RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 CONTENTS PG1

CONTENTS Highlights 2013-14______3 Chief Executive Foreword ______8 Overview______10 Responsibilities 10 Profile 11 Partners and Stakeholders______13 Regional Policy Advisory Committee 13 Regional Development Initiative 15 Working with Regional Cities 16 Working with Rural Councils Victoria 17 Regional Growth Fund______18 Implementing the Regional Growth Fund 18 Delivering Major Infrastructure 20 Energy for the Regions 28 Supporting Local Initiatives 29 Developing Stronger Regions 34 Regional Growth Fund: Other Key Initiatives 35 Place-Based Solutions______36 Advancement Fund 36 Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap 38 Industry and Infrastructure Fund 40 Emergency Management and Regional Recovery______41 2014 Bushfires Economic Recovery 41 Flood Recovery Support 42 1. 3. Fire Recovery Unit 42 5. Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre 43 2. 6. 8. 4. 7.

Front and back cover images show: 1. Waste to Energy Biomass Boiler Project 2. Mars 3. 2014 Regional Victoria Living Expo 4. Fire recovery - Marysville 5. Port of Echuca Revitalisation Project 6. Flavorite Hydroponic Tomatoes - Warragul 7. Good Move advertisement - 8. Burra Foods - launch of infant formula RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 CONTENTS PG2 HIGHLIGHTS PG3

HIGHLIGHTS 2013-14 Integrated Delivery and Business Engagement______44 July 2013 September 2013

Barwon South West 45 >> Commenced the $45 million Geelong >> Released an $85 million Request for 46 Library and Heritage Centre project, Tender to connect natural gas to priority supported by $15 million from the towns and communities 48 Regional Growth Fund. as part of the Energy for the Regions 49 Program. >> Supported the $3.5 million expansion Loddon 51 of Rubicon Water with $750,000 from >> Supported the $2.8 million expansion Developing Regional Policy______53 the Industries for Today and Tomorrow of Longwarry Food Park with $500,000 Information Portal for Regional Development 53 program, creating more than 100 jobs in from the Latrobe Valley Industry and the Goulburn Valley. Infrastructure Fund, increasing the Thinking Regional and Rural 54 company’s production of UHT dairy > Promoting Regional and Rural Victoria______55 > Completed the $6.4 million products for the export market and Airport Terminal Redevelopment project creating up to 15 new jobs. 2013 Royal Show 55 with $5.2 million from the Regional 2014 Regional Victoria Living Expo 56 Growth Fund. >> Announced funding of $1.5 million from the Regional Growth Fund to support Good Move Regional Marketing Campaign 57 August 2013 Murray Goulburn Cooperative’s Future Priorities 2014-15______58 $22 million Leongatha Site Upgrade > Supported the $277 million, 394-bed Finance______59 > and Energy Infrastructure Project. The Epworth Geelong Private Hospital project project will increase the company’s RDV Grant Payments 60 with a Regional Growth Fund grant of production capacity by an estimated Economic Infrastructure 80 $2.85 million, creating 900 construction 100 million megalitres per year. jobs and 780 ongoing positions once Output Targets and Performance 85 completed. >> Announced funding of $243,000 from Revenue and Expenses 86 the Regional Growth Fund to support >> Announced $1.3 million from the the Stage 3 development of the Vietnam Financial Performance 87 Regional Growth Fund to support the Veterans’ Commemorative Walk in Compliance 87 $2.6 million Queenscliff Searoad Ferries Seymour. Infrastructure Upgrade. Legislation 87 >> Committed $250,000 from the Regional Contact Information______88 >> Launch of the Regional Cities Victoria Growth Fund to support a $6 million Growth Framework, a partnership investment by Fonterra Australia at its between Regional Development Victoria cheese manufacturing plant in Stanhope. and Regional Cities Victoria, which received $300,000 from the Victorian >> Supported Burra Foods’ new infant Government. formula production plant at Korumburra with $1.5 million through the Regional >> Officially opened the Flavorite Water Growth Fund. The project is expected Efficiency project at the hydroponic to create 26 new jobs and increase the tomato farm in Warragul, which received company’s export of infant formula and $460,000 from the Regional Growth Fund. milk powder dairy products by more than $70 million per year. >> Provided a grant of $243,000 from the Regional Growth Fund to support the $486,000 Port of Portland Cruise Vessel Terminal Infrastructure Project.

>> Held the first meeting of the Goulburn Valley Industry and Employment Taskforce. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 HIGHLIGHTS PG4 HIGHLIGHTS PG5

October 2013 November 2013 December 2013 February 2014

>> Supported the $2.2 million expansion of >> Launched the Ovens >> Supported the $2.9 million redevelopment >> Held a remembrance event hosted by Drouin Timber and Truss with $700,000 Riverside Project supported by $715,000 of Queenscliff’s Fisherman’s Wharf the Premier at Melbourne Museum to from the Latrobe Valley Industry and from the Regional Growth Fund. Precinct with $1 million provided by commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Infrastructure Fund. Twenty-two new the Victorian Government. The precinct 2009 Victorian bushfires. jobs will be created as a result of the >> Announced funding of $3 million from the development, which involves the project. Geelong Advancement Fund to support construction of a live stingray attraction, >> Released the Bushfire Recovery Five Year the $65 million redevelopment of the will create 16 new jobs. Report. >> Opened the $2.1 million Lion former St Mary’s School site. External Power Upgrade Project, which >> Commenced the $2 million >> Supported Pactum Dairy Group’s received $490,000 from the Latrobe >> Supported Flavourwave’s $12 million redevelopment of the Marysville $38 million investment in a new UHT milk Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund. investment in a hydroponic tomato Community Golf and Bowls Club with processing facility at , with growing facility at , with $1.45 million provided by the Victorian $950,000 from the Regional Growth Fund. >> Announced $600,000 from the Regional $500,000 provided through the Industries Government. Growth Fund to support Stage Two of the for Today and Tomorrow program. The >> Officially opened the Bayer Wheat and Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. project is expected to create 90 new jobs. >> Supported the $4.2 million road Oilseed Breeding Centre at Longerenong infrastructure project for ’s College, a project supported by >> Officially opened the $1.5 million Alpine >> Completed the redevelopment of the central business district with $2.1 million $1.24 million from the Regional Growth Trout Farm in Noojee, which received Ballarat Mechanics Institute, which from the Regional Growth Fund. Fund. The completed facility will be one of $730,000 from the Latrobe Valley received $2 million from the Victorian seven such centres around the world and Industry and Infrastructure Fund. Government. >> Opened the Port of Echuca Discovery will employ 18 people. Centre, part of the $15 million >> Officially opened the King Valley >> Supported the development of Karingal’s revitalisation of the Port of Echuca jointly >> Announced $300,000 from the Community Complex, which received Kommercial Factory in North Geelong funded by Regional Development Victoria, Regional Growth Fund to support the $500,000 through the Local Government with $650,000 from the Geelong the Commonwealth Government and redevelopment of the Euroa Recreational Infrastructure Program. Advancement Fund. The project will Campaspe Shire Council. Vehicle Stop. support the retention of 63 jobs and >> Announced a $570,000 contribution from 60 new positions, many for people with >> Commenced the $19 million January 2014 the Regional Growth Fund to support a disability. redevelopment of the Horsham Town Hall, the $6 million Labertouche Water with $5 million provided by the Victorian >> Announced the successful tenderer to Main Replacement project, removing a Government. deliver the Nowingi Place amenities major barrier to growth for Jindivick’s element of the $18.3 million Stage One Jindi Cheese. The project will allow >> Supported Safetech Industries’ $560,000 Mildura Riverfront Parklands Project. the company to undertake extensive investment in a new joint venture in Gippsland with $150,000 from the Latrobe expansion plans and triple its production >> Supported the $7.5 million redevelopment Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund. by 2016. of the historic Mount Buffalo Chalet with The project will secure 43 jobs and create $3.27 million provided from the Regional >> Supported a series of regional forums 20 new positions at the company. Growth Fund. in conjunction with the Regional Development Australia >> Announced Koo Wee Rup’s connection to Committee and the Australia China natural gas as part of the Energy for the Business Council focussed on trade Regions program. opportunities with China.

>> Promoted relocation to regional and rural Victoria to more than 500,000 visitors at the Royal Melbourne Show through an interactive display raising awareness of lifestyle activities and benefits. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 HIGHLIGHTS PG6 HIGHLIGHTS PG7

March 2014 April 2014

>> Launched the Goulburn Valley Industry >> Held the 2014 Regional Victoria Living and Employment Plan and the Goulburn Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Valley Fruit Growing Industry Road Map to Exhibition Centre from 11 to 13 April, assist the Goulburn Valley to manage the attracting more than 9,600 visitors and challenge of structural adjustment and 147 exhibitors. to reposition its economy for sustainable long-term growth. >> Supported the $700,000 expansion of Kyneton stockfeed processor RS Perry May 2014 June 2014 >> Launched the $5 million Goulburn Valley with $60,000 from the Victorian Business Industry and Infrastructure Fund to invest Flood Recovery Fund. >> Supported the $15 million Port of Sale >> Officially opened Australian Tartaric in structural infrastructure to transform Redevelopment Project with $4.75 million Products’ new $11 million biomass- and transition the Goulburn Valley. >> Announced $130,000 from the from the Victorian Government. fuelled boiler and power-generator Regional Growth Fund to support system at the company’s new Mildura >> Opened the $8.4 million Art the redevelopment of the Cudgewa >> Launched East Gippsland Shire plant, which received $1.8 million through Gallery, supported by $3.78 million from Recreation Reserve. Council’s East Infrastructure the Regional Growth Fund. the Victorian Government. Enhancement Project, which received >> Announced funding of $1.95 million from $1.73 million from the Regional Growth >> Supported the redevelopment of the >> Supported the $20 million expansion the Regional Growth Fund to support Fund. Regional Airport with and redevelopment of Midfield Meat in the $5 million Landsborough Valley $4 million from the Victorian Government. Warrnambool with $1.5 million from Water Supply Pipeline Project. Over >> Facilitated the Gippsland Manufacturing the Regional Growth Fund. The project 25 kilometres of water main will help Industry Forum in Morwell to investigate >> Opened the historic St James Public Hall, is expected to create 50 new jobs and secure the water supply of six vineyards, barriers to business growth. which received $270,000 through the increase the company’s exports by up to removing existing barriers to growth and Regional Growth Fund. > Supported the $450,000 expansion of $105 million per year. supporting 13 new jobs. > Bertalli’s Alpine Breads with $75,000 >> Opened Wodonga Abattoirs’ Tri- >> Coordinated site visits to regional >> Supported the ’s from the Regional Growth Fund, allowing generation plant, which received producers and manufacturers in feasibility study into the Geelong Mineral the company to increase its production $1 million from the Regional Growth the Grampians region as part of the Springs Spa and Wellness Centre with lines and create six new jobs. Fund. International Food and Beverage Trade $60,000 from the Developing Stronger > Supported construction of the Mt Beauty > Launched Mars Chocolates’ Renewable Week 2014. Regions Program. > > Progressing Place project with $500,000 Energy Program at the company’s >> Supported the $655,000 expansion of >> Supported an investment of $570,000 from the Regional Growth Fund. Ballarat manufacturing facility, which Gippsland Body Builders in Drouin, with by free range beef and lamb producer received $1.5 million from the Regional > Announced Warburton’s connection to $150,000 from the Latrobe Valley Industry Koallah Farm in south-west Victoria with > Growth Fund. natural gas as part of the Energy for the and Infrastructure Fund. The project is $100,000 from the Putting Locals First Regions program. > Supported Gibsons Groundspread’s expected to create 10 new jobs in the Program. The project will create 15 new > $4.8 million compost processing and construction of road transport equipment. jobs. distribution facility at Longford with >> Officially opened the Deakin University >> Officially opened Round Two of the $150,000 from the Latrobe Valley Industry Regional Student Accommodation $11 million Geelong Advancement Fund. and Infrastructure Fund. The completed Project, a $41.3 million project supported facility will produce over 100,000 tonnes by $10.3 million from the Regional Growth of compost each year and support 12 new Fund. jobs.

>> Announced $1.2 million from the Regional >> Supported the $1.26 million expansion Growth Fund to support the $4.25 million of Boynton’s Feathertop Winery, with Nobbies and Summerland tourism $150,000 through the Regional Growth expansion project at Phillip Island. Fund.

>> Supported Rural Councils Victoria’s Rural Summit held from 27-28 March in . RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOREWORD PG8 CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOREWORD PG9

attended yet, attracting 147 exhibitors and Regional Development Australia Committees, CHIEF executive Foreword more than 9,600 visitors, in what has quickly and to tailor our programs to ensure that become a popular initiative for regional new investment reflects local priorities and In 2013-14 Regional Development Victoria continued its businesses and organisations to attract skilled addresses local issues. labour and new residents. The 2014 Expo was pivotal role in supporting and strengthening regional supported by RDV’s successful Good Move In January 2014 we launched an online version regional marketing campaign, emphasising the of Thinking Regional and Rural: Guidelines and rural Victoria. benefits of living and working in our regional for Assessing Regional and Rural Impacts of communities. Policy and Legislation. Accessible through This year Regional Development Victoria We continued to work closely with companies the Regional Development Victoria website, invested more than $155 million in regional targeting new opportunities in overseas The RDV team continued to expand its role in the Thinking Regional and Rural online tool Victoria and approved more than 400 projects markets, supporting innovative projects emergency management and regional recovery, is designed to strengthen the capability of under the Victorian Government’s $1 billion seeking to capitalise on emerging export taking a leading role in the Government’s government officers to identify and assess the Regional Growth Fund. Since its establishment demands. This includes Korumburra’s response to the 2014 Grampians bushfire impacts of policy and legislation on regional in 2011, the Regional Growth Fund has provided Burra Foods, which undertook a $22 million and the Hazelwood mine fire by overseeing and rural Victoria. almost $430 million in support, generating over expansion of its infant formula production a suite of economic recovery initiatives. This $1.7 billion of total investment across more facility to increase the company’s product year also saw the fifth anniversary of the This year RDV’s presence in regional Victoria than 1,500 projects. lines and take full advantage of the increasing 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, marked by a increased with the implementation of the demand for nutritional milk powder products central memorial service and the publication Government’s Integrated Regional Delivery Regional and rural Victoria play a key role in in Asian markets. of the Victorian Bushfire Recovery Five Year Model, taking responsibility for delivering Victoria’s future prosperity and growth. Our Report, both coordinated by our Fire Recovery a broad range of functions across multiple regions account for almost a quarter of the This year we continued to deliver targeted Unit. In areas affected by the flood events of Government departments. The new model State’s employment, and about one fifth of our support to those economies most affected by 2010, 2011 and 2012, we continued to deliver allows for greater engagement amongst economic output. Over the next decade to 2024, changing economic conditions. In Geelong, we a range of initiatives to support community a number of Government portfolios, from its population is projected to grow by an extra responded to news of job losses and industry recovery projects and restore flood-damaged regional planning to Sport and Recreation 221,000 people - from 1.47 million to closures with the announcement of the first infrastructure. and the Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, 1.69 million. three projects funded under the Geelong supporting more coordinated planning and Advancement Fund, driving jobs and innovation, RDV is proud to lead regional policy investment and greatly improving access to In 2013-14, RDV played a leading role in while encouraging investment in emerging development in Victoria, expanding our role and Government for regional and rural Victorians. delivering key outcomes to drive regional sectors of Geelong’s economy. Announced influence through evidence-based advocacy economies and help manage regional growth. in July, the $8.1 million Deakin Student and innovative research. In May we officially RDV is proud to have supported Victoria’s Throughout the year, we worked with key Accommodation Project will continue to grow launched the Regional Victoria Information regional communities to achieve sustainable stakeholders, including local government, Geelong’s reputation in the education sector, Portal, a publicly available online information and long-term growth throughout 2013-14. industry and community organisations, to while the $65 million redevelopment of the database that consolidates around 150,000 I am honoured to lead such a talented strengthen the productive potential of regional St Mary’s School site, led by Barwon Health, data points across hundreds of indicators and and committed team, and look forward to industries through collaborative government further enhances Geelong’s capability in the 135 geographies, providing easy access to the continuing our good work in 2014-15. investment. public health sector with the creation of latest information on our regional and rural a state-of-the-art medical library. Our work ranged from facilitating large-scale communities. The Portal has already proved popular amongst Government, councils, enabling infrastructure, including the In the Goulburn Valley, where the traditional businesses, universities, research institutions, $100 million Energy for the Regions program, industries of food production and processing and other stakeholders, encouraging which this year continued to extend the face the challenges of long-term structural stronger engagement through up-to-date, natural gas network across regional Victoria, adjustment, we launched the $5 million comprehensive information. Lachlan Bruce to small-scale initiatives that seek to respond Goulburn Valley Industry and Infrastructure Chief Executive to regionally-specific issues and community Fund to help local businesses grow and adapt We continued to encourage regional Regional Development needs, such as the Hindmarsh Shire Economic to the changing market conditions. leadership and to promote regional voices Victoria Development Strategy. All our activities are in policy development and implementation, underpinned by strategic and collaborative In April 2014 we held the third Regional Victoria recognising that stronger and more sustainable investment designed to encourage more Living Expo, encouraging more Melburnians communities have the capacity to drive their sustainable, productive and liveable regional to make the move to regional Victoria. This own development. RDV continues to support communities. year’s event was our largest and most highly the Regional Policy Advisory Committee and RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 OVERVIEW PG10 OVERVIEW PG11

PROFILE RDV is the Victorian Government’s lead agency in developing regional and rural Victoria.

RDV’s role involves facilitating new In 2013-14, RDV operated through the investment, business growth and job creation, following groups: infrastructure development, instigating policy and planning initiatives, and coordinating the Regional Programs and delivery of Government programs, services Recovery and resources in rural and regional Victoria. The Regional Programs and Recovery Group This includes implementation of the Regional is responsible for the delivery of a range Growth Fund, facilitating consultation about OVERVIEW of programs and activities including the economic and community development local initiatives component of the Regional between the public and private sectors, and Growth Fund, the Regional Development promoting the benefits of investing, working responsibilities Australia initiative in Victoria and bushfire and and living in regional Victoria. flood recovery programs. This includes the In accordance with the Regional Development It also includes advising the Minister for operations of the Fire Recovery Unit. Regional and Rural Development and the Victoria Act 2002, RDV works closely with Minister for Regional Cities on matters Fire Recovery Unit various State Government agencies to facilitate relating to development in regional and rural The Fire Recovery Unit was established in Victoria, and supporting communities affected July 2011 to assist people and communities economic, infrastructure and community by the 2009 fires through the Fire Recovery affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires development to improve the quality of life for Unit. following the closure of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority. The On 1 July 2013 RDV formally completed Fire Recovery Unit provides a clear point regional Victorians. its transition into the Department of State of contact within the State Government for Development, Business and Innovation bushfire affected community members to RDV has primary responsibility for: (DSDBI), having previously been located within obtain information and connect with services. the former Department of Planning and > Developing integrated, regionally-focused policies and programs, including > Community Development. the implementation of the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund – the Government’s INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP principle initiative to support future priorities for the social and economic With the implementation of the Government’s development of regional Victoria. Integrated Regional Delivery Model in The Infrastructure Group identifies, facilitates 2013-14, our 18 regional offices took and delivers infrastructure projects which > Creating vibrant and dynamic regional communities and economies through > responsibility for delivering a broad range contribute to the enhanced productivity, facilitating new jobs, investments, exports, infrastructure for strategic projects of functions across multiple Government liveability and sustainability of regional and competitive businesses. departments. Under this new model, RDV and rural Victoria, including those initiated through the Regional Growth Fund. >> Delivering programs and information to help grow a robust and sustainable oversees the regional functions of Sport economy and strengthen communities throughout regional Victoria. and Recreation Victoria and the Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, while supporting >> Developing and implementing initiatives to promote the State, to attract business the Regional Management Forums and and increase the population of Victoria’s regions. the regional planning functions of the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (DTPLI). RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 OVERVIEW PG12 PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS PG13 PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS Regional Business Engagement REGIONAL POLICY > The Business Engagement team engages 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 ADVISORY COMMITTEE intelligence, supporting a range of programs and services across RDV, DSDBI and the Victorian Government to coordinate investment attraction and export facilitation. The Regional Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC) was established under legislation to provide independent advice Regional POLICY AND PLANNING to the Minister for Regional and Rural Development and The Policy and Planning Group provides policy and strategy leadership to RDV, coordinating with other departments to develop ideas, knowledge, policies and programs that support Minister for Regional Cities on priorities in regional Victoria, the Victorian Government’s commitment to regional and rural Victoria. The group is also and to monitor and advise on the impacts of legislation and responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Regional Growth Fund, delivering research and analysis to support regional policy, and managing strategic relationships across policy decisions on regional and rural Victoria. and outside the Victorian Government. RPAC has a broad focus to provide external advice to government on the regional impacts of policy MARKETING AND PROMOTION GROUP and legislation, long-term priorities to support regional growth and prosperity as well as any other regional policy matters referred to the Committee by government. The Marketing and Promotion Group delivers a range of activities to promote the business and lifestyle benefits of locations in regional and rural Victoria. In particular, the group is RPAC includes three independent members and the chairs of the five non-metropolitan Regional responsible for implementing the Regional Victoria Living Expo and the Good Move regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees. As at 30 June 2014, the RPAC members were: marketing campaign. 1. Ian McClelland OAM – Chairperson 5. Jenny Dawson RDV Regional Offices Mr McClelland is the founder and former Ms Dawson is the Chairperson of the Loddon Chairperson of the Birchip Cropping Mallee RDA Committee, a Non-Executive RDV manages 18 regional offices across the five regions of Barwon South-West, Gippsland, Group, a highly successful farm support Director of Bendigo and Bank and Grampians, Hume and Loddon Mallee. Our regional teams work closely with their communities and agricultural research organisation in Chair of their Audit Committee, and Chair to facilitate investment, jobs and exports, creating a local contact point for businesses, councils Victoria’s north-west. He was awarded the of Sandhurst Trustees, a Trustee for the and community groups wanting to access the programs and services provided by RDV. Medal of the Order of Australia for service to Anglican Diocese of Bendigo. agriculture. Our regional offices support the Regional Development Australia Initiative and the delivery of 6. Richard Elkington DSDBI’s business engagement model, and implement the Government’s Integrated Regional 2. Bruce Anson Delivery Model on behalf of the Departments of Premier and Cabinet and Transport, Planning Mr Elkington is the Chairperson of the and Local Infrastructure. Mr Anson is Chairperson of the Barwon South Gippsland RDA Committee, a Director of West RDA Committee and Chief Executive East Gippsland Water, member of the Clean Officer of Warrnambool City Council. Coal Victoria Advisory Committee and a long- term member of the Executive Council of the 3. Stuart Benjamin Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce RDV SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM Mr Benjamin is Chairperson of the Grampians and Industry. Chief Executive RDA Committee, founding Chairman and Lachlan Bruce current Board member of Ballarat Regional 7. Ross Lake OAM Tourism, and Director of Elmstone Property Mr Lake is the General Manager of TASCO Group, a land and construction group Inland, a major fuel and oil distributor based operating in Western Victoria. in Mildura. He received the Medal of the Order Regional Programs Business Marketing and of Australia for service to arts administration, Infrastructure Policy and Planning and Recovery Engagement Business Manager Promotion 4. Mark Byatt to social welfare, and to the community. Executive Director Executive Director Executive Director Director Christine Bertolotti Manager Brad Ostermeyer Lill Healy Mr Byatt is Chairperson of the Hume RDA Robert Jones Rob Byrne Francis Tevere Committee and was Mayor of Wodonga from 8. Val Lang AM 2008 to 2013. Ms Lang is a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program and Victorian Barwon South West Gippsland Grampians Hume Loddon Mallee representative for Australian Women in Regional Director Regional Director Regional Director Regional Director Regional Director Agriculture. She was made a Member of the (acting) Jane Oakley Grant Wiltshire Angela Verde Jan Boynton Richard Milne Order of Australia for service to women living in rural and regional communities. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS PG14 PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS PG15

Regional Development > Australia INITIATIVE RDV continued to work closely with the Commonwealth Government to deliver the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Initiative through the five regional Victorian RDA Committees.

RDA is a partnership between the Commonwealth, State and Territory and local governments to support the growth and development of Australia’s regions. RDV is working closely with RPAC met seven times during 2013-14, including RDA to deliver important projects for regional Victorians through regional meetings in Wodonga, Ballarat and Mildura. the implementation of Regional Strategic Plans. The five non-metropolitan RDA Committees work in partnership In August 2013, RPAC officially launched its Education Aspiration for Regional Victoria research with regional leaders to set the strategic direction and priorities report in Ballarat, together with the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural for their respective regions. RDA Committees also provide local Development, the Hon Peter Ryan MP. Drawing on a combination of regional, national and recommendations in regard to the Putting Locals First Program international research, as well as practical experience, Education Aspiration for Regional component of the Regional Growth Fund, and provide RDV with Victoria highlights social and cultural circumstances that enable or inhibit aspiration and strategic advice on business and development opportunities. RDV engagement, with a view to building understanding around how government can address administers the Operational Funding Contract for RDA in partnership aspiration in regional education. RPAC instigated this research as a response to growing with the Commonwealth Government. concern regarding the difference in educational participation between metropolitan and During 2013-14, the Victorian RDA Committees developed new regional Victorian students and the effects this can have upon regional growth and prosperity. Regional Strategic Plans, providing a vision for each region and Following the launch, RPAC commenced a series of regional briefings with representatives identifying priority areas of focus for the Committees. RDV continued from the education sector to promote awareness of the report. In October, RPAC also presented to work with the regional RDA Committees to develop and deliver the findings of its research to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s new projects and initiatives that aligned with the priorities identified Rural Education Reference Group. Comprising representatives from early childhood services, in these Plans. Government, Catholic and Independent schools, and higher education and skills services, the In 2014-15 RDV will work with the Commonwealth Department of Rural Education Reference Group provides advice on implementation of the Government’s Infrastructure and Regional Development to continue to assist RDA agenda for education provision and access across regional and rural Victoria. Committees to enhance economic development opportunities in During the year, RPAC hosted three community forums as part of its regional meeting program. their regions. These forums were essential in developing RPAC’s strategic advice to Government on future DSDBI supports the operation of the four metropolitan Melbourne priorities for the Regional Growth Fund and long-term priorities to support regional growth and RDA Committees. prosperity. RPAC presented its advice to Government in November 2013.

In January 2014, RPAC launched an online version of Thinking Regional and Rural: Guidelines for Assessing Regional and Rural Impacts of Policy and Legislation. Accessible through the RDV website, the Thinking Regional and Rural online tool is designed to strengthen the capability of government officers to identify and assess the impacts of policy and legislation on regional and rural Victoria. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS PG16 PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS PG17

WORKING WITH > WORKING WITH > REGIONAL CITIES VICTORIA RURAL COUNCILS VICTORIA RDV continued to provide leadership to develop place- RDV provides Rural Councils Victoria with funding based and integrated approaches to government support as part of the $3.3 million Networked investment, planning and policy associated with Rural Councils program to help Victoria’s 38 rural Victoria’s 10 regional cities of Geelong, Ballarat, councils build capacity, share information and Warrnambool, Horsham, Mildura, Bendigo, undertake projects that support sustainable and Shepparton, Wangaratta, Latrobe and Wodonga. liveable rural communities.

Regional Cities Victoria, the peak body for >> $25.2 million towards Stage One of the Auspiced by the Municipal Association of >> Build resilience and capacity: build the 10 regional cities, includes the Mayor and Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ). Victoria (MAV), Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) the capacity of councillors and council CEO from each of Victoria’s 10 regional cities. The BWEZ is a long-term project to represents Victoria’s 38 rural councils, officers to support economic development RDV partners with Regional Cities Victoria unlock land for industry and has the responsible for 79 per cent of the State’s land and increase the sustainability of rural to strengthen the economic base of regional potential to deliver 9000 jobs and inject area. communities. cities, and enhance their lifestyle amenities to $5 billion into the economy annually when RCV focuses on supporting the capacity of the >> Strengthen a sense of place: develop attract and retain a greater share of Victoria’s fully implemented. 38 rural councils and promoting the growth and evidence-based strategies and initiatives to growing population. >> $39.7 million for the Regional Connectivity economic development of rural communities. attract and retain residents and businesses in rural communities. The State Government and Regional Cities program initiative. Travellers on V/Line’s In particular, RCV concentrates on creating and Victoria share a vision of a ‘State of Cities’, VLocity carriages operating between retaining jobs, ensuring access to key services, and improving the liveability and viability of Initiatives delivered in the last year include: whereby the regions capture a greater Melbourne and Ballarat, Bendigo, Victoria’s regional areas. proportion of Victoria’s overall population Geelong, Seymour and will be >> The 2014 Rural Summit at Nhill, hosted by RCV in March, which brought growth. This is reflected in the Government’s able to access a free public Wi-Fi service. RDV partners with RCV to progress policy together more than 150 staff and elected metropolitan planning strategy Plan agendas including the implementation of > representatives from Councils across Melbourne, and the eight Regional Growth > $73 million for a modern new court the RDV-funded Networked Rural Councils Victoria. The Summit showcased innovative Plans. complex and facilities for Shepparton and program, which aims to help rural councils the Hume region. programs being undertaken by rural address current and future challenges more Councils including economic development The Government is supporting the growth sustainably. of our regional cities through a range of >> $10 million towards the Carbon Nexus and revitalisation. transformative investments: carbon fibre research and production The $3.3 million program, now entering its facility. The state-of-the-art facility will >> Coordination of a joint application on behalf fourth and final year, aims to empower rural of ten Councils for Streetlife funding for >> $25 million for the establishment costs contribute to advanced manufacturing councils to: the Revitalising Rural Retail Project. The of the National Disability Insurance and innovation in Geelong. >> Be a collective voice: coordinate effective project complements the Rural Retail Agency national headquarters in Geelong, Economics research and Rural Retail The Regional Cities Growth Framework was liaison between the 38 rural councils, State building on the Government’s support for Handbook, which RCV released in August delivered in 2012, and is currently being and Commonwealth governments and key the National Disability Insurance Scheme 2013. In February 2014, retailers received updated through Stage 2 to help regional stakeholders. (NDIS) trial and full scheme roll-out and quantitative research about retail and local cities plan for future growth and development, the $300 million already provided. >> Enable local solutions: deliver key consumer behaviour in their area. The and to prioritise investment in services and information assisted councils and retailers >> Up to $220 million for the Murray Basin infrastructure. RDV will continue to work with RCV events to facilitate networking, learning, capacity building, and develop plans aimed at retail revitalisation Rail Project to undertake major country regional cities to support their growth and external communication, and to identify in rural communities. rail freight upgrades and build the development. opportunities to partner with other regional transformational Mildura standardisation >> The Fleet Management Toolkit, which events. link. provides an integrated collection of >> Create an interactive learning hub: instructions, templates, tools and lead and contribute to the development examples designed to be used by Council to develop and implement fleet management of evidence-based policy and strategy standards that will benefit the individual in relation to key RCV priority areas in council and make collaboration with partnership with the State Government, neighboring councils more likely to MAV and other organisations. succeed. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG18 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG19

REGIONAL GROWTH FUND IMPLEMENTING THE REGIONAL GROWTH FUND In 2013-14 RDV continued to deliver the Victorian Government’s regional development policy through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

When regional and rural Victoria is growing, the whole state prospers. The Regional Growth Fund provides $1 billion over eight years to create prosperity, provide opportunities and improve the quality of life for regional and rural Victorians. Building stronger regional and rural communities improves people’s access to employment, education, business opportunities and other aspects of community life.

Through the Regional Growth Fund, RDV invested in strategic infrastructure and The fund’s major streams over its first four years include: community-led local initiatives to improve both the competitiveness and liveability of regional and rural Victoria. We worked with local industries to achieve sustainable >> $221 million for the Economic Infrastructure Program; energy and water solutions, directly supported communities facing the challenges of changing economic conditions, and encouraged local solutions to improve >> $100 million for the Putting Locals First Program; and services, community infrastructure, leadership and skills in our regional and rural >> $100 million for the Local Government Infrastructure Program. communities.

During the year, funding through the Regional Growth Fund helped create and During 2013-14, RDV’s Regional Growth Fund-related operations: maintain jobs and improve career options for regional Victorians by assisting >> Invested in enabling infrastructure in line with local priorities and Regional regional businesses to grow and take advantage of development opportunities. Strategic Plans; As at 30 June 2014, 1,545 projects collectively worth $1.7 billion were supported by >> Provided direct support to communities facing changing economic conditions, total funding of $426.34 million from the Regional Growth Fund since its inception in including Geelong, the Goulburn Valley and the Latrobe Valley; July 2011. >> Supported the supply of reliable energy and water infrastructure to regional Within this total, the Economic Infrastructure Program announced $179.5 million communities and industry, including through the $100 million Energy for the for 86 regional infrastructure projects, $95.24 million for 411 projects nominated by Regions program; regional and rural councils under the Local Government Infrastructure Program and $75.96 million for 658 projects under the Putting Locals First Program. >> Facilitated job creation and improved career options for regional Victorians; and,

The Regional Growth Fund is delivered primarily by RDV in close consultation with >> Supported the resilience and sustainability of communities in regional Victoria the regional and rural communities that benefit from the planning, projects and through the Local Government Infrastructure Fund and Putting Locals First services implemented through the fund. Program. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG20 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG21

DELIVERING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE Nobbies and Summerland Throughout the year, the Economic Infrastructure Peninsula Tourism Expansion Project Program of the Regional Growth Fund continued In March 2014, the Victorian Government announced $1.2 million from the to facilitate strategic infrastructure investment and Regional Growth Fund to support a $4.25 million expansion of Philip Island’s unique tourist attractions. The Nobbies and Summerland Tourism Expansion support more sustainable, productive and liveable Project will further increase the region’s world-renowned nature-based regional communities. experiences, adding to the Island’s established tourist destinations such as the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm. The Economic Infrastructure Program played The $5 million Landsborough Valley a leading role in delivering key outcomes Water Supply Pipeline Project, which will As part of the project Wildlife Coastal Cruises, a local operator, will develop a to drive regional economies, increase include pump stations at Stawell and Joel new eco-boat tour departing from the Cowes township, with up to 25,000 visitors jobs, attract new industry and improve South, represents a joint initiative between expected to book an eco-boat tour each year. regional services. In 2013-14, the Economic the Grampians Mallee Water The second aspect of the project will involve a new multi-media tourism Infrastructure Program announced $42.5 Corporation, the participating vineyards, experience to be located at the Nobbies that will incorporate a unique branding million for 19 regional infrastructure projects, and the Victorian Government, which has partnership between the Phillip Island Nature Park and the World Wildlife Fund which included the following: contributed funding of $1.95 million from the for Nature. The partnership with the World Wildlife Fund is the first of its type in Regional Growth Fund. Landsborough Valley Water Australia, and will be evident in the educational content, branding, merchandising and marketing of the state-of the art interpretive display. Supply Pipeline Project The Landsborough Valley, about 30 kilometres east of Stawell, is renowned as a premium Both attractions are due for completion by January 2016, with the eco-boat tours The 25.5 kilometres of water main to be red wine growing region, producing around to begin as early as December 2014. constructed from Stawell to Glenkara Estate $7 million worth of wine each year. Access Vineyard will guarantee a reliable water to a reliable water supply is critical to Pactum Dairy Group supply to six vineyards in Western Victoria’s achieving consistent grape quantity and Landsborough Valley, securing around 60 quality, enabling supply volumes to be In February 2014, Pactum Dairy Group’s new $42 million milk processing facility jobs and removing significant barriers to guaranteed. It also provides the vineyards at Shepparton received $950,000 from the Victorian Government to support the investment and growth. with the confidence to proceed with planned development of Ultra High Temperature (UHT) milk processing lines and the investments, secure long-term supply connection of natural gas to the greenfield site. contracts and increase exports. The facility, which was officially opened in May 2014, has the capacity to process up to 100 million litres of full cream, skim, flavoured and lactose-free milk within the next three years. It will be crucial to improving the competitiveness of the region’s dairy sector and capitalising on opportunities presented by new and emerging markets, with Pactum expecting to export up to $37 million worth of produce to the Chinese market after the group secured a supply agreement with Bright Dairy, a Chinese company with more than 400 distributors.

Victorian Government support helped secure the company’s investment in Shepparton, which offers well-established food manufacturing capabilities and close proximity to high-quality milk supply in Northern Victoria. The project has already generated 35 full-time jobs, which will grow to 52 full-time jobs over the next three years. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG22 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG23

Horne Road Industrial Estate Access Wodonga Central business area Australian Tartaric Products

The $8.3 million Horne Road Warrnambool Eastern Industrial Precinct Project was A $4.3 million project to realign and improve In June Australian Tartaric Products’ new officially opened in June. The three kilometre north-south connector road between three key roads in the heart of Wodonga will $11 million biomass-fuelled boiler and Wangoom Road and Raglan Parade, which has received $3.6 million through the allow for the development of a new retail power-generation system was officially Regional Growth Fund, will provide access to Warrnambool’s new industrial precinct, precinct in the city, unlocking a multimillion launched at the company’s manufacturing envisaged as a long-term hub for industry and employment growth in the region. dollar investment that will have lasting plant in Colignan, a small rural town located impacts on employment, the economy and on the Murray River, 50 kilometre south-east The road also creates a key north-south link between the Princes Highway West quality of life in Wodonga. of Mildura. and the Hopkins Highway, providing a safer and more efficient route for traffic and transport operators, and removing the need for industrial traffic to pass through The project will deliver significant ongoing The $11.1 million Waste to Energy Biomass central parts of Warrnambool. economic benefits for the city, with the retail Boiler Project will see the new plant utilise precinct - to include a supermarket, discount grape marc – grape stems, skins and lees Although Warrnambool is consistently one of Victoria’s fastest growing regional department store, specialty retail and food from wineries in the NSW , cities, non-residential investment has not kept pace with Warrnambool’s population shops and car parking - expected to generate and Sunraysia regions – to provide almost growth, due partly to a lack of readily available industrial land that can accommodate up to $20 million worth of non-food retail all of its energy needs, with the company new investment. This limited supply is contributing to the high cost of industrial land, expenditure a year, while creating hundreds expecting to save in excess of $1.5 million in constraining investment and compromising the scale of employment growth in the of direct jobs and many more indirect jobs in fuel, LPG and electricity costs each year. It region. the Wodonga CBD. is the first major biomass boiler and power Stage 1 of the Horne Road – Access to the Warrnambool Eastern Industrial Precinct generator utilising organic waste to operate at Wodonga is among the fastest growing a manufacturing business in regional Victoria, project will enable the release of 65 hectares of industrial land to the market, with regional cities in Victoria, with a growth rate the potential for a further 42 hectares to the north and south to be rezoned on a and will keep 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide of 1.6 per cent. RDV’s contribution of $2.1 out of the atmosphere every year. stage-by-stage basis. The project will deliver long-term access to the new industrial million will enable work to begin on the vital precinct and provide clear direction on where industry and employment growth in road infrastructure, which will also provide Australian Tartaric Products is Australia’s Warrnambool will occur over the next 15 years. safe pedestrian and bicycle access as well as only producer of natural tartaric acid, improved bus interchanges in and out of the commonly used as an antioxidant, Mildura Airport CBD. preservative and leavening agent in food, wine In July Victoria’s busiest regional airport officially opened its new terminal after and pharmaceutical production. The project, completion of the $6.4 million redevelopment of Mildura Airport, which benefited which received $1.8 million from the State from $5.2 million from the Regional Growth Fund. Government, will dramatically improve the company’s competitiveness against imported Mildura Airport accommodates well over 200,000 passengers and supports three synthetic tartaric acid. Six new jobs were major airlines, while providing an important hub for air ambulance, flight training, created for plant operators and maintenance aerial agriculture, parachuting, military and charter flights. It is a vital element to the staff as a result of the project, which also continued growth and development of the Sunraysia economy and plays an important secured the jobs of 34 employees at the role in sustaining a number of major events and festivals in the region. company.

The extensive redevelopment works include improved check-in areas, baggage systems and car parks, while the overall size of the terminal has almost doubled, easing delays and congestion issues that resulted when the airport was frequently pushed to capacity during peak periods. The new terminal will support greater passenger numbers, facilitate new direct air services to and from Sydney, Adelaide, and , and provide improved amenities for airport users. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG24 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG25

Bendigo Art Gallery

Burra Foods Korumburra In March the $8.5 million redevelopment of the Bendigo Art Gallery was officially opened, significantly expanding the capacity and functionality of one In May the first batches of Burra Foods’ new infant formula rolled off the company’s of the city’s key cultural institutions. Korumburra production line after the completion of a $22 million expansion project that The expansion will assist the gallery in attracting larger, world-class received $1.5 million through the Regional Growth Fund. exhibitions, drawing more visitors, and building on the gallery’s reputation as a The expansion has enabled Burra Foods to produce nutritional milk powders as well as a new key economic stimulator in the region. The gallery currently attracts more than range of products for infants, toddlers and the elderly. The products, produced primarily for 300,000 visitors each year. the export market, will allow the company to take full advantage of increasing demand for Included in the expansion project, which received $3.775 million from the State nutritional milk powder products in Asian markets. Government, is the creation of a new ‘Park Gallery’ exhibition area featuring The project included the construction of a state-of-the-art water treatment plant that allows open and flexible spaces for major exhibitions, a new multi-purpose ‘Pavilion the company to produce infant formula using the highest quality of ultra-purified water Gallery’, and the construction of a new back-of-house loading dock and possible. Important water saving measures were also carried out as part of the expansion, exhibition management area. which will reduce pressure on the town’s water supply by at least 165 megalitres a year and significantly reduce trade waste discharges. Latertouche Water main Replacement Project

State Government support was a key component to facilitating Burra Foods’ investment, which Gippsland’s Jindi Cheese will double its production by 2016 thanks to a created 60 construction jobs, 26 new full time jobs, and secured more than 100 existing jobs at $1.14 million water main replacement project in Labertouche that will also the Korumburra plant. provide a secure water supply to 19 domestic and stock customers. Geelong Library and Heritage Centre The project, which received $570,000 from the Regional Growth Fund, will replace five kilometres of water supply main from Old Sale Road to Old In July the first sod was turned on the new $45 million Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. Telegraph Road, which has reached the end of its useful life and is at critical risk of failure, presenting a significant operational risk for the company. The development, which will deliver a new state-of-the-art home for two important community By providing a reliable and secure water supply, the project will remove a institutions, received support of $15 million from the Regional Growth Fund. Expected to receive significant constraint on the company’s investment and expansion plans, which more than one million visitors annually, and designed to meet current and future demand from include plans to invest $6 million in its Gippsland plant over the next five years, Geelong’s growing population, the landmark venue with its striking dome-shaped design will be securing its future and creating vital new jobs. a key component in the revitalization of Geelong’s cultural and heritage precinct. Jindi Cheese is an award-winning soft cheese maker that supplies Australia’s Due for completion in late 2015, and designed to incorporate the latest in information major and independent supermarkets and restaurants. With a current technology and sustainable design, the new centre will feature a library space over three levels, workforce of 52 it is the largest employer in Jindivick and a significant café and courtyard, exhibition and display areas, children’s exploration and discovery zone, employer in Baw Baw Shire. multipurpose learning spaces and a dedicated heritage centre reading room. Bright Off-river storage WARRNAMBOOL REGIONAL AVIATION PROJECT In November work officially commenced on a new 520 megalitre dam at Warrnambool Regional Airport will undertake a $4.3 million project to significantly improve its Freeburgh in Victoria’s North East, which will provide vital water security for capacity and meet growing demand from new and existing businesses to establish and expand Bright, Wandiligong and Porepunkah. The $14.5 million Bright Off-River Water their operations at the airport. Storage project, which received $2 million through the Regional Growth Fund, will help meet the urban water needs of the three towns and also deliver The lack of industrial land, hangar capacity and transport infrastructure at the airport is significant environmental benefits for the . currently restricting new investment and risking the loss of significant economic development opportunities in aviation-related industries across the region. currently Once completed, off-river storage will allow water to be taken from the river consists of 16 occupied hangars that house business, recreational and emergency services during the winter months when flows are high, eliminating the need to extract aircraft. water during the summer months when environmental flows are naturally lower. The new storage will increase water supply reliability from 65 per cent The project, which received $1.45 million from the Regional Growth Fund and $2 million from to 95 per cent across the three towns, providing much-needed certainty for the State Government’s Regional Aviation Fund, will involve the construction of taxiways, hangar business and domestic water customers in this region, while the increased access roads, drainage and essential services to facilitate investment in up to 20 additional flow of water during summer will dramatically improve river health and hangar sites at the Airport. aquatic life.

The new dam is expected to be completed in 2014. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG26 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG27

Port of echuca revitalisation

The $5 million Port of Echuca Discovery Centre officially opened in December, showcasing the rich history of the Port and providing a new entrance to the $15 million Port of Echuca Revitalisation Project, which received $5 million from the State Government.

The Centre, a contemporary design that incorporates recycled wharf timber to reflect its location and past, allows visitors to engage with the rich history of the precinct and significantly improves the display of the port’s many artefacts.

The Port of Echuca Revitalisation Project involves the redevelopment of the historic Echuca Wharf and a number of associated precinct works, such as the establishment of onion patch mooring infrastructure, the construction of new red gum walkways and two new retail areas in Murray Esplanade.

The Port of Echuca is one of the key visitor attractions on the Murray River and provides an opportunity for more than 60,000 visitors annually to experience the inland river port and the region’s rich history. The Port Beaufort Rail Marysville Golf Club directly employs around 95 people and supports an estimated 3,000 Redevelopment More than 150 properties are now better tourism-related jobs in the Campaspe and Murray Shires, contributing approximately $250 million to the local economy. protected from flooding as a result of new One of the few community facilities in infrastructure works on the Beaufort rail Marysville to survive the devastating Black mildurA riverfront line. Four new drainage culverts will reduce Saturday bushfires in 2009, the Marysville water levels by 40 centimetres during a one- Community Golf and Bowls Club received a In 2013-14 progress continued on delivery of the $18.3 million Stage in-a-hundred-year flood event, protecting significant facelift in 2014, with a $2 million One Mildura Riverfront Redevelopment, a project that will reimagine industrial, commercial and residential redevelopment continuing the town’s long Mildura’s riverfront and its connection to the city, creating tourism, properties from unexpected flooding. recovery process. business, recreational and low-density residential opportunities. The project creates certainty for local Supported by the State Government as well Stage one of the project will upgrade parklands and path networks, businesses and provides them with the the Marysville and Triangle Community improve landscaping and public signage, increase waterfront access, confidence to plan for future growth, Bushfire Relief Fund, the project involved introduce public art and café opportunities, and install a city to river generating jobs and strengthening the local the demolition of the western end of the pedestrian connection at Langtree Avenue. Stage one received economy. At Broadbent Court industrial clubhouse and construction of a new function $12 million through the Regional Growth Fund, as well as significant estate, located east of the city near the room that can accommodate more than contributions from the Federal Government and Mildura Rural City Western Highway, land previously at risk of 200 people. New clubhouse areas include Council. inundation can now be developed, generating a members’ lounge, meeting room, bar, an estimated 29 jobs. kitchen, pro shop and outdoor timber deck, As part of stage one, in November an early works program was initiated allowing the club to serve more meals and with landscaping works in the Nowingi Place, delivering car park works, Users of the Ararat-Ballarat rail line and the attract more patrons. pathway connections, and the construction of new public amenities Western Highway – major transport links for and BBQ facilities. In May 2014, landscaping and public amenities passengers and freight – will also enjoy safer, The redevelopment is another important works were completed and helped Mildura host the Triple J One Night more reliable travel as a result of the works. milestone in Marysville’s recovery, giving Stand event, which saw more than 15,000 visitors to the Nowingi Place The $2.5 million project, which was delivered visitors another reason to return to the precinct on the Mildura Riverfront. significantly under budget, received $925,000 popular tourist destination. The project is through the Regional Growth Fund. due for completion in September 2014. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG28 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG29

ENERGY FOR THE REGIONS The $100 million Energy for the Regions program continued to fund the extension of natural gas across regional Victoria and encourage associated investment in the regions.

Work on the Energy for the Regions Program continued in 2013-14, with announcements made on the supply of natural gas to Koo Wee Rup and Warburton. This brings the number of regional towns to be connected to seven, with Mildura’s gas supply network also being augmented under the program. SUPPORTING Gas distributor SP AusNet is soon to complete the supply of natural gas to Huntly, one of the first towns to be connected under the Program. SP AusNet has now LOCAL INITIATIVES installed and commissioned 3,318 metres of supply main and 13,298 metres of reticulation pipeline in Huntly, with a number of residents already accessing natural gas through the newly constructed network. RDV recognises the vital role that rural and regional To connect the remaining priority towns, on 3 September 2013 RDV released an communities can play in addressing the challenges $85 million Request for Tender (RFT) for supply of natural gas using alternative delivery solutions, including compressed natural gas (CNG) and/or liquefied natural and opportunities facing their regions. Through a gas (LNG) to leading energy companies with the technical and financial capability range of targeted programs, we seek to support to participate in a tender. The RFT includes $55 million for the supply of natural gas to the remaining priority towns, and an additional $30 million for the connection of stronger and more sustainable regional communities Murray River communities (including $15 million of Commonwealth funding). by building their capacity to drive development and CNG and LNG solutions typically involve increasing the energy density of natural maximising the impact of local investment. gas. This gas is then transported by road trailer or tanker to a storage location near a regional town, avoiding the significant costs involved in the construction of major pipelines. The natural gas is then reticulated from the storage location to homes PUTTING LOCALS FIRST and businesses. A CNG or LNG delivery solution has the potential to deliver on the The $100 million Putting Locals First Program component of the Regional Victorian Government’s commitment to provide natural gas to towns in regional Growth Fund enables regional communities to determine and deliver service and Victoria at a comparable price, safety and level of service and convenience to natural infrastructure responses that reflect their local priorities. gas sourced from a conventional pipeline. At 30 June 2014, commitments from the program totalled $75.96 million towards The RFT has now closed and RDV is currently negotiating with respondents. 658 projects with a total project cost of $194.93 million. This included: An outcome to the RFT is expected in the second half of 2014. >> $24.04 million to 111 shared-use community facilities;

>> $10.25 million to 51 open space projects;

>> $9.83 million to 39 streetscape projects;

>> $5.97 million to 112 local strategic and project planning initiatives;

>> $3.67 million to 51 business and industry development initiatives; and,

>> $1.18 million to 84 local and regional events. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG30 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG31

Hindmarsh Shire Economic Pedestrian Bridge Development Strategy $220,000 from the Putting Locals First Program will support the $295,000 Hindmarsh Shire Council will develop a five- Yarriambiack Creek Pedestrian Bridge project in Warracknabeal. year economic strategy to maximise regional The new pedestrian bridge across the Yarriambiack Creek will boost public output, job creation and investment thanks safety and improve access to the creek’s existing walking tracks. The creek has a to a $90,000 grant under the program. The significant presence in Warracknabeal, with the weir pool and surrounding area Hindmarsh Shire Economic Development utilised for a range of recreational activities such as swimming, boating, water Strategy will provide the basis for council’s skiing, fishing and picnics. response to economic development challenges and opportunities from 2014 to Currently the only crossing is via a vehicle bridge, presenting a considerable 2019, creating a clear and concise economic hazard to pedestrians. The swing bridge will complete a seven kilometre walking plan that will identify opportunities where track and allow all users to complete a full loop between the east and west the region holds a comparative advantage, In 2013-14, $22.58 million was approved for walking tracks in a safe and leisurely manner. The new bridge will also allow for such as in grain production, intensive animal easier access to the many waterside events held at Warracknabeal. 279 projects under the Putting Locals First industries, transport and manufacturing. Program, including: Lorne Film Festival 2013 The $120,000 strategy will document the Ballarat Olympic Precinct infrastructure and services needed to A $10,000 grant through the Putting Locals First Program helped support the Upgrade support growing sectors, such as nature inaugural Lorne Film Festival, held between 15 and 17 November 2013. The three- and heritage-based tourism, and through day festival attracted over 1000 patrons, exhibited 29 films across 5 screens, and The Olympic Rings Precinct in Ballarat, which consultation with government, business and drew film professionals from across Australia to the Great Ocean Road region, celebrates the Olympic rowing events held industry stakeholders, and will also look at providing a significant boost to the local economy outside its traditional peak at Lake Wendouree in 1956, will receive a opportunities to diversify employment across tourist period. welcome facelift after receiving a $60,000 the region, growing job opportunities. grant to support the $90,000 redevelopment. Seeking to nurture a strong film culture in Lorne and the Otway region for the The improvements will include landscaping Yarram District Hub duration of the event, the festival included workshops, live screenplay readings and irrigation works, a new flagpole, and the and Q&A sessions to complement the diverse screening schedule. installation of new bluestone paving that will The Yarram District Hub, a long-held form a border around the perimeter of the community priority to consolidate a range In 2014, festival organisers aim to grow the event to run over four days, targeting precinct. of community and family services and more than 3000 attendees, pursuing a long-term vision of expanding the festival infrastructure under one roof, will go ahead into an international event where people gather to buy, sell, watch, and talk about The project is due to be completed ahead of thanks to a $500,000 contribution from the film. the World Masters Rowing Regatta, which will Putting Locals First Program. be held at Lake Wendouree in October 2014. The $5.3 million project, which will draw Murphy Fresh on a total State Government contribution of just under $2 million, will provide families 25 jobs will be created following a major in Yarram and surrounding communities upgrade and expansion by Mansfield with access to high-quality childcare, hydroponic tomato producer Murphy Fresh. kindergarten, maternal and child health The project includes packaging facility services, an expanded library, and local upgrades and the installation of a new government services in one integrated, state- switchboard, biomass boiler and water tanks. of-the-art facility. Together with the expansion of its existing glasshouse, the company is expecting to The new facility will also include an upgrade double its production of premium grade to the Yarram swimming pool, kiosk, change truss tomatoes for the Australian fresh food area and reception facility, along with market. The $1.5 million expansion was community meeting spaces and increased supported by a $150,000 grant through the car parking. Putting Locals First Program. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG32 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG33

Local Government Infrastructure Program Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre An estimated 500 people attended the official opening of the Nhill Aviation Heritage In 2013-14 the $100 million Local Government Infrastructure Program component of the Centre in May 2014, which was supported by $354,000 through the Local Government Regional Growth Fund continued to provide all 48 regional and rural councils with a flexible Infrastructure Program. funding stream to plan and build new infrastructure and renew crucial community assets. The $500,000 centre, housed in a restored hangar measuring 30 by 25 metres, is To date, more than $95.23 million has been allocated against 411 projects nominated by rural designed to reflect the appearance of Nhill aerodrome’s original Bellman Hangar. The and regional councils, with a total value of $272.85 million. The program is creating greater Centre houses a partially restored Avro Anson aeroplane, which takes pride of place certainty for councils to plan and deliver key infrastructure projects scheduled as part of their amongst a large assortment of memorabilia from the Second World War, when the existing capital works plans. Projects nominated by councils included: aerodrome was utilised as an RAAF training base. >> $20.49 million to 86 community outdoor spaces; The Heritage Centre pays tribute to more than 10,000 navigators and radio operators >> $2.83 million to 19 environmental or sustainability based initiatives; who trained at Nhill and went on to serve in the Second World War. >> $20.32 million to 77 road or bridge infrastructure projects; Yea Shire Hall Refurbishment

>> $10.10 million to 44 sports facilities; and, The popular Yea Shire Hall has been returned to its former glory after an extensive $750,000 renovation supported with $250,000 through the Local Government >> $2.97 million to 21 tourism-related facilities. Infrastructure Program.

The following examples represent projects supported by the Local Government Infrastructure The two-storey hall, built in 1894, housed the original Yea shire offices. Heritage Program in 2013-14. advisors worked closely on the project to ensure this important part of Yea’s history remained true to its era. The extensive refurbishment included stabilisation works, Known as the New Generation Bendigo Bendigo Library stage renewal and upgrades to the sound, lighting and electrical infrastructure, Library, the facilities also include exhibition replastering and painting, refinishing of the timber floor, as well as new hall and The $9.5 million Bendigo Library spaces for visual arts and an engaging stage curtains, refurbished dressing rooms, and the installation of kiln dried redevelopment was officially opened in children’s area to encourage early reading. hardwood stairs at the rear of the stage. Heating and cooling units were also installed February 2014, providing Bendigo residents The library will also provide a new home to for the first time to ensure the comfort of patrons and performers, and allow the hall with state-of-the-art library services including the Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre, to be utilised all year round. a computer research space with free Wi-Fi, encouraging greater volunteerism within community lounge, coffee shop, and engaging the community. Prior to the redevelopment, The project also involved a new extension to the original building, to house a performance spaces. The City of Greater the existing library had not been subject to greenroom, toilet facilities, a supper room and kitchen. The hall was officially Bendigo Council directed all of its $2 million any upgrades or renewal works since it first re-opened in May 2014 after almost four years of planning, preparation and allocation under the Local Government opened in 1984. construction. Infrastructure Program toward this major project, allowing it to leverage the remaining Attracting over 500,000 visitors each year, funds from a wide variety of sources including the improvements are expected to increase the Goldfields Library Corporation, the Hugh patronage by up to 100,000. In May 2014, DT Williamson Foundation and the State the Bendigo library redevelopment was Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure short-listed for the prestigious Victorian Program. Council also provided a significant Architecture Awards. funding contribution. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG34 REGIONAL GROWTH FUND PG35

REGIONAL GROWTH FUND:> OTHER KEY initiatives Developing stronger regions Through the Regional Growth Fund, the Government also supported a range of other major initiatives The Developing Stronger Regions Program supports during 2013-14, including the Regional Partnerships the provision of better infrastructure, facilities and Facilitation Fund, the Regional Community Leadership services in regional Victoria by providing funding Program and the Rural Council Planning Flying Squad. toward the investigation and assessment of technical REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Over the past three years more than 650 and economically viable projects. FACILITATION FUND participants have completed one of these programs, building skills, knowledge, and Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing The report will analyse and consolidate Through the Regional Partnerships confidence while establishing a broad the findings from previous technical Facilitation Fund, RDV supported higher network of graduates with wide-ranging The alpine walking route between Falls Creek investigations as well as incorporate a market education and vocational education and experiences. and , identified as one of four training institutions to adopt new partnership sounding exercise to determine private sector The program is supported by a secretariat, ‘icon walks’ in Victoria, is set to undergo a models that improve access to higher interest in the development of a mineral charged with building the capability and range of long-term improvements after a education in regional and rural Victoria. spa and wellness complex at the popular profile of the individual programs, while master plan to explore options for its future The $20 million Fund has now supported 15 swimming and recreational area. monitoring and assessing their long-term development received funding of $50,000. initiatives and leveraged further in-kind and The report will also investigate a business financial contributions from project partners impact. In 2014 a survey of the program’s Tourism North East’s $150,000 Master Plan plan for the project, currently estimated to of approximately $28 million. Through these key stakeholders was undertaken, for the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing will have a total development cost in excess of initiatives a total of 2600 new enrolments are complementing an earlier survey of past further the development of the popular walk, $20 million. anticipated. participants. The two surveys quantified the developing a series of detailed designs for its contributions of past participants through alignment and layout, as well as identifying FUNCTIONAL DESIGN OF A The Fund has supported initiatives such as La engagement and in-kind contributions to possible campsite locations, key areas for DEDICATED WATER SUPPLY PIPELINE Trobe University’s Tertiary Enabling Program community organisations, valuing this work potential accommodation, and options for (TEP), which extends an existing pilot at over $13 million per year to over 1300 other visitor destinations. Dedicated work to improve water supply and program at the university’s Albury-Wodonga community organisations. security for one of Victoria’s most important campus to Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton The master plan will also assess additional dairy producers has been undertaken after a in collaboration with regional TAFE providers. RURAL COUNCIL PLANNING route options and explore design and contribution of $30,000 from the Developing The program delivers an 18-week foundation FLYING SQUAD life-cycle issues to minimise the need for Stronger Regions Program. course to prepare indigenous and refugee infrastructure and ongoing maintenance. students for tertiary education, focusing During 2013-14, RDV also helped regional The $97,000 project, undertaken by the on academic study skills across four inter- and rural communities plan for change and Mineral Springs Geelong Goulburn Valley Region Water Corporation, related introductory subjects: social science, growth through the $2.8 million Rural Council looked into options for establishing a adult learning, mathematics, and science. Planning Flying Squad, which provides expert A Mineral Springs Spa and Wellness Centre dedicated water supply pipeline that would The TEP has experienced strong demand technical assistance to regional and rural on Geelong’s Eastern Beach is now one step link the Water Treatment Plant to with 109 enrolments across the three delivery councils on issues such as major projects and closer to becoming a reality, with a grant Murray Goulburn Co-operative’s Cobram locations, exceeding the initial target of 90. developments, long-term land use, strategic of $60,000 provided to the City of Greater processing plant. plans as well as immediate planning support Geelong, who will undertake a $120,000 REGIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP with planning permit and amendment work. feasibility report. Murray Goulburn is a major contributor to PROGRAM the local economy, employing approximately The initiative has now delivered 132 projects, 500 people, and a secure water supply Implementation of the Regional Community including recent work undertaken with will allow the company to meet increased Leadership Program continued in 2013-14, Greater Shepparton City Council where the demand and invest in future expansion. The driving regional development by building Flying Squad assisted with a number of study will inform a number of decisions leadership capability in key business and amendments including the development of a around pipeline construction, including route community sectors across regional and master plan for the Unilever factory in Tatura. options, infrastructure requirements and cost rural Victoria. Nine community leadership The master plan will cut red tape and time estimates. programs are currently supported under the to enable the company to explore long-term $6 million initiative. plan to expand its operations over the next 15 years. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 PLACE-BASED SOLUTIONS PG36 PLACE-BASED SOLUTIONS PG37

Place-Based Solutions The Victorian Government supports place-based approaches to economic development that utilise local knowledge and leadership to address changing economic conditions and encourage the economic potential of communities. RDV works with regional industry and communities to identify strategic advantages in skills, innovation and resources which can drive economic growth. Geelong Advancement Fund Launched in March 2013, the $11 million St Mary’s Hall Redevelopment Geelong Advancement Fund responds to recent industry downsizing in the Geelong The heritage listed St Mary’s Hall will be Kommercial Factory transformed into a publicly accessible Barwon area by supporting initiatives that increase Not-for-profit service provider Karingal will undertake a major expansion of its Health medical library and community jobs, skills and innovation and deliver Kommercial Factory in North Geelong with the support of a $650,000 grant toward hub after the project received a grant of economic and community infrastructure the $4.65 million project. The expanded factory will deliver 60 new jobs to the $3 million. in the city. community, including 20 for people with disabilities. As well as the creation of these Administered by RDV, the competitive fund It forms part of the broader revitalisation new jobs, the three-building facility in Douro Street will secure the jobs of 63 current supports collaborative ventures with public of the former St Mary’s School site, a key employees (including 45 with disabilities). Business activities at the new facility and private sector, education and community location in the Geelong CBD, which will will include packaging, warehousing, storage, laundry operations, catering, food organisations that will improve economic and undergo a $65 million redevelopment to production and industrial land care. create 193 dwellings that will mix privately liveability outcomes in Geelong. Kommercial is a Geelong-based Australian Disability Enterprise that provides owned residences with social housing, employment for people with a disability in a supportive work environment, providing Projects funded under the Geelong accommodation for Barwon Health patients catering services and gourmet food production, garden and grounds maintenance Advancement Fund in 2013-14 include: and staff, and a range of community facilities. and outsourced business tasks. The project received total State Government funding of $7.36 million and will create Deakin Student Accommodation up to 50 full time ongoing jobs, in addition to 100 construction jobs, regenerating a The $8.1 million Deakin University student accommodation project, which received a long-derelict site and greatly improving the grant of $850,000 through the Geelong Advancement Fund, will redevelop the iconic amenity of the Geelong CBD. T&G building in the heart of Geelong’s CBD, creating 33 new student apartments. Located just 600 metres from Deakin’s waterfront campus, the project will establish the first dedicated student accommodation for the growing campus.

Each of the 33 studio apartments will include a kitchenette, ensuite bathroom and study area, while common areas will include a large kitchen, central laundry facilities, lounge and an outdoor area. Funding will be complemented by a Commonwealth Government contribution of $3.1 million to support rental subsidies, ensuring the apartments remain affordable for students over the next 10 years. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 PLACE-BASED SOLUTIONS PG38 PLACE-BASED SOLUTIONS PG39

Lion Dairy Drouin WEst Timber and truss

In October 2013 Lion Dairy and Drinks, one Drouin West Timber and Truss will undertake of the Latrobe Valley’s biggest employers, a $2.23 million project that will provide the officially completed a $2.1 million project company with a new manufacturing facility to increase its electricity capacity with the capable of producing materials for up to support of a $490,000 grant. 500 homes each year.

The project involved construction of The project, which received a grant of 11.5 kilometres of underground electricity $700,000, will deliver state-of-the-art cabling to provide Lion with a dedicated equipment that will facilitate advanced higher capacity electricity feeder, as well as timber construction methods, producing pre- the installation of a 2.5 MVA transformer and clad exterior walls and floor sections that, related distribution boards. The works will along with roof trusses, can be delivered to deliver greater electricity capacity and a more the building site and erected in as little as Latrobe Valley Industry > reliable supply for the company and allow one week, cutting up to 10 weeks from the for future expansion, while also providing construction time of new homes. Twenty- and Employment Roadmap significant reliability and capacity benefits for two new jobs will be created as well as a 110 businesses and more than 990 residential further eight new jobs during the project’s In the Latrobe Valley, RDV has worked with a broad range of local stakeholders to properties who share the existing feeder to construction phase. develop and implement the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap, the site. The projects will allow the company to a coordinated, long-term plan for future industry and employment growth in the Lion Dairy and Drinks, formerly National introduce the latest building construction Latrobe Valley. The Roadmap identifies strategic directions for managing the Foods, employs more than 160 people at its methods to the Victorian market, positioning challenge of structural adjustment and repositioning the Latrobe Valley’s economy Morwell facility, and is Australia’s largest itself as one of Gippsland’s most innovative for sustainable long -term growth. single manufacturing site for the production manufacturers and delivering significant cost This work is underpinned by the $15 million Latrobe Valley Industry and of yoghurt, dairy desserts and sour cream. savings for both new home owners and the Infrastructure Fund (LVIIF), which works to strengthen the workforce, support local building industry. enhanced competitiveness and innovation, and enable growth and diversification to Longwarry Food Park ensure a sustainable future for the Latrobe Valley. At the end of June 2014, more than A $500,000 grant has supported Longwarry $10.1 million in LVIIF funding had been announced for 28 projects with a total project Food Park to undertake the development of cost of over $40 million. These projects are expected to create more than 400 jobs. a $2.8 million Portion Pack UHT production Projects announced or completed in 2013-14 include: line. The project will allow the company to Australian Sustainable Hardwoods produce a 250ml UHT milk TetraPak at its Longwarry manufacturing plant, creating In June 2014 Victoria’s largest hardwood saw mill, located in Heyfield, officially 15 new jobs and significantly increasing completed a $2.7 million expansion project supported by $500,000 through the LVIIF production. and an additional $150,000 through RDV’s Living Regions Living Suburbs program. The new product line is specifically aimed The improved mill now includes a new horizontal finger joiner, an extension to the at the Asian market, and will increase the current finger joining and laminating facility, the establishment of a hard stand company’s exports while continuing to grow site as well as new equipment for the joiner line. The works will create significant the Asian marketplace for Victorian dairy efficiencies in the production of high quality manufactured timber products such producers. as window and door frames, door stiles and flooring, providing significant import replacement opportunities.

Australian Sustainable Hardwoods is the main recipient of high quality timber in Gippsland, and its ongoing operation in Heyfield is essential to the viability of the local forestry industry. The expansion will safeguard 190 existing jobs and create 15 new jobs at the mill. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 PLACE-BASED SOLUTIONS PG40 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL RECOVERY PG41

Emergency management > and Regional Recovery 2014 BUSHFIRES > ECONOMIC RECOVERy

The bushfires of January and February 2014 had significant economic impact in several communities across the State. Restoring business operations is often integral to the recovery of communities following natural disasters such as bushfires, particularly in those areas where the disaster had a clear economic impact. RDV is delivering a $2.35 million commitment to support economic recovery from the 2014 bushfires. This funding will support three distinct initiatives:

>> 2014 Bushfire Recovery - Community Events Package - $150,000; Goulburn Valley Industry > >> Fast Tracking Regional Development Projects in Affected Communities - $1 million; and,

and Infrastructure Fund >> 2014 Bushfires Economic Recovery Fund - $1.2 million.

In March 2014, RDV launched the $5 million Goulburn Valley Industry and 2014 Bushfire Recovery - Community Events Package Infrastructure Fund. Through a contestable grants program, the Fund directly supports businesses and industry in the Goulburn Valley to grow and adapt to Individual grants have been made available to eligible Councils to fund small changing market conditions, creating jobs, increasing productivity, and repositioning community events aimed at re-establishing social networks and functioning, such as: the economy for sustainable long-term growth. It supports implementation of the Goulburn Valley Fruit Growing Industry Road Map and the Goulburn Valley Industry >> A local festival that provides social networking and community participation and Employment Plan, which set out strategic approaches to leverage new industry, opportunities; trade, investment and employment opportunities in response to the challenge of >> A community arts project that explores, records and exhibits experiences from structural adjustment in the region. the bushfires;

The Fund aims to: >> A fund-raising event where proceeds go back to affected community; or,

>> invest in enabling strategic infrastructure to transform and transition the >> A local thank you function for volunteers who have helped with clean-up Goulburn Valley; activities.

>> stimulate businesses and industrial growth by leveraging new investment; Fast Tracking Regional Development Projects in Affected Communities

>> facilitate increased export opportunities or import substitution; and, The Fast Tracking of Regional Development Projects in Affected Communities brings >> create or retain jobs and stimulate economic growth through supply chain forward economic development projects in local government areas that suffered the innovation and revitalisation. greatest economic impact. Projects will be prioritised through initiatives such as the Putting Locals First Program. The Fund has been well received by businesses within the Goulburn Valley catchment area, with a number of applications already received just two months after the initial 2014 Bushfires Economic Recovery Fund launch. RDV has worked to identify priority projects to bring forward, and is currently The Economic Recovery Fund supports the recovery of communities affected by working with proponents to finalise funding applications. the 2014 bushfires by stimulating economic activity. Prioritisation has been given RDV continues to liaise with the Goulburn Valley Transition Committee, a Ministerial to initiatives identified in the various Recovery Plans developed in the aftermath of committee made up of local stakeholders charged with overseeing the delivery of the 2014 bushfires, including Regional Recovery Plans, Community Recovery Plans, actions from the Goulburn Valley Industry and Employment Plan and the Goulburn Tourism Recovery Plans and Business Recovery Plans. Valley Fruit Growing Industry Road Map. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL RECOVERY PG42 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL RECOVERY PG43

FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPORT Marysville Hotel > In 2013-14, RDV continued delivery of initiatives to support affected communities and Conference Centre following the flood events of 2010, 2011 and 2012. Identified as one of eight catalyst projects that could assist in the economic The majority of Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund projects associated recovery of Marysville, construction works on the $28 million Vibe Hotel with the 2010 and 2011 floods were completed, including the Central Goldfields Flood Marysville continued to progress well in 2013-14. Recovery Community Infrastructure Re-Establishment project and the Creswick Bowls Club Relocation project. Projects associated with the 2012 floods continued to The 101-room four-star hotel will feature conference facilities for more be delivered. than 300 people, a wood-fire grill restaurant/gastro pub, cafe, deli and bakehouse, as well as a spa and wellness area. The $5 million Flood Support Program, established through the Regional Growth Fund as a partnership between RDV and the Department of Environment and Primary The project remains on track for completion in late 2014 and represents a Industries, was also completed in 2013-14. The program supported five Catchment vital component of Marysville’s tourism-led recovery from the 2009 Victorian Management Authorities to restore flood-damaged catchments and improve Bushfires. The Vibe Hotel Marysville will provide an important boost to the environmental conditions for primary producers and irrigators in flood-affected areas. traditional tourist destination once completed, drawing visitors, boosting Outcomes include the direct employment of 59 positions and 37 indirect positions, local employment and stimulating the economy. together with the involvement of 50 volunteers from Landcare, Conservation Construction of the hotel, on the site of the former Cumberland Hotel, has Volunteers Australia and Waterwatch and at least 30 landholders working across already created up to 85 full-time jobs, and more than 60 full-time jobs are 15 projects. expected to be created in Marysville once the hotel is completed. In addition to the programs and initiatives outlined above, $8.7 million has been approved to fund 48 projects under the $10 million Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund, expected to leverage $137 million in investment and create 793 jobs in Victoria. Fire Recovery Unit

Through the Fire Recovery Unit (FRU), 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 Black Saturday Bushfires.

In February 2014, the FRU led the coordination and staging of a central commemorative event to mark the fifth anniversary of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires. This was a significant milestone for many, and the event attracted more than 300 people from across Victoria.

Hosted by the Premier and held at Melbourne Museum, the event featured performances from bushfire-affected communities and a photo exhibition titled Images of Recovery.

The FRU coordinated the publication of the Victorian Bushfire Recovery Five Year Report, published in early February 2014, which summarised key recovery milestones and achievements over the preceding five years. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 INTEGRATED DELIVERY AND BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PG44 INTEGRATED DELIVERY AND BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PG45

Barwon South West Supporting Lara’s coordinated growth area planning Facilitating the strategic, sustainable growth of Geelong, Victoria’s largest regional city, is a key priority for Barwon South West. The Planning and Development Team has worked closely with key stakeholders, including the City of Greater Geelong, the local community, commercial developers and infrastructure agencies to ensure well- planned and serviced urban extensions to Lara, one of the designated growth nodes in the municipality. The team’s extensive work culminated with the approval of three planning scheme amendments to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme, allowing new residential and commercial land development at the Lara West Precinct, and new housing developments at both the Manzeene Village and Caddys Road Precincts. These three precincts will accommodate a total of 4,800 new dwellings. The Lara West Precinct, which alone comprises 4,000 residential lots, is anticipated to generate integrated delivery and > a $37 million investment in roads, community infrastructure and sporting facilities. It will also include an employment hub, expected to provide 300 jobs, a neighbourhood business engagement activity centre and three new schools. This year RDV assumed responsibility for providing integrated regional service Australian Lamb delivery on behalf of the Department of State Development, Business and Innovation Australian Lamb Colac processes up to 40,000 lambs per week, and employs (DSDBI), the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) and the Department of approximately 350 staff. The Business Engagement Team has worked with the Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (DTPLI), with our five regional teams company to secure a grant of $250,000 through the Industries for Today and providing a cross-portfolio, multidisciplinary service to support a more efficient Tomorrow program to support a $2.35 million expansion of the company’s freezer and approach to regional development. cold-store facilities. It will allow the company, which has export accreditation for the Chinese market, to increase exports into the growing Chinese lamb market, boosting RDV provides a local presence and single point of engagement for communities, exports by approximately $5 million per year and creating 25 new jobs in meat business, local government and other stakeholders when accessing a wide-range processing at Colac. The expansion comprises a 1,000 carton plate freezer, freezer of government services. The new model allows for a more coordinated and strategic storage for 500 pallet spaces and an additional loading dock, reducing reliance on approach to service delivery and support in our rural and regional communities, third party cool-stores in Melbourne and allowing direct transport of containers to encouraging greater engagement amongst the portfolios of Regional Planning, the Port of Melbourne. Sport and Recreation Victoria, and the Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. Great Ocean Road Heritage Centre Our Regional Business Engagement teams have worked across Government departments and portfolios to coordinate investment attraction and export facilitation, Due for completion in November 2014, the Great Ocean Road National Heritage supporting regional businesses and helping to develop sustainable industries that are Centre will form part of Lorne’s Visitor Information Centre, telling the story of the growth orientated and export focused. Our business engagement model focuses on construction of the Great Ocean Road and becoming a focal point for permanent and an integrated approach encompassing investment, trade, skills, infrastructure and temporary historical displays on the history of the Great Ocean Road. The story of the regulation, supporting the economic resilience of regions by targeting jobs growth construction of the Great Ocean Road captures a unique time in Australian history, and investment opportunities for new and existing businesses. built with the assistance of more than 3,000 Australian ex-servicemen over a 13-year period and forming a memorial to those who fought for Australia during World War By improving our engagement, support and connections with regional and rural One. The project was achieved through a strong partnership between RDV, the Surf communities, RDV has been able to better target informed, locally-driven responses Coast Shire Council and the Federal Government, that each contributed to the total to community and business needs and issues. Significant achievements highlighting project cost of $750,000. this cross-portfolio approach for each region are highlighted on the following pages. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 INTEGRATED DELIVERY AND BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PG46 INTEGRATED DELIVERY AND BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PG47

The Deadly in Gippsland Gippsland Spirit Conference Gippsland Regional The Deadly in Gippsland Spirit Conference, Management Forum held between 26 and 28 March 2014, was hosted by the East Gippsland Shire Council In late 2013, following the release of the in partnership with the East Gippsland Local Regional Policy Advisory Committee report Indigenous Networks from Bairnsdale, Research into Education Aspiration for Lakes Entrance, Orbost and Cann River and Regional Victoria, the Gippsland Regional Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust. The conference Management Forum (RMF) identified incorporated presentations, displays, educational aspiration as a significant issue workshops, forums, cultural activities and affecting the future of the region, with a tours, and focused on the key themes of particular concern around school retention health and wellbeing, employment, education and post-secondary education attainment and training, strengthening Aboriginal levels. communities, small business success stories, accountability and reconciliation. Gippsland Regional Growth Plan The RMF identified the need for an integrated approach across all government portfolios Over 400 people attended the conference, The Gippsland Regional Growth Plan (RGP) presents an overall regional strategy to to achieve long-term change aimed at launched with an exhibition showcasing support a projected population growth of over 116,000 people by 2041. Developed over providing a future workforce with the required the work of over 25 Aboriginal artists from three years and endorsed by all six local governments in Gippsland, the plan provides attributes, skills and knowledge to be Gippsland. direction for accommodating growth and development while protecting Gippsland’s effectively engaged in emerging industries. key regional economic and environmental strengths. The RMF’s ‘Broadening Horizons’ education Collaboration was key to the success of the project is focused on building stronger conference, with support and funding provided The plan sets out directions and recommendations that are designed to encourage connections between industry and secondary by the Gippsland Regional Management the development of productive and innovative agriculture, forestry and fishery colleges. In partnership with the Beacon Forum, State and Federal government industries, protect brown coal assets and positively address the challenges of a Foundation, RMF agencies are working with departments, all six local governments in carbon constrained environment. It also seeks to strengthen key tourism assets secondary colleges across Gippsland to Gippsland, local organisations and agencies, including and the Australian Alps, Wilsons Promontory National develop workplace learning opportunities and community representatives. The RDV Park, Bunorong Coast, Croajingolong National Park and Tarra Bulga National Park, linked to curriculum. This includes a Gippsland team, working closely with while supporting the protection of environmental assets such as waterways, scenic partnership with RDV Gippsland and Maffra the Office of Aboriginal Affairs, were key landscapes, cultural heritage sites, inland and coastal landscapes. Secondary College, which is providing contributors to the planning and delivery of the event. The RGP highlights the importance of planning for improvements to the road network mentoring to Year 8 student groups who are and the Dandenong Rail Corridor, and identifies the need to investigate opportunities undertaking experiments and investigations for rail and road reserves that connect the region’s economy to the Port of Hastings. as part of their science curriculum. Co- The plan recommends the implementation of integrated land use strategies for partners in the ongoing project include Baw Latrobe regional city and regional centres, as well as the ongoing implementation Baw Shire Council, the Department of Health, of the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Road Map. the Committee for Gippsland and a number of local industries and businesses. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 INTEGRATED DELIVERY AND BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PG48 INTEGRATED DELIVERY AND BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PG49

Alexandra Oval Grampians Redevelopment Hume Moorabool Strategic Employment Areas Study The Alexandra Oval, Ararat’s home of AFL, Hume Regional soccer, cricket, hockey, netball and tennis, Throughout 2013-14 RDV worked collaboratively with Moorabool Shire Council to which also serves as a vibrant community Growth Plan Overview investigate opportunities for employment growth in the Parwan area, with a view facility for the people of Ararat, began a Developed over three years and endorsed to creating an employment hub. The Planning, Delivery and Business Engagement major redevelopment in November 2013 by all twelve local governments within teams from RDV Grampians were all involved in the development of the project, which and is now nearing completion. the Hume region, the Hume Regional will allow Council to better understand the growth potential and local employment Growth Plan (RGP) presents an overall An infrastructure priority for Ararat Rural opportunities in this key precinct. The study will identify future employment trends for regional strategy to accommodate City Council, the project underwent an the catchment area, identify relevant land use requirements, and enable an increased long-term population growth in the extensive planning process in consultation understanding of industrial, agricultural and value-add industries to better inform the region, anticipated to increase by an with the community and with the support planning framework required to facilitate development. additional 80,000 people by 2041. The of the RDV Grampians team. Led by RGP recognises the role of the key Working with the Regional Planning Team will enable the study to provide strategic Sport and Recreation Victoria, which regional cities of Shepparton, Wodonga direction for a number of planning issues, including those relating to zoning and coordinated an integrated, regional and Wangaratta in accommodating this potential revisions to the Bacchus Marsh Framework Plan, aiming to recognise approach, the initial stages drew heavily expansion, but also focuses on towns Parwan as a potential employment zone. RDV has provided support of $75,000 on the expertise of both regional and along Melbourne’s peri-urban region that toward the $125,000 project. central planning teams to ensure a highly will continue to attract significant growth. flexible space that meets community Ballarat Railway Station Precinct expectations, the functional requirements The Hume RGP supports the development Throughout 2013-14 work progressed on the Ballarat Railway Station Precinct of the many organisations who will utilise of existing economic sectors such Master Plan, which will provide detailed analysis of the precinct’s future use and the site, and occupational health and as manufacturing and agriculture by development and open up new opportunities for the underutilised land and structures safety requirements and guidelines. State identifying strategic agricultural and within the site, including the development of a potential transport hub. The Master Government investment for the $3.8 industrial land, while encouraging Plan incorporates the ’s CBD strategy - Making - and million facility came from across three investment in emerging industries such will facilitate the development and strengthening of Ballarat’s CBD. funding programs to realise an integrated as renewable energy generation. The investment approach, with significant plan also confirms the importance of The RDV Grampians team has been working closely with Council and other contributions also provided by Ararat maintaining and developing key regional government agencies including DTPLI and VicTrack on the development of the plan, Rural City Council, Ararat Community tourism assets such as national parks, with all RDV regional portfolios providing valuable input, from strategic facilitation in Enterprise, the Alexandra Oval Reserve tracks and trails, water bodies and Alpine regard to the relevant planning and heritage controls to involvement in the negotiation Committee of Management and the areas. of potential commercial investment. Federal Government. The result of close collaboration between The redevelopment comprises a RDV and DTPLI, the RGF brought together multipurpose room accommodating over local governments and a wide collection 200 seated patrons, a commercial kitchen, of State Government agencies and bar and canteen facilities, meeting authorities, producing a plan that reflects rooms, change rooms, home and away regional as well as state-wide priorities club rooms with dedicated facilities for and provides a strong foundation for long- trainers and umpires and a range of public term growth and development across the amenities. region. Ararat Rural City Council has commenced discussions with the RDV Grampians team regarding implementation of the next stage in the oval’s master plan, which will comprise additional sport and recreation infrastructure. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 INTEGRATED DELIVERY AND BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PG50 INTEGRATED DELIVERY AND BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PG51

Benalla Advancing Country Towns (ACT) The $9.4 million ACT Program aims to create new opportunities and improve the Loddon Mallee quality of life in nine regional and rural communities currently experiencing rapid change. The program is targeted at improving links between local, regional and rural Bendigo Hospital services to ensure they respond appropriately to local needs. The $630 million New Bendigo Hospital Project constitutes the largest regional As part of the program, RDV has worked with Rural City Council and a large hospital project in Victoria, and one of the largest regional healthcare projects in group of stakeholders to develop and implement a number of initiatives aimed at Australia. RDV’s Loddon Mallee team has played an active role throughout the early improving the resilience, capacity and prosperity of the Benalla community, targeting stages of the project, with the Regional Planning Team actively engaging with the in particular the areas of education, integrated services, and employment, skills and Department of Health, Greater Bendigo City Council and Bendigo Health to navigate training. this complex project through the difficult planning process while ensuring the protection of significant heritage objects and buildings at the site. In 2013-14 an Economic Development and Tourism Strategy was developed through broad consultation to provide an overarching focus for long-term, sustainable growth The team also assisted in the establishment of the Leveraging the Benefits of the that encompasses new business, economic diversification and future tourism New Bendigo Hospital Steering Committee, supported by a $350,000 grant from the potential. RDV worked in partnership with the Department of Education and Early Regional Growth Fund. The Committee is responsible for identifying and responding Childhood Development (DEECD), Benalla Rural City Council, Federal Government to emerging business opportunities and constraints associated with the project. In agencies and local community organisations to develop a roadmap to support local 2013-14 key achievements included: initiatives emanating from the strategy. Funding through the ACT program was used >> 400 businesses participating in a briefing on the works schedule, contract to leverage additional contributions through DEECD, Benalla Rural City Council and services and labour requirements; local philanthropic organisation the Tomorrow: Today Foundation. >> more than 150 businesses participating in workshops to build capacity to tender Significant Tracks and Trails Strategy for hume for major projects; and,

Coordinated through Sport and Recreation Victoria, the development of a strategic >> commencement of a Health Industry Development Plan to assist local plan for the future development of Hume’s walking, cycling, mountain bike riding and businesses to understand opportunities emerging from the growth of the health horse riding tracks sourced contributions from all 12 local government authorities sector. and the Hume Regional Development Australia Committee. In addition to significant healthcare benefits for the community, the project is The project included extensive consultation with key stakeholders, audits of existing expected to generate 735 construction industry and supply chain jobs and create trails and analysis of development trends both nationally and internationally. The demand for a range of ancillary opportunities within the Hospital Precinct such as final report will inform further infrastructure development and identifies specific medical offices, short to medium-term accommodation, high-density residential areas to be addressed to create an improved visitor experience. It makes a number living and a range of retail activities. of recommendations aimed at maximising the economic, tourism, environmental, health and lifestyle benefits for the region.

Ongoing development will be overseen by a partnership including representatives from RDV, Sport and Recreation Victoria, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, each of the Hume Region local government areas and Alpine Resort Boards and key trail and cycling organisations. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 INTEGRATED DELIVERY AND BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT PG52 DEVELOPING REGIONAL POLICY PG53

DEVELOPING REGIONAL POLICY INFORMATION PORTAL for regional development Mallee District Aboriginal Services Launched through the RDV website (www.rdv.vic.gov.au) in May 2014, the Regional Victoria Information Portal brings together around 150,000 Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) will undertake a significant upgrade data points across hundreds of indicators and 135 geographies to provide of its family services building to meet growing demand in the Northern Loddon interactive and easy access to the latest information on our regional and Mallee. Mildura’s Aboriginal population has grown by 38% in the last decade, placing rural communities. unprecedented demand on MDAS to maintain and improve the quality and breadth of its services. MDAS currently services between 5,000 and 10,000 clients across By making comprehensive and consistent information available in a Mildura, Swan Hill, and surrounding areas. single location, the Information Portal aims to enable more informed decision making and stronger engagement for those involved in regional RDV’s Loddon Mallee team has worked with MDAS to develop an expansion proposal development, including State Government, councils, business and industry, that will meet increasing need over the next 40-50 years and provide greater training universities, research institutions and other stakeholders. and educational opportunities for Aboriginal people in the region. The $1 million development will be supported by a $500,000 grant through the Putting Locals First It combines data from a large pool of organisations and government Program. departments, providing information on the economy, human capital, population, housing, health, physical capital, socio-demographic indicators, The project represents the first of a three-phase infrastructure upgrade for MDAS, geography, and forecasts. which also includes a new $3 million medical facility. The new family services building will expand its current floor space by around 500sqm, and include a new reception The Information Portal features the following key products: area and waiting room, four private meeting rooms, accessible toilet facilities, and >> Regional snapshots via a simple geographic map search or search box a multipurpose community hall and training room. A landscaped outdoor area will function, that provide key indicators, charts and tables for up to three also connect the new building to the medical facility and include a number of public chosen areas; amenities. >> Customised tables and charts by simply choosing a region, topic and Canterbury Park time series;

A partnership between the , Sport and Recreation Victoria >> A quick and easy guided search option for information without any and RDV will transform Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park into a multi-use sports, tables or charts; and, major events and entertainment space. RDV’s Loddon Mallee team has worked cooperatively across a number of portfolios to leverage multiple funding streams and >> More information containing links to key online resources and maximise the outcomes for the local community. publications. The $6.4 million project will include a new sports hub comprising cricket, netball and tennis facilities with external lighting, a synthetic bowling green and multi- functional pavilion including change rooms, kiosk, multi-purpose room and improved seating and amenities for spectators. The adjacent Canterbury Park Event Space will include a flexible outdoor space with speciality lighting and extensive landscaping to accommodate a wide range of uses throughout the year. Funding for the project included $650,000 through Sport and Recreation Victoria and $500,000 from the Putting Locals First Program. Information Portal RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 DEVELOPING REGIONAL POLICY PG54 PROMOTING REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA PG55

PROMOTING REGIONAL > AND RURAL VICTORIA 2013 Royal Melbourne Show RDV once again proudly exhibited at the Show, showcasing to Melburnians the exciting opportunities available in regional Victoria.

The 2013 Royal Melbourne Show ran over twelve exciting days from 21 September to 2 October, attracting more than 500,000 visitors including a daily attendance record of 82,000 visitors on Sunday 29 September.

RDV’s 2013 display was located inside the Woolworths Pavilion, and embraced a strategy focussed on colour and interaction to draw visitors in. The stand was divided into the five regional boundaries (Barwon South West, Grampians, Thinking Regional > Loddon Mallee, Hume and Gippsland), with each providing a feature display and Rural and key information on the region. Hume provided one of the most popular attractions with the gliding simulator, Developed by the Regional Policy Advisory Thinking Regional and Rural aims to: highlighting that Benalla has won the hosting rights to the biannual World Committee and adopted by the Victorian Gliding Championships in 2016. Another crowd favourite was Gippsland’s race >> Increase knowledge and understanding Government in April 2013, Thinking Regional car simulator, showcasing the Phillip Island Circuit. A more physical challenge of regional and rural issues across and Rural: Guidelines for Assessing Regional was provided by the Loddon Mallee region, with the Hammer of Happiness government; and Rural Impacts of Government Policy and from Campaspe Shire. A surfboard photo opportunity from the Barwon South Legislation is designed to strengthen the >> Encourage systematic consideration and West region offered an easier challenge as did the cycling rail trails display capability of the Victoria Public Service to integration of regional and rural impacts from the Grampians. identify, monitor and assess the impacts of into legislation and policy development; policy and legislation on regional and rural The fun and games all delivered an important message, helping to promote and, Victoria. the Good Move regional marketing campaign and the 2014 Regional Victoria >> Generate positive outcomes from these Living Expo. Building on the release of the guidelines, in considerations. January 2014 RDV launched the Thinking Regional and Rural online tool. Accessible The Thinking Regional and Rural online tool through the RDV website, the online tool and guidelines are available at: http://www. is designed to step Victorian Government rdv.vic.gov.au/thinking-regional-and-rural. policy makers through the five considerations that comprise the Thinking Regional and Rural impact assessment framework: economy, accessibility, social and community, environment and equity. It also provides direct links to sources of additional information on regional and rural Victoria. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 PROMOTING REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA PG56 PROMOTING REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA PG57

2014 REGIONAL > VICTORIA LIVING EXPO The third annual Regional Victoria Living Expo attracted more exhibitors, more sponsors and more attendees than ever before to the free public event showcasing the benefits of living and working in Victoria’s GOOD MOVE regional > regional and rural communities. marketing CAMPAIGN The 2014 Regional Victoria Living Expo, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11 to 13 April, attracted more than 9,600 people and involved 147 exhibitors, including commercial exhibitors and the State’s In 2013-14, the Victorian Government’s 48 regional and rural councils. Good Move regional marketing campaign Exhibitors showcased the many qualities of their regions and communities, continued to showcase the benefits of presenting information and advice on jobs, education, property, health and lifestyle opportunities available in regional and rural Victoria. Brought regional living to entice city dwellers together under one roof, the three-day event allowed prospective relocators to make their dreams of moving to the to gather information and make direct contact with those most integral to their decision to move, such as local councils and regionally-based country a reality. organisations. Since its launch in 2012, the Good Move campaign has featured real-life The event is now a fixture on the annual calendar of events, and has families that have made the journey from a big city to enjoy the unique proved particularly popular with young families and working professionals, lifestyle and employment opportunities offered by our regional and rural including many in the health sector such as doctors, dentists, nurses and communities. healthcare administrators. In 2014 RDV launched a new campaign across TV, print and radio featuring Councils continue to receive extremely positive enquiries from attendees the town of Warracknabeal in the . It builds on keen to move to their regions. previous campaigns that have highlighted Beechworth, Bendigo, Currajong and Port Fairy.

In 2013-14, the Good Move marketing campaign complemented the Regional Victoria Living Expo to position regional and rural areas as ideal locations to establish a home and take up employment, business and education opportunities that are equal, if not better, than those available in Melbourne. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FUTURE PRIORITIES 2014-15 PG58

future PRIORITIES 2014-15 RDV priorities for 2014-15 are to continue building on the strengths of the regions and maintain growth in the face of economic challenges.

These priorities include the following. REGIONAL GROWTH FUND

>> Committing funding to regionally significant economic infrastructure projects through the Economic Infrastructure Program, and continuing to implement the Local Government Infrastructure Program and the Putting Locals First Program.

>> Concluding the $85 million tender process under the Energy for the Regions Program to provide natural gas to the remaining priority towns and communities impacted by the Murray Darling Basin Plan. This process is expected to be completed in the second half of 2014. >> Assisting regional communities with long-term structural adjustment through FINANCE place-based programs such as the Geelong Advancement Fund and the Goulburn Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund.

>> Delivering major regional economic infrastructure projects including the Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre, Stage One of the Mildura Riverfront Redevelopment, Stage One of the Ballarat West Employment Zone, and the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. POLICY AND PLANNING

>> Shaping and influencing the future regional policy agenda together with the Regional Policy Advisory Committee through mechanisms including internal research on key regional development policy and program areas.

>> Continuing to improve the evidence base about regional growth and development.

>> Strengthening and developing the Regional Cities portfolio.

>> Continuing to monitor and evaluate the Regional Growth Fund, informing the next phase of its delivery.

>> Advancing the next phase of regional strategic planning in Victoria.

>> Continuing to deliver the Networked Rural Councils program in partnership with Rural Councils Victoria to help rural councils address current and future challenges more sustainably. 2015 REGIONAL VICTORIA LIVING EXPO

>> Capitalising on the success of the 2014 Regional Victoria Living Expo, the event will be held for a fourth successive year on 1-3 May 2015 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG60 FINANCE PG61

RDV GRANT payments RDV provided financial assistance through Community Infrastructure Program a range of programs facilitating economic for bushfire affected communities and community development in regional Organisation Payment $ Labertouche and District Community Centre Inc 18,750

and rural Victoria. Latrobe City Council 30,000

Murrindindi Shire Council 202,087

Total 250,837 Advancing Country Towns

Organisation Payment $ Benalla Rural City Council 136,000 Community recovery fund

Colac Otway Shire 136,000 Organisation Payment $ East Gippsland Shire Council 136,000 10,861

Murrindindi Shire Council 156,000 Corangamite Shire Council 7,965

Robinvale District Health Services 136,000 Hepburn Shire Council 15,283

South Gippsland Shire Council 156,000 Murrindindi Shire Council 34,153

Total 856,000 Nillumbik Shire Council 16,550

South Gippsland Shire Council 7,965

Wellington Shire Council 303 BUILDing Stronger Regions Programs Council 15,956 Organisation Payment $ Total 109,035 Australia China Business Council 100,000

Baw Baw Shire Council 57,000

Central Goldfields Shire Council 759,000 DEVELOPING stronger regions program

Committee for Gippsland Inc 300,000 Organisation Payment $ Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 7,800,000 Ballarat City Council 58,545

Department of Environment and Primary Industries 5,000,000 Department of Environment and Primary Industries 703,755

Department of Health Victoria 2,000,000 Eastern Iron Ltd 300,000

Department of Transport Planning and Local Infrastructure 933,332 Goulburn Valley Region Water Corporation 30,000

Destination Gippsland Ltd 8,000 26,000

East Gippsland Shire Council 375,000 The PRB Food Group Pty Ltd 200,000

Greater Bendigo City Council 185,000 Warrnambool City Council 10,000

Growth Areas Authority 166,666 Total 1,328,300 Latrobe City Council 74,500

Wellington Shire Council 72,000

Total 17,830,498 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG62 FINANCE PG63

Farmers’ Markets Support Program Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund Organisation Payment $ Organisation Payment $ Baw Baw Shire Council 18,000 Baw Baw Shire Council 125,655 Friends of St Brigid's Association Inc 10,000 Central Goldfields Shire Council 156,089 Council 27,500 East Gippsland Shire Council 18,690 Hepburn Shire Council 7,500 Greater Shepparton City Council 8,445 Hume Murray Food Bowl 10,000 Hepburn Shire Council 69,900 Local Food Connect Inc 15,500 Horsham Rural City Council 32,356 Mitchell Shire Council 4,500 Latrobe City Council 216,027 Mornington Chamber of Commerce 2,000 Loddon Shire Council 22,831 Red Gum Food Group 2,000 Mitchell Shire Council 79,169 South Gippsland Shire Council 5,000 Murrindindi Shire Council 16,416 Traralgon Lions Club Inc 750 Northern Grampians Shire Council 57,157 Victorian Farmers' Markets Association Inc 94,345 Pyrenees Shire Council 90,337 Wedderburn Community House Inc 7,500 Shire of Towong 111,700 Total 204,595 Wangaratta Rural City Council 50,750

Wellington Shire Council 88,711 Fire Ready Communities Total 1,144,233

Organisation Payment $ Casey City Council 4,000 Flood Recovery OFFICERS Country Fire Authority 10,465 Organisation Payment $ Emerald Centre for Hope and Outreach Inc 7,888 East Gippsland Shire Council 20,000 Fawcett Mechanics Institute Reserve Committee of Management 9,559 Total 20,000 Healesville Living and Learning Centre Inc 73,796

Horsham Rural City Council 3,083

Jamieson Community Group and Associated Bodies Inc 886

Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre 27,000

Macedon Ranges Shire Council 4,060

Moorabool Shire Council 4,150

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council 2,679

Mount Alexander Shire Council 3,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council 3,000

Surf Coast Shire 8,500

Warrandyte Community Association Inc 8,620

Wellington Shire Council 5,000

Total 175,685 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG64 FINANCE PG65

Floods Community Recovery Fund LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

Organisation Payment $ Organisation Payment $ Ararat Rural City Council 15,250 500,000

Buloke Shire Council 20,860 Ararat Rural City Council 462,000

Campaspe Shire Council 8,000 Ballarat City Council 10,000

Central Goldfields Shire Council 8,750 Council 900,000 Baw Baw Shire Council 250,000 Corangamite Shire Council 15,250 Benalla Rural City Council 450,000 Hepburn Shire Council 8,750 Buloke Shire Council 461,000 Horsham Rural City Council 18,000 Campaspe Shire Council 1,980,000 Loddon Shire Council 5,050 Central Goldfields Shire Council 500,000 Macedon Ranges Shire Council 7,000 City of Greater Geelong 250,000 Mildura Rural City Council 21,350 Colac Otway Shire 461,000 Northern Grampians Shire Council 6,138 Corangamite Shire Council 515,000

Shire of Moyne 7,000 East Gippsland Shire Council 670,000

Yarriambiack Shire Council 14,633 Gannawarra Shire Council 680,000

Total 156,031 Glenelg Shire Council 867,460

Golden Plains Shire Council 670,000

Hepburn Shire Council 635,719 living regions living suburbs Hindmarsh Shire Council 450,000

Organisation Payment $ Horsham Rural City Council 360,000

Anglican Trusts Corporation of the Diocese of Gippsland 3,000 Latrobe City Council 1,390,000

Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Pty Ltd 150,000 Macedon Ranges Shire Council 622,000

Department of Justice 212,000 Mansfield Shire Council 440,000

Geelong Football Club Ltd 200,000 Mildura Rural City Council 485,000

Geelong Performing Arts Centre 50,000 Mitchell Shire Council 750,000

Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Inc 100,000 Moira Shire Council 610,000 Murrindindi Shire Council 690,000 Horsham Golf Club 145,000 Northern Grampians Shire Council 550,000 Mallee Family Care Inc 72,000 Pyrenees Shire Council 173,662 Marysville Community Golf and Bowls Club Inc 950,000 620,000 Murrindindi Shire Council 181,000 469,000 Tourism Victoria 20,000 Shire of Towong 500,000 Yarra Ranges Shire Council 99,000 Southern Grampians Shire Council 190,450 Total 2,182,000 Swan Hill Rural City Council 425,000

Wangaratta Rural City Council 85,000

Warrnambool City Council 1,490,000

Wellington Shire Council 650,000

Yarriambiack Shire Council 454,000 Total 21,666,291 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG66 FINANCE PG67

LOCAL Skills Partnership planning for tomorrow program

Organisation Payment $ Organisation Payment $ Alpine Shire 12,000 Ballarat City Council 59,886

Ararat Rural City Council 33,750 Baw Baw Shire Council 24,500

Baw Baw Shire Council 25,000 49,500

Benalla Rural City Council 33,750 Corangamite Shire Council 20,000

Buloke Shire Council 30,000 Deakin University 50,000

Campaspe Shire Council 25,000 East Gippsland Shire Council 1,203

Central Goldfields Shire Council 33,750 Alpine Resort Management Board 8,500

City of Greater Geelong 25,000 Latrobe City Council 1,786

Destination Gippsland Ltd 15,000 Mildura Rural City Council 5,000

Gannawarra Shire Council 30,000 Mitchell Shire Council 25,415

Golden Plains Shire Council 37,500 Murrindindi Shire Council 35,000

Horsham Rural City Council 33,750 South Gippsland Shire Council 33,000

Latrobe City Council 20,000 100,000

Mansfield Shire Council 50,000 Swan Hill Rural City Council 10,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council 35,800 Wellington Shire Council 5,000

Pyrenees Shire Council 33,750 Total 428,789

Shire of Towong 37,500

Southern Grampians Shire Council 33,750 putting locals first program Surf Coast Shire 37,500 Organisation Payment $ Yarriambiack Shire Council 37,500 Agrifood Skills Australia Ltd 135,000 Total 620,300 Alberton Timber and Treatment Plant Pty Ltd 20,000

Alpine Shire 728,000

MARYSVILLE Hotel and Conference Centre (Development) Alpine Valleys Vignerons Inc 3,000

Organisation Payment $ Anglican Trusts Corporation of the Diocese of Gippsland 180,000 Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre Pty Ltd 9,600,000 Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Inc 44,000

Total 9,600,000 Ararat Rural City Council 600,100

Audentes Investments Pty Ltd 3,000

Australian Dairy Conference Ltd 9,000 NETWORKING RURAL COUNCILS Bacchus Marsh Community Unlimited Inc 10,000 Organisation Payment $ Ballarat City Council 504,000 Municipal Association of Victoria 795,000 Ballarat International Foto Biennale Inc 5,000 Total 795,000 Ballarat Regional Tourism Inc 11,000

Baring Recreation Reserve 5,000

Bass Coast Shire Council 83,000

Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network Inc 9,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG68 FINANCE PG69

putting locals first program (CONTINUED) putting locals first program (CONTINUED)

Organisation Payment $ Organisation Payment $ Baw Baw Shire Council 1,024,500 East Gippsland Marketing Inc 52,500

Beechworth Rotary Club Inc 45,000 East Gippsland Shire Council 973,500

Benalla Auto Club Inc 270,000 Echuca and District Tourism Development Association Inc 62,500

Benalla Rural City Council 1,001,500 Echuca-Moama Arts Initiative 3,000

Bertalli's Alpine Breads Pty Ltd 37,500 Eildon Action Inc 8,000

Borough of Queenscliffe 300,000 Fawcett Mechanics Institute Reserve Committee of Management 54,000

Boyntons Australia Pty Ltd 150,000 Federation University Australia 4,500

Buda Historic Home and Garden Inc 22,950 Freshzest Pty Ltd 16,000

Buloke Shire Council 590,000 Gannawarra Shire Council 377,055

Buninyong and District Community Association Inc 1,950 Gateways Support Services Inc 30,000

Buninyong Residents' Association Inc 17,550 Geelong Otway Tourism Inc 10,000

Cabbage Tree Public Hall 10,980 Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Inc 288,731

Campaspe Shire Council 266,400 Girgarre Development Group Inc 2,217

Camperdown-Timboon Rail Trail Management Committee Inc 95,000 Glenelg Shire Council 107,000

Castlemaine and Maldon Railway Preservation Society 50,400 Golden and Paradise Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc 3,600

Central Goldfields Shire Council 330,950 Golden Plains Shire Council 303,300

Central Highlands Agribusiness Forum Inc 2,800 Goldfields Historical and Arts Society Inc 6,000

Chewton Domain Society Inc 16,000 Goldfields Tourism Inc 30,000

City of Greater Geelong 709,950 Gracebrook Vineyards 30,000

Colac Area Health 3,000 Grampians Tourism Board Inc 35,500

Colac Otway Shire 393,625 Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Inc 220,000

Committee 4 Rochester Inc 18,000 Greater Shepparton City Council 706,680

Committee for Echuca Moama Inc 3,000 Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society Inc 10,000

Committee for Geelong Inc 27,000 Hepburn Shire Council 507,000

Community College Gippsland Ltd 30,960 Heyfield Community Resource Centre Inc 5,000

Community Leadership Loddon Murray Inc 12,000 Hindmarsh Shire Council 181,000

Corangamite Shire Council 535,834 Horsham Rural City Council 280,300

Costa Exchange Holdings Pty Ltd 65,224 Indigo Shire Council 470,280

Country Fire Authority 6,000 Iron Horse Intermodal Pty Ltd 30,000

Cowes Yacht Club Inc 46,000 J & J Nielsen Pty Ltd 21,000

Creswick Railway Workshops Association Inc 18,000 Jailhouse Rock Festival Committee Inc 4,500

D & R Henderson Pty Ltd 75,000 James Stock Feed and Fertilizer Pty Ltd 30,000

Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd 26,000 Joel Joel Public Hall 3,600

Donald 2000 Inc 1,000 Kinglake Ranges Business Network Inc 17,900

Dried Fruits Australia Inc 24,000 Lake Bolac Development Association Inc 4,950 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG70 FINANCE PG71

putting locals first program (CONTINUED) putting locals first program (CONTINUED)

Organisation Payment $ Organisation Payment $ /Lake Lascelles Committee of Management Inc 36,000 Rushworth Public Park Reserve Committee of Management Inc 39,000

Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Association Inc 4,500 Ryan & McNulty Pty Ltd 90,000

Latrobe City Council 459,940 Sale Business and Tourism Association Inc 23,760

Latrobe Valley Women in Business Inc 9,000 Sea Lake Off Road Club Inc 6,000

Lions Club of Corryong 267,300 Seaspray Reserves Committee of Management 5,800

Lions Club of Inc 7,020 Shipwreck Coast Tourism Inc 16,000

Loddon Shire Council 423,500 Shire of Moyne 175,500

Lorne Business and Tourism Association Inc 20,000 Shire of Strathbogie 393,500

Macalister Research Farm Co-Operative Ltd 500 Shire of Towong 460,215

Macedon Ranges Shire Council 413,000 South Gippsland Shire Council 511,454

Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation Ltd 75,000 South Gippsland Tourist Railway Inc 103,500

Majorca Victoria Park Gardens and Public 107,730 Southern Farming Systems Ltd 40,500

Mansfield Shire Council 429,000 Southern Grampians Shire Council 306,000

Mildura Aboriginal Corporation Inc 130,000 Star Community Cinema Association Inc 31,500

Mildura Development Corporation Inc 32,000 Surf Coast Shire 387,000

Mildura Motor Cycle Club Inc 200,000 Swan Hill Motorcycle Club Inc 5,000

Mildura Rural City Council 230,800 Swan Hill Rural City Council 572,854

Mitchell Shire Council 690,900 The Bendigo Trust 30,000

Moira Shire Council 526,700 The Central Highlands Tourist Railway 130,800

Moorabool Shire Council 233,400 The Centre for Rural Communities Inc 27,000

Mount Alexander Shire Council 325,500 The Gippsland Business Awards Association Inc 5,400

Mount Buller Arts Association Ltd 18,500 The Gippsland Field Days 217,500

Mount Elephant Community Management 30,000 The Mountain Cattlemens Association of Victoria Inc 65,600

Murrindindi Shire Council 55,500 The Noojee and District Historical Society Inc 22,118

Museums Australia Inc 500 Trafalgar East Public Hall Reserve 13,500

Natimuk Foreshore Committee 58,000 UCA - Camperdown 27,000

North East Victoria Tourism Board Inc 30,000 Valley Park Farm Pty Ltd 40,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council 881,450 Vegco Pty Ltd 150,000

Our Redeemers Lutheran Church Warracknabeal 4,500 Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Museum Sub-Branch 36,000

Portland Cable Trams Inc 9,000 Walhalla and Mountain Rivers Tourism 5,000

Progressing Cobden Inc 9,223 Walhalla Board of Management Incorporated 7,200

Pyrenees Shire Council 498,000 Wangaratta Festival of Jazz Inc 22,500

RA & JL Murphy 120,000 Wangaratta Rural City Council 298,200

Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation 7,500 Warrnambool City Council 544,500

Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc 7,200 Wellington Regional Tourism Inc 4,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG72 FINANCE PG73

putting locals first program (CONTINUED) regional development australia

Organisation Payment $ Organisation Payment $ Wellington Shire Council 485,500 Agribusiness Gippsland Inc 3,750

West Wimmera Health Service 17,500 Agrifood Skills Australia Ltd 20,000

West Wimmera Shire Council 134,000 Australia China Business Council 40,000

Willaura and District Community Development Group 135,000 Australia Pty Ltd 55,000

Wimmera Development Association Inc 75,000 Ballarat City Council 69,402

Wodonga City Council 868,000 Bass Coast Shire Council 10,000

Workco Ltd 2,800 City of Greater Geelong 40,000

Yarck Mechanics Institute and Library 67,600 Committee for Gippsland Inc 60,772

Yarriambiack Shire Council 344,453 Destination Gippsland Ltd 30,000

Yea Community Service Group Inc 5,850 Gippsland Climate Change Network Inc 20,000

Yea Racecourse and Recreation Reserve 70,000 Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation 30,000

Yinnar and District Community Association Inc 450 Latrobe City Council 300

Total 26,838,003 NE Tracks Local Learning and Employment Network Inc 13,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council 50,000

Southern Farming Systems Ltd 25,600 regional community leadership program VicRoads 10,000 Organisation Payment $ Wangaratta Rural City Council 70,000 Committee for Ballarat Inc 365,000 Warrnambool City Council 63,000 Committee for Geelong Inc 230,000 Wellington Shire Council 3,000 Committee for Gippsland Inc 150,000 Wimmera Development Association Inc 83,000 Community Leadership Loddon Murray Inc 200,000 Total 696,824 Greater Shepparton City Council 300,000

Madec Australia 100,000

Moira Shire Council 20,000 resilient community program

Murray River Region Tourism Ltd 3,000 Organisation Payment $ North East Agcare Inc 140,000 Alpine Shire 72,000

Shire of Moyne 122,753 Benalla Rural City Council 99,000

The Community Foundation for Bendigo and Central Victoria Ltd 3,000 Greater Bendigo City Council 61,560

Wimmera Development Association Inc 101,250 Mansfield Shire Council 44,550

Total 1,735,003 Murrindindi Shire Council 96,300

Pyrenees Shire Council 89,100

Volunteering Victoria Inc 99,000

Total 561,510 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG74 FINANCE PG75

Small Scale Community and Regional Development Grants The Good MOVE Campaign

Organisation Payment $ Organisation Payment $ Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Inc 900,000 Ararat Rural City Council 10,000

Lions Club of Kerang Inc 5,000 Ballarat City Council 10,000

Noweyung Ltd 315,000 Bass Coast Shire Council 10,000

The Bendigo Trust 50,000 Benalla Rural City Council 10,000 Borough of Queenscliffe 10,000 Whittlesea Agricultural Society Inc 3,000 Buloke Shire Council 10,000 Wonthaggi Citizens Band Inc 32,000 Campaspe Shire Council 10,000 Total 1,305,000 City of Greater Geelong 10,000

Colac Otway Shire 10,000 SMALL TOWNS development fund Corangamite Shire Council 10,000 Department of Premier and Cabinet 225,000 Organisation Payment $ East Gippsland Shire Council 10,000 Mitchell Shire Council 118,561 Gannawarra Shire Council 10,000 Parks Victoria 200,000 Glenelg Shire Council 10,000 Wangaratta Rural City Council 50,000 Golden Plains Shire Council 10,000 Total 368,561 Greater Shepparton City Council 10,000

Hepburn Shire Council 10,000 Sustainable Small Towns Development Fund Horsham Rural City Council 10,000 Indigo Shire Council 10,000 Organisation Payment $ Macedon Ranges Shire Council 10,000 Ararat Rural City Council 115,000 Mansfield Shire Council 10,000 Corangamite Shire Council 150,000 Mildura Rural City Council 10,000 East Gippsland Shire Council 75,000 Moira Shire Council 10,000 Greater Shepparton City Council 50,000 Moorabool Shire Council 10,000

Hindmarsh Shire Council 71,500 Mount Alexander Shire Council 10,000

Mount Alexander Shire Council 81,000 Murrindindi Shire Council 10,000

Murrindindi Shire Council 150,000 Pyrenees Shire Council 10,000

Shire of Towong 117,000 Shire of Moyne 10,000

Swan Hill Rural City Council 150,000 Shire of Strathbogie 10,000

West Wimmera Shire Council 117,250 Shire of Towong 10,000

Total 1,076,750 Southern Grampians Shire Council 10,000 Surf Coast Shire 10,000

Swan Hill Rural City Council 20,000

Wangaratta Rural City Council 10,000

Warrnambool City Council 10,000

Wodonga City Council 10,000

Yarriambiack Shire Council 10,000 Total 595,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG76 FINANCE PG77

Transport Connections Program Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund

Organisation Payment $ Organisation Payment $ Ballarat City Council 37,500 Beechworth Honey Experience Pty Ltd 18,750

Bass Coast Shire Council 37,500 Campbells Wines Pty Ltd 56,250

Baw Baw Shire Council 37,500 Castle Tourism and Entertainment Pty Ltd 50,000

Benalla Rural City Council 37,500 Cutri Fruit Pty Ltd 100,000

Casey City Council 37,500 David Eldridge Pty Ltd 110,000

City of Greater Geelong 80,000 FJ Lenne Pty Ltd 50,000

City of Whittlesea 37,500 FK Hensgen & JP Hensgen 25,000

Colac Otway Shire 37,500 Frewstal Pty Ltd 250,000

Golden Plains Shire Council 37,500 GE & DA Kennedy Pty Ltd 67,500

Greater Bendigo City Council 42,500 Goldacres Trading Pty Ltd 29,500

Greater Shepparton City Council 37,500 Grays Bakery Pty Ltd 50,000

Hepburn Shire Council 80,000 Hazeldene's Chicken Farm Pty Ltd 250,000

Latrobe City Council 80,000 Lamattina Beverages Pty Ltd 100,000

Melton City Council 11,961 Manna Farms 20,000

Mitchell Shire Council 47,551 Mattina Fresh Pty Ltd 40,000

Murrindindi Shire Council 37,500 McPherson's Printing Pty Ltd 100,000

Pyrenees Shire Council 37,500 Modern Specialised Vehicles Pty Ltd 50,000

South Gippsland Shire Council 37,500 Moira Mac's Poultry and Fine Foods Pty Ltd 200,000

Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Inc 42,500 Mortlock Hydroponics Pty Ltd 125,000

Wellington Shire Council 35,000 Olam Orchards Australia Pty Ltd 300,000

Western District Health Service 37,500 PR Adams Pty Ltd 31,000

Wyndham City Council 37,500 Paarhammer Pty Ltd 50,000

Total 944,512 Seven Fields Pty Ltd 125,000

Southern Stockfeeds (Operations) Pty Ltd 75,000

The Outdoor Education Group 50,000 Victorian Bushfire Business Investment Fund True Foods Pty Ltd 50,000 Organisation Payment $ Vegco Pty Ltd 120,000 CT & SA Donovan 60,000 Vic Feed Group Pty Ltd 50,000 Cathedral Mountain Christian Centre Inc 100,000 Total 2,543,000 Strzelecki Engineering Pty Ltd 25,000

Total 185,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG78 FINANCE PG79

Victorian Community Support Grants Young Professionals Provincial Cadetships Program (CONTINUED) Organisation Payment $ Alpine Shire 20,320 Organisation Payment $

Baw Baw Shire Council 10,000 Dunstan Farmers Engineering Pty Ltd 4,250

Corangamite Shire Council 40,000 Ecotecture Design Group 3,750

Gannawarra Shire Council 91,627 Gannawarra Shire Council 1,000

Greater Shepparton City Council 27,000 Gerard Brandrick & Associates Pty Ltd 1,000

Mansfield Shire Council 17,000 Gippsland Lakes Community Health 3,750

Moorabool Shire Council 26,822 Hofmann Engineering Pty Ltd 1,000

Peninsula Health 23,868 Macedon Ranges Shire Council 500

Swan Hill Rural City Council 223,200 Messenger's Pharmacy 3,750

Yarra Ranges Shire Council 18,000 Murray Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network Inc 24,500

Total 497,837 Murrindindi Shire Council 7,500 Rainbow and District Landcare Group 4,250

Ross Both & Associates Pty Ltd 4,750 Young Professionals Provincial Cadetships Program Ryan Legal Services Pty Ltd 4,750

Organisation Payment $ Smec Australia Pty Ltd 1,000 Ararat Rural City Council 4,250 South Gippsland Shire Council 4,250 Ausrapid Inc 8,000 Stubbs Wallace Pty Ltd 500 Australian Eatwell Pty Ltd 3,750 Swan Hill District Health 4,250 Benalla Health 12,750 Trewenack Pty Ltd 3,750 Bentrol Pty Ltd 1,000 Warrnambool City Council 4,750 BM Consulting Engineers 7,500 Total 146,500 Buloke Shire Council 12,750

Campaspe Shire Council 3,750

Cardell Accountants Pty Ltd 3,750 Community Leadership and Capacity Building Program for Bushfire Affected Communities Crossco Consulting Pty Ltd 1,000 Organisation Payment $ Crowther & Sadler Pty Ltd 1,000 Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal 75,000 Primary School 3,750 Total 75,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG80 FINANCE PG81

Economic Infrastructure Grant Announcements In 2013-14 the following economic infrastructure projects were announced: GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Announced Announced Organisation Project amount $ Organisation Project amount $ Economic Infrastructure Projects Energy for the Regions Projects

Burra Foods Pty Ltd Infant Formula Water Initiatives 1,500,000 Multinet Gas (Db No 1) Pty Ltd and Supply of Natural Gas to Warburton 7,880,000 Multinet Gas (Db No 2) Pty Ltd Department of Environment and Mount Buffalo Chalet Redevelopment 3,270,000 Primary Industries Vic Gas Distribution Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Koo Wee Rup 5,250,000 Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Inc Gippsland Plains Rail Trail - Traralgon- Glengarry 600,000 Geelong Advancement Fund Projects Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Landsborough Valley Water Supply Pipeline Project 1,950,000 Barwon Health St Mary's Hall Redevelopment and Associated Health Support 3,000,000 Corporation Facilities Latrobe City Council Moe Rail Precinct Revitalisation Project Stage 1 3,000,000 Karingal Inc Kommercial Factory Development 650,000 Midfield Meat International Pty Ltd Midfield Group Capacity Upgrade 1,500,000 Latrobe Valley Industry and Murray Goulburn Co-Operative Co Ltd Murray Goulburn - Leongatha - Site and Energy Infrastructure 1,500,000 Infrastructure Fund Projects

Pactum Dairy Group Pty Ltd Ultra High Temperature Dairy Milk Processing Plant 250,000 Australian Trailer Manufacturers Relocation and Expansion of Australian Trailer Manufacturers 150,000 Pty Ltd Peninsula Searoad Transport Pty Ltd Searoad Ferries Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Upgrade Project 1,325,000 Covino Farms Pty Ltd Covino Farms Processing Expansion Project 1,500,000 Phillip Island Nature Park Board of Nobbies and Summerland Peninsula Tourism Expansion Project 1,200,000 Management Inc Drouin West Timber & Truss Pty Ltd Drouin West Timber & Truss Future Fit Project 700,000 Port of Portland Pty Ltd Portland Cruise Vessel Terminal 243,053 Gibsons Groundspread Pty Ltd Gibson Ground Spread Expansion Project 150,000

QBF No.1 Pty Ltd Project Harvest - 35 MW Biomass Power Plant, Carwarp, Victoria 3,000,000 Gippsland Body Builders Pty Ltd Darcan Way Expansion And Equipment Upgrade 150,000

Queenscliff Harbour Pty Ltd Queenscliff Fisherman's Wharf Precinct Rejuvenation Project 500,000 Longwarry Food Park Pty Ltd Portion Pack UHT Line 500,000

Warrnambool City Council Warrnambool Regional Aviation Park 1,450,000 Maffra Farmhouse Cheese Pty Ltd Soft and Club Cheese Production Expansion Project 150,000

Wellington Shire Council Port of Sale Cultural Hub Project 4,000,000 Morwell Shopfitters Pty Ltd MSF Advanced Manufacturing Processes 150,000

Wodonga City Council Wodonga Central Business Area (CBA) Enabling Road 2,100,000 Narkoojee Pty Ltd Narkoojee Winery - Casual Dining Facility 50,000 Infrastructure Project Rotafab Pty Ltd Machine Tool Modernisation and Integration 160,000 Workco Ltd Upgrade of Longerenong College Student Residential Facilities 1,110,000 Safetech Pty Ltd Safetech Capacity Expansion 150,000

STR Inspection Services Pty Ltd STR Business Diversification Project - Non Destructive Testing 200,000

Victorian American Imports Pty Ltd Standing Drive Infrastructure, Purchase, Development and 173,800 Production Expansion Project RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG82 FINANCE PG83

Grant PAYments GRANT PAYMENTS (CONTINUED)

In 2013-14 the following payments were made towards economic infrastructure projects: Announced Organisation Project amount $ Announced Loddon Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Bridgewater Raywood Road 176,345 Organisation Project amount $ (Rd 3) Economic Infrastructure Projects Mansfield Shire Council Mt Buller Mt Stirling EPIC Mountain Bike Trail Project - 300,000 Element Two Australian Paper Pty Ltd Optimised Fibre and Water Efficiency Project 1,500,000 Mars Australia Pty Ltd Utilities Efficiency Investment 200,000 Australian Tartaric Products Pty Ltd Waste to Energy Biomass Boiler Project 900,000 Mildura Rural City Council Mildura Airport Terminal Redevelopment 1,000,000 Ballarat City Council Australian Centre for Democracy at Eureka 1,500,000 Murray Goulburn Co-Operative Co Ltd Murray-Goulburn - Leongatha Water Recycling Project 200,000 Ballarat City Council Redevelopment of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - Stage 2 200,000 Murrindindi Shire Council Yea Wetlands Environmental Centre 700,000 Bass Coast Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Glen Alvie Road 448,327 North East Region Water Corporation Bright Off River Water Storage 1,100,000 Baw Baw Shire Council Hazel Drive Industrial Estates Transport Linkages 337,500 Olam Orchards Australia Pty Ltd Olam Orchards Almond Processing Facility - Enabling 467,528 Bendigo Agricultural Show Society Inc Development of the Victorian Regional Exhibition Complex - 150,000 Infrastructure Projects Bendigo (Stage 2) Paper Australia Pty Ltd Australian Paper Gas Infrastructure 500,000 Bruck Textile Technologies Pty Ltd Process and Wastewater Treatment Innovation for Enhanced 1,203,475 Sustainability of Textile Manufacturing Parks Victoria Great Ocean Walk Experience 1,500,000

Burra Foods Pty Ltd Infant Formula Water Initiatives 1,000,000 Peninsula Searoad Transport Pty Ltd Searoad Ferries Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Upgrade Project 750,000

Campaspe Shire Council Port of Echuca Revitalisation - Australia's Great River Port 1,087,000 Port of Portland Pty Ltd Portland Cruise Vessel Terminal 243,053 Experience Pyrenees Shire Council Beaufort Economic Growth Project 9,520 Central Gippsland Region Water Labertouche Water Main Replacement Project 360,000 Corporation South Gippsland Shire Council Great Southern Rail Trail Extension (Foster to Welshpool) Project 200,000

Central Goldfields Shire Council Carisbrook Renewal Park 900,000 The Sovereign Hill Museums Gold Museum: Building for the Future 250,000 Association (Sovereign Hill 40th Anniversary) City of Greater Geelong Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (GLHC) 2,000,000 University of Ballarat Growing the University of Ballarat Technology Park 300,000 City of Greater Geelong Provision of Trunk Infrastructure for the Geelong Ring Road 1,500,000 Employment Precinct, Northern Gateway University of Melbourne International Centre of Excellence in Water Management - Dookie 1,625,000 Infrastructure Upgrade - Phase 1 Colac Otway Shire Local Roads to Markets Program - Larpent Road Strengthening 145,000 Project (Rd 3) Victorian Farmers Federation Cattle Underpass Program (CUPS) 537,093

Deakin University Deakin University Student Accommodation Project 5,137,500 Victorian Farmers Federation Stock Over Underpass Road Safety (SOURS) Program - Extension 251,000

Deakin University Regional Community Health Hub (REACH) 3,000,000 Wannon Region Water Corporation Warrnambool Brine Management Project 107,000

East Gippsland Shire Council Bastion Point Ocean Access Project 1,500,000 Warrnambool City Council Access to the Warrnambool Eastern Industrial Precinct 2,700,000

Epworth Foundation Epworth Geelong - Infrastructure to Establish the Site and Open 2,000,000 Warrnambool City Council Warrnambool Intermodal Terminal Upgrade 265,529 Access to Future Opportunities Wellington Shire Council West Sale and Bairnsdale Aerodromes 1,189,950 Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Inc Gippsland Plains Rail Trail - Traralgon- Glengarry 600,000 Western Region Water Corporation Gisborne Recycled Water Scheme 744,130 Glenelg Shire Council Portland Bay Coastal Infrastructure 850,000 Wodonga City Council Logic Fatigue Management and Trailer Interchange Project 738,000 Golden Plains Shire Council Infrastructure to Expand Intensive Agriculture for Food Security 452,000 and Economic Development Wodonga Rendering Pty Ltd Wodonga Abattoirs - Tri-Generation Plant 808,000 Greater Bendigo City Council Bendigo Art Gallery Upgrade 2,525,000 Energy for the Regions Projects Greater Bendigo City Council O'Keefe Rail Trail Extension - Axedale to Heathcote 500,000 Envestra (SA) Ltd Energy for the Regions - Expansion of Supply Capacity for Mildura 2,722,500 Greater Shepparton City Council Vaughan Street Precinct Urban Renewal and Redevelopment 700,000 SPI Networks (Gas) Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Huntly 2,580,000 Project Horsham Rural City Council Horsham Town Hall Redevelopment 2,000,000 Vic Gas Distribution Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Koo Wee Rup 525,000 Vic Gas Distribution Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Wandong-Heathcote Junction 494,000 Horsham Rural City Council Infrastructure Upgrade to Support Development at Longerenong 778,480 College RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG84 FINANCE PG85

output targets > GRANT PAYMENTS (CONTINUED) and performance Announced Organisation Project amount $ Regional Development Unit of 2013-14 2013-14 Geelong Advancement Fund Projects AND REGIONAL CITIES Measure Target Actual Note

Karingal Inc Kommercial Factory Development 500,000 Quantity

Latrobe Valley Industry and Economic development, service delivery and community number 140 162 Infrastructure Fund Projects capacity projects funded Alpine TF Pty Ltd Alpine Trout Farm Food Processing Plant and Hatchery Project 300,000 Energy for the Regions Program: number of towns included number 8 1 1 Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Value Adding / Expansion 200,000 Pty Ltd Regional infrastructure projects funded number 100 166 Australian Trailer Manufacturers Relocation and Expansion of Australian Trailer Manufacturers 30,000 Pty Ltd Rural councils participating in Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) % 100 100 DJM Fabrications (Vic) Pty Ltd Business Sustainability and Growth - Rail Diversification Initiative 160,000 network

Drouin West Timber & Truss Pty Ltd Drouin West Timber & Truss Future Fit Project 400,000 Quality

GBG Concrete & Construction Pty Ltd Precast Concrete Panel Facility Expansion 37,500 Participant satisfaction with implementation of RDV programs % 80 80 Gippsland Body Builders Pty Ltd Darcan Way Expansion and Equipment Upgrade 100,000

Lion-Dairy & Drinks Pty Ltd Lion's Morwell Site External Electricity Line Upgrade 490,000 Putting Locals First Fund projects recommended by Regional % 85 100 Development Committees approved for funding Maffra Farmhouse Cheese Pty Ltd Maffra Cheese Company Capacity Expansion Project 112,500

Maffra Farmhouse Cheese Pty Ltd Soft and Club Cheese Production Expansion Project 60,000 Regional councils participating at the regional expo % 80 100

Morwell Shopfitters Pty Ltd MSF Advanced Manufacturing Processes 90,000 Coordination and implementation of actions within agreed % 100 100 Narkoojee Pty Ltd Narkoojee Winery - Casual Dining Facility 45,000 performance targets: Transport Connections Initiative

Pinegro Products Pty Ltd New Packaging Business - Pinegro Morwell 180,000 Timeliness Pureharvest Pureharvest Warehouse Extensions 150,000 Grants acquitted within the timeframe specified in the terms % 75 87.5 Rotafab Pty Ltd Machine Tool Modernisation and Integration 144,000 and conditions of the funding agreement: Local Government Infrastructure Account Safetech Pty Ltd Safetech Capacity Expansion 30,000

Sage Computer Support Pty Ltd Sage Technology Mobilisation and User Interface Unification 100,000 Note

Steeline Gippsland Pty Ltd Steeline Gippsland Expanding Capability Project 187,500 1. The remaining towns are currently subject to an ongoing tender process.

STR Inspection Services Pty Ltd STR Business Diversification Project - Non Destructive Testing 50,000

Victorian American Imports Pty Ltd Standing Drive Infrastructure, Purchase, Development and 110,000 Production Expansion Project WP Portelli & P Reidy Elite Pack - Food Tray Production Expansion 125,000

Total 60,059,429 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 FINANCE PG86 FINANCE PG87

revenue and expenses financial performance Controlled revenue and expenses for the year ended 30 June 2014: Consolidated financial statements for the Department of State Development, Business and Innovation (DSDBI) and RDV are contained in Regional Development the 2013-14 Annual Report published by DSDBI. 2014 2013 AND REGIONAL CITIES $’000 $’000 This report contains RDV’s Output Targets and Performance and Revenue and Expenses for the year ended 30 June 2014. Income from transactions Output appropriations 59,329 23,440

Regional Growth Fund appropriations 136,000 123,986

Grants received 7,740 0

Interest 5,016 7,308

Other revenue 3,687 6,476

Total income from transactions 211,772 161,210 Expenses from transactions compliance Grants and other payments (155,191) (143,177) Compliance requirements in accordance with the Financial Management Employee-related expenses (21,796) (8,753) Act 1994 and the directions of the Minister for Finances were managed by Depreciation and amortisation (1,084) (59) DSDBI on behalf of RDV.

Capital asset charge (527) (130) Consolidated compliance reporting information for RDV for the 2013-14 financial year is contained in the 2013-14 Annual Report Other operating expenses (17,164) (9,792) published by DSDBI. Interest (47) (11)

Total expenses from transactions (195,809) (161,921)

Operating surplus (deficit) 15,963 (711)

The balance of the Regional Growth Fund Trust at 30 June 2014 was $235,730 million. The funds are held in trust to meet existing commitments due in future periods. legislation The financial operations of Regional Development Victoria are included in the Financial Reports of the Department of State Development, Business and RDV is responsible for the following legislation: Innovation. >> The Regional Development Victoria Act 2002.

>> The Regional Growth Fund Act 2011.

>> The Albury Wodonga Agreement (Repeal) Act 2003. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 13-14 CONTACT INFORMATION PG88

contact information For more information regarding Regional Development Victoria (RDV) contact a representative in your region. Regional Development Victoria Offices

Bairnsdale - by appointment only Robinvale - by appointment only 574 Main Street, Bairnsdale, VIC 3875 50 Herbert Street, Robinvale, VIC 3549 T 03 5152 0600 T 03 5026 3798 E [email protected] E [email protected]

Ballarat Sale - by appointment only 111 Armstrong Street Nth., Ballarat, VIC 3350 66 Foster Street, Sale, VIC 3850 T 03 5327 2800 F 03 5327 2830 T 03 5142 0200 F 03 5142 0201 E [email protected] E [email protected]

Bendigo Seymour - by appointment only Level 2, 8-10 Elizabeth Street, Seymour, VIC 3660 Level 1, 56-60 King Street, Bendigo, VIC 3550 T 03 5799 0573 T 03 4433 8000 F 03 4433 8099 E [email protected] E [email protected] ACCESSIBILITY Shepparton If you would like this publication in an Geelong 79a Wyndham Street, Shepparton, VIC 3632 Level 2, Harrison Place, 237 Ryrie Street, accessible format, such as large print or T 03 5895 4100 F 03 5822 2554 audio, please phone 13 22 15 (voice calls), Geelong, VIC 3220 E [email protected] T 03 5215 6000 F 03 5215 6099 or email [email protected]. E [email protected] Swan Hill C/- Department of Environment and Primary This document is also available in an Heywood - by appointment only Industries, 324 Campbell Street, accessible format on the internet at Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation, Swan Hill, VIC 3585 www.rdv.vic.gov.au. 21 Scott Street, Heywood, VIC 3304 T 03 5036 4823 F 03 5032 9682 T 03 5527 2008 Published by the Victorian Government E [email protected] Regional Development Victoria E [email protected] Annual Report 2013-2014 Traralgon Horsham 33 Breed Street, Traralgon, VIC 3844 September 2014 Wimmera Business Centre, T 03 5116 7300 F 03 5175 0324 Melbourne Victoria E [email protected] 62 Darlot Street, Horsham, VIC 3400 © Copyright State of Victoria 2014 T 03 5381 2762 F 03 5381 2514 Traralgon - Planning and Development E [email protected] This publication is copyright. No part may be 71 Hotham Street, Traralgon, VIC 3844 reproduced by any process except in accordance with T 03 5172 2533 Leongatha - by appointment only the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. E [email protected] Cnr. Young and Bair Street, Leongatha, VIC 3953 ISSN 1448-9341 T 03 5172 2533 Wangaratta E [email protected] Wangaratta Government Centre, 1st Floor, Contact Regional Development Victoria 62 Ovens Street, Wangaratta, VIC 3677 Level 11, 121 Exhibition Street Melbourne T 03 5722 7101 F 03 5722 7109 Melbourne 3000 Level 11, 121 Exhibition Street, E [email protected] Melbourne, VIC 3000 T 13 22 15 T 13 22 15 Wodonga 111-113 Hume Street, Wodonga, VIC 3689 E [email protected] E [email protected] www.rdv.vic.gov.au T 02 6059 0200 F 02 6059 0250 Mildura E [email protected] Designed by 131 Langtree Avenue, Mildura, VIC 3500 o2 Media Warrnambool 2/102 Lava Street T 03 5051 2000 F 03 5051 2020 Old Police Station, South West TAFE, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280 E [email protected] Gilles Street, Warrnambool, VIC 3280 www.o2media.com.au T 03 5561 4135 F 03 5561 3851 Printed by E [email protected] Finsbury Green in regional Victoria on 100% recycled paper