Analysis prepared for Bayside City Council reveals that the municipality may need between $1.3 billion and $3.2 billion to provide the transport, drainage and open space infrastructure required to support future growth driven by the Victorian Government's Suburban Rail Loop and Activity Centre program. By comparison, developer contributions and rates are estimated to generate approximately $493 million, leaving a substantial funding gap.
These gaps have been confirmed in the Auditor-General's latest report into the SRL which revealed that no funding had been provided for the necessary infrastructure or open space with council left holding the bag.
Bayside Mayor, Cr Debbie Taylor-Haynes said that Council's analysis raised significant questions about how the required infrastructure will be funded, and what the flow on effect of the State Government's actions will be on future rate increases.
"This shines a light on the scale of investment that will be needed and points to the billions of dollars cost shifted from the state onto Council and the community.
"The Victorian Government has pointed to developer contributions as the answer to the funding question. But they will not come anywhere near enough on their own. The community deserves transparency about how the infrastructure needed to support this growth will be delivered and funded. I'm disappointed that the State Government refused to accept the Auditor-General's recommendation to work with local communities on this."
Council's analysis found that to support population growth in Bayside's Activity Centre areas and Suburban Rail Loop precinct, the community could need:
- New and upgraded community infrastructure including recreational facilities (equivalent to at least 18 football ovals), streetscape improvements and other community facilities to keep up with the growth in population.
- Around $500 million to $1 billion in drainage infrastructure upgrades to offset increased water volumes equivalent to 57 Olympic sized swimming pools
- New intersections, traffic signals and transport improvements across the growth areas
Bayside's open space and amenity is one of the major reasons people choose to build and live here. These plans will remove much of what makes Bayside the wonderful destination it is - less open space per resident - while somehow assuming that more people will want to live in a less attractive urban environment.
Council will continue advocating to the Victorian Government for greater clarity on how the investment in state and local infrastructure will be provided. This includes transport, drainage, community facilities, schools and other services needed to support growing communities.
