As Victorians begin planning for life beyond COVID-19, Infrastructure Victoria has released a 30-year blueprint for the state's future, with a heavy focus on climate, energy, and sustainability.
In a detailed strategy, the state's independent infrastructure advisors make 95 recommendations aimed at creating a zero-waste, zero-emissions economy by 2050.
"The COVID crisis has created a seismic shift in how Victorians live and work," chief executive Michel Masson said.
"Now is the time to harness the positive changes we've seen, and facilitate a transition to a better new normal."
The recommendations, released for public comment today, cover a broad range of traditional and non-traditional infrastructure issues — from transport and technology, to waste and water recycling, to green space and regional tourism.
But at the top of the list is a series of proposals to make the transition to zero emissions by 2050 — beginning with a proposal to phase out all internal combustion engine vehicles over the next 30 years, beginning with the government fleet and public buses.
Other proposals would require all new homes would have an 8-star energy rating by 2025, and for the state's electricity grid to be upgraded to cope with the spread of rooftop solar and new wind and solar farms in regional Victoria.
Some recommendations, however, stray into less obvious territory for Infrastructure Victoria — such as a target of 30 per cent tree canopy cover in new suburbs on the urban fringe.
"To put that in context, Melbourne's leafy eastern suburbs have about 25 per cent tree cover," Mr Masson said.
"We've seen throughout the pandemic how much local communities value green open space.
Call for congestion charge for Melbourne's CBD and on all new freeways
Not surprisingly, the strategy has plenty to say about transport — calling for the revival of the Murray Basin Rail Plan, new tram and train lines to serve growth suburbs on the urban fringe, and abolishing the free tram zone in the CBD.
The State Government has adopted previous Infrastructure Victoria recommendations, like distance-based charges for electric vehicles, and trialling peak pricing on the public transport network.
"Our evidence shows that will help get people back on public transport and reduce congestion," said Mr Masson.
"Our draft strategy takes it a step further, recommending off‐peak fares become a permanent fixture in Melbourne, in addition to offering cheaper fares for trams and buses at all times."
But the strategy goes even further, especially on pricing. It recommends congestion charges in the CBD, as well as on all new freeways, and an end to free parking at train stations and park-and-rides.
It recommends a major five-year expansion of the bicycle network in Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong, with separated cycleways, more bike parking at train stations, and an interconnected open space network across the city.
Other recommendations cover waste and recycling, telecommunications, social housing, and health.
Infrastructure Victoria says it now wants to hear what the Victorian public has to say, and will consult with the community until February 26, before presenting the final strategy to the State Government in the middle of next year.
"Throughout 2020, Victorians have demonstrated we are adaptable, resilient and prepared to make big changes when needed," Mr Masson said.
"In the decades ahead, we will need to maintain that spirit in the face of technological disruption, climate change, lower population growth and unexpected challenges."
