23 June 2016
Michel Masson
Chief Executive Officer
Infrastructure Victoria
c/-
Dear Mr Masson
SUBMISSION IN RESPONSE TOINFRASTRUCTURE VICTORIA’S “ALL THINGS CONSIDERED” OPTIONS PAPER
Mornington Peninsula Shire (“the Shire”) is pleased to provide input into Infrastructure Victoria’s All Things Considered Options Paper. This submission supersedes the draft version that was previously submitted on the 17 June 2016.
Background
The Shire is home to a population of 155,000 residents and has 4.9 million visitors per year. The municipality encompasses 720 square kilometres of land and has 10% of Victoria’s coastline with 40 settlements spread across the peninsula. It is Victoria’s premier holiday destination with a distinguished agricultural history and magnificent landscapes featuring coastal and hinterland surroundings. Infrastructure plays an important role in the liveability and economic opportunities for both residents and holiday makers to the Mornington Peninsula.
The Shire’s Strategic Plan (2013-2017) outlines 8 goals that are relevant to the All Things Considered Options Paper:
1. Liveable Peninsula
2. Enhancing public places and spaces
3. Improving community facilities
4. Leading change on climate change
5. Enhancing the coastal experience
6. Healthy, safe and connected communities
7. Supporting a sustainable economy
8. Innovative, responsive, value for money service delivery
Overarching Comments
The Shire commends the work Infrastructure Victoria has undertaken to identify a wide variety of infrastructure options to support the future prosperity of Victoria. Whilst some of these ‘big ticket’ projects will clearly have spin-off benefits for our region, the options paper unfortunately appears to be biased towards the development of infrastructure in or near cities, major employment centres and regional centres. To encourage increased economic activity and avoid a decline in the viability for small towns and locations beyond the major employment and regional centres we contend that it is equally important for investment in infrastructure which supports business and employment aspirations for all communities within Victoria. For Mornington Peninsula Shire, investment in infrastructure that would improve tourism opportunities on the Mornington Peninsula should be reflected in State-wide infrastructure strategies due to the benefits for Victoria. Examples include the introduction of a vehicular ferry service between Stony Point and Cowes and the sensitive redevelopment of the Quarantine Station in Point Nepean National Park.
Although the Shire supports Need 17 ‘Improve the health of waterways and coastal areas’,the Options Paper does not specify any infrastructure which could improve the health of the Shire’s extensive coastline. Consistent with the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014, Regional Coastal Plans and local Coastal Management Plans,the Shire desperately needs State Government support to fund infrastructure which assists communities and businesses to adapt to sea-level rise, mitigatescoastal erosion and improves the capacity of piers and boat ramps.
All options identified under Need 18 ‘Transition to lower carbon energy supply and use’are in line with the Shireplans to achieve carbon neutrality. Ageing coal generation asset in transition (ACG) and Wind and solar energy generation (WSE) options should be given high priority as they target emissions at the source, rather than controlling supply chain and end use emissions. State Government funding to support the Shire’s ongoing energy efficiency improvements and alternative powergeneration initiatives will contribute to the achievement of this Need.
The Shire’s Priority Options
NewPort (NCP)
We congratulate Infrastructure Victoria for includingconsideration of the need for a NewPort (NCP) to retain Victoria’s pre-eminence as Australia’s international and inter-state freight and logistics hub. However, noting the varying timeline estimates of the Port of Melbourne’s capacity to cope with the predicted growth in trade via shipping containers and the timeframe needed to design and build a container port,it is vital that the location of a new port be determined as soon as possible.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire is concerned that delays in this decision will extend the duration of the Port of Melbourne’s role asVictoria’s only container port. This, we fear, will inevitably necessitate significant dredgingto deepen and widenshipping channels within Port Phillip Bay in order to accommodate the larger ships that are already being built to deliver shipping containers to all Australian ports. There is a genuine community concern about the impacts this will have on our beaches and coastline, the marine environment and sea life in Port Phillip.
Failure to resolve this issue will have significant economic impacts to the region and Victoria. In a report undertaken by global infrastructure consultancy GHD, it is estimated that for the Victorian state economy in 2035, the negative impact of insufficient container port capacity would be around $2.2 billion in Gross State Product (GSP) and would mean a loss of 4,800 jobs in Victoria (Port of Hastings Economic Impact Analysis, GHD and Econsearch, 2013).
The Port of Hastings is an existing port with significant amounts of appropriately zoned land for port development. Hastings has been identified as the logical location for further development as a container port in key State economic strategies for more than 40 years. Port expansion at Hastings is integral to driving continued maritime industry competition and business innovation in Victoria. Economically, the port will be a major enabler for the south east region in stimulating private investment, generating employment, enhancing competitiveness in local businesses and providing new strategic opportunities.
It is suggested that the work already undertaken for the development of the Port of Hastings be considered when determining the new container port option. A high priority needs to be given to resolving the competing port options to ensure the provision of sufficient container port capacity matches future demand to ensure Victoria retains its competitive advantage within the freight sector to support the overall Victorian economy.
Electrification of rail line to Baxter
It is noted in Need 10 that the purchase of seven high capacity trains (HCT3) will be located at Baxter for stabling and maintenance. This option identifies, as a passing comment, the need to upgrade and electrify the existing rail line to Baxter. The Shirestrongly advocates the need for a feasibility and impact study on the electrification of the line and the development of a stabling and maintenance yard inBaxter. The feasibility study should also explore the option to expand the line electrification to Hastings. A comprehensive community consultation program to identify the benefits and impacts should be undertaken as part of the feasibility process. It is likely that such upgrading will lead to pressures to change land use and this issue needs to be explicitly addressed before infrastructure decisions are made.
Public transport alternative use of taxis or hire cars (PTA)
The Shire encourages the inclusion of this option. When looking at this option, consideration needs to be given to alternative services such as Uber. This service has proved popular in locations such as the Mornington Peninsula where residents cannot rely on taxi services due to long delays and infrequency.
Use of existing community transport resources should also be considered in this option. As an example, the Mornington Peninsula region has a community transport provider that utilises volunteer vehicles and mini-buses to provide transport for residents who cannot access public transport or use taxis. It is important that alternative services such as these are recognised as the work they do to deliver assisted transport options for the mobility-challenged and other transport-disadvantaged residents is vitally important.
Importance also needs to be placed on transport options that provide greater access to education and employment. As an example Mornington Peninsula Shire has the Route 887 Trial Service that provides connectivity for Mornington Peninsula residents to access education. This service was created due to a gap in public transport services that wasinconsistent with start and finish times of training providers, thereby limiting educational opportunities for residents.
Transport options for tourism locations also need to be taken into consideration. The Mornington Peninsula is one of the most visited regions in Victoria, yet during peak visitation periods, public transport options are not viable due to lengthy delays and infrequency. This severely affects the efficiency of the road network, greatly impacts the regions ability to enhance economic prospects and affects the visitor experience. Transport options do not support connectivity within the Mornington Peninsula to locations that have the capacity to disperse visitation for peak and off peak periods thereby limiting opportunities to grow visitation throughout the region.
New Option: Improve Public Transport Frequency
The Shire suggests a new option to improve public transport service frequencies. Consideration needs to be given for improved frequency of public transport beyond growth locations. Areas like the Mornington Peninsula have poor public transport accessibility and usage due to a legacy of under investment into services. As an example the main bus option from the southern peninsula to Frankston is the 788 route, which has a service frequency of 75 minutes on weekends and 45 minutesduring the week.
Recycled treated waste water
The Shire encourages the option of recycled treated waste water for non potable agricultural use (RTA). Mornington Peninsula Shire strongly supports a viableand productive Green Wedge and works to maintain high-yielding and high-quality agricultural land.
The Shire has undertaken a recycled water scheme in Boneo in partnership with local agricultural producers. This scheme has proved to be very successful providing businesses with long term water security giving them confidence to invest long term into their operations.
Work has been undertaken on the Bunyip Irrigated Agricultural Developmentproject that will ensure long term water resilience acrossthe region, particularly on the Mornington Peninsulawhere there is a high reliability on surface water andgroundwater for irrigation.The proposed project will construct an irrigation pipe from theEastern Treatment Plant at Carrum Downs to supplyClass A recycled water to Tyabb and Somerville farmers.It is suggested that this option be given high priority and support be provided to the Bunyip Irrigated Agricultural Development project to progress further.
Arterial road network employment centre enhancements (ARN)
The Shire supports the examples provided to enhance business efficiency, employment and liveability of residents in south east of Melbourne. However, the condition and capacity of arterial roads is critical to all areas, not only in proximity to major employment centres. Economic dis-benefits should also be a factor to consider when determining road infrastructure investment and upgrades. There is a genuine loss to businesses as a result of inefficient vehicle movements. These factors need to be considered across the entire network to ensure improvements in connectivity are undertaken to enhance economic efficiency and opportunities. One such example specific to the Shire is the extension of Mornington Peninsula Freeway to Boneo Road including an overpass for Jetty Road.
International airport in the south-east of Melbourne
Support is provided to undertake further investigations into an international airport in the south-east of Melbourne (IAS). Consideration should be given for the airport to complement existing and future infrastructure projects to maximise economic opportunities across the whole of the south east region. Environmental and land use impacts (i.e. agricultural activities) should also be considered during the feasibility stage. Given the time required to plan for and construct, it is suggested work on this project commence as a high priority.
Further comments on specific options are provided in Attachment 1.
Conclusion
In relation to the next phase of Infrastructure Victoria’s work, the Shire requests that a number of its infrastructure priorities (highlighted in this submission) be given consideration for inclusion in Infrastructure Victoria’s strategy.
When developing the draft strategy it is suggested a number of factors are given consideration for the prioritisation of options. This includes a framework for decision-making to maximise economic opportunities and social outcomes for both current and future generations throughout all of Victoria. Thecurrent state of infrastructure and its ability to meet minimum service levels should also be taken into account. This will assist to gain a better understanding of the existing infrastructure gaps and assist to prioritise those most in need. The ability to fund projects with a clear path of execution to ensure they are achievable also needs to be considered when determining priorities. In addition an indication of proposed funding models for each option should be included in the draft strategy document.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire appreciates the opportunity to make this submission. For further information please do not hesitate to contact Tania Treasure, Manager Economic Development and Tourism on 5950 1447.
Yours Sincerely
Tania Treasure
Manager Economic Development and Tourism
Attachment 1
Further Comments
Infrastructure Victoria Options / Mornington Peninsula Shire Comments- Address infrastructure demands in areas with high population
Online liveability infrastructure platform (OLI)
There is limited evidence to demonstrate that increasing the information available about open spaces and recreational facilities will influence people’s willingness to engage in physical activity. / While this option has been discounted in the options paper, consideration should be made to the importance of having an information source that raises awareness of existing and emerging gaps, equity in funding and monitoring change over time. This option should be reconsidered with this need in mind.
- Address infrastructure challenges in areas with low or negative population growth
Subregional infrastructure planning (SIP)
Formalise and simplify a whole-of-government subregional infrastructure planning process. This would bring together (when and where required) three levels of government to jointly plan for infrastructure. / Support the concept to move towards a more coordinated process to identify and plan for infrastructure across all levels of government.
Community space shared use agreements (CSS1)
Improve resources and governance processes to assist in establishing shared use agreements for community spaces and facilities between different agencies and associations across Victoria. / Support this concept with the need to have clear understanding of responsibilities regarding administration, maintenance and liability of the spaces.
Community space refurbishment or rationalisation (CSR)
Refurbish or rationalise public community spaces across Victoria, which are no longer fit-for-purpose or meeting community need. / Support this concept to ensure efficient use of existing infrastructure.
Suggested new Option:
Development of infrastructure to support changing communities / The need to undertake basic infrastructure upgrades (roads, footpaths, drainage) to changing established areas. Such as locations that have been traditional holiday home locations that are transitioning into permanent residential locations.
- Enable physical activity and participation
Bicycle and walking path expansion and improvement (BWP2)
Expansion of the biking and walking paths network, particularly where there are missing links. For example, cycling lanes on Palmers Road to link Point Cook and Sanctuary Lakes near Williams Landing railway station. / The importance of recognising major trail networks in promoting physical activity is strongly supported. The Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail, Two Bays Trail and a cycling lane along Point Nepean Road should be included as priority projects given the role of the Mornington Peninsula as a major tourism and recreation area for all of Melbourne.
Integrated shared use community and recreation facilities (RFC)
Improve coordination and governance processes to encourage the co-location and/or integration of arts, sporting and recreation activities in multi-purpose, shared-use facilities. / Support the concept of co-locating different activities in multi-purpose, shared-use facilities.
Cultural and sports major infrastructure investment framework (CSM)
Deliver a framework that helps with making robust investment decisions to ensure that major cultural and sporting infrastructure meets the needs of elite sports and/or arts and also deliver wider community benefits. / Support this options yet consideration should be given to the whole community for all sporting abilities not just elite sports. It is also important to develop a framework that is flexible to take into consideration the unique characteristics of differing communities, sporting requirements and growing participation rates i.e. women in sport.
Suggested new Option:
Provision of improved boating and marine infrastructure / Boating facilities and ‘blue’ (water based) infrastructure are important to service the growing demand for recreational boating, particularly in high visitation areas such as the Mornington Peninsula. Enhanced investment in blue infrastructure will also support increased economic opportunities for a growing marine industry.
6.Improve accessibility for people with mobility challenges
Community infrastructure accessibility (CIM)
Application of universal design principles to ensure that new and upgraded infrastructure enables higher levels of accessibility to support Victoria’s ageing and diverse population. / Support further investigation of this option as a high priority.
Accessibility for people with mobility challenges is severely limited by existing infrastructure such as paths and stairs. Consideration should be given to fund improvements to existing infrastructure to provide better access for all, particularly around town centres and schools i.e. removal of stairs by replacing them with ramps, formalising tracks to Disability Discrimination Act compliant pathways.
Residential facilities for people with disabilities (RFP)