The Victorian coalition has pledged to invest more in regional infrastructure if it wins the November state election.
The Regional Infrastructure Guarantee, formally announced at the Nationals' state conference in Shepparton on Saturday, would mean 25 per cent of all new government capital funding goes towards projects outside of Melbourne.
Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh said the election commitment would span the coalition's first term in government and make sure regional Victoria gets its "fair share".
"It's Australia's first regional infrastructure guarantee," he said during his state conference address.
"It will ensure regional Victoria has the hospitals, the schools, the roads, the rail, the community facilities that we actually deserve."
The Andrews government allocated 13 per cent of capital investment to regional Victoria in this year's budget, Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said.
"Regional Victorians have missed out for too long under city-centric Labor governments," the Victorian Liberal leader said in a statement.
"Only a Liberals and Nationals government elected in November will treat our regional communities with respect."
The Victorian government set aside $5.7 billion for regional Victoria in this year's state budget.
Some $2.6 billion will go towards the regional 2026 Commonwealth Games, while more than $1 billion was allocated to healthcare infrastructure and personnel in the regions.
The state election will take place on November 26.
In his speech, Mr Walsh said it would be the most important Victorian poll since 1992, when Liberal Jeff Kennett ended the 10-year Cain/Kirner government.
Federal party leader Barnaby Joyce attended a pre-state conference dinner on Friday ahead of facing a leadership spill next week.
Australian Associated Press
