Melbourne’s North is facing unprecedented pressure from rapid population growth, rising demand for services, and critical infrastructure gaps, with regional leaders calling on the Victorian Government to deliver urgent investment in health, transport, education and industry support.

Regional advocacy group NORTH Link has outlined a series of priority investments aimed at ensuring Melbourne’s North can continue to grow sustainably while improving liveability, productivity and access to essential services.

A major focus is the urgent need for expanded health infrastructure and community services across the region.

“Melbourne’s North is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia, yet many communities continue to experience poorer health outcomes, workforce shortages and limited access to essential services,” says NORTH Link Executive Director Chris James.

Key health priorities include immediate funding for land acquisition and planning for a new Outer North Public Hospital, expanded mental health services, stronger investment in primary and community healthcare, and support for the proposed RMIT–Northern Health Medical School to train local doctors who understand the needs of the region’s diverse communities.

The advocacy package also calls for significant investment in transport connectivity, including duplication and extension of the Upfield Line, Wollert Rail, electrification of the Craigieburn to Wallan line, upgrades to the Hume Freeway, acceleration of the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and E6 corridor, and improved local bus services across growth suburbs.

Industry and employment initiatives are also central to the plan, with calls for support for manufacturing, freight and circular economy projects, alongside workforce and skilled migration programs to address labour shortages in health, construction, logistics and advanced manufacturing, as well as initiatives to reduce costs for manufacturers.

Major precincts identified for investment include:

· Northern Innovation and Sustainability Precinct centred on La Trobe University

· Beveridge Intermodal Precinct

· Epping Metropolitan Activity Centre

· Broadmeadows revitalisation projects

· Melbourne Airport precinct

· Outer North manufacturing and logistics hubs

· Cloverton growth corridor

The proposal also highlights the importance of education and workforce capability, including funding for the Kangan Institute redevelopment, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, training centres, cyber security education facilities, and a new Northern Skills, Health and Community Precinct at Cloverton.

Community leaders say coordinated government investment is essential to ensure Melbourne’s North remains economically competitive while supporting growing communities.

“Without urgent action, existing infrastructure and service gaps will continue to widen. Investment now will improve health outcomes, reduce congestion, create jobs and support Victoria’s long-term economic growth”, says NORTH Link Executive Director Chris James.

Contact Chris James at c.james@latrobe.edu.au for further information.