PROFILE 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.
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 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.
DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE Throughout the year, RDV facilitated strategic infrastructure investment to strengthen regional economies, encourage jobs growth, attract new businesses and 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.
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 Regional Growth Fund projects. Examples of these projects follow. 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.
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. 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 maximize 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 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 RE EMERGENCY MA REGIONAL RECO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL RECOVERY RDV 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. 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 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),
FUTURE PRIORITIES PG 42 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 potential businesses. > Capitalise on the potential of emerging industry sectors, particularly the Victorian Government’s priority and new export markets. SUPPORT JOB CREATION > Deliver activities associated with the Victorian Government’s commitment to and regional employment. > Help regional businesses invest in new technology, processes and collaboration. > Support 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 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 investment and action. > Support regional strategic planning alliances to implement priority projects and actions.
VICTORIAN BUSINESS FLOOD RECOVERY FUND Organisation Payment $ Beechworth Honey Experience Pty Ltd Brimarco Pty Ltd Fruit Pty Ltd David Eldridge Pty Ltd E.B. Mawson & Sons Proprietary Ltd Elliott Holdings (Aust) Pty Ltd G.E. & D.A. Kennedy Proprietary Ltd Geltch Investments Pty Ltd Global Roto-Moulding Pty Ltd Hopley Recycling Pty Ltd Lamattina Beverages Pty Ltd Leda Custom Farm Equipment Pty Ltd Miquin Pty Ltd Mortlock Hydroponics Pty Ltd N & C Hargreaves Pty Ltd N.M.P. Pty Ltd P.R. Adams Pty Ltd Peter Stoitse Transport Pty Ltd Ropaan Nominees Pty Ltd Scorpio Foods Pty Ltd Southern Stockfeeds (Operations) Pty Ltd Tolosa Holdings Pty Ltd True Pty Ltd 56,250 17,578 100,000 28,000 80,000 200,000 7,500 25,000 35,000 15,000 50,000 50,000 30,000 58,000 20,000 150,000 1,505 20,000 20,000 250,000 75,000 10,000 50,000 Total 1,348,833 VICTORIAN COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANTS Organisation Payment $ Cardinia Shire Council 152,000 City of Whittlesea 100,000 Corangamite Shire Council 25,000 Hepburn Shire Council 40,000 Total 317,000
PROFESSIONALS PROVINCIAL CADETSHIPS PROGRAM Organisation Payment $ 2020 Engineering Solutions Pty Ltd Ausrapid Inc Australian Eatwell Pty Ltd Benalla Health BM Civil Engineers Pty Ltd Buloke Shire Council Campaspe Shire Council Cardell Accountants Pty Ltd Crowe Horwath (Aust) Pty Ltd Crowther & Sadler Pty Ltd Dimboola Primary School DN Vision Pty Ltd Dunstan Farmers Engineering Pty Ltd Ecotecture Design Group Gerard Brandrick & Associates Pty Ltd Gippsland Lakes Community Health Hardwicks Meat Works Pty Ltd Mallee Physio Messenger's Pharmacy MGR Solicitors Pty Ltd Mildura Rural City Council Murray Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network Inc Murrindindi Shire Council Northeast Health Wangaratta Planning Institute of Australia Ltd Ryan Legal Services Pty Ltd SLM Lawyers Pty Ltd Swan Hill District Health The Sovereign Hill Museums Association Warrnambool City Council Wodonga City Council 3,750 500 500 12,750 2,000 1,500 500 4,750 1,000 1,000 500 3,750 4,250 500 4,250 3,750 500 1,000 500 7,500 8,500 20,250 8,500 12,750 21,373 4,250 1,000 4,250 1,000 500 4,250 Total 141,373