RACV has released its 'Growing Pains in Regional Victoria' report which highlights that road and public transport are in urgent need of attention to help meet a growing population.
According to the RACV, the report includes feedback from key stakeholders and local government agencies, as well as community views through a regional transport needs survey that was completed by up to 8,000 people – including 150 people that met with RACV engineers at RACV's shops in the 10 largest regional centers.
“Regional Victoria has the opportunity to avoid the magnitude of transport problems being experienced in outer Melbourne by planning for future transport infrastructure needs now,” RACV said.
“RACV wants to see a balanced and integrated approach to the transport needs for regional Victoria so that our regional cities, smaller rural communities and urban fringe areas continue to be great places to live.”
The report revealed at more than 5,500 vehicles use the Western Highway in Ballarat each day, with 1,500 of those trucks. Meanwhile, traffic on the highway, which is Victoria's main transport corridor, is set to double by 2025.
The report also suggested a bypass to be built in Traralgon east of Princes Highway, and public transport options to the Avalon Airport improved.