infrastructure have the potential to transform
Often, the amount of money typically spent on infrastructure does not need to increase, it just needs to be spent more wisely. For example, it’s unlikely government will stop building and upgrading schools over the next 30 years, but there is an opportunity to introduce more transparency and certainty into the prioritisation process by which investments are made. Sometimes more investment in infrastructure is required. For example, there is a strong case for substantially increasing the amount of money spent on social housing, given the scale of the unmet need and the potential social and economic benefits from making such an investment. There is no point providing new infrastructure if asset management and maintenance are not done properly. For example, providing extra support to refurbish or rationalise community facilities that are poorly maintained or no longer fit-for-purpose will have a much greater impact overall than cutting ribbons on new buildings. Technology has the potential to transform the way infrastructure is used. For example, advances in digital health care will continue to have a transformative effect on the settings for service delivery and the patient experience (assuming enabling communications infrastructure is in place, as discussed below). Our top three All of the recommendations outlined in this strategy have been identified as priorities by Infrastructure Victoria. But if we had to nominate the top three most important actions for government to take in the short to medium term, we would choose: Increasing densities in established areas and around employment centres to make better use of existing infrastructure. Introducing a comprehensive and fair transport network pricing regime to manage demands on the network. Investing in social housing and other forms of affordable housing for vulnerable Victorians to significantly increase supply. The common link Another important area for action is improving internet and mobile phone coverage, particularly in regional and rural areas. The recommendation on communications network infrastructure isn’t a simple fix and doesn’t have a guaranteed outcome. But it does encourage state government to take a more proactive, coordinated approach to addressing this pressing infrastructure challenge. Digital connectivity will be critical to Victoria’s success over the coming decades. It will enable the uptake of technological developments in a range of sectors and industries. It is the common link running through this strategy. We think these recommendations on densification, transport pricing, housing for vulnerable Victorians and communications infrastructure have the potential to transform