Front and back cover images show:
1. North East Food & Wine2. 2015 Regional Victoria Living Expo3. Junction Place – Wodonga4. Viplus Dairy Processing Plant5. Ravens Creek Farm6. Golden Plains Shire Council Sod Turning 7. Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory8. Urban Square Twilight, Wodonga9. Marysville Vibe Hotel, Marysville
5.
6.2.
1.
3.
4.
8.
9.7.
Highlights 2014-15 ______________________________________________ 4
Chief Executive Foreword _______________________________________ 6
Responsibilities ________________________________________________ 8
Profile ________________________________________________________ 9
Regional Programs and Recovery 9
Infrastructure Group 9
Regional Business Engagement 10
Regional Policy and Planning 10
Marketing and Promotion Group 10
RDV Regional Offices 10
Stakeholder Collaboration ______________________________________11
Commonwealth Government – Regional Development Australia 11
Regional Policy Advisory Committee 12
Regional Management Forums 13
Rural Councils Victoria 13
Regional Cities Victoria 14
Working with Industry Organisations 14
Regional Strategic Planning 15
Establishing the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund ___________ 16
Continuous Improvement in Regional Development Programs 18
Boosting Jobs and Investment __________________________________ 19
Industry Sector Support in the Regions 20
Boosting Jobs and Investment in each Region 21
Developing Major Infrastructure ________________________________ 23
Murray Dairy – Accelerating Change 23
Latrobe City Council – Gippsland Heavy Industry Park 23
Unilever Tatura Investment Project 24
Wodonga CBD Urban Renewal Initiative 24
Wodonga Logic Fatigue Management Centre and Trailer Interchange Project 24
Epic Mountain Bike Experience 25
Yea Wetlands Environmental Centre 25
Koondrook Wharf 25
Echuca Riverboat Dock Upgrades 25
Swan Hill Heartbeat of The Murray 25
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Redevelopment 26
Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Upgrade Project 26
CONTENTS
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CONTENTS PG 1
Ulumbarra Theatre Development 26
Longerenong College Student Residential Facilities Upgrade 26
Central Geelong Revitalisation Project 27
Geelong Gallery Redevelopment Business Case 27
Shepparton Art Museum Feasibility Study 27
Burra Foods Korumburra 27
Wangaratta Livestock Exchange Redevelopment Project 27
Ararat Arts Precinct Redevelopment Project 28
AusNet Services – Huntly Natural Gas Extension 28
Brookfield Infrastructure Group – CNG Gas Delivery Solution 28
Supporting Rural and Regional Communities _____________________ 29
Cowes Activity Centre Plan 29
Wonthaggi Theatre Group Building Foyer 29
Reactivate Latrobe Valley 30
Paynesville Esplanade Enhancement Project 30
Community Garden Leongatha 30
Alexandra Oval Community and Recreation Centre 30
Victoria Park Infrastructure Upgrade 30
Ballarat Olympic Precinct Upgrade 31
Maude Viewing Platform 31
Hindmarsh Shire Council Economic Development Strategy 31
Mallee Bush Retreat – Stage 5 31
Warrnambool City Centre Revitalisation – Gilles Street 31
Nirranda Multipurpose Centre 32
Mount Moriac Reserve Master Plan Implementation Proejct 32
Great Ocean Road National Heritage Centre 32
Dunkeld Community Centre 32
Leopold Community Hub 32
Barwon South West Regional Trails Development, Management and Promotion Project 32
Ocean Grove Park Performance Space 33
Hopwood Gardens Park Development – Echuca 33
Bendigo Botanic Gardens – Garden For The Future 33
Canterbury Park 33
Kyneton Community Park 33
Murray River Trail Infrastructure Project 34
Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre 34
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CONTENTS PG 2
Wangaratta Central Business District Master Plan Project 34
Strategic Trails in the Alpine Shire 34
Yarck Community Hall Renovation 34
Foggy Mountains Bluegrass Festival 35
Mansfield Community Gathering Place Project 35
Fawcett Hall Upgrade 35
Murchison Heritage Centre Redevelopment 35
Emergency Management and Regional Recovery _________________ 36
2009 Victorian Bushfires 36
2010, 2011 and 2012 Floods 37
2014 Bushfires and Morwell Mine Fire 37
Resilient Community Program 38
Promoting Rural and Regional Victoria ___________________________ 39
2014 Royal Melbourne Show 39
2015 Regional Victoria Living Expo 40
Good Move Regional Marketing Campaign 40
Future Priorities _______________________________________________ 41
Build a Strong and Competitive Regional Victorian Economy 42
Support Job Creation 42
Strengthen Regional Communities 42
Finance ______________________________________________________ 43
RDV Grant Payments 44
Economic Infrastructure - Grant Announcements 62
Economic Infrastructure - Grant Payments 64
Output Targets and Performance 68
Revenue and Expenses 69
Financial Performance 70
Compliance 70
Legislation 70
Contact Information ___________________________________________ 71
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CONTENTS PG 3
> Regional Development Victoria (RDV) worked throughout the year to facilitate new investment, business growth and job creation, infrastructure development, and coordinate delivery of Victorian Government regional development policy, planning and programs.
> Helped create 2,094 jobs, generate $724 million in investment and facilitate $262 million in exports.
> Facilitated 124 major regional infrastructure projects valued at $365 million, including completion of the Junction Place central Wodonga urban renewal initiative that will generate significant employment and stimulate economic development in the city and broader region.
> Used RDV’s policy and program delivery expertise to develop the legislation, regulation and program design to establish the $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF).
> Launched the 10 public grant program streams of the RJIF in Castlemaine on 29 June 2015.
> Collaborated with diverse regional stakeholders including rural and regional community groups, industry organisations and delivered Victoria’s partnership with the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Development Australia program.
> Reviewed the effectiveness of the current regional strategic planning model, and provided findings and significant RDV research and data to the Review of Regional Economic Development and Services.
> Facilitated Regional Management Forums led by departmental Secretaries bringing together leaders from across State and local government and key regional stakeholder groups.
> Supported Rural Councils Victoria including networking for rural and regional local governments at the annual Rural Summit at Halls Gap in April 2015.
> Collaborated with Regional Cities Victoria on projects including the Regional Cities Growth Framework, which sets out growth drivers for each of Victoria’s 10 regional cities.
> Interacted directly with over 2,500 regionally based businesses to support department-wide business investment and regional job creation activities.
> Helped support internal trade readiness and relationships in the regions through activities including funding Australia China Business Council regional sessions and developing a sister-state memorandum of understanding with the Jiangsu Province in China.
HIGHLIGHTS 2014-15
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 HIGHLIGHTS PG 4
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 HIGHLIGHTS PG 5
> Continued to support structural adjustment and growth through place-based initiatives in the Goulburn Valley, Latrobe Valley and Greater Geelong regions.
> Supported Australia’s largest private sector rail operators, SCT Logistics, to establish an intermodal freight terminal near Wodonga as part of a $39 million investment to increase rail freight between Melbourne and Brisbane.
> Helped Luv-a-Duck in Nhill create 80 new jobs in the Wimmera, Meredith Dairy provide 30 new cheese manufacturing jobs in Meredith, and Maxitrans Australia make new technology investments at its facility in Ballarat.
> Focused on supporting local food processing initiatives in Gippsland, including an expansion by Riviera Farms at Stratford and Lindenow, and Queensland-based Australian Fresh Salads’ new investment in fresh salad growing, processing, packing and distribution in the Macalister Irrigation District that created 20 new jobs.
> Helped an export-related expansion by Hardwick’s Meat Works that created 150 new jobs.
> Backed Leda Farm Equipment’s facility relocation from NSW to Mildura, which generated 40 new jobs.
> Encouraged stronger and more sustainable regional communities by building their capacity to drive development and make the most of local investment in projects such as the $750,000 initiative by the Surf Coast Shire to develop a National Heritage Centre commemorating the history of the construction of the Great Ocean Road, and the Shire of Campaspe’s $520,000 project to redevelop Hopwood Gardens Park in the popular Port of Echuca tourist precinct.
> Attracted a record 10,156 visitors to the 2015 Regional Victoria Living Expo – a three-day event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre that showcased the benefits of living and investing in rural and regional Victoria.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOREWORD PG 6
Together we helped create 2,094 jobs, generate $724 million in investment and facilitate $262 million in exports for rural and regional Victorians.
We achieved this outcome by working across all tiers of government in partnership with local businesses and communities to provide services and programs designed to deliver maximum, long-term benefits.
One of the most substantial tasks of the year was establishing the legislation, policy basis and program design associated with the new $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund launched on 29 June 2015.
This responsibility required RDV to draw on more than 15 years’ collective experience in policy and business development, program delivery, and project management.
The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is a key part of the Government’s ‘Back to Work’ strategy and it will unlock regional Victoria’s economic potential by supporting major projects, creating jobs and building stronger regional communities.
Concurrent with establishing the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, RDV facilitated 124 of the remaining major infrastructure projects supported under the former Regional Growth Fund. These projects helped attract more than $365 million into the regions throughout the year.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOREWORD
Regional Development Victoria made another significant contribution to the resilience and growth of Victoria’s regions during a year of consolidation and change.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOREWORD PG 7
RDV supported broader business investment and regional job creation by working directly with over 2,500 regional businesses. We also helped implement place-based investment initiatives, including in the Goulburn Valley, Latrobe Valley and Greater Geelong region.
RDV continued to work alongside local communities and councils to help them recover from flood and fire by providing community support, targeted business assistance and infrastructure.
In addition to delivering such essential ongoing activities, 2014-15 was a year of transition and review for RDV. In early 2015 the agency joined the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.
RDV provided significant input of data and research into the Review of Regional Economic Development and Services chaired by former Premier, John Brumby. We look forward to receiving the results of the review and working across Government and with our stakeholders to implement its recommendations in our regional development activities.
On behalf of the Victorian Government, I commend all RDV staff for making the year such a productive one. In particular, I thank former Chief Executive, Lachlan Bruce, for his highly capable leadership of RDV over the last four years.
In 2015-16, RDV will continue as the Government’s lead agency responsible for driving economic and community development across rural and regional Victoria. Together we will maintain our focus on regional industry growth, job creation and investment so every region can make the most of opportunities ahead.
James Flintoft
Acting Chief Executive, Regional Development Victoria
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) is the Victorian Government’s lead agency in developing rural and regional Victoria.
RESPONSIBILITIES
In accordance with the Regional Development Victoria Act 2002, RDV has primary responsibility for:
> Developing integrated, regionally focused policies and programs, including implementing regional development funds to support the economic and social development of regional Victoria.
> Creating vibrant and dynamic regional communities and economies through facilitating new jobs, investments, exports, infrastructure for strategic projects and competitive businesses.
> Delivering programs and information to help grow a robust and sustainable economy and strengthen communities throughout regional Victoria.
> Developing and implementing initiatives to promote the State, to attract business and increase the population of Victoria’s regions.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 RESPONSIBILITIES PG 8
Since its formal inception in 2003, RDV has provided leadership, expertise and catalyst funding to help drive sustained economic and community development across rural and regional Victoria.
RDV’s work is underpinned by sound evidence-based policy and planning, including support for Victoria’s maturing community- driven regional strategic planning model. RDV delivers significant grant programs to support these policy objectives as well as undertaking active business engagement, investment attraction and facilitation. RDV facilitates projects that range from large-scale infrastructure with state-wide benefits to smaller scale projects that address specific community needs.
RDV seeks to continuously monitor and evaluate its programs and approaches to drive continuous improvement to deliver maximum benefit.
On 1 January 2015, RDV joined the new Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR), in the Economic Development, Employment and Innovation division, having previously been part of the former Department of State Development, Business and Innovation.
In 2014-15, RDV operated through the following groups:
REGIONAL PROGRAMS AND RECOVERY
The Regional Programs and Recovery Group is responsible for the delivery of a range of programs and activities including the Regional Development Australia initiative in Victoria, and bushfire and flood recovery programs. This includes the operations of the Fire Recovery Unit.
INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP
The Infrastructure Group identifies, facilitates and delivers infrastructure projects that help enhance the productivity, liveability and sustainability of rural and regional Victoria.
PROFILE
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 PROFILE PG 9
REGIONAL BUSINESS ENGAGEMENTThe Business Engagement team works with Victorian regional businesses to promote the development of sustainable industries that are growth-orientated and export focused. The team identifies opportunities for private-sector engagement and captures regional business intelligence, supporting a range of programs and services across RDV, DEDJTR and the Victorian Government to coordinate investment attraction and export facilitation.
REGIONAL POLICY AND PLANNING The Policy and Planning Group provides policy and strategy leadership to RDV, coordinating across government to develop ideas, knowledge, policies and programs that support the Victorian Government’s commitment to rural and regional Victoria. The group is responsible for monitoring and evaluation, governance, research and analysis and managing key strategic relationships.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION GROUP The Marketing and Promotion Group delivers a range of activities to promote the business and lifestyle benefits of locations in rural and regional Victoria. In particular, the group is responsible for implementing the Regional Victoria Living Expo.
RDV REGIONAL OFFICESRDV manages offices across the five regions of Barwon South-West, Gippsland, Grampians, Hume and Loddon Mallee. Regional teams have strong local relationships and knowledge. They work closely with local, State and Commonwealth Government counterparts, regional businesses and communities to facilitate investment, jobs and exports.
RDV regional offices also support the Regional Development Australia Initiative, the delivery of DEDJTR’s business engagement model, and are the local point of contact for regional councils, communities and businesses seeking information about regional development programs and services.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 PROFILE PG 10
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION PG 11
COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT – REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA
The Victorian Government works with the Commonwealth Government at various levels to ensure a coordinated approach to regional development, particularly through the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Initiative that supports the operation of nine RDA Committees in Victoria. These committees advise all levels of government on economic development opportunities and productivity.
The RDA model in Victoria is a partnership between the Commonwealth and State Governments. RDV Regional Directors act as Executive Officers for RDA committees, while the RDA Chairs served as members of the Victorian Regional Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC). RDAs also include local government members. These arrangements ensure that Victorian regional leaders influence and integrate the activities of all three levels of government.
RDV provides significant in-kind support and contributes funds to the RDA Initiative. In 2014-15 RDV contributed $615,000 in new funding towards the operation of the Victorian RDA Committees. The agreement and RDA Committee appointments are being renewed for 2015-16.
STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION RDV works with key stakeholders to support regional strategic planning and program delivery, and build sustained relationships across all levels of government, business and community stakeholders. Key stakeholder relationships include the following:
REGIONAL POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Regional Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC) was established under legislation to provide independent advice to government on priorities in regional Victoria, and the impacts of legislation and policy decisions on rural and regional Victoria.
RPAC members in 2014-15 included:
> Ian McClelland OAM (Chairperson) - founder and former Chairperson of the Birchip Cropping Group.
> Bruce Anson - Chairperson of the Barwon South West RDA Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Warrnambool City Council.
> Stuart Benjamin - Chairperson of the Grampians RDA Committee, founding Chairman and current Board member of Ballarat Regional Tourism and Director of Elmstone Property Group.
> Mark Byatt - former Chairperson of the Hume RDA Committee and Mayor of Wodonga from 2008 to 2013.
> Jenny Dawson - former Chairperson of the Loddon Mallee RDA Committee and former Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.
> Richard Elkington - Chairperson of the Gippsland RDA Committee and member of the Executive Council of the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
> Ross Lake OAM - General Manager of TASCO Inland, a major fuel and oil distributor based in Mildura.
> Val Lang AM - graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program and Victorian representative for Australian Women in Agriculture.
In 2014-15, RPAC worked with RDV on its Jobs of the Future agenda to identify future employment sources to encourage stronger economic growth in regional Victoria, workforce capabilities required to support growth and the impact on regional skills and workforce development. This work determined the following four priority areas of research and advice:
Migration and settlement – identify factors that impede regional migration and help regional communities maximise economic growth and productivity gains through migration.
Encouraging the move to regional Victoria – increase awareness of factors that impede the movement of people to and between regional areas.
Skills and employability – identify issues likely to affect workforce capability and employability in regional Victoria, including the response capacity of regional industry and business.
Higher education and business – identify ways higher education institutions contribute to regional economic development, including their role supporting business start-ups, and small to medium enterprise development.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION PG 12
REGIONAL MANAGEMENT FORUMS
Regional Management Forums (RMF) facilitate regular collaboration across the three tiers of government within the regions. Supported by RDV, the forums help strengthen understanding and relationships, integrate state and regional planning and delivery, and identify regional priorities in alignment with regional strategic plans.
Local representation on each RMF ensures a deeper, consistent understanding and connection between city-based public sector leaders and regional issues and leaders.
RMFs met regularly during 2014-15 in Barwon South West, Hume, Gippsland, Grampians and Loddon Mallee to consider a wide range of economic, social and environmental issues affecting local communities and the regions. Each RMF nominated priority issues for action and coordination across multiple departments and government levels.
RURAL COUNCILS VICTORIA
In 2014-15 RDV continued supporting the networked rural councils program, which included funding Rural Councils Victoria. Auspiced by the Municipal Association of Victoria, Rural Councils Victoria is the group of 38 rural councils responsible for 79 per cent of Victoria’s land area. It provides a shared voice for rural councils, and advice to the State and Commonwealth Governments on issues affecting country communities, and supports rural councils to collaborate on projects to stimulate growth and economic development.
RDV supported Rural Councils Victoria’s major networking opportunities for rural local governments, including mayors, CEOs and councillor forums in October 2014 and May 2015, and the annual Rural Summit at Halls Gap in April 2015.
The networked rural councils program delivered skills training and capacity-building through the six events of the Spring Tour in October 2014, a rural migration tool and the first stage of a project that aims to improve rural council sustainability through self-assessment and analysis, better service delivery, shared services and collaboration, and greater asset and financial management.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION PG 13
150 Kilometres
VICTORIA
Horsham
Ballarat
GeelongMelbourne
Warrnambool
Bendigo
SheppartonWodonga
Wangaratta
Latrobe
Mildura
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/geelong
Regional City ProfileGreater Geelong
Local Government Area: City of Greater GeelongNeighbouring Local Government Areas: Wyndham, Queenscliff, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Moorabool
Population: 224,926 (2014)
GeelongGeelong is ideally located on Port Philip Bay and at the gateway to the famous Great Ocean Road.Situated only 75 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and identified as the most populous city in regional Victoria, Geelong offers a diverse range of economic and lifestyle opportunities.Geelong is a major industrial manufacturing and service centre for the Barwon South West Region. Additionally Geelong is well-connected to Melbourne and regional Victoria via road and rail and nationally and internationally through the Port of Geelong as well as Avalon Airport.The Greater Geelong City Council is currently progressing the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area which is being developed into a sustainable community that will offer new residents an attractive location for living, working and recreation.
Culture and LifestyleGeelong has all the benefits of a capital city, but with a relaxed atmosphere. The city boasts a beautiful waterfront precinct, gentle bay and surf beaches and sophisticated dining and entertainment options. There is a lively calendar of events in the region, including the Festival of Sails, the Avalon International Airshow, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and a number of other cycling, triathlon and ironman events throughout the year.
The Bellarine Peninsula has been building a reputation as a food and wine destination. The Bellarine Taste Trail brings together many of the gourmet offerings of the region including wineries, restaurants and cafes, producers of beer, fresh produce, goats cheese, olive oil and seafood.
FacilitiesAs the second largest city in Victoria, Geelong is home to world class facilities. All residents have access to quality primary and secondary schooling options including the prestigious Geelong Grammar. The city also offers a range of pathways to higher education via the Gordon TAFE and Deakin University. Both institutions maintain strong links to industry to improve the employment options of graduates.
The Greater Geelong region is serviced by three hospitals including Barwon Health’s Geelong Hospital which is one of the largest in Victoria. A fourth hospital, Epworth Geelong, is currently being constructed on Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus and is set for completion in mid-2016.Geelong is well connected to Melbourne via train with regular V-Line services allowing commuters to arrive at Southern Cross in one hour. It is also located close to Avalon Airport, Victoria’s second-busiest domestic airport which has long-term plans to become Melbourne’s second international airport.
EmploymentGeelong’s proximity to regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne as well as direct access to international markets is key to its economy and ability to act as a services hub for the region. Geelong has a diverse mix of over 16,000 businesses.The city has major industry strengths in knowledge and research, health, defence, advanced manufacturing, tourism, information, communications and technology, food and horticulture. Major employers include: Barwon Health, Target Australia (HQ), Viva Energy Australia, Transport Accident Commission, Cotton On, Godfrey Hirst and Golden Farms.Geelong has a workforce of approximately 100,000 people and in the five year period 2008-2013, there was strong employment growth in construction, health care and social assistance, retail trade, financial and insurance services and professional, scientific and technical services.
This factsheet may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the factsheet is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on this information. Authorised and published by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015).
A key logistics hub with a diverse industry base connecting western Victoria with international markets
150 Kilometres
VICTORIA
Horsham
Ballarat
GeelongMelbourne
Warrnambool
Bendigo
Shepparton WodongaWangaratta
Latrobe
Mildura
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/shepparton
Regional City ProfileGreater Shepparton
Local Government Area: Greater Shepparton City Council
Neighbouring Local Government Areas: Benalla, Campaspe, Moira, StrathbogiePopulation: 63,269 (2014)
Greater SheppartonGreater Shepparton is at the heart of the ‘food bowl of Australia’, producing high quality fruit and vegetables and agricultural goods. Situated on the banks of the Goulburn River, Shepparton has the ideal climate and environment for food production. Shepparton has a diverse and vibrant community contributing to a very strong economy and cultural scene.Greater Shepparton is the fifth-largest city in regional Victoria.
In terms of population this encompasses three main urban centres: Shepparton City, Mooroopna and Tatura and 75% of the municipality live in Shepparton and Mooroopna.Shepparton is located 180 kilometres north of Melbourne positioning the city as a major service centre for the Goulburn Valley and southern Riverina area of New South Wales.Culture and Lifestyle
Shepparton is synonymous with great food, wine, waterways and weather. The region offers a variety of lifestyles, with urban centres and country towns all within a half hour drive of the CBD.The region has an international reputation for quality fruit and dairy products, and is also home to some of Victoria’s oldest and finest wineries.
The Eastbank Centre in Shepparton is a magnificent concert hall and function complex, and is also home to the Shepparton Art Museum which hosts local and touring exhibitions.
FacilitiesGreater Shepparton is major service centre for central northern Victoria and is home to a range of quality facilities. All residents have access to quality primary and secondary schooling options. The city also offers a range of pathways to higher education via Latrobe University and Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE.The Greater Shepparton region is serviced by extensive health services including a public hospital provided by Goulburn Valley
Health as well as Shepparton Private Hospital.Shepparton is connected to Melbourne via daily V-Line train and coach services allowing commuters to arrive at Southern Cross in three hours.
EmploymentGreater Shepparton’s growth has been associated with the development of agricultural industries such as fruit, dairy, cattle, sheep and grain production. It is a major fruit and vegetable processing centre and has large dairy processing facilities providing products for both local consumption and export. Irrigation is critical to the region’s agricultural production and manufacturing.
Health care and social assistance and retail trade are also key industry sectors. Major employers include: Rubicon Water, J. Furphy & Sons, SPC Ardmona, Unilever, Tatura, Visy, Geoffrey Thompson Fruit Packing, McPherson Media Group and Goulburn Valley Water.Greater Shepparton has a workforce of approximately 30,850 people and in the five year period 2008-2013, there was strong employment growth in agriculture, forestry and fishing, professional, scientific and technical services, other services, wholesale trade and health care and social assistance.
This factsheet may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the factsheet is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on this information. Authorised and published by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015).
An important city in ‘Australia’s Food Bowl’ with strong fruit and dairy industries150 Kilometres
VICTORIA
Horsham
Ballarat
GeelongMelbourne
Warrnambool
Bendigo
Shepparton WodongaWangaratta
Latrobe
Mildura
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/wodonga
Regional City ProfileWodonga
Local Government Area: City of WodongaNeighbouring Local Government Areas: Indigo,
Towong, Albury (NSW)Population: 39,664 (2014) (104,609 Albury-Wodonga)
WodongaOn the southern banks of the Murray River, Wodonga is the
gateway to Victoria and NSW. It is the seventh-largest city in
regional Victoria in terms of population.Wodonga is located 320 kilometres north-east of Melbourne on
the Victoria-New South Wales border and separated only by the
Murray River from its twin city, Albury.Situated on the Hume Freeway, and the Melbourne to Sydney
rail line, Wodonga is well recognised as a strategic hub along
the eastern seaboard. Its proximity between Australia’s two
largest cities, Melbourne and Sydney, provides key strategic
advantages; the city services the surrounding pastoral runs
and is a major stock selling centre. A number of manufacturing
industries have also been established in Wodonga.Wodonga has experienced strong population growth over the
past 25 years, with much of this growth coming from overseas
and surrounding municipalities.Culture and LifestyleThe culture of Wodonga is centred on the river and Lake Hume,
with fishing and water sports being popular activities. There are
many outdoor activities that are popular with the locals, such as
cycling, hiking, camping and sight-seeing.Wodonga has a thriving arts scene, with a professional theatre
company, contemporary art galleries and live entertainment
venues. The city has its own dedicated arts and cultural
precinct, Gateway Village, which houses a clustered group of
diverse cultural and arts offerings.Wodonga is ideally situated close to an array of gourmet food
and wine businesses, owing largely to the influx of Europeans
who brought their food traditions to Wodonga. Cheese and wine
are also regional specialties, with many vineyards surrounding
the city.
FacilitiesOn the southern banks of the Murray River, Wodonga is the
gateway to Victoria and NSW. It is the seventh-largest city in
regional Victoria in terms of population.Wodonga is located 320 kilometres north-east of Melbourne on
the Victoria-New South Wales border and separated only by the
Murray River from its twin city, Albury.Situated on the Hume Freeway, and the Melbourne to Sydney
rail line, Wodonga is well recognised as a strategic hub along
the eastern seaboard. Its proximity between Australia’s two
largest cities, Melbourne and Sydney, provides key strategic
advantages; the city services the surrounding pastoral runs
and is a major stock selling centre. A number of manufacturing
industries have also been established in Wodonga.Wodonga has experienced strong population growth over the
past 25 years, with much of this growth coming from overseas
and surrounding municipalities.EmploymentWodonga’s economy is diverse and resilient. From small
niche businesses to multi-national companies, there are
approximately 2750 businesses that fuel the economy.Manufacturing is the primary employment industry in
Wodonga, followed by health care and social assistance, public
administration, and safety including defence. In terms of valued
added activity, manufacturing is the largest performing sector
in Wodonga, generating almost $375 million each year.Public administration and safety, retail, hiring, real estate
services, health care and social assistance are also key industry
sectors. Major employers include: Mars Petcare, Visy Board,
Vitasoy, Wilson Transformer Company Woolworths (Distribution
Centre), Kiewa Valley Engineering, BAE Systems and the
Australian Army.Wodonga has a workforce of approximately 19,400 people
and in the five year period 2008-2013, there was strong
employment growth in health care and social assistance, public
administration and safety, retail trade accommodation and food
services and agriculture, forestry and fishing.
The gateway to Victoria and NSW, Wodonga is a major logistic hub, stock selling and food and metal manufacturing centre between Melbourne and Sydney
This factsheet may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the factsheet is without flaw of any kind or is wholly
appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on this
information. Authorised and published by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015).
150 Kilometres
VICTORIA
Horsham
Ballarat
GeelongMelbourne
Warrnambool
Bendigo
Shepparton WodongaWangaratta
Latrobe
Mildura
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/warrnambool
Regional City ProfileWarrnambool
Local Government Area: City of WarrnamboolNeighbouring Local Government Areas: MoynePopulation: 33,501 (2014)
WarrnamboolWarrnambool is situated on the Surf Coast of Victoria, 260 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, and is the eighth-largest city in regional Victoria in terms of population. The city is the region’s main service centre for retail, business services, health
and education.Located along the Great Ocean Road, Warrnambool is also a major tourist hub. Warrnambool’s diverse housing stock, services and amenity features attract a range of new residents: young people to inner urban centre, young families to new developments, mature families to the more rural areas and older people to established areas.
New greenfield opportunities to the north-east and north of the city, as well as in Dennington, provide opportunities for large-scale residential development in Warrnambool over the next 5 to 20 years.
Culture and LifestyleAs one of the main towns on the Great Ocean Road, life in Warrnambool revolves around the ocean and pristine beaches. Fishing, surfing and boating are all popular activities.Warrnambool Art Gallery offers a diverse collection of artworks ranging from romanticised colonial landscapes, to contemporary Australian printmaking. The recently redeveloped
Lighthouse Theatre in Warrnambool’s cultural precinct hosts a variety of contemporary productions each year and also offers intimate spaces for grassroots theatre.
FacilitiesWarrnambool is a major service centre for south western Victoria and home to a range of quality facilities. All residents have access to quality primary and secondary schooling options. The city also offers a range of pathways to higher education via South West TAFE and Deakin University, both with strong links to industry to improve employment options of graduates. The broader Warrnambool region is serviced by extensive health
services including Southwest Healthcare’s Warrnambool Base Hospital and the St John of God Hospital.Warrnambool is connected to Melbourne via daily V-Line services allowing commuters to arrive at Southern Cross in three and half hours.
EmploymentWarrnambool is a major centre for food manufacturing with an emphasis in dairy products, sheep and beef processing. The Warrnambool region, which is renowned for its clean green environment, produces 25% of Australia’s milk and 30% of Victoria’s beef and lamb.
Warrnambool is experiencing industry growth in new and emerging energy industries, as well as in dairy, timber and mineral sands. Retail trade, education and property, business, health, community and personal services; have also grown over the last decade. Major employers include: Warrnambool Cheese & Butter, The Midfield Meats Group, Ryans Group, Wannon Water and Sinclair Wilson Accountants and Business Advisors.Warrnambool has a workforce of approximately 17,500 people and in the five year period between 2008-2013, there was strong employment growth in the following services areas - Health Care and Social Assistance, Finance and Insurance, Accommodation and Food, Wholesale Trade and Professional and Scientific and Technical Services.
A key logistics hub with a diverse industry base connecting western Victoria with international markets
This factsheet may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the factsheet is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on this information. Authorised and published by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015).
150 Kilometres
VICTORIA
Horsham
Ballarat
GeelongMelbourne
Warrnambool
Bendigo
Shepparton WodongaWangaratta
Latrobe
Mildura
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/horsham
Regional City ProfileHorsham
Local Government Area: Rural City of HorshamNeighbouring Local Government Areas: Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera, YarriambiackPopulation: 20,375 (2014)
HorshamHorsham Rural City is a vibrant, diverse community situated 300 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and north of the Grampians National Park. It is located in the heart of the Wimmera region of Victoria and nearly 75% of residents live in the urban area of Horsham.
Located approximately halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, Horsham is a vital service centre for the Wimmera and Southern Mallee region. The city provides excellent services in health, education, retail, business, leisure, sport, entertainment, the arts, research and housing.Over the next 20 years Horsham is expected to experience notable population growth, setting it apart from other municipalities in the Wimmera. It is also the key service centre for the thousands of people that visit the nearby attractions of Mount Arapiles and the Grampians National Park each year.Culture and Lifestyle
Horsham Rural City Council is a regional leader in arts and cultural activity that celebrates diversity, creativity and inclusion. There are 27 languages spoken in the Municipality.Horsham is home to many acclaimed artists and artistic companies across the performing and visual arts, crafts, multi-media and literature mediums. There are eight established arts festivals within the municipality, which are all driven by the community.Construction of a new major 500 seat performing arts centre and conferencing facility on the heritage-listed Horsham Town Hall site commenced in January 2014 and is expected to be open in 2015. The development includes an upgraded Regional Art Gallery.
FacilitiesHorsham is strategically located at the junction of the Western, Wimmera and Henty Highways. The Melbourne-Adelaide railway line, which passes through Horsham and has the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal at Dooen, is part of the larger East-West corridor that includes the Sydney-Adelaide and Adelaide-Perth lines. The railway line also provides limited
passenger services. The Horsham aerodrome is the primary air service centre for the region, providing for business, local and emergency air transport needs.The Intermodal Freight Terminal has capacity in excess of 20,000 containers per annum and provides a central location for grain handling and export as well as improved access to sea ports. Horsham Rural City Council has a precinct development plan to guide further investments around the terminal.Federation University and Longerenong College are the main tertiary and vocational education providers in Horsham. The Wimmera Health Care Group provides a range of emergency, acute, sub-acute, community based, allied health and primary care services. The Wimmera Base Hospital is recognised by universities and medical and nursing bodies as a training and teaching centre for undergraduate and post graduate studies.Employment
Horsham plays a leading role in the Wimmera’s agricultural industry, providing many of the support services necessary to sustain agricultural production as well as research, development and value-adding opportunities. Around 2100 businesses are based in Horsham. Major employers include: JK Milling, Glencore Grain, Graincorp, Dooen Engineering Services, Bayer Crop Science Australia, Dow AgroSciences, Nuseed, Wimmera Health Care Group, CHS Group, Federation University and Longerenong College.Horsham has a workforce of around 10,000 people and in the five year period 2008 – 2013, there was employment growth in the following sectors: manufacturing; agriculture, forestry and fisheries; health care and social assistance; administrative and support services; construction and financial and insurance services.
A picturesque, vibrant and diverse city in the Grampians region, renowned for its local arts community and key enabler of the region’s agricultural industry
This factsheet may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the factsheet is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on this information. Authorised and published by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015).
150 Kilometres
VICTORIA
Horsham
Ballarat
GeelongMelbourne
Warrnambool
Bendigo
SheppartonWodonga
Wangaratta
Latrobe
Mildura
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/mildura
Regional City ProfileMildura
Local Government Area: Rural City of MilduraNeighbouring Local Government Areas: Swan Hill, Buloke, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh, West WimmeraPopulation: 60,281 (2014)
MilduraMildura is an oasis on the Murray River in north west Victoria. Located on the border of New South Wales and South Australia, the Mildura region is 550 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and 400 kilometres north-east of Adelaide. Mildura is the largest city in north west Victoria and strategically vital to what is an important agricultural area.The city is a significant service centre for north west Victoria as well as parts of South Australia and New South Wales, delivering transport and warehousing services, professional services, health services and tertiary education.
Culture and LifestyleLife in Mildura revolves around the Murray River, with fishing, water sports, the white sandy beaches found along the river and the desert environment of Mildura-Sunset National Park.Mildura also has a vibrant arts culture with the Art Gallery built in 1966 on a historic property adjacent to the Murray River. The Centre includes a 384 seat theatre, the Mildura Art Gallery and the original Chaffey House. The theatre is also hired out to commercial and amateur theatre, school productions and used for workshops, private functions and classes.Mildura is a renowned food and wine region drawing on premium local inputs. Australian celebrity chef Stefano di Pieri proudly promotes his hometown’s food and beverages, which owes much to post-WWII Italian and Greek migrants.
FacilitiesMildura connects Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales by road, rail and air. The Mildura Airport is strategically vital to the Sunraysia region. It is the busiest regional airport in Victoria for passenger services with the number of passengers doubling over the last decade.Stage One of Mildura’s Riverfront Redevelopment will connect the river to Mildura’s CBD via a pedestrian promenade and reinvigorate a 1.2 km stretch of parklands and facilities. This is expected to be completed by September 2015.Latrobe University and SuniTAFE are the main tertiary and vocational education providers in Mildura. The Mildura Base Hospital is a 146 bed tertiary teaching hospital providing a range of acute services including emergency, maternity, intensive care, general medicine and surgery, medical imaging, pathology, dialysis, mental health and a range of ambulatory services.
EmploymentMildura services surrounding agricultural areas and mining and resources towns. It is also a base for regional industry with expanding industrial land available in two key non-urban estates, Thurla and Koorlong. There are around 5200 businesses in the city.
Agriculture and aquaculture, food and beverage manufacturing are large export industries for Mildura, drawing on Mildura’s location on the Murray River and surrounding quality irrigated and non-irrigated rural land. There are around 5000 businesses in the city. Major employers include Titan Wheels Australia, GTS Freight Management, Mildura Fruit Company, Lindeman’s, Sunsalt and Iluka Resources.Mildura has a workforce of around 22,000 people and in the five year period 2008 – 2013, there was employment growth in key sectors such as: wholesale trade; electricity, gas, water and waste services; mining; agriculture, forestry and fishing; manufacturing, and transport, postal and warehousing.
A producer of quality Victorian food and agriculture and a strategically important regional service centre for North West Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales
This factsheet may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the factsheet is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on this information. Authorised and published by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015).
150 Kilometres
VICTORIA
Horsham
Ballarat
GeelongMelbourne
Warrnambool
Bendigo
SheppartonWodonga
Wangaratta
Latrobe
Mildura
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/ballarat
Regional City ProfileLatrobe
Local Government Area: Latrobe CityNeighbouring Local Government Areas: Baw Baw, South Gippsland, Wellington
Population: 75,706 (2014)
Latrobe City CouncilKnown for its natural beauty the cities, that are part of Latrobe City Council, are situated in the centre of the Latrobe Valley in Gippsland. Comprising four major urban centres: Churchill, Moe/Newborough, Morwell and Traralgon, Latrobe is the fourth-largest city in regional Victoria by population.Located approximately 150 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, Latrobe City is a major service centre for the Gippsland region, particularly in the provision of retail, entertainment, education and health services.
The Latrobe region is a resource rich area with abundant forest, rich agricultural land and large brown coal and water resources. Latrobe’s regional economy is underpinned by minerals and the energy sector due to its large coal reserves.Latrobe’s four major power generators produce approximately 90% of Victoria’s electricity. The additional industries including timber processing, paper product manufacturing, agribusiness, post-secondary education, tourism and the provision of community services to the Gippsland region create a rich and diverse economy.
Culture and LifestyleLatrobe’s cultural scene is spread right across the major townships with retail, fine dining, attractions, arts, music, theatre and sporting events.Latrobe Regional Gallery in Morwell features eight exhibition spaces and a sculpture courtyard, showcasing permanent works and an annual program of state and national touring exhibitions. Other studios and galleries located across Latrobe City cater to a range of interests and artistic tastes.The Latrobe Performing Arts Centre is located in Traralgon and presents local, national and international productions, concerts and performances.
The major urban centres central locations makes them an ideal base to explore Gippsland’s inspiring nature-based and heritage attractions, including Tarra Bulga and Mt Baw Baw National Parks, Walhalla and rail trails.
FacilitiesLatrobe is located on the Princes Freeway and has connections to the State rail network, both V/Line and rail freight. The Latrobe Regional Airport is home to state emergency and medical response facilities, a commercial aviation manufacturing industry and provides private community transport and recreation and tourism services to the region.Federation University is the main tertiary and vocational education provider in Latrobe. The Latrobe Regional Hospital is a 261 bed teaching hospital and provides services in the areas of aged care, cancer care, elective surgery, maternity, rehabilitation and mental health.
EmploymentElectricity related industries are the region’s largest exporters. Latrobe’s role as a key hub for coal extraction, electricity generation and paper products manufacturing is reflected in its major export industries. The majority of Latrobe’s industrial land is located south of the Princes Freeway in Morwell, containing the city’s largest available supply of industrial land ready for development.
Latrobe’s economy has diversified to include a range of industries including forestry and paper, manufacturing, agribusiness, retail, hospitality, aviation, health and education. There are around 4,500 businesses in the city. The region is now home to Australia’s largest yoghurt manufacturing facility, the largest pulp and paper manufacturer in Australia, new Federation University and the only manufacturer of passenger aircraft in Australia. Major employers include Australian Paper, Energy Australia, Loy Yang Power, GDF Suez, Carter Holt Harvey, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Lion and GippsAero.
Latrobe has a workforce of around approximately 31,000 people and in the five year period 2008 – 2013, there was strong employment growth in the following sectors: public administration and services; professional, scientific and technical services; education and training; and accommodation and food services.
This factsheet may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the factsheet is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on this information. Authorised and published by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015).
A beautiful, resource-rich city that is home to Victoria’s major electricity generators and a growing aerospace manufacturing sector
150 KilometresVICTORIA
Horsham
Ballarat
GeelongMelbourne
Warrnambool
Bendigo
SheppartonWodonga
Wangaratta
Latrobe
Mildura
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/bendigo
Regional City Profile
Greater Bendigo
Local Government Area: City of Greater Bendigo
Neighbouring Local Government Areas: Loddon, Campaspe, Mount Alexander, Strathbogie, Mitchell
Population: 106,971 (2014)
BendigoBendigo is one of regional Victoria’s most progressive and contemporary cities and is located in the heart of the Goldfields region. It is the principal service centre for the Loddon Mallee South region and the city’s key industries include mining and financial services.
Situated 150 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, it is the third-most populous city in regional Victoria and an important city for the central Victorian economy.
Bendigo is a major tourist city in Victoria, with a trove of gold rush era architecture and numerous cultural festivals, including those celebrating Bendigo’s large Chinese community, such as the annual Chinese New Year celebrations.
Bendigo comprises suburban communities based around key transport corridors. Bendigo has established itself as a manufacturing base for primary industries operating in the region. In recent decades, the city has specialised in finance and insurance services, health care and education.
Culture and LifestyleBendigo is renowned for its arts and culture. The Bendigo Art Gallery, located in the View Street Arts Precinct, is one of the most significant and largest galleries in regional Australia. It is home to one of the most outstanding permanent collections of 19th Century European and Australian art in the country and is well known for exclusive international exhibitions.
Located next to the gallery is the Capital Theatre, Bendigo’s performing arts centre. Built in the 1870s and converted to its present use in the 1980s, the Capital features local and international theatre, music, comedy and dance acts.
With its two award-winning wine regions, Heathcote and Bendigo, the city is widely regarded for its excellent wine and food culture. Wonderful local food is showcased on the menus of the city’s restaurants, bars and cafes that proudly support the region’s farmers, suppliers and wineries.
FacilitiesThe city is connected to Melbourne and other regions by high-quality road and rail infrastructure. Bendigo is one of the key beneficiaries of the Regional Rail Link, which is designed to remove major bottlenecks in Victoria’s rail network by untangling metropolitan and regional tracks as they travel through Melbourne’s west. Regional Rail Link will lay the foundations for future expansion of the rail network to meet the needs of Victoria’s growing population.
Latrobe University and Bendigo TAFE are the main tertiary and vocational education providers in Bendigo. The city is also home to the largest regional hospital development in Victoria. The Bendigo Hospital Project will deliver a world class regional hospital, incorporating the latest design and technology solutions. The new facilities include 372 inpatient beds, 72 same day beds, 20 operating theatres, a regional cancer center and an 80 bed mental health facility, among others.
Industry and InfrastructureBendigo is home to 7,700 businesses. The last decade has seen substantial growth in the finance and insurance sector, but the city’s retail, health care and manufacturing businesses are the strongest employers. Bendigo is also the headquarters for the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, which is now a top 70 ASX-listed company and employs approximately 1,000 people locally across head office, six branches and two community bank branches.
Other major businesses include Rural Finance Corporation, Hofmann Engineering, Parmalat, Hazeldene’s Chickens, Bendigo Health, Latrobe University and Bendigo TAFE.
Bendigo has a workforce of around 46,000 people and in the five year period 2008 – 2013, there was strong employment growth in the following sectors: transport, postal and warehousing; agriculture, fisheries forestry and mining; electricity, gas, water and waste services; and accommodation and food services.
This factsheet may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the factsheet is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on this information. Authorised and published by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015).
A thriving and productive city with a unique historical connection to China
150 KilometresVICTORIAHorsham
Ballarat
Geelong
Melbourne
Warrnambool
Bendigo
Shepparton
Wodonga
Wangaratta
Latrobe
Mildura
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/ballarat
Regional City Profile
Ballarat
Local Government Area: City of Ballarat
Neighbouring Local Government Areas: Golden
Plains, Hepburn, Moorabool, Pyrenees
Population: 100,784 (2014)
Ballarat
Steeped in history, Ballarat is Victoria’s largest inland city,
founded on the wealth of the famous Victorian gold rush. This is
a legacy that continues today and is reflected in Ballarat’s grand
architecture and streetscapes.
Located 110 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, Ballarat is
a major manufacturing, health, retail and education centre,
and the principal service centre for the eastern part of the
Grampians Region.
Ballarat represents both historic and contemporary regional
Victoria. The city contains a mix of established residential and
greenfield areas, with a number of historic streets and houses
in the central part of the city.
Culture and Lifestyle
Ballarat has a thriving arts, tourism and cultural scene. The
city is strongly influenced by its gold rush history, which sets
it apart from other regional cities. The Art Gallery of Ballarat,
established in 1884, is Australia’s oldest and largest regional
gallery, with a comprehensive collection of Australian art.
Ballarat has a diverse offering of entertainment including, local
theatrical performances, music at local bars and pubs, larger
international acts, and performances at iconic venues like Her
Majesty’s Theatre. The city hosts a varied calendar of festivals
throughout the year, including the Rockabilly Festival, Begonia
Festival and Heritage Weekend. Ballarat also hosts a Chinese
Mooncake Food Festival.
Facilities
Ballarat is in a key strategic location with four main highways
(the Western, Midland, Glenelg and Sunraysia) connecting the
region to the industrial centres of Melbourne, Adelaide, Geelong
and Portland; the regional cities of Bendigo and Mildura; and
agricultural areas in the Mallee and Wimmera. Melbourne
International Airport and the ports of Melbourne and Geelong
are located within a one-hour travel time of Ballarat.
Upcoming major infrastructure projects will improve access
within and to Ballarat:
> The Western Link Road: achieving greater logistics
efficiency and providing access to develop-able land near
the city centre
> Regional Rail Link: designed to remove major bottlenecks in
Victoria’s rail network, the project will improve capacity on
both regional and metropolitan trains.
Federation University is the main tertiary and vocational
education provider in Ballarat. There are two main hospitals
in Ballarat, the Ballarat Base Hospital and St. John of God
Hospital.
Employment
Ballarat has a traditional background in manufacturing which
remains an important industry and includes the manufacture
of transport equipment, sugar and confectionery and the
processing of food and vegetables. However, a number of other
industries including health care, retail, education, financial
services and construction are also strong contributors to the
city’s output and employ a growing number of residents.
Strategic local partnerships with the growing information
technology sector and tertiary institutions are contributing to
the increasing importance of Ballarat as a knowledge centre.
Tourism is also significant as an industry, thanks to the city’s
gold rush history.
The city is home to around 7,400 businesses and a workforce
of around 48,000 people. Major businesses include MaxiTrans,
Alstom, Federation University, Ballarat Health Services, Mars,
McCain Foods, IBM and FMP Group. In the five year period 2008
– 2013, there was strong employment growth in the following
sectors: transport, postal and warehousing; health care and
social assistance; financial and insurance services and retail
trade.
Victoria’s third-most populous city, rich in culture and history
and a centre for manufacturing, health, education and retail
This factsheet may be of assistance to you but the State
of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the
factsheet is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate
for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all
liability for any error, loss or other consequence which
may arise from you relying on this information. Authorised
and published by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place,
Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015).
REGIONAL CITIES VICTORIA
RDV also consulted and collaborated with Regional Cities Victoria, the self-funded group of Victoria’s 10 regional cities working to improve liveability, population growth and economic investment.
Regional Cities Victoria is represented by mayors and CEOs from Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, Greater Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Greater Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga. These cities contain nearly half of regional Victoria’s population.
RDV collaborated with Regional Cities Victoria on a number of projects including the Regional Cities Growth Framework, which sets out distinct growth drivers for each of the cities. The framework was developed using evidence established by RDV over many years. It contains a diagnostic tool for councils to collect data and information that will help them plan for future growth and prioritise investment.
WORKING WITH INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS
RDV works with and sponsors a number of key peak bodies and organisations to encourage growth and development in regional Victoria. These include Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI), the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) and the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA). For example, RDV continued contributing to IPAA Victoria’s regional partner program and was represented on the IPAA Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat Advisory Committees. Other sponsorship arrangements during the year included the 2014 Regional Achievement and Community Awards to encourage people to move into rural and regional Victoria.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION PG 14
REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLANNING
In August and September 2014, RDV undertook a qualitative review to better understand regional stakeholder perceptions of the regional strategic planning (RSP) model’s operation and achievements to date.
Supported by Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development research and developed by the Victorian Government, the RSP model enables regional interests to come together to identify and leverage their comparative advantages, including place-based policies that focus on region-specific challenges and opportunities.
Since the model’s inception, RDV has enabled regional strategic planning activities, and provided evidence and advice to improve a range of planning measures, such as regional city profiles.
As part of the 2014 RSP review, RDV consulted various stakeholders including local government networks RDA chairs and the executive officers for the RSP committees for Geelong, Gippsland and Ballarat. Responses showed that RSP committees contribute to the model’s maturation through activities including:
> developing tools for more effective analysis of regional priority projects;
> advocating for fewer priority projects;
> amalgamating sub-regional plans into a single plan; and
> implementing new governance structures.
Findings of the RSP review have since informed the Review of Regional Economic Development and Services by an independent External Advisory Board chaired by former Premier, John Brumby.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION PG 15
ESTABLISHING THE REGIONAL JOBS AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDThe $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF) is a key economic development fund to be established under Back to Work – the Victorian Government’s broader economic development strategy.Operational from 1 July 2015, the RJIF addresses key challenges and opportunities to unlock regional Victoria’s economic potential by supporting major projects, creating jobs and building stronger regional communities. RJIF design evolved from RDV’s experience of working closely with regional businesses, organisations and communities, in partnership with other parts of government, to deliver regional development programs.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 ESTABLISHING THE REGIONAL JOBS AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND PG 17
In May 2015, legislation was introduced to the Victorian Parliament to consolidate Victoria’s regional development legislation to establish the RJIF. The Regional Development Victoria Amendment (Jobs and Infrastructure) Act 2015 came into effect on 1 July 2015. The legislation simplifies the framework for government support and investment in regional development into a single piece of legislation – the Regional Development Victoria Act 2002. It confirms RDV as the lead agency for economic and community development in rural and regional Victoria, and enables a Regional Development Advisory Committee to be established.
Program design and guidelines for the RJIF were developed to align with government policy directions. The program design took into account research on regional economic growth drivers, audits and evaluations of regional development funds, extensive learning in the design and delivery of regional development funds, and submissions to and early feedback from the Regional Economic Development and Services Review.
Acting Premier, James Merlino, joined the Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, to officially launch the RJIF at the Castlemaine Old Market Building on 29 June 2015, with local MP Maree Edwards as Master of Ceremonies.
The RJIF comprises the $250 million Regional Infrastructure Fund, $200 million Regional Jobs Fund, and $50 million Stronger Region Communities Plan. Under these three programs are the following 10 public grant program streams.
Regional Jobs Fund
1. Employment Precincts
2. Innovation and Productivity
3. Investment Attraction
4. Market Access
Regional Infrastructure Fund
5. Enabling Infrastructure
6. Productive and Liveable Cities and Centres
7. Rural Development
8. Visitor Economy
Stronger Regional Communities Plan
9. Community Capacity Building
10. Population Attraction
Public grant application guidelines help potential applicants understand what RJIF programs aim to achieve, funding eligibility, and the application and assessment process. RDV regional offices are the key contacts for potential applicants to discuss projects and seek advice on RJIF and other government funding opportunities, services and expertise.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
During the year, RDV continued significant monitoring and evaluation of the Regional Growth Fund, including commissioning and conducting evaluations and audits at a project, program and fund level. This work included an independent pre-performance audit of the Regional Growth Fund. In 2015, RDV worked with the Victorian Auditor-General’s (VAGO) office to finalise, scope and undertake a key phase of a VAGO performance audit of the Regional Growth Fund. This audit is due to report in the first quarter of 2015-16.
RDV incorporated learning into a new monitoring and evaluation framework for the RJIF to improve longer-term assessment of outcomes and outputs.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 ESTABLISHING THE REGIONAL JOBS AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND PG 18
BOOSTING JOBS AND INVESTMENT In 2014-15, RDV worked with business and industry throughout rural and regional Victoria to deliver information, services and programs designed to boost business growth, increase employment and access new market opportunities.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 BOOSTING JOBS AND INVESTMENT PG 19
Working across DEDJTR, RDV helped implement a focused business engagement model, investment attraction and facilitation activities, and promote trade fairs and inward buyer mission opportunities to regionally- based businesses.
These included International Food and Beverage Trade Week, programs to support manufacturing growth and business network development, and specific initiatives for small business, such as expanding the Small Business Festival into new locations in regional Victoria for the first time.
The department recorded direct interactions with over 2,500 businesses in regional Victoria, collecting business intelligence, and advocating on regional business issues within government. Advocacy effectiveness is based on building strong relationships, gathering and analysing information and working at the firm level to resolve issues and drive new investment, jobs and exports. This work contributed to the department’s Budget Paper 3 Outcomes for 2014-15.
INDUSTRY SECTOR SUPPORT IN THE REGIONS
As well as working directly with individual regionally-based businesses, RDV provided broader sector support through key industry organisations and knowledge-sharing initiatives. In 2014-15, these included involvement in implementing the Australia China Business Council Project and RDV’s ongoing relationship with Jiangsu in China.
Australia China Business Council Project
In 2014-15, the Victorian division of the Australia China Business Council (ACBC) received $250,000 from RDV to implement its Growing Business Opportunities in China project. The project aimed to improve export readiness of rural and regional Victorian businesses to take advantage of new market opportunities generated by the China Australia Free Trade Agreement.
ACBC arranged 113 interviews for Victorian regional businesses (identified by RDV regional offices and local councils) so they could discuss their experience of doing business in China. Outcomes provided greater insight into Victorian business trade relationships with China across sectors including dairy, wine, horticulture, grains, meat, livestock and genetics, processed food, stock feeds and services.
ACBC then held nine Growing Business Opportunities in China knowledge-sharing forums in rural and regional Victoria for approximately 350 attendees to help regionally-based businesses identify new market opportunities in China. Forum outcomes included a range of value-adding strategies such as varying product price entry points, prominent ports of entry by product and access to China customs trade information.
Victoria-Jiangsu Regional City Alliance
On 29 July 2014 the Premier of Victoria launched the Victoria-Jiangsu Regional City Alliance to strengthen ties between regional cities in Victoria and Jiangsu Province in China.
Initiating the alliance was part of Victoria-Jiangsu commemorations marking the 35th anniversary of Victoria’s sister-state relationship with Jiangsu. RDV hosted the Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province, Mr Shi Heping, and other delegates to showcase Victoria’s 10 regional cities. Regional mayors, CEOs and business leaders also welcomed the delegation and shared the trade strengths of their regions.
The expanded relationship between Victoria and Jiangsu will affirm connections between regional cities through mutual visits at a municipal level, economic and trade exchanges, and forums and exhibitions that highlight industry sectors and areas of competitive advantage.
Delegation visits to Geelong and Ballarat incorporated a formal welcome luncheon hosted by Enterprise Geelong, a tour of Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus and a mayoral reception at Sovereign Hill, as well as brief tours of both cities.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 BOOSTING JOBS AND INVESTMENT PG 20
BOOSTING JOBS AND INVESTMENT IN EACH REGION
The following are examples of key place-based initiatives and business engagement projects undertaken in each of regional Victoria’s five administrative areas.
Hume region
In February 2015 the Victorian Government announced that one of Australia’s largest private sector rail operators, Altona-based SCT Logistics, would invest in an intermodal freight terminal south of Wodonga, as part of a $39 million investment to increase rail freight along the Melbourne-Brisbane corridor. Investment attraction and facilitation assistance resulted in Wodonga being chosen as the site for a greenfield development along this corridor, which will generate 118 new jobs in the Wodonga region once it is complete.
The Victorian Government helped Unilever Australia expand its facility in Tatura, with improved electricity infrastructure to support new investment, and provided water infrastructure assistance to Murray Goulburn as part of the expansion of the company’s Cobram plant to support infant formula and cheese production and exports.
The Victorian Government also supported new investment and job creation opportunities in the Goulburn Valley region, including by a range of small fruit growers expanding their fruit packing and export facilities to access new market opportunities. Larger businesses helped as part of this initiative included Ryan Meats in Nathalia and Pactum Dairy Group in Shepparton. Both export focused projects created new regional jobs.
Barwon South West region
Place-based investment in the Barwon South West region included various projects funded by an arrangement between the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. These included a new stockfeed mill by Ridley Corporation at Lara that created 20 new jobs and Cotton On’s global headquarters expansion in Geelong that created 300 new jobs. They also included Quickstep Holdings’ new export-focused automotive composites manufacturing division in Geelong that created 30 new jobs, and a $22 million export-related expansion by the Australian Lamb Company in Colac that will create 125 new jobs.
The joint arrangement also helped connect natural gas to supply significant new investment in timber processing by AKD Softwoods in Colac, support Midfield Meats’ proposed milk processing plant in Warrnambool, Thornton Engineering’s expansion strategy that generated new investment and 50 new jobs in Geelong, and investment in the Great Ocean Road Choclaterie and Ice Creamery that, when complete, will create 57 new tourism and hospitality jobs in the Surf Coast Shire near Torquay.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 BOOSTING JOBS AND INVESTMENT PG 21
Grampians region
In 2015, RES Australia announced that its Ararat windfarm would proceed after an agreement to supply wind power to the ACT Government. The Victorian Government worked with RES Australia to resolve a range of planning and environmental issues associated with the project. Other new investment in the region included a $28 million expansion by Luv-a-Duck in Nhill that created 80 new jobs in the Wimmera, Meredith Dairy that generated 30 new cheese manufacturing jobs in Meredith, and new technology investments by Maxitrans Australia in Ballarat and TMR Feed Solutions in Horsham.
Gippsland region
Placed-based investment supported in Gippsland during 2014-15 was heavily focused on local food processing. It included expansion by Riviera Farms at Stratford and Lindenow, and Queensland-based Australian Fresh Salads’ new investment in fresh salad growing, processing, packing and distribution in the Macalister Irrigation District that created 20 new jobs. Support was also provided for ViPlus Dairy’s second stage of re-established dairy processing operations at Toora in South Gippsland. Other supported projects included Spectrum Sales’ new outbound call centre in Morwell, packaging manufacturing by Flowercow in Traralgon and transport equipment manufacturing by Custom Transport Equipment in Drouin. All generated new jobs in the region.
Loddon Mallee region
Support for new investment in the region included export-related expansion by Hardwick’s Meat Works that created 150 new jobs, and help relocating Leda Farm Equipment’s combined manufacturing and sales operation from NSW to Mildura, creating 40 new jobs. RDV also worked with the Central Goldfields Shire to encourage Melbourne-based Edyln Foods to establish a food processing operation in Maryborough and generate 14 new local jobs, and Mortlock Hydroponics to add a new cherry tomato production facility, creating 25 new jobs in the Carisbrook area.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 BOOSTING JOBS AND INVESTMENT PG 22
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 23
DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE Throughout the year, RDV facilitated strategic infrastructure investment to strengthen regional economies, encourage jobs growth, attract new businesses and boost regional services in the final year of Regional Growth Fund programs.In 2014-15, RDV helped attract $365.044 million for 124 regional infrastructure projects supported in the final year of the Regional Growth Fund. Examples of these projects follow.
MURRAY DAIRY – ACCELERATING CHANGE
In November 2014, the Victorian Government announced joint Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding of $1.46 million for a project that will boost dairy farming in the Murray Darling region. For all Victorian Government funding contributions to Murray Darling projects, see page 63.
The $2.9 million Accelerating Change project aims to create 100 full-time jobs, increase ‘home grown’ pasture by 25 per cent, improve irrigation efficiency and reduce the cost base of dairy farming businesses with a view to boosting overall profitability. Two leading ‘partner farms’ were selected by Murray Dairy to demonstrate the benefits of continuing investment in feed practices, farming systems and growth of pastures. Research and technology will be applied directly to the two farms and tested on 15 satellite farms, which will help monitor and analyse the technology. Results will then be shared with 380 farmers in the Murray Darling region for further discussion and analysis.
LATROBE CITY COUNCIL – GIPPSLAND HEAVY INDUSTRY PARK
Announced in August 2014, the $5 million Gippsland Heavy Industry Park Project aims to drive industry development and help grow the local economy with the help of $2.5 million from the Victorian Government. The three-stage project involves reconstructing road pavement and drainage along access roads, site drainage upgrades, and new water treatment infrastructure. Zoned as Industrial 2, the Gippsland Heavy Industry Park represents a key future employment zone for Latrobe City Council. A demand analysis for the site indicates the precinct could employ up to 470 people in addition to the 200 currently employed by three existing businesses. By improving the quality and capacity of the site, the project will enable the development of 28 hectares of vacant land as well as encourage the existing businesses to expand.
UNILEVER TATURA INVESTMENT PROJECT
Tatura is the only facility within Unilever’s Australian portfolio capable of producing ready-to-drink products for the Australian market, specifically Lipton Iced Tea. In November 2014, the Victorian Government announced a grant of $879,930 to Unilever Australia Trading Limited for the Unilever Tatura Investment Project that is expected to secure 21 jobs associated with iced tea production. The $14.2 million project involves installing a high voltage kiosk and two 2,000kVA transformers. This power supply upgrade will enable the installation of a new production facility for blowing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for Lipton Iced Tea and create site expansion opportunities. The new blow filling line introduces new energy-reducing technology that will cut production costs.
WODONGA CBD URBAN RENEWAL INITIATIVE
Work relating to RDV’s investment in the Junction Place urban renewal initiative to revitalise the Wodonga’s central business area (CBA) was completed in May 2015, with intention to generate employment, stimulate economic development, and deliver associated social and environmental benefits. This major collaborative project incorporated a redevelopment of surplus railway land in the heart of Wodonga’s CBA. Places Victoria is overseeing Junction Place, regional Australia’s largest urban renewal project, bringing new life to the former railway site.
In partnership with Wodonga City Council, Places Victoria is delivering the enabling road infrastructure required prepare land parcels for development by private investors/developers. RDV contributed $3 million to the project, which included realigning Elgin Boulevard, the main east-west road connection for the CBA.
It also involved constructing Church Street between South Street and the realigned Elgin Boulevard. This new street provides a shared pedestrian/vehicle link between the new Junction Square and Promenade Link open space areas, which is where most future economic activity is planned.
One of the key components of the project was constructing the spacious Junction Square – the principal ‘meeting place’ for the Wodonga CBA and located at the major intersection of Elgin Boulevard and High Street. Junction Square opens up the historic Goods Shed and Station Building precinct from High Street and includes a new culinary precinct – now the hub of Wodonga’s annual food and wine festival. The overall redevelopment of Junction Place will also create a number of visually appealing open space settings to attract visitors, along with public spaces for events, markets and other community activities.
WODONGA LOGIC FATIGUE MANAGEMENT CENTRE AND TRAILER INTERCHANGE PROJECT
A new $16.1 million freight and truck-servicing hub established in Barnawartha has created a significant number of jobs on site, increased transport efficiency and safety along the busy Hume corridor between Sydney and Melbourne, and reduced the potential for driver fatigue-related accidents on the Hume Freeway. Supported by $5.64 million from the Victorian Government, including $1.64 million from RDV, the Wodonga Logic Fatigue Management and Trailer Interchange Project features three integrated facilities – a service centre, fatigue management centre for truck drivers needing rest periods during driving shifts, and a trailer interchange that enables freight operators to switch trailer combinations more easily.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 24
EPIC MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPERIENCE
A new $750,000, 40.4km cross-country mountain bike trail represents an exciting new addition to Victorian High Country attractions to further establish the area as a year-round tourism destination. Opened in December 2014, the project is the first in Australia to receive accreditation from the International Mountain Bike Association as an EPIC facility. It has already attracted excellent reviews from international visitors and is quickly being recognised as a key destination for mountain bikers. The Victorian Government provided $375,000 to support construction of the single-track descent that offers stunning views across the Victorian High Country and diverse challenges for mountain bike and cycling enthusiasts. While the track is primarily for mountain bike use, there is also a shared 4km section along the Delatite River.
YEA WETLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE
Opened in August 2014, the Yea Wetlands Environmental Centre is a $1.75 million facility designed to increase year-round visitation to the area in the wake of the February 2009 bushfires. The Victorian Government contributed $1.25 million to the project that interprets the adjacent Yea wetland and provides a range of visitor information services from an architecturally designed, sustainable Wetlands Interpretation Visitor Centre. It features displays on the importance of water, local wetland ecology and biodiversity retention in supporting floodplain, catchment and water resource management.
KOONDROOK WHARF
The $2 million construction of the Koondrook Wharf and associated infrastructure was announced in October 2014 as a major initiative to boost local businesses and community activity. Supported with $500,000 from the Victorian Government, the project will create an architecturally striking development designed to increase visitor numbers to Koondrook and act as an important link in the wider Murray River visitor experience. The project will include mooring facilities to support local recreational activity and commercial operations, casual access to the Murray River foreshore, and interpretation of the original wharf and surrounding area. There will also be deck access to support events and activities and new public works around the existing tramway turntable. For all Victorian Government funding contributions to Murray Darling projects, see page 63.
ECHUCA RIVERBOAT DOCK UPGRADES
Announced in September 2014, the $4.9 million Echuca Riverfront Redevelopment Stage 2 Project will create an accessible and attractive riverfront at Echuca’s most visited riverside park, Riverboat Dock. Currently at planning stage, the project is part of the overall Echuca Riverfront Development to increase visitation to the town and region by encouraging a greater length of stay and increased spend. The Victorian and Commonwealth Governments are jointly contributing $3.9 million towards this second stage that will generate 50 new ongoing jobs and 14 jobs during construction. Stage 2 will integrate the adjacent Port of Echuca Discovery Centre, the Port Precinct, the Hopwood Gardens and Riverboat Dock. It will also improve environmental outcomes, vehicle access and parking arrangements, upgrade mooring access and boat servicing, establish a functional community open space, and refurbish a former kiosk/dressing shed for cafe operation.
SWAN HILL HEARTBEAT OF THE MURRAY
The $3.85 million Heartbeat of the Murray Experience is well on the way to revitalising Swan Hill’s iconic Pioneer Settlement to help boost overall visitation to the town and region. By encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more, the project will help induce new economic development opportunities in the settlement, the riverfront precinct and throughout Swan Hill. Supported by $2.8 million jointly from the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, the project has three components – the Heartbeat of the Murray Laser show, renewing the ‘day product’ at the settlement and supporting infrastructure.
Key assets such as the Gem paddle steamer and the Pyap Wharf will be open to the general public during the day, creating a vibrant and visually appealing function area. The overall project will enable the settlement to develop in line with visitor expectations, and generate a range of associated commercial and employment opportunities. The project will deliver 46 new jobs, retain 17 jobs and create six construction-related jobs.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 25
FLAGSTAFF HILL MARITIME VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT
Consistent with Warrnambool City Council’s Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Master Plan, the $2.95 million Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Renewal Project is expected to increase visitation to the region by 30 per cent. The project will include a redesigned and refreshed night sound and light/laser show – night show technology that will also be incorporated into the daytime experience. It will realign the reception areas to consolidate the gift shop and the Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre, and deliver a more functional and refurbished restaurant. The project will also upgrade the wharf area so key historic whaling boats can be refurbished, and provide better access to the village’s floating fleet of ships. Supported by $1.95 million from the Victorian Government, the project is anticipated to create 21 new jobs, retain 14 and provide seven during construction.
QUEENSCLIFF FERRY TERMINAL UPGRADE PROJECT
The $2.65 million Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Upgrade Project aimed to improve the long-term commercial viability of the Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry service and stimulate new business opportunities at each destination. Supported by the Victorian Government’s $1.35 million contribution to Searoad Ferries, the project will further encourage tourism travel between the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas. Work included upgrading the sea wall, expanding the car park, improving access and restoring the rock groin. The project also addressed concerns associated with ageing Crown land infrastructure that had potential to affect ferry business operations.
ULUMBARRA THEATRE DEVELOPMENT
The $25.8 million Ulumbarra Theatre development (also known as the Sandhurst Community Theatre Project) opened in April 2015. Delivered in partnership between the City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo Senior Secondary College, and the Victorian and
Commonwealth Governments, the exciting new complex is now available for community use, including local education, arts, entertainment and tourism groups. The project adapted the Old Bendigo Gaol to create a new 1000-seat theatre with a fully equipped fly tower, music, dance and drama studio spaces and general learning areas. The project has enabled the entry to the new complex through the former Marong Cell Block, which housed the original gaol gallows. The Victorian Government contributed $10.5 million towards the project that created 121 jobs during construction and is forecast to generate over $36 million in regional economic output. By the fifth year of operation, the theatre is expected to attract more than 78,000 visitors per annum, support 16 ongoing jobs and encourage over $1.45 million in tourism spending.
LONGERENONG COLLEGE STUDENT RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES UPGRADE
Longerenong College is one of Victoria’s leading agricultural education institutions. A $4.74 million project began in late 2014 to refurbish the college’s residential facilities with a view to increase enrolments and course offerings, and improve regional education participation and retention rates. Broader aims of the project are to address skill shortages in the local and regional economy, facilitate skill development and skills retention, improve employment and productivity in the agricultural sector of the region and improve the college’s overall competitiveness, financial viability and long- term sustainability. The Victorian Government contributed $1.78 million towards this important project that involves refurbishing 114 single occupancy student rooms and shared residential facilities, and constructing a new three-storey building adjoining the existing accommodation to incorporate two new communal study areas and a separate recreational area. It also involves installing various utilities and amenities, such as reverse cycle air conditioning, an electronic access system and upgrading wireless internet infrastructure. The project is expected to be complete by April 2016.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 26
CENTRAL GEELONG REVITALISATION PROJECT
As a growing regional city, central Geelong continues to develop as the region’s primary centre of commerce, arts/culture and entertainment, education and health. Revitalising the Geelong City centre by enhancing its attractiveness and cohesion will help maintain this growth and make the city more resilient to future social and economic changes. This $7.52 million city-shaping project is the first step in realising the objectives of Vision II, and implementing the Central Geelong Action Plan. Announced in September 2014 and supported by $3 million from the Victorian Government, the project incorporates capital works in four key areas within Central Geelong – Malop Street, Dennys Place, laneways between Malop Street and Ryrie Street, and Myers Street. Up to 45 direct and 40 indirect jobs are likely to be created, plus growth in goods and services activity, which will encourage more visitors and residents to Geelong.
The project will open up the CBD and improve links between the railway station, arts precinct, Johnstone Park, and the health services and hospital precincts. Greater pedestrian exposure to smaller retail offerings will create more property and business investment opportunities. It also aligns with sustainable design principles (including water efficiencies and tree planting) for the growth of Geelong as a regional city.
GEELONG GALLERY REDEVELOPMENT BUSINESS CASE
Finalised in March 2015 and supported by $100,000 from the Victorian Government, the $200,000 Geelong Gallery Redevelopment Business Case identified and assessed all redevelopment options for the Geelong Gallery. The City of Greater Geelong has endorsed a $39.8 million development option as the preferred option, which requires funding support from all levels of government and the private (philanthropic) sector.
SHEPPARTON ART MUSEUM FEASIBILITY STUDY
The $250,000 Shepparton Art Museum Feasibility Study determined development options for the future expansion of the Shepparton Art Museum and provided recommendations on the delivery of a $35 million preferred option that was endorsed by Greater Shepparton City Council in May 2015. The Victorian Government supported the study with $125,000. Community consultation was positive and the project is now in design phase.
BURRA FOODS KORUMBURRA
The $22 million expansion of Burra Foods’ dairy processing plant at Korumburra was completed in December 2014. Burra Foods employs 148 full-time staff and delivers significant local economic benefits by supporting 172 dairy farms in Gippsland that supply its milk. The Victorian Government contributed $1.5 million towards a key component of the project that upgraded wastewater treatment, water recycling and re-use equipment, and water purification at the plant. The water upgrades reduced the company’s annual reliance on town water by over 60 per cent, improved water quality and reduced annual wastewater discharges from 110ML to 75ML. They also underpinned the expansion of the plant that boosted the company’s value-added exports and led to the creation of 27 new ongoing jobs, as well as 60 during construction.
WANGARATTA LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Announced in June 2015, the $3.4 million Wangaratta Livestock Exchange Redevelopment Project will employ industry best practice to ensure the Exchange remains competitive and viable in an industry of rising standards and expectations. The project includes construction of a new auctioneer’s walkway and other yard modifications, new roofing over the entire facility to enable the installation of water capture and re-use, dust suppression, better lighting and soft flooring.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 27
Benefits of the project include user safety improvements, enhanced comfort for patrons and stock and reductions in operational costs through decreased cleaning and water savings of 20Ml per annum.
The Victorian Government will contribute $500,000 towards the project that will generate 35 jobs during construction. The project will lead to an increase in the market share of the Exchange, and through increased business and visitation activity, local economic output is expected to increase by $5.5 million per annum and increase indirect employment by up to 36 full time equivalent positions.
ARARAT ARTS PRECINCT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
In April 2015, the Victorian Government announced funding of $3.7 million towards the $5.29 million Ararat Arts Precinct Redevelopment Project that will create a high profile home for arts and events in Ararat. By increasing the competitiveness of the Ararat Performing Arts Centre (APAC) and the Ararat Regional Art Gallery (ARAG), the project will enable the procurement and presentation of major professional arts programming to increase local engagement and attract high spending cultural tourists to the region.
The project will also activate the iconic town hall building in Ararat, and enhance cultural opportunities for regional residents and visitors by offering an increasing program of arts events capable of exposing residents to art forms previously unavailable in an affordable and inclusive format.
When complete, ARAG’s significant textiles collection (which is often unavailable for public viewing due to the constraints of the current facility) will be available for viewing on a regular basis. This will ensure that the popular permanent collection is available and rotated regularly so local residents and visitors can appreciate this impressive archive.
AUSNET SERVICES – HUNTLY NATURAL GAS EXTENSION
A $4.5 million project to extend the natural gas pipeline has now connected more than 380 households and businesses in Huntly to natural gas thanks to a $2.58 million investment by the Victorian Government.
Residents along the Midland Highway were among the first to connect their household appliances to natural gas in August 2014. The project provides an additional energy source for residents that can lower household costs. Gas network owner, AusNet Services (formerly SP AusNet), has laid over 16km of pipeline underground from the existing network in Bendigo. Rocky ground necessitated open cut trenching and a bigger excavator to lay the pipe, but the work and reinstatements were made with minimal impact on residents.
BROOKFIELD INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP – CNG GAS DELIVERY SOLUTION
In September 2014, the Victorian Government announced an agreement with Brookfield Infrastructure Group (Australia) to supply natural gas to 11 regional communities using a compressed natural gas (CNG) delivery solution. Following an $85 million request for tender (which includes $15 million from the Commonwealth Government), Brookfield agreed to connect Heathcote, Invermay, Lakes Entrance, Maldon, Marong, Orbost, Terang, Swan Hill, Kerang, Robinvale and Nathalia to natural gas. The CNG delivery solution involves compressing natural gas in ‘mother stations’, trucking the compressed gas to the outskirts of each town to ‘daughter stations’ where gas is stored, depressurised and then reticulated via pipes to homes and businesses within each town. As part of the project, Brookfield will double the supply capacity at its CNG station in Derrimut to supply regional towns before constructing the two mother stations. The project is expected to be complete by 2018 and provide at least 12,500 residents and industries in regional Victoria with access to natural gas.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 28
SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES RDV encourages stronger and more sustainable regional communities by building their capacity to drive development and make the most of local investment. The following are examples of the range of projects and initiatives delivered throughout rural and regional Victoria. In 2014-15, RDV delivered the last year of community-focused Regional Growth Fund projects. Examples of these projects follow.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL
COMMUNITIES PG 29
COWES ACTIVITY CENTRE PLAN
The $200,000 Cowes Activity Centre Plan project delivered by Bass Coast Shire Council included identifying township investment priorities related to economic development, infrastructure needs, township revitalisation, traffic and road infrastructure constraints, tourism strategies and the extension of local business cycles. RDV contributed $150,000 to the project, which was well received by the Cowes local community.
WONTHAGGI THEATRE GROUP BUILDING FOYER
This $293,500 project is currently underway to construct and fit out an all-purpose foyer attached to the existing Wonthaggi Theatrical Group building at the State Coal Mine Historic Reserve in Wonthaggi. The project involves building a new public meeting space, new toilets and a new kitchen with servery and bar, plus a significant power supply upgrade. The Victorian Government contributed $195,686 to the project, which is due for completion in 2016.
REACTIVATE LATROBE VALLEY
The $169,730 RMIT University project is currently establishing pop-up shops at 20 empty shop sites and four vacant lots in Morwell, Moe, Traralgon and Churchill through specially negotiated leases. Supported by the Victorian Government with $113,000, this important community initiative will also feature a shop front headquarters and two new major arts and cultural festivals. An overarching project steering committee and two project sub-committees will manage the events and pop-up shops. The project is nearing completion.
PAYNESVILLE ESPLANADE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
Due for completion at the end of 2014-15, this $750,000 East Gippsland Shire Council project will transform the Paynesville CBD as a tourism and growing sea-change lifestyle destination. The Esplanade is the heart of Paynesville and connects the town centre and the internationally renowned Gippsland Lakes.
Work will include a maritime-themed streetscape featuring street trees, landscaping, marine timber crossings and bollards and other themed furniture and signage. Intersection redesign will slow traffic and reduce vehicle numbers, as well as increase overall pedestrian safety. Wider footpaths will encourage more retail activity and improve visitor experiences through alfresco dining and other street trading. Another feature – terracing of the foreshore – will increase the number of festivals and events that can be held, as well as offer scope for other local activities. The Victorian Government contributed $300,000 towards this important community and tourism project.
COMMUNITY GARDEN LEONGATHA
This $131,158 project for Community College Gippsland is establishing a multipurpose community garden and resource centre, and will feature a communal garden, orchard, individual plots, hydroponics, aquaponics, permablitz, display gardens, propagation facilities, a hothouse and shadehouse. Due for completion in early 2016, the Victorian Government contributed $77,400 towards the project to engage a wide range of stakeholders and provide opportunities for training, social inclusion and health benefits, as well as grow food for local distribution.
ALEXANDRA OVAL COMMUNITY AND RECREATION CENTRE
The $3.35 million project delivered by Ararat Rural City Council has transformed the Alexandra Oval precinct into a versatile meeting place for the local Ararat and surrounding community. Supported with $500,000 from the Victorian Government, the project replaced old football-only change rooms with new sporting change room facilities catering for football, cricket, netball, umpires and match day requirements. It also created a community multi-purpose meeting space including meeting room, function space, commercial kitchen, canteen, bar and public amenities within the precinct.
VICTORIA PARK INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE
The City of Ballarat’s $1 million project is in the early stages of improvements to activate the northern end of Victoria Park – a significant, centrally located park in Ballarat. Work includes installing barbecue facilities, seating, shelters, unstructured play-space, paths and car parking. Supported with $500,000 from the Victorian Government, the upgrade promises to be a welcome addition to the community life of the city and surrounding region.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES PG 30
BALLARAT OLYMPIC PRECINCT UPGRADE
This $90,000 project has enhanced the overall amenity of the Olympic Rings Precinct in Ballarat that celebrates the Olympic rowing events held at Lake Wendouree in 1956, and highlights the main entrance to the lake and gardens precinct. Supported by $60,000 from the Victorian Government, the improvements include landscaping, bluestone paving border to define the precinct, irrigation to maintain the landscaped areas and a new flagpole. The improvements complemented existing infrastructure in time for the 2014 World Masters Rowing Regatta at Lake Wendouree.
MAUDE VIEWING PLATFORM
The $168,028 Maude Viewing Platform project has created a spectacular tourism asset at the highest point over the Moorabool Valley. Supported by $125,000 from the Victorian Government, the new platform’s design emphasises local Aboriginal culture that tells a Dreamtime story from the local Wathaurong people about Bundjil, the wedge tail eagle and his six helpers.
HINDMARSH SHIRE COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
The $120,000 project currently underway is using the services of a qualified and experienced consultant to develop an economic development strategy for Hindmarsh Shire. With $90,000 assistance from the Victorian Government, the strategy will outline the activities required to maximise regional output, job creation and investment for the next five years.
MALLEE BUSH RETREAT – STAGE 5
A successful collaboration between the Victorian Government and Yarriambiack Shire Council’s Lake Coorong / Lake Lascelles Committee of Management, this $92,000 project has constructed a ‘single men’s quarters’ on the foreshore of Lake Lascelles in Hopetoun. The Victorian Government contributed $60,000 to the project, which is the next stage of building accommodation units at Lake Lascelles. It is part of the community plan to provide an alternative industry and economic stimulus in the Hopetoun area.
WARRNAMBOOL CITY CENTRE REVITALISATION – GILLES STREET
Due for completion in late 2015, the $850,000 project will revitalise Gilles Street in Warrnambool. Work will include improving the taxi rank, toilet block and streetscape, plantings, and installation of street furniture, all in keeping with the design guidelines currently being developed. The Victorian Government provided $300,000 to Warrnambool City Council towards this important initiative to boost the local economy and enhance the liveability of one of Victoria’s most dynamic regional cities.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL
COMMUNITIES PG 31
NIRRANDA MULTIPURPOSE CENTRE
Moyne Shire Council’s $1.52 million project will construct a multipurpose centre at Nirranda Recreation reserve for a range of community and sporting groups, including the local football and cricket clubs, junior netball association and social tennis gatherings. The Victorian Government provided $200,000 towards the project that will also include a new multipurpose centre, upgraded football change rooms, and new netball change rooms as well as a new netball court and upgrading another netball court.
MOUNT MORIAC RESERVE MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT
This $1.35 million undertaking by the Surf Coast Shire has delivered the first stage of a master plan that includes the priority redevelopment of the sporting pavilion shared by the Modewarre Football Netball Club and Modewarre Cricket Club. The Victorian Government provided $300,000 towards Stage 1, which also included upgrading and extending the netball and tennis courts to accommodate a third competition and training netball court and two tennis courts, plus a new reserve play facility.
GREAT OCEAN ROAD NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE
The Great Ocean Road is one of the great tourism icons of Victoria and a significant economic contributor to the local economy. The Victorian Government provided $500,000 towards this $750,000 initiative by the Surf Coast Shire to develop a National Heritage Centre commemorating the history of the construction of the Great Ocean Road. Now complete, the project included an extension to the Lorne Visitor Information Centre for more display, storage and circulation spaces, interpretive displays telling the story of the construction of the Great Ocean Road, improvements to community and visitor facilities, and centre management and heritage tourism plans.
DUNKELD COMMUNITY CENTRE
The Southern Grampians Shire Council has completed the first stage of the new $1.5 million Dunkeld Community Centre. Supported by $500,000 from the Victorian Government, stage one involved demolishing the existing RSL building, and the kitchen, supper room, foyer and toilet wing adjoining the Dunkeld Memorial Hall. The new Dunkeld Community Centre now incorporates a welcoming area, foyer, information and display area, an events space, community kitchen and kiosk, an administration area and community office with IT and equipment.
LEOPOLD COMMUNITY HUB
A thriving community within the City of Greater Geelong, this $8.96 million project gives Leopold a new multifunction meeting space with kitchen, toilets, outdoor space and storage. With $500,000 from the Victorian Government, it now forms part of a larger community hub that provides integrated early years services and a toy library. The hub is located in a central civic space enabling strong connection to the local shopping precinct.
BARWON SOUTH WEST REGIONAL TRAILS DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT AND PROMOTION PROJECT
This $70,000 Warrnambool City Council project responds directly to recommendations contained in the Barwon South West Regional Trails Master Plan, a region-wide partnership-planning project. Funded by the Victorian Government this project will develop an action plan to develop, manage and promote regional trails in the Barwon South West. The project is expected to conclude by September 2015.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES PG 32
OCEAN GROVE PARK PERFORMANCE SPACE
Developed by Ocean Grove Park Inc with $500,000 assistance from the Victorian Government, this $1 million project created a performance space building in Ocean Grove Park so the growing local community has a permanently available public venue for arts presentations. The venue will also be used for meetings, education sessions, ceremonies, conferences and community gatherings in indoor and outdoor surroundings for audiences of up to 2,000.
HOPWOOD GARDENS PARK DEVELOPMENT – ECHUCA
The Shire of Campaspe instigated this $520,000 project to redevelop Hopwood Gardens Park in the popular Port of Echuca tourist precinct. With $340,000 from the Victorian Government, the recently begun redevelopment will improve the connection between the port precinct and the proposed riverbank development, using landscaping and linking pathways. Traffic calming and better car parking will also improve safety and enhance facilities.
BENDIGO BOTANIC GARDENS – GARDEN FOR THE FUTURE
The Bendigo Botanic Gardens are one of the city’s key assets. This $3.92 million project now underway will realise a three-hectare contemporary Garden for the Future. The Victorian Government contributed $500,000 towards purpose-built, modern, outdoor infrastructure that will include two hectares of contemporary botanic garden designed by a leading landscape architecture firm, display gardens housing collections of interesting plants from around the world, and a sheltered outdoor performance and lecture area. The project will also incorporate an outdoor event space, central pedestrian promenade and supporting footpath network along with an array of sustainable features such as advanced street trees irrigated by stormwater, and an irrigation system incorporating water-sensitive urban design and recycled water supply.
CANTERBURY PARK
Currently underway, the $1.6 million second stage of a development to transform the Canterbury Park Precinct into a sophisticated events and community space hub focuses on the Eastern section of the ‘central activity area’. With $500,000 in the Victorian Government assistance for the City of Greater Bendigo, it includes constructing an entry road, car park modifications, a multi-functional event space, general landscaping and park lighting.
KYNETON COMMUNITY PARK
The $400,000 project for the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, with $300,000 from the Victorian Government, represents the initial stage of the construction of the Kyneton Community Park. Due for completion in early 2016, it will involve developing detailed designs to be followed by site preparation works, including drainage, hydraulic and power infrastructure, and above ground infrastructure such as pathways, landscaping elements and water features, plus cultural management plans.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL
COMMUNITIES PG 33
MURRAY RIVER TRAIL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
This $600,000 Mildura Rural City Council project is in its early stages to complete a large section of Mildura’s river trail and connect key attractions along the Murray River. Supported by $300,000 from the Victorian Government, work includes constructing shared off-road cycling and walking trails, bollards, trail signs and seating, new leisure infrastructure designed to encourage more nature-based and cycle tourism in the region.
BENALLA PERFORMING ARTS AND CONVENTION CENTRE
This $316,000 Benalla Rural City Council project has upgraded the facilities at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre. With the assistance of $237,000 from the Victorian Government, work included refurbishing the kiosk and kitchen, providing better access to upgraded meeting rooms and function amenities, and updating IT connections. A digital projector is now installed in the cinema, which also had upgrades to its lighting, change rooms and auditorium. Streetscaping adjacent to the facility completed the precinct refurbishment.
WANGARATTA CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT MASTER PLAN PROJECT
The $225,000 project developed by the Rural City of Wangaratta is currently adding to the existing body of knowledge within council and identifying key infrastructure and planning activities to enhance the Wangaratta CBD and business precinct. Supported by $150,000 from the Victorian Government, the project is considering a breadth of requirements, including transport and cultural activities within the CBD.
STRATEGIC TRAILS IN THE ALPINE SHIRE
The Alpine Shire Council implemented a $2.5 million project to create the trailhead sections of the Harrietville to Bright shared trail. Supported by $1 million from the Victorian Government, the project has also completed trails between Pioneer Park in Harrietville to Stoney Creek, Smoko, and about 5km along the Ovens River corridor from Centenary Park in Bright to Germantown Bridge.
YARCK COMMUNITY HALL RENOVATION
The small community of Yarck now benefits considerably from this $277,000 project to upgrade its existing hall with a new power supply, new kitchen, reverse cycle air conditioning, an external deck, new veranda, disabled toilet and some external all-weather ground works. With $169,000 from the Victorian Government, the completed project provides the community with a much-needed multipurpose meeting place.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES PG 34
FOGGY MOUNTAINS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
This $30,000 initiative by the Kinglake Business Network enabled the inaugural three-day Bluegrass Festival to be held at Kinglake in October 2014. Supported with $20,000 from the Victorian Government, the festival included a wide range of activities, from a bush dance to all-day events in the town centre, to support two separate, ticketed bluegrass concerts, a traditional gospel concert, farmers’ market and a vintage car show.
MANSFIELD COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE PROJECT
Mansfield Shire Council partnered with the local community in this $618,000 project to improve the layout and usability of Mansfield Recreation Reserve – the town’s primary outdoor community gathering place. This project represents stages 4 and 5 of the redevelopment and included alterations to access and parking, provision of pathways, and constructing terraced seating.
FAWCETT HALL UPGRADE
This $82,000 Fawcett Mechanics Institute Reserve Committee of Management project has made the most of an important community asset. The project extended the existing hall, and added a new kitchen and unisex disabled toilets, plus an outdoor deck with ramps linking the new extension to the original building. With $80,000 contributed by the Victorian Government, the project also incorporates sustainable design elements such as solar panels and storm water pipes connected to tanks and septic plumbing to reuse rain/grey water in the toilets.
MURCHISON HERITAGE CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT
The $160,000 project by Greater Shepparton City Council extended the centre to increase opportunities for the Historical Society’s operation as well as provide more community facilities for the township of Murchison. Supported with $80,000 from the State Government, the extension now provides a new multipurpose space opening onto the gardens adjacent to the building and features a fully equipped kitchen. The multipurpose space is available for community group meetings as well as private function hire.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL
COMMUNITIES PG 35
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL RECOVERYRDV works in partnership with other Government and non-government organisations to support the recovery of communities and economies impacted by emergencies. In 2014-15, RDV worked with communities affected by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires, the 2010, 2011 and 2012 floods, the 2014 bushfires and the Morwell Mine fire.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL RECOVERY PG 36
2009 VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES
Through the Fire Recovery Unit, RDV continued to provide a central point of contact for information and connection to services within the State Government for communities affected by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires. This included supporting communities to implement local initiatives funded through the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.
In August 2014, RDV provided $975,000 to the Marysville and Triangle Community Foundation to support recovery and community projects in the Marysville and Triangle region over the next 10 years. This meets a Government commitment to ensure proceeds from the sale of Marysville Central Shopping Centre benefit the local community.
RDV also continued to support activities in the Kinglake Ranges, including the inaugural Foggy Mountain Bluegrass Festival that attracted more than 1,000 people, delivered significant local economic benefits and strengthened community cohesion.
Vibe Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre
Officially opened on 21 April 2015, Vibe Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre (Vibe Marysville) was listed by Traveller magazine as one of the world’s 15 most remarkable hotel openings of the year, alongside esteemed hotel developments including Dubai’s Palazzo Versace, Venice’s JW Marriot and Beijing’s Sunrise Kempinksi.
Vibe Marysville’s development was a partnership between the Victorian Government (which contributed $19 million), the private sector (project consortia members were TFE Hotels, Metier3 Architects and Melbourne Civic City Property), and the Marysville community. The long anticipated hotel and conference centre began operating in February 2015.
The new facility incorporates 101 guest rooms (including five suites), a conference centre (with event and meeting spaces for up to 430 guests), the Radius Bar and Grill, Radius Café, spa/wellness centre, gymnasium outdoor pool and tennis court.
During the construction phase, the project created approximately 85 new full time equivalent jobs, generated a regional turnover of $23 million per annum and a regional value-add of $9.5 million per annum. The Economic Assessment Report prepared by SGS Economics and Planning forecast that by its fifth operational year, Vibe Marysville would create 60 ongoing full time equivalent jobs, generate a regional turnover of $12 million per annum and a regional value-add of $6.4 million per annum. Vibe Marysville’s current operating performance has already surpassed these projections.
Since opening, Vibe Marysville has hosted over 4,000 guests and 1,300 delegates and utilised 22 local food suppliers from the region to supply the Radius Restaurant. The ‘opening team’ has expanded from 42 to 67 members, including 50 from the Marysville and Triangle region.
Tourism and visitor economies are significant drivers of economic growth and development in the regions. Strategic tourism infrastructure and complementary destination offerings are crucial to increasing visitation, length of stay and spending in the regions. The Victorian Government played a significant role in this project by de-risking and leveraging private investment to deliver a significant hotel and conference centre development, which is helping reposition Marysville as a leisure and business destination.
2010, 2011 AND 2012 FLOODS
In 2014-15, RDV completed delivery of its support programs for communities impacted by the 2010, 2011 and 2012 floods. The Victorian Government provided $11.15 million over three years to repair and restore community infrastructure via 60 projects in 35 municipalities.
One of the final projects under the funding completed in 2014-15 was reinstating the Tungamah netball courts, supported by Moira Shire Council and $15,000 raised by local community members. The new courts have secured the club’s future and ensured that sporting competition can continue in Tungamah.
2014 BUSHFIRES AND MORWELL MINE FIRE
RDV continued delivering $2.3 million in economic recovery support for regional Victorian communities affected by the 2014 bushfires and the Morwell Mine fire. Support is allocated to three distinct components – a 2014 bushfire recovery community events package, fast tracking regional development projects in affected communities and a 2014 bushfires economic recovery fund.
The first two components address immediate and short-term economic recovery needs. The third focuses on longer-term economic recovery by funding various infrastructure, tourism and strategic plan projects. Under all three components, 24 projects were approved (with most completed or underway). These included $1 million allocated to four projects in Morwell for an urban design and development plan and beautification works, a communication and branding strategy, a major event, and the design and construction of two city entrances. Implementing all four projects will take place over the next two and a half years.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND
REGIONAL RECOVERY PG 37
RESILIENT COMMUNITY PROGRAM
As well as responding to emergencies, RDV worked with regional communities to pilot initiatives that build capacity to prepare for, withstand and recover from all types of hazards. Twenty projects were supported under this program and RDV is working with recipients to maximise learning outcomes. The following case studies describe two of these projects.
Volunteering Victoria
Volunteering Victoria received $110,000 for its Manager of Spontaneous Emergency Volunteers project. The pilot project recruited and trained volunteer managers who can be deployed to help spontaneous emergency volunteers during relief and recovery activities. The project has strengthened relationships and clarified roles between local volunteer groups, emergency service organisations, community members and local government. It has enhanced emergency preparedness, capability and resilience throughout the G21 region, which incorporates the municipalities of Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe and Surf Coast.
Destination Gippsland
Destination Gippsland received $40,000 for the Gippsland Tourism Incident Management project. The project delivered a series of workshops to the tourism business community across Gippsland to provide education, leadership, media and resilience training. Key resources developed as part of the project include individual training videos, a USB resource to aid emergency planning and a digital based resource incorporating a range of information and risk management tools. The project has empowered the Gippsland tourism business community to take a leading role in preparing, responding and recovering from emergency events.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL RECOVERY PG 38
2014 ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW
The regional living message was on display at the Royal Melbourne Show from 20 September to 1 October 2014, highlighting the living and investment opportunities available in regional Victoria to an estimated 500,000 Melburnians. RDV’s 2014 display was located inside the popular Woolworths pavilion and focused on providing visitors with both interactive activities along with practical and informative information on relocating to regional Victoria.
To involve children, the stand featured a rock-climbing wall showcasing Mt Arapiles from the Grampians region, a fishing activity with a stunning backdrop image of Gipsy Point in Gippsland along with a giant map of Victoria finger painting activity. Adults were invited to explore the more informative components of the stand, which included a job search and business investment kiosk describing the ‘five steps to planning your move to regional Victoria’ plus a giant map of Victoria and regional profile information boards. All stand messaging was tied into the Good Move regional marketing campaign and promoted the 2015 Regional Victoria Living Expo.
PROMOTING RURAL AND REGIONAL VICTORIA
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 PROMOTING RURAL AND
REGIONAL VICTORIA PG 39
2015 REGIONAL VICTORIA LIVING EXPO
The fourth edition of the Regional Victoria Living Expo was a success, attracting a record 10,156 patrons. Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 1-3 May, the 2015 Regional Victoria Living Expo was a free, three-day public event showcasing the benefits of living and investing in rural and regional Victoria. A total of 125 exhibitors, including the State’s 48 rural and regional councils, were on hand to help Melburnians with their move, providing practical advice on regional housing, employment, education, health and lifestyle opportunities.
Other event highlights included an arts and culture program showcasing regional Victoria’s vibrant arts industry, seminars, providing information on regional housing and business opportunities, and a ‘sports in the community’ precinct – a sports interactive zone giving Expo visitors the chance to meet some of their favourite sports stars, including AFL players Steve Johnson and Jarryd Roughead, and Geva Mentor from the Melbourne Vixens.
New features for 2015 included the ‘Put Victoria on Your Table’ cooking demonstrations, which involved 11 cooking demonstrations over three days, and the Regional Jobs Hub, a dedicated area designed to match Expo visitors with employment and training opportunities in regional Victoria. Once again, the Expo proved particularly popular with young families and working professionals, and councils continue to receive positive enquiries from attendees keen to move to their regions.
GOOD MOVE REGIONAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN
The Victorian Government’s Good Move regional marketing campaign continued to highlight the very best of regional living, showcasing real-life families who have made the move from the city and now call regional Victoria home. The campaign included television and radio advertising featuring case studies from each of the five State Government boundary regions with real-life families who had moved to rural and regional Victoria. The Good Move campaign complemented the Regional Victoria Living Expo, with both programs used to promote rural and regional Victoria as an ideal relocation and investment option, offering opportunities equal to or greater than Melbourne.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 PROMOTING RURAL AND REGIONAL VICTORIA PG 40
FUTURE PRIORITIES In 2015-16, RDV will continue building on the strengths of Victoria’s regions, and maintain economic growth in the context of various opportunities and challenges.
A key focus for RDV will be to continue delivering Victorian Government priorities, and attract and support high value initiatives under the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
RDV will work to implement the Government’s reforms arising from Regional Economic Development and Services Review chaired by former Victorian Premier and former Minister for Regional Development, John Brumby.
RDV will seek to capitalise on other government reforms for regional Victoria, including a renewed commitment to regional tourism under Visit Victoria, a new Food and Fibre Strategy under the Future Industry Fund, and major regional investments in education, skills, road and rail.
In line with government policy, RDV will also aim to ensure fair and equitable growth in regional Victoria to help tackle disadvantage, and build a sustainable future.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FUTURE PRIORITIES PG 41
RDV priorities in 2015-16 will include the following.
BUILD A STRONG AND COMPETITIVE REGIONAL VICTORIAN ECONOMY
> Invest in major infrastructure projects that create or enhance the conditions for economic growth, and build diversified and sustainable regional economies that are resilient to change.
> Attract and facilitate investment with a focus on regional competitive advantage or high-growth potential businesses.
> Capitalise on the potential of emerging industry sectors, particularly the Victorian Government’s priority areas and new export markets.
SUPPORT JOB CREATION
> Deliver activities associated with the Victorian Government’s commitment to rural and regional employment.
> Help regional businesses invest in new technology, processes and collaboration.
> Support regionally-based businesses to engage with new domestic and international markets.
> Facilitate new investment and trade through initiatives that strengthen alliances to boost exports, build industry capabilities and support high growth, high-value industry sectors to drive jobs growth and attract new investment.
STRENGTHEN REGIONAL COMMUNITIES
> Encourage families and young people to live and work in rural and regional towns.
> Invest in community-led initiatives and partnerships that create or enhance conditions for economic growth, build community capabilities to drive change, and improve the liveability of rural and regional towns.
> Improve the liveability of cities, centres and towns to attract and retain families and young people to live and work.
> Continue working with the Commonwealth Government through the RDA Committees to capture opportunities for joint investment and action.
> Support regional strategic planning alliances to implement priority projects and actions.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FUTURE PRIORITIES PG 42
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 44
RDV GRANT PAYMENTS
2014 BUSHFIRES ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUNDOrganisation Payment $
Destination Gippsland Ltd 225,000
East Gippsland Shire Council 45,000
Grampians Tourism Board Inc 166,500
Horsham Rural City Council 108,900
Latrobe City Council 150,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council 112,500
Total 807,900
ADVANCING COUNTRY TOWNSOrganisation Payment $
Benalla Rural City Council 108,700
Colac Otway Shire 34,000
East Gippsland Shire Council 108,700
Glenelg Shire Council 307,500
Mildura Rural City Council 307,500
Murrindindi Shire Council 39,000
Robinvale District Health Services 108,700
South Gippsland Shire Council 151,500
Total 1,165,600
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 45
BUILDING STRONGER REGIONS PROGRAMSOrganisation Payment $
Agribusiness Gippsland Inc 17,000
Australia China Business Council 150,000
Baw Baw Shire Council 20,266
Bulmer Farms Pty Ltd 12,500
Catholiccare Archdiocese of Melbourne 15,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council 300,000
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 4,000,000
Department of Environment and Primary Industries 2,600,000
Department of Transport Planning and Local Infrastructure 50,000
East Gippsland Food Cluster Incorporated 32,500
East Gippsland Shire Council 350,000
Gippsdairy Board Inc 19,250
Gippsland Employment Skills Training Inc 5,000
Greater Bendigo City Council 165,000
Growth Areas Authority 166,668
Lakes Entrance Fishermens Co-operative Society Ltd 16,250
Wimmera Uniting Care 250,000
Total 8,169,434
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM FOR BUSHFIRE AFFECTED COMMUNITIESOrganisation Payment $
Labertouche & District Community Centre Inc 26,250
Murrindindi Shire Council 27,000
Total 53,250
COMMUNITY RECOVERY FUNDOrganisation Payment $
Baw Baw Shire Council 7,323
Mitchell Shire Council 33,006
South Gippsland Shire Council 8,265
Total 48,594
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 46
COMMUNITY REGIONAL INDUSTRY SKILLS PROGRAMOrganisation Payment $
Longwarry Food Park Pty Ltd 3,333
Milburn Lake Pty Ltd 20,000
Total 23,333
CORIO NORLANE TRANSPORT PROJECTOrganisation Payment $
City of Greater Geelong 222,600
Total 222,600
DEVELOPING REGIONAL LEADERSOrganisation Payment $
Local Government Professionals Inc 10,000
Total 10,000
DEVELOPING STRONGER REGIONS PROGRAMOrganisation Payment $
Ballarat City Council 329,784
Barwon Region Water Corporation 41,500
City of Greater Geelong 160,000
Department of Environment and Primary Industries 322,513
Fruit Innovation Processing Pty Ltd 50,000
Greater Shepparton City Council 125,000
Hardwicks Meat Works Pty Ltd 43,568
Heathcote Tourism & Development Inc 27,328
North East Victoria Tourism Board Inc 25,000
Shire of Towong 40,349
Total 1,165,041
FARMERS’ MARKETS SUPPORT PROGRAMOrganisation Payment $
Hepburn Shire Council 17,550
Local Food Connect Inc 1,700
Nillumbik Shire Council 12,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council 8,500
Victorian Farmers' Markets Association Inc 117,000
Wedderburn Community House Inc 16,200
Total 172,950
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 47
FIRE READY COMMUNITIESOrganisation Payment $
City of Whittlesea 3,750
Fawcett Mechanics Institute Reserve Committee of Management 1,062
Healesville Living & Learning Centre Inc 8,200
Horsham Rural City Council 343
Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre Inc 3,000
Nillumbik Shire Council 13,700
Surf Coast Shire 9,724
The Otway Health & Community Services 10,000
Total 49,779
FLOOD RECOVERY COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDOrganisation Payment $
Baw Baw Shire Council 13,960
East Gippsland Shire Council 1,103
Greater Shepparton City Council 938
Latrobe City Council 24,000
Mitchell Shire Council 8,796
Moira Shire Council 100,000
Murrindindi Shire Council 1,824
Shire of Towong 12,000
South Gippsland Shire Council 16,300
Swan Hill Rural City Council 141,627
Wellington Shire Council 9,856
Total 330,404
FLOODS COMMUNITY RECOVERY FUNDOrganisation Payment $
Hindmarsh Shire Council 9,000
Mount Alexander Shire Council 6,785
Total 15,785
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 48
LIVING REGIONS LIVING SUBURBSOrganisation Payment $
Ararat Rural City Council 4,800
East Gippsland Shire Council 15,000
Hindmarsh Shire Council 15,000
Horsham Golf Club 15,000
Horsham Rural City Council 15,000
Latrobe City Council 135,000
Macedon Ranges Shire Council 15,000
Mallee Family Care Inc 8,000
Marysville Community Golf & Bowls Club Inc 200,000
Mitchell Shire Council 15,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council 15,000
Portland and District Christian Emergency Relief Centre Inc 6,449
Tourism Victoria 20,000
Victorian Chicken Meat Council Inc 15,000
Wellington Shire Council 10,000
Total 504,249
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMOrganisation Payment $
Alpine Shire 400,000
Ararat Rural City Council 260,000
Baw Baw Shire Council 15,000
Borough of Queenscliffe 555,000
Buloke Shire Council 451,375
Central Goldfields Shire Council 390,000
City of Greater Geelong 740,000
Colac Otway Shire 715,000
Corangamite Shire Council 1,025,000
East Gippsland Shire Council 480,000
Gannawarra Shire Council 120,000
Glenelg Shire Council 920,000
Golden Plains Shire Council 250,000
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 49
Organisation Payment $
Greater Bendigo City Council 15,000
Hepburn Shire Council 300,000
Hindmarsh Shire Council 140,000
Latrobe City Council 10,000
Macedon Ranges Shire Council 620,000
Mansfield Shire Council 440,000
Mitchell Shire Council 470,000
Moira Shire Council 700,000
Moorabool Shire Council 440,000
Mount Alexander Shire Council 801,049
Murrindindi Shire Council 530,000
Pyrenees Shire Council 90,000
Shire of Moyne 615,000
Shire of Strathbogie 460,000
Shire of Towong 490,000
Southern Grampians Shire Council 1,370,984
Wangaratta Rural City Council 190,000
Wellington Shire Council 640,000
West Wimmera Shire Council 705,000
Wodonga City Council 10,000
Yarriambiack Shire Council 453,000
Total 15,811,408
LOCAL SKILLS PARTNERSHIPOrganisation Payment $
Ararat Rural City Council 7,500
Benalla Rural City Council 7,500
Buloke Shire Council 15,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council 7,500
Horsham Rural City Council 7,500
Northern Grampians Shire Council 29,200
Pyrenees Shire Council 7,500
Southern Grampians Shire Council 7,500
Surf Coast Shire 3,750
Yarriambiack Shire Council 3,750
Total 96,700
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (cont’d)
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 50
MARYSVILLE ECONOMIC RECOVERYOrganisation Payment $
Marysville Triangle Business and Tourism Inc 65,000
Murrindindi Shire Council 100,000
Total 165,000
MARYSVILLE HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE DEVELOPMENTOrganisation Payment $
Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre Pty Ltd 6,400,000
Total 6,400,000
NETWORKED RURAL COUNCILSOrganisation Payment $
Municipal Association of Victoria 645,000
Total 645,000
PLANNING FOR TOMORROW PROGRAMOrganisation Payment $
Ararat Rural City Council 7,000
Ballarat City Council 20,000
City of Greater Geelong 4,000
Greater Bendigo City Council 84,000
Mansfield Shire Council 47,500
Southern Grampians Shire Council 27,500
Total 190,000
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 51
PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAMOrganisation Payment
A-1 Engineering (Vic) Pty Ltd 15,000
Advance Camperdown Inc 134,100
Agrifood Skills Australia Ltd 15,000
Alpine Shire 1,555,850
Anglican Trusts Corporation of The Diocese of Gippsland 41,270
Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Inc 5,000
Ararat Rural City Council 23,900
Australasian Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association Inc 5,000
Australian Dairy Conference Ltd 1,000
Bacchus Marsh Community Unlimited Incorporated 1,500
Ballarat City Council 701,000
Ballarat National Theatre Inc 36,000
Bass Coast Shire Council 568,226
Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network Inc 1,000
Baw Baw Shire Council 945,500
Beechworth Rotary Club Inc 5,000
Benalla Auto Club Inc 25,000
Benalla Rural City Council 408,500
Bendigo Chinese Association Museum Inc 90,000
Bendigo TAFE 150,000
Borough of Queenscliffe 251,500
Brauerander Park Foundation 19,300
Bright Court House Committee of Management 130,500
Buda Historic Home & Garden Inc 2,550
Buloke Shire Council 430,000
Bundalaguah-Myrtlebank Public Hall Inc 18,800
Campaspe Shire Council 53,600
Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre Ltd 26,100
Central Goldfields Shire Council 48,675
Chrismont Wines Pty Ltd 30,000
City of Greater Geelong 1,345,300
Colac Otway Shire 508,500
Committee for Geelong Ltd 3,000
Common Equity Housing Ltd 414,000
Community College Gippsland Ltd 38,700
Corangamite Shire Council 396,866
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 52
Organisation Payment
Cowes Yacht Club Incorporated 63,543
Creative Clunes Inc 14,000
Creswick Railway Workshops Association Inc 2,000
D. & R. Henderson Pty Ltd 75,000
Deakin University 64,000
Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd 3,400
Donald 2000 Inc 16,200
Donald Music Literature and Arts Society Inc 12,500
East Gippsland Shire Council 795,250
Eildon Action Inc 5,160
Eltsac Pty Ltd 40,000
Fawcett Mechanics Institute Reserve Committee of Management 6,000
Flowercow Pty Ltd 25,000
Foodbank Victoria Ltd 10,000
Freshzest Pty Ltd 24,000
Gallery Kaiela Inc 18,000
Gannawarra Shire Council 463,150
Gateways Support Services Inc 12,000
Gippsland Lakes Community Health 18,000
Give Where You Live Inc 90,000
Glenelg Shire Council 524,989
Golden Plains Shire Council 73,500
Goulburn River Valley Tourism Ltd 67,500
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Inc 33,000
Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Ltd 30,000
Greater Bendigo City Council 765,500
Greater Shepparton City Council 130,720
GV Community Energy Pty Ltd 25,000
Hepburn Shire Council 126,000
Hindmarsh Shire Council 645,250
Horsham Rural City Council 902,200
Indigo Shire Council 121,200
Insulmet Pty Ltd 15,000
J & J Nielsen Pty Ltd 1,050
Jailhouse Rock Festival Committee Inc 500
James Stock Feed And Fertilizer Pty Ltd 10,000
Joel Joel Public Hall 400
Karingal Inc 325,000
PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (cont’d)
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 53
Organisation Payment
Kennedys Creek Public Hall 5,000
Kinglake Ranges Business Network Inc 38,375
Koallah Farm Pty Ltd 20,000
Lake Bolac Development Association Inc 550
Lake Coorong/Lake Lascelles Committee of Management Inc 24,000
Lakegoldsmith Steam Preservation Association Inc 500
Latrobe City Business Tourism Association Inc 4,500
Latrobe City Council 826,850
Latrobe Valley Women In Business Inc 1,000
Lions Club of Corryong 29,700
Lions Club of Minyip Inc 780
Loddon Shire Council 408,000
Longwarry & District Lions Club Inc 40,000
Lorne Business & Tourism Association Inc 5,000
Macedon Ranges Shire Council 971,789
Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation Ltd 15,000
Majorca Victoria Park Gardens & Public 11,970
Mallacoota Arts Council Inc 150,000
Mallee District Aboriginal Services 320,000
Mansfield Shire Council 203,390
Mildura Development Corporation Inc 3,000
Mildura Rural City Council 542,958
Mitchell Shire Council 661,654
Moira Shire Council 477,000
Molesworth Public Hall 280,000
Mollongghip Hall and Tennis Club Incorporation 2,000
Montana Timber Holdings Pty Ltd 3,000
Moorabool Shire Council 34,300
Mount Alexander Shire Council 3,000
Mount Elephant Community Management Inc 60,000
Murray River Region Tourism Ltd 97,500
Murrindindi Shire Council 227,600
Nangiloc Colignan Farms Pty Ltd 75,000
Natimuk Foreshore Committee 72,500
Nezky Pty Ltd 10,000
North East Victoria Tourism Board Inc 10,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council 315,950
Nullawil Recreation Reserve 82,000
PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (cont’d)
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 54
Organisation Payment
Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre Inc 1,620
Ocean Grove Park Inc 500,000
Oxley Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated 28,000
Parks Victoria 28,000
Port Campbell Progress Group Inc 72,000
Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail Committee Inc 44,000
Portland Tourist Association Inc 13,500
Pyrenees Shire Council 687,400
RMIT Link 130,000
Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc 800
Rochester Historical & Pioneer Society Incorp 57,000
Rotary Club of Alexandra Inc 160,000
Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell Inc 48,600
Ryan & Mcnulty Pty Ltd 10,000
Sale Business and Tourism Association Inc 2,640
Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club Inc 200,000
Seaview Public Hall Reserve 20,904
Shire of Moyne 1,130,826
Shire of Strathbogie 999,000
Shire of Towong 620,500
Skipton Progress Association Inc 17,000
South Gippsland Shire Council 1,051,971
Southern Farming Systems Ltd 4,500
Southern Grampians Shire Council 513,000
St Laurence Community Services Inc 84,000
St Leonards Progress Association Incorporated 6,300
Star Community Cinema Association Inc 3,500
Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Inc 45,000
Surf Coast Shire 930,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council 423,600
Tanjil Valley Landcare Group 12,150
Tarraville Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Inc 19,000
The Bendigo Trust 80,000
The Boisdale & District Progress Association Inc 16,928
The Centre for Rural Communities Inc 3,000
The Gippsland Business Awards Association Inc 600
The Mountain Cattlemens Association of Victoria Inc 82,000
PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (cont’d)
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 55
PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (cont’d)
Organisation Payment
The Willaura & District Community Development Group Inc 15,000
Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Inc 161,500
Trafalgar East Public Hall Reserve 1,500
UCA - Camperdown 3,000
Valley Park Farm Pty Ltd 60,000
Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Museum Sub-Branch 1,358
Walhalla Board of Management Inc 10,800
Walhalla Goldfields Railway Inc 40,000
Wangaratta Rural City Council 447,800
Warracknabeal & District Historical Society Inc 7,500
Warracknabeal Town Hall Committee of Management 7,500
Warrnambool City Council 590,000
Wellington Shire Council 619,000
West Wimmera Health Service 11,000
West Wimmera Shire Council 225,000
Wimmera Development Association Inc 3,000
Wimmera Development Association Incorporated 16,000
Wodonga City Council 310,500
Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Inc 175,000
Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd 13,500
Wurinbeena Ltd 15,000
Yarck Mechanics Institute and Library 101,400
Yarrawonga Holiday Park Inc 22,500
Yarriambiack Shire Council 318,300
Yea Community Service Group Inc 650
Yea Racecourse and Recreation Reserve 53,400
Yinnar & District Community Association Inc 9,360
Total 31,320,022
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 56
REGIONAL BLUEPRINT - INDUSTRIES FOR TODAY AND TOMORROWOrganisation Payment $
Pactum Dairy Group Pty Ltd 550,000
Total 550,000
REGIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAMOrganisation Payment $
Committee for Ballarat Inc 197,000
Committee for Geelong Ltd 150,000
Community Leadership Loddon Murray Inc 150,000
Greater Shepparton City Council 135,000
MADEC Australia 140,000
Moira Shire Council 10,000
North East Agcare Incorporation 126,000
Shire of Moyne 100,000
Wimmera Development Association Inc 91,125
Total 1,099,125
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA - REGIONALOrganisation Payment $
Avalon Airport Australia Pty Ltd 3,000
Ballarat City Council 60,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council 45,000
City of Greater Geelong 20,656
Federation University Australia 5,000
Gippsland Climate Change Network Incorporated 20,000
Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Ltd 50,000
Greater Shepparton City Council 6,250
Southern Farming Systems Ltd 38,400
Surf Coast Shire 25,000
Warrnambool City Council 56,000
Wellington Shire Council 10,000
Wimmera Development Association Incorporated 43,000
Total 382,306
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 57
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT VICTORIA SPECIAL PURPOSE PROJECTSOrganisation Payment $
Marysville and Triangle Community Foundation Ltd 975,000
Total 975,000
RESILIENT COMMUNITY PROGRAMOrganisation Payment $
Australian Red Cross Society 86,400
Buloke Shire Council 11,471
Central Goldfields Shire Council 52,362
Destination Gippsland Ltd 36,000
Emerald Centre for Hope & Outreach Inc 34,200
Melton City Council 82,530
Mitchell Shire Council 80,538
South Gippsland Shire Council 26,100
The East Gippsland Network of Neighbourhood Houses Inc 73,800
Victorian Deaf Society 71,100
Volunteering Victoria Incorporated 11,000
Wangaratta Rural City Council 36,000
Warrnambool City Council 90,000
Total 691,501
SMALL SCALE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTSOrganisation Payment $
City of Greater Geelong 20,000
Glengarry Mechanics Institute (Hall Committee) 2,500
Noweyung Ltd 35,000
Total 57,500
SMALL TOWNS DEVELOPMENT FUNDOrganisation Payment $
Wangaratta Rural City Council 100,000
Total 100,000
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 58
SUSTAINABLE SMALL TOWNS DEVELOPMENT FUNDOrganisation Payment $
Shire of Moyne 100,000
Total 100,000
THE GOOD LIFE CAMPAIGNOrganisation Payment $
Alpine Shire 20,000
Ballarat City Council 10,000
Bass Coast Shire Council 10,000
Baw Baw Shire Council 20,000
Benalla Rural City Council 10,000
Borough of Queenscliffe 10,000
Buloke Shire Council 10,000
Campaspe Shire Council 10,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council 20,000
City of Greater Geelong 10,000
Colac Otway Shire 10,000
Corangamite Shire Council 10,000
Department of Premier and Cabinet 38,635
East Gippsland Shire Council 10,000
Gannawarra Shire Council 10,000
Glenelg Shire Council 10,000
Golden Plains Shire Council 10,000
Greater Bendigo City Council 20,000
Greater Shepparton City Council 10,000
Hepburn Shire Council 10,000
Hindmarsh Shire Council 20,000
Horsham Rural City Council 20,000
Indigo Shire Council 10,000
Latrobe City Council 20,000
Loddon Shire Council 20,000
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 59
THE GOOD LIFE CAMPAIGN (cont’d) Organisation Payment $
Macedon Ranges Shire Council 10,000
Mansfield Shire Council 10,000
Mildura Rural City Council 10,000
Mitchell Shire Council 20,000
Moira Shire Council 10,000
Moorabool Shire Council 10,000
Murrindindi Shire Council 10,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council 20,000
Pyrenees Shire Council 10,000
Shire of Moyne 10,000
Shire of Strathbogie 10,000
South Gippsland Shire Council 20,000
Southern Grampians Shire Council 10,000
Surf Coast Shire 10,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council 10,000
Wangaratta Rural City Council 10,000
Warrnambool City Council 10,000
Wellington Shire Council 20,000
West Wimmera Shire Council 20,000
Wodonga City Council 10,000
Yarriambiack Shire Council 10,000
Total 618,635
VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE BUSINESS INVESTMENT FUNDOrganisation Payment $
Blueberry Hill Berries 10,000
Jindivick Timber Pty Ltd 10,000
Total 20,000
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 60
VICTORIAN BUSINESS FLOOD RECOVERY FUNDOrganisation Payment $
Beechworth Honey Experience Pty Ltd 56,250
Brimarco Pty Ltd 17,578
Cutri Fruit Pty Ltd 100,000
David Eldridge Pty Ltd 28,000
E.B. Mawson & Sons Proprietary Ltd 80,000
Elliott Holdings (Aust) Pty Ltd 200,000
G.E. & D.A. Kennedy Proprietary Ltd 7,500
Geltch Investments Pty Ltd 25,000
Global Roto-Moulding Pty Ltd 35,000
Hopley Recycling Pty Ltd 15,000
Lamattina Beverages Pty Ltd 50,000
Leda Custom Farm Equipment Pty Ltd 50,000
Miquin Pty Ltd 30,000
Mortlock Hydroponics Pty Ltd 58,000
N & C Hargreaves Pty Ltd 20,000
N.M.P. Pty Ltd 150,000
P.R. Adams Pty Ltd 1,505
Peter Stoitse Transport Pty Ltd 20,000
Ropaan Nominees Pty Ltd 20,000
Scorpio Foods Pty Ltd 250,000
Southern Stockfeeds (Operations) Pty Ltd 75,000
Tolosa Holdings Pty Ltd 10,000
True Foods Pty Ltd 50,000
Total 1,348,833
VICTORIAN COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANTSOrganisation Payment $
Cardinia Shire Council 152,000
City of Whittlesea 100,000
Corangamite Shire Council 25,000
Hepburn Shire Council 40,000
Total 317,000
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 61
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROVINCIAL CADETSHIPS PROGRAMOrganisation Payment $
2020 Engineering Solutions Pty Ltd 3,750
Ausrapid Inc 500
Australian Eatwell Pty Ltd 500
Benalla Health 12,750
BM Civil Engineers Pty Ltd 2,000
Buloke Shire Council 1,500
Campaspe Shire Council 500
Cardell Accountants Pty Ltd 4,750
Crowe Horwath (Aust) Pty Ltd 1,000
Crowther & Sadler Pty Ltd 1,000
Dimboola Primary School 500
DN Vision Pty Ltd 3,750
Dunstan Farmers Engineering Pty Ltd 4,250
Ecotecture Design Group 500
Gerard Brandrick & Associates Pty Ltd 4,250
Gippsland Lakes Community Health 3,750
Hardwicks Meat Works Pty Ltd 500
Mallee Physio 1,000
Messenger's Pharmacy 500
MGR Solicitors Pty Ltd 7,500
Mildura Rural City Council 8,500
Murray Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network Inc 20,250
Murrindindi Shire Council 8,500
Northeast Health Wangaratta 12,750
Planning Institute of Australia Ltd 21,373
Ryan Legal Services Pty Ltd 4,250
SLM Lawyers Pty Ltd 1,000
Swan Hill District Health 4,250
The Sovereign Hill Museums Association 1,000
Warrnambool City Council 500
Wodonga City Council 4,250
Total 141,373
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 62
ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTSIn 2014-15 the following economic infrastructure projects were announced:
Organisation ProjectAnnounced amount $
ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM
Ararat Rural City Council Ararat Arts Precinct Redevelopment 3,700,000
Brookfield Regional Networks (Victoria) Pty Limited
Energy for the Regions - Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Supply for Eleven Regional Towns*
70,000,000
Gippsland Water Corporation Labertouche Water Main Replacement Project 569,929
Goulburn Valley Region Water Authority
Dedicated Water Supply for MGC Cobram 1,900,000
Latrobe City Council Hazelwood Pondage Foreshore Enhancement Project 1,000,000
Parks Victoria Grampians Peaks Trail - Stage Two 1,200,000
Rural City of Wangaratta Wangaratta Livestock Exchange Redevelopment 500,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council Chisholm Reserve Motor Sports Complex Redevelopment 2,000,000
Unilever Australia Limited Unilever Tatura Investment Project 879,930
ViPlus Dairy Pty Ltd ViPlus Toora Milk Plant Development - Stage 2 1,500,000
Warrnambool City Council Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Renewal Project 1,950,000
GEELONG ADVANCEMENT FUND
City of Greater Geelong Central Geelong (Malop Street to Myers Street) Revitalisation Project
3,000,000
Deakin Residential Services Pty Ltd Geelong Student Accommodation Project 853,710
GOULBURN VALLEY INDUSTRY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
ACN Orchards Pty Ltd ACN Orchards Export Opportunity Expansion Project 60,000
Barolli Orchards Pty Ltd Barolli Export Expansion Opportunity Project 90,000
Casalare Pty Ltd Kyabram Food Packing and Filling Facility 72,000
Kagome Foods Australia Pty Ltd Installation of a Permanent Beetroot Line 200,000
Pactum Dairy Group Pty Ltd Pactum Dairy Group Future Ready 1,000,000
Tatura Abattoirs Pty Ltd Tatura Abattoirs Expansion Project 1,200,000
The Trustee for Boumbis Operations Trust
Boumbis Orchards Export Expansion Opportunity Project 60,000
The Trustee for Daniel Tripoli Family Trust
Toolamba Fresh Expansion Project 30,000
W Ryan Abattoirs Pty Ltd Ryan Export Upgrade Project 1,375,000
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 63
Organisation ProjectAnnounced amount $
LATROBE VALLEY INDUSTRY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
Alysium Gardens Pty Ltd Alysium Gardens Aged Care 420,000
Australian Fresh Salads Pty Ltd Vegetable Processing Expansion Project 200,000
Brandy Creek Winery & View Cafe Brandy Creek Spa and Wellness Centre 250,000
CTE-Custom Transport Equipment Pty Ltd
CTE - Weerong Road Expansion 200,000
K & R J Matthews Quarries Pty Ltd Tyers Quarry Plant Upgrade 100,000
Latrobe City Council Gippsland Heavy Industry Park - Infrastructure Project 2,500,000
Latrobe Community Health Service Stage 2: Latrobe Valley University Training Clinic & Dental Prosthetic Laboratory
420,000
Latrobe Valley Bus Lines Pty Ltd Latrobe Valley Bus Lines Workshop and Body Shop Upgrade 50,000
Latrobe Valley Sands Latrobe Valley Sands Expansion Project 50,000
Park Avenue Pty Ltd Clean Room Laundry Expansion 150,000
Riviera Farms Pty Ltd Infrastructure & Processing Expansion Project 135,000
Spectrum Sales Pty Ltd Spectrum Outbound Sales 50,000
MURRAY-DARLING BASIN REGIONAL ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM (VIC)
Gannawarra Shire Council Koondrook Wharf Development 500,000
Murray Dairy Inc Murray Dairy Accelerating Change 485,969
Shire of Campaspe Echuca Riverfront Development 1,300,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council Heartbeat of the Murray Experience 933,333
Workco Ltd Upgrade of Longerenong College Student Residential Facilites
666,667
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 64
GRANT PAYMENTSIn 2014-15 the following payments were made towards economic infrastructure projects:
Organisation ProjectAnnounced amount $
ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Australian Paper Pty Limited Optimised Fibre and Water Efficiency Project 1,500,000
Bendigo Agricultural Show Society Inc
Development of the Victorian Regional Exhibition Complex - Bendigo (Stage 2)
100,000
Burra Foods Pty Ltd Infant Formula Water Initiatives 500,000
Central Gippsland Region Water Corporation
Labertouche Water Main Replacement Project 209,929
Central Goldfields Shire Council Carisbrook Renewal Park 441,433
City of Greater Bendigo O'Keefe Rail Trail Extension - Axedale to Heathcote 300,000
City of Greater Geelong Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (GLHC) 6,000,000
Colac Otway Shire Old Beechy Rail Trail 100,000
East Gippsland Shire Council Bastion Point Ocean Access Project 3,415,000
East Gippsland Shire Council East Bairnsdale Infrastructure Enhancement Project 233,000
Ecofuels Pty Ltd Madowla Park Integrated Bio-energy Project 50,000
Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board
Development of Mountain Bike and Walking Trail Facilities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort
800,000
Federation University Australia - Ballarat
Growing the University of Ballarat Technology Park 275,000
Glenelg Shire Council Portland Airport Redevelopment 590,000
Golden Plains Shire Council Infrastructure to Expand Intensive Agriculture for Food Security and Economic Development
1,900,000
Goulburn Valley Region Water Corporation
Tatura Abattoirs Expansion - Sewage Pump Station and Rising Main
200,000
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Corporation
Landsborough Valley Water Supply Pipeline Project 1,187,500
Hazeldene's Chicken Farm Pty Ltd Hazeldene's Water and Wastewater Security Project 24,000
Kinross Farm Pty Ltd King Parrot Creek Power Upgrade to Enable the Expansion of Kinross Farms
35,000
Latrobe City Council Moe Rail Precinct Revitalisation Project Stage 1 1,000,000
Mansfield Shire Council Mt Buller Mt Stirling EPIC Mountain Bike Trail Project - Element Two
66,445
Mars Australia Pty Ltd Utilities Efficiency Investment 300,000
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 65
Organisation ProjectAnnounced amount $
Mars Australia Pty Ltd Utilities Efficiency Investment 300,000
Mildura Rural City Council Mildura Riverfront Parklands Project 5,250,000
Murrindindi Shire Council Yea Wetlands Environmental Centre 249,850
North East Region Water Corporation Bright Off River Water Storage 600,000
Pactum Dairy Group Pty Ltd Ultra High Temperature Dairy Milk Processing Plant 250,000
Parks Victoria Grampians Peaks Trail 798,819
Parks Victoria Great Ocean Walk Experience 1,000,000
Peninsula Searoad Transport Pty Ltd Searoad Ferries Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Upgrade Project 575,000
Phillip Island Nature Park Board of Management Inc
Nobbies and Summerland Peninsula Tourism Expansion Project
700,000
Sonac Australia Pty Ltd Sonac Australia Production Expansion and Facility Modernisation
343,000
South Gippsland Shire Council Great Southern Rail Trail Extension (Foster to Welshpool) Project 400,000
Southern Grampians Shire Council Hamilton Airport Upgrade 407,164
Swan Hill Rural City Council Chisholm Reserve Motor Sports Complex Redevelopment 1,000,000
University of Melbourne International Centre of Excellence in Water Management - Dookie Infrastructure Upgrade - Phase 1
625,000
Urban Renewal Authority Victoria Junction Place, Central Wodonga - Urban Renewal Initiative 2,000,000
Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd Rural Showgrounds and Field Days Minor Capital Works Program (Round 2)
83,117
Victorian Farmers’ Federation Cattle Underpass Program (CUPS) 940,673
Warrnambool City Council Warrnambool Intermodal Terminal Upgrade 116,971
Warrnambool City Council Warrnambool Regional Aviation Park 290,000
West Wimmera Shire Council Kaniva Industrial Estate Extension 191,000
Wodonga City Council Logic Fatigue Management and Trailer Interchange Project 164,000
Wodonga Rendering Pty Ltd Wodonga Abattoirs - Tri-Generation Plant 200,000
ENERGY FOR THE REGIONS PROJECTS
Australian Gas Networks (SA) Limited Energy for the Regions - Expansion of Supply Capacity for Mildura
2,722,500
Australian Gas Networks (Vic) Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Koo Wee Rup 1,575,000
Brookfield Regional Networks (Victoria) Pty Limited
Energy for the Regions - Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Supply for Eleven Regional Towns
10,000,000
Multinet Gas (Db No 1) Pty Ltd & Multinet Gas (Db No 2) Pty Ltd
Supply of Natural Gas to Warburton 1,406,000
SPI Networks (GAS) Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Avoca 2,097,250
SPI Networks (GAS) Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Bannockburn 2,244,000
SPI Networks (GAS) Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Winchelsea 1,039,000
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 66
GRANT PAYMENTS (cont’d)
Organisation ProjectAnnounced amount $
GEELONG ADVANCEMENT FUND PROJECTS
Barwon Health St Mary's Hall Redevelopment and Associated Health Support Facilities
1,000,000
Deakin Residential Services Pty Ltd Geelong Student Accommodation Project 400,000
Karingal Inc Kommercial Factory Development 150,000
GOULBURN VALLEY INDUSTRY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND PROJECTS
Boumbis Orchards Pty Ltd Boumbis Orchards Export Expansion Opportunity Project 20,000
Casalare Pty Ltd Kyabram Food Packing and Filling Facility 12,000
Toolamba Fresh Produce Pty Ltd Toolamba Fresh Expansion Project 10,000
LATROBE VALLEY INDUSTRY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND PROJECTS
ACME Enterprises Pty Ltd Brandy Creek Spa and Wellness Centre 30,000
Australian Fresh Salads Pty Ltd Vegetable Processing Expansion Project 125,000
Australian Trailer Manufacturers Pty Ltd
Relocation & Expansion of Australian Trailer Manufacturers 60,000
CTE-Custom Transport Equipment Pty Ltd
CTE - Weerong Rd Expansion 50,000
Elite Pack Elite Pack - Food Tray Production Expansion 100,000
Fishers (Latrobe Valley) Pty Ltd Fisher's Pallet and Wood Treatment Upgrade 326,500
GBG Concrete and Constructions Pty Ltd
Precast Concrete Panel Facility Expansion 37,500
Gibsons Groundspread Pty Ltd Gibson Ground Spread Expansion Project 85,000
Gippsland Body Builders Pty Ltd Darcan Way Expansion And Equipment Upgrade 50,000
Hydro Australia Pty Ltd Hydro Australia Capability Improvement Project 40,000
K. & R.J. Matthews Quarries Pty Ltd Tyers Quarry Plant Upgrade 60,000
Latrobe City Council Growing Aerospace Manufacturing at Latrobe Regional Airport 500,000
Latrobe Valley Bus Lines Pty Ltd Latrobe Valley Bus Lines Workshop and Body Shop Upgrade 30,000
Latrobe Valley Sands Latrobe Valley Sands Expansion Project 30,000
Maffra Farmhouse Cheese Pty Ltd Maffra Cheese Company Capacity Expansion Project 37,500
Maffra Farmhouse Cheese Pty Ltd Soft and Club Cheese Production Expansion Project 60,000
Morwell Shopfitters Pty Ltd MSF Advanced Manufacturing Processes 45,000
Narkoojee Pty Ltd Narkoojee Winery - Casual Dining Facility 5,000
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 67
Organisation ProjectAnnounced amount $
PineGro Products Pty Ltd New Packaging Business - Pinegro Morwell 70,000
Riviera Farms Pty Ltd Infrastructure & Processing Expansion Project 100,000
Rotafab Pty Ltd Machine Tool Modernisation and Integration 13,307
Safetech Pty Ltd Safetech Capacity Expansion 120,000
Sage Computer Support Pty Ltd Sage Technology - Mobilisation and User Interface Unification 50,000
Spectrum Sales Pty Ltd Spectrum Outbound Sales 25,000
Steeline Gippsland Pty Ltd Steeline Gippsland Expanding Capability Project 62,500
STR Inspection Services Pty Ltd STR Business Diversification Project - Non Destructive Testing 36,084
Victorian American Imports Pty Ltd Standing Drive Infrastructure, Purchase, Development and Production Expansion Project
57,420
MURRAY-DARLING BASIN REGIONAL ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM (VIC)
Gannawarra Shire Council Koondrook Wharf Development 300,000
Murray Dairy Inc Accelerating Change 100,000
Workco Ltd Upgrade of Longerenong College Student Residential Facilities
900,000
Total 61,593,462
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 68
OUTPUT TARGETS AND PERFORMANCE
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL CITIES
Unit of Measure
2014-15 Target
2014-15 Actual
Quantity
Econonomic development, service delivery and community capacity projects funded
number 140 70
Regional infrastructure projects approved by Minister number 100 124
Rural councils participating in Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) network
number 100 100
Quantity
Participant satisfaction with implementation of Regional Development Victoria (RDV) programs
% 80 93
Putting Locals First Fund projects recommended by Regional Development Committees approved for funding
% 85 100
Regional councils participating at the regional expo % 80 100
Timeliness
Grants paid within the timeframe specified within the terms and conditions of the funding agreement: Local Government Infrastructure Program
% 75 75
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 69
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL CITIES
2015 $’000
2014 $’000
Income from Transactions
Output appropriations* 59,149 59,329
Regional Growth Fund Appropriations 121,377 136,000
Grants Received 12,256 7,740
Interest 4,796 5,016
Other Revenue 9,510 3,687
Total Income from transactions 207,088 211,772
Expenses from transactions
Grants and other payments (143,928) (155,191)
Employee-related expenses (25,810) (21,796)
Depreciation and amortisation (1,267) (1,084)
Capital asset charge (527) (527)
Other operating expenses (15,306) (17,164)
Interest (21) (47)
Total Expenses from transactions (186,859) (195,809)
Operating surplus (deficit) 20,229 15,963
*Includes $3.623 million approved in 2015 for the Regional Growth Fund through
a Treasurer’s Advance.
The balance of the Regional Growth Fund Trust at 30 June 2015 was $258,351 million. The funds are held in trust to meet existing commitments due in future periods.
The financial operations of Regional Development Victoria are included in the financial reports of the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.
REVENUE AND EXPENSESControlled revenue and expenses for the year ended 30 June 2015:
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEConsolidated financial statements for the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) and RDV are contained in the 2014/15 Annual Report published by DEDJTR.
This report contains RDV’s Output Targets and Performance and Revenue and Expenses for the year ended 30 June 2015.
COMPLIANCECompliance requirements in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994 and the directions of the Minister for Finances were managed by DSDBI on behalf of RDV.
Consolidated compliance reporting information for RDV for the 2014-15 financial year is contained in the 2014-15 Annual Report published by RDV.
LEGISLATIONRDV was responsible for the following legislation:
> The Regional Development Victoria Act 2002.
> The Regional Growth Fund Act 2011.
> The Albury Wodonga Agreement (Repeal) Act 2003.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 70
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT VICTORIA OFFICES
Ballarat 111 Armstrong Street Nth, Ballarat 3350 Tel 03 5327 2800 Fax 03 5327 2830 E [email protected]
Bendigo Level 1, 56-60 King Street, Bendigo 3550 Tel 03 4433 8000 Fax 03 4433 8099 E [email protected]
Geelong Level 2, Harrison Place 237 Ryrie Street, Geelong 3220 Tel 03 5215 6000 Fax 03 5215 6099 E [email protected]
Horsham The Grains Innovation Park 122 Natimuk Road, Horsham 3400 Tel 03 5381 2762 Fax 03 5381 2514 E [email protected]
Mildura 131 Langtree Avenue, Mildura 3500 Tel 03 5051 2000 Fax 03 5051 2020 E [email protected]
Shepparton 79a Wyndham Street, Shepparton 3632 Tel 03 5895 4100 Fax 03 5822 2554 E [email protected]
Swan Hill 324 Campbell Street, Swan Hill 3585 Tel 03 5036 4823 E [email protected]
Traralgon 33 Breed Street, Traralgon 3844 Tel 03 5116 7300 Fax 03 5175 0324 E [email protected]
Wangaratta Wangaratta Government Centre, 1st Floor, 62 Ovens Street, Wangaratta 3677 Tel 03 5722 7101 Fax 03 5722 7109 E [email protected]
Warrnambool Old Police Station, South West TAFE, 9 Gilles Street, Warrnambool 3280 Tel 03 5561 4135 Fax 03 5561 3851 E [email protected]
Wodonga 111-113 Hume Street, Wodonga 3689 Tel 02 6059 0200 Fax 02 6059 0250 E [email protected]
CONTACT INFORMATIONFor more information regarding Regional Development Victoria (RDV) contact a representative in your region.
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CONTACT INFORMATION PG 71
ACCESSIBILITY
If you would like this publication in an accessible format, such as large print or audio, please phone 13 22 15 (voice calls), or email [email protected].
This document is also available in an accessible format on the internet at www.rdv.vic.gov.au.
Published by the Victorian Government Regional Development Victoria Annual Report 2014-2015
September 2015 Melbourne Victoria
© Copyright State of Victoria 2015
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
ISSN 1448-9341
Contact Regional Development Victoria Level 31, 121 Exhibition Street Melbourne 3000
T 13 22 15
E [email protected] www.rdv.vic.gov.au
Designed by o2 Media 2/102 Lava Street Warrnambool, Victoria 3280 o2media.com.au
Printed by Finsbury Green in regional Victoria on 100% recycled paper
RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 ACCESSIBILITY PG 72