Victorian Budget 2014|15 Building a Better

Regional and Rural Victoria Budget Information Paper The Secretary This publication makes reference to the This work, 2014-15 Budget Information Paper Department of Treasury and Finance 2014-15 Budget Paper set which includes: Regional and Rural Victoria, is licensed under 1 Treasury Place Budget Paper No. 1 – Treasurer’s Speech a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. You are free to re-use the work under Melbourne Victoria, 3002 Budget Paper No. 2 – Strategy and Outlook that licence, on the condition that you credit the Australia Budget Paper No. 3 – Service Delivery State of Victoria (Department of Treasury and Telephone: +61 3 9651 5111 Budget Paper No. 4 – State Capital Program Finance) as author and comply with the other Facsimile: +61 3 9651 2062 Budget Paper No. 5 – Statement of Finances licence terms. The licence does not apply to Website: budget.vic.gov.au (incorporating Quarterly Financial Report No. 3) any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Authorised by the Victorian Government © State of Victoria 2014 Government logo and the Department of 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne, 3002 Treasury and Finance logo. Printed by Impact Digital, Brunswick Copyright queries may be directed to [email protected] ISSN 1440-6969 Published May 2014 Printed on recycled paper Contents

02 Introduction 21 Protecting a growing Victoria 03 Strong population and employment growth 21 Responding to emergencies 23 Protecting our community 04 State-shaping infrastructure to build a better Victoria 04 Regional rail investments 24 Strengthening a growing Victoria 06 Regional road investments 24 Commemoration of the Anzac centenary 07 Major projects 24 Celebrating our diverse community 24 A vibrant sporting and community life 10 Regional Growth Fund: 25 Supporting Aboriginal communities investing in regional and rural development 26 Helping vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorians 10 Strategic projects 27 Initiatives by region 11 Local initiatives 27 Barwon South West 12 Investing in our future: 28 Gippsland boosting skills, education and training 29 Grampians 12 Upgrading our schools 30 Goulburn-Ovens Murray 13 Building solid foundations for learning in the early years 31 Loddon Mallee 13 Assisting children with a disability to learn and achieve 13 Investing in the skills that lead to jobs 14 Building a stronger Victorian economy 14 Investing in food and agriculture 15 Supporting regional business 16 Reducing the cost of doing business 17 Promoting investment in tourism 18 Strengthening health care 18 Investing in regional health infrastructure 19 Enhancing access to health services 20 Supporting liveability and the environment 20 Planning for future liveability in regions 20 Maximising our natural assets 20 Securing our water resources

Regional and Rural Victoria 1 Introduction

FMP Group , manufacturing vehicle brake linings and disc pads.

Across regional and rural areas of Victoria is Australia’s largest food and With Victoria’s population projected to Victoria, businesses and communities fibre exporting state, and our rise significantly from its current level are shaping the competitiveness and agricultural exports make up 29 per cent of 5.8 million to 8.7 million by 2051, prosperity of the State. The of the national total for this sector, regional areas have an opportunity to Government recognises this earning around $9 billion each year. benefit from a much greater share of contribution and is working to deliver future growth. Regional economies provide attractive new prosperity, more opportunites, and locations for businesses, support a Unlocking the growth potential of a better quality of life for regional and diverse range of industries, and offer regional cities will allow them to rural Victorians. significant lifestyle benefits. Victoria’s support expected population growth The Government’s economic strategy to regions benefit from compact and provide greater choice for drive growth and employment, and geography, natural resources and people about where to live, work or cater for the State’s growing population, quality transport networks. start a business. is focused on boosting productivity and As a result, Victoria’s regional The Government is committed to strengthening Victoria’s economic economies are among the healthiest in ensuring that regional cities and fundamentals. This includes investing the nation. Victoria has the lowest country communities will share in the in major economic infrastructure for the regional unemployment rate of all the prosperity, opportunities and better future, creating a responsive education states. Over 2012-13, regional quality of life that future growth and training system, ensuring Victoria population growth in Victoria was will bring. is a competitive and attractive place to equal highest among the non-mining do business, growing new markets, and states. Adjusted for household investing in services to support composition, disposable incomes in liveability and population growth. regional Victoria show less inequality than any other state.

2 2014-15 Budget Information Paper Strong population and employment growth

REGIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATES

8.5

6.6 6.2 5.8 6.0 5.4 CENT PER AVERAGE AUSTRALIAN 6.0% VIC WA QLD NSW SA TAS

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics. Original data, 12 month average to March 2014.

Regional and rural Victoria has enjoyed strong population growth in recent years. AVERAGE ANNUAL POPULATION GROWTH 2002-03 TO 2012-13 In the five years to 2012-13 the average PER CENT annual regional population growth was VICTORIA 1.8 1 per cent compared with 0.7 per cent 1.5 in the preceding five year period, with 1.0 this trend evident in almost all regions. REGIONAL VICTORIA 0.7

The number of people employed in 2.0 regional Victoria grew by 31 200 over MELBOURNE 1.8 the year to March 2014. 1.5 BALLARAT 0.9

BENDIGO 1.3 1.0

1.7 GEELONG 1.2

HUME 0.7 0.5

1.2 LATROBE - GIPPSLAND 0.9

NORTH WEST -0.1 -0.1

0.6 SHEPPARTON 0.6

0.0 WARRNAMBOOL & SOUTH WEST 2008-2013 0.3 2003-2008

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Regional and Rural Victoria 3 State-shaping infrastructure to build a better Victoria

IMPROVING SERVICES AND CHANGING THE WAY PEOPLE AND GOODS MOVE AND CONNECT THROUGHOUT VICTORIA UP TO $27 BILLION FOR NEW INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

• INCREASING TRANSPORT CAPACITY AND RELIABILITY • BOOSTING WORLD‑CLASS FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS • BETTER ACCESS TO HEALTH AND EDUCATION • ENSURING A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT

Infrastructure projects included in the The proceeds from divestment of the The Port-Rail Shuttle Project will 2014-15 Budget, together with those Rural Finance Corporation will facilitate provide targeted infrastructure works already announced, are staged to create a additional investment in key regional to support the development of a program of infrastructure investment that and rural infrastructure. Metropolitan Intermodal System. builds a better Victoria and creates jobs. This will ensure that privately-owned intermodal terminals in strategic In the 2014-15 Budget the Government Regional rail investments is committing to an unprecedented locations across Melbourne are better Good project management means that linked by rail to the Port of Melbourne. infrastructure investment program of up the Government will deliver the to $27 billion including $1.2 billion Regional Rail Link at a reduced total Transport link to Avalon specifically in regional Victoria. This estimated investment of $4.1 billion. Transport links to Avalon will be investment will drive economic growth, This project is a vital piece of improved with an additional $1.3 million support jobs growth and boost infrastructure for regional Victoria that to enable continued planning for the productivity in Victoria. This will ensure will transform regional rail services, Rail Link transport Victoria’s rail and road networks are acting as an important foundation for corridor. Avalon Airport is increasingly enhanced and well positioned to meet future growth in capacity and reliability important as a general aviation hub and the population growth challenges. of Victoria’s train network. this investment will support its future as Improving the connectivity of the The 2014-15 Budget provides an Victoria’s second international airport. regions to Melbourne, across regions additional $100.5 million over five years and to interstate destinations is critical for the ongoing maintenance of new Bus interchange in Geelong for maintaining the competitiveness of stations, bridges and other Victoria’s regional industries. It also The bus interchanges at North Shore infrastructure, including operational cements the future liveability and and Moorabool Street, Geelong, will be control and power systems to maximise prosperity of key regional centres. upgraded. This will improve links to the benefit from this major An efficient freight system will drive train services and access to the infrastructure investment. productivity throughout the broader Regional Rail link, and reduce travel economy, including Victoria’s regions. The Government is also funding several times. The Geelong Station will also be projects to improve the efficiency and upgraded with an additional $5 million An important source of funding for to improve disability access. the Government’s infrastructure effectiveness of rail services in regional Victoria, ensuring that maximum value program is the recycling of existing Ballan crossing loop assets. The Government will enter into is gained from existing transport assets. An additional $14.1 million will enable a medium-term lease over the operations The efficiency of freight movement will of the Port of Melbourne and will divest a new railway crossing loop to be be improved through a commitment of constructed at Rowsley, which will the Rural Finance Corporation. $58 million for an important intermodal The proceeds of leasing the Port of improve train reliability and increase initiative in line with Victoria - The the number of trains able to operate in Melbourne will be invested in new Freight State. productive economic infrastructure the Ballarat corridor. This investment including East West Link – Western will also provide an additional 45 car Section and Melbourne Rail Link. parking spaces at Ballan Station.

4 2014-15 Budget Information Paper VICTORIA – THE FREIGHT STATE Victoria – The Freight State (the Plan) outlines the long-term strategy to improve freight efficiency, increase productivity and better connect Victorian businesses with their markets, whether local, national or international. Agricultural exports contribute 29 per cent to the national total of this sector, making Victoria the largest food and fibre exporting state, with exports worth $9 billion. The plan addresses regional rail freight network capacity, improved efficiency for access to export markets, enhanced connections (rail and road), and management of freight impacts on regional communities.

Regional Connectivity program Extra train carriages Constructing dedicated regional The Government will invest The VLocity train fleet will be boosted rail tracks $39.7 million for the Regional by more than 30 per cent following the Dedicated regional tracks from West Connectivity program initiative. purchase of 43 new carriages. Due to Werribee Junction to Southern Cross Travellers on V/Line’s VLocity carriages efficient project management of the Station continue to be built as part of operating between Melbourne and Government’s commitment of the Regional Rail Link. When Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour $261 million for 40 new train carriages, completed, Geelong, Bendigo and and Traralgon will be able to access a the Government announced in March Ballarat line commuters will have an free public Wi-Fi service. Commuters 2014 that an additional three carriages uninterrupted journey through the will have uninterrupted access to the have been purchased within the metropolitan system with more reliable internet for the duration of their original budget. and more frequent connections to journey, supporting more productive Additional jobs in western Victoria have central Melbourne to get them to and travel time. Rail commuters and small been created through the Government’s from the CBD for work, study, business regional communities will also benefit purchase of 15 new X’Trapolis trains, and recreation. from improvements to mobile phone which Ballarat train manufacturer coverage as part of the mobile black Alstom is fitting out. spots program.

VICTORIA’S RAIL FREIGHT NETWORK

" TO MILDURA Existing Principal Freight Network (PFN) – Rail ROBINVALE Nationally significant standard gauge link MANANGATANG Other standard gauge OUYEN PIANGIL MOULAMEIN Broad gauge SWAN HILL Broad gauge reopening TO MURRAYVILLE SEA LAKE DENILIQUIN Intermodal terminal HOPETOUN OAKLANDS Interstate rail network connection TOCUMWAL RAINBOW Port YARRAWONGA ECHUCA TO SERVICETON DIMBOOLA KORONG VALE DOOKIE WODONGA DONALD INGLEWOOD SHEPPARTON Potential future PFN additions/upgrades MURTOA TOOLAMBA HORSHAM BENDIGO BENALLA Nationally significant standard/dual gauge DUNOLLY MANGALORE Options for standard gauge connection to Mildura MARYBOROUGH CASTLEMAINE Other standard gauge ARARAT MAROONA N Broad gauge HAMILTON Intermodal terminal BALLARAT TO MT GAMBIER MELBOURNE BAIRNSDALE DANDENONG HEYWOOD Non PFN features GEELONG WARRNAMBOOL Active rail Rail under construction HASTINGS MORWELL PORTLAND Rail not in service/tourist LEONGATHA Industrial node Urban area

Regional and Rural Victoria 5 State-shaping infrastructure to build a better Victoria (cont)

EXPANDING OUR PORTS The development of an expanded Port of Hastings is under way following the allocation of $110 million in the 2013-14 Budget, including major planning and design work and marine geotechnical surveys. Expansion of the port will relieve bottlenecks and congestion, delivering economic and employment benefits to regional and rural Victoria. The Port of Melbourne Port Capacity Expansion project continues, providing $1.6 billion expansion in container and automotive capacity. Redevelopment of the Webb Dock precinct includes a new international container terminal at Webb Dock East, a new automotive terminal at Webb Dock West, and facilitating an expansion of Swanson Dock.

Swanson Dock, Port of Melbourne Regional road investments Calder Highway Pioneer Road Grovedale The Calder Highway will also be Funding of $13 million will enable Princes Highway enhanced with an additional Pioneer Road, Grovedale to be The Princes Highway is the key $86 million to rebuild the interchange duplicated from Waurn Ponds east-west route in southern Victoria, at Ravenswood, and will include an shopping centre to Meadowvale Drive. providing a strategic transport link overpass to replace the stop signs at This will improve the capacity and between East Gippsland, Melbourne, this intersection. This investment will safety of Pioneer Road and the amenity south-west Victoria and South Australia. improve the efficiency of one of the for local residents. In the 2014-15 Budget, the Government State’s busiest freight corridors as has committed funding to improve the well as improve safety for motorists. Road maintenance and restoration safe, efficient use of the highway, The Calder Highway interchange Regional Victoria will also benefit from providing benefits to primary industries project will support around 100 jobs an extra $130 million for the repair and and tourism in the Gippsland region. during construction. restoration of roads across Victoria. These projects are: This funding includes $50 million of – $362 million for the Princes Highway Transport solutions initiatives capital restoration works and West duplication project – Winchelsea The transport solutions initiative is a $80 million of road maintenance and to Colac. This project will improve road package providing $56 million resealing. Victoria’s road management safety and reliability for commuters for a range of projects to improve budget has risen from $384 million in and enhance amenity to south-west regional road capacity and safety. the 2010-11 Budget, to more than tourist destinations. Currently Key projects include: $500 million in 2014-15, including road restoration funding. thousands of vehicles use this vital – Beaufort and Ararat – preconstruction stretch of 37 kilometres per day, with work for Western Highway bypasses; a large number being heavy vehicles. This project continues the duplication – Leongatha – upgrade of the of the Princes Highway currently Leongatha heavy vehicle alternative under construction from Waurn route; Ponds to Winchelsea. The Princes – Shepparton East – roundabout Highway West duplication project will widening at Doyles Road/Midland support around 250 jobs at the peak Highway; and of construction; – Princes Highway, Murrungowar – an additional $11 million for the – rest area improvements. construction of three overtaking lanes on the Princes Highway between Nowa Great Ocean Road Nowa and Orbost (Hospital Creek, The Great Ocean Road will be Dinner Creek and Wombat Creek); and upgraded with funding of $50 million – an upgrade to the Princes Highway to enhance the road and bridges, and Sand Road intersection with an improving safety along the entire length additional $32 million to improve of this road, from Torquay through to safety and amenity. Allansford, east of Warrnambool.

6 2014-15 Budget Information Paper IMPROVING RAIL FREIGHT PRODUCTIVITY The Murray Basin Rail Project will commit up to $220 million over The project will form the first step of a broader vision to create a four years to undertake major country rail freight upgrades and new ‘transcontinental link’ near Broken Hill, connecting to the standardise the key Mildura to Geelong rail link. Sydney – Perth rail line. The Mildura – Geelong rail line is on the Commonwealth Government’s National Land Transport Network The first stage of the Murray Basin Rail Project will undertake and is Victoria’s busiest intrastate rail line for freight. immediate upgrades on the Mildura to Maryborough and Murtoa to Hopetoun rail lines and finalise the business case for the This investment will capitalise on the rapid growth in Asia’s Mildura to Geelong standardisation. The final cost and alignment ‘middle class’ identified in the Government’s Food and of the full Mildura to Geelong rail standardisation will be guided by Agriculture into Asia plan through increasing Victoria’s food and the final business case to be delivered before the end of 2014. fibre commodity exports to Asian markets. Moving product as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible is integral to the The Murray Basin Rail Project is a transformational initiative that international competitiveness of Victorian products, especially will unlock new economic opportunities for Victoria associated for price sensitive commodities such as grains. with agriculture, mineral sands, freight and logistics, and tourism.

Major projects Melbourne Rail Link In addition, the Government is in The Melbourne Rail Link will transform discussion with the Commonwealth to Murray Basin Rail Project our rail network and create 3 700 jobs complete the widening of the Up to an additional $220 million will be at its peak of construction. A new rail Tullamarine Freeway to the Melbourne provided for the Murray Basin Rail tunnel from South Yarra to Southern Airport. This enhancement would Project, which involves rail Cross Station will deliver 30 additional deliver further benefits to business standardisation and upgrade of country peak-hour services across the network. and commuters. rail lines, including the Mildura line. With the addition of new high-capacity This project is a major step towards trains, it will also increase capacity within Cranbourne-Pakenham Rail improving the efficiency of freight the City Loop to upgrade services on Corridor project movements, which will benefit other rail lines. Regional Victoria will benefit from the businesses and residents of the Mildura Cranbourne-Pakenham Rail Corridor The Coalition Government will also area. The Murray Basin Rail Project will project which will increase rail capacity commence construction on the Airport support around 300 jobs during the by 30 per cent on the corridor and Rail Link. The Airport Rail Link will peak of construction. provide more reliable freight movements. introduce a new electrified service The Cranbourne-Pakenham Rail Corridor running along dedicated tracks from East West Link – Western Section is a critical connection between the a new station at to Freight industries, businesses and Latrobe Valley and Melbourne. Albion in Melbourne’s west, where it commuters across the State will benefit will join the existing rail network and The initiative includes 25 from the completion of the East West run through to Southern Cross Station. high‑capacity trains, which will Link. The Government will provide complete the Government’s election $8–$10 billion for delivery of the The Coalition Government’s record commitment to deliver 40 new western section of the East West Link investment of up to $11 billion is metropolitan trains. The initiative also which will complete the full East West delivering an integrated and modern includes high-capacity signalling, Link. This investment will, for the first rail network. power upgrades, delivery of four grade time, provide and alternative to the separations and planning for a further Monash and West Gate Freeways for CityLink – Tulla widening five. This means the journey through the commuters from Victoria’s regional Sections of the CityLink and metropolitan area for V/Line centres in Geelong and Ballarat. This Tullamarine Freeway will be upgraded commuters from Gippsland will be project will save motorists significant and widened with an additional smoother and more reliable. The travel time. investment of up to $850 million. Cranbourne‑Pakenham Rail Corridor This investment will provide additional This enhancement will increase the project will support significant capacity and improve the connectivity capacity of the upgraged sections by employment during construction. and reliability of the road network. 30 per cent, which will improve Works are anticipated to start in 2015 Regional industries accessing the Port safety and significantly reduce and conclude by 2019. of Melbourne – the nation’s major congestion and travel times, leading container port – will also benefit. This to improved productivity. project will create 3 000 jobs at the peak of construction.

Regional and Rural Victoria 7 State-shaping infrastructure to build a better Victoria (cont)

CALDER HIGHWAY EAGLEHAWK REDEVELOPMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL $86 million to rebuild $1.6 million upgrade. the interchange at MURRAY BASIN RAIL Ravenswood. PROJECT $180–$220 million to upgrade and standardise country rail freight BENDIGO AQUATIC lines in western Victoria. CENTRE $15 million contribution for a new pool facility. ECHUCA POLICE STATION BOORT HOSPITAL $14 million $14 million for redevelopment, replacement. including a new 32 bed facility.

EMERGENCY SERVICES PRECINCT $8 million for a new police station and new emergency services precinct at Ballarat West.

EMPLOYMENT ZONE $30 million for a Ballarat West Employment Zone.

BALLARAT HIGH SCHOOL $7.8 million upgrade.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD UPGRADE $50 million to enhance the road and bridges from Torquay to Allansford, east of Warrnambool.

PRINCES HIGHWAY PIONEER ROAD, WAURN WEST DUPLICATION PONDS DUPLICATION BARWON AREA $362 million to duplicate $13 million to duplicate Pioneer National Disability Insurance Scheme 37 kilometres between Road from Waurn Ponds shopping trial in Barwon area, and NDIS Winchelsea and Colac. centre to Meadowvale Drive. national headquarters in Geelong.

8 2014-15 Budget Information Paper INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT SHEPPARTON COURTS WI-FI AND REMOVING REGIONAL VICTORIA MOBILE PHONE BLACKSPOTS $73 million for the Shepparton $13 million to improve tourism courts precinct development. $40 million to deliver free in national parks, state forests Wi-Fi on V/Line trains and and on public land. removing mobile phone blackspots. More than $730 million in total to maintain, restore and improve Victoria’s regional road networks. YARRAWONGA COLLEGE $7.6 million upgrade. $13 million for Tasers for all EAST WEST LINK 24-hour regional police stations. $6–$8 billion to build the Eastern Section, and $8–$10 billion $35 million for Food and to build the Western Section, Agriculture into Asia. providing an alternative route $2 million to improve wild dog REGIONAL RAIL LINK to the West Gate Bridge for control. $4.1 billion to build commuters from Ballarat to dedicated regional tracks Geelong. $4 million for a coal development from West Werribee to strategy to maximise market Southern Cross Station, removing major opportunities and economic bottlenecks in Victoria’s rail network. benefits to the State. WODONGA WEST $9 million to provide planning PRIMARY SCHOOL support for regional councils to $3.8 million upgrade. ensure investment opportunities are maximised.

$3 million to provide support for regional councils to assess CRANBOURNE-PAKENHAM infrastructure demand, develop RAIL CORRIDOR PROJECT business cases and manage projects. $2–$2.5 billion. This program will deliver benefits for V/Line $29 million for 78 vehicles for Gippsland commuters for a Country Fire Authority brigades more reliable journey through across Victoria. metropolitan areas. $24 million for a Bushfire and Hazelwood Mine Fire Recovery Package. LATROBE REGIONAL HOSPITAL STATEWIDE $73 million redevelopment. Over $1.2 billion a year for vocational education and training funding.

PRINCES HIGHWAY $2.8 billion for school intiatives EAST and growth over five years. $11 million for three new overtaking lanes $500 million for school on Princes Highway East infrastructure funding including between Nowa Nowa and Orbost. upgrades and 12 new schools. $447 million to increase prison capacity across Victoria. NEW REGIONAL SCHOOLS $210 million statewide to build new schools, including North Geelong BARWON HEALTH-NORTH FACILITY Special Developmental School and $28 million to provide an urgent care Torquay North P–6, and re-locating the centre and co-location of GP services. existing Bannockburn Primary School.

Regional and Rural Victoria 9 Regional Growth Fund: investing in regional and rural development

The Regional Growth Fund was Strategic projects At the end of February 2014, the established following the 2010 state Regional Growth Fund Economic Strategic project funding supports major election as a $1 billion program to Infrastructure Program has delivered projects of regional and statewide address regional infrastructure and more than $175 million, generating significance that strengthen the service gaps, and drive business over $1 billion of total investment economic base of communities and growth and innovation over eight years. across 88 projects. These projects are create new jobs. At the end of February To date the Regional Growth Fund has expected to help create significant 2014, more than $240 million had been delivered almost $400 million in direct additional employment and the allocated for 444 projects, generating funding support for regional projects, retention of existing jobs. over $1.1 billion of total investment. generating over $1.6 billion of A key program within the Economic total investment across more than The Economic Infrastructure Program, Infrastructure Program is the Energy 1 400 projects. a key element of the strategic funding for the Regions Program. Natural gas stream, unlocks the productive The Regional Growth Fund has provides cheaper energy for homes, potential of regional Victoria by supported an array of enabling businesses and local industries, strengthening regional industries, infrastructure, energy and water relieving pressure on family budgets supporting and growing local projects. It has helped communities and encouraging industry to expand. economies, and providing opportunities facing economic challenges and The Energy for the Regions program for regional Victoria through investment encouraged local solutions that improve allocates $100 million over four years in strategic infrastructure. Projects services, community infrastructure, to extend natural gas to more country supported include the development of skills and leadership. The Regional communities. This initiative helps the new $277 million Epworth Geelong Growth Fund comprises two funding deliver the Government’s hospital. A grant of $2.85 million streams – local initiatives and commitment to improve the economic enabled construction of essential strategic projects. prosperity and liveability of regional infrastructure such as new roads, and rural Victoria. sewerage, gas electricity and communications infrastructure.

10 2014-15 Budget Information Paper The Government is supporting a Local initiatives The Regional Growth Fund also $10 million project to upgrade provides direct financial support to Local initiatives support smaller locally Mildura’s gas supply. Demand for 48 eligible regional and rural councils based projects prioritised by through the $100 million Local Mildura’s natural gas is nearing current communities and local councils. To supply capacity. The Regional Growth Government Infrastructure Program. date over $157 million has been This program supports infrastructure Fund investment will increase the allocated, generating more than Mildura transmission pipeline’s capacity projects such as roads, bridges, new $440 million of total investment across community assets – including halls and by 50 per cent, unlocking 962 projects. opportunities for future business and theatres, sporting grounds, grandstands, pools, libraries, and upgrading existing residential development. The $100 million Putting Locals First program is designed to assist facilities. Almost 400 projects have been Gas distribution network upgrades communities develop local solutions for funded to date, benefiting regional at Huntly, Avoca, Bannockburn, local priorities. To date the program has communities through a downward Winchelsea, Wandong-Heathcote supported around 560 projects with pressure on local rates. Junction and Koo Wee Rup have grants totalling $62 million, generating also started. more than $165 million of total investment. The Wodonga Rural City Council received a grant of $455 000 to redevelop the Bonegilla Migrant Experience in Wodonga. Bonegilla was the largest and longest operating reception centre in the post-war era and has national significance as a place associated with Australia’s immigration policy. The Bonegilla Migrant Experience has become a major tourist destination.

Regional and Rural Victoria 11 Investing in our future: boosting skills, education and training

Mirboo North Secondary College

The Coalition Government is investing In addition, $112 million will support – Narrawong District Primary School an additional $5.4 billion for schools to schools across regional Victoria to be ($2.3 million); deliver high-quality education over six modernised including: – Portarlington Primary School years. In the 2014-15 Budget, the – Alexandra Secondary College ($5.7 million); Coalition Government will deliver ($0.9 million); – Quarry Hill Primary School $1.6 million over five years (including ($1.9 million); an initial contribution from the – Ballarat High School ($7.8 million); Commonwealth) for initiatives and – Barwon Heads Primary School – Robinvale P–12 College ($0.9 million); enrolment funding, together with ($3.4 million); – Roslyn Primary School ($2.1 million); State funding growth of $1.2 billion. – Benalla High School ($5 million); – Timboon P–12 ($5.2 million); The bulk of this funding is provided – Castlemaine Secondary College – Wallan Primary School ($1.6 million); directly to government and ($5.5 million); non‑government schools, which are – Wangaratta High School best placed to ensure resources are – Charlton College ($0.6 million); ($4.7 million); allocated where they are most needed – Clifton Springs Primary School – Winters Flat Primary School for their school community. ($1.1 million); ($1.1 million); – Eaglehawk Primary School – Wodonga West Primary School Upgrading our schools ($1.6 million); ($3.8 million); This year, regional and rural Victoria – Geelong High School ($8.5 million); – Yarrawonga College P–12 will benefit from the Government’s – Horsham College ($10 million); ($7.6 million); and continued investment to upgrade the – Kerang Technical High School – Yea High School ($1.3 million). quality of school infrastructure around ($2.8 million); the State. The 2014-15 Budget provides a $500 million package of capital works – Kinglake Primary School for schools across the State to build ($0.1 million); new schools, and to upgrade and – Korumburra Secondary College modernise schools across Victoria. ($5.6 million); The budget provides $211 million for – Kyneton Secondary College 12 new schools, including: ($5.3 million); – Kyneton Primary School – Bannockburn Primary School; ($3.5 million); – North Geelong Special Development – Maldon Primary School ($0.5 million); School; and – Merbein P–10 College ($1.15 million); – Torquay North P–6. – Montpellier Primary School Further progress is being undertaken at ($4.8 million); Sale Specialist School (planning and Stage 1) ($4 million).

12 2014-15 Budget Information Paper VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND STRONGER CONNECTIONS BETWEEN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING ENROLMENTS IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND UNIVERSITIES REGIONAL VICTORIA The $20 million Regional Partnerships Facilitation Fund, funded through the Regional

200 Growth Fund, supports alliances between higher education institutions and vocational education organisations to deliver a better range of educational programs and pathways in regional Victoria. This gives regional students more opportunity to enrol in the course 150 of their choice at a locally based education institution. Projects funded include $3 million for the Federation University Australia (formerly University of Ballarat) to assist teachers 100 at six regional TAFEs upgrade their qualifications, and to deliver components of higher education programs. THOUSAND 50 2011 2010 2012 2013 2009 0 2008

Source: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (unpublished)

Building solid foundations for Assisting children with a Investing in the skills that learning in the early years disability to learn and achieve lead to jobs The Government is ensuring that The Government is providing Access to training in regional Victoria families in regional and rural areas $273 million over four years to increase has increased, with the number of have access to quality early childhood support for students with moderate to students up by more than 20 per cent services and care, with $8.4 million to severe disabilities in mainstream and since 2010. support the implementation of the specialist government schools. The funding for skills amounts to Early Years Strategic Plan and a The Students with Disabilities $1.2 billion per year. The Coalition further $3.8 million over two years for Transport Program will also receive Government is also investing workforce improvements across the funding of $32.1 million over four years $30 million in training for automotive early childhood sector. to cater for demand growth and workers and those in the supply chain. operational requirements. Additional grant funding of $15 million Investing in vocational education and will provide upgrades and build new An additional $1.2 million is provided training will boost Victoria’s workforce community-based kindergartens and to improve early childhood intervention capability and assist workers to children’s services across Victoria. services, allowing more timely and transition into new and growing effective support for children with a industry sectors. disability or developmental delay. Victoria is enabling the higher qualifications required by modern industries, and achieving this faster than the rest of Australia. With the Coalition Government’s support, workers seeking to upgrade their skills will have more opportunities to secure jobs in the growth sectors of Victoria’s economy. The Government has supported TAFEs that have pursued business transformation or structural change to improve delivery of training to their communities and industries. The Government has provided $200 million for the TAFE Structural Adjustment Fund to support TAFEs that need additional resources to make these changes.

Regional and Rural Victoria 13 Building a stronger Victorian economy

STATE SHARE OF AUSTRALIAN FOOD AND FIBRE EXPORTS (PER CENT) 2012-13 28.7

18.0 17.4 15.9 CENT 13.1 PER

1.7 TAS VIC NSW QLD WA SA

Source: Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance (DEPI). Note 5.3 per cent due to cross jurisdictional markets

Victoria’s regional businesses continue Investing in food to compete successfully in dynamic FOOD AND AGRICULTURE INTO ASIA markets and develop skills to meet and agriculture – PUTTING VICTORIAN FOOD AND evolving business requirements. The agriculture and food security BEVERAGES ON ASIAN TABLES industries are critical to the economies The Government’s planning zone of regional and rural Victoria. The Over the coming decades, Asia’s demand reforms announced in July 2012 will Government is providing support to for food will double and consumer increase flexibility and improve enable internationally competitive preference will change. More people in competitiveness by removing primary industries to thrive in Victoria. Asia will seek out high-quality, safe and unnecessary restrictions on the growth reliable produce from trusted sources. and productivity of Victoria’s industries, Despite having only 3 per cent of Victoria’s reputation for safe produce, our farmers and builders. Reformed rural Australia’s arable land base, Victoria is long record of excellence in agricultural zones will support expanded the nation’s largest food and fibre research and innovation, our skilled agricultural activity, allow more exporter. Victoria exported $9.4 billion workforce and our close ties with Asia give tourism-related uses and support worth of food and fibre in 2012-13, us a distinct advantage in meeting these population growth to sustain rural which accounted for 29 per cent of the demands. communities. Australian total. The Food and Agriculture into Asia The Government’s international The Government is investing investment will support Victoria’s food and engagement strategies, including recent $35.4 million to boost exports of agriculture sector to become a key driver trade missions to China, India, Japan premium food and beverage products of economic growth and jobs. Over the and the Gulf States have helped to Asian markets as part of the next four years the Government will work regional Victorian businesses capitalise Government’s Food and Agriculture with industry across seven critical areas to on international market opportunities. into Asia. This will embed long-term grow exports of premium, safe and reliable economic growth and sustainable jobs food and beverage products to Asia. This A record increase of 39 per cent since in regional and rural Victoria. This will include: 2009-10 in Victoria’s food and fibre funding builds on existing exports is evidence that the commitments, including $61.4 million – improved access to Asian markets; Government’s approach is working. invested in the Growing Food and Fibre – new markets for premium products; program to double the production by – the right workforce to supply Asia; 2030, and $62.6 million for the – more efficient movement of products International Engagement Strategy. to Asian markets; – better targeted research and development, extension and innovation; – streamlined regulation and reduced red tape; and – increased capital investment.

14 2014-15 Budget Information Paper ATTRACTING BUSINESS TO BALLARAT The Ballarat West Employment Zone The project targets private sector – construction of a service road to provide comprises 438 hectares of Crown land investment from industries such as: access to highway frontage land; located on the western urban fringe of – freight and logistics; – provision of all trunk infrastructure to the Ballarat, adjacent to the Western Highway, precinct; and the Ballarat Airport and the Ballarat-Ararat – advanced manufacturing (such as food, rail line. The precinct is designed to mining equipment and bio materials); – services reticulation (electricity, gas, water, sewer, data) along all roads. accommodate high performance freight – research and development; and vehicles, and provide support services to This funding builds on the Government’s – construction. service freight movements, including a previous allocation of $38 million for the truck service centre. The location has a The 2014-15 Budget provides $30.2 million construction of the Ballarat Western Link direct connection to the Western Highway, to deliver the initial stage works including: Road between Western Freeway and which enables quick access to the Port of – construction of the main entry road to Ballarat-Burrumbeet Road, which supports Melbourne. The site will also provide services the precinct (the Boulevard) and economic development in western Ballarat. not usually available in industrial parks, connector roads; including high speed data and mains gas.

Supporting regional A concessional loans program valued at The Government is investing $1.6 million will be established to assist $2.3 million to establish a poppy businesses farmers affected by the recent industry in Victoria to help meet Industries seeking to locate in Ballarat downturn in the Goulburn Valley increasing global demand for will be assisted through an increase in region along side a broader $22 million therapeutic drugs, while ensuring the the availability of sites capable of support package. The program will industry is scrutinised effectively. supporting their requirements. Funding facilitate structural adjustment in the Stock losses for rural landholders will of $30.2 million will deliver trunk region by transitioning land to more be minimised through baiting in remote infrastructure, including subdivision of productive uses, and provide a viable areas of Gippsland and north-east the initial land release to provide exit strategy for struggling producers. appropriate sites as part of Stage 1 of Victoria as part of the ongoing the Ballarat West Employment Zone. management of wild dogs.

SPC ARDMONA SHEPPARTON The Government has contributed $22 million towards a $100 million co-investment with Coca-Cola Amatil to support SPC Ardmona’s long-term future in Shepparton, securing thousands of jobs. This assistance will empower SPC Ardmona to move forward with confidence and grow its export opportunities, particularly in Asian markets. It will enable SPC Ardmona to transform its operations, modernise food processing and increase its global and domestic product range. This investment aligns with the Government’s aim to create export opportunities for regional businesses in growing markets, support business to grow and thrive in the domestic and international markets, and to support regional communities.

Regional and Rural Victoria 15 Building a stronger Victorian economy (cont)

SUPPORTING DYNAMIC REGIONS The Government adopts a place-based approach to support Funding projects include $280 000 to support Hydro Australia individual regions address specific economic and social challenges. based in Morwell. The grant assisted the company to install new equipment enabling it to expand its market. In July 2012, the Victorian Government launched the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap, a long-term plan to A similar place-based approach has been adopted to support other build a stronger and more resilient economy in the Latrobe Valley. regional economies in transition. In February 2014, the Accordingly, the Regional Growth Fund has established a Government launched the Goulburn Valley Industry and $15 million Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund. This Employment Plan supported by a $5 million Goulburn Valley fund is enhancing the competitiveness of investment in the Industry and Infrastructure Fund to support industries and Latrobe Valley and to date has provided almost $10 million across facilitate investment in the Goulburn Valley. more than 23 projects.

Reducing the cost Reducing red tape vehicles and machinery that may cross of doing business In August 2013, the Government cut a railway without a permit from unnecessary red tape imposed by local 3 metres to 5 metres. The Government is reducing regulatory councils on volunteers who manage costs imposed on businesses, rural public halls and sporting grounds, Stock crossing of arterial roads not-for-profit organisations, individuals and set a clear expectation that councils The system for stock crossings on and government service providers. The should exempt community volunteers arterial roads is complex and confusing. Government has targeted to reduce red from bureaucratic red tape. In addition, This reform will clarify the authority tape by 25 per cent. The Government the Government is implementing a responsible for stock crossing decisions, has already implemented a number of number of regulatory improvements. the roads they can use, how stock reforms that will directly benefit rural crossing opportunities are and regional Victoria. Wildlife control (kangaroos) accommodated, and permit The 2014-15 Budget introduces a The current application process for a requirements and processes. payroll tax rate cut from 4.9 per cent permit to control wildlife is complex to 4.85 per cent from 1 July 2014. and time consuming. This reform will Native vegetation offsets This will reduce costs for 39 000 modernise the permit application Current native vegetation offsetting employers right across Victoria, making process reducing costs and delays. rules are inflexible. This reform will Victorian businesses more competitive. establish new rules and changes to the Farm machinery crossing railways way the offset market functions, Currently all vehicles and machinery making meeting offset obligations more with a width over 3 metres require a straight forward and reducing delays. permit to cross a railway. This reform will increase the width dimension for

16 2014-15 Budget Information Paper Promoting investment VICTORIA’S REGIONAL TOURISM STRATEGY 2013–2016 in tourism Victoria’s Regional Tourism Strategy outlines priorities for each region together with five Almost half of all domestic tourism strategies for strengthening overall regional tourism including: expenditure in the State occurs in regional areas. – marketing activities tailored to international and domestic markets; Tourism provides opportunities for – digital excellence across a range of platforms to enhance marketing and support better regional areas to diversify their engagement with potential tourists; economies and generate new – major events and business events investment attraction, building on the Government’s employment opportunities that use a support of a number of major international events in regional Victoria, including the broad range of skills. Tourism has also Bendigo International Collections at Bendigo Art Gallery, the Australian Motorcycle helped fuel investment in new Grand Prix, and World Superbikes Championships at Phillip Island; infrastructure and attractions in regional Victoria. – infrastructure support including strategies aimed at expanding existing, and attracting new tourism investment and infrastructure and attractions to Victoria; and The Government is committed to further exploring ways to strengthen this vital – industry development including support for regional tourism boards in undertaking industry in regional and rural Victoria. strategic planning for their areas, as well as skilling the tourism workforce. An additional $14 million will be directed to increasing the number of visitors to regional Victoria to support local economic development. Major campaign activity will be undertaken in interstate markets to maintain awareness and visitation to regional Victoria. This builds on the investment previously made by Government over the past two years ($21.2 million). Upgrades to the visitor amenities in Victorian national parks, state forests and public land, supported by an additional $13.4 million over four years, will encourage tourism, while leveraging private sector investment.

Regional and Rural Victoria 17 Strengthening health care

The 2014-15 Budget provides an Investing in regional health – $14 million for redevelopment of the additional $1.4 billion to Victoria’s Boort Health Service, including a new hospitals and health system over four infrastructure 32-bed facility providing new years to help meet demand for essential The 2014-15 Budget is providing a residential aged care facility and acute hospital services. This enhancement substantial investment in vital capital facilities. The upgrade will also targets key services such as emergency works in regional and rural Victoria, enable a range of primary care and inpatient bed capacity, renal dialysis, with many projects responding to community-based health services to chemotherapy and radiotherapy population growth in regional areas. operate from the site; services, as well as cost-effective Key investments include: – New Prevention and Recovery Care substitutes for acute care and additional (PARC) services will be built with an critical care capacity in intensive care – $73 million for the Latrobe Regional additional $8.6 million, including units, as well as additional maternity Hospital including construction of a services in Mildura and Warrnambool, and neonatal service care funding. This new emergency department, a new and the PARC service at Wodonga additional investment takes the total 30 bed acute inpatient ward and a Health Service will become health service delivery spend in 2014-15 12 bed short-stay unit. This upgrade operational in 2014 with funding of to almost $15 billion. will increase the hospital’s ability to $7 million over four years. These respond to the needs of people living facilities increase the range of mental A further $223 million will be invested and working in the Gippsland region. in upgrading health infrastructure health services available to people The Latrobe Regional Hospital living in regional Victoria with mental across the State to ensure that services redevelopment will support around remain responsive to their communities’ illness and enable people to be better 150 jobs during the peak of assisted within their communities; and needs, including $131 million for construction; regional and rural health services. – the Moyne Health Service will benefit – $28 million for Barwon Health–North from a $3 million investment to to meet the needs of the growing construct a community health population of Geelong. This project building to improve responsiveness to will support around 50 jobs during local needs and priorities. the peak of construction;

18 2014-15 Budget Information Paper $550 MILLION FOR AMBULANCE HELICOPTERS Rural communities will have enhanced access to care with the replacement of Ambulance Victoria’s helicopter fleet with a set of faster, larger aircraft that can travel longer distances without refuelling. Patients more than 250 kilometres away can be in Melbourne in less than one hour, providing rapid transport to major trauma, cardiac and specialist hospitals. The five new helicopters will be operational from January 2016. The helicopters will replace the existing aircraft that operate out of Bendigo, Latrobe Valley, Warrnambool and Essendon.

Enhancing access to EXPANDING LATROBE REGIONAL HOSPITAL health services The Government is providing $73 million to upgrade and expand the Latrobe Regional Additional funding of $13.8 million is Hospital. This is the principal hospital for the Gippsland region, which has a population of provided to expand Victorian Patient 240 000 across a catchment area of more than 41 000 square kilometres ranging from the Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS). Bunyip River in the west to the NSW border in the east and from Omeo in the north to VPTAS provides financial subsidies to Phillip Island in the south. This is a large and geographically diverse region, including parts eligible patients living in regional and of Victoria’s alpine areas, some remote farming communities, coastal communities and rural Victoria who need to travel long the regional centres of Wonthaggi, Warragul, Leongatha, Moe, Morwell, Traralgon, Sale distances to access medical specialist and Bairnsdale. services. The additional funding will enable this program to provide increased The people of Gippsland region will benefit from this significant investment as additional travel accommodation subsidies as well capactity will enable the expansion of services with upgraded systems and technology to as meet increasing demand. This support new and expanded specialist health services. The project will support around initiative will improve the range of health 150 jobs during the peak of construction. care options that can be accessed by people living in regional Victoria. An additional $35 million will be provided to assist health facilities across the state, including acute hospitals, dental health services, mental health services and aged care services, to update and replace vital medical equipment. A further $25 million for health system infrastructure replacement will improve health services assets, such as lifts, generators and fire safety equipment. An additional $30.9 million will expand drug treatment services to treat more than 2 000 extra people each year and support more effective education and treatment responses. This investment includes services in Gippsland, Grampians and Loddon Mallee as well as services across Melbourne.

Regional and Rural Victoria 19 Supporting liveability and the environment

Victoria’s regional cities and country planning. Funding of $3.1 million over additional $4 million. This strategy will towns will grow faster as more people three years will provide a specialist continue to explore options for securing are attracted to lifestyle and cost project team to assist regional councils medium to long-term economic advantages, and more diverse job and to assess infrastructure demands, development, investment and investment opportunities. develop business cases and manage employment benefits for the Latrobe key projects. Valley through the development of its Regional cities and peri-urban centres brown coal resources. are well positioned to accommodate The ongoing vital planning and significant population growth. Funding of $3.2 million will enable a strategic work undertaken by regional conservation area to be established at The Government is investing in services councils will be assisted with an Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve to facilitate this growth and support the additional $9.2 million to extend the to protect biodiversity and habitat for liveability and the environment in rural Rural Council Planning Flying Squad, the Leadbeater’s Possum and the and regional Victoria. expanding the capacity of rural councils Helmeted Honeyeater, Victoria’s faunal to address the backlog of core planning emblems. Planning for future work and support infrastructure planning. This innovative approach liveability in regions will assist councils to minimise delays, Securing our water resources Regional Growth Plans are the next complete important strategic work, and In 2014-15 the Government will provide stage in planning for growth and maximise development and investment additional funding for a range of rural change in regional Victoria, developed opportunities for regional Victoria. water management initiatives. as a partnership between local government and the State, with Maximising our Funding of $1.9 million is provided for significant input from the community. rural water management initiatives natural assets including appropriate governance for Regional Growth Plans provide a 20 to The Government is committed to the Sunraysia Modernisation Project to 30 year settlement strategy for each of protecting Victoria’s natural resources upgrade the irrigation network in the Victoria’s regions by articulating how while also identifying how these assets area. This funding will also support they will accommodate a greater share can be used responsibly to support ongoing monitoring of the Basin of Victoria’s future population. The local economies. Salinity Management Strategy to plans provide land-use direction and address salinity issues in the Murray settlement frameworks to inform future Victoria’s minerals and resources Darling Basin. Victoria will continue to investment decisions at all levels of sector will be enhanced with meet its commitment to provide annual government about infrastructure and $15 million for grants towards the contributions to the operating costs of investment. They also give investors cost of minerals exploration. This the Murray Darling Basin Authority. more certainty and help identify assistance will reduce the barriers for long-term market opportunities. attracting new exploration investment Funding of $7.6 million will go towards into the State, benefiting regional the construction of levees and other The Government is supporting delivery Victoria in particular. flood mitigation works to help improve of Regional Growth Plans through community resilience to flooding and assistance to councils with the next The Victorian Coal Development inundation. stage focused on detailed strategic Strategy will be progressed with an

20 2014-15 Budget Information Paper Protecting a growing Victoria

The Government is investing in services The Country Fire Authority’s capacity to On days of high bushfire risk, to support the liveability and respond effectively to fire incidents in pre‑formed incident management teams population growth in rural and regional regional Victoria will be improved with will be available to ensure that Victoria and enhance the wellbeing, an additional $17.2 million for the Victorian communities are better community life and safety of rural and purchase of an extra 49 medium protected. An investment of regional communities. tankers, bringing the total to be $11.6 million will enable the purchased to 74, along with four Government to respond to the Responding to emergencies prototype vehicles. recommendations made by the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission, Safe delivery of emergency fire services improving the quality and timeliness of Enhancing our emergency services will be supported through an additional bushfire responses. Emergency services play a vital role in $20.5 million to replace existing regional Victoria. The Government is respiratory protection equipment. This The Government has committed investing in emergency services will enable interoperability amongst $10 million to upgrade infrastructure to through a range of new measures. agencies in significant emergencies. support fire suppression efforts and the planned burning program. Funding of $14.4 million has been The Emergency Services committed to replace the Echuca Police Telecommunication Authority’s Funding of $39.7 million for the Station. A further $8.4 million will statewide emergency call-taking and regional connectivity program establish an emergency services dispatch service will be upgraded with includes improvemens to mobile precinct in Ballarat West which will an additional $14.9 million, enabling phone coverage in black spot areas. include a police station and sites for these vital services to respond to the This will increase the safety of future co-location of fire and needs of regional and rural Victorians residents in fire and flood-prone areas ambulance stations to meet current and at times of need. in regional Victoria. future emergency services’ needs. First response operational police units in key regional locations will be equipped with conducted energy devices, commonly known as Tasers, to provide police with an alternative response to safety threats, through an additional $13 million.

Regional and Rural Victoria 21 Protecting a growing Victoria (cont)

Bushfire recovery – $2.2 million to stimulate economic HAZELWOOD MINE FIRE The Government is providing activity in bushfire-affected significant support to victims of the communities through ‘buy-local’ The Government has committed early 2014 bushfires beyond the initial marketing campaigns, tourism $11.5 million specifically to assist those disaster relief provided under the promotion, and fast tracking projects affected by the Hazelwood mine fire. in fire-affected communities. This State-Commonwealth Natural Disaster Eligible Morwell residents have been Relief and Recovery Arrangements. includes $1 million to fast track regional development projects in provided with access to around $3.7 million Support for individuals and fire-affected communities. for personal hardship, respite and households includes: relocation grants. Funding of $2 million will Damaged essential public infrastructure assist Morwell residents clean up after the – $2.32 million for a range of will be restored, including the repair of impact of the fire. This includes access to psychosocial and community support arterial roads, and $2 million will be clean-up equipment through Latrobe City measures across bushfire-affected allocated for repairs to the regional rail Council, as well as vouchers for the communities, including counselling, network. The Government will also cleaning of clothes and cars. and local government recovery assist local councils to undertake support; and counter disaster activities and the repair Support for students and schools includes $1.3 million to help with the temporary – $150 000 to hold small events in and restoration of essential local relocation of students and the clean up of fire-affected communities to help infrastructure to be provided under the affected kindergartens and school sites. build the resilience of communities. State-Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements. Eligible primary producers, small Support for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations businesses and not-for-profit Victoria’s natural environment in key are provided with access to low interest organisations includes: affected areas will be restored, including $585 000 for the protection of concessional loans of up to $100 000. In – low-interest concessional loans of up waterways that have been exposed or addition, businesses that suffered a loss of to $200 000 for eligible parties directly put at risk following the bushfires. income as a result of reduced local trade affected by the January 2014 bushfires are assisted through a business relief fund in eight local government areas – of $2.1 million. Ararat, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Mildura, The ongoing health of communities in the Northern Grampians, Southern Morwell area will be protected with an Grampians, West Wimmera and additional $2.4 million for monitoring of Yarriambiack; the air and water quality levels by the – low-interest concessional loans of up Environment Protection Authority, while to $200 000 for parties directly also assessing potential long-term affected by the February 2014 environmental impacts. bushfires in 12 local government areas; and The Government has also committed $5 million over two years for the Hazelwood fire inquiry.

22 2014-15 Budget Information Paper Mooroopna Police Station Protecting our community The Government expects that all The Government has allocated HAZELWOOD MINE FIRE Victorians have appropriate access to $140.8 million to undertake critical Community safety is a major priority for justice and related support services. capital upgrades to male and female the Government. The 2014-15 Budget The 2014-15 Budget provides funding prisons to create capacity for an builds on the steps already taken to for additional staff across the State as additional 871 beds. This initiative will ensure a safe and just community for part of a strategy to manage demand provide employment opportunities for all Victorians. The Government is for personal safety intervention orders regional Victorians through supporting people living in regional (PSIO), including PSIO Registrars in the construction and prison officer roles. and rural communities to feel safe in Magistrates’ Courts in Bendigo and Creating additional prison capacity will their homes, on the road, on public Dandenong. support around 150 jobs during the transport and in public spaces. peak of construction. The Government’s prison expansion The Government is investing has seen significant increases in This expanded capacity will be $73 million to redevelop the investments in prisons located in supported with an additional Shepparton Law Courts into a new regional and rural locations, benefiting $306.6 million over five years for multijurisdiction court complex to communities in the regions of staffing and operating costs across the meet future demand in the Shepparton Goulburn-Ovens Murray, Gippsland, prison system. area as well as additional staffing. Grampians and Loddon Mallee. This investment will improve the management of cases by expanding capacity for five new courts (three Magistrates’ Courts and two higher jurisdiction courts) in a contemporary court environment. The Shepparton Law Courts project will support around 100 jobs during the peak of construction.

Regional and Rural Victoria 23 Strengthening a growing Victoria

Commemoration of the SUPPORTING REGIONAL RACING Anzac centenary Racing is a major economic driver for Victoria, generating more than $2 billion annually. The Government has committed More than two-thirds of all racing participants reside in regional Victoria and more than $6 million over four years to ensure that 55 per cent of all economic and employment impacts are generated in regional Victoria. Victoria’s commemoration of the Anzac The three racing codes’ breeding industries are significant employers particularly in centenary is meaningful and accessible regions outside of Melbourne. for all Victorians, including regional areas. This will deliver key events and Ensuring that the Victorian racing industry experiences long-term growth will foster commemorative programs including stronger economic benefits and jobs across the state. support for Anzac Remembrance Days, Government has allocated $79.5 million from July 2011 for the Victorian Racing Industry opportunities for Victorian students to Fund. This grant funding supports improvements at racing and training venues and for key attend the Dawn Service at Gallipoli on programs designed to further stimulate industry growth and development. Anzac Day 2015, and continued support for commemorative, educational and infrastructure projects across the State.

In addition, $200 000 is committed to A vibrant sporting and The Government’s investment in provide grants for local community important community sporting and events that recognise and celebrate the community life Community facilities are often at the recreational facilities will be enhanced contributions of Australian soldiers who with $35 million for a grant program served in the first world war. centre of regional and rural communities, providing opportunities for upgrading existing and delivering for participation in community events new facilities across Victoria. This Celebrating our diverse and enjoying shared experiences. includes $15 million for the Bendigo community The Government continues to make Aquatic Centre. Rural and regional Victoria benefits from significant investment in regional and the rich and varied backgrounds of the rural community and sporting events people within its communities. An and infrastructure. additional $6 million over two years for An additional $4.8 million for the the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Significant Sporting Events program Fund will help build new, or enhance will help sporting, community and existing community facilities, and to event organisations deliver significant revitalise cultural precincts across the sporting events such as the Stawell Gift State. This grants program mainly and the Melbourne to Warrnambool targets not-for-profit community Cycling Classic. Holding such events organisations from culturally and builds on Victoria’s reputation as a linguistically diverse communities. host while also contributing to the economic prosperity of regional and rural host townships.

24 2014-15 Budget Information Paper Supporting Aboriginal STRENGTHENING SPORTING AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES communities The Community Facility Funding Program (CFFP) is a major contributor to the delivery The Government is committed to of quality, accessible community sport and recreation facilities across Victoria. providing support for Victoria’s Program funding enables communities to leverage further investment in valuable Aboriginal population living in regional community assets. and rural Victoria. Between 2011 and 2014 the CFFP has provided $25.5 million for 203 projects in The Lake Tyers community in regional and rural areas, with these projects having a total project cost of $80.9 million. Gippsland will be assisted to transition Examples of funded projects include: to community self-governance through – $650 000 to Ararat Rural City Council as part of a $3.3 million project to develop a new the appointment of a Committee of community and recreation centre at the Alexandra Oval precinct, which caters for Management during 2015 with the football, cricket and netball as well as providing a community multipurpose meeting support of an administrator. space and public amenities; An additional $0.5 million will – $3 million to Baw Baw Shire Council as part of a $14.2 million project to redevelop the improve Aboriginal Victorian’s Warragul Leisure Centre to create the Baw Baw Recreation, Aquatic and Community outcomes through the Victorian Centre. The project will provide an accessible, state-of-the-art multi-use aquatic, Aboriginal Economic Strategy, which health and leisure facility that will meet the current and future needs of residents and will grow Aboriginal business visitors to the area; enterprise and investment, and support employment opportunities – $80 000 to Corangamite Shire Council as part of a $217 730 project to redevelop the with enhanced career pathways. existing Apex Park playground into a multifunctional destination and community park and play space. This development will provide integrated and seamless connections Funding of $3.1 million will continue between natural sensory settings and built play equipment, which promotes play for for Victoria’s Aboriginal cultural all ages; and heritage management system and to implement the Government response to – $38 182 to Central Goldfield Shire Council as part of a $57 273 project to develop an the Parliamentary Inquiry into the equestrian cross-country course at the Dunolly Horse Activity Club to enable horse trials establishment and effectiveness of to be conducted at the club. This will add an exciting new element to the club’s facilities Registered Aboriginal Parties and the and activities, and cement the club’s future viability. recommendations of the review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

Regional and Rural Victoria 25 Strengthening a growing Victoria (cont)

ENCOURAGING FUTURE REGIONAL LEADERS The Government’s Regional Growth Fund helps nurture emerging regional leaders through Regional Community Leadership Programs to enable individuals to respond to local opportunities and challenges in their community. These programs have helped more than 260 participants in the past 12 months to develop the necessary skills to engage in issues relevant to their local area. Recent evaluations for two of the programs (in the Loddon Mallee and Wimmera regions) confirmed positive outcomes for participants and their regional communities by increasing the self-confidence and empowerment levels of individuals, strengthening networks and community collaboration and increasing involvement in the community at local, state and national levels.

Helping vulnerable and Sustaining support for vulnerable Disability services disadvantaged Victorians children and families An additional $121 million will be provided to boost services for The Government continues to provide Additional funding will enable a number people with a disability, their families targeted support to Victorians in need. of critical support services to better respond to demand for assistance by and carers. Homelessness vulnerable individuals and families across In addition the National Disability Victoria. An additional $12.8 million over Victoria has committed $124.4 million Insurance Agency national headquarters four years includes funding for extra over four years to support a new located in Geelong will receive services across Victoria to better assist National Partnership Agreement on $25 million over three years for its those who have experienced sexual Homelessness. This funding will establishment costs. This is in line with assault. An additional $24.1 million over support vulnerable Victorians who are the Government’s support for the four years will provide extra family homeless or at risk of homelessness, National Disability Insurance Scheme services and child protection workers to including rough sleepers, people with a (NDIS) trial and full scheme roll-out respond to demand pressures in the child mental illness, women with children and builds on the $300 million already protection system. This includes a better experiencing family violence, and provided. response to families who are the subject young people who have experienced of multiple child protection reports. Up to 658 additional individual support family breakdown. packages will be available across Victoria. These packages provide care Funding of $5 million is provided for Strengthening the youth and support for Victorians with a the Government’s third Youth Foyer, to justice response disability, their families and carers, be located in Shepparton, opening in Funding of $17.1 million will enable while providing choice about the types 2015. This innovative model provides youth workers across the State to of support they access and greater young people who are homeless, or at continue to provide early intervention control over their own lives. A number risk of homelessness, with integrated and support to vulnerable young of these packages will be available to accommodation and support. Young people engaging in risky behaviours. meet the needs of students with a people will be offered accommodation The focus will be on addressing the disability currently exiting the school for up to two years and can access underlying causes of offending system, and those exiting the Futures onsite and community support to behaviour before the risky behaviours for Young Adults program. This will participate in education, employment escalate or become entrenched, ensure that young people with high and training. preventing the progression of young ongoing needs are provided with the people into the youth justice or assistance they require. This funding criminal justice systems. will also support some individuals in The capacity of the Youth Justice Centre the Barwon area during the ongoing in Malmsbury will be expanded in transition to the NDIS. 2015-16. Funding of $1.6 million is provided to prepare for this expansion.

26 2014-15 Budget Information Paper Initiatives by region

Simonds Stadium redevelopment Barwon South West – funding for three new schools: > Portarlington Primary School Bannockburn Primary School, ($5.7 million); Barwon South West includes: North Geelong Special Development > Roslyn Primary School – Colac Otway Shire; School and Torquay North; ($2.1 million); and – Corangamite Shire; – funding of $25 million for the > Timboon P-12 ($5.2 million). – Glenelg Shire; establishment costs of the National Disability Insurance Agency national This builds on the Government’s – City of Greater Geelong; headquarters in Geelong; previous investment including: – Moyne Shire; – funding of $1.3 million for planning – funding of $300 million for the launch – Borough of Queenscliffe; for the Avalon Airport Rail Link – site of the National Disability – Southern Grampians Shire; transport corridor protection; Insurance Scheme in the Barwon area; – Surf Coast Shire; and – funding of $14.1 million for Ballan crossing loop and carpark upgrade; – funding of $93 million to a major – Warrnambool City. upgrade of the Geelong Hospital; – funding of $1.7 million to continue Through the 2014-15 Budget, the three community finance hubs, one – funding of $6.3 million to Apollo Bay Government is implementing the of which is located in Geelong; P-12 College; following initiatives for the Barwon – funding of $5 million to develop a South West region: – funding of $28 million for Barwon Health – North to meet the needs of radiotherapy service for South West – funding of $362 million for the Geelong’s growing population; Victoria in Warrnambool; Princes Highway duplication project – funding of $3 million to construct a – funding of $16.3 million for – Winchelsea to Colac; community health service in Moyne; regeneration of Northern Bay College; – funding of $11 million for three – funding for modernising of the – funding of $2.5 million for passing lanes on Princes Highway following schools: modernisation of Woolsthorpe East (Hospital Creek, Dinner Creek Primary School; and Wombat Creek); > Barwon Heads Primary School ($3.4 million); – funding of $5.1 million for planning – funding of $50 million for upgrades the Lara to Avalon airport rail link; to the Great Ocean Road; > Clifton Springs Primary School ($1.1 million); – funding of $2 million for renewal of – funding of $12 million for duplication the Geelong Performing Arts Centre; > Geelong High School ($8.5 million); of Pioneer Road; – a new police station at Waurn Ponds; – funding of $0.4 million for upgrades > Montpellier Primary School ($4.8 million); – funding of $27 million for a new to the Geelong bus interchange; secondary college at Torquay; – funding of $5.0 million to improve > Narrawong District Primary School ($2.3 million); – funding of $27 million for the third disability access at Geelong Railway stage of the redevelopment of

Station; Skilled Stadium (now Simonds – funding for the construction of a Stadium); Prevention and Recovery Care Service – funding of $8.3 million to support the in Warrnambool; upgrade of the Geelong Hospital;

Regional and Rural Victoria 27 Initiatives by region (cont)

– funding of $11 million to support the Gippsland – funding of $32 million for the Sand regeneration of Colac Secondary Road interchange of Princes Highway Gippsland region includes: College; East; – funding of $10 million for the – Bass Coast Shire; – funding of $4.0 million for improvement of the Warrnambool to – Baw Baw Shire; implementation of the Victorian coal Geelong rail link; – East Gisppsland Shire; development strategy; – funding of $5 million to begin work – Latrobe City; – funding for upgrading the Leongatha on Princes Highway West between heavy vehicle alternative; and – South Gippsland Shire; and Colac and Winchelsea; – funding for rest area improvements – funding of $3 million for the Geelong – Wellington Shire. on Princes Highway at Murrungowar. Ring Road Noise Walls initiative; Through the 2014-15 Budget, the This builds on the Government’s – funding of $2 million for planned Government is implementing the previous investment including: upgrades at the Geelong Campus of following initiatives for the Gippsland the Gordon Institute of TAFE; region: – funding of $10 million for modernisation of Bairnsdale – the opening of the new Geelong SES – $73 million for expansion and upgrade Secondary College; headquarters; of the Latrobe Regional Hospital; – funding of $7.5 million for – funding of $22 million to build and – $4 million to progress works at Sale modernisation of Mirboo North operate the new train station at Specialist School; Secondary College; Grovedale Station; – funding for modernising of the – funding for overtaking lanes on the – funding of $50 million for the Waurn Korumburra Secondary College Strzelecki and Hyland highways; Ponds Community Hospital; ($5.6 million). – a new Multi-Disciplinary Centre for – funding of 10 million for the – funding of $0.5 million for Lake Tyers the Latrobe Valley to improve Radiotherapy services in South West transition to self-governance; responses to sexual assault; Victoria; and – funding of $2.0 million for a clean up – the provision of extra early childhood – investigating the viability of rail package in Morwell; development workers; services between South Geelong to – funding of $2.4 million for Drysdale and Grovedale to Torquay. – funding of $30 million to support the Hazelwood environmental and water Latrobe Valley transition to a more monitoring; diversified economy to meet the – funding of $1.3 million for bushfire challenges brought about by the response and recovery – schools and introduction of the Commonwealth early childhood centres; Government’s national carbon price; – funding of $2.1 million for Morwell Business Relief Fund; – funding of $3.7 million for personal hardship respite and relocation assistance for Morwell residents;

28 2014-15 Budget Information Paper National grains genebank in Horsham – funding of $8 million for the first – a new 24-hour staffed ambulance Grampians stage of sealing the Omeo highway; station for Grantville; Grampians region includes: – funding of $6 million for repair of the – funding of $16 million for the road to Tidal River; Macalister Irrigation District upgrades; – Ararat Rural City; – the establishment of 800 new weekly – funding of $110 million for the Port of – City of Ballarat; bus services in the Latrobe Valley; Hastings development; – Golden Plains Shire; – the establishment of the Gippsland – funding of $15 million for the Sale – Hepburn Shire; Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee Police Station; – Hindmarsh Shire; with funding of $10 million over four – funding of $7 million to complete the – Horsham Rural city; years for environmental projects; sealing of Omeo Highway; – Moorabool Shire; – funding of $2 million towards the – funding of $8.3 million for Clean Great Southern Rail Trail extension; Coal Victoria; – Northern Grampians; – funding of $10 million for – funding of $4.2 million for mine – Pyrenees Shire; regeneration of Leongatha stability; – West Wimmera Shire; and Secondary College; – funding new mental health beds in – Yarriambiack Shire. – funding of $3 million for Latrobe Regional Hospital (Traralgon); Through the 2014-15 Budget, the modernisation of Toorloo Arm and Primary School; Government is implementing the – funding for an enhanced new Mental following initiatives for the – investigating the potential for carbon Health and Wellbeing Centre in Grampians region: capture storage in the Latrobe Valley; Bairnsdale, which will coordinate – funding of $2 million towards the access to mental health, welfare and – funding of $30.2 million for the first Warragul Hospital emergency social services in East Gippsland. stage of developing the Ballarat West department upgrade; Employment Zone; – funding of $1.5 million to upgrade the – funding of $8.4 million to build a East Gippsland Institute of TAFE; new police station and emergency services hub in Ballarat West; – funding of $1.1 million towards the enhancement of Wonthaggi town – funding for preconstruction work for entrance; Western Highway bypass at Beaufort and Ararat; and – funding of $1 million to complete stage 1 of the Lindenow Valley Water – funding for modernising of the Security project; following schools: – funding of $1 million to connect > Ballarat High School ($7.8 million); Alberton to a pressured sewerage and system; > Horsham College ($10 million).

Regional and Rural Victoria 29 Initiatives by region (cont)

Horsham Special School This builds on the Government’s – funding of $1.6 million to provide an Goulburn-Ovens Murray previous investments including: additional 68 services each week to Goulburn-Ovens Murray region and from Wendouree Station; – funding of $42 million to duplicate includes: approximately 18 kilometres of the – funding of $1.2 million towards the – Alpine Shire; Western Highway between Beaufort replacement of the Magpie Bridge in and Buangor; Ballarat; – Benalla Rural City; – funding of $36 million for the Ballarat – funding of $3.4 million to establish a – City of Wodonga; West Link Road; national grains genebank in – Greater Shepparton City; – funding of $46 million for an upgrade Horsham; – Indigo Shire; of the Ballarat Hospital; – funding of $7 million for regeneration – Mansfield Shire; of Horsham Special School; – funding of $18 million for – Mitchell Shire; modernisation of Phoenix Community – funding of $2 million towards College; redevelopment of the Ballan Hospital; – Moira Shire; – provision of extra early childhood – funding of $1.8 million over two – Murrindindi Shire; development workers; years for the refurbishment and – Strathbogie Shire; – funding of $1 million to return the expansion of Ballarat District Nursing – Towong Shire; and health of the Yarrowee River; and Healthcare facilities; – Wangaratta Rural city. – funding of $73 million for additional – a new 24-hour staffed ambulance station for Beaufort; Through the 2014-15 Budget, the health services in Ballarat, including Government is implementing the support for the recruitment of ten – funding of $179 million for eight new following initiatives for the Goulburn- general practitioners to fill vacancies trains to be fitted out in Ballarat; and Ovens Murray region: in the Ballarat area and an additional – funding of $17 million for the – funding of $14.4 million for the 20 doctors and 80 nurses at Ballarat remediation of Fiskville and regional Base Hospital; construction of a new 24-hour police training colleges. station in Echuca; – funding of $50 million to duplicate the Western Highway between – funding of $73 million for a new Burrumbeet and Beaufort; multi-court complex in Shepparton; – funding of $4.5 million for the – funding of $5 million to operate the Ballarat Buninyong Road upgrade; 40-bed Youth Foyer in Shepparton; – funding of $2.5 million to start work – funding for roundabout widening at on the Ballarat Western Link Road; Doyles Rd/Midland Highway in Shepparton East; and – funding for modernising of the following schools: > Alexandra Secondary College ($0.9 million); > Benalla High School ($5 million);

30 2014-15 Budget Information Paper Shepparton Law Courts > Kinglake Primary School – funding of $5.2 million to support Loddon Mallee ($0.1 million); economic recovery in Marysville and Loddon Mallee region includes: > Wodonga West Primary School surrounding communities; ($3.8 million); – funding of up to $19 million towards – Buloke Shire; > Yarrawonga College P–12 the development of a hotel and – Campaspe Shire; ($7.6 million) conference centre in Marysville; – Central Goldfields Shire; > Wangaratta High School – funding of $2.1 million towards the – City of Greater Bendigo; ($4.7 million); and redevelopment of the Indigo Shire Civic Centres; – Gannawarra Shire; > Yea High School ($1.4 million). – funding of $2.2 million toward a new – Loddon Shire; – funding of $7.0 million for operating wastewater management system at – Macedon Ranges Shire; the Prevention and Recovery Care Bruck Textiles plant in Wangaratta; Service in Wodonga; and – Mildura Rural City; – funding of $3.4 million to start work – funding of $1.6 million for – Mount Alexander Shire; and on the Kilmore Wallan Bypass; concessional loans for farmers – Swan Hill Rural City. affected by the reduced fruit contracts – funding of $1 million to connect Moyhu to a sewerage system; Through the 2014-15 Budget, the in the Goulburn Valley region. Government is implementing the This builds on the Government’s – a new 24-hour staffed ambulance following initiatives for the Loddon previous investments, including: station for Wallan; Mallee region: – delivering the $2 billion – funding of $18 million for the Numurkah Hospital; – funding of up to $220 million for the Goulburn‑Murray Water Connections Murray Basin Rail Project including Project; – funding of $10 million for the Kilmore upgrade of the Mildura line; Wallan Bypass; and – funding of $20 million to redevelop – funding of $86 million for upgrades and expand the Kilmore and District – funding of $2.5 million for the to the Calder Highway interchange at Hospital; Shepparton Court redevelopment. Ravenswood to improve safety and – funding of $10 million for efficiency; regeneration of Wodonga Senior – funding of $14 million for Secondary College; redevelopment of the Boort Hospital; – funding of $12 million for – funding for modernising of the modernisation of Belvoir Wodonga following schools: Special Development School; > Castlemaine Secondary College – funding of $2 million to develop ($5.5 million); chemotherapy services at Seymour District Memorial Hospital; and > Charlton College ($0.6 million); – funding of $6 million for rest area > Eaglehawk Primary School upgrades from the Hume Highway; ($1.6 million); – funding of $7 million for the regeneration of Seymour College;

Regional and Rural Victoria 31 Initiatives by region (cont)

Echuca Hospital redevelopment

> Kerang Technical High School – funding of $18 million to – $5.1 million for Lower Loddon ($2.8 million); redevelop the Swan Hill Hospital floodplain and groundwater > Kyneton Secondary College aged care facilities; bore works; ($5.3 million); – funding of $7 million for – funding of $2.8 million for the > Kyneton Primary School modernisation of Castlemaine upgrade of the Talbot Train Station; ($3.5 million); Secondary College; – funding of $2 million towards > Maldon Primary School – funding of $11.5 million for redevelopment of the Bendigo Library ($0.5 million); regeneration of Golden Square and Community Hub; Primary School; > Merbein P–10 College – funding of $7 million towards the ($1.15 million); – funding of $5 million for regeneration Mildura Riverfront Development of Ouyen College; > Quarry Hill Primary School project; ($1.9 million); – a new multidisciplinary centre for – funding of $5.2 million towards the > Robinvale P–12 College Bendigo to improve responses to upgrade of the ($0.9 million); sexual assault; Terminal; > Winters Flat Primary School – the provision of extra early childhood – funding of $4 million over four years ($1.1 milliom). development workers; to establish a Centre of Expertise in Smoke Taint in Mildura; – funding of $1.6 million for – funding for the $630 million Bendigo preparation for the expansion of the Hospital redevelopment project; – funding of $2 million for Youth Justice Centre in Malmsbury; – funding of $40 million towards the infrastructure works at Hazeldene’s – funding of $15 million for the Echuca Hospital redevelopment and Lockwood site; Bendigo Aquatic Centre; expansion; – funding of $2 million for the – funding for the construction of a – funding of $18 million towards the refurbishment of Eaglehawk Primary Prevention and Recovery Care Service Kerang District Hospital residential School; in Mildura; aged care redevelopment; – funding of $1 million for a new water – funding of $1.9 million for the Basin – funding of $5 million is being treatment plant at Wycheproof; Salinity Management Strategy and the provided for the Mildura Base – upgrade of the Maryborough and Sunraysia Modernisation project; Hospital expansion; Castlemaine ambulance stations to 24 hour rostered coverage; This builds on the Government’s – funding of $5.2 million for two rural previous investment, including: overtaking lanes for the Melbourne – funding of $9 million for the new Lancefield Road; train station at Epsom; – funding of $55 million to create an additional 45 beds at the Malmsbury – delivering the $2 billion – funding of $7.9 million for the Youth Justice Centre; Goulburn‑Murray Water Connections redevelopment of Sandhurst Project; residential services; and – funding of $23 million to reconstruct the Charlton Hospital; – providing broad support for flood – funding of $4 million for the 26 unit affected communities including – funding of $10 million to upgrade the medium-density social housing $18 million for a Lower Loddon Castlemaine Hospital; project in Bendigo. Irrigators Recovery package, and

32 2014-15 Budget Information Paper 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 budget.vic.gov.au. 2014-15 Victorian Budget Regional and Rural Victoria Budget Information Paper budget.vic.gov.au