Among the strategy's 94 recommendations, worth around $100 billion in total, were directions involving the Wimmera Southern Mallee region's healthcare, technology, tourism, transport and freight sectors.

The recommendations, presented to parliament as part of Victoria's Infrastructure Strategy 2021-2051, had been shaped by feedback from communities, local governments and peak industry bodies, according to Infrastructure Victoria's chief executive Michel Masson.

"Drawing on new evidence, research and listening to the people who live and work here, we have finalised actions the Victorian Government should take to meet the Wimmera Southern Mallee's infrastructure needs over the next 30 years," Mr Masson said.

"Enhancing the region's freight corridors will unlock new markets for producers, providing cheaper, safer and faster connections to terminals and precincts including the Port of Portland."

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The Wimmera Southern Mallee region has also been earmarked as the pilot site for program using rural schools for children's specialist and allied telehealth services.

"We have recommended the Wimmera Southern Mallee as the pilot site for an innovative, state-first telehealth program in schools to improve children's health and development," Mr Masson said.

"Healthcare innovation is more important than ever for this community, which we found faces higher rates of mental health clients, preventable hospitalisations and below average life expectancy compared with the rest of Victoria.

"All Victorians should have access to modern, efficient and fit-for-purpose healthcare, and we're recommending this as a priority for investment for the Wimmera Southern Mallee."

Other recommendations included addressing digital connectivity gaps, co-designing an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Infrastructure Plan, planning for and facilitate regional nature-based tourism investments, identifying and coordinating Renewable Energy Zones and updating community infrastructure.

"Inefficient regional public transport contributes to disadvantage within the Wimmera Southern Mallee, where there are obstacles for people who do not drive in reaching jobs and services," Mr Masson said.

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"However there are opportunities for governments to work closely with the community to redesign an efficient public transport network that meets local needs.

"Similarly, addressing the digital divide will help communities and businesses benefit from new technology and stay connected, especially during emergencies."

Infrastructure Victoria's strategy follows calls for the re-introduction of a regional passenger rail link to the Wimmera, and concerns about Horsham's Roberts Ave bus terminal.

Over 200 written submissions were received and 675 people participated in consultation events including a virtual roundtable discussion with Wimmera Southern Mallee residents, workers and peak industry representatives.

Tourism recovery also features prominently in the strategy, which suggests exploring new ways to celebrate the region's rich Aboriginal culture and natural attractions such as the Grampians, Silo Art Trail, Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre, and Wimmera River.

"Despite the challenges, there are also opportunities for growth and transformation," Mr Masson said.

"The Wimmera Southern Mallee could leverage its tourism strengths for economic recovery in developing more culturally rich and year-round visitor experiences at its parks, trails and rivers.

The Victorian Government is required to respond to the strategy's recommendations and deliver a five-year infrastructure plan within 12 months.

Infrastructure Victoria released its first infrastructure strategy in 2016, making 137 recommendations across nine sectors. Of these, nearly 90 per cent have been completed or are underway.

In updating its advice, the advisory body conducted a three-month community and stakeholder engagement program to develop final recommendations in the 2021 strategy.

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