Building for Growth 2013-14 VictoriaN Budget
Regional and Rural Victoria Budget Information Paper No. 1 The Secretary Department of Treasury and Finance 1 Treasury Place Melbourne, Victoria, 3002 Australia Telephone: +61 3 9651 5111 Facsimile: +61 3 9651 5298 Website: www.budget.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne, 3002 Print managed by Finsbury Green Level 9, 124 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, 3000 This publication makes reference to the 2013-14 Budget Paper set which includes: Budget Paper No. 1 – Treasurer’s Speech Budget Paper No. 2 – Strategy and Outlook Budget Paper No. 3 – Service Delivery Budget Paper No. 4 – State Capital Program Budget Paper No. 5 – Statement of Finances (incorporating Quarterly Financial Report No. 3) © Copyright State of Victoria 2013 This book is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. ISSN 1440-6969 Published May 2013 Printed on recycled paper Regional and Rural Victoria > 1
Contents
Introduction 2 Regional Growth Fund 3 Infrastructure for growth 4 Transport 4 Maintaining our road network 4 Stage 1 of East West Link 5 Expanding rail capacity 5 Increasing our capacity for trade – Investing in Victoria’s ports 6 Better bus services 6 Major transport projects 7 Continuing to link up Victoria – East West Link 8 Why East West Link? 8 Investment 8 Strengthening health care and community services 10 Upgrading health facilities and technology 11 Training the health workforce 11 Boosting mental health and drug services 11 Home and community care 12 Delivering health services 12 Delivering better education and skills 13 Upgrading our schools 13 Upgrading our kindergartens 13 Skilling Victoria 14 Assisting children with a disability to learn and achieve 14 Water 15 Boosting our regions 16 Key projects timeline – a snapshot 18 Boosting local communities 20 Celebrating our diverse community 20 Victoria’s rich multiculturalism 20 Supporting Aboriginal communities 20 A vibrant arts scene 20 Protecting our community 20 A safer Victoria 20 Upgrading and enhancing the courts 21 Improving access to justice 21 Addressing prison capacity 21 Sustaining support for vulnerable children 22 Helping those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness 22 Emergency response and bushfire recovery 23 Open for business 28 Investing in food and fibre 28 Increasing productivity through our agriculture industry 28 Fisheries and responsible game management 29 Industry Support for Transition 29 Promoting investment in our natural resources 30 Earth resources 30 Managing our parks and Crown land 31 Reducing red tape 31 Boosting regional tourism, sport and racing 32 Initiatives by region 33 Barwon South West 33 Gippsland 34 Grampians 34 Goulburn-Ovens Murray 35 Loddon Mallee 36
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Introduction
Regional and rural Victoria’s contribution is critical to securing the State’s economic growth and prosperity. Victoria’s economic fundamentals remain strong. The economic outlook is proving resilient in the face of a strong Australian dollar and global uncertainties. The strength of regional and rural industries and communities is a key factor underpinning Victoria’s economic strength and future growth prospects. The Coalition Government’s fiscal strategy allows it to advance major transformational infrastructure projects, as well as the ongoing road, rail and other infrastructure required to meet future population growth and plan for new prosperity, more opportunities and a better quality of life. The Coalition Government is supporting the long-term prosperity of Victoria through investments to boost the growth of regional Victoria and enable better integration with Melbourne, national and international markets. Long-term growth in Asia is expected to accelerate demand for beef, lamb, wheat, and dairy products along with processed foods, which Victoria is well placed to capitalise upon. Increasing growth and urbanisation in the Asian region will also present opportunities for the State’s significant brown coal and mineral sands deposits. Linking these rural industries to national and international markets will also be critical to the State’s long term prosperity.
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Regional Growth Fund
Continued implementation of the Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is making investments in infrastructure, services, facilities and locally driven programs that improve regional areas. These projects deliver benefits for regional and rural Victoria over and above existing State Government department core programs and infrastructure. During the term 2011-2014, within the RGF, $300 million has been allocated to strategic Initiatives (including Economic Infrastructure an Energy for the Regions) and $200 million to Local Initiatives (Local Government Infrastructure and Putting Locals First Program).
To March 2013, the RGF has In April 2013, the Government supported 943 projects to the launched Thinking Regional and Rural: value of $282.6 million, leveraging A plan for growing the Guidelines for Assessing Regional and total investments of $944.2 million Geelong region Rural Impacts of Government Policy supporting regional jobs. and Legislation for introduction across In April 2013, the G21 Regional the Victorian Government. Growth Plan was released. It is the first of eight Regional Growth Plans Ballarat Technology Park Developed by the Regional Policy and provides a critical framework In October 2012, $2.9 million in Advisory Committee (RPAC) with to underpin economic and jobs funding from the Regional Growth assistance from Regional Development growth while protecting and Fund was announced towards the Victoria, Thinking Regional and Rural preserving the Geelong region’s University of Ballarat’s $6.4 million provides a framework to highlight precious cultural and environmental Ballarat Technology Park key questions and issues policy assets. It acknowledges the (BTP) expansion. makers across government should important role of Geelong as consider where a major decision is The expansion is anticipated Victoria’s second major city and being contemplated. The framework is to generate 520 jobs during central service provider to the designed to minimise negative impacts construction and 1 820 jobs surrounding areas. or unintended consequences of policy during the operational phase, and or legislation, while highlighting The Plan provides direction leverage capital investment of for accommodating the strong more than $155 million during the opportunities where regional and rural communities may benefit. growth occurring in the region construction works. by identifying necessary land In November 2012 IBM announced The Government is working closely supply and strategic supporting it will expand its presence at with businesses and communities, and infrastructure. The G21 Regional the BTP with a new IBM Asia including local voices in the strategic Growth Plan identifies residential Pacific Centre of Excellence for planning of their future. This includes land supply for the next 30‑40 the ongoing work by the RPAC’s Software Testing. The centre is years to accommodate a projected Regional Business Leaders Forums (held expected to create 150 new jobs in population of 500 000 and identifies across Victoria in 2012‑13) and the software application development employment land to accommodate support for development of Regional and high‑level specialist up to 800 000 new jobs by 2050. Growth Plans. technical support. The Plan has been endorsed by Regional Growth Plans provide a broad the five shires that form the G21 direction for regional land use and region – City of Greater Geelong, development and high level planning Surf Coast Shire Council, Golden frameworks for key regional centres. Plains Shire Council, Colac Otway The plans will be completed by Shire Council and the Borough of mid‑2013, and guide implementation Queenscliffe. of strategic land use and infrastructure directions set out in Regional Strategic Plans prepared in 2010.
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Infrastructure for growth
Transport New funding The Government is providing $7 million to complete the sealing of the Omeo An efficient freight transport system is The 2013‑14 Budget provides over $280 million in additional funding Highway improving road safety critical to support the State’s economic and travel times and $10 million for growth. High‑capacity transport for the restoration, maintenance and upgrade of key sections of Victoria’s planning and preparatory work for the connections that link regional Victoria Kilmore‑Wallan Bypass. with industrial precincts in Melbourne’s road network. outer metropolitan area and with export The Government is providing The Government is also providing gateways are critical. $90 million for targeted road restoration, $28 million for infrastructure upgrades, focusing first on high priority roads on principally focusing on roads that The Government is ensuring that strategic economic routes. Restoring present bottlenecks to the growth of regional centres and towns have access the regional sections of these roads productivity in regional Victoria. These to effective and efficient rail, road and will improve their safety and reduce projects will increase capacity on the freight connections. ‘whole of life’ costs involved in network by better utilising existing maintaining the State’s road network infrastructure. Maintaining our road network into the future. To help keep young people safe on Metropolitan Melbourne and regional our roads, the Government is providing Victoria are economically integrated, Adding to VicRoads’ base 2013‑14 road maintenance budget, an additional $49 million for the continuation of the so it is vital that these connections are Graduated Licensing System, which considered when planning for strategic $80 million is being provided for arterial road maintenance across Victoria. This aims to ease young people across employment precincts, residential Victoria into driving using a safer, growth opportunities and infrastructure funding will help address the backlog in country road maintenance across evidence‑based system. connections. regional and rural Victoria. To prepare the East Werribee It is equally important that country Funding of $32 million is provided Employment Precinct for roads are maintained to support local to repair fatigue defects on the future investment, $33 million industry and businesses, enhance West Gate Bridge. This maintenance will is being provided to upgrade liveability and save lives. ensure the longevity of this important transport infrastructure to access road asset. regional and state transport networks and conduct necessary Mildura environmental site assessments and Fruit implementation planning. Grapes Legend Almonds Mineral sands Wine Regional Victoria commodities and freight flows Major road Livestock N Rail network Mildura Heavy freight flows Fruit Grapes Mineral sands Almonds Wine Livestock Major road and rail network Stockfeed Heavy freight flows
Ferlizer Grain Rice Stockfeed > Fruit Livestock Grain N Grain Ferlizer Rice Pork Livestock Canned Fruit vegetables Grain Fruit Dairy Pork Canned Canned fruit Wodonga Dairy vegetables Fruit Wodonga Canned General General Olives/Oil Shepparton Beef cale CA Shepparton freight Beef cale freight LDE Olives/Oil General R HW General General freight Y Fruit freight Horsham freight Bendigo Fruit Y Woodchips Grain FW General WE E Timber Wine Horsham S General UM CALDER HWYfreight HUME FWY TE freight Bendigo H Live sheep WESTERNPork FWY RN H Aluminium WY Stockfeed Grain General Mineral sands Timber Wine freight Vegetables Vegetables Woodchips Pork C Ballarat Stockfeed A Beef cale Timber L Timber D Live sheep E Canned Melbourne Dairy R vegetables Meat Paper Aluminium H Livestock W Livestock Ferlizer Stockfeed Y Stockfeed PRINCES FWY Dairy Dairy Mineral sands Timber Geelong Vegetables W Vegetables Vegetables ESTER PRINCES HWY Flowers Ballarat N Stockfeed Beef cale Flowers Vegetables Traralgon FWY Portland General Timber Pork Warrnambool freight General General Timber Phosphate freight Canned Melbourne Dairy Alumina Dairy freight vegetables Meat Paper Mineral sands Imports / Exports Livestock Ferlizer Woodchips PRINC ES FWY Livestock Dairy, Vegetables Stockfeed Geelong Flowers Flowers Timber Dairy Vegetables Traralgon General General HWY freight Freight Pork Portland PRINCES General Phosphate Warrnambool freight DTF006_N_BIP1Internals01.indd 4 4/05/13 7:14 PM Alumina Mineral sands Dairy Woodchips Imports / Exports Regional and Rural Victoria > 5
Stage 1 of East West Link > $36 million to deliver the Bendigo route services will be changed The Government is committed to Government’s election commitment to make Epsom and Eaglehawk the delivering the East West Link project, to construct the 4.2 kilometre terminuses for some services, improving with the first stage being the Eastern long Ballarat Western Link Road public transport access in the northern section from the Eastern Freeway at between the Western Freeway and areas of Bendigo. Ballarat‑Burrumbeet Road; Hoddle Street to CityLink in Parkville. Funding of $7.1 million is being > $6 million to upgrade existing rest provided to upgrade the broad gauge The Government will provide the areas along the Hume Freeway to funding capacity to deliver this first rail track from Echuca to Toolamba provide additional truck parking and install new signalling at Toolamba stage, commencing in 2013-14. The East spaces and improved amenities; and West Link - Stage 1 has an estimated junction so this line can be reopened capital cost of between $6-8 billion. > $1 million for road upgrades to for freight. When reopened, the branch widen and seal road shoulders used line will provide a more efficient link The East West Link will provide frequently by the timber industry. to the Port of Melbourne for exporters improved connections to Melbourne moving freight from the Goulburn The Government is investing Airport and the Port of Melbourne Valley and southern New South Wales. for business, travellers and $3.9 million in local projects and freight generators. delivering election commitments that As a part of national regulatory reforms, improve the safety and amenity of the the Government is investing $62 million Current Government action road system, including the construction over five years to replace the existing As part of the $160 million Country of a pedestrian overpass over the V/Line Non‑Urban Train Radio system Roads and Bridges program, the Henty Highway in Portland. with a digital radio communications system. This will improve the reliability Government is providing 40 rural Additional funding of $25 million of train services to regional Victoria councils the opportunity to apply for has been provided to conduct road up to $1 million per year in funding for and improve interoperability with restoration works to sections of the country roads and bridges projects. metropolitan and national freight trains. Geelong-Ballan Road, Murray Valley The $60 million Better Regional Roads Highway, Great Ocean Road, Surf Coast program is providing funding for road Highway, Hamilton Highway and other Investing in regional jobs connections between Melbourne and regional arterial roads connecting towns The 2013‑14 Budget provides regional Victoria to further support and cities across regional Victoria. $179 million for eight new regional growth. X’Trapolis trains and associated Assistance is being provided to cover infrastructure, and planning for Other previously funded road projects costs of recovery and repair of strategic future train acquisition. This adds for regional areas include: roads, including $12 million for arterial to the seven trains funded by > $50 million to duplicate the Western roads, and $400 000 for the removal of the Coalition Government in the Highway between Burrumbeet flood debris, the inspection of bridges 2011‑12 Budget. and Beaufort; damaged during flood events and > $42 million to duplicate the drainage works. This funding delivers stage two Western Highway between Beaufort of the Coalition Government’s and Buangor; Expanding rail capacity commitment to acquire 40 additional commuter trains > $15 million for Princes Highway New funding for Melbourne during its first overtaking lanes west of Colac; The Government has provided and second terms. The trains > $8 million for the first stage of sealing $22 million to build and operate a new will be fitted out by Ballarat train of the Omeo Highway; station at Grovedale, incorporating manufacturer Alstom, securing > $7.1 million to construct overtaking a single platform with passenger jobs in the region. The trains are lanes on the Strzelecki and Hyland amenities, on‑road bus bays, bicycle expected to commence running on Highways, and two new lanes on the storage and car parking for 200 cars. the network by 2015. Melbourne‑Lancefield Road to reduce The project will upgrade track and congestion and improve road safety; signalling to maximise the number of trains that can operate to and from the > $4.5 million for Ballarat–Buninyong new station. Road upgrade; > $5 million to start work on the The Government is investigating the Princes Highway West from Colac viability of rail services between South to Winchelsea; Geelong to Drysdale and Grovedale > $3.4 million to start work on the to Torquay. Kilmore‑Wallan Bypass; The Government is providing $9 million > $3 million for noise walls on the to build and operate a new train station Geelong Ring Road; at Epsom. The development includes a 160 metre platform with shelters, ticketing, public announcements and hearing loops, and parking for 60 cars.
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Infrastructure for growth (cont)
The $110 million initiative in the 2013‑14 Budget provides for a capital injection in the Port of Hastings Development Authority to progress planning and approvals to develop this critical infrastructure. Planning for the construction of a second Victorian container port with land-side transport connections will meet expected demand for containerised shipping well into the future, providing enhanced certainty for Victorian imports and exports. This initiative complements the Port of Melbourne redevelopment, which is undergoing a $1.6 billion Current Government action Additional funding initiatives to expansion of container and automotive capacity at Webb Dock. Regional Rail Link is well underway and support regional public transport and will provide improved rail services from rail include: The Government will also invest Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo into > delivering more train services to $5 million in 2013‑14 to improve Melbourne, making these regional cities Wendouree Station and improved access to Victoria’s coastal and more attractive places to live and invest. access to rail services for people in inland waterways. This will include Ballarat. This includes $1.6 million to essential works to local infrastructure In addition, the Government has provide an additional 68 services each to help maintain safe access to the ordered 40 new V/Line carriages to week to and from Wendouree; marine environment. deliver increased service levels when the Regional Rail Link opens in 2016. > returning passenger rail services Current Government action to the north‑central Victorian town The Government is investing The Government is investing of Talbot, with the allocation of $23 million for the redevelopment and $5.1 million as a part of its election $2.5 million to upgrade Talbot repair of local port assets to support commitment to deliver a new rail Station; and tourism, aquaculture and recreation. link to Avalon Airport. This will fund > implementing a $47 million program the necessary planning and business to improve country level crossings In November 2012, the Government case development for the new rail across Victoria, including the upgrade provided $3.8 million towards the link. In addition, $2 million has been of Warragul Station. As part of $5.6 million Port of Geelong Grain provided for research into the return of this package, $2 million has been Loop upgrade, which will enable up to regional rail services between the major allocated to improve the crossing at 30 per cent more grain per train to be regional cities of Geelong, Ballarat Lardners Track, Victoria’s number one delivered to the port by rail and reduce and Bendigo. country level crossing black spot. the number of trucks on the road. Funding of $10 million is being directed to the improvement of the Warrnambool Increasing our capacity for trade – Better bus services to Geelong rail link through the investing in Victoria’s ports New funding construction of a new rail passing Regional industries rely on strong This budget provides $25 million to loop. The passing loop will provide freight connections to Victoria’s enhance bus services. The initiative both V/Line and rail freight operators ports. Approximately 43 per cent of will increase the number of bus with greater flexibility, improving their containerised exports through the Port services in key growth areas, improving ability to schedule and operate more of Melbourne are agricultural products. transport coordination for commuters. frequent passenger and freight trains. Precincts include St. Albans, Caroline New funding Springs, Wyndham, Bacchus Marsh The Government has provided The 2013‑14 Budget provides and Warrnambool. $172 million for major periodic $110 million to develop the maintenance of the regional rail Port of Hastings. The Port of Hastings Current Government action network for both passenger and freight development is critical for the An additional 800 weekly bus services services. This will enhance punctuality, future of our growing freight trade, are being provided in the Latrobe reliability and passenger comfort well beyond the next decade, Valley. The new bus services run to significantly improve passenger providing a significant expansion to more frequently, for longer hours, and services. Better network reliability Victoria’s container freight capacity. have expanded network coverage in will increase the competitiveness of Traralgon, Moe, Morwell, Churchill and Victoria’s freight services. surrounding smaller townships.
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Major transport projects
Mildura
Swan Hill Deniliquin Oaklands
Tocumwal
Underway Echuca Wodonga
21 Shepparton Wangaratta Commence soon 16 13 Planning 14 Benalla Bendigo 19 Horsham Maryborough 8 Seymour Ararat 15 7 3 Ballarat 11 Hamilton 10 Bairnsdale 17 Warragul 9 Sale 12 20 1 Geelong 2 Portland 18 22 Traralgon Warrnambool 6 5 4
Statewide projects 14. Epsom Eaglehawk rail improvements > Regional rail maintenance 15. Talbot Station re-opening > New regional train carriages 16. Western Highway upgrade > Non-urban train radio 17. Regional Rail Link Major transport projects 18. South West Victoria passing loop 1. Geelong Ring Road stages 4B and 4C 19. Goulburn Valley Highway – Nagambie Bypass 2. Princes Highway duplication – Traralgon to Sale 20. Warragul Station precinct upgrade 3. Western Highway duplication 21. Echuca to Toolamba Rail upgrade 4. South Gippsland Highway upgrade 22. Grovedale Station 5. Rural overtaking lanes – Hyland Highway 6. Rural overtaking lanes – Strzelecki Highway 7. Kilmore-Wallan Bypass 8. Sealing Omeo Highway 9. Rural overtaking lanes – Princes Highway West 10. Ballarat Western Link Road 11. Rural overtaking lanes – Melbourne-Lancefield Road 12. Koo Wee Rup Bypass 13. Hume Highway rest areas
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Continuing to link up Victoria – East West Link
Ormond Rd
Mount Alexander Rd Brunswick Rd
Epsom Rd
High St
Duke St Holden St Ballarat Rd Victoria Rd
Ascot Vale Rd Westgarth St Forrest St Ballarat Rd Anderson Rd Rosamond Rd Heidelberg Rd Racecourse Rd Lygon St
Nicholson St South Rd Flemington Racecourse Queens Pde Flemington Rd Wright St Eastern Fwy Macaulay Rd
Hampshire Rd
Gordon St
Royal Pde Johnston St Sunshine Rd Barkly St Kensington Rd
Dynon Rd Studley Park Rd
Hoddle St Victoria Pde Geelong Rd
Fairbairn Rd Footscray Rd Eastern Section Somerville Rd Stage 1 – Eastern Section Whitehall St
CityLink
Western Ring Rd Ring Western CBD Stage 1 – Eastern Section (tunnel) Eastern Section
Western Section Princes Hwy Western Section
Millers Rd West Gate Fwy Lorimer St Cemetery Rd Western Section (tunnel)
Map not to scale City Rd Western Section – additional roadworks
Why East West Link? Investment > Melbourne’s cross-city connectivity is constrained. > Total capital cost of the program of works for the first stage > The only major east-west route across the city, the M1 is estimated at between $6-8 billion. corridor, is operating at or close to capacity. > The 2013-14 Budget makes provision for delivery of > Daily queues and congestion where the Eastern Freeway the first stage, allowing for some private financing and terminates at Hoddle Street. $1.5 billion of Commonwealth funding. > East-west traffic is forced onto residential streets in the > Funding of $294 million has been released over the next inner north and inner west. 2 years to complete detailed planning, and commence procurement and early works construction. > The city’s busiest tram routes through the inner north to the CBD are becoming less reliable due to congestion > The project road will be tolled, however tolling revenue caused by east-west traffic. will not recover the full cost. Therefore, significant investment is required by the State and Commonwealth > Constrained connections to and from the city’s major Governments, and private sector. economic gateways and freight destinations (such as Melbourne Airport and the Port of Melbourne) restrict > The Coalition Government will engage with communities business and freight movements. regarding the preferred corridor and the needs and concerns of local communities. > Population growth in Melbourne, in particular in the west and north, will continue to place pressure on cross‑city routes.
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Ormond Rd
Mount Alexander Rd Brunswick Rd
Epsom Rd
High St
Duke St Holden St Ballarat Rd Victoria Rd
Ascot Vale Rd Westgarth St Forrest St Ballarat Rd Anderson Rd Rosamond Rd Heidelberg Rd Racecourse Rd Lygon St
Nicholson St South Rd Flemington Racecourse Queens Pde Flemington Rd Wright St Eastern Fwy Macaulay Rd
Hampshire Rd
Gordon St
Royal Pde Johnston St Sunshine Rd Barkly St Kensington Rd
Dynon Rd Studley Park Rd
Hoddle St Victoria Pde Geelong Rd
Fairbairn Rd Footscray Rd Eastern Section Somerville Rd Stage 1 – Eastern Section Whitehall St
CityLink
Western Ring Rd Ring Western CBD Stage 1 – Eastern Section (tunnel) Eastern Section
Western Section Princes Hwy Western Section
Millers Rd West Gate Fwy Lorimer St Cemetery Rd Western Section (tunnel)
City Rd Western Section – additional roadworks
Delivering on the first stage of East West Link > The Coalition Government is committed to delivering the full East West Link, which is an 18 kilometre freeway‑standard road from the Eastern Freeway to the Western Ring Road. > The scale and complexity of the project means it will be delivered in stages. > The first stage of the project is the Eastern Section, a 6 kilometre link from the Eastern Freeway in Clifton Hill to CityLink in Parkville. > The section will be predominantly in tunnel to minimise social, visual, noise and other environmental impacts. > The first stage will also provide for transport and urban amenity improvements along the corridor, including public transport initiatives and initiatives to address congestion on adjoining roads. > Main construction on the first stage is expected to commence in late 2014 with the construction period of approximately 5 years.
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Strengthening health care and community services
The 2013-14 Budget provides an additional $426 million in 2013-14 and $1.8 billion over the forward estimates to Victoria’s hospitals and health system, bringing expenditure on acute health to $11.2 billion in 2013-14.
Building up health infrastructure The 2012‑13 Budget Update made > $93 million for a major upgrade of The 2013‑14 Budget is providing provision for the redevelopment of Geelong Hospital. This will include substantial investment in vital two key specialist facilities 64 additional beds in order to increase capacity to provide cancer capital works. The Monash Children’s Hospital care, palliative care and care for and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear The Government will deliver its older patients with complex needs; Hospital redevelopment, funded election commitment to build a > $46 million to the redesign and new 32‑bed community hospital in in the 2012‑13 Budget Update, are significant infrastructure projects upgrade of the Ballarat Hospital. the southern suburbs of Geelong A helipad will be added to the by investing in the Waurn Ponds that deliver on the Government’s election commitments. hospital’s roof, additional car Community Hospital. This hospital parking will be provided, and an will meet service pressures for the Rural and Regional Victorians will additional 60 beds will improve the growing populations of Geelong benefit from investment in world hospital capacity; and the Surf Coast Shire. The new class specialist medical facilities > $40 million for the Echuca Hospital facility will provide same‑day surgery, that provide services to the State redevelopment and expansion; chemotherapy chairs, renal chairs and as a whole. capacity for specialist clinics. > $23 million with a contribution from The new Monash Children’s Hospital the Commonwealth Government to Investment of $18 million will will deliver 230 beds, which will reconstruct the Charlton Hospital, re‑establish a range of acute health provide capacity for increases in which was extensively damaged services at Numurkah Hospital, which demand and improve access for the in the January 2011 floods. The was damaged extensively in the March growing populations in south-east new hospital will ensure enhanced 2012 floods. The new purpose‑built Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula residential aged care services, facility includes ten acute beds, a and south-east Victoria. better ambulatory care services, and two‑bed high dependency unit, four improved patient access to services; beds for palliative or restorative care The redevelopment at the Royal and a six‑bed day procedure unit. Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital will > $20 million to redevelop and enable the hospital to meet current expand the Kilmore and District Funding of $35 million for the new and future demand for specialist adult Hospital. This will provide an Werribee Mercy Hospital mental and paediatric ophthalmology and ear, additional 30 acute beds, dedicated health facilities, will deliver the nose and throat services on its existing outpatient services, and enhanced construction of a new 54-bed acute site in East Melbourne. It will include ambulatory care services; mental health facility, including 25 major reconfiguration, upgrade and > $18 million to redevelop the additional beds. This investment will expansion of facilities for clinical residential aged care facilities at increase local access to mental health services and significant improvements Swan Hill District Health, providing services and improve the efficiency of to the onsite teaching, training and 45 residential aged care beds as well service delivery. research facilities. as additional upgrades to essential Funding for the Northern Hospital The Government has already funded infrastructure and site services; of $29 million will build on the numerous capital projects across > $18 million for the Kerang expansion of the emergency the State’s hospitals to improve the District Health residential aged department and special care nursery standard and accessibility of health care redevelopment; that was funded over the past two care services for rural and regional > $10 million to relocate and years – to deliver a new three communities, delivering on its election refurbish the urgent care storey building at the existing site commitments, through: department, construct a second including 32 beds and support areas. > $630 million for the new Bendigo theatre, redesign a surgery ward The funding will expand inpatient Hospital project. This will create and upgrade infrastructure at capacity and enable the hospital to a new integrated cancer centre, a Castlemaine Hospital; better manage immediate demand new mental health unit, as well as pressures and broaden the range of > $2 million for the Ballan Hospital 372 beds and 10 operating theatres acute services offered, resulting in redevelopment; for this thriving regional centre. improved access. > $2 million for the Warragul Hospital Twenty-first century facilities will emergency department upgrade; and Critical care capacity will be expanded enable the hospital to deliver with an investment of $2.2 million for improved patient care according > $1.8 million for the refurbishment four adult intensive care beds and five to best practice, develop a skilled and expansion of Ballarat District neonatal intensive care respiratory health workforce for the future, Nursing and Healthcare facilities. support beds, together with upgraded improve operational efficiency and medical retrieval equipment for health provide for the health needs of a services across Victoria. growing population;
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Upgrading health facilities New funding and technology Funding of $3 million will provide New funding an additional six training posts for rural general proceduralists, building The Government will invest $10 million on current programs to train rural to develop radiotherapy services for doctors in procedural skills in areas south‑west Victoria in Warrnambool. such as obstetrics, anaesthetics, This builds on the $5 million invested emergency and surgery. in the 2012‑13 Budget and will enable residents to receive treatment The Government is investing locally instead of needing to travel $194 million over four years to long distances. This delivers on the increase delivery of clinical training for Government’s election commitment. undergraduate students. The initiative will support an increase of more than Health facilities across the State, 20 per cent in clinical placement days including acute hospitals, dental health over the next four years. services, mental health services and aged care services, will benefit from This is alongside statewide funding $35 million in additional funding of $42 million over four years for to update and replace medical additional intern and new graduate equipment. Health services assets, places in medicine, nursing, midwifery such as lifts, generators and fire safety and medical radiation, increasing Boosting mental health equipment will also be improved, with the overall supply of qualified and drug services $25 million funding for health system health professionals. New funding infrastructure replacement. Current Government action The budget also meets a Government Current Government action In the 2011‑12 Budget, the Government election commitment by allocating To support the Rural and Regional provided funding of $73 million for $25 million over four years to increase Health Plan released in December 2011, additional health services in Ballarat, capacity through: the Government announced in the including supporting the recruitment of > 16 new mental health beds across 2011‑12 Budget the $56 million Rural 10 general practitioners to fill vacancies Western Health (Footscray), Eastern Capital Support Fund. Grants have in the Ballarat area, and an additional Health, Austin Health, and the Latrobe already been allocated through two 20 doctors and 80 nurses at Ballarat Regional Hospital (Traralgon); funding rounds with the next round set Base Hospital. > three five-bed mother-baby units in to commence mid-2013. Infrastructure Commencing in 2011‑12, the regional Victoria for women with a investment supported by the Rural Government also invested $1.1 million mental illness and their infants; and Capital Support Fund includes: over 4 years to support dental > enhanced mental health and > $1.2 million to the redevelopment of practitioners to relocate from wellbeing services in Bairnsdale, the public dental clinic at Bass Coast metropolitan locations to rural and which will coordinate access to Regional Health; regional communities. mental health, welfare and social > $1.9 million towards inpatient services in East Gippsland. To improve ambulance services for rehabilitation service facilities at rural and regional Victorians, the Albury-Wodonga Health; and Government is building new rural > $2 million towards the relocation of ambulance branches, upgrading the day procedure unit at Swan Hill existing rural branches and recruiting District Health. new rural ambulance staff. This will To support patients to receive treatment enable the upgrade of the Maryborough locally, the Government has provided and Castlemaine branches to 24‑hour $2 million to develop chemotherapy rostered coverage with professional services at Seymour District paramedics, new 24‑hour professionally Memorial Hospital. staffed ambulance stations at Beaufort, Grantville and Wallan and Training the health workforce establishment of mobile intensive care single‑responder units in Warrnambool, It is critical that the right skills Horsham, Mildura, Shepparton, and expertise are available to Wangaratta, Wodonga, Sale, Bairnsdale, meet the health care needs of Wonthaggi and Swan Hill. Victorians in regional and rural areas. The Government is continuing to invest in training our medical professionals.
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Strengthening health care and community services (cont)
Home and community care Delivering health services Current Government action New funding New funding The Government is providing The Home and Community Care A funding pool of $421 million $300 million to launch the National program supports older and younger over four years is being provided to Disability Insurance Scheme, to people with a disability to remain in drive efficiencies in elective surgery. help improve the lives of Victorians their home. Victoria allocates around This follows a successful pilot in the with a disability. $665 million annually to this important 2012‑13 Budget and will encourage service, and the 2013‑14 Budget the most efficient use of facilities to see National Disability Insurance builds on this investment and provides more patients treated sooner. Scheme – launch site an additional $34 million a year to The Victorian and Commonwealth The Government will further develop maintain current service levels and Governments agreed to a launch Services Connect, Victoria’s integrated meet growing demand. site of the National Disability human services system, by extending Insurance Scheme in the Barwon The Government will provide activity at the existing Services Connect area commencing on 1 July 2013. $7.9 million towards new supported trials sites in Dandenong and Barwon. accommodation homes in the Bendigo Services Connect will deliver support to Over the course of the launch, area for the current residents of those most in need in the community, approximately 5 000 eligible people Sandhurst Residential Services. The ensuring service delivery is client with significant disabilities will have new accommodation options will aim centred and more efficient. their needs assessed and will start to create better lives for the residents to receive care and support under Extra funding of $772 million over of Sandhurst Residential Services by a National Disability Insurance four years will enhance the capacity providing smaller, more personalised Scheme model. Under the Scheme, of health services across Victoria to home environments that allow for eligible people with disabilities in meet and manage growth in demand greater involvement in the local the Barwon area will: for essential hospital services. Support community. Current residents, their will target services such as emergency families and carers will play a key role > be assessed to receive ‘reasonable inpatient bed capacity, outpatient in the development of the new homes and necessary’ support; services, renal dialysis, chemotherapy to ensure they meet their support needs > continue to have decision making and radiotherapy services, as well as and living preferences. power about their care and cost-effective substitutes for acute care. support, including choice of Funding of $107 million over four years This funding also includes additional service provider; is being provided for individualised critical care capacity in intensive care support for people with a disability, units, as well as additional maternity > be assisted by local coordinators their families and carers. Up to 720 and neonatal service care funding. to help manage and deliver their additional individual support packages support; and Access to lifesaving treatment for heart will be available to provide essential > be able to access a system they disease and stroke will be improved care and support services for people can easily navigate, and that will by a $22 million program with a with a disability, their families and link them to mainstream and targeted focus on rural and regional carers. Individual support packages community services. Victoria. This will reduce readmission provide Victorians with a disability and disease progression rates by choice about the types of support better managing and supporting they access and greater control over people with chronic heart failure and their own lives. A number of these introducing new models of care to packages will be available to meet enhance rehabilitation. demand for students with a disability currently exiting the school system, and Culturally appropriate service options those exiting the Futures for Young for Aboriginal Victorians will be Adults program. This will ensure that expanded to ensure that they receive young people with high ongoing access to appropriate health care. needs are provided with the assistance Investment of $62 million will build they require. pathways to support increased use of mainstream services by Aboriginal The Government is also providing Victorians, and help to better respond $4 million in additional subsidies for to their needs. aids and equipment for people living with a disability to enhance their quality of life and build independent living skills.
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Delivering better education and skills
The Government has set an Current Government action Upgrading our kindergartens objective to lift Victoria’s education Funding of $27 million was provided New funding and development outcomes into for a new secondary college at Torquay, the global top tier over the next The Government is ensuring that which enables students along the Surf families in regional and rural areas 10 years. Funding provided in the Coast to complete their schooling in 2013‑14 Budget supports this goal. have access to quality early childhood their local community. services and care, with funding This year, regional and rural Victoria The Government has already completed of $4.6 million over four years for will benefit from the Government’s upgrades and redevelopments at the workforce improvements supported continued investment to upgrade the following schools: across the sector to provide incentives quality of school infrastructure around > Seymour College - $7 million; to attract qualified early childhood the State. Funding has been allocated to educators and provide scholarships support the construction of new schools > Colac Secondary College for educators to attain or upgrade in growth areas, and secure land for - $11 million; and their qualifications. building schools in the future. > Horsham Special School - $7 million. Grant funding of $7 million will Upgrading our schools Upgrades have commenced at the be available to build and upgrade following schools: kindergartens and children’s services. New funding > Leongatha Secondary College This forms part of the Government’s The 2013‑14 Budget provides for total - $10 million; annual expenditure for early childhood school capital works of $203 million. development of $543 million. > Eaglehawk Primary School The funding will provide for five new - $2 million; The Children’s Facilities Capital schools and land acquisitions in growth > Toorloo Arm Primary School Program is investing in a range of locations, so that these areas benefit - $3 million; infrastructure initiatives for children’s from quality education in the future. services infrastructure, including new > Bairnsdale Secondary College facilities, upgrades, renovation and This funding builds on the - $10 million; refurbishment. Government’s recent announcement of > Phoenix Community College $52 million funding to repair, rebuild - $10 million; Current Government action or remove buildings at more than 200 schools across the State. > Castlemaine Secondary College The Government has provided - $7 million; $6 million over five years to ictoria’sV > Belvoir Wodonga Special smallest rural kindergartens to continue Development School - $6 million; to provide vital preschool education for families. There have been some 135 > Golden Square Primary School grants of up to $20 000 to assist with - $5 million; administrative and operational costs for > Wodonga Senior Secondary College small rural kindergartens. - $10 million; Funding of $2.3 million is being > Mirboo North Secondary College provided for five early childhood - $7.5 million; development workers in Loddon > Northern Bay College - $8.3 million; Mallee, Gippsland, and the Grampians. > Ouyen College - $5 million; and Early childhood development workers > Woolsthorpe Primary School provide education and training to - $2.5 million. Child FIRST family services staff and early years workers to improve the linkages between the Child FIRST family services and early childhood systems.
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Delivering better education and skills (cont)
Skilling Victoria The Government is providing $5 million Children’s Facilities Capital over four years through the Regional New funding Program – Shepparton and Kialla Growth Fund to improve Year 12 A $200 million TAFE Structural In November 2012 the Government retention rates in regional and rural Adjustment Fund will be established announced that the Children’s Victoria. The Local Solutions Year to provide support for TAFE institutes Facilities Capital Program would 12 Retention Program is supporting for initiatives that promote innovation, invest in four early childhood government, Catholic and independent collaboration, structural reform and centres in the Shepparton and secondary and P‑12 schools to business transformation. Kialla region. introduce innovative programs and The Government will provide improve retention rates. The Gowrie Street Extended Early $2 million to support the engagement Learning Hub has been provided Funding of $2 million has been and participation of young people in a grant of $300 000 to provide provided for the design, tendering Victoria’s economy and community. new early childhood facilities as and site preparation for planned major This will be enhanced through new well as renovating the existing upgrades at the Geelong campus of enterprise and mentoring programs. school library to provide space for the Gordon Institute of TAFE and These programs will focus on extended access to playgroups, $1.5 million for the East Gippsland supporting young people aged 18‑25 childcare and community partners Institute of TAFE. years to be engaged, involved and on one site. This will provide an creative in a range of mentoring, integrated services approach for Assisting children with a disability training and business start‑up and the Shepparton community. to learn and achieve support initiatives. Additionally, funding The Kialla Children’s Centre will be provided for three Victorian New funding grant of $276 004 will provide local government areas to manage safer An additional 1 000 early childhood an additional building at the annual school leaver celebrations. intervention services places are centre on Council land adjoining being provided across Victoria to the existing centre. The current Current Government action support children with a disability or building entrance will be adjusted developmental delay from birth until to provide a walkway and add a Technology Enabled Learning school age. landscaped play yard suitable for Centres – Gippsland The Government will provide an all abilities. The service will be TAFE institutes in Gippsland will additional $38 million to provide able to increase enrolments and be the first to pilot the roll-out support for additional students with broaden the community aspect. of the new Technology Enabled Learning Centres in 2013. Seed moderate to severe disabilities in The Knight Street Preschool and funding of $5 million has been mainstream and specialist government Child Care Centre in Shepparton provided to develop and install schools. Students with a disability received a $205 000 grant to electronic learning technology at will also benefit from an additional convert a large single room existing campuses of Chisholm, $13 million being provided to currently used for 3 to 5-year- Gippsland and Advance TAFEs the Students with Disabilities olds into two individual rooms, as well as a selection of other Transport Program. each with toilets and storage. This training providers. This will allow Funding of $21 million will be will accommodate an individual students to access and directly provided for support services, including three‑year-old group and an interact with teachers in a wide psychology, speech pathology and individual kindergarten group. range of education services social work services, for government The St Mel’s School and close to home, including courses school students across Victoria facing Kindergarten in Shepparton has previously delivered only at barriers to learning. been provided a grant of $150 200 metropolitan campuses. to refurbish an existing unused space to retain two three-year-old Through the $20 million Regional kindergarten programs. In 2013 Partnerships Facilitation Fund, part the service will provide a 15 hour of the Regional Growth Fund, the program for four-year-old children. Government is supporting projects that contribute to increasing the rate of higher education participation and attainment in regional Victoria. These projects help bridge the current gap between participation and attainment rates in metropolitan Melbourne compared with regional Victoria.
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Water
New funding Improving water reliability and The Government will provide Gippsland Lakes conserving environmental values are $16 million to the Macalister Irrigation Enviromental Strategy also a key focus of the Lindenow Valley District. This project will achieve The Victorian Government’s Water Security Project. Under this program $1 million is being provided water savings of 12.3 gigalitres, and Gippsland Lakes Environmental to study how best to improve water aims to increase on‑farm productivity, Strategy will help secure the health reliability in the Lindenow Valley whilst regional economic production and of the iconic Gippsland Lakes. conserving the Mitchell River and waterway and estuarine health The strategy was developed by Gippsland Lakes. through the modernisation of the the Gippsland Lakes Ministerial district’s waterways. Advisory Committee with input To complement efforts to improve from local individuals, government efficiency in the use of water, the Further funding includes: agencies, community and special Government is implementing programs > $4 million to deliver a program interest groups, and industry to better track and monitor the use of of works that will manage the bodies to balance the needs of the water. These programs include: environment, local communities strategic repair, maintenance and > $7 million to monitor the impact of and industries such as tourism replacement of over 100 groundwater investment on waterway management and fishing. monitoring bores. This will ensure activities. This will allow the effective and efficient management of It provides a framework for Government to tailor attention, groundwater resources; investment through the $10 million policy and investment to the most Gippsland Lakes Environment important areas; > $4.2 million to meet Victoria’s Fund, which is drawn from the contribution towards the annual > $4.8 million to upgrade the data, Government’s Regional Growth operating costs of the Murray‑Darling accounting and auto‑processing Fund. In addition to $800 000 worth Basin Authority; functions of the Victorian of projects announced last year, Water Register; > $9 million to fund high‑priority the fund is providing $1.67 million works that will protect the open for investment this year in projects > $7.8 million to maintain the quality coast as well as Port Phillip Bay and that build partnerships and support of groundwater data and information Western Port. This program will focus on‑the-ground environmental collection from the 2 500 groundwater on addressing emerging issues across works, planning, community bores across the State Observation the whole coast and improve support engagement and sustainable fishing Bore Network; to Coastcare volunteers; and and boating. > $10 million to provide data for > $7 million over four years to engage water‑resource decision making and with communities, local government management. This will lead to more To address concerns about the health sustainable management of water and business to help protect and of the Yarrowee River in Ballarat, the resources and increased support in improve health of the Yarra River Government is investing $1 million to planning for critical incidents such as and Port Phillip Bay and practical work with community groups to reduce floods, droughts and fires; partnerships for on‑ground action. the amount of pollutants, litter and > $6 million to support the Current Government action weeds, and to restore wildlife habitats. development and adoption of a Funding of $59 million has been To give water users more clarity and single national hydrologic modelling provided to improve the environmental flexibility, the Government is investing platform for the Murray‑Darling Basin; condition of Victoria’s high priority $3.4 million to refine water entitlements > $1.8 million to better integrate rivers, wetlands and estuaries. The and to enhance the Victorian existing water analysis and reporting program focuses on physical works water market. functions. This is designed to improve across regional Victoria and provides The Government is investing the planning and use of the State’s for statewide policy coordination $5.5 million to improve water-use water resources; and planning. efficiency and natural resource > $1.2 million to simplify and adapt the management on farms to reduce The Government is investing existing Bulk Water Entitlement Works $41 million to manage, monitor the impact irrigation has on the environment. to better meet Victoria’s future water and report on the Environmental needs; and Water Reserve. This will help ensure The Government has provided > $1.2 million to maintain the protocol the sustainable development of $4.7 million to maintain the level of for quantification of water savings water resources. Victoria’s groundwater resources by from irrigation modernisation addressing depletion of groundwater projects, and enhance studies on the resources caused by reduced recharge calculation and allocation of water and overuse. savings from irrigation modernisation projects. This will provide the community and stakeholders with greater confidence in savings gained from water projects.
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Loddon Mallee New initiatives include: > Epsom Eaglehawk rail improvement - $9 million > Closure of Sandhurst residential services - $7.9 million > Bendigo Social Housing project - $4 million
Current initiatives include: > Bendigo Hospital redevelopment - $630 million > Additional 45 beds at the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre - $55 million > Echuca Hospital redevelopment and expansion - $40 million > Charlton Hospital reconstruction - $23 million > Swan Hill Hospital aged care redevelopment - $18 million
Grampians Barwon South West New initiatives include: New initiatives include: > Construction contract for 8 new trains at Ballarat, > Grovedale Station - $22 million and planning for future train acquisition – valued at > Waurn Ponds Community Hospital - $50.2 million $179 million > Radiotherapy services in south west Victoria - stage 2 - > Remediation of Fiskville and regional training colleges $10 million - $17 million Current initiatives include: Current initiatives include: > Launch site of the National Disability Insurance Scheme > Western Highway duplication between Burrumbeet and (Barwon) - over $300 million Beaufort - $50 million > Major upgrade of the Geelong Hospital - $93 million > Ballarat Hospital upgrade - $46 million > New secondary college at Torquay - $27 million > Western Highway duplication between Beaufort and > Third stage of Skilled Stadium redevelopment - $27 million Buangor - $42 million > Princes Highway overtaking lanes west of Colac > Ballarat West Link Road - $36 million - $15 million
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Goulburn-Ovens Murray Gippsland New initiatives include: New initiatives include: > Numurkah Hospital - reinstatement of acute services > Macalister Irrigation District 2030 - $16 million - $18.3 million > Sale police station - $15.3 million > Kilmore-Wallan bypass - $10 million > Sealing Omeo Highway - $7 million > Shepparton Court redevelopment - enhancing court > Clean Coal Victoria extension – $8.3 million facilities - $2.5 million > Mine stability - $4.2 million Current initiatives include: > Bairnsdale Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre - $1 million > Redevelopment and expansion of Kilmore and District Hospital - $20 million Current initiatives include: > Support the Latrobe Valley transition as a result of the > Development of a hotel and conference centre in introduction of the national carbon price - $30 million Marysville - $19 million > First stage of the Warragul Railway Station upgrade > Regeneration of Wodonga Senior Secondary College - $17 million - $10 million > Modernisation of Bairnsdale Secondary College - $10 million > Regeneration of Leongatha Secondary College - $10 million
Boosting our regions
Statewide All regions New initiatives include: New initiatives include: > School capital program > Bushfire response - emergency services - $61 million - $203 million > Planned burning - $34 million > TAFE Structural Adjustment Fund > Non-urban train radio renewal - $62 million - $200 million > Rural GP proceduralists - $3 million > East West Link (Stage 1) > Regional tourism - $8 million - $6-8 billion > Coastal Environments Program - $9.1 million > Securing Victoria’s health system - hospital services - $1.2 billion > Foot and Mouth disease preparedness - $4.7 million > Targeted road restoration > Treating fire‑affected trees on public land - $7 million - $90 million > A new Game Management Authority for Victoria - $8.5 million > Rural Financial Counselling Service - $2.3 million > Transport Solutions - $28 million > Strengthening our earth resources sector - $19 million
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Key projects timeline – a snapshot
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre
Regional Rail Link and Rolling Stock
The M80 Upgrade
New Bendigo Hospital
Metro Level Crossings (Springvale, Mitcham, Sunshine)
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Box Hill Hospital
Monash Children’s Hospital
East West Link (Stage One) Project
2011 2012 2013 2014
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Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre
Regional Rail Link and Rolling Stock
New Bendigo Hospital
Metro Level Crossings (Springvale, Mitcham, Sunshine)
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Box Hill Hospital
Monash Children’s Hospital
East West Link (Stage One) Project
2016 2017 2018 2019
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Boosting local communities
Celebrating our Supporting Aboriginal communities Protecting our community diverse community Rural and regional Victoria is a particular focus for supporting A safer Victoria Victoria’s rich multiculturalism Aboriginal communities. The Government is supporting people living in regional and rural communities Rural and regional Victoria benefits New funding from the rich and varied backgrounds to feel safe in their homes, on the of the people within its communities. Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) and road, on public transport and in public the Right People for Country project spaces. The 2013‑14 Budget builds on New funding will receive continued support while steps already taken to ensure a safe and The Government will provide an extra a long-term framework is developed just community for all Victorians. to enable RAPs to operate sustainably $360 000 over two years to support New funding the Victorian Multicultural Commission as part of the Government’s response to deliver increased assistance for to the Parliamentary Inquiry in the As part of the next stage of the community strengthening initiatives establishment and effectiveness of RAPs. Government’s election commitment that build the capacity of multicultural RAPs play a critical role in managing to deliver new and upgraded police communities, with particular focus Aboriginal cultural heritage on behalf stations, $30 million will be allocated on culturally and linguistically of all Victorians, and where appointed, to enable the completion of new police diverse organisations in rural and RAPs provided clarity to Government stations in Sale and Somerville. regional Victoria. and landholders, thereby facilitating the This budget allocates $28 million to development approval process. Grants funding for peak multicultural replace mobile road safety cameras organisations across Victoria will be The Government will provide $5 million with new technology. This investment increased by $1.5 million over two to support first and second generation supports the implementation of years to improve services for culturally members of the Stolen Generations in Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy and will and linguistically diverse Victorians, identifying their heritage and addressing improve the detection of non‑compliant with a particular focus on rural ethnic the ongoing effects of past policies. drivers, improving safety for all and multicultural communities’ councils. road users. A vibrant arts scene Current Government action The Victorian arts and cultural sector To support the work of the Centres for fosters vibrant communities and Multicultural Youth in regional areas, helps build a stronger economy the Government has provided funding with expanded opportunity. The to support disadvantaged young people Government recognises the importance living in regional areas who are from of the arts sector as a major contributor culturally and linguistically diverse to Victoria’s cultural exports, supporting backgrounds to actively participate artists and arts enterprises. in their communities. The funding, provided for four years, includes the The 2013‑14 Budget provides an establishment of two regional Centres additional $29 million to support the for Multicultural Youth and employment arts sector. of two bicultural workers. The Government will invest To support multicultural communities $5.3 million to create a new grants in regional Victoria, the Government program to support independent arts has appointed five Regional Advisory organisations across Victoria, including Councils that include local residents, regional Victoria. The program will representatives from community help organisations build leadership organisations and multicultural service and be innovative in the ways they providers. The newly established engage audiences. Regional Advisory Councils better Current Government action enable the Victorian Multicultural The Government strongly supports the Commission to fulfil its role in regional arts and cultural pursuits in rural and Victoria. The Councils advise the regional Victoria and the enormous Victorian Multicultural Commission on value they bring to sustaining the social local issues, advocate on behalf of local and economic viability of the regions. communities and advise, consult and engage with culturally and linguistically The Government is providing diverse communities. $3.7 million to upgrade the Bendigo Art Gallery.
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Upgrading and enhancing Improving access to justice Addressing prison capacity the courts New funding New funding New funding The Government expects that all The 2013‑14 Budget provides Community safety has been a top Victorians have appropriate access to funding of $131 million to strengthen priority for the Government since justice and related support services. Victoria’s corrections system by taking office, and the 2013‑14 Budget The 2013‑14 Budget addresses growing increasing capacity and to address builds on the steps already taken to demand pressures in the victim growing demand pressure on prisons. ensure a safe and just community for support system by expanding services This includes: all Victorians. across the State. The Victims Helpline > an additional 357 prison beds to operating hours will be extended to be provided across the male prison The Government is investing include weekends, and additional system; and $9.4 million to upgrade Court IT case managers will be allocated to the > a new 40-bed unit at Barwon Prison infrastructure to improve performance Victims Support System. and reliability, and undertake capital to manage increased numbers improvement works at the Shepparton The Government will provide further of high‑security prisoners. Other Magistrates’ Court. support for Victoria Legal Aid with infrastructure upgrades at the additional funding of approximately Barwon Prison will provide for better The Supporting Courts initiative will $3.4 million per year to ensure management of high‑risk inmates. provide $48 million over the next Victorians most in need of legal advice four years to ensure that courts are can access these services. The budget appropriately resourced to address initiative funds additional case work growing demand for their services. and duty lawyer services. This builds on the $437 million of base funding provided for administration of the State’s judicial system.
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Boosting local communities (cont)
Current Government action Sustaining support for Helping those who are homeless The Government is investing vulnerable children or at risk of homelessness $49 million for a program of capital New funding New funding works across the State to accommodate Protecting Victoria’s vulnerable children The Government is providing $4 million the additional 1 700 frontline police is a priority for the Government. contribution to build a 26‑unit and 940 Protective Services Officers The 2013‑14 Budget builds on the medium‑density social housing project provided for in the 2011‑12 Budget. Government’s significant investments in in Bendigo. Tenants will be assisted to Regional and rural Victoria is benefiting the 2012‑13 Budget. build their skills to sustain a long‑term from the Government’s record tenancy independently. This initiative Funding of $91 million is provided for investment of $602 million to fund will be undertaken in conjunction with additional residential and home-based 1 700 additional frontline police. a community housing association. care placements along with financial The four major regional centres assistance for education, medical and In addition the Government is of Ballarat, Geelong, Bendigo and other client expenses. The therapeutic continuing to provide assistance and Traralgon will also benefit from the foster-care program will be expanded support to vulnerable Victorians who Government’s $212 million investment and the system’s capacity to respond are homeless or at risk of homelessness. to recruit and train 940 Victoria Police to the needs of children with complex Initiatives include: Protective Services Officers to patrol needs will be improved through > $19 million over five years to train stations after 6pm until the additional flexible funds to tailor continue helping families who are last train. the assistance. homeless or at risk of homelessness The Government has also invested Current Government action to access affordable and appropriate accommodation; $78 million towards police station In response to the Protecting upgrades including Ballarat, Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry, > $7.5 million to fund a third youth Mooroopna, Axedale, Paynesville, a package of initiatives totalling foyer to provide medium‑term Waurn Ponds and Heywood, as well $336 million was funded in the accommodation in a safe and as land acquisition in Waurn Ponds 2012‑13 Budget including: supportive environment for up to and Sale. > $48 million for services in the early two years to young people who are The Government is investing years. Funding will support and homeless or at risk of homelessness. $55 million for the creation of an strengthen early home learning > Young people residing in the youth additional 45 beds at the Malmsbury and parenting through preventive foyer will be provided with both Youth Justice Centre to meet the interventions including supported onsite and community support to medium to long‑term demands playgroups and parenting groups, participate in education, employment on Victoria’s youth justice system. and the Smalltalk literacy and and training, delivering on the The initiative will also support learning program; Government’s election commitment to improvements to infrastructure at > $70 million to meet demand for a youth foyer program; and Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre. residential care placement, and > $27 million in 2013‑14 to maintain expand therapeutic residential care to To strengthen security systems at support services for homeless provide an improved speciality Barwon Prison, the Government has Victorians as part of the National response and greater placement provided $1.3 million. Partnership Agreement with the stability; Commonwealth Government. > $52 million provided to expand the Child FIRST and Integrated Family Services programs to assist an additional 1 400 families across Victoria each year to better meet a range of parenting challenges; and > $33 million to expand alternative dispute resolution programs to increase families’ involvement in decision making in child protection matters.
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Emergency response and bushfire recovery
A fairer way to fund Victoria’s The new Fire Services Property The 2012-13 financial year is the fire services Levy will ensure that all Victorian last year that the insurance industry On 1 July 2013, the Coalition property owners pay a fair will be required to contribute to the Government will introduce a fairer contribution to fire services and are funding of Victoria’s fire services. and more equitable property-based not penalised for adequately insuring The removal of the insurance-based levy to replace the insurance‑based their property. The Fire Services fire services levy and associated funding of fire services. The Property Levy will also provide goods and services tax and stamp duty Metropolitan Fire and Emergency a concession for pensioners and will reduce the cost of insurance for Services Board (MFB) and the Country Department of Veterans’ Affairs TPI all Victorians. Gold Card holders. Fire Authority (CFA) are currently To ensure a smooth transition to funded by contributions made by The Fire Services Property Levy the new property-based levy the the insurance industry, metropolitan will be charged to property owners Government has appointed Professor councils and the State Government. through their council rates notices. Allan Fels as the State’s Fire Services Insurance companies pass the cost The levy comprises a fixed charge of Levy Monitor. of their contributions on to policy $100 for residential properties and The Office of the Fire Services Levy holders through a fire services levy on $200 for non-residential properties, Monitor provides information to insurance policies. plus a variable component calculated consumers and investigates complaints on the capital improved value of the This significant reform is part of regarding the insurance-based levy property. The levy rate for the variable the Government’s commitment to not adequately resolved by insurance component will differ depending on implement the recommendations companies. It closely monitors the property type and the location of made by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires the industry to make sure insurers the property. Property owners located Royal Commission. The Commission genuinely pass on the abolition of the in the Metropolitan Fire District will found that the current system is existing levy to policyholders. flawed, unfair and needs reform, and contribute to the funding of the recommended that the State replace MFB, and property owners located the insurance-based levy with a in an area serviced by the CFA will property-based levy. contribute to the funding of the CFA.
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Boosting local communities (cont)
Natural disasters, such as devastating Current Government action The Government has already invested fire and floods, take a significant toll The Government’s $750 million heavily in measures to support on rural and regional communities. The Powerline Bushfire Safety program community safety including: Government is continuing to invest to aims to reduce the risk of bushfires > $38 million commitment in the improve the State’s capacity to prepare caused by electrical assets without Victorian State Emergency Service for for and respond to natural disasters causing significant impact on electricity volunteer support programs including across Victoria, and minimise the supply reliability. 23 staff for volunteer support across impacts on affected communities. Victoria, 10 additional staff to fill The program includes: New funding gaps in key incident management > changes to network operations The level of planned burning will teams that provide warnings and to prevent bushfire starts at the be increased to reduce the risk to information to communities, critical times and locations of greatest risk, bushfires communities. The $34 million communication equipment and the while minimising disruptions to allocated in this budget will enable the purchase of command and control customer supply; continued expansion of the planned vehicles including a heavy rescue burning program. > a Government contribution of truck for Colac and six medium up to $200 million over 10 years rescue trucks to Ballarat, Cobram, Completing the Government’s election towards the replacement of the Marong, Foster, Bannockburn commitment to build and upgrade 250 most dangerous power lines in the and Dartmoor; Country Fire Authority rural fire stations, State that would otherwise not have > $9.5 million to Life Saving Victoria the Government is investing $61 million been replaced; for clubhouse upgrades and lifesaver in this budget to deliver the remaining > $40 million from Government to volunteer programs. Lifesaving 142 fire station replacements and mitigate power reliability impacts on clubhouses form a vital community upgrades over the next two years. This customers critically reliant on power hub for many Victorian towns will enhance the capacity of emergency through the Local Infrastructure and this funding has ensured Life services infrastructure and assist the Assistance Fund; and Saving Victoria and its volunteers Country Fire Authority to respond to can continue the important role emergency events. > a Government contribution of $10 million to continue research and of protecting the lives of Victorian The Government is providing development to identify cost‑effective communities, especially in regional $17 million for further remediation risk reduction technologies and rural areas; and work to be undertaken at the Country and procedures. > $12 million has been allocated to Fire Authority’s Fiskville State Training 196 local volunteer emergency Facility to address occupational health Local Infrastructure services groups through the Volunteer and safety concerns and undertake Assistance Fund – Kilmore and Emergency Services Equipment environmental investigations. District Hospital Program (VESEP), with the overall value of equipment purchased The Government is providing The Local Infrastructure Assistance $4.3 million over three years for the in excess of $16 million. VESEP Fund is a $40 million program to provides local emergency services State’s contribution towards flood deliver back-up power generators mitigation works. Additional works volunteer groups access to grants to residential care facilities where for operational equipment, vehicles, include development of the State Flood residents are critically reliant Management Strategy and commencing trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers and on continuous power for health minor facility improvements. better flood information mapping for and wellbeing. priority rural areas. The generator at Caladenia Nursing Home at the Kilmore and District hospital was the first to be installed under this program. The generator has already played an important role, automatically providing backup power to residents in January this year when a fault at a substation caused a 24‑hour outage.
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The Regional Growth Fund’s Putting The Government has provided Locals First Program has funded a significant support to victims of the $1.75 million recovery package for floods that occurred in 2010, 2011 communities affected by the 2013 and 2012. Beyond the initial disaster Alpine fires. Initiatives include: relief, the Government continues > $1 million contribution towards a rail to deliver much‑needed recovery trail between Bright and Harrietville; initiatives through: > $350 000 for the development > $2 million Flood Recovery Community of the all-season Dinner Plain Infrastructure Fund. Adventure Park; > This initiative was established in > $300 000 for renovation works to response to the February, March the Centenary Park river front in and June 2012 flood events and is Bright; and providing support to re‑establish and restore damaged community > $30 000 to assist local grape growers infrastructure such as recreation to conduct critical smoke-taint testing. reserves, walking tracks and a Low-interest concessional loans have range of local sporting facilities. been made available to eligible small Applications submitted to the Fund businesses, primary producers and are currently under assessment; not-for-profit organisations affected > $5 million 2012 Flood by the March 2013 events in regional Support Program. Victoria. Loans of up to $200 000 will > Following the February and March be made available in Golden Plains and 2012 extensive flooding across South Gippsland for the March 2013 the North Central, North East, East bushfires, and Alpine, Benalla, Greater Gippsland and Goulburn Broken Shepparton, Indigo, Moira, Strathbogie, regions. In June 2012 larger areas Wangaratta and Wodonga for the across Gippsland and Corangamite tornadoes in March 2013. experienced significant rainfall. The Government also made > Funding is allocated to Catchment concessional loans available Management Authorities in the following the January 2013 affected areas to help deliver multiple Chemstowe‑Charngham and outcomes that address environmental, Aberfeldy‑Donnelly bushfires, and the economic and social issues currently June 2012 floods. facing flood-affected communities; > $10 million Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund. > Encouraging private sector investment and job creation to enhance economic development and recovery in flood- affected communities, the Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund was extended to cover municipalities affected by the 2011 flood events; and > $30 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund.
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Boosting local communities (cont)
In addition, the Government provided In recognition of the continued need > Skills, Training, Engagement and assistance following the floods of to provide specific ongoing assistance Practical Support grants up to $30 000 February and March 2012 through: to individuals and communities for individual projects to promote > grants of up to $25 000 for primary affected by the 2009 Victorian community leadership, provide producers, small businesses and not bushfires, the Government established training and skill development, for profit organisations in the areas of the Fire Recovery Unit in Regional strengthen community networks Greater Shepparton and Moira, who Development Victoria. and communications, or provide mentoring and practical human suffered direct damage, to fund clean- The Fire Recovery Unit was established resources support; up activities, replacement of damaged on 1 July 2011 to assist fire‑affected equipment, stock and other general communities across Victoria by > the Rebuilding Advisory Service to repairs. Assessment of other affected facilitating strong relationships and support households through the areas is ongoing; and clear responses to identified community challenging task of rebuilding their > low interest concessional loans of needs. New or extended programs homes; and up to $200 000 for eligible primary provided by the Government in the last > completion of the Bushfire Buy‑back producers, small businesses and not 12 months include: Scheme to support the voluntary for profit organisations affected by acquisition of property destroyed by > $5.2 million Marysville and Triangle the floods in Alpine, Ballarat, East the 2009 bushfires determined to be Economic Recovery Package to Gippsland, Greater Bendigo, Greater of unacceptably high bushfire risk. support new investment in Marysville Shepparton, Indigo, Macedon Ranges, and surrounding communities; Mildura, Moira, Mount Alexander, Strathbogie, Towong, Wangaratta and > announcement that Melbourne Civic Wodonga local government areas. City Property, in partnership with Toga Pty Ltd and Metier3 Architects, will develop and operate a new $28 million hotel and conference centre in Marysville;
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Victorian bushfires Individuals and communities affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires have shown remarkable resilience in their ability to recover. Homes have been rebuilt, public infrastructure has been reopened, and communities have been rejuvenated. A survey conducted in mid‑2012 showed that 87 per cent of the almost 1 600 households who lost their primary place of residence have rebuilt, purchased a new property or begun the process of rebuilding. In 2012, the Victorian Government continued to deliver projects and support services funded by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund to aid the medium and long‑term recovery of individuals and communities affected by the bushfires. The Government has committed to implementing all 67 recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. In October 2012, the Deputy Premier announced that Melbourne Civic City Property, in partnership with Toga Pty Ltd and Metier3 Architects, had been selected to develop and operate the new Vibe Hotel and Conference Centre in Marysville. Representing a significant milestone in the continuing renewal of the Marysville area, the hotel and conference centre will include 100 guest rooms, conferencing facilities for 300 people, a cafe/restaurant, public bar, day spa and recreational facilities for hotel guests. Construction is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2013 and will create 85 new full‑time jobs over the construction phase. The facility will support up to 60 full‑time jobs in the community within five years of completion.
Artist’s impression of the Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre
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Open for business
The Government will provide $16 million to increase investment Macalister Irrigation District in Victoria, both locally and from The Macalister Irrigation District outside the State. This will establish is the largest irrigation district in the Office of State Development, and the south of Victoria, generating enable the new organisation to identify significant economic benefits and capture investment opportunities for the State, principally through domestically and internationally. dairy farming. Investing in food and fibre The Macalister Irrigation District Victorian food and fibre exports were 2030 project will increase on‑farm worth almost $9 billion in 2011‑12, productivity, regional economic up 11 per cent on the previous year. production, and waterway and Current Government action estuarine health through the Assisted by varied climatic conditions The $2 billion Northern Victoria modernisation of the district. Key across its regions, the State has earned Irrigation Renewal Project has been modernisation works include a strong international reputation for integrated into Goulburn‑Murray Water. channel automation in the clean, green, high‑nutrition food and The project is helping meet Victoria’s Southern ‑ Cowwarr region. beverages, including dairy, meat, fruit, contribution to a future Murray‑Darling wine, cereal and confectionery. Up to A more efficient irrigation district Basin Plan and deliver a world‑class 28 000 people are employed in food will enable improved productivity irrigation system for northern Victoria’s processing in regional Victoria, which from existing land and support food producers. is around 30 per cent of all regional more land being brought into The Government’s $61 million manufacturing jobs. intensive agricultural production, Food and Fibre Strategy is the key thereby increasing the agricultural The Government is investing in project designed to strengthen the output for the district. The productivity-boosting initiatives that performance of the agricultural sector modernisation program will support the continued growth and in Victoria by improving productivity improve farm profitability and prosperity of regional Victoria’s major and competitiveness. This Strategy provide significantly improved industries, including agriculture, is targeted to assist key industries customer service for irrigators fisheries, natural resources and tourism. to harness strong growth from in the district. The health of Asia and demand for high quality waterways in the region will be Increasing productivity through agricultural goods. improved by reducing nutrients our agriculture industry flowing into Gippsland rivers and To encourage innovation in the dairy New funding the Gippsland Lakes. industry the Government has allocated Government funding of $16 million $14 million to provide targeted research The project will provide regional provided in the 2013‑14 Budget as part and development to increase the rate employment opportunities of the Macalister Irrigation District 2030 of genetic improvement in dairy cattle, during construction and into project will be matched by contributions improve feed-conversion efficiency, and the longer term to help offset from irrigators, to modernise on‑farm improve water‑use efficiency in dairy forecast employment losses as infrastructure, increase productivity, production systems. Gippsland moves towards a carbon expand regional economic production constrained future. Funding has also been provided to and improve the health of the area’s improve genetics, livestock fertility, waterways and estuaries. weaner survival and the efficiency Measures will be implemented to of feeding systems in the red meat better prepare Victoria for outbreaks industry. Funding of $9 million is being of foot‑and‑mouth disease. Funding provided to the beef and lamb sectors of $4.7 million will be provided and to boost output and productivity growth will respond to a number of urgent in order to harness improved seasonal issues raised in the Matthews Report, conditions and strong export demand. A review of Australia’s preparedness for the threat of foot-and-mouth- The Government has provided disease, including improving disease $11 million to help ensure the surveillance and detection, and goat long‑term success of the Victorian grain and sheep traceability. industry. The initiative will improve plant genetics, technologies and farm practices to increase the productivity, product resilience and flexibility of the industry as well as establish a National Genetics Resources Centre in Horsham.
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Funding of $5 million has been Fisheries and responsible provided to establish cooperatives game management to market high quality Victorian agricultural food and fibre products. New funding This will help Victorian farmers access The Government recognises the premium markets around the world. In enormous support game hunting addition, the provision of $2 million for provides to local economies in the Farmers Market Support Program regional Victoria. The activity generates is supporting new and existing farmers more than $70 million each year markets and stallholders across Victoria. and supports jobs in hospitality, the supply of vehicles, boats, firearms The Government is investing and ammunition, plus camping and $8.1 million in food and industry hunting equipment. revitalisation in response to growing demand from Asia. This involves Funding of $8.5 million will be provided research and development spending to establish an independent Game on new orchard production systems Management Authority to improve for pears, stonefruit and almonds, and the effectiveness of game species the development of new varieties. management and administration, as well This program will also seek to achieve as the enforcement of game hunting better market access in North and and associated laws, and the promotion Southeast Asia. of responsible hunting. Funding of $20 million has been Current Government action The Victorian Government is providing $15 million to support economic allocated to address biosecurity threats The Government has provided adjustment in the greater Geelong and maintain market access. This will $1 million for the construction of region. The area is currently facing strengthen the protection of food an offshore reef between Anglesea structural pressures on key industries, and fibre producers from the threat and Torquay. Fisheries Victoria will including a high Australian dollar. The of weeds, pest animals and diseases. construct another eight recreational Government’s approach to support This will involve wild dog management, fishing reefs in Victorian waterways recognises the competitive advantages weeds eradication, livestock disease over the next two years, with locations of the region and the potential surveillance, and forestry biosecurity. such as Gippsland Lakes, Western Port for growth in existing businesses and Port Phillip Bay being assessed. The Government allocated $3.5 million including high value-add and niche This is in addition to three already to the Farm Debt Mediation scheme, manufacturing. where banks and other creditors provided in Port Phillip Bay. The investment includes the $11 million must now offer to mediate with The Government’s $4 million bounty Geelong Advancement Fund, which Victorian farmers before foreclosing program has seen 133 000 fox scalps has been established to drive jobs on their debts. and 430 wild dog pelts handed in so growth, increase skills and innovation far from rural areas. To support young people in agricultural and deliver economic and community careers, farmers under age 35 are Industry Support for Transition infrastructure in Geelong. Funding benefiting from a land transfer duty is available to support collaborative exemption scheme. The Government The Government continues to ventures with public and private sector, is also providing assistance to young encourage new industry investment in education and community organisations farmers to purchase their first property regional Victoria and has been directly that will improve economic and by expanding a concessional loans assisting industries and employees liveability outcomes in Geelong. scheme from $15 million to $23 million transitioning as a result of a changing over five years. economy. The $4 million was provided to promote new investment and jobs The $15 million Latrobe Valley Industry for the Geelong region, and provides and Infrastructure Fund is assisting existing industry with support to the Latrobe Valley to manage the develop new products and identify and challenge of structural adjustment and capture new markets. reposition its economy for sustainable long-term growth.
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Open for business (cont) N>
Areas of resources activity in Victoria
Gold & Base Metals Mineral Sands Mildura Crocodile Gold Corp Mandalay Resources Dart Mining NL Mt Unicorn Molybdenum Iluka Resources Ltd Fosterville Costerfield WRP Mine Project Astron Ltd Coal WIM250 Project TRU Energy Australian Zircon Yallourn mine WIM150 Project Alcoa Anglesea mine International Power Independence Group Wodonga Hazelwood mine Stockman Base Shepparton Metals Project Loy Yang Power Loy Yang mine Gold & Base Metals Horsham Bendigo Crocodile Gold Corp LionGold Corp Ballarat East mine Iron Ballarat Eastern Iron Melbourne Nowa Nowa
Geelong Traralgon Oil & Gas Portland Warrnambool Oil & Gas Origin Energy Exxon Mobile Halladale Various fields BHP Billiton Nexus Energy Minerva Gas Field Longtom Gas Project Santos Ltd Exxon Mobil Casino & Henry & Netherby Coal Kipper/Turrum Oil & Gas Project Ignite Energy Origin Energy Origin Energy Resources Gormondale, Otway Gas Project Bass Gas Project Gelliondale, & Stradbroke
Promoting investment in New funding Focusing on mine stability, particularly our natural resources The 2013‑14 Budget provides in response to the Hazelwood and $19 million over four years to attract Yallourn incidents, the Government is Earth resources new exploration, reduce barriers to providing $4.2 million to address the highest priority and highest risk issues Regional Victoria also supports investment and promote Victoria identified by the Technical Review significant mining activity, primarily as an investment destination in the Board, and increases the Government’s centred on coal, oil and gas, gold earth resources sector, generating technical, support, data-gathering and and mineral sands. The image above employment and economic growth. response capabilities. This initiative illustrates where this mining is occurring Brown coal is the State’s largest mineral aims to address at risk structures in Victoria and the numerous regional endowment, with Victoria holding and improve capability, systems and towns that support this activity. the second largest deposit in the processes to mitigate future risks. Mining contributes around 2 per cent world. Clean Coal Victoria will receive Current Government action ($6 billion) to Victoria’s economy and funding of $8.3 million allocated in employs some 6 000 people across the 2013‑14 Budget. This will allow The Government has provided an the state. Clean Coal Victoria to continue its additional $41 million towards the work facilitating coal technology Energy Technology Innovation projects and coal allocation plans, Strategy to drive advances in which includes the provision of coal low‑emission technologies. resource information to industry to The Victorian and Commonwealth assist investment attraction and deliver Governments are partnering in extensive stakeholder and community the $90 million Advanced Lignite consultation to support investigation Development program. The program and development of Victoria’s funds the development and deployment coal resources. of emerging technologies to improve the economic recovery of brown coal and reduce emissions from coal-fired electricity generation.
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Reducing red tape In April 2013, the Government released Energy for the regions the finalised Point Nepean National New initiatives The Energy for the Regions Park Master Plan, and Sustainable Use The Government is reorganising the program is investing $100 million and Tourism Framework confirming its public service to ensure it better through the Regional Growth support for appropriate investment in supports investment and jobs, delivers Fund to drive new investment the park’s quarantine station precinct for responsible financial management, and in regional communities and its long-term future. This is a key step provides enhanced frontline services to new industry and business in securing private sector investment all Victorians. opportunities. The program fast- to help preserve this important part of tracks delivery of natural gas The changes will take effect from 1 July our history, ensuring it is cared for and to an initial 14 towns including 2013 and contribute to a sharp focus of accessible to the Victorian public. Avoca, Lakes Entrance, Invermay, the public service on regional and rural The Government will provide Winchelsea, Heathcote, Orbost, Victorian business growth and issues. $16 million over two years to pilot Warburton, Marong, Bannockburn, This will be achieved by: a new approach to natural resource Terang, Maldon, Koo Wee Rup, management, linking market-based > incorporating land and water Wandong-Heathcote Junction and approaches to new international management with primary industries Huntly, and incorporates a major standards for environmental accounting. in the Department of Environment upgrade of Mildura’s natural gas The initiative aims to address critical and Primary Industries (DEPI) to help supply capacity. threatened species, environmental assets boost the productivity of Victoria’s and the decline in native vegetation The investment of $8.4 million in world-class food and fibre sector, and will use competitive market Avoca will mean more than 700 while recognising the vital role played processes to ensure value for money properties and businesses in Avoca by land managers and Landcare environmental objectives are achieved. will have access to cheaper, cleaner groups in the protection of our energy, with the potential to lower environment and the management of Current Government action their energy costs. our natural resources; The review is underway of Victoria’s > bringing energy and resources native vegetation permitted-clearing functions into the new Department regulations and the Government has Managing our parks of State Development, Business and identified opportunities where the and Crown land Innovation (DSDBI) to focus on major current permitted-clearing policy New funding development opportunities, including settings can be improved to strengthen The Government will provide Victoria’s coal resources; this system and deliver better outcomes $2.3 million in 2013‑14 to maintain > DSDBI will be bolstered through the for the environment and community. services at River Red Gum Parks so inclusion of Red Tape Commissioner This regulatory reform will mean less that their landscape value is maintained to help implement the Government’s red tape, more transparent decision and they continue to function as safe regulation reform agenda; and making and increased certainty for landholders. Most importantly, it will visitor sites. > integrating urban and transport mean stronger environmental outcomes. The Government will provide $7 million planning with local infrastructure over two years to remove trees and services into the Department destroyed by previous bushfires and of Transport, Planning and Local help improve the safety for people who Infrastructure (DTPLI) to support access public land. This program will improved liveability and greater focus on the Alpine and Mountain Ash economic opportunities for regional forest areas in eastern Victoria. and rural communities. In response to the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission’s independent report, which recommended sensible and sensitive development in national parks, the Government has released guidelines for tourism investment opportunities in national parks. The guidelines for environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism in national parks will support and help grow the tourism sector and attract more international visitors to Victoria.
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Open for business (cont)
Boosting regional tourism, The Government is supporting sport and racing sporting and recreational opportunities in regional and rural communities. New funding The Community Facility Funding The 2013‑14 Budget allocates $8 million Program makes grants available to local over four years to support the regional councils and community organisations tourism industry. Additionally funding to help fund planning and building of $8 million will implement the of community infrastructure. In China Tourism Strategy, which aims to 2011, the Government increased the increase the number of international maximum grants limit for all grant visitors to Victoria from China. This categories and communities such investment will help increase the as Colac have benefitted, with a number of visitors to regional Victoria, grant of $650 000 for a fitness centre and raise awareness of Victoria’s and stadium redevelopment. Other attractive regional destinations beneficiaries include the Tallangatta and experiences. multi‑sporting precinct with $400 000, Katamatite sports centre and Current Government action community hub with $500 000 and The Racing Industry Development $100 000 for the Shepparton sports Fund supports the implementation of precinct development. a number of initiatives including the improvement of racing and training In addition, $27 million is being infrastructure at racetracks, providing provided to support the third support for breeding industries, and for stage of the redevelopment of the the promotion of thoroughbred, harness Geelong Football Club’s stadium at and greyhound racing and measures to Kardinia Park. increase on-course attendance. $13 million has been provided to raise awareness of regional Victorian destinations, experiences and products in key interstate markets and to support growth of travel to regional Victoria through a regional events program. Through partnerships with regional councils and sporting organisations, the Government helped secure the Davis Cup tie in Geelong and Australia’s first-ever world‑ranking snooker event in Bendigo. The Government is strengthening Victoria’s iconic regional events, providing $600 000 to secure the future of the historic Stawell Gift, one of the world’s most prestigious footraces, and $200 000 towards the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic.
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Initiatives by region
Barwon South West > funding of $2 million for renewal of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre Barwon South West region includes: > a new police station at Waurn Ponds; > Colac Otway Shire > funding of $27 million for a new > Corangamite Shire secondary college at Torquay; > Glenelg Shire > funding of $27 million for the third > City of Greater Geelong stage of the redevelopment of > Moyne Shire Simonds Stadium; > Borough of Queenscliffe > funding of $8.3 million to support the upgrade of the Geelong Hospital; > Southern Grampians Shire > funding of $11 million to support > Surf Coast Shire the regeneration of Colac Secondary > Warrnambool City College; The Government has been delivering > funding of $10 million for the a number of key projects in the improvement of the Warrnambool to Barwon South West region including: Geelong rail link; > funding of over $300 million for > funding of $5 million to begin work the launch site of the National on Princes Highway West between Disability Insurance Scheme in the Colac and Winchelsea; Barwon area; > funding of $3 million for the Geelong > funding of $93 million to a major Ring Road Noise Walls initiative; upgrade of the Geelong Hospital; > funding of $2 million for planned > funding of $5 million to develop a upgrades at the Geelong Campus of radiotherapy service for South West the Gordon Institute of TAFE; and Victoria in Warrnambool; > the opening of the new Geelong > funding of $8.3 million for SES headquarters. regeneration of Northern Bay College; Through the 2013‑14 Budget, > funding of $2.5 million for the Government is implementing modernisation of Woolsthorpe the following initiatives for the Primary School; Barwon South West region: > funding of $5.1 million for planning > funding of $22 million to build and the Lara to Avalon Airport Rail Link; operate the new train station at Grovedale; > further funding of $50 million for the Waurn Ponds Community Hospital; > funding of $10 million for radiotherapy services in South West Victoria; and > investigating the viability of rail services between South Geelong to Drysdale and Grovedale to Torquay.
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Initiatives by region (cont)
Gippsland > funding of $2 million towards Grampians the Warragul Hospital emergency Gippsland region includes: Grampians region includes: department upgrade; > Bass Coast Shire > funding of $1.5 million to upgrade the > Ararat Rural City > Baw Baw Shire East Gippsland Institute of TAFE; > City of Ballarat > East Gippsland Shire > funding of $1.1 million towards the > Golden Plains Shire > Latrobe City enhancement of Wonthaggi town > Hepburn Shire entrance; > South Gippsland Shire > Hindmarsh Shire > funding of $1 million to complete > Wellington Shire stage 1 of the Lindenow Valley Water > Horsham Rural City The Government has been delivering Security project; > Moorabool Shire a number of key projects in the > funding of $1 million to connect > Northern Grampians Gippsland region including: Alberton to a pressured sewerage > Pyrenees Shire > funding of $10 million for system; > West Wimmera Shire modernisation of Bairnsdale > a new 24‑hour staffed ambulance > Yarriambiack Shire Secondary College; station for Grantville; and > funding of $7.5 million for > additional funding for economic The Government has been delivering modernisation of Mirboo North infrastructure and community a number of key projects in the Secondary College; initiatives through the Regional Grampians region including: > funding for overtaking lanes on the Growth Fund. > funding of $42 million to duplicate Strzelecki and Hyland Highways; approximately 18 kilometre of the Through the 2013‑14 Budget, Western Highway between Beaufort > a new Multi‑Disciplinary Centre the Government is implementing and Buangor; for the Latrobe Valley to improve the following initiatives for the responses to sexual assault; Gippsland region: > funding of $36 million for the Ballarat West Link Road; > the provision of extra early childhood > funding of $16 million for Macalister development workers; Irrigation District upgrades; > funding of $46 million for an upgrade of the Ballarat Hospital; > funding of $30 million to support > funding of $110 million for the Port of the Latrobe Valley transition to a Hastings development; > funding of $10 million for more diversified economy to meet modernisation of Pheonix Community > funding of $15 million for the Sale College; the challenges brought about by the police station; introduction of the Commonwealth > provision of extra early childhood Government’s national carbon price; > funding of $7 million to complete development workers; sealing of the Omeo Highway; > funding of $8 million for the first > funding of $1 million to return the stage of sealing the Omeo Highway; > funding of $8.3 million for Clean Coal health of the Yarrowee River; Victoria; > funding of $6 million for repair of the > funding of $73 million for additional road to Tidal River; > funding of $4.2 million for mine health services in Ballarat, including stability; > the establishment of 800 new weekly support for the recruitment of 10 bus services in the Latrobe Valley; > funding new mental health beds in general practitioners to fill vacancies Latrobe Regional Hospital (Traralgon); in the Ballarat area and an additional > the establishment of the Gippsland and 20 doctors and 80 nurses at Ballarat Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee Base Hospital; with funding of $10 million over four > funding for a enhanced Mental Health years for environmental projects; and Wellbeing Services in Bairnsdale, > funding of $50 million to duplicate which will coordinate access to the Western Highway between > funding of $2 million towards the mental health, welfare and social Burrumbeet and Beaufort; Great Southern Rail Trail extension; services in East Gippsland. > funding of $4.5 million for the > funding of $10 million for Ballarat‑Buninyong Road upgrade; regeneration of Leongatha Secondary College; > funding of $2.5 million for planning of the Ballarat Western Link Rd; > funding of $3 million for modernisation of Toorloo Arm > funding of $1.6 million to provide an Primary School; additional 68 services each week to and from Wendouree train station; > investigating the potential for carbon capture storage in the Latrobe Valley;
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> funding of $1.2 million towards the Goulburn-Ovens Murray > funding of $2.1 million towards replacement of the Magpie Bridge redevelopment of the Indigo Shire Goulburn-Ovens Murray region in Ballarat; Civic Centres; includes: > funding of $3.4 million to establish a > funding of $2.2 million toward a new national grains genebank in Horsham; > Alpine Shire wastewater management system at > funding of $7 million for regeneration > Benalla Rural City Bruck Textiles plant in Wangaratta; of Horsham Special School; > City of Wodonga > funding of $3.4 million to start work > funding of $2 million towards > Greater Shepparton City on the Kilmore‑Wallan Bypass; redevelopment of the Ballan Hospital; > Indigo Shire > funding of $1 million to connect Moyhu to a sewerage system; > funding of $1.8 million over two years > Mansfield Shire for the refurbishment and expansion > a new 24‑hour staffed ambulance of Ballarat District Nursing and > Mitchell Shire station for Wallan; and Healthcare facilities; > Moira Shire > additional funding for economic > a new 24‑hour staffed ambulance > Murrindindi Shire infrastructure and community station for Beaufort; and > Strathbogie Shire initiatives through the Regional > additional funding for economic > Towong Shire Growth Fund. infrastructure and community > Wangaratta Rural City Through the 2013‑14 Budget, initiatives through the Regional the Government is implementing Growth Fund. The Government has been delivering the following initiatives for the a number of key projects in the Goulburn‑Ovens Murray region: Through the 2013‑14 Budget, Goulburn-Ovens Murray region the Government is implementing including: > funding of $18 million for the the following initiatives for the Numurkah Hospital; Grampians region: > delivering the $2 billion > funding of $10 million for the > funding of $179 million for eight Goulburn‑Murray Water Connections Kilmore-Wallan Bypass; and Project; new trains to be fitted out in > funding of $2.5 million for the Ballarat and planning for future train > funding of $20 million to redevelop Shepparton Court redevelopment. acquisitions; and and expand the Kilmore and District > funding of $17 million for the Hospital; remediation of Fiskville and regional > funding of $10 million for training colleges. regeneration of Wodonga Senior Secondary College; > funding of $6 million for modernisation of Belvoir Wodonga Special Development School; > funding of $2 million to develop chemotherapy services at Seymour District Memorial Hospital; > funding of $6 million for rest area upgrades from the Hume Highway; > funding of $7 million for regeneration of Seymour College; > funding of $5.2 million to support economic recovery in Marysville and surrounding communities; > funding of up to $19 million towards the development of a hotel and conference centre in Marysville;
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Initiatives by region (cont)
Loddon Mallee > funding of $40 million towards Through the 2013‑14 Budget, the the Echuca Hospital redevelopment Government is implementing the Loddon Mallee region includes: and expansion; following initiatives for the Loddon > Buloke Shire > funding of $18 million towards the Mallee region: > Campaspe Shire Kerang District Hospital residential > $630 million new Bendigo Hospital, > Central Goldfields Shire aged care redevelopment; the largest regional health project in Australia. > City of Greater Bendigo > funding of $5 million is being provided for the Mildura Base > funding of $9 million for the new > Gannawarra Shire Hospital expansion; train station at Epsom; > Loddon Shire > funding of $5.2 million for two > funding of $7.9 million for the > Macedon Ranges Shire rural overtaking lanes for the Redevelopment of Sandhurst > Mildura Rural City Melbourne‑Lancefield Road; residential services; and > Mount Alexander Shire > delivering the $2 billion > funding of $4 million for the 26‑unit > Swan Hill Rural City Goulburn‑Murray Water medium-density social housing Connections Project; project in Bendigo. The Government has been delivering a > provided broad support for flood number of key projects in the Loddon affected communities including Mallee region including: $18 million for a Lower Loddon > funding of $55 million to create an Irrigators Recovery package, and additional 45 beds at the Malmsbury $5.1 million for Lower Loddon Youth Justice Centre; floodplain and groundwater > funding of $23 million to reconstruct bore works; the Charlton Hospital; > funding of $2.8 million for the > funding of $10 million to upgrade the upgrade of the Talbot train station; Castlemaine Hospital; > funding of $2 million towards > funding of $18 million to redevelop redevelopment of the Bendigo Library the Swan Hill Hospital aged care and Community Hub; facilities; > funding of $7 million towards the > funding of $7 million for Mildura Riverfront Development modernisation of Castlemaine project; Secondary College; > funding of $5.2 million towards > funding of $5 million for regeneration the upgrade of the Mildura Airport of Golden Square Primary School; Terminal; > funding of $5 million for regeneration > funding of $4 million over four years of Ouyen College; to establish a Centre of Expertise in Smoke Taint in Mildura; > a new multi‑disciplinary centre for Bendigo to improve responses to > funding of $2 million for infrastructure sexual assault; works at Hazeldene’s Lockwood site; > the provision of extra early childhood > funding of $2 million for the development workers; refurbishment of Eaglehawk Primary School; > funding of $1 million for a new water treatment plant at Wycheproof; > upgrade of the Maryborough and Castlemaine ambulance stations to 24‑hour rostered coverage; and > additional funding for economic infrastructure and community initiatives through the Regional Growth Fund.
DTF006_N_BIP1Internals01.indd 36 4/05/13 7:15 PM If you would like to receive this publication in an accessible format please telephone 9651 0909 or email [email protected] This document is also available in PDF and WORD at www.budget.vic.gov.au 2013-14 Victorian Budget Regional and Rural Victoria Budget Information Paper No. 1 www.budget.vic.gov.au