Victorians have good access to housing, jobs, services and opportunities
Victorians can access housing, jobs, services and opportunities to develop their capabilities, support their wellbeing, connect with other people, and take part in civic, community and cultural life.
Infrastructure influences how Victorians live
Victorians interact with infrastructure every day. It includes the roads they use to get to work, the education facilities that help them to learn and grow, and the health facilities where they receive care.
Victorians receive essential services from infrastructure like the pipes that supply their water and the lines that supply their electricity. Infrastructure also supports people and communities to connect, such as at libraries, parks and community facilities.
Victorians told us they want transport infrastructure that better connects them with opportunities.People preferred more space for public transport, cycling lanes and walking paths over road space for cars.
But some people who live in Melbourne's growth areas and regional Victoria said they cannot easily access services and opportunities.Victorians also mentioned the negative impacts of high housing costs, particularly for people experiencing disadvantage.
Access to high-quality transport infrastructure varies across Victoria
Different types of transport can help people get to the places they need to go. Victorians collectively take over 16 million trips every day. They might be driving long distances, taking public transport to central locations, or making local trips by walking or cycling.
Public transport, walking and cycling help ease traffic congestion and can sometimes be faster than driving. This is especially the case for inner city workers who catch public transport. But in some parts of Victoria people have few alternatives to driving.They also might be delayed by road repairs or construction of big transport projects.
It can be hard for people to reach jobs in middle and outer suburbs, such as for people working in retail, hospitality, schools, hospitals and factories.People typically have fewer public transport services to reach these jobs.If people cannot or do not drive, some might struggle to get to work, services or education.
Victorians might not make a trip at all if public transport has few services each day or if the fare is too high.Some people, including some women, young and older people, might not use public transport if they do not feel safe.Many Victorians can only use infrequent and indirect bus networks to get to jobs, services, education and recreation.
Walking or riding a bike can be good for shorter trips, but in some places people might not feel safe.Some people, including women and gender-diverse Victorians, can find streets, public parks and trails unsafe, especially when walking.
Established suburbs have good access to infrastructure, but many Victorians cannot afford to live in them
People who live in established suburbs often have more infrastructure near their home, like public transport, schools and libraries.The Victorian Government has a target for 70% of new homes to be built in these suburbs.When people live closer to existing infrastructure, jobs and services, they have better health.They spend less time travelling to work and other destinations.This means they can spend more time with family or doing social activities.More than half of the people living in Melbourne’s inner suburbs get involved in cultural and creative experiences, compared to less than 40% of those living in new suburbs.
But homes in established suburbs in Victoria’s cities are expensive to buy and rent.People with moderate and low incomes find it hard to afford to live in these suburbs. Planning rules can make it difficult for property owners and developers to build new homes in places that have good existing infrastructure. Most homes that Victorians can afford are in new suburbs.These places are only slowly getting public transport services, childcare, education facilities, libraries and aquatic centres.
Access to infrastructure is worth investing in
Good access to infrastructure has social, economic and environmental benefits. Children who participate in high-quality early childhood education, and then regularly attend school and complete year 12, have better health and employment outcomes.They also have higher incomes during their lives than those who do not.
Workers can more easily reach jobs in places that have good transport options. Infrastructure also lets businesses connect with customers, markets and skilled workers. Businesses in compact cities with good access to infrastructure are more productive than in spread out cities.
If people can live in places that already have good infrastructure access, Victoria does not need to build so many homes in new suburbs. The edges of cities and towns can stay as farms producing food or natural habitats for animals and plants.
Access to infrastructure means people can easily travel to see their friends, family, and community.This creates social connection and improves happiness and health.Avoiding social isolation can be as beneficial to health as giving up smoking.
Some Victorians need access to specific types of infrastructure and services. Easily getting in and out of buildings with government services is especially important for people with mobility challenges. This is even more critical in regional Victoria, where a higher proportion of people have disabilities.
Some people cannot find homes they can afford to rent in Melbourne, and in regional centres like Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong.Social housing can provide them with a safe and secure home.Social housing can return up to $1.25 in social and economic benefits for every $1 invested.
