By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG needs another 3.1 billion litres of water, 220 hospital beds, 7430 school places and 90 weekly train services to cater for its projected growth to 2021, according to a new report.
The Regional Cities Victoria report said Geelong’s population was forecast to increase from its existing 223,000 to 333,000 by 2031 under a high-growth scenario.
Even at a “basic” growth rate the region would have almost 80,000 additional residents in the next eight years, the report said.
The Independent reported last week approval of development in Armstrong Creek’s west could generate a $2 billion investment boost.
Armstrong Creek West would add 5800 new homes as part of the overall development to accommodate 60,000 residents.
A G21 lobby group regional growth plan completed late last year backed the report’s forecasts.
The regional cities report simulated three scenarios – basic, medium and high growth – to formulate its projections for infrastructure needs by 2021 and 2031.
The rate of population growth in Victoria’s 10 largest regional cities doubled in the past five years, the report found.
Investment of up to $4.4 billion was needed to help grow the regions and ease pressure on metropolitan Melbourne.
Other Geelong needs included an increase in emergency department attendance capacity of 13,380, 1830 university places and 6570 in TAFE by 2021.
Kindergarten and child care places would have to rise 1030 and 750 respectively and 1130 extra aged care beds would be required.
