Don't forget us: outer Melbourne councils

Outer Melbourne councils say they're at risk of becoming crime hot spots without urgent government funding.

The Interface Councils group of 10 councils on Melbourne's fringe say they've had a $9.8 billion lag in state infrastructure investment over the last four years despite a boom in population.

Interface Councils on Wednesday launched a wish list for the November state election, including $197 million a year for improved bus services and $200 million a year for community infrastructure.

Spokesman and Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Rodney Parker said inadequate funding in growth areas could lead to disadvantage and crime, similar to Melbourne's inner west 20 years ago, which required concerted policy action and investment.

"We are concerned that if existing trends of underinvestment in Interface communities are not addressed now, we will face a similar task and that will require significant intervention," Mr Parker said.