The strategic framework > Key directions > Networks with the regional cities

Networks with the regional cities

The concept of networked cities is fundamental to Melbourne 2030. Such cities build on improved links between regional Victoria and the economy and facilities of metropolitan Melbourne.

Victoria has a number of cities with populations of between 50,000 and 200,000 spread across a broad arc around the metropolitan urban area. This provides an ideal framework for developing metropolitan Melbourne and the surrounding region and economy together on the basis of networked cities, rather than the more traditional hub and spoke model of a large capital city. Victoria is better placed than any other State in Australia to develop and enjoy the benefits of networked cities.

As settlements in this broad region become increasingly interdependent, there will be a far wider choice of places in which to live, set up business and find a job. This will help Victoria compete effectively in national and international markets. It will help share the benefits of growth across the State.

The share of new dwellings locating in regional cities will be increased and the share provided by dispersed rural residential development reduced.

New urban development will be encouraged outside metropolitan Melbourne, particularly in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, the townships of the Latrobe Valley and in key towns along the transport corridors to these cities, taking advantage of their improved integration with metropolitan Melbourne and their access to infrastructure, land and labour. In the longer term, investigation of the corridor to Seymour and beyond may be needed, particularly if significant new investment occurs in public transport infrastructure and services in that corridor.

Figure 21. Network cities - click for more detail

Rural areas will be protected and safeguarded for a range of rural uses and developments, with preference in planning and development outside urban areas going to agriculture, conservation, natural resource-based uses, transport services and tourism, and with protection for important water catchments.

Rural living developments will be better planned and subject to more stringent development standards, to reflect the commitment to compact settlements and reduce the adverse impacts of such developments on the environment, water catchments, resource-based industries and provision of infrastructure and services.

Tight controls will be imposed on water catchments, areas with important natural vegetation, areas that could impact on wetlands, areas (and buffer zones) of mineral resource extraction and/or areas with potential for intensive or high-value agricultural production. In such areas, urban development will not be allowed, and rural living development will be prohibited or subject to greater controls.

Melbourne 2030 protects land with irrigation potential that can be supplied with water recycled from water treatment plants. This reflects the Government’s commitment to progressively increase water reuse.