The region's population is expected to grow by almost half within the next 20 years according to new figures.

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said the region's projected boom in population presented significant opportunities for regional Victoria, including the Hume.

“Between 2006 and 2036 Victoria’s population is forecast to grow by 44 per cent or 2.27 million people,” Mr Ryan said.

“While much of this increase is expected to be situated around Melbourne, the Coalition Government will be actively promoting the benefits of living in regional Victoria to ensure communities outside the city can take a greater share of population growth.”

Mr Ryan said a more even spread of population across the state would help ensure both Melbourne and regional and rural towns reached their full potential.

“If an increasing proportion of population growth continued to centre in Melbourne it would put pressure on infrastructure, create more congestion and increase demand for services,” Mr Ryan said.

“With the right planning and progressive thinking, I believe growth patterns can be evened out across the state, which according to population forecasts could lead to an additional 600,000 people in regional Victoria by 2036.

“The Coalition Government will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our regional towns to ensure communities, like those in the Hume Region, are best placed to take advantage of the opportunities that this growth is expected to deliver.”