Rural Population Growth Policy Presentation by Paul Shipp, Director, Urban Enterprise Mayors, Councillors and CEOs Forum 11 April 2018

+1.1m residents State population is growing strongly Change in Share of State Growth (2006-16 vs 2006) +1.1m residents

Diverse Population Experiences across Rural Victoria

Is this a problem? 4 out of 5 RCV Councils rate the issue as “very important” 3 out of 4 Councils have taken action to address population (limited co-ordination, success)

Is this a problem? 84% of population growth in Rural Victoria is projected to occur in peri-urban areas Rural Victoria’s share of state growth is projected to continue to decline Western Victoria projected to decline further Link between population and service provision, infrastructure, labour availability

Current Policy and Incentives What’s missing? Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund Regional First Home Owners Grant Payroll Tax Discount GovHub Marketing and Research Population strategy or target Differentiation of regional and rural Co-operation of local and State A response for Western Victoria

Who moves and why? Recent migrants Younger people (in and out) Regional and rural returners Lifestyle Jobs Connections (family, community) Major demographic and economic shifts are at play. Governments should not seek to reverse these, rather leverage opportunities and advantages for net community benefit

Who moves and why?

Policy Directions Set a vision and allocate responsibilities Respond to different challenges differently Use old and new levers, encourage co-operation Target those most likely to move Leverage lifestyle benefits, address skills gaps and barriers to movement Improve data quality and consistency

Priorities and Actions Population Strategy and Targets Minister for Rural Victoria Increase existing incentives for rural areas Remove physical and regulatory barriers to growth Establish new incentives for families, migrants and businesses Facilitate second move migration to address skills gaps Address Population Risk in Western Victoria Public transport investment Business incentives Address skills gaps Remove planning, land supply and infrastructure barriers to growth Continue government employment centralisation State-wide population movement monitoring program

Paul Shipp Director (03) 9482 3888 paul@urbanenterprise. com Paul Shipp Director (03) 9482 3888 paul@urbanenterprise.com.au Urban Enterprise Urban Planning / Land Economics / Tourism Planning / Industry Software www.urbanenterprise.com.au