VIC: Action plan for regional economies
The Bracks government has announced a $500 million plan to help build regional Victoria and assist local councils manage growth.
Date: 22 November 2005
Moving Forward – an action plan for growth in Provincial Victoria – was unveiled in Beaufort recently by Premier Steve Bracks and the Treasurer and Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby.
This $502 million package of measures builds on the strength of regional economies and communities and will unlock the potential for future growth. The centrepiece is a $200 million renewal of the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund, and the new $100 million Provincial Victoria Growth Fund.
“Since we came to office, it has been our priority to make Provincial Victoria the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family,” Mr Bracks said.
“Moving Forward will help attract people, jobs and investment, deliver infrastructure and skills, support small towns and assist local councils manage growth. Over the past six years, we have invested in restoring key services in health, education, community services and safety, while providing a massive boost to regional infrastructure and supporting local industries to grow.
“We’ve reversed the population decline in the regions, and investment, employment and building approvals are at all time highs. But there are new challenges for regional communities – such as managing the impacts of population growth, further developing infrastructure and key industries and ensuring the survival of small towns.
“Moving Forward will help build on that turnaround whilst supporting communities – from large regional centres to the smallest towns – to continue to grow and prosper,” Mr Bracks said.
The Statement contains $502 million worth of measures including:
- A new $100 million Provincial Victoria Growth Fund;
- A $200 million extension of the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund;
- A $27 million boost for tourism;
- $12 million to extend the Make It Happen in Provincial Victoria campaign;
- $36.6 million in support for small towns;
- $50.8 million for regional transport;
- $61.5 million for regional ports;
- An $11 million dairy industry support package;
- $16.2 million to help local government manage population change;
- $20 million for improved freight operations;
- $6 million for regional broadband improvements;
- $27 million for the energy and resources sector; and
- $6.3 million to support investment attraction and promote exports.
Mr Brumby said the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund and the Provincial Victoria Growth Fund would drive a whole range of measures over the next four years to lock in and support growth.
“The Regional Infrastructure Development Fund – the first of its kind in Australia - will continue to directly fund and attract support for infrastructure projects across the regions, like the gas extensions to 34 regional communities, regional airport upgrades, arts and cultural facilities and stock underpasses,” Mr Brumby said. "The Provincial Victoria Growth Fund will support activities in regions that will drive population, investment and business growth.”
Mr Brumby said the Government had undertaken an extensive consultation process with regional communities in developing the statement. “Many of the initiatives in the Statement have arisen from consultation with regional Mayors and other leaders of regional communities through the Regional Development Advisory Committee.”
Mr Brumby said the Statement was a clear demonstration of the Bracks Government’s continued strong commitment to rural and regional Victoria.“We’ve always believed that growth and prosperity in our regions is vital for the whole of the Victorian economy. We have taken deliberate decisions over the past six years to support industries, communities and economies in rural and regional Victoria so that all parts of the State could share in the growth.
“Now we are building on what has been achieved with this major package of support that will ensure that our regions continue to grow and prosper,” Mr Brumby said.
For more information about Moving Forward visit: www.business.vic.gov.au/movingforward .
