Marianne Richards
Town & Country Planning Association
Marianne Richards retired In 2016 after a town planning career of 38 years in the public sector in Victoria and South Australia. Her interests include application of transport and land use planning policy and development frameworks. She has been the President of the Town and Country Planning Association Inc. (TCPA) since 2018.
Marianne also serves on committees and boards of:
• Institute of Transportation Engineers – Australia and New Zealand Section Inc. (Executive Board member, 2017 to present);
• Rail Futures Institute Inc. (Committee Member, 2020 to present);
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-richards-a82b6214/
GROWING VICTORIA'S REGIONS: Rail, the Catalyst for Regional Growth
Victoria’s population is projected to exceed 10 million by 2051, implying 11 million by 2061 with nearly 9 million in Melbourne. Melbourne’s sprawl cannot be allowed to continue. COVID-19 exposed the vulnerability of the big city.
Victoria urgently needs a state-wide development strategy to keep the city liveable and enable regional centres to offer viable and attractive living alternatives. There is now increased interest in regional living based on the perceived lifestyle benefits and Victoria must focus more on its planning for regional cities. Greater growth in regional areas will improve liveability and economic outcomes for all Victorians.
Improved rail connectivity between the regional cities and Melbourne is essential to reach these outcomes. It is time for a regional rail plan to support balanced population growth across Victoria. It needs to be part of a strategic plan that integrates regional development, significantly improves travel experiences and addresses the challenges of climate change.
In Rail as a Catalyst for Regional Growth, the Rail Futures Institute and the Town and Country Planning Association discussed the need for long term visions for regional growth and the opportunities for the transport network, particularly rail. GROWING VICTORIA'S REGIONS (the Plan) now proposes a target for regional population growth, and vital passenger rail planning.
The Plan is based on a scenario where the regions accommodate a more ambitious proportion of the State’s anticipated total population growth than currently projected.
The Plan proposes a staged development to 2060 for the Victorian rail network that recognises regional cities’ growth potential and their need for connectivity to Melbourne, interstate and to one another. It explores the potential for rail services within the larger regional cities and the emergence of new energy technologies and new rolling stock.
Finally, the Plan proposes a staged implementation for enhancements to the rail network.
