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2014 Regional Growing Pains

Keeping pace with transport needs in regional Victoria. 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS

Regional Victoria – the transport City of 18 Foreword challenge that continues to grow 4 City of Greater 20 The importance of planning 6 City of Greater 22 The long distance journey 8 Horsham Rural City Council 24 Travelling to and within 26 towns and regional cities 11 Rural City Council 28 What RACV wants 12 Greater City Council 30 Key regional transport connections 14 Rural City of 32 The Australian Road Assessment City Council 34 Program (AusRAP) 16 City of 36

Victoria’s liveability and economic wellbeing rely heavily continue to be great places to live. Our ‘Growing Pains in on the ability of the transport network to meet the demands Regional Victoria’ report presents a blueprint of the projects 3 of our growing population. For over a decade, RACV has and initiatives needed to address current demand and been mapping the transport issues facing ’s outer ensure that regional Victoria’s population growth will be metropolitan suburbs, where rapid population growth has supported by adequate transport infrastructure. The front outpaced the provision of basic infrastructure like roads, section of this report outlines the key transport planning public transport, footpaths and bicycle riding facilities. policies which will enable regional cities and rural areas to In 2012, RACV’s ‘Outer Melbourne Growing Pains’ report connect to each other and to Melbourne. In the section ‘What identified 160 road and public transport projects needed RACV wants’ on pages 12 and 13, we outline the integrated to combat the congested roads and overcrowded public transport plan which resulted from our consultation with transport occurring daily in these areas. the regional Victorian community. The regional transport maps on pages 14 to 17 show the major projects needed Looking to the future, Victoria’s population is forecast in regional Victoria that will bring benefits across the State. to grow to over seven million by 2030. Failure to deal with These include new roads, road duplications and upgrades, transport infrastructure issues now will leave governments town bypasses, road safety upgrades and rail improvements. with an unaffordable and insurmountable backlog of The more localised road, public transport, cycling and projects. Beyond Melbourne’s outer suburbs, Victoria’s walking projects needed in the ten largest regional cities regional centres and peri-urban areas are predicted of Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, Greater Geelong, Horsham, to host a growing share of the state’s population growth, Latrobe, Mildura, Greater Shepparton, Wangaratta, driven by the attraction of lifestyle, open space, job Warrnambool and Wodonga are described on pages opportunities, affordable housing and services. Current 18 to 37. These regional cities have well established planning strategies recognise the potential for regional economies with the possibility to expand further. cities to take the pressure off Melbourne by housing a concentration of jobs, educational facilities and essential Victoria stands to receive a significant boost in transport services. However their success relies heavily on the funding over coming years, with recent budget allocations provision of safe, efficient and equitable transport options towards a number of major projects across the state. to keep these communities connected to each other and However, what is currently a relatively small backlog of to metropolitan Melbourne. transport projects within our regional cities will rapidly escalate as growth occurs unless we act now. The risk Regional Victoria has the opportunity to avoid the magnitude is that current funding arrangements will fail to keep pace. of transport problems being experienced in outer Melbourne On behalf of our two million members, RACV calls on the by planning for future transport infrastructure needs now. Federal and State Governments to adopt our blueprint of To better understand the transport issues facing regional road, public transport, cycling and walking projects needed Victorians, RACV met with many community members at in regional Victoria and deliver an accelerated and ongoing RACV regional shops across the state and we heard from program of works over the next decade. just under 8,000 people through the RACV regional transport needs survey. We also consulted with key stakeholders, including state and local government departments, public transport operators and regional community groups. We used this information to determine the road, public transport, cycling and walking improvements needed to avoid the ‘growing pains’ too often associated with increasing population. Mr R Herron Mr C L Jordan President and Managing Director and RACV wants to see a balanced and integrated approach to Chairman of the Board Chief Executive Officer the transport needs for regional Victoria so that our regional cities, smaller rural communities and urban fringe areas

Baranduda Boulevard, Wodonga. 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS Regional Victoria – the transport challenge that continues to grow

Over the next forty years it has been predicted that 800,000 few components that is higher in regional areas, with more people will call regional Victoria home, with a majority Latrobe City residents spending an additional $10 per of the people relocating from Melbourne.1 Victoria’s regional week on average, compared to their counterparts in cities and peri-urban areas will therefore need to be prepared metropolitan Melbourne. to accommodate a greater share of the state’s population The cost of transport for regional residents is driven up growth. To encourage this shift, good transport links and by higher than average petrol prices, dependence on the regional economic development will be paramount, with private vehicle and in many cases the absence of alternatives. country areas already providing most of Victoria’s agricultural 4 Regional Victoria does not have an obvious petrol price cycle 5 output, food production and processing, energy and mineral like Melbourne and petrol is on average six cents per litre resources. The job opportunities associated with these more expensive.5 With 57 per cent of regional Victorians industries, lifestyle, open space, sense of community, households owning two or more motor vehicles,6 the price affordable housing and cheaper services are all features of petrol is a significant concern and highlights the need for that will attract more people to country Victoria. However good transport alternatives. it is important that as people move to regional Victoria the transport problems faced in Melbourne do not follow. Regional Victorians want public transport that is reliable, frequent and efficient. A number of rail and bus improvements In the ten years to 2011, 86 per cent of Victoria’s population are required to provide better connections within – and growth occurred in Melbourne’s established suburbs and between – regional cities and also to Melbourne. While growth areas.2 In 2012, RACV’s ‘Outer Melbourne Growing there has been significant investment in projects such Pains’ report identified a massive backlog of 160 road as the Link, it is often difficult to justify and public transport projects in 16 outer metropolitan investments in major upgrades in many smaller centres municipalities where the transport system has failed because of the low population densities. However, there to keep pace with population growth. This has resulted in are a range of lower cost services that can meet the disconnected communities, increasing levels of congestion mobility needs in regional communities, including telebus and very limited transport options beyond the private car. services, flexi cab, community transport, car pool programs, RACV does not want to see the same problems perpetuated telecommuting and making school bus services available in regional Victoria and believes that it is timely to identify to the general public. the transport projects needed to sustain future demand and maintain liveability. Regional Victoria is heavily reliant on a well-maintained, high quality road network to support the safe and efficient House prices in regional Victoria are on average $200,000 movement of people and goods across the longer distances cheaper than Melbourne.3 Many first home buyers and that are travelled. A number of road improvements are low income earners who are locked out of owning a home needed, including duplications, fundamental in Melbourne are able to afford to buy in the country. safety upgrades and better maintenance of the network. The cost of living in regional Victoria is also considerably RACV believes that an integrated approach that includes lower. For example, the total cost of rent, childcare, transport, investment in road, rail and public transport service education, utilities and leisure in a regional area such as improvements is needed to meet the growing transport Latrobe City is $1,070 per week compared with $1,525 in challenge in regional Victoria. Melbourne.4 The cost of transport however, is one of the

Petrol station, corner River Road and West Road, Shepparton.

Average petrol price (2012/2013)5 Number of motor vehicles owned per dwelling6 150 Melbourne Regional Victoria 149 Not stated 0 vehicles Not stated 0 vehicles 148 3% 9% 3% 7% 147 146 3 or more vehicles 3 or more vehicles 145 16% 19% 144

cents/litre 143 2 vehicles 1 vehicle 2 vehicles 1 vehicle 142 37% 35% 37% 34% 141 140 139 1 Victoria in Future, Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), 2012 4 Latrobe City: a great place to work an even better place to live, Latrobe City Council, 2012 2 Plan Melbourne, Department of Transport Planning and Local Infrastructure, 2013 5  Monitoring of the Australian Petroleum Industry, Australian Competition Moe 3 and Consumer Commission (ACCC), 2013 Ballarat Bendigo Geelong Mildura  A Guide to Property Values, Department of Transport Planning and Local Infrastructure Horsham Wodonga 6 Melbourne Shepparton Wangaratta Melbourne (DTPLI), 2012 Census data, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2011 Warrnambool 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS

safe transport links between regional centres and to The importance surrounding population centres will be critical in driving this regional development. of planning Not everybody can or will want to live in a regional town centre, therefore provision of adequate transport to connect satellite towns and rural areas to regional hubs is vital. Public transport alternatives are particularly important for Bus stop, Burnside Street, Moe. those groups who may not be able to drive or have access to a vehicle such as the elderly, people with a disability, young people and low-income earners. This can result in social isolation. It can restrict access to work and study opportunities as well as whether someone can attend vital medical appointments. A lack of accessible opportunities is a contributing factor to people relocating to larger towns and cities from rural communities. 6 7 Impacts on regional economies Regional Victoria generates a quarter of Victoria’s economic output and one third of the state’s exports. Future growth in regional Victoria’s export market will result in the regional freight task increasing by an average annual rate of 4.5 per cent, faster than the growth rate in Melbourne.8 The movement of freight efficiently contributes to productivity, particularly for the food manufacturing and processing sectors that are strong pillars of regional economies. There is a need Victoria’s regional cities already have well-established Connections to Melbourne and regional hubs for high quality road and rail links between producers and economies. Clustering jobs and services in key population key locations such as ports and airports. Truck bypasses Whether it is to access employment, education, specialist centres improves communication between businesses, are important to divert heavy vehicles away from busy services such as a medical appointment or attending an provides access to a skilled local workforce and attracts town centres. Intermodal freight terminals ensure regional AFL match, access to Melbourne is important. Good road more suppliers and customers. Increasing the density businesses have access to the road and rail networks, connections are critical to ensure those who drive or use of development in appropriate places – along transport helping their competitiveness in regional and global markets. coach services can travel safely and efficiently. However, corridors, in major redevelopments and infill sites and many residents are forced into the car because of a lack Regional Victoria is heavily reliant on tourism as it around community facilities and activities within towns of suitable alternatives. Residents want railway stations contributes 13.9 per cent of the total gross regional product – would condense physical space between people and to be more accessible, with connecting bus services and (GRP) and 12.8 per cent of employment, compared to 3.2 per services, hence reducing the need to travel. adequate car parking and they want services that run more cent and 4.5 per cent respectively in Melbourne.9 Due to the Although units, apartments and houses on smaller blocks efficiently, frequently and over a long span of hours to meet importance of tourism for country areas, it is important that of land are not for everyone, a greater mix of housing types their needs. While Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat residents the increasing popularity of overseas holidays does not deter within a community means that as population profiles and can expect improved V/Line services following completion of people visiting regional Victoria. The provision of quality individual housing needs change, people can stay within the Regional Rail Link in 2016, there are many other regional road, public transport and in some instance air access will their community and their circle of family and friends. hubs that also need improved public transport. increase the appeal of holidays close to home. Many parts Smaller residences can cater for singles, couples, elderly of regional Victoria experience significant increases in Decentralising jobs and population growth beyond the people and those seeking low maintenance living. This will population during their tourist seasons, placing further metropolitan boundaries has the potential to not only take become even more important over the next twenty years as pressure on local transport networks, especially roads. pressure off Melbourne, but to stimulate the growth of local the number of family-with-children households is expected jobs and services for residents living in regional centres to decrease by five per cent resulting in an increase in one and surrounding rural areas. High quality, efficient and person and couple-only households.7

Malop Street, Geelong.

RACV listened to member views about transport in regional Victoria. We informed our members about this project through … We engaged with our members in this project through …

A dedicated RoyalAuto RACV Social media RACV Regional Transport Community consultation The regional Victoria campaign magazine enews messaging Needs survey at ten RACV shops photo competition website

Circulated to Emailed to With over With 10,000 Facebook fans With just under With over 150 With 60 entries 2 million members 242,000 subscribers 28,000 views and 3,000 Twitter followers 8,000 responses community members and 700 votes

7 Victoria in Future, Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), 2012 8  Victoria the Freight State, Department of Transport Planning and Local Infrastructure (DTPLI), 2013 9  Victoria’s Regional Tourism Strategy 2013–2016, Tourism Victoria, 2013 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS Intersection River Road and Archer Road, Shepparton. () rest stop, Waurn Ponds. The long distance journey

Long distance travel is part of life in regional Victoria – often a necessity for residents to access jobs, services, shopping and recreation. People may need to travel from their rural home to their closest town centre, from one regional town to another or to Melbourne. Regardless of the trip that people make or the mode that is used, this travel must be safe, efficient and comfortable. 8 The regional highway network needs a continuous program 9 to improve safety and capacity. RACV’s key projects that have been promoted for many years include duplication of the Western Highway from Ballarat to Stawell and continuing to Another major safety risk in regional Victoria for both road highway network is being resurfaced each year. RACV Rest areas must be appropriately spaced along a route, well the South Australian border, duplication of users and train commuters is level crossings. There are estimates that this needs to be increased to over 8 per cent, maintained, have safe entry and exit points and be compliant East from Traralgon to Sale, duplication of Princes ,800 level crossings in Victoria and while it is pleasing that which will require doubling the funding for road resurfacing with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA). Fencing West from Geelong to Colac and the construction of the the State Government is undertaking a program to upgrade and rehabilitation. The State Government has budgeted between rest areas and highways is vital to keep children Shepparton Bypass. Continuing works to provide passing country level crossings, more needs to be done through to spend over $500 million in 2014/15 on road repairs and and pets safe and to discourage pedestrians crossing the lanes and shoulders are also needed. Victoria participating in a national effort to ensure its crossings maintenance, however more funding is desperately required. road. Incorporating bike storage at major and minor rest are as safe as possible. Some roads need to be realigned areas could enhance bicycle tourism in regional Victoria. Rail maintenance also needs to be given increased priority to make it easier for drivers to see approaching trains and Appropriate facilities can encourage car and truck drivers The journey needs to be safe to improve track condition and to ensure that train speeds decide to proceed or stop. The use of intelligent technology to stop and sleep at rest areas, which is one approach to can be maintained, particularly on the rail freight network. A staggering 24 per cent of federally funded highways in in vehicles being trialled in Melbourne and other states that reducing fatigue related crashes that account for 20 per cent Rail freight is best suited for certain types of exports, for Victoria are an unacceptable one or two star safety rating alerts motorists that a train is approaching could also be of road fatalities.14 example grain, where large volumes need be moved and according to RACV’s Australian Road Assessment Program part of the solution for crossings on quiet regional roads. ships loaded quickly. The 2012/13 state budget allocated Public perception about comfort and security at railway (AusRAP). Of the 2,885 kilometres of Victoria’s national $30 million over four years for ‘major periodic maintenance stations will influence the community’s willingness to use highway network classified from one safety star (least The transport network needs to be well maintained of the regional freight network’. This averages to $7.5 million trains. Currently, satisfaction with railway stations is poor, safe) to five safety stars (most safe), just two per cent of per year, which is half of the $15 million per year that with RACV’s recent surveys revealing that 86 per cent of the Victorian rural highway network achieved the maximum The current State Government has increased the funding is required.13 To ensure the future success of regional rail regional train users identified a problem with the regional five star rating. Government needs to act now to improve for road maintenance and rehabilitation to more than $500 freight, the State Government needs to allocate enough station they use the most.15 Of the ten regional municipalities road safety, particularly in regional Victoria, which is home million over the next three years, arising from an obvious funding for regular maintenance to avoid the current included in ‘Growing Pains’, 50 percent have railway stations to 25 per cent of the state’s population, yet 55 per cent of deterioration in the condition of Victoria’s road network 30km/hr speed restrictions and deterioration evident that need to be upgraded. These upgrades include better the state’s road fatalities.10 A $580 million investment would highlighted by RACV and community campaigning. Despite on some sections of the network. Improved maintenance facilities for passengers and staff such as toilets, DDA achieve a minimum three safety star standard on Victoria’s this additional investment, the condition and maintenance would encourage more freight to travel by rail and benefit compliance, sufficient lighting and appropriate shelter and major highways saving approximately 2,800 people from of our roads remains the top road issue for 48 per cent of 12 the community through a reduction of trucks on the roads. seating. To access the railway station, the with serious injury or death on these roads over the next 20 regional Victorians. RACV community consultation revealed buses and taxis should be enhanced and there should be years.11 This is attainable through simple measures such many residents are scared to travel on regional roads and adequate car parking. Some railway station car parks, such as safety barriers along the roadside and in the median, highways. Their rough and potholed state presents a hazard The journey needs to be comfortable as Bendigo, are already at capacity and this can deter people constructing or sealing road shoulders, improved skid for car drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists and increases Rest areas on the regional highway network can ensure long from using public transport, resulting in additional cars on resistance of road pavements and rumble strips on highway the vehicle maintenance burden on regional families and distance journeys in regional Victoria are comfortable and the road. Many railway stations have the potential to be focal shoulders and centrelines. businesses. At present, only about 4 per cent of the state provide opportunities for rest, through providing access to points and centres of activity, but they must be amenable and toilets, drinking water, rubbish bins and sheltered seating. easy to access in order to attract people and investor funds.

Regional Victorian’s average transport rating*16 Regional Victorian’s top transport concerns16

V/Line trains: 5.28 Road Public Transport Walking Cycling V/Line coaches: 5.82 Local buses: 5.26 Top Condition and V/Line train Quality of Presence of wide sealed Freeways/highways: 6.24 Concern maintenance of roads frequency footpaths shoulders to ride on Local roads: 5.25

On-road bike paths: 4.70 10 Crash location data, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), 2012 14 Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy: Arrive Alive!, VicRoads, 2008 11 Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP), RACV, 2014 15 On Track Survey, RACV, 2013 Off-road bike paths: 5.50 12 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 16 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 13 Footpaths: 5.33 Submission on the Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan, Alliance of Councils for Rail Freight Development, 2013 * Note: 1 is poor, 5 is average and 10 is excellent. 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS Travelling to and within towns and regional cities

Regional cities and towns play an important role in providing the booking system needs to be user-friendly and the taxi services and economic and social links within their region. needs to arrive on time. Their success relies on people being able to travel to and Within central business districts (CBDs), connectivity is within their local town and in many locations the options are critical in creating a lively place that people want to visit. limited to the private vehicle, walking or cycling. In many Footpaths must provide an even surface for walking and cases, these will be the only viable options available for some for those using prams or wheelchairs. Wayfinding is vital time and it is important that these modes are catered for to assist residents and visitors to navigate the town and safely and efficiently. 10 direct them to railway stations, bus stops, taxi ranks and 11 Larger towns and regional cities are starting to face safe riding routes. In larger centres, buses have a role in congestion and parking problems because cars are – and helping people move around the town, by running services will continue to be – an integral part of people’s lives. Town along key routes in the CBD. centres should be easily accessible by private vehicles and In the larger regional cities, new subdivisions should as demand grows, councils may need to increase the supply implement best practice transport planning. Residents of off-street parking and introduce clearways. The reduction in new estates often face a lack of basic infrastructure of on street car parking can result in more road space and and can find that the lifestyle benefits that attracted them new facilities like wider footpaths, separated bicycle lanes to move there are compromised by the limited transport and bus lanes. Councils and the State Government must options available. Building sustainable communities requires work together to fund the necessary transport infrastructure an emphasis on walkability, public transport provision and and services to provide people with transport choices. riding facilities. Residents of new estates need infrastructure Traffic through towns contributes to congestion and impacts and services as they start to move in, for social reasons on local road users, causing frustration and safety concerns and to provide better transport options. Unfortunately buses for residents and reducing the amenity of shopping precincts are currently being introduced – if at all – several years along major highways. However, some local businesses after people have moved in and they have already invested become dependent on that passing trade. On major freight in a second or third car. routes, bypasses may need to be built and traffic treatments implemented to encourage heavy traffic away from towns to enable urban renewal and improvements in road safety. Some regional communities have alternatives to access the town centre, like local bus services and taxis. Community consultation has revealed that many people do not use buses because they do not travel when and where people want to go. A hierarchy of service levels needs to be implemented, including shuttle and feeder routes that are direct, reliable, high frequency and for extended hours. Bus timetables must be readily available and eventually, for major stops in key regional centres, real-time travel information should be provided, similar to the increasingly popular Melbourne SmartBus. For taxis to be considered an appealing option,

Moe railway station car park, Moe. Corner Liebig and Lava Street, Warrnambool.

Bicycle riding REGIONAL VICTORIA BALLARAT GREATER BENDIGO GREATER GEELONG HORSHAM LATROBE ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY Bike riding has the potential to make up a greater share of % % % % % trips, with RACV’s surveys showing that 56 per cent of regional % % % % % % Victorians own a working bicycle yet only 20 per cent ride 16 14 18 16 27 at least once a week.17 Well located bicycle paths and lanes 59 ride at least 60 ride at least 60 ride at least 74 ride at least 56 ride at least own a working bicycle once a week own a working bicycle once a week own a working bicycle once a week own a working bicycle once a week own a working bicycle once a week and safe places to cross busy highways and railway lines may encourage people to ride to town centres, school and 56 own a working bicycle MILDURA GREATER SHEPPARTON WANGARATTA WARRNAMBOOL WODONGA train stations. Appropriate end-of-trip facilities like secure ONLY bike parking are also necessary. More people riding a bike ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY has advantages for the environment, health and decreases % % % % % % the number of cars on the road. 22% 28% 28% 23% 18 % ride at least ride at least ride at least ride at least ride at least 17 20 17 46 68 70 51 54 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 ride at least once a week own a working bicycle once a week own a working bicycle once a week own a working bicycle once a week own a working bicycle once a week own a working bicycle once a week 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS What RACV wants

12 13

Geelong railway station, Geelong. The strength of Victoria’s economy and its liveability As the state’s population grows, Victoria’s regional Greater Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Greater road users by providing footpaths, separated cycling rely heavily on the connections between Melbourne, centres will develop further in their own right as centres Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga. facilities, bus stops and space for private and commercial the peri-urban areas that surround Melbourne and of employment, population and activity. RACV has consulted These ten local government areas are home to the largest vehicles. Strong bipartisan support is required for the regional population centres. Projects such as the Regional with the regional Victorian community, our members, local regional cities outside metropolitan Melbourne, with well- transport vision and projects we have proposed now, rather Rail Link and freeway and highway upgrades have already government and industry to identify the transport projects established economies and the potential to expand further. than developing more plans that result in additional years strengthened the economies of those regional centres needed to strengthen the transport links that connect of delay. While it is difficult to cover local issues in every regional closest to Melbourne; however more needs to be done. regional population centres, not just to Melbourne, but town and community, RACV believes the relevant transport On behalf of our two million members, RACV calls on the to each other and to the communities surrounding them. Since 2001, some of the fastest growing municipalities in planning principles included in this report should be applied Federal and State Governments to adopt our blueprint of regional Victoria are those located in areas immediately On the following pages, RACV presents a blueprint that across the state. In all regional areas, roads should be safe road and public transport projects in regional Victoria and beyond Melbourne’s urban growth boundary. These include includes significant road and public transport improvements and well-maintained and where possible, public transport deliver an accelerated and ongoing program of works over Drouin, Gisborne, , Kilmore and .18 to address the needs of the ten largest regional cities access to and between towns and railway stations should the next decade. The State Government must work with Meeting the growing demand for infrastructure and transport and other more general issues. The projects identified in be provided. regional Victorian councils and commit to a pipeline of services to connect to Melbourne, whilst managing the ‘Growing Pains in Regional Victoria’ will improve travel to regional transport projects that will be integrated with RACV wants to see a balanced and integrated approach to mixed-land use and protecting the natural environment and within regional Victoria and provide greater transport the ‘Plan Melbourne’ strategy for metropolitan Melbourne. the transport needs for regional Victoria so that our regional in these peri-urban areas, presents a significant planning choice for how people travel. The Victorian Government, with support from the Federal cities, smaller rural communities and urban fringe areas challenge. These areas continue to attract people who Government, needs to develop a long-term investment Key connections that affect the whole of regional Victoria continue to be great places to live. We simply cannot rely prefer a more rural lifestyle with the benefits of access strategy. Innovative funding methods that include borrowing are provided on pages 14 and 15. These major projects on the drip-feed of annual budgets to fill the backlog of to employment and opportunity – rich urban centres. The at a state and federal level and engagement of the private are necessary to provide safer roads and create the links projects needed in regional Victoria. An ongoing program State Government is increasingly recognising the potential sector through public-private partnerships are needed to and capacity to cater for current and future demand in of works is needed; one that includes the road network, for these areas to take some development pressure off ensure successful delivery of this plan. regional Victoria. the rail network, the principal bicycle network and the Melbourne. The timely provision of transport infrastructure essential public transport services to operate on the will be critical to ensuring that these communities remain Pages 18 to 37 list the road, public transport, cycling infrastructure. Investment in roads should benefit all 18 Regional Victoria Trends and Prospects, Department of Planning well connected. and walking projects needed in Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, and Community Development (DPCD), 2010 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS MILDURA

A20 STURT HWY This map shows key transport connections for regional MAP KEY Key regional Victoria. These major projects include road duplications, Freeway/highway transport connections new road bypasses, rail line upgrades and public transport Duplicated freeway/highway projects that will require investment by the State and Town centre Federal Governments, as well as the private sector. Although these projects may not reside within the ten Proposed road duplication municipalities included in ‘Growing Pains in Regional Proposed town bypass Victoria’, they are critical in providing the additional Proposed rail line improvement capacity to the road and rail network to move people Proposed road project and goods more efficiently across the entire state. More A79 CALDER HWY localised projects for the ten municipalities are shown on pages 18 to 37, which together with the AusRAP map on pages 16 to 17 and the key upgrades highlighted on this B400 MURRAY VALLEY HWY map, form RACV’s transport blueprint for regional Victoria. 15

B400 MURRAY VALLEY HWY M39/A39 HWY Railway station upgrades WODONGA A8 WESTERN HWY Railway stations should be well connected to the surrounding SHEPPARTON 4 WANGARATTA transport network, be accessible for all users and have facilities such as adequate lighting, shelter and car parking. The following railway stations are located in one of the municipalities that BENDIGO M31 HUME FWY house Victoria’s ten largest regional centres and require HORSHAM NAGAMBIE upgrades including additional car parking:

SEYMOUR • • railway station STAWELL M79 CALDER FWY • • North Shore railway station • • Traralgon railway station • • Warrnambool

3 A300 MIDLAND HWY M31 HUME FWY • railway station. M8 WESTERN FWY A1 PRINCES HWY BALLARAT

A300 MIDLAND HWY 6 Passenger rail line improvements M80 WESTERN RING ROAD Although completion of the Regional Rail Link will improve regional M3 EASTLINK train line capacity for some V/Line services, it is important that MELBOURNE LAKES ENTRANCE M1 PRINCES FWY M1 PRINCES FWY trains are frequent enough so that people have real choice when GEELONG and how they travel. The following rail lines service the municipalities A1 PRINCES HWY 1 5 SALE that house Victoria’s ten largest regional centres and require more COLAC 2 TRARALGON WINCHELSEA frequent services: PORTLAND M11 MORNINGTON PENINSULA FWY WARRNAMBOOL • Ballarat rail line • Shepparton rail line • Bendigo rail line • Swan Hill rail line N • rail line • Traralgon rail line • Geelong rail line • Wodonga rail line.

Avalon Airport needs improved public transport options. This will give people real choice in how they travel to the airport.

REGIONAL TRANSPORT PROJECTS

PROJECT 1 1 PROJECT 2 2 PROJECT 3 3 PROJECT 4 4 PROJECT 5 5 PROJECT 6 6 Princes Highway East Princes Highway West Western Highway Shepparton Bypass Traralgon Bypass North–East Link Complete duplication from Traralgon Complete duplication from Geelong Complete duplication from Ballarat Construct the Shepparton Bypass on the Construct the Traralgon Bypass on Construct the North–East Link to Sale. This will enhance capacity to Colac. This will improve road to Stawell. This will improve traffic . The Shepparton Princes Highway East. The Traralgon between the Metropolitan Ring Road and have many safety benefits. safety, benefit freight and support flow and safety for residents, tourists Bypass is important for safer travel on Bypass will improve safety and (Greensborough) and the Eastern Note: some sections have been connections between neighbouring and road freight. Note: some sections the Goulburn Valley Highway, and will reduce delays for through traffic Freeway/EastLink. This will complete duplicated or have funds committed. towns. Note: some sections have been have been duplicated or have funds reduce delays for the movement of providing significant congestion the critical ‘missing link’ in Melbourne’s duplicated or have funds committed. committed. freight. It will provide significant relief relief for residents in town. freeway network, improving cross Cost: $325 million from through traffic and congestion town connectivity for both metropolitan Cost: $350 million Cost: $505 million Cost: Project in planning phase. for the residents of Shepparton. Melbourne and regional Victorians. Cost to be determined. Cost: $250 million Cost: $6 billion 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS MILDURA

A20 STURT HWY AusRAP is part of the International Road Assessment Program AusRAP STAR RATING The Australian (iRAP), a worldwide movement to improve the safety of roads Safest and a proud supporter of the Decade of Action for Road Safety Road Assessment 2011–2020, a global plan to reduce the number of road deaths Program (AusRAP) worldwide. A safe road system

OUYEN AusRAP is a program run by the Australian A safe road system is designed and operated to account for human Least safe Automobile Association (AAA) and state error. Safe roads minimise the chances of a crash happening and Not rated if they do occur, they minimise the severity of the crash. SWAN HILL and territory motoring clubs, dedicated to Not applicable saving lives through safer road infrastructure. Simple, cost effective countermeasures to improve safety have A79 CALDER HWY the potential to prevent deaths and injuries for decades after Town centre This map highlights how Victoria currently they are implemented. We should strive to create a genuinely rates in terms of the inherent safety of its safe road system where improving the safety of drivers, vehicles major regional highways. and roads is of mutual importance. 17 A road system where we have five star drivers in five star cars on five star roads should involve no deaths.

M39/A39 GOULBURN VALLEY HWY WYCHEPROOF WODONGA Star ratings A8 WESTERN HWY SHEPPARTON WANGARATTA AusRAP Star Ratings measure the inherent safety of a road’s infrastructure – that is, the degree to which built-in safety features prevent crashes from occurring and reduce the severity BENDIGO M31 HUME FWY of those crashes that do occur. Roads with a speed limit of HORSHAM NAGAMBIE 90 kilometres per hour or above are assessed and assigned a Star Rating with one star being the least safe and five stars SEYMOUR being the safest. This tells us how safe the road itself is and STAWELL M79 CALDER FWY allows road safety improvements to be identified and costed. What RACV wants

M31 HUME FWY Of the 2,885 kilometres of Victoria’s national highway network

M8 WESTERN FWY A1 PRINCES HWY classified from one star (least safe) to five stars (most safe), just BALLARAT two per cent of the Victorian rural highway network achieved BAIRNSDALE the maximum five star rating, with 24 per cent rated at less than M80 WESTERN RING ROAD three stars. The RACV policy is that all existing sections of the National Highway Network should be upgraded to achieve a MELBOURNE LAKES ENTRANCE M1 PRINCES FWY minimum AusRAP safety rating of three stars. Newly constructed M1 PRINCES FWY sections of highway should achieve a safety rating of no less than GEELONG A1 PRINCES HWY SALE four stars. RACV proposes that an investment of approximately COLAC $580 million would achieve the minimum three star standard TRARALGON WINCHELSEA on Victoria’s major highways saving at least 2,800 people from PORTLAND WARRNAMBOOL serious injury or death on these roads over the next 20 years. Simple measures such as safety barriers along the roadside N and in the median to prevent run-off-road and head-on crashes, improved skid resistance of road surfaces and rumble strips on highway shoulders and centrelines to reduce run-off-road crashes can save lives and reduce injuries from crashes on our roads.

AUSRAP STAR RATING

M79/A79 M39/A39 M31 M1/A1 M1/A1 A20 M8/A8 M80 Key Calder Fwy/Hwy Goulburn Valley Hwy Hume Fwy/Hwy Princes Fwy/Hwy East Princes Fwy/Hwy West Sturt Hwy Western Fwy/Hwy Western Ring Road

6% 1% 2% 1% 3% 3% 16% 17% 5% 23% 20% 34% 1 Star 29% 15% 22% 11% 16% 6% 22%

2 Star

3 Star

4 Star

48% 46% 54% 78% 56% 16% 55% 77% 69% 47% 5 Star

Not rated Note: ‘Not rated’ occurs when the AusRAP Star Rating is not calculated due to road construction and other activity on the day that the data was collected. ‘Not applicable’ occurs because AusRAP Star Ratings are for rural highways with a speed limit of 90km/h or more. Ratings are based on road data collected from 2010–2013. Percentages in pie graphs may not total 100 per cent due to rounding. 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS City of Western Highway, between Ballarat and Beaufort, Burrumbeet. BALLARAT: KEY FACTS Location: 110 km west of Melbourne Ballarat Size: 739 km² Major centres: Ballarat, Wendouree and Sebastopol Main industries: Health care, retail and manufacturing 2012 population: 96,972 2031 projected population: 128,847 Forecast average annual growth rate (2011–2031): 1.4%

18 AVERAGE TRANSPORT RATING/10 19 A RACV SURVEY RESULTS 1

V/Line trains: 6.82 Ballarat is strategically located at for residents and tourists but for road and better delineation to enhance the junction of four major highways freight, which is important for farming, safety and capacity. B V/Line coaches: 6.44 and is 80 minutes by car or train to grain production and manufacturing. Much of the future residential and Melbourne. The municipality is a Local buses: 5.95 Population growth has created more industrial growth of Ballarat is planned service and employment centre for WENDOUREE C traffic along Ballarat– Road to the west of the city. In the future, D Freeways/highways: 6.96 the western region, particularly the (Geelong Road) in Ballarat, magnified Ballarat West Employment Zone will E health care, retail and manufacturing BALLARAT Local roads: 5.30 by the residential, school and university provide an estimated 9,000 jobs and sectors.2 These factors have contributed developments along the route. $5 billion of annual economic activity.6 On road bike paths: 4.92 to a population increase of 1.8 per cent SEBASTOPOL The Ballarat West Growth Area Plan F from 2011 to 2012,3 the highest growth Off road bike paths: 5.28 predicts that, in forty years, the rate of the ten largest regional centres MORE THAN greenfield site will provide 14,000 Footpaths: 5.30 in Victoria. new houses for 40,000 people.7 N Ballarat residents average transport ratings where 1 is very poor, 5 is average and 10 is excellent. The Western Highway is the main Construction of adequate transport transport corridor for Victoria’s links is imperative to the success of western district and connects 5,500 Ballarat West. Roads that are built must Melbourne to . More than VEHICLES TRAVEL THE HIGHWAY WEST OF be designed to accommodate future 5,500 vehicles travel the highway west BALLARAT DAILY, INCLUDING 1,500 TRUCKS. bus routes and separated cycling and of Ballarat daily, including 1,500 trucks. walking paths. Ballarat Western Link MAP KEY Traffic is expected to double by 2025;4 Although safety improvements are Road (BWLR), a 16 kilometre, two lane “Buses should go through subdivisions to local Freeway hence the duplication of the Western needed, duplication and road widening road between the Western Freeway Highway from Ballarat to Stawell is is restricted by the narrow road space. and the Midland Highway, must Highway shopping and education facilities, rather than just vital to accommodate future demand Peak delays along Geelong Road be constructed to provide direct one specific bus stop that may be hard to get to Passenger rail line and for safety. Stage one – duplication encourage some motorists to use the connections to the major transport between Ballarat to Beaufort – is due parallel Yankee Flat Road. By the year corridors. The northern 4.2 kilometre Proposed passenger for older people or young mothers and children.” for completion in 2015. The Federal 2031, traffic modelling predicts Yankee section will be built in 2014, however railway station upgrade Claire aged 55–64 and State Government needs to fund Flat Road will have 3,700 vehicles per the complete link needs to be built Proposed public transport project duplication of the remaining two stages day, an 85 per cent increase on 2009 to accommodate and encourage 5 “Better road planning for the growth of Ballarat.” Proposed road project from Beaufort to Stawell. This work will traffic volumes. Yankee Flat Road the proposed future growth of improve traffic flow and safety, not only needs intersection improvements Ballarat West. Martha aged 55–64

PROJECTS

Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m) Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m)

A Western Highway Complete duplication of the Western Highway from Ballarat to Stawell with additional $606 F Ballarat–Buninyong Road Widening and safety upgrades to Ballarat–Buninyong Road. Consider improvements to Yankee $7 improvements (i.e. overtaking lanes and safety upgrades) between Stawell and . Flat Road to supplement Ballarat–Buninyong Road. Western Highway should be upgraded to a minimum of three safety stars (AusRAP standard) to * CBD buses Improve bus services in the CBD, through condensing services along – South Australia. common routes. B Ballarat Western Link Road Construct a new arterial link from the Western Highway at Highway to Glenelg $90 (BWLR) Highway then Midland Highway south of Sebastapol (including new railway overpass). – Service improvements and planning studies have not been costed. * Projects not shown on map C Ballarat railway station Upgrade facilities at Ballarat railway station, including additional car parks and improve $25 connections to bus services. D Ballarat C.B.A. Street Upgrade Mair Street through increased traffic lanes, bicycle lanes, median strip and $9 1 5 Network Upgrade streetscaping. Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013  Ballarat–Buninyong Road Upgrade and Yankee Flat Road Economic Analysis, 2 City of Ballarat Employment by Industry, economy.id, based on 2011 census data CPG Australia, 2009 E Ballarat rail line Upgrade the capacity and service standard of the Ballarat rail line. – 3 Estimated Residential Population Local Government Areas, 6 Ballarat Regional Capital Plan, City of Ballarat, 2012 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2013 7 Ballarat West Growth Area Plan, Tract Consultants, 2009 4  Western Highway Duplication – Ballarat to Stawell, www..vic.gov.au, accessed January 2014 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS bus interchange, Bendigo railway station, Bendigo. Calder Alternate Highway interchange, Calder Freeway, Ravenswood. BENDIGO: KEY FACTS Location: 150 km north of Melbourne Bendigo Size: 3,000 km² Major centres: Bendigo, Eaglehawk and Heathcote Main industries: Manufacturing, education and finance 2012 population: 62,352 2031 projected population: A 103,722 Forecast average annual B growth rate (2011–2031): 1.4%

20 C 21 D EAGLEHAWK E F AVERAGE TRANSPORT RATING/10 E C 1 I D C G RACV SURVEY RESULTS C H C C BENDIGO A Bendigo is a regional centre that of the Regional Fast Rail project, railway station car park. The 2013 J K J J V/Line trains: 6.90 attracts visitors from surrounding which included reduction of the track RACV On Track survey revealed 65 per H areas because of the diverse work, between and Bendigo to cent of people that use Bendigo railway C V/Line coaches: 6.15 B H study, shopping and medical facilities. a single line. However, the 18 daily station experience difficulty finding a L Local buses: 5.70 A combination of Bendigo’s services train services are not enough to meet car park.3 While expanding the car park M and proximity to Melbourne is attracting demand and while the Regional Rail is important, appropriate services and Freeways/highways: 7.06 HEATHCOTE people to a regional lifestyle that is Link will alleviate some pressure on infrastructure should be available for Local roads: 5.78 still close to Melbourne. This growth the line, the single track ultimately people to walk, cycle or catch the bus should increase following completion restricts the number of additional to the station. On road bike paths: C 5.45 of Victoria’s largest regional hospital trains that can be added. With steadily D EAGLEHAWK is planned to be an important E F in Bendigo in 2016. However, future Off road bike paths: 5.28 part of Greater Bendigo’s future C development to accommodate the E BENDIGO’S RAIL LINE IS AUSTRALIA’S growth. The town’s current population I D Footpaths: 5.49 additional residents is restricted to FASTEST GROWING REGIONAL RAIL ROUTE, C H G is less than 1,000 people, with forecasts C Bendigo residents average transport ratings where infill, as Bendigo is surrounded by WITH PATRONAGE INCREASING BY C 1 is very poor, 5 is average and 10 is excellent it will grow to 8,000 people by 2030.4 C BENDIGO dense parkland that limits opportunities J K J J At present, creating a strong, regional for urban sprawl. H % town centre is difficult as the Calder Ensuring people can move in and Freeway travels through the town around the CBD is essential, given IN THE LAST centre. A bypass is needed to divert H C FIVE YEARS. “There needs to be provision of both roads and the importance of the town centre 114 freight movement to the west. In L to Bendigo’s prosperity. The recently Marong, 75 per cent of households public transport options to meet the needs of increasing demand for commuter MAP KEY completed Inner Box provides a have two or more motor vehicles, services between Melbourne and new communitiesM as they are being established transport route around the CBD and which is 19 per cent higher than Highway Bendigo, planning for the reinstatement completing the Outer Box would provide Greater Bendigo.5 It is important – not decades later.” of duplicated track between Bendigo HEATHCOTE Proposed passenger a ring route through the inner suburbs. to provide transport infrastructure and Kyneton is urgently needed. Jemma aged 55–64 railway station upgrade like footpaths, bicycle facilities and Bendigo’s rail line is Australia’s More demand for Bendigo train bus services early in the growth Proposed public transport project fastest growing regional rail route, “More frequent trains to Melbourne with direct services and a lack of alternative of the town to encourage the use with patronage increasing by 114 per transport options to access the station of alternative transport options and access to Southern Cross Station.” Proposed road project cent in the last five years.2 In 2006, the has resulted in overcrowding of the reduce dependence on private vehicles. Hassam aged 65–74 Bendigo rail line was upgraded as part

PROJECTS

Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m) Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m) A Echuca rail line Upgrade the capacity and service standard of the Echuca rail line. – J Outer Box Duplicate: Golden Square to Long Gully Road, Golden Square–Quarry Hill Road, Russel Street $83 and rail bridge and Bendigo–Redesdale Road. B Swan Hill rail line Upgrade the capacity and service standard of the Swan Hill rail line. – K Bendigo railway station Upgrade facilities at Bendigo railway station including additional car parks. $1 C Outer Arterial Road Duplicate: McIvor Road and rail bridge, Bendigo–Eaglehawk Road, Midland Highway $247 improvements (White Hills), Marong Road (), Strathfieldsaye Road and Chum Street (West). L Bendigo rail line Upgrade the capacity and service standard of the Bendigo rail line. – D Calder Freeway/Highway Upgrade Calder Freeway/Highway to a minimum of three star AusRAP standard. $157 M Calder Alternate Highway Upgrade the intersection of the Calder Highway and Calder Alternate Highway at Ravenswood $86 interchange to a grade separated interchange. E North–Western truck route Upgrade the road standard through shoulder sealing and intersection configurations $1 for larger trucks. – Service improvements and planning studies have not been costed. F Epsom railway station Construct a new station at Epsom on the Echuca rail line, including adequate car parks. $7 G Bendigo East Link Road Construct a new arterial link between Midland Highway to Strathfieldsaye–White Hills Road. $20 H Integrated Transport Corridor (ITC) Construct an alternative north–south highway corridor to the east of the rail line. $148 1 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 3  On Track Survey, RACV, 2013 2  Railing Ahead: Rail Issues and Opportunities and Future-proofing in the 4  The Marong Plan, City of Greater Bendigo, 2011 I Marong West Truck Bypass Construct a truck bypass along the western boundary of Marong. $26 Loddon Mallee Region of Victoria, E W Russell and Associates, 2011 5 Census data, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2011 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS City of Greater Bus interchange, Geelong railway station, Geelong. GEELONG: KEY FACTS As Victoria’s second largest city, and being close to Melbourne, Geelong Location: 75 km south-west holds a strategically competitive Geelong of Melbourne position as the principal service Size: 1,248 km² centre for business and industry in Major centres: Geelong, the south west as well as having a Ocean Grove, Lara and Leopold strong relationship with Melbourne. This also means Geelong experiences Main industries: Manufacturing many of the same transport problems and retail as outer Melbourne communities, 2012 population: 218,361 including struggling to provide sufficient 2031 projected population: 302,362 transport infrastructure for a growing Forecast average annual population, traffic congestion and growth rate (2011–2031): 1.5% crowded trains. While some people move to Geelong and work locally, there are many people who live in 22 A AVERAGE TRANSPORT RATING/10 23 RACV SURVEY RESULTS 1 Geelong and work in Melbourne. B For those that catch the V/Line train LARA V/Line trains: 5.51 to Melbourne, completion of the Regional Rail Link in early 2016 will V/Line coaches: 5.43 RACV welcomes the Government Funding for staged construction of the C provide three extra services in the commitment to fund the complete Drysdale Bypass is needed to benefit Local buses: 4.99 morning and evening peak hour and not only Drysdale, but the whole D project, which will have benefits E E improve reliability.2 Further efficiency Bellarine Peninsula. F Freeways/highways: 6.76 across the state. improvements that should be made To accommodate Geelong’s growing Local roads: 5.21 to the Geelong rail line include a Another area that is experiencing new crossing loop, track duplication increasing congestion is Drysdale and population, Armstrong Creek is being On road bike paths: 4.73 most recent traffic counts reveal over developed as the largest contiguous GEELONG G between South Geelong and Grovedale 16,000 vehicles travel along High Street development in Victoria providing H Off road bike paths: 5.79 and upgrades to North Shore, Marshall housing for 55,000 people and 22,000 I LEOPOLD and Geelong railway stations. Footpaths: 5.05 ARMSTRONG CREEK IS BEING DEVELOPED AS jobs.4 The aim is for Armstrong Creek J K For those who drive to Melbourne, THE LARGEST CONTIGUOUS DEVELOPMENT N L Geelong residents average transport ratings where to be a more sustainable community, M 1 is very poor, 5 is average and 10 is excellent investment in the Princes Freeway and IN VICTORIA PROVIDING HOUSING FOR with less dependence on the private Geelong Ring Road has added much vehicle. The State Government has OCEAN GROVE needed extra road capacity, however committed $25.9 million to construct there is still the problem of unreliable MAP KEY the Grovedale railway station that travel times, with the trip often taking , will give Armstrong Creek residents Freeway 55 000 much longer than the expected hour. PEOPLE AND 22,000 JOBS. more choice in how they travel. “Lack of reliability of Melbourne to Geelong road Highway RACV’s Regional Transport Needs Public Transport Victoria has identified means I need to stay overnight in eastern suburbs survey revealed Geelong residents per day.3 Key intersections along High five new bus routes for Armstrong Passenger rail line are being forced to leave home earlier, 5 of Melbourne to be confident of making my eastern Street cannot cope with this traffic Creek that RACV believes should Proposed passenger reduce work hours or stay in Melbourne demand resulting in congestion that be implemented as people begin suburbs appointments.” railway station upgrade overnight to try and avoid travelling will continue to worsen amid nearby to move in. to Melbourne during peak hour. The residential development. For just under Rod aged 55–64 Proposed public transport project complete East West Link from the 30 years, the ’s “Public transport options that actually work Proposed public transport Western Ring Road to the Eastern planning scheme has incorporated project – indicative corridor Freeway will alleviate pressure on the the Drysdale bypass however VicRoads and deter car use are essential.” Proposed road project M1 corridor and improve the journey has advised construction is at least between Geelong and Melbourne. 3 Lisa aged 45–54 ten years from implementation.

PROJECTS

Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m) Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m)

A Geelong rail line Increase frequency and service standards on the Geelong rail line. – L Barwon Heads Road Duplicate Barwon Heads Road from Corio–Waurn Ponds Road to Lower Duneed Road. $240 B transport connections Improve public transport options to Avalon Airport. – M Anglesea Road Construct capacity and safety improvements along Anglesea Road. $37 C Geelong–Bacchus Marsh Road Duplicate Geelong–Bacchus Marsh Road from Corio–Waurn Ponds Road to Geelong Ring Road. $18 * Geelong rail yard Relocate the Geelong rail yards currently on the fringes of the Geelong CBD. $200 D Midland Highway Plan for duplication of the Midland Highway between Geelong and Bannockburn. – Rail freight connections Plan for rail freight connections for Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct (GREP) * – to Geelong Port and GREP and the Geelong Port. E North Shore railway station Upgrade facilities at North Shore railway station, including additional car parks. $4 * Armstrong Creek bus services Implement five new bus routes that are proposed for the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth – F Geelong to Ballarat coach services Improve frequency and scheduling of coach services between Geelong and Ballarat. – Area as development occurs. G Geelong railway station Upgrade facilities at Geelong railway station, including additional car parks. $10 * Public transport corridor Reserve land for a public transport corridor between the Armstrong Creek development and Torquay. –

H Drysdale Bypass Road Construct the Drysdale Bypass between Drysdale–Ocean Grove Road to Geelong–Portarlington Road. $100 – Service improvements and planning studies have not been costed. * Projects not shown on map I Pioneer Road Duplicate Pioneer Road from Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre to Meadowvale Drive. $10 1 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 4  Armstrong Creek Civil Interagency Infrastructure Delivery Plan (CIIDP), J Marshall railway station Upgrade facilities at Marshall railway station, including additional car parks. $25 2  Regional Rail Link – Benefits for Victorians, Regional Rail Link Authority, 2012 City of Greater Geelong, 2009 3 5 Armstrong Creek Bus Planning Study, Public Transport Victoria (PTV), 2012 K East–West connector Plan for a east–west connector between and Geelong–Portarlington Road. – Draft Drysdale Urban Design Framework, City of Greater Geelong, 2012 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS Western Highway, Crossing, Horsham. HORSHAM: KEY FACTS Horsham Location: 300 km west of Melbourne Rural City Council Size: 4,267 km² Major centres: Horsham and Main industries: Agriculture and manufacturing 2012 population: 19,658 A 2031 projected population: 22,571 Forecast average annual B growth rate (2011–2031): 0.5% C

HORSHAM E D AVERAGE TRANSPORT RATING/10 24 RACV SURVEY RESULTS 1 25 NATIMUK

V/Line trains: n/a Horsham provides retail and business and tourist traffic, rely on this highway. lanes that have the potential to reduce V/Line coaches: 5.99 services to the predominantly rural Everyday, 4,000 private vehicles and serious injuries and fatalities on the Local buses: 5.86 farming industry in the Wimmera 1,500 trucks travel the highway west of Western Highway. region. Located between Melbourne Ballarat, with projections that this will The Western Highway runs through Freeways/highways: 4.32 and Adelaide, the municipality is at double by 2025.2 Further improvements the centre of Horsham, forcing traffic the hub of a state and national highway to the Western Highway are needed, Local roads: 4.32 that would otherwise avoid Horsham system, namely the Western Highway, to travel through the town. This causes On road bike paths: 4.72 and EVERYDAY issues for both through traffic and leading to Geelong, Mildura, Portland Off road bike paths: 5.54 residents. Through traffic is forced and Bendigo. Public transport to decrease speed, drive with local Footpaths: 5.23 connections between Horsham and , traffic and is confronted with eight Melbourne include train, 4 000 Horsham residents average transport ratings where PRIVATE VEHICLES AND 1,500 TRUCKS sets of traffic lights, resulting in an N 1 is very poor, 5 is average and 10 is excellent operating twice a week, or a V/Line TRAVEL THE HIGHWAY WEST OF BALLARAT. increase in travel time and a decrease coach that connects with trains at in safety. For locals, high car and truck Ararat and Ballarat. including duplication from Ballarat volumes through the town negatively to Stawell and safety and capacity The Western Highway is the principal impacts the town’s amenity. While improvements beyond Stawell to the route between Melbourne and RACV acknowledges that government “Public transport options need to be increased, which South Australia border. These safety Adelaide. Road freight for livestock, is currently planning for the Horsham improvements include skid resistance, includes the kinds of public transport available, the grain production and manufacturing Bypass no funds have been committed roadside barriers and protected turn frequency of public transport and the hours during MAP KEY industries, as well as growing local for construction. A bypass is needed for Horsham to improve freight Highway which trips may be taken.” movement, road safety and town Horsham railway tracks, Horsham. Stuart aged 45–54 Passenger rail line amenity and maintain the functionality of the road network. Proposed public transport project “Highways need to be made safe to drive on as they To remove the need for two grade are in very poor shape and potholes cause constant Proposed public transport separations as part of the Western project – indicative corridor Highway Bypass, the Horsham damage to vehicles.” Proposed road project Rail Bypass should be constructed Rupert aged 45–54 concurrently. At present, the Melbourne to Adelaide rail line bisects Horsham, PROJECTS causing segregation and disadvantage for Horsham North. Community Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m) consultation has revealed that the rail line acts as a physical and mental A Western Highway Continue to improve the Western Highway, including complete duplication to Stawell $606 barrier to entering Horsham North and a minimum of three star AusRAP standard to South Australia. resulting in residents feeling socially B Horsham passenger rail service Implement a passenger shuttle rail service that extends from to Horsham. – isolated from the greater community.3 C Melbourne to Adelaide rail line Relocate the railway line away from the centre of Horsham. $79 To reconnect Horsham the rail line should be realigned to the north of D Horsham Bypass Construct the Horsham Bypass for the Western Highway. $157 Horsham. This will benefit Horsham E Alternate road across Investigate an alternate road and foot bridge over the Wimmera River. – North residents and will provide the Wimmera River significant urban renewal opportunities – Service improvements and planning studies have not been costed. for the land occupied by the current 1 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 rail line and yards. 2 Western Highway Duplication – Ballarat to Stawell, www.vicroads.vic.gov.au, accessed 2014 3  Horsham North Urban Design Framework Community Engagement Report, Place Partners, 2010 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS City of Princes Highway, Moe. Traralgon railway station, Traralgon. LATROBE: KEY FACTS Location: 120 km east of Melbourne Latrobe Size: 1,426 km² Major centres: Traralgon, Moe, Morwell and Churchill Main industries: Manufacturing and electricity, gas and water supply 2012 population: 73,929 2031 projected population: 90,741 Forecast average annual growth rate (2011–2031): 0.8%

MOE A 26 AVERAGE TRANSPORT RATING/10 B TRARALGON 27 RACV SURVEY RESULTS 1 D C MORWELL F E G V/Line trains: 6.59 Latrobe City Council is situated in the commitments from the Federal and primarily through rail. A modal shift centre of and has four major State Governments for construction of freight from road to rail will become V/Line coaches: 5.99 towns – Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and to commence. In addition, Princes increasingly important, therefore the Local buses: 5.99 Churchill. Power generation is a key Highway needs to be duplicated GLP should continue to be developed industry in the , which between Traralgon and Sale. to encourage this change. CHURCHILL Freeways/highways: 6.02 houses four main power stations that Government funding for Princes Low frequency Traralgon trains result produce 90 per cent of the state’s Highway upgrades has added capacity Local roads: 5.11 in crowded services, especially in peak electricity.2 The industry and supporting hour, forcing people to stand for the On road bike paths: 3.90 engineering sectors are key employers LATROBE VALLEY HAS FOUR MAIN POWER two hour journey between Moe and in the region. Many people find the Off road bike paths: 4.33 STATIONS THAT PRODUCE Melbourne. Frequency is constrained lower cost of housing in the area by the Dandenong Rail Corridor, as Footpaths: 5.49 appealing. In 2011, Latrobe was home to it must accommodate metropolitan N Latrobe residents average transport ratings where Australia’s most affordable real estate passenger services, V/Line passenger 1 is very poor, 5 is average and 10 is excellent market with a median house price of % services and Gippsland freight trains. $162,000.3 The Gippsland campus of OF THE STATE’S RACV welcomed the 2014 State Monash University also attracts many ELECTRICITY. Government commitment to upgrade students from neighbouring regions. 90 the Dandenong Rail Corridor in and enhanced safety. The full route The Princes Highway is the principal partnership with Metro Trains. As between Traralgon and Sale needs to route though Latrobe for freight, a longer term project, the proposed be duplicated for further improvements MAP KEY tourist, local and coach travel between South East Rail Line (SERL) should “Better trains and more of them. Standing from to travel times, freight movement and and Melbourne. This route be implemented, as this would ensure Freeway road safety. Melbourne to Moe due to lack of seats/carriages is vital to the success of the dairy, a separate rail connection between is silly and dangerous.” Highway timber, paper, coal and gas production The current Gippsland Intermodal Dandenong and Dynon for freight Proposed passenger industries. At present, Princes Highway Freight Terminal (GIFT) is underutilised. trains to operate independently of Peter aged 55–64 railway station upgrade runs through the centre of Traralgon. Council has acquired a 64 hectare metropolitan passenger trains. This Although the Traralgon Bypass has site adjacent to Princes Highway will benefit freight trains and improve Proposed public transport project “Duplication of freeway to continue through to Sale, been on the government agenda to establish a Gippsland Logistics capacity and reliability for metropolitan and better road maintenance for flood damaged roads.” Proposed road project for many years and land has been Precinct (GLP), to facilitate freight and V/Line passengers trains on the reserved, there needs to be funding movement to and from Gippsland, Dandenong Rail Corridor. Tamara aged 35–44

PROJECTS

Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m) Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m)

A Princes Highway Complete duplication of the Princes Highway from Traralgon to Sale. Upgrade the $425 F Traralgon bypass Construct the Traralgon bypass on Princes Highway East. TBC highway to at least a minimum of three star AusRAP standard to . G Gippsland logistics precinct Implement a fully integrated industrial estate and transport hub in the Latrobe Valley at Morwell. $10 B Moe railway station Upgrade facilities at Moe railway station, including additional car parks. $21 * Dandenong rail line Implement operational and service level upgrades to the Dandenong rail corridor and plan for – C Traralgon railway station Construct a second platform at Traralgon railway station and upgrade facilities, $12 the South East Rail Link (SERL). including additional car parks. – Service improvements and planning studies have not been costed. D Traralgon rail line Increase frequency and service standards on the Traralgon rail line. – * Projects not shown on map

E Construct additional car parks at Morwell railway station. $1

1 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 2 National Land Freight Strategy Submission, Latrobe City Council, 2011 3  A great place to work an even better place to live, Latrobe City Council, 2011 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS Existing Mildura rail line. MILDURA: KEY FACTS Mildura Rural City Council’s vision is to make it the most liveable, people Mildura Location: 500 km north-west friendly community in Australia.2 The Rural City Council of Melbourne regional centre sits on the crossroad Size: 22,083 km² of major transport routes that connect Major centres: Mildura, three capital cities and near the Red Cliffs, and Ouyen meeting point of Australia’s two largest rivers. This strategic location Main industries: Agriculture MERBEIN A continues to foster development, B MILDURA and manufacturing D but can impose a unique set of C C E 2012 population: 52,204 transport challenges in the region. F RED CLIFFS 2031 projected population: 64,288 The remote location of Mildura is a H G Forecast average annual defining characteristic. Many residents growth rate (2011–2031): 1.1% want to – and need to – visit Melbourne for medical appointments, business 28 meetings or social outings. For those 29 who can drive, the 540 kilometre journey is predominantly along the AVERAGE TRANSPORT RATING/10 Calder Highway/Freeway. Although this 1 G H RACV SURVEY RESULTS is the most important road connection are high levels of community support surface wear and tear. Track from Mildura to Melbourne, it is one for passenger train services to Mildura. standardisation, together with V/Line trains: n/a of the least safe national highways construction of the Transcontinental The first step to restoring a passenger OUYEN in Victoria. A staggering 49 per cent Rail Link and relocation of the Mildura V/Line coaches: 4.50 service is to improve the Mildura line of the Calder Freeway obtained an intermodal hub to Mildura South, for freight trains. Freight transport Local buses: 5.70 unacceptable one or two star AusRAP could result in a shift of freight from is particularly important for Mildura safety rating. An investment of $157 road to rail. It is critical that the State Freeways/highways: 4.60 because it produces the majority of million into the Calder Freeway to Government delivers its commitment Victoria’s wine, dried fruits, citrus and Local roads: 5.40 install crash barriers, rumble strips from the 2014/15 budget for complete and widen shoulders would eradicate standardisation of the Mildura rail line. On road bike paths: 4.70 dangerous one and two star sections RACV’S REGIONAL TRANSPORT SURVEY N of the road.3 RESULTS SHOWED THAT MILDURA’S For freight that must be transported Off road bike paths: 4.30 FREEWAYS/HIGHWAYS RANKED on road, an appropriate truck bypass is Footpaths: 5.40 For those who cannot drive, transport needed. For now, Mildura’s truck route options to Melbourne are limited. The is along Benetook Avenue and work Mildura residents average transport ratings where 1 is very poor, 5 is average and 10 is excellent passenger rail service was discontinued /10 is needed to divert trucks from Deakin in 1993 and, while Mildura is serviced FAR BELOW THE STATE AVERAGE Avenue. Council’s vision is for Deakin by Victoria’s third largest airport, with OF 6.2. Avenue to be “Mildura’s main boulevard, flights costing as much as $400 return 4.6 providing residents and visitors a grand it can be too costly for many residents. stone fruits, olives and nuts. It has entrance to – and exit from – the City”.5 The only other public transport access some of the largest processing and In the long term, a “My husband and I have missed a number of family to Melbourne is by coach, which can packaging plants in the world.4 bypass of Mildura should be planned take between seven and a half to for, to reduce the impact of trucks on occasions (funerals, weddings, etc.) due to lack of MAP KEY RACV’s regional transport survey nine hours. RACV consultation with Mildura’s community and to ensure found that Mildura’s highways were affordable transport to Melbourne. If you have to Highway Mildura’s residents revealed that only those needing access to local ranked 4.6 out of ten, well below people with a disability, children and businesses enter the town. get to the city in a hurry it is too expensive to fly Proposed public transport project the elderly find travelling on a coach the state average of 6.2. Freight can negatively impact on freeways and and takes hours by car on substandard roads.” Proposed road project undesirable and transferring between services difficult and confusing. There highways through additional road Deanne aged 55–64

PROJECTS

Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m) Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m)

A Transcontinental Rail Link Plan and construct the Transcontinental Rail Link between Mildura and Menindee connecting $320 G Calder Highway Duplicate the Calder Highway between Mildura and Red Cliffs. Upgrade the Calder Highway $323 to the Sydney–Perth rail line. to at least a three star standard, as determined by the AusRAP program.

B Eleventh Street (East–West sub Improve Eleventh Street pedestrian facilities and traffic management. $11 H Mildura rail line Complete standardisation of the Mildura rail line. Investigate the return of passenger rail $220 arterial/collector) services to Mildura.

C Sturt Highway Improve the condition of the Sturt Highway, including upgrading to at least a three star $10 – Service improvements and planning studies have not been costed. standard as determine by AusRAP.

D Sturt Highway Truck Bypass Construct a truck bypass of Mildura on the Sturt Highway. $72

E Mildura Airport bus Implement a new bus connection to Mildura Airport. – 1 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 F Mildura intermodal freight hub Relocate the Merbein intermodal freight hub south of Mildura. $20 2 City Council Plan, Mildura Rural City Council, 2013 4  Northern Loddon Mallee Regional Strategic Plan, Mildura Rural City Council, 2010 3  Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP), RACV, 2013 5  Mildura Planning Scheme, Municipal Strategic Statement – Clause 21.03, 2013 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS Broken River Bridge, Shepparton. GREATER SHEPPARTON: KEY FACTS Greater Shepparton is situated in the centre of the Goulburn Valley, Greater Shepparton Location: 180 km north of Melbourne which is considered the ‘Food Bowl City Council Size: 2,422 km² of Victoria’ generating approximately Major centres: Shepparton, 20 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural 2 Mooroopna and Tatura production. With an international reputation for quality fruit and dairy Main industries: Agriculture, products, freight transport is focused manufacturing and transport on transporting these goods to 2012 population: 62,352 processing facilities and distribution A 2031 projected population: 77,797 centres. As a result Greater Shepparton Forecast average annual is often referred to as the transport growth rate (2011–2031): 1.0% hub of regional Australia, with the largest truck sales and service centre in Victoria. B 30 SHEPPARTON The Goulburn Valley Highway runs 31 C MOOROOPNA through the centre of Shepparton D AVERAGE TRANSPORT RATING/10 and is a part of the road link between 1 E RACV SURVEY RESULTS Melbourne and . Construction TATURA of the Shepparton Bypass is needed Residents need choice in how they RACV community consultation revealed V/Line trains: 2.98 to provide a smoother and more travel and they need to be able to easily the three Shepparton train services V/Line coaches: 4.25 efficient movement of goods between access public transport services. The per day are not enough. Residents F Australia’s eastern capital cities. High redevelopment of the Vaughan Street who want to catch public transport Local buses: 5.39 quality road links will maximise the precinct will enhance the CBD and are forced to drive to Melbourne or Freeways/highways: 6.52 value of freight by speeding delivery improve pedestrian access to drive an hour to Seymour railway to markets and reducing damage to station, which has resulted in parking Local roads: 5.29 fresh produce in transit. The bypass issues at Seymour. Shepparton needs would be beneficial for residents and GOULBURN VALLEY, WHICH IS CONSIDERED a more frequent train service that is On road bike paths: 5.09 THE ‘FOOD BOWL OF VICTORIA’ GENERATES surrounding communities as it would on par with similar regional centres Off road bike paths: 5.86 decrease traffic in the CBD and enable like Traralgon. These two areas are a N through traffic to safely bypass the town. Footpaths: 5.61 similar population and distance to the % Melbourne CBD, however Shepparton Shepparton needs adequate road Greater Shepparton residents average transport ratings OF VICTORIA’S where 1 is very poor, 5 is average and 10 is excellent connections to neighbouring towns receives only one fifth the number of AGRICULTURAL Traralgon services. A more frequent such as and Bendigo via the PRODUCTION. Midland Highway. Recent duplication 20 train service would improve access of the Highway between Florence to education facilities in Shepparton, Street and Doyles Road has eased Shepparton railway station, the support tourism in the region and provide “For a regional city that relies on train services congestion. However, to cope with suburban bus network and taxi residents with better transport options. the 27,000 vehicles using the highway services. Stage One was completed just as much as , Bendigo and Ballarat, to each day (of which 10 percent are heavy in December 2013. The full benefits 3 of this project can only be achieved have three return services a day is just pathetic.” MAP KEY vehicles) and to accommodate future growth, the Midland Highway needs through construction of the final two Toni aged 35–44 Highway to be duplicated to Shepparton East, stages, including redevelopment of Maude Street and relocation of the “A bypass around Shepparton needs to be Proposed public transport project including upgrade of the intersection with the Shepparton Alternate route. bus interchange. completed now, not in 10 or 20 years.” Proposed road project Bao aged 55–64

PROJECTS

Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m) Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m)

A Goulburn Valley Highway Safety upgrades to the Goulburn Valley Highway from Shepparton to New South Wales, $25 E GV Link Construct a freight and logistics centre in Shepparton, including an intermodal terminal $17 (Stage 1) to a minimum of three star AusRAP standard. for rail freight.

B Shepparton Bypass Construct the Shepparton Bypass to a minimum of four star AusRAP standard. $250 F Shepparton rail line Improve frequency of passenger rail services between Shepparton and Melbourne. – This includes construction of the North Shepparton Arterial East–West Link, which is a new arterial road between the Shepparton Bypass and the Shepparton Alternative Route. – Service improvements and planning studies have not been costed.

C Shepparton bus interchange Construct a new bus interchange on Maude Street, including improved pedestrian access $5 and parking facilities.

D Midland Highway Duplicate the Midland Highway to Shepparton East. $8

1 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 2 The Goulburn Region, www.dpi.vic.gov.au, accessed December 2013 3 Traffic Volume Data for Victoria – Midland Highway Between Mclennan Street and High Street, VicRoads, 2012 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS Rural City of Bus stop, bus route to Milawa, Wangaratta. WANGARATTA: KEY FACTS Location: 250 km north-east Wangaratta of Melbourne Size: 3,645 km² Major centres: Wangaratta and Glenrowan Main industries: Manufacturing and agriculture A 2012 population: 27,236 2031 projected population: 31,556

WANGARATTA B Forecast average annual growth rate (2011–2031): 0.4%

32 33 GLENROWAN AVERAGE TRANSPORT RATING/10 RACV SURVEY RESULTS 1 Wangaratta is located in Victoria’s While improved access to public 2014, only 75 per cent of services on central north east, in the Hume region. transport is important, the quality the Albury line were delivered on time.6 V/Line trains: 2.53 There are over 27,000 residents living of the service is another key factor The track needs to be appropriately in the municipality, of which 17,000 contributing to people’s transport upgraded so that services are reliable V/Line coaches: 5.43 live in urban Wangaratta.2 Future choice. At present, the Wangaratta and punctual and provide a desirable Local buses: 5.74 residential growth will predominantly train service is unreliable and this has transport option for residents. occur in urban Wangaratta, rather resulted in community reluctance Improved public transport connections Freeways/highways: 7.52 than rural towns. It is important that to use the train. Compared to the ten to growing satellite towns around the Central Activities Area (CAA) Local roads: 5.45 Wangaratta are very important. The continues to grow as a key centre rural township of Milawa for example, On road bike paths: 5.08 providing a mixture of commercial, THERE ARE OVER is expecting strong growth driven by its residential, tourism, educational, civic Off road bike paths: 6.83 popularity as Australia’s first gourmet N and recreational land uses. Future region, an increase in local events Footpaths: 5.42 residential development should occur and commercial activity and closure around the town centre to provide close Wangaratta residents average transport ratings , of a number of nearby rural primary where 1 is very poor, 5 is average and 10 is excellent 27 000 access to these key services. For those schools. Residents from Milawa that choose to live in a rural area or RESIDENTS LIVING IN THE MUNICIPALITY, OF WHICH 17,000 LIVE IN URBAN WANGARATTA. commute to Wangaratta for shopping, township, there needs to be adequate work and to access the various other connections to the Wangaratta CAA. services in town. A more regular and municipalities with the largest regional Car parking is the number one issue timely bus service would ensure that “Unreliable train service meant I was unable to attend centres, Wangaratta residents ranked in the CAA. It is critical that the road people who do not or cannot drive their train services the lowest, with a training course in Melbourne and – further to this network caters for the movement of can still access the services needed a score of 2.53 out of ten.5 In January – my children have missed out on attending sporting traffic through town and RACV supports in Wangaratta. MAP KEY the removal of on street car parking events in Melbourne for the same reason.” Highway where competing demands for road Brad aged 45–54 space exists. Any additional car parks Proposed public transport project must be provided off-street and in “Reduce road congestion in the CBD of Wangaratta.” Proposed road project satellite car parks adjacent to the CAA. Lara aged 45–54 Promotion of alternative transport modes for travel to and within the town PROJECTS centre would reduce the need to provide additional car spaces. Community Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m) consultation has revealed cycling is the preferred mode of travel for A Wangaratta rail line Improve reliability and upgrade the service standard of the Wangaratta rail line. – residents, however cycle connections 4 B Hume Freeway Improve the Hume Freeway, including upgrading to at least a three star AusRAP standard. $100 and facilities must be improved. Pedestrian facilities in the CAA should * Bus connection to Milawa Implement a regular bus service that connects Milawa and Markwood residents – be improved through simple measures with Wangaratta. such as pedestrian refuges in the – Service improvements and planning studies have not been costed. centre of wide streets. For public * Projects not shown on map transport to be appealing, it should be better integrated into the town centre.

1 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 4 Wangaratta Central Activities Area Future Planning, SMEC, 2013 2 5 Annual Report, Rural City of Wangaratta, 2012 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 Wangaratta railway station, Wangaratta. 3 Wangaratta Central Activities Area Future Planning, SMEC, 2013 6 Track Record, Public Transport Victoria (PTV), 2014 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS Warrnambool railway station, Warrnambool. WARRNAMBOOL: KEY FACTS Warrnambool Location: 260 km south-west City Council of Melbourne Size: 121 km² Major centres: Warrnambool and Dennington Main industries: Dairy processing, meat processing and tourism 2012 population: 32,968 2031 projected population: 43,934 Forecast average annual growth rate (2011–2031): 1.3%

34 35 DENNINGTON AVERAGE TRANSPORT RATING/10 A RACV SURVEY RESULTS 1 Warrnambool is Victoria’s largest of Princes Highway West between near Warrnambool is a safety concern. coastal city outside of Bay, Geelong to Winchelsea is due Duplication of Princes Highway West, V/Line trains: 4.80 WARRNAMBOOL and is an important regional centre for completion in 2014. State and from Warrnambool towards Colac and B A C V/Line coaches: 5.30 for the Great Southern Coast. Many Federal Governments have committed between and Warrnambool D people who live in Colac and Port $362 million in future years to continue is needed to improve road safety, benefit Local buses: 6.15 Fairy commute to Warrnambool for the highway duplication beyond freight and support Warrnambool’s Freeways/highways: 4.35 employment or to access the health, Winchelsea to Colac.2 This investment connection to neighbouring towns. education and professional services. in Princes Highway West is welcome; Local roads: 4.42 Although Warrnambool traffic volumes Warrnambool is also a significant however more needs to be done. are increasing, train patronage is also tourist destination as it is the largest On road bike paths: 5.72 experiencing growth at 2% per year.3 town on the . Off road bike paths: 5.95 Warrnambool residents need more Currently, car use dominates access to than three return train services per N WARRNAMBOOL Footpaths: 6.07 the city centre. To encourage alternative % day to give people more choice in when TRAFFIC VOLUMES Warrnambool residents average transport ratings travel to and within the city centre, ARE INCREASING, and how they travel. Currently, train where 1 is very poor, 5 is average and 10 is excellent there needs to be a higher priority TRAIN PATRONAGE frequency is constrained by the lack of for cyclists and pedestrians, and IS ALSO passing opportunities. A passing loop EXPERIENCING better access by bus services. Princes GROWTH AT PER YEAR. between Colac and Terang needs to be Highway West (Raglan Parade) forms constructed. Following construction of the northern border of Warrnambool’s 2 the passing loop, train frequency should “More train services are required daily. It is just not city centre. Reducing delays along RACV community consultation revealed be increased, including implementation Princes Highway West will benefit the that for people that travel to and from of shuttle services that directly connect MAP KEY good enough that people who live in the country areas growing local, regional and interstate Warrnambool, the limited overtaking Warrnambool with Geelong. Having of Victoria are so disadvantaged.” Highway transport movements. The duplication opportunities on Princes Highway West a faster, more direct connection will encourage residents to catch the train Helen aged 55–64 Proposed passenger railway station upgrade to Melbourne and tourists to catch the Raglan Parade, intersection with Simpson Street, Warrnambool. train to Warrnambool. “Princes Highway needs to be properly maintained and Proposed public transport project Warrnambool railway station is a vastly improved due to increased road traffic volumes.” Proposed road project heritage building that has potential Bevan aged 65–74 to be a key transport interchange; however improvements need to be PROJECTS implemented. Facilities at the railway station are poor and the current link Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m) between the railway station and the city’s retail core is confusing. Railway A Princes Highway West Complete duplication of Princes Highway West from Geelong to Colac and upgrade capacity $453 station upgrades that are needed and safety from Colac to Port Fairy. Upgrade Princes Highway West to a minimum of three star AusRAP standard. include improved lighting, seating, shelter and car parking. Better B Princes Highway (Raglan Parade) Improve safety and traffic flow on Princes Highway (Raglan Parade). $3 physical integration of the railway C Warrnambool railway station Upgrade facilities at Warrnambool railway station, including additional car parks. $4 station, buses and the city centre is also needed. These upgrades are D Warrnambool rail line Implement shuttle services between Warrnambool and Geelong. – particularly important as Warrnambool – Service improvements and planning studies have not been costed. railway station is considered the 4 1 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 ‘front door’ to the city centre. 2 Princes Highway Duplication – Geelong to Colac, www.vicroads.vic.gov.au, accessed 2014 3 Regional Transport Strategy, Great South Coast, 2013 4 Warrnambool Railway Station Precinct Master Plan, CPG, 2010 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS City of Logic, , Barnawartha North. WODONGA: KEY FACTS Wodonga is strategically located on the that connects Location: 300 km north-east Melbourne and Sydney. The town Wodonga of Melbourne is a popular tourist stop for people Size: 433 km² travelling between the two capital Major centres: Wodonga cities and for visitors to the Murray and Baranduda River. Wodonga has considerable development planned, including Main industries: Manufacturing construction of the $60 million Mann’s and retail central retail facility that will begin 2012 population: 36,626 shortly. Furthermore, land released 2031 projected population: 48,435 following relocation of the Wodonga A rail line and station will be transformed B Forecast average annual C growth rate (2011–2031): 1.3% into a residential, retail and commercial precinct known as Junction Place. E D 36 The key transport issue for Wodonga 37

WODONGA is the poor performance of the rail line. AVERAGE TRANSPORT RATING/10 Since 2007, significant work has been RACV SURVEY RESULTS 1 completed: the broad gauge track Baranduda growth area will supply The Wodonga Trails Network should was converted to standard gauge, enough residential land for 14,000 be extended into the growth area F G V/Line trains: 2.54 timber sleepers were replaced with homes, 35,000 people and 6,000 and roads should be designed to concrete sleepers, the train signalling jobs. The Baranduda town centre accommodate buses and have separated V/Line coaches: 5.03 BARANDUDA system was upgraded, passing lanes will become a secondary centre paths for bicycles and pedestrians. constructed and platforms built. to the Wodonga CBD.3 Adopting a Local buses: 6.08 Another key project for Wodonga is Despite the significant investment planning approach that includes major the 610 hectare Logic site. Funding Freeways/highways: 8.08 the Albury/Wodonga line remains the employment and activity centres closer is needed to develop this site as Local roads: 6.41 most unreliable in the state. Recent N treatment will correct most ballast an intermodal distribution hub for THE LENEVA–BARANDUDA GROWTH AREA WILL southeast Australia. Logic’s strategic On road bike paths: 5.65 and drainage problems but additional SUPPLY ENOUGH RESIDENTIAL LAND FOR works are required. This will reduce location at the intersection of the Off road bike paths: 7.16 track maintenance and enable temporary Hume Freeway and Murray Valley Footpaths: 6.10 service restrictions to be eased2, Highway helped secure Woolworths “I had an appointment in Melbourne at noon, I caught as the largest tenant, with a $90 million Wodonga residents average transport ratings therefore enhancing quality, reliability the 6.45 am train from Wodonga, due into Melbourne where 1 is very poor, 5 is average and 10 is excellent and punctuality. 14,000 distribution centre and over 400 employees. Several other companies HOMES, 35,000 PEOPLE AND 6,000 JOBS. at 10.35am – I did not arrive until 11.58am.” At present, there is no bus service that have expressed interest in Logic, connects with Wodonga railway station. however a common prerequisite is Ruth aged 65–74 to where people live is fundamental. For those that do not have a car or a rail terminal.4 Construction of an When people do need to travel to are unable to walk or cycle because intermodal rail container terminal “My aged and unwell parents wanted to catch the train Wodonga, sufficient transport links of distance, a bus service that connects that adjoins the North East railway are required. Baranduda Boulevard to Melbourne to see a medical specialist; however the to the railway station would ensure line connecting Melbourne to Sydney is the main arterial route between equitable transport. Access to the would provide direct access to the trains are extremely unreliable (late and insufficient MAP KEY Wodonga, Leneva Village and railway station via bus could encourage Port of Melbourne, Port Botany and the Baranduda. With the associated traffic, seating)... so they had to rely on other family members Highway a mode shift from those that currently National Rail Network from Wodonga this road link should be duplicated drive and reduce demand for car parking creating competitive advantage taking the day off work and pay for babysitting to take Proposed public transport project before significant development of the at the station. for businesses and encouraging growth area to avoid congestion. The the time to drive them down.” Proposed road project job growth. To accommodate population growth design of this new development needs Hilda aged 35–44 over the next 40 years, the Leneva– to consider all modes of transport.

PROJECTS

Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m) Transport Project Description Est Cost ($m)

A Logic Wodonga Construct a rail freight link to Logic Wodonga. $15 G Baranduda Boulevard Plan for the upgrading of road infrastructure to support urban development at – Leneva–Baranduda. B Murray Valley Highway Duplicate Murray Valley Highway from Logic Boulevard to the Hume Freeway interchange, $6 to support the development of the Logic logistics centre. * Bus service to Wodonga Implement a bus services that connects to the new Wodonga railway station. – railway station C Wodonga rail line Improve reliability and upgrade the service standard of the Wodonga rail line. – – Service improvements and planning studies have not been costed. D Hume Freeway Upgrade the safety of Hume Freeway to a minimum of three star AusRAP standard $100 * Projects not shown on map to New South Wales.

E Melrose Drive Investigate appropriate access and funding for the proposed freight terminal. $10 1 Regional Transport Needs Survey, RACV, 2013 F Valley Highway Duplicate from Murray Valley Highway to Baranduda, to support $6 2 Safety of Rail Operations on the Interstate Rail Line Between Melbourne and Sydney, Australian Safety Transport Bureau, 2013 planned urban development. 3 Discussion Draft Leneva–Baranduda Growth Area Framework Plan, , 2012 4 AUSLINK Strategic Regional Infrastructure Funding Application for Logic Wodonga Container Terminal, City of Wodonga, 2008 2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA GROWING PAINS 2014 Regional Victoria Growing Pains For further information contact: Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd Public Policy Department, 550 Princes Highway, Noble Park North, Victoria 3174 Telephone (03) 9790 2863 Fax (03) 9790 2629 Email [email protected] www.racvgrowingpains.com.au ABN 44 004 060 833 Graphic design by Struck & Spink Photography by Keren Dobia © Material in this publication may be reproduced or quoted provided RACV is acknowledged. This publication is printed on 50% recycled paper.

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Geelong railway station, Geelong. 2014 Regional Victoria Growing Pains