Regional Development Annual Report 14–15 1. 4. 2. 6.

7. 9. 5. 8. 3.

Front and back cover images show: 1. North East Food & Wine 2. 2015 Regional Victoria Living Expo 3. Junction Place – Wodonga 4. Viplus Dairy Processing Plant 5. Ravens Creek Farm 6. Council Sod Turning 7. Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory 8. Urban Square Twilight, Wodonga 9. Marysville Vibe Hotel, Marysville RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CONTENTS PG 1

CONTENTS Highlights 2014-15______4 Chief Executive Foreword ______6 Responsibilities ______8 Profile ______9 Regional Programs and Recovery 9 Infrastructure Group 9 Regional Business Engagement 10 Regional Policy and Planning 10 Marketing and Promotion Group 10 RDV Regional Offices 10 Stakeholder Collaboration ______11 Commonwealth Government – Regional Development 11 Regional Policy Advisory Committee 12 Regional Management Forums 13 Rural Councils Victoria 13 Regional Cities Victoria 14 Working with Industry Organisations 14 Regional Strategic Planning 15 Establishing the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund ______16 Continuous Improvement in Regional Development Programs 18 Boosting Jobs and Investment ______19 Industry Sector Support in the Regions 20 Boosting Jobs and Investment in each Region 21 Developing Major Infrastructure ______23 Murray Dairy – Accelerating Change 23 Latrobe City Council – Heavy Industry Park 23 Unilever Tatura Investment Project 24 Wodonga CBD Urban Renewal Initiative 24 Wodonga Logic Fatigue Management Centre and Trailer Interchange Project 24 Epic Mountain Bike Experience 25 Yea Wetlands Environmental Centre 25 Koondrook Wharf 25 Riverboat Dock Upgrades 25 Swan Hill Heartbeat of The Murray 25 Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Redevelopment 26 Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Upgrade Project 26 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CONTENTS PG 2

Ulumbarra Theatre Development 26 Longerenong College Student Residential Facilities Upgrade 26 Central Geelong Revitalisation Project 27 Geelong Gallery Redevelopment Business Case 27 Shepparton Art Museum Feasibility Study 27 Burra Foods Korumburra 27 Wangaratta Livestock Exchange Redevelopment Project 27 Ararat Arts Precinct Redevelopment Project 28 AusNet Services – Huntly Natural Gas Extension 28 Brookfield Infrastructure Group – CNG Gas Delivery Solution 28 Supporting Rural and Regional Communities______29 Cowes Activity Centre Plan 29 Wonthaggi Theatre Group Building Foyer 29 Reactivate 30 Paynesville Esplanade Enhancement Project 30 Community Garden Leongatha 30 Alexandra Oval Community and Recreation Centre 30 Victoria Park Infrastructure Upgrade 30 Ballarat Olympic Precinct Upgrade 31 Maude Viewing Platform 31 Hindmarsh Shire Council Economic Development Strategy 31 Bush Retreat – Stage 5 31 Warrnambool City Centre Revitalisation – Gilles Street 31 Nirranda Multipurpose Centre 32 Mount Moriac Reserve Master Plan Implementation Proejct 32 Great Ocean Road National Heritage Centre 32 Dunkeld Community Centre 32 Leopold Community Hub 32 Regional Trails Development, Management and Promotion Project 32 Ocean Grove Park Performance Space 33 Hopwood Gardens Park Development – Echuca 33 Bendigo Botanic Gardens – Garden For The Future 33 Canterbury Park 33 Kyneton Community Park 33 Murray River Trail Infrastructure Project 34 Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre 34 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CONTENTS PG 3

Wangaratta Central Business District Master Plan Project 34 Strategic Trails in the 34 Yarck Community Hall Renovation 34 Foggy Mountains Bluegrass Festival 35 Mansfield Community Gathering Place Project 35 Fawcett Hall Upgrade 35 Murchison Heritage Centre Redevelopment 35 Emergency Management and Regional Recovery ______36 2009 Victorian Bushfires 36 2010, 2011 and 2012 Floods 37 2014 Bushfires and Mine Fire 37 Resilient Community Program 38 Promoting Rural and Regional Victoria ______39 2014 Royal Show 39 2015 Regional Victoria Living Expo 40 Good Move Regional Marketing Campaign 40 Future Priorities ______41 Build a Strong and Competitive Regional Victorian Economy 42 Support Job Creation 42 Strengthen Regional Communities 42 Finance ______43 RDV Grant Payments 44 Economic Infrastructure - Grant Announcements 62 Economic Infrastructure - Grant Payments 64 Output Targets and Performance 68 Revenue and Expenses 69 Financial Performance 70 Compliance 70 Legislation 70 Contact Information ______71 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 HIGHLIGHTS PG 4

HIGHLIGHTS 2014-15 >> Regional Development Victoria (RDV) >> Facilitated Regional Management Forums worked throughout the year to facilitate led by departmental Secretaries bringing new investment, business growth and together leaders from across State job creation, infrastructure development, and local government and key regional and coordinate delivery of Victorian stakeholder groups. Government regional development policy, planning and programs. >> Supported Rural Councils Victoria including networking for rural and regional >> Helped create 2,094 jobs, generate local governments at the annual Rural $724 million in investment and facilitate Summit at Halls Gap in April 2015. $262 million in exports. >> Collaborated with Regional Cities Victoria >> Facilitated 124 major regional infrastructure on projects including the Regional Cities projects valued at $365 million, including Growth Framework, which sets out growth completion of the Junction Place central drivers for each of Victoria’s 10 regional Wodonga urban renewal initiative that cities. will generate significant employment and stimulate economic development in the city >> Interacted directly with over 2,500 and broader region. regionally based businesses to support department-wide business investment and >> Used RDV’s policy and program delivery regional job creation activities. expertise to develop the legislation, regulation and program design to establish >> Helped support internal trade readiness the $500 million Regional Jobs and and relationships in the regions through Infrastructure Fund (RJIF). activities including funding Australia Business Council regional sessions and >> Launched the 10 public grant program developing a sister-state memorandum of streams of the RJIF in Castlemaine on understanding with the Jiangsu Province 29 June 2015. in China.

>> Collaborated with diverse regional stakeholders including rural and regional community groups, industry organisations and delivered Victoria’s partnership with the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Development Australia program.

>> Reviewed the effectiveness of the current regional strategic planning model, and provided findings and significant RDV research and data to the Review of Regional Economic Development and Services. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 HIGHLIGHTS PG 5

>> Continued to support structural adjustment >> Backed Leda Farm Equipment’s facility and growth through place-based initiatives relocation from NSW to Mildura, which in the , Latrobe Valley and generated 40 new jobs. Greater Geelong regions. >> Encouraged stronger and more sustainable >> Supported Australia’s largest private regional communities by building their sector rail operators, SCT Logistics, to capacity to drive development and make establish an intermodal freight terminal the most of local investment in projects near Wodonga as part of a $39 million such as the $750,000 initiative by the Surf investment to increase rail freight between Coast Shire to develop a National Heritage Melbourne and Brisbane. Centre commemorating the history of the construction of the Great Ocean Road, and >> Helped Luv-a-Duck in Nhill create 80 the ’s $520,000 project new jobs in the Wimmera, Meredith Dairy to redevelop Hopwood Gardens Park in the provide 30 new cheese manufacturing jobs popular Port of Echuca tourist precinct. in Meredith, and Maxitrans Australia make new technology investments at its facility >> Attracted a record 10,156 visitors to in Ballarat. the 2015 Regional Victoria Living Expo – a three-day event at the Melbourne >> Focused on supporting local food Convention and Exhibition Centre that processing initiatives in Gippsland, showcased the benefits of living and including an expansion by Riviera Farms at investing in rural and regional Victoria. Stratford and Lindenow, and Queensland- based Australian Fresh Salads’ new investment in fresh salad growing, processing, packing and distribution in the Macalister Irrigation District that created 20 new jobs.

>> Helped an export-related expansion by Hardwick’s Meat Works that created 150 new jobs. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOREWORD PG 6

CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOREWORD

Regional Development Victoria made another significant contribution to the resilience and growth of Victoria’s regions during a year of consolidation and change.

Together we helped create 2,094 jobs, generate $724 million in investment and facilitate $262 million in exports for rural and regional Victorians.

We achieved this outcome by working across all tiers of government in partnership with local businesses and communities to provide services and programs designed to deliver maximum, long-term benefits.

One of the most substantial tasks of the year was establishing the legislation, policy basis and program design associated with the new $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund launched on 29 June 2015.

This responsibility required RDV to draw on more than 15 years’ collective experience in policy and business development, program delivery, and project management.

The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is a key part of the Government’s ‘Back to Work’ strategy and it will unlock regional Victoria’s economic potential by supporting major projects, creating jobs and building stronger regional communities.

Concurrent with establishing the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, RDV facilitated 124 of the remaining major infrastructure projects supported under the former Regional Growth Fund. These projects helped attract more than $365 million into the regions throughout the year. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOREWORD PG 7

RDV supported broader business investment In 2015-16, RDV will continue as the and regional job creation by working directly Government’s lead agency responsible for with over 2,500 regional businesses. We also driving economic and community development helped implement place-based investment across rural and regional Victoria. Together initiatives, including in the Goulburn Valley, we will maintain our focus on regional industry Latrobe Valley and Greater Geelong region. growth, job creation and investment so every region can make the most of opportunities RDV continued to work alongside local ahead. communities and councils to help them recover from flood and fire by providing community support, targeted business assistance and infrastructure.

In addition to delivering such essential ongoing activities, 2014-15 was a year of transition and review for RDV. In early 2015 the agency joined the Department of Economic Development,

Jobs, Transport and Resources.

RDV provided significant input of data and research into the Review of Regional Economic James Flintoft Development and Services chaired by former Premier, John Brumby. We look forward to Acting Chief Executive, receiving the results of the review and working Regional Development Victoria across Government and with our stakeholders to implement its recommendations in our regional development activities.

On behalf of the Victorian Government, I commend all RDV staff for making the year such a productive one. In particular, I thank former Chief Executive, Lachlan Bruce, for his highly capable leadership of RDV over the last four years. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 RESPONSIBILITIES PG 8

RESPONSIBILITIES Regional Development Victoria (RDV) is the Victorian Government’s lead agency in developing rural and regional Victoria.

In accordance with the Regional Development Victoria Act 2002, RDV has primary responsibility for:

>> Developing integrated, regionally focused policies and programs, including implementing regional development funds to support the economic and social development of regional Victoria.

>> Creating vibrant and dynamic regional communities and economies through facilitating new jobs, investments, exports, infrastructure for strategic projects and competitive businesses.

>> Delivering programs and information to help grow a robust and sustainable economy and strengthen communities throughout regional Victoria.

>> Developing and implementing initiatives to promote the State, to attract business and increase the population of Victoria’s regions. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 PROFILE PG 9

PROFILE Since its formal inception in 2003, RDV has provided leadership, expertise and catalyst funding to help drive sustained economic and community development across rural and regional Victoria.

RDV’s work is underpinned by sound In 2014-15, RDV operated through the evidence-based policy and planning, including following groups: support for Victoria’s maturing community- driven regional strategic planning model. REGIONAL PROGRAMS AND RDV delivers significant grant programs to support these policy objectives as well as RECOVERY undertaking active business engagement, The Regional Programs and Recovery Group investment attraction and facilitation. RDV is responsible for the delivery of a range of facilitates projects that range from large-scale programs and activities including the Regional infrastructure with state-wide benefits to Development Australia initiative in Victoria, smaller scale projects that address specific and bushfire and flood recovery programs. community needs. This includes the operations of the Fire Recovery Unit. RDV seeks to continuously monitor and evaluate its programs and approaches to drive continuous improvement to deliver INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP maximum benefit. The Infrastructure Group identifies, facilitates On 1 January 2015, RDV joined the new and delivers infrastructure projects that help Department of Economic Development, enhance the productivity, liveability and Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR), sustainability of rural and regional Victoria. in the Economic Development, Employment and Innovation division, having previously been part of the former Department of State Development, Business and Innovation. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 PROFILE PG 10

REGIONAL BUSINESS MARKETING AND PROMOTION ENGAGEMENT GROUP The Business Engagement team works with The Marketing and Promotion Group delivers Victorian regional businesses to promote the a range of activities to promote the business development of sustainable industries that and lifestyle benefits of locations in rural and are growth-orientated and export focused. regional Victoria. In particular, the group is The team identifies opportunities for private- responsible for implementing the Regional sector engagement and captures regional Victoria Living Expo. business intelligence, supporting a range of programs and services across RDV, DEDJTR RDV REGIONAL OFFICES and the Victorian Government to coordinate investment attraction and export facilitation. RDV manages offices across the five regions of Barwon South-West, Gippsland, , and Loddon Mallee. REGIONAL POLICY AND PLANNING Regional teams have strong local relationships The Policy and Planning Group provides and knowledge. They work closely with local, policy and strategy leadership to RDV, State and Commonwealth Government coordinating across government to develop counterparts, regional businesses and ideas, knowledge, policies and programs communities to facilitate investment, jobs that support the Victorian Government’s and exports. commitment to rural and regional Victoria. The group is responsible for monitoring and RDV regional offices also support the evaluation, governance, research and analysis Regional Development Australia Initiative, the and managing key strategic relationships. delivery of DEDJTR’s business engagement model, and are the local point of contact for regional councils, communities and businesses seeking information about regional development programs and services. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION PG 11

STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION

RDV works with key stakeholders to support regional strategic planning and program delivery, and build sustained relationships across all levels of government, business and community stakeholders. Key stakeholder relationships include the following:

COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT – REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA

The Victorian Government works with the Commonwealth Government at various levels to ensure a coordinated approach to regional development, particularly through the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Initiative that supports the operation of nine RDA Committees in Victoria. These committees advise all levels of government on economic development opportunities and productivity.

The RDA model in Victoria is a partnership between the Commonwealth and State Governments. RDV Regional Directors act as Executive Officers for RDA committees, while the RDA Chairs served as members of the Victorian Regional Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC). RDAs also include local government members. These arrangements ensure that Victorian regional leaders influence and integrate the activities of all three levels of government.

RDV provides significant in-kind support and contributes funds to the RDA Initiative. In 2014-15 RDV contributed $615,000 in new funding towards the operation of the Victorian RDA Committees. The agreement and RDA Committee appointments are being renewed for 2015-16. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION PG 12

REGIONAL POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Regional Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC) was established under legislation to provide independent advice to government on priorities in regional Victoria, and the impacts of legislation and policy decisions on rural and regional Victoria.

RPAC members in 2014-15 included: In 2014-15, RPAC worked with RDV on its Jobs of the Future agenda to identify >> Ian McClelland OAM (Chairperson) - future employment sources to encourage founder and former Chairperson of the stronger economic growth in regional Birchip Cropping Group. Victoria, workforce capabilities required to support growth and the impact on regional >> Bruce Anson - Chairperson of the Barwon South West RDA Committee and Chief skills and workforce development. This work Executive Officer of Warrnambool City determined the following four priority areas Council. of research and advice: Migration and settlement – identify factors that >> Stuart Benjamin - Chairperson of the Grampians RDA Committee, founding impede regional migration and help regional Chairman and current Board member of communities maximise economic growth and Ballarat Regional Tourism and Director of productivity gains through migration. Elmstone Property Group. Encouraging the move to regional Victoria – increase awareness of factors that impede >> Mark Byatt - former Chairperson of the Hume RDA Committee and Mayor of the movement of people to and between Wodonga from 2008 to 2013. regional areas. Skills and employability – identify issues >> Jenny Dawson - former Chairperson of the Loddon Mallee RDA Committee and likely to affect workforce capability and former Non-Executive Director and Chair employability in regional Victoria, including of the Audit Committee of Bendigo and the response capacity of regional industry Adelaide Bank. and business. Higher education and business – identify ways >> Richard Elkington - Chairperson of the Gippsland RDA Committee and member higher education institutions contribute to of the Executive Council of the Victorian regional economic development, including Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and their role supporting business start-ups, and Industry. small to medium enterprise development.

>> Ross Lake OAM - General Manager of TASCO Inland, a major fuel and oil distributor based in Mildura.

>> Val Lang AM - graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program and Victorian representative for Australian Women in Agriculture. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION PG 13

REGIONAL MANAGEMENT FORUMS

Regional Management Forums (RMF) facilitate regular collaboration across the three tiers of government within the regions. Supported by RDV, the forums help strengthen understanding and relationships, integrate state and regional planning and delivery, and identify regional priorities in alignment with regional strategic plans.

Local representation on each RMF ensures a deeper, consistent understanding and connection between city-based public sector leaders and regional issues and leaders.

RMFs met regularly during 2014-15 in Barwon South West, Hume, Gippsland, Grampians and Loddon Mallee to consider a wide range of economic, social and environmental issues affecting local communities and the regions. Each RMF nominated priority issues for action and coordination across multiple departments and government levels.

RURAL COUNCILS VICTORIA

In 2014-15 RDV continued supporting the networked rural councils program, which included funding Rural Councils Victoria. Auspiced by the Municipal Association of Victoria, Rural Councils Victoria is the group of 38 rural councils responsible for 79 per cent of Victoria’s land area. It provides a shared voice for rural councils, and advice to the State and Commonwealth Governments on issues affecting country communities, and supports rural councils to collaborate on projects to stimulate growth and economic development.

RDV supported Rural Councils Victoria’s major networking opportunities for rural local governments, including mayors, CEOs and councillor forums in October 2014 and May 2015, and the annual Rural Summit at Halls Gap in April 2015.

The networked rural councils program delivered skills training and capacity-building through the six events of the Spring Tour in October 2014, a rural migration tool and the first stage of a project that aims to improve rural council sustainability through self- assessment and analysis, better service delivery, shared services and collaboration, and greater asset and financial management. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION PG 14

REGIONAL CITIES VICTORIA WORKING WITH INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS RDV also consulted and collaborated with Regional Cities Victoria, the self-funded RDV works with and sponsors a number group of Victoria’s 10 regional cities working of key peak bodies and organisations to to improve liveability, population growth and encourage growth and development in economic investment. regional Victoria. These include Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Regional Cities Victoria is represented by Industry (VECCI), the Committee for mayors and CEOs from Ballarat, Greater Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) Bendigo, Greater Geelong, Horsham, and the Institute of Public Administration Latrobe, Mildura, Greater Shepparton, Australia (IPAA). For example, RDV continued Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga. contributing to IPAA Victoria’s regional These cities contain nearly half of regional partner program and was represented on Victoria’s population. the IPAA Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat RDV collaborated with Regional Cities Advisory Committees. Other sponsorship Victoria on a number of projects including arrangements during the year included the the Regional Cities Growth Framework, 2014 Regional Achievement and Community which sets out distinct growth drivers for Awards to encourage people to move into each of the cities. The framework was rural and regional Victoria. developed using evidence established by RDV over many years. It contains a diagnostic tool for councils to collect data and information that will help them plan for future growth and prioritise investment.

Regional City Profile Regional City Profile Ballarat Regional City Profile GreaterLatrobe BendigoRegional City Profile MilduraRegional City Profile HorshamRegionalRegional City Profile City Profile Mildura A beautiful, resource-rich city that is home to Victoria’s Victoria’s third-most populous city, rich in cultureMildura A thriving and history and productive city with a unique historical Warrnambool Mildura connectionmajor to electricityChina generators and a growing aerospace Wodonga and a centre for manufacturing, health, educationCity of Ballarat and retailA producer of quality Victorian food and agriculture and a manufacturing Golden Mildura sectorALocal picturesque, Government Area: vibrant City of Greater and Bendigodiverse city in the Grampians Local Government Area: Mildura strategically important regional service centre for North Neighbouring Local Government Areas: Loddon, Wodonga Neighbouring Local Government Areas: Mildura region, renownedLocal Government for itsArea: local Latrobe arts City community and key WodongaWestWodonga Victoria,Campaspe, South Mount Australia Alexander, Strathbogie, and New Mitchell South Wales Regional City Profile Wangaratta Plains, Hepburn, Moorabool,Shepparton PyreneesShepparton Wangaratta A key logistics hub with a diverse industry base connecting Shepparton Wangaratta enablerMildura ofNeighbouring the region’sThe Localgateway Government agricultural to Victoria Areas: industry and NSW, Wodonga is a 100,784Horsham (2014) Population: 106,971 (2014) Baw Baw, Regional City Profile Population:Horsham Bendigo Bendigo westernSouth Gippsland, Victoria Wellington with international markets Bendigo VICTORIAVICTORIA major logistic hub, stock sellingGreater and food and metalShepparton Horsham VICTORIA Local Government Area: 150 Kilometres Ballarat Ballarat 150 Kilometres150 Kilometres Population: 75,706 (2014) Wodongamanufacturing centre between MelbourneGreater and Sydney Geelong Melbourne Shepparton Ballarat Melbourne Melbourne WodongaFacilities Upcoming major infrastructureGeelong projects will improveShepparton access Wangaratta Neighbouring LocalLocal Government Government Areas: Area: Geelong Horsham BendigoWangaratta RuralSwan CityHill, of Horsham Geelong within and to Ballarat:WarrnamboolHorsham Bendigo SheppartonThe city is connectedFacilitiesMildura to MelbourneBuloke,Wodonga Yarriambiack,and other regions Hindmarsh, by West Wimmera Latrobe Warrnambool LatrobeLatrobe high-quality road and Wangarattarail infrastructure. BendigoNeighbouring is oneLocal of the Government Local Government Area: Areas: > The Western Link Road: achieving greater logisticsHorsham BendigoVICTORIA Shepparton An important city in ‘Australia’s Food Bowl’ with Warrnambool VICTORIABallarat Horshamkey beneficiariesLatrobe of the is locatedRegionalPopulation: on Rail theWodonga Link,Princes 60,281 Northernwhich Freeway (2014) is designed Grampians, and hasLocal connections West Government Wimmera, Area: Yarriambiack Hindmarsh, efficiency and providing access to develop-able land near Bendigo150 Kilometres Wangaratta Neighbouring Local Government Areas: Latrobe City CouncilBallarat 150 Kilometresto remove majorto the bottlenecks State rail innetwork, Victoria’s both rail V/Line network and by rail freight. The theBendigo city centre MelbourneVICTORIA strongPopulation: fruit and dairy industriesCity of Wodonga MelbourneGeelongBallarat untangling metropolitanLatrobe Regional and Milduraregional Airport tracks is home as theyto state travel emergency 20,375Neighbouring (2014) Local Government Areas: Moyne Known for its natural beauty the cities, that are part of Latrobe VICTORIA150 Kilometres A keyPopulation: logistics hub with a diverse industry base Ballarat > BendigoRegional isRail one Link: of regional designed Victoria’s to remove mostGeelong major progressiveWarrnambool bottlenecks and in throughBallarat Melbourne’sand medical west.Facilities response Regional facilities, Rail Link willa commercial lay the aviationTowong, 33,501 Albury (2014) (NSW) City Council, are situated in the centre of the Latrobe Valley in Melbourne contemporaryVictoria’s rail network,cities and the is locatedproject willin the improve heart ofcapacity the Goldfields on foundations for future expansion150 of Kilometres the rail network to meet the Indigo, Steeped in history, Ballarat is Victoria’s largest inland city, Warrnambool Geelong manufacturingLatrobe Mildura industry connects and providesVictoria,connecting Southprivate Australia community western and New South Victoria with international markets region.both regional ItGippsland. is the and principal metropolitan Comprising service trains. centrefour major for the urban Loddon centres: Mallee Churchill, Latrobeneeds of Victoria’s growingMelbourne population. Facilities Population: founded on the wealth of the famous Victorian gold rush. This is Warrnambool Geelongtransport and recreation and tourism servicesWodonga to the region. 39,664 (2014) (104,609 Albury-Wodonga) South regionMoe/Newborough, and the city’s key Morwell industries andHorsham include , mining Latrobe and is theWarrnambool WalesShepparton by road, rail and air. The is strategically Latrobe HorshamWangaratta is strategically located at the junction of the Western, a legacy that continues today and is reflected in Ballarat’s grand Federation fourth-largestUniversity is the city main in regionaltertiary and Victoria vocational by population. Latrobe UniversityHorshamFederation and Bendigovital BendigoUniversity to the TAFE Sunraysiais theare mainthe main region. tertiary tertiary It andis the vocational busiest regional Localairport Government in Area: financial services. Horsham Rural City is a vibrant, diverse community situated Wimmera and Henty Highways. The Melbourne-Adelaide Greater Shepparton architecture and streetscapes. education provider in Ballarat.Mildura There are two main hospitals and vocationaleducation education providerVictoria providers Latrobeforin Latrobe.inpassenger Bendigo. The Theservices Latrobe city is with RegionalalsoFacilities the number Hospital of passengersCity Council in SituatedBallarat,Located 150 the kilometresBallarat approximately Base north-west Hospital 150 ofand kilometres300 Melbourne, St. kilometres John south-eastof it God is north-westthe third-Wodonga of Melbourne, of homeMelbourne to the andlargest north regional of the hospital VICTORIA developmentrailway line,Facilities in Victoria. which passes through Horsham and hasLocal the Government Area: Located 110 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, Ballarat is Warrnambool is a 261 beddoubling teaching over hospital the last and decade. provides servicesOn theWodonga southernin the banks of the Murray River, Wodonga is the Hospital.most populous Latrobe city City inMildura isregional a major is Victoriaan service oasisGrampians and on centre anthe important Murray for National the RiverGippsland city Park. for in north It region, isThe locatedwest Bendigo Victoria. in the Hospital heartBallarat Projectof the will deliverShepparton aWimmera world class Intermodal regional Freight TerminalNeighbouring at Dooen, is part Local of the Government Areas: a major manufacturing, health, retail and education centre, On the southern banksareas of the of Murray aged care, River, cancer Wodonga care, is theelective150 WarrnamboolKilometres surgery,gatewayWangaratta maternity, is a to major Victoria service and NSW. centre It is for theNeighbouring south seventh-largest western Local city in Government Areas: the centralparticularly VictorianLocated economy.in the provision on the border Wimmeraof retail, of NewWarrnambool entertainment, region South of WalesVictoria is educationsituated and andhospital, South nearly on theAustralia, incorporating 75% Surf of Coast residents ofStagethe Victoria, latest live One design of260 Mildura’sMelbourne andlarger technology Riverfront East-West Redevelopment corridor that includes willCampaspe, connect the Sydney-Adelaide Moira, Strathbogie Benalla, and the principal service centre for the eastern part of the gateway to Victoria andrehabilitation NSW. ItHorsham is the and seventh-largest mentalBendigo health. city in Victoria andregional home Victoria to a range in terms of quality of population. facilities. All residents the Mildura regionin isthe 550 urban kilometres area of south-westnorth-westHorsham. of MelbourneMelbourne, and isthe theGeelong river eighth-largest to Mildura’sand Adelaide-PerthCBD via a pedestrian lines. promenadeThe railway andline also providesWyndham, limited Queenscliff, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Grampians Region. EmploymentBendigoand is a healthmajor touristservices. city in Victoria, with a trove of goldregional Victoriasolutions. in terms The new of population. facilities include 372 inpatient havebeds, access 72 same to quality primaryPopulation: and secondary schooling options. and 400 kilometres north-eastcity in of regional Adelaide. Victoria Milduraday in beds,terms is the 20 of operating population.Warrnambool reinvigoratetheatres, The city a regional is a the 1.2passenger km cancer VICTORIAstretch center services. of parklands andWodonga anThe Horsham and is located facilities. aerodrome 320 Thiskilometres is is the 63,269Mooraboolnorth-east primary (2014) airof Melbourne on Ballaratrush era Thehas architecture Latrobea traditional region and background numerous is a resource culturalLocatedin manufacturing rich festivals,approximately area with includingwhich abundant halfway between MelbourneEmployment and The city also offers a range of pathways to higher education via Ballarat represents both historic and contemporary regional largest city in north west region’sVictoria andmainWodonga strategically service is 80centre located bed vital mentalfor to320 retail,what kilometres health business facility,expected north-east services, amongBallarat to beof others. health Melbournecompletedservice Latrobecentre on by September forthe150 the KilometresVictoria-New region, 2015. providing South Walesfor business, border andlocal separated and only by the thoseremains celebrating an important Bendigo’s industry large and Chinese includesAdelaide, community, the Horsham manufacture such is a as vital service centre for the Wimmera South West TAFE and Deakin University, both with strong links Victoria. The city contains a mix of established residential and forest, rich agricultural land and largeand brown education. coalthe andVictoria-New water South Wales border and separated only by theMelbourne Murray River from its twin city, Albury.Population: 224,926 (2014) theof transport annual Chinese equipment,is New an sugarimportantYear celebrations. and confectionery agricultural area.and the Electricity relatedLatrobe industries Universityemergency are and the SuniTAFE region’s air transport are largest the mainneeds. exporters. tertiary and greenfield areas, with a number of historic streets and houses resources. Latrobe’s regionaland economy Southern is Mallee underpinnedMurray region. River by The from city providesits twin city, excellent Albury. Geelong to industry to improve employment options of graduates. processing of food and vegetables. However, a number of other IndustryLatrobe’s and Infrastructure role as a key hub for coal extraction,Situated electricity on the HumeFacilities Freeway, and the Melbourne to Sydney in the central part of the city. Bendigominerals comprises andThe suburban the city energy is communitiesa significant sectorservices due basedservice Locatedinto health,its around large centre along education, coal for the reserves. north Great retail, westOcean business, VictoriaGreater Road, Warrnamboolleisure, Sheppartonvocational sport, is alsoeducation The Intermodalproviders in Freight Mildura. Terminal The Mildura has capacity Base in excess of industries including health care, retail, education, financialSituated on the Hume Freeway,generation and and theWarrnambool paperMelbourne products to Sydney manufacturing The broaderrail is line, Warrnamboolreflected Wodonga in is region well recognised is serviced as by a strategicextensive hub health along key transport corridors.as well Bendigo as parts has ofentertainment, established South aAustralia major itself the tourist asand arts, a New hub. research South Warrnambool’sBendigo andWales, housing. is home diverse to 7,700 Hospitalhousing businesses. isstock, a 146 The 20,000bed last tertiary decade containers teaching has seenperLatrobe hospitalannum and providing providesGreater a Shepparton a central location is major service centre for central northern servicesLatrobe’s and construction four major are power also strong generators contributors produce torail approximatelythe line, Wodonga isGreater wellits recognised major Shepparton export as ais industries. strategicat the heart hub The of along themajority ‘foodservices ofbowl Latrobe’sthe including of eastern industrialSouthwest seaboard. Its Healthcare’s proximityFacilities between Warrnambool Australia’s Base two Culture and Lifestyle manufacturing basedelivering for primary transport industries and operating serviceswarehousing in and the amenity services, features substantialprofessional attract growth a range in therange of finance new of acuteresidents: and servicesinsurancefor grain including sector,handling but emergency, and the export maternity,as wellVictoria as improved and is home access to a to range sea of quality facilities. All residents city’s 90%output of andVictoria’s employ electricity. a growingOver numberThe theadditional ofnext residents. 20 industries yearsthe easternHorsham including seaboard. is expected Australia’, Itsland proximity to isexperience producinglocated between south high Australia’s ofquality the Princes fruit two and HospitalFreeway vegetableslargest andin Morwell,and the cities, St John Melbourne of God andHospital. Sydney, provides key strategic region. In recent decades,services, the health city has services specialisedyoung and tertiaryin people finance education. to andinner urbancity’s retail,centre, health young care familiesintensive and manufacturing to care,new generalports. businesses Horsham medicine are Ruraland the surgery, City Council medical havehas imaging,a access precinct to As qualitydevelopment the second primary largest and secondary city in Victoria, schooling Geelong options. is home to world Ballarat has a thriving arts, tourism and cultural scene. The timber processing, paper productnotable manufacturing, population largestgrowth, agribusiness, cities, setting Melbourne it apartagriculturalcontaining from and Sydney, otherGeelong goods. the provides city’sSituated largest key on strategicthe available banks of supply the Goulburnadvantages; of industrial River, the land city services the surrounding pastoral runs insuranceStrategic services, local partnerships health care with and the education. growingdevelopments, information mature strongestfamilies to employers. the more Bendigoruralpathology, areas is also dialysis, and the plan headquarters mental to guideWarrnambool health further for and the investments a is range connected of ambulatory aroundThe to Melbournecity the also terminal. offersclass via adaily facilities. range V-Line of pathwaysAll residents to higher have educationaccess to via quality primary and city is strongly influenced by its gold rush history, which sets municipalities in theadvantages; Wimmera. the It is city also Sheppartonservices theready key the for service has surrounding development. the centre ideal climatepastoral and runs environment and for is food a major stock selling centre. A number of manufacturing technologypost-secondary sectorCulture and education, tertiary and institutions tourism Lifestyle olderandare contributingthe people provision to established to of Bendigo areas. and AdelaideGeelong services.Bank, is which ideally is locatednow a top on 70 servicesPort ASX-listed Philip allowing Bay and commuters at the Latrobegateway to arrive University atsecondary Southern and Goulburn schoolingCross inOvens options Institute including of TAFE. the prestigious Geelong it apart from other regional cities. The Art Gallery of Ballarat, for the thousands ofand people is a major thatcompany visitstock the production.selling andnearby employscentre. attractions Shepparton A approximately number of has of manufacturinga diverse 1,000Federation people and vibrant locallyUniversityindustries community across and haveLongerenong also been Collegeestablished are inthe Wodonga. main Culturethe increasingcommunity and importance Lifestyleservices to of the Ballarat Gippsland as a knowledge region create centre. a rich Latrobe’sto the economy famous has Great diversified Ocean Road. threeto include and halfa range hours. of Grammar. The city also offers a range of pathways to higher established in 1884, is Australia’s oldest and largest regional Life in Mildura revolvesMount Arapiles aroundNew greenfield andtheindustries Murraythe Grampians opportunities River, have head alsowith National office, contributing beenfishing,to the established sixPark north-east branches eachto a very inyear. andWodonga. strong twonorth communityeconomy of tertiarythe and bankand cultural vocationalbranches. scene. education providersThe Greater in Horsham. Shepparton The region is serviced by extensive health Tourismand diverse is also significant economy. as an industry, thanks to the city’s industries includingEmployment forestry and paper, manufacturing,Wodonga has experienced strong population growth over the gallery, with a comprehensive collection of Australian art. Bendigo is renowned for its arts and culture.city, The as Bendigo well as Art in Dennington, provide opportunitiesSituated only for 75 large- kilometres south-west of Melbourne andservices includingeducation a public via hospital the Gordon provided TAFE by Goulburnand Deakin Valley University. Both gold rush history.water sports, the white sandy beachesWodonga found has along experienced theGreater river strong and Shepparton population is the growth fifth-largest overWimmera the city Healthin regionalpast Care 25 Victoria. years,Group with provides much a of range this growth of emergency, coming from overseas Gallery, located in the View Street Arts Precinct, is one of the Other majoragribusiness, businessesidentifiedMildura include retail, as services the hospitality,Rural most Finance surrounding populous aviation, Corporation,Employment city agriculturalhealth in regional and education. areas Victoria, andHealth miningGeelong as well asinstitutions Shepparton maintain Private strongHospital. links to industry to improve the Ballarat has a diverse offering of entertainment including, local Culturethe and desert Lifestyle environmentCulture ofscale Mildura-Sunset and residential pastLifestyle 25 developmentyears, National with Park.muchIn in terms Warrnambool of this of growthpopulation overcoming this the fromencompasses next overseasacute, sub-acute, three mainand community surroundingurban based, municipalities. allied health and primary mostThe significant city is home and tolargest around galleries 7,400 businesses in regional and Australia. a workforce It is Hofmann Engineering,There are around Parmalat, 4,500 Hazeldene’s businesses Chickens, in the city. employment options of graduates. theatrical performances, music at local bars and pubs, larger 5 to 20 years.and surrounding municipalities.centres: Sheppartonoffersand a diverseresources City, Mooroopna range towns.care of services.andeconomic It isWarrnambool Tatura also The a andand base Wimmera lifestyle75% foris ofa regional majorthe opportunities. Base centre SheppartonHospitalindustry for isfood recognisedis connectedmanufacturing by to Melbourne with an via daily V-Line train and homeof to Latrobe’saround one of 48,000 the culturalMildura most people. outstanding scenealso Major has isHorsham spreadbusinessesa permanent vibrant right Rural arts include collectionsacross cultureCity MaxiTrans,Council the with ofmajor theis a ArtregionalBendigo Gallery Health,leader built inLatrobe arts University and Bendigo TAFE. international acts, and performances at iconic venues like Her municipalityThe region live withisin nowShepparton expanding home to and universitiesindustrialAustralia’s Mooroopna.emphasis land largestand available medical in yoghurt dairy inand products,two nursing keycoach non- sheep bodies services and as abeef Theallowingtraining processing. Greater andcommuters Geelong The to region arrive isat servicedSouthern by Cross three hospitals Alstom, Federationin 1966 University, on a historicand Ballarat cultural property Health activity adjacent Services, that to celebrates Mars,the Murray diversity, River. The creativity Geelong and is a major industrial manufacturingEmployment and service centre Majesty’s Theatre. The city hosts a varied calendar of festivals 19th Centurytownships European with retail, and Australian fine dining, art inCultureattractions, the countryCulture arts, and ismusic, Lifestyle and Bendigo Lifestyle hasmanufacturing a workforceurban of facility, aroundestates, the 46,000 Thurla teachinglargest people and pulpWarrnambool centre Koorlong.and and in for paperthe undergraduate fiveThere region, are which aroundin and isthree renowned5200post hours. graduate includingfor its studies. clean Barwon green Health’s Geelong Hospital which is one of McCain Foods,Centre IBM and includes FMP inclusion.Group. a 384 seatIn the There theatre, five are year the27 period languagesMildura 2008 Art spoken Gallery in the Municipality.for the Barwon South West Region. Additionally Geelong is throughout the year, including the Rockabilly Festival, Begonia well knowntheatre for andexclusive sporting international events. exhibitions. year periodSheppartonmanufacturer 2008 –is 2013, locatedbusinesses therein 180Australia, was kilometres in strong the new city. employment northFederationenvironment, of MelbourneWodonga’s growthUniversity produces economy and the25% is diverseof Australia’s and resilient.the milk largest and From 30%in Victoria.small of A fourth hospital, Epworth Geelong, is – 2013, thereand was the strong original employment ChaffeyAs House.growth one of inThe Thethe the theatre culture mainfollowing towns isof alsoWodongain on thehired thepositioning following isGreat out centred to Ocean sectors: thewell-connected on city theRoad, astransport, river a life major and in to Lake postalservice Melbourne Hume, and centre warehousing; and for nicheregional the Goulburn businesses Victoria tovia multi-national road companies, there are Festival and Heritage Weekend. Ballarat also hosts a Chinese LocatedLatrobe next to Regional the gallery Gallery is the CapitalinHorsham Morwell Theatre, is features home Bendigo’s to eight many exhibition acclaimed artistsonly and manufacturer artistic of passengerEmployment aircraftVictoria’s in Australia. beef and Majorlamb. Employmentcurrently being constructed on Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds sectors: transport,commercial postal and and amateur warehousing;Warrnambool theatre, healthwith school fishingcare revolves productionsand and around agriculture,waterValley andthesports usedocean and fisheries being southern and popular Agriculturerail pristineforestry Riverinaand activities. nationallybeaches.and andarea mining; aquaculture,There of and New electricity, are internationally South foodapproximately Wales. gas, and water throughbeverage 2750 the manufacturingbusinesses Port of that fuel the economy. Mooncake Food Festival. performingspaces arts and centre. a sculpture Built in courtyard,thecompanies 1870s and showcasing across converted the permanent toperforming and visualemployers arts, crafts, include Australian Paper, Energy Australia, Loy campus and is set for completion in mid-2016. social assistance;for workshops, financial privateand insurance functionsFishing, services surfing manyand classes. outdoorand and retail boating activities and wasteare that all services; arepopular popularGeelong andactivities.are with accommodation large as the well export locals, as HorshamAvalon industriessuch and as Airport.foodWarrnambool plays forservices. Mildura,a leading is drawingexperiencingrole in the onGreater Wimmera’sMildura’s industry Shepparton’s growth agricultural in growth new and has been associated with the its present use in the 1980s, the Capitalmulti-media features and local literature and mediums. ThereYang are eightPower, GDF Suez, Carter Holt Harvey,Manufacturing Latrobe Regional is the primary employment industry in Facilities workstrade. and an annual program of state and cycling,national hiking, touring camping Culture and sight-seeing. andlocation Lifestyle on the industry,Murray Riveremerging providing and surrounding energymany of industries, the qualitysupportdevelopment as irrigated serviceswell as ofin necessary Geelong agriculturaldairy, timber is well industries and connected such to as Melbourne fruit, dairy, via train with regular internationalexhibitions. theatre,Mildura Other music, studios is acomedy renowned establishedand and galleries fooddanceWarrnambool arts and locatedacts. festivalswine across regionArt within Gallery Latrobedrawing the offersThis municipality, factsheeton a diverseHospital, may be of which Theassistancecollection Lion Greater are toand you ofbut GippsAero. Geelong the State of VictoriaCity Counciland its employeesWodonga, is currently do followed progressing bycattle, health the sheep care and and social grain assistance,production. publicIt is a major fruit and Wodonga has a thriving arts scene, withand a professional non-irrigated totheatre sustain rural mineralland. agricultural There sands. are production Retail around trade, 5000 as educationwell businesses as research, and V-Line property, services business, allowing commuters to arrive at Southern Cross Ballarat is in a key strategic location with four main highways City cater topremium a range localof interests allinputs. driven and Australianartworks by artistic the community. ranging celebritytastes. from chef romanticised Stefanonot guaranteeShepparton di Pieri that colonial the factsheetisArmstrong synonymous landscapes, is without Creekflaw with of toany Urban greatkind or is food, Growthwholly appropriatewine, Areaadministration, waterways for which is being and safety developedvegetable including processing defence. centre In terms and ofhas valued large dairy processing With its Thistwo factsheet award-winning may be of assistance wine to you regions, but the State Heathcote company, and contemporaryyour particular artLatrobe galleries purposes and has and thereforein a thelive workforce disclaims city.entertainment Major all liability ofdevelopment aroundemployers for any error,health, approximately loss includeand or communityother value-adding Titan 31,000 Wheels and opportunities.personal Australia, services; Aroundin have one 2100 alsohour. grown It is also over located close to , Victoria’s of Victoria and itsproudly employees promotes do not guarantee his that hometown’s thecontemporary food Australian and beverages, printmaking.consequenceand which weather. which Themayinto ariseThe recently froma region sustainable you relying redeveloped offers on this acommunity information. variety ofAuthorised lifestyles, thatadded and will published with offeractivity, new manufacturing residents an is the largest performing sector (the Western, Midland, Glenelg and Sunraysia) connecting the Bendigo, the city is widely regarded for its excellent wine and people andGTS in the Freight five yearManagement,businesses period the2008 areMilduralast – based 2013,decade. Fruit therein Horsham.Major Company, was employers facilitiesMajor Lindeman’s, employers include: providing Warrnambool productsinclude: for bothCheese local consumption Thefactsheet Latrobe is without Performing flaw of any kind ArtsorConstruction is wholly Centre appropriateLighthouse is oflocated avenues. new Theatre in major Traralgon The incity500 Warrnambool’s hasseat andby its the performingurban ownState Government, dedicatedcentres cultural artsattractive 1 andTreasury arts centre precinctcountry andPlace, location culturalMelbourne. towns hosts for Printed alla living, within by Finsbury working a half Printin Wodonga, hour(April and 2015). drive recreation. generating almost $375 millionsecond-busiest each year. domestic airport which has long-term plans to region to the industrial centres of Melbourne, Adelaide, Geelongfood culture.for your Wonderful particularowes purposes much local and thereforefoodto post-WWII is disclaims showcased all Italian on andthe menus Greek migrants. and export. Irrigation is critical to the region’s agricultural presents local, national andand international conferencing productions,precinct, facility onGateway the concerts heritage-listed Village,of the whichstrong CBD. Horshamhouses employmentSunsalt a clustered Town and growth groupIlukaJK in Milling,Resources.of the &following Butter,Glencore sectors:The Grain, Midfield publicGraincorp, Meats DooenGroup, EngineeringRyansbecome Group, Melbourne’s Wannon second international airport. and Portland; the regional cities of Bendigo and Mildura; and of the city’sliability restaurants, for any error, loss bars or other and consequence cafes whichthatvariety proudly of contemporary support the productions each year and also offers Public administration andproduction safety, retail,and manufacturing. hiring, real estate andmay performances. arise from you relying on this information.Hall site Authorised commenced diverse in culturalJanuary and 2014 arts and offerings. isadministration expected to be and services;Services, professional,Water Bayer and Crop scientific Sinclair Science Wilsonand Australia, Accountants Dow AgroSciences, and Business Advisors. agricultural areas in the Mallee and Wimmera. Melbourne and published by the State Government, 1 Treasuryintimate Place, spaces for grassroots theatre. CultureMildura andhas a workforceLifestyle of services,around 22,000 health people care and and social in the assistance are also key industry region’s farmers, suppliers and wineries.open in 2015. The development includesThe an region technicalupgraded has an services; international education reputationNuseed, and training;Wimmera for quality and Health fruit accommodation and Care Group,Health CHS care Group, and Employmentsocial Federation assistance and retail trade are also key International Airport and the ports of Melbourne and Geelong Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015). Wodonga is ideally situateddairy closeproducts, to an and arrayfive is alsoofyear gourmet homeperiod to food 2008some – Warrnambool of2013, Victoria’ssectors. there oldest Majorwas has employment aemployers workforce include: growthof approximately Marsin Petcare, 17,500 Visy peopleBoard, The major urban centres Regionalcentral locations Art Gallery. makes them an ideal and foodGeelong services. has all theUniversity benefits andof a Longerenongcapital city, but College. withindustry a relaxed sectors. Major employers include: Rubicon Water, J. are located within a one-hour travel time of Ballarat. and wine businesses, owing largely to thekey influx sectors of Europeans such as: wholesaleand inVitasoy, the trade; five Wilson electricity,year Transformerperiod gas,between water Company 2008-2013, Woolworths there (Distributionwas base to exploreThis factsheet Gippsland’s may be of assistance inspiring to you nature-based but the State of Victoria and and heritage its employeesand do finest wineries. Furphy & Sons, SPCGeelong’s Ardmona, proximity Unilever, to Tatura,regional Visy, Victoria Geoffrey and metropolitan who brought their food traditions to Wodonga.atmosphere. Cheese The andcity wineboasts a beautiful waterfront precinct, www.rdv.vic.gov.au/bendigoattractions,not including guarantee that Tarra the factsheet Bulga is without and Mtflaw Baw of any Bawkind or isNational wholly appropriate for This factsheet mayand be of waste assistance services; to youHorsham but the mining; Statestrong has Centre), aagriculture, employmentworkforce Kiewa forestryof Valley growtharound Engineering, and in 10,000 the fishing; following people BAE MelbourneSystems andservices in the and areas as the well as direct access to international markets is This factsheet may be of assistance to you but the State of TheVictoria Eastbank and its employeesgentle Centre do bay in Shepparton and surf beaches is a magnificent and sophisticated concert diningThompson and Fruit Packing, McPherson Media Group and your particular purposes and therefore disclaimsare all also liability regional for any error, specialties, loss or other ofwith Victoria many and its vineyardsmanufacturing, employees do surrounding not guarantee and that transport, the Australian postal Army. and warehousing. www.rdv.vic.gov.au/ballarat Parks, Walhalla and rail trails.not guarantee that the factsheet is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for five year- periodHealth 2008 Care – and2013, Social there Assistance,Goulburn was employment Valley Finance Water.key growth toand its Insurance, economy in and ability to act as a services hub for the consequence which may arise from you relyingthe on this city. information. Authorised andhall published andfactsheet function isentertainment without complex, flaw of any and kind options. isor isalso wholly Therehome appropriate tois thea lively Shepparton calendar of events in the by the State Government,your 1 particular TreasuryThis purposesPlace, factsheet Melbourne. and may therefore be Printed of assistance disclaims by Finsbury to all you liability Print but the(April for State any 2015). forerror, of yourVictoria loss particular or and other its purposesemployees and do therefore the disclaims followingAccommodation all sectors: manufacturing; and Food, Wholesale agriculture, Trade region.forestry and ProfessionalGeelong and has a diverse mix of over 16,000 businesses. consequence which may arise from you relying on this information.Art Museum Authorised whichregion, and published hosts including local and the touring Festival exhibitions. ofWodonga Sails, the has Avalon a workforce International of approximately 19,400 people not guarantee that the factsheet is without flaw of any liabilitykind or isfor whollyany error, appropriate loss or otherfor consequence whichand Scientific and TechnicalGreater Services. Shepparton has a workforce of approximately 30,850 www.rdv.vic.gov.au/ballaratby the State Government,your particular 1 Treasury purposes Place, and therefore Melbourne. disclaims Printed all by liability Finsbury for Print any error,(April loss2015). or other fisheries; health care and social assistance; administrative www.rdv.vic.gov.au/wodongamay arise fromAirshow, you relying the on thisCadel information. Evans Authorised Greatand Ocean in the Road five Raceyear periodandpeople a number2008-2013, and in the thereThe five city wasyear hasstrong period major 2008-2013, industry therestrengths was instrong knowledge and consequence which may arise from you relying on this information.and published Authorised by the State and Government, published and 1 Treasury support Place, employmentservices; construction growth in health and financial care and social assistance, public by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Printed byof Finsbury other Print cycling, (April 2015). triathlon and ironman events throughoutemployment growthresearch, in agriculture, health, forestrydefence, and advanced fishing, manufacturing, tourism, www.rdv.vic.gov.au/milduraThis factsheetMelbourne. may be Printed of assistance by Finsbury to you Printbut the (Apriland State 2015). insurance of Victoria andadministration its services. employees do and safety, retail trade accommodation and food This factsheet may be of assistance to younot guaranteebut the State that of thetheVictoria factsheet year. and its is employeeswithout flaw do ofnot any guarantee kind or is that wholly the factsheetappropriate is forwithout flaw of any kindprofessional, or is wholly scientificinformation, and technical communications services, other and technology,services, food and www.rdv.vic.gov.au/horshamyour particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequenceservices which and may agriculture, arise from you relyingwholesale forestry on this andtrade fishing. and health care and social assistance. information. Authorised and published byconsequence the State Government, whichThe may arise1 Bellarine Treasury from you Place, relying Peninsula Melbourne. on this information. Printed has by Finsburybeen Authorised Printbuilding and (April published 2015). a reputation as a horticulture. Major employers include: Barwon Health, Target by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015). www.rdv.vic.gov.au/warrnamboolfood and wine destination. The Bellarine Taste Trail brings Australia (HQ), Viva Energy Australia, Transport Accident together many of the gourmet offerings of the region including Commission, Cotton On, Godfrey Hirst and Golden Farms. wineries, restaurants and cafes, producers of beer, fresh Geelong has a workforce of approximately 100,000 people and produce, goats cheese, olive oil and seafood. in the five year period 2008-2013, there was strong employment growth in construction, health care and social assistance, www.rdv.vic.gov.au/sheppartonThis factsheet may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the factsheet is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for retail trade, financial and insurance services and professional, your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other scientific and technical services. consequence which may arise from you relying on this information. Authorised and published by the State Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. Printed by Finsbury Print (April 2015).

www.rdv.vic.gov.au/geelong RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION PG 15

REGIONAL STRATEGIC As part of the 2014 RSP review, RDV PLANNING consulted various stakeholders including local government networks RDA chairs and the In August and September 2014, RDV executive officers for the RSP committees for undertook a qualitative review to better Geelong, Gippsland and Ballarat. Responses understand regional stakeholder perceptions of showed that RSP committees contribute to the the regional strategic planning (RSP) model’s model’s maturation through activities including: operation and achievements to date. >> developing tools for more effective analysis Supported by Organisation for Economic of regional priority projects; Cooperation and Development research and developed by the Victorian Government, >> advocating for fewer priority projects; the RSP model enables regional interests to >> amalgamating sub-regional plans into a come together to identify and leverage their single plan; and comparative advantages, including place- based policies that focus on region-specific >> implementing new governance structures. challenges and opportunities. Findings of the RSP review have since informed Since the model’s inception, RDV has enabled the Review of Regional Economic Development regional strategic planning activities, and and Services by an independent External provided evidence and advice to improve a Advisory Board chaired by former Premier, range of planning measures, such as regional John Brumby. city profiles.

ESTABLISHING THE REGIONAL JOBS AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND The $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF) is a key economic development fund to be established under Back to Work – the Victorian Government’s broader economic development strategy. Operational from 1 July 2015, the RJIF addresses key challenges and opportunities to unlock regional Victoria’s economic potential by supporting major projects, creating jobs and building stronger regional communities. RJIF design evolved from RDV’s experience of working closely with regional businesses, organisations and communities, in partnership with other parts of government, to deliver regional development programs. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 ESTABLISHING THE REGIONAL JOBS AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND PG 17

In May 2015, legislation was introduced Acting Premier, James Merlino, joined the to the Victorian Parliament to consolidate Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Victoria’s regional development legislation to Pulford, to officially launch the RJIF at the establish the RJIF. The Regional Development Castlemaine Old Market Building on 29 June Victoria Amendment (Jobs and Infrastructure) 2015, with local MP Maree Edwards as Act 2015 came into effect on 1 July 2015. Master of Ceremonies. The legislation simplifies the framework for government support and investment in regional development into a single piece of legislation – the Regional Development Victoria Act 2002. It confirms RDV as the lead agency for economic and community development in rural and regional Victoria, and enables a Regional Development Advisory Committee to be established.

Program design and guidelines for the RJIF were developed to align with government policy directions. The program design took into account research on regional economic growth drivers, audits and evaluations of regional development funds, extensive learning in the design and delivery of regional development funds, and submissions to and early feedback from the Regional Economic Development and Services Review. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 ESTABLISHING THE REGIONAL JOBS AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND PG 18

The RJIF comprises the $250 million Regional CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Infrastructure Fund, $200 million Regional IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Jobs Fund, and $50 million Stronger Region PROGRAMS Communities Plan. Under these three programs are the following 10 public grant During the year, RDV continued significant program streams. monitoring and evaluation of the Regional Growth Fund, including commissioning

and conducting evaluations and audits at a Regional Jobs Fund project, program and fund level. This work 1. Employment Precincts included an independent pre-performance 2. Innovation and Productivity audit of the Regional Growth Fund. In 2015, RDV worked with the Victorian Auditor- 3. Investment Attraction General’s (VAGO) office to finalise, scope 4. Market Access and undertake a key phase of a VAGO performance audit of the Regional Growth Regional Infrastructure Fund Fund. This audit is due to report in the first 5. Enabling Infrastructure quarter of 2015-16. 6. Productive and Liveable Cities RDV incorporated learning into a new and Centres monitoring and evaluation framework for the 7. Rural Development RJIF to improve longer-term assessment of 8. Visitor Economy outcomes and outputs.

Stronger Regional Communities Plan

9. Community Capacity Building 10. Population Attraction

Public grant application guidelines help potential applicants understand what RJIF programs aim to achieve, funding eligibility, and the application and assessment process. RDV regional offices are the key contacts for potential applicants to discuss projects and seek advice on RJIF and other government funding opportunities, services and expertise. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 BOOSTING JOBS AND INVESTMENT PG 19

BOOSTING JOBS AND INVESTMENT

In 2014-15, RDV worked with business and industry throughout rural and regional Victoria to deliver information, services and programs designed to boost business growth, increase employment and access new market opportunities.

Working across DEDJTR, RDV helped The department recorded direct interactions implement a focused business engagement with over 2,500 businesses in regional model, investment attraction and facilitation Victoria, collecting business intelligence, and activities, and promote trade fairs and inward advocating on regional business issues within buyer mission opportunities to regionally- government. Advocacy effectiveness is based based businesses. on building strong relationships, gathering and analysing information and working at These included International Food and the firm level to resolve issues and drive new Beverage Trade Week, programs to support investment, jobs and exports. This work manufacturing growth and business network contributed to the department’s Budget Paper development, and specific initiatives for 3 Outcomes for 2014-15. small business, such as expanding the Small Business Festival into new locations in regional Victoria for the first time. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 BOOSTING JOBS AND INVESTMENT PG 20

INDUSTRY SECTOR SUPPORT Victoria-Jiangsu Regional City Alliance IN THE REGIONS On 29 July 2014 the Premier of Victoria As well as working directly with individual launched the Victoria-Jiangsu Regional City regionally-based businesses, RDV provided Alliance to strengthen ties between regional broader sector support through key industry cities in Victoria and Jiangsu Province organisations and knowledge-sharing in China. initiatives. In 2014-15, these included Initiating the alliance was part of Victoria- involvement in implementing the Australia Jiangsu commemorations marking the China Business Council Project and RDV’s 35th anniversary of Victoria’s sister-state ongoing relationship with Jiangsu in China. relationship with Jiangsu. RDV hosted the Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province, Mr Shi Australia China Business Council Project Heping, and other delegates to showcase Victoria’s 10 regional cities. Regional mayors, In 2014-15, the Victorian division of the CEOs and business leaders also welcomed Australia China Business Council (ACBC) the delegation and shared the trade strengths received $250,000 from RDV to implement of their regions. its Growing Business Opportunities in China project. The project aimed to improve export The expanded relationship between Victoria readiness of rural and regional Victorian and Jiangsu will affirm connections between businesses to take advantage of new regional cities through mutual visits at market opportunities generated by the China a municipal level, economic and trade Australia Free Trade Agreement. exchanges, and forums and exhibitions that highlight industry sectors and areas ACBC arranged 113 interviews for Victorian of competitive advantage. regional businesses (identified by RDV regional offices and local councils) so they Delegation visits to Geelong and Ballarat could discuss their experience of doing incorporated a formal welcome luncheon business in China. Outcomes provided hosted by Enterprise Geelong, a tour of greater insight into Victorian business trade Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus and relationships with China across sectors a mayoral reception at Sovereign Hill, as well including dairy, wine, horticulture, grains, as brief tours of both cities. meat, livestock and genetics, processed food, stock feeds and services.

ACBC then held nine Growing Business Opportunities in China knowledge-sharing forums in rural and regional Victoria for approximately 350 attendees to help regionally-based businesses identify new market opportunities in China. Forum outcomes included a range of value-adding strategies such as varying product price entry points, prominent ports of entry by product and access to China customs trade information. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 BOOSTING JOBS AND INVESTMENT PG 21

BOOSTING JOBS AND The Victorian Government also supported INVESTMENT IN EACH REGION new investment and job creation opportunities in the Goulburn Valley region, The following are examples of key place- including by a range of small fruit growers based initiatives and business engagement expanding their fruit packing and export projects undertaken in each of regional facilities to access new market opportunities. Victoria’s five administrative areas. Larger businesses helped as part of this initiative included Ryan Meats in Nathalia and Pactum Dairy Group in Shepparton. Hume region Both export focused projects created new In February 2015 the Victorian Government regional jobs. announced that one of Australia’s largest private sector rail operators, Altona-based Barwon South West region SCT Logistics, would invest in an intermodal freight terminal south of Wodonga, as part Place-based investment in the Barwon South of a $39 million investment to increase West region included various projects funded rail freight along the Melbourne-Brisbane by an arrangement between the Victorian corridor. Investment attraction and facilitation and Commonwealth Governments. These assistance resulted in Wodonga being chosen included a new stockfeed mill by Ridley as the site for a greenfield development Corporation at Lara that created 20 new along this corridor, which will generate 118 jobs and Cotton On’s global headquarters new jobs in the Wodonga region once it is expansion in Geelong that created 300 new complete. jobs. They also included Quickstep Holdings’ new export-focused automotive composites The Victorian Government helped Unilever manufacturing division in Geelong that Australia expand its facility in Tatura, with created 30 new jobs, and a $22 million improved electricity infrastructure to support export-related expansion by the Australian new investment, and provided water Lamb Company in Colac that will create infrastructure assistance to Murray Goulburn 125 new jobs. as part of the expansion of the company’s Cobram plant to support infant formula and The joint arrangement also helped connect cheese production and exports. natural gas to supply significant new investment in timber processing by AKD Softwoods in Colac, support Midfield Meats’ proposed milk processing plant in Warrnambool, Thornton Engineering’s expansion strategy that generated new investment and 50 new jobs in Geelong, and investment in the Great Ocean Road Choclaterie and Ice Creamery that, when complete, will create 57 new tourism and hospitality jobs in the near Torquay. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 BOOSTING JOBS AND INVESTMENT PG 22

Grampians region Gippsland region

In 2015, RES Australia announced that its Placed-based investment supported in Ararat windfarm would proceed after an Gippsland during 2014-15 was heavily agreement to supply wind power to the ACT focused on local food processing. It included Government. The Victorian Government expansion by Riviera Farms at Stratford and worked with RES Australia to resolve a Lindenow, and Queensland-based Australian range of planning and environmental issues Fresh Salads’ new investment in fresh salad associated with the project. Other new growing, processing, packing and distribution investment in the region included a $28 million in the Macalister Irrigation District that created expansion by Luv-a-Duck in Nhill that created 20 new jobs. Support was also provided for 80 new jobs in the Wimmera, Meredith Dairy ViPlus Dairy’s second stage of re-established that generated 30 new cheese manufacturing dairy processing operations at Toora in jobs in Meredith, and new technology South Gippsland. Other supported projects investments by Maxitrans Australia in Ballarat included Spectrum Sales’ new outbound call and TMR Feed Solutions in Horsham. centre in Morwell, packaging manufacturing by Flowercow in Traralgon and transport equipment manufacturing by Custom Transport Equipment in Drouin. All generated new jobs in the region.

Loddon Mallee region

Support for new investment in the region included export-related expansion by Hardwick’s Meat Works that created 150 new jobs, and help relocating Leda Farm Equipment’s combined manufacturing and sales operation from NSW to Mildura, creating 40 new jobs. RDV also worked with the Central Goldfields Shire to encourage Melbourne-based Edyln Foods to establish a food processing operation in Maryborough and generate 14 new local jobs, and Mortlock Hydroponics to add a new cherry tomato production facility, creating 25 new jobs in the Carisbrook area. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 23

DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE

Throughout the year, RDV facilitated strategic infrastructure investment to strengthen regional economies, encourage jobs growth, attract new businesses and boost regional services in the final year of Regional Growth Fund programs.

In 2014-15, RDV helped attract $365.044 million for 124 regional infrastructure projects supported in the final year of the Regional Growth Fund. Examples of these projects follow.

MURRAY DAIRY – ACCELERATING LATROBE CITY COUNCIL – CHANGE GIPPSLAND HEAVY INDUSTRY PARK

In November 2014, the Victorian Government Announced in August 2014, the $5 million announced joint Victorian and Commonwealth Gippsland Heavy Industry Park Project aims Government funding of $1.46 million for to drive industry development and help a project that will boost dairy farming in grow the local economy with the help of the Murray Darling region. For all Victorian $2.5 million from the Victorian Government. Government funding contributions to Murray The three-stage project involves reconstructing Darling projects, see page 63. road pavement and drainage along access roads, site drainage upgrades, and new water The $2.9 million Accelerating Change project treatment infrastructure. Zoned as Industrial 2, aims to create 100 full-time jobs, increase the Gippsland Heavy Industry Park represents ‘home grown’ pasture by 25 per cent, improve a key future employment zone for Latrobe irrigation efficiency and reduce the cost base City Council. A demand analysis for the site of dairy farming businesses with a view to indicates the precinct could employ up to boosting overall profitability. Two leading 470 people in addition to the 200 currently ‘partner farms’ were selected by Murray Dairy employed by three existing businesses. By to demonstrate the benefits of continuing improving the quality and capacity of the investment in feed practices, farming systems site, the project will enable the development and growth of pastures. Research and of 28 hectares of vacant land as well as technology will be applied directly to the two encourage the existing businesses to expand. farms and tested on 15 satellite farms, which will help monitor and analyse the technology. Results will then be shared with 380 farmers in the Murray Darling region for further discussion and analysis. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 24

UNILEVER TATURA INVESTMENT It also involved constructing Church Street PROJECT between South Street and the realigned Elgin Boulevard. This new street provides a shared Tatura is the only facility within Unilever’s pedestrian/vehicle link between the new Junction Australian portfolio capable of producing ready- Square and Promenade Link open space areas, to-drink products for the Australian market, which is where most future economic activity specifically Lipton Iced Tea. In November 2014, is planned. the Victorian Government announced a grant of $879,930 to Unilever Australia Trading Limited One of the key components of the project was for the Unilever Tatura Investment Project that is constructing the spacious Junction Square – the expected to secure 21 jobs associated with iced principal ‘meeting place’ for the Wodonga CBA tea production. The $14.2 million project involves and located at the major intersection of Elgin installing a high voltage kiosk and two 2,000kVA Boulevard and High Street. Junction Square transformers. This power supply upgrade will opens up the historic Goods Shed and Station enable the installation of a new production Building precinct from High Street and includes facility for blowing polyethylene terephthalate a new culinary precinct – now the hub of (PET) bottles for Lipton Iced Tea and create site Wodonga’s annual food and wine festival. expansion opportunities. The new blow filling line The overall redevelopment of Junction Place introduces new energy-reducing technology that will also create a number of visually appealing will cut production costs. open space settings to attract visitors, along with public spaces for events, markets and other community activities. WODONGA CBD URBAN RENEWAL INITIATIVE WODONGA LOGIC FATIGUE Work relating to RDV’s investment in the Junction MANAGEMENT CENTRE AND TRAILER Place urban renewal initiative to revitalise the INTERCHANGE PROJECT Wodonga’s central business area (CBA) was completed in May 2015, with intention to A new $16.1 million freight and truck-servicing generate employment, stimulate economic hub established in Barnawartha has created development, and deliver associated social and a significant number of jobs on site, increased environmental benefits. This major collaborative transport efficiency and safety along the busy project incorporated a redevelopment of surplus Hume corridor between Sydney and Melbourne, railway land in the heart of Wodonga’s CBA. and reduced the potential for driver fatigue- Places Victoria is overseeing Junction Place, related accidents on the Hume Freeway. regional Australia’s largest urban renewal project, Supported by $5.64 million from the Victorian bringing new life to the former railway site. Government, including $1.64 million from RDV, the Wodonga Logic Fatigue Management In partnership with Wodonga City Council, and Trailer Interchange Project features three Places Victoria is delivering the enabling road integrated facilities – a service centre, fatigue infrastructure required prepare land parcels for management centre for truck drivers needing development by private investors/developers. rest periods during driving shifts, and a trailer RDV contributed $3 million to the project, which interchange that enables freight operators to included realigning Elgin Boulevard, the main switch trailer combinations more easily. east-west road connection for the CBA. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 25

EPIC MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPERIENCE ECHUCA RIVERBOAT DOCK UPGRADES

A new $750,000, 40.4km cross-country mountain Announced in September 2014, the $4.9 million bike trail represents an exciting new addition to Echuca Riverfront Redevelopment Stage 2 Project Victorian High Country attractions to further establish will create an accessible and attractive riverfront the area as a year-round tourism destination. at Echuca’s most visited riverside park, Riverboat Opened in December 2014, the project is the Dock. Currently at planning stage, the project is first in Australia to receive accreditation from the part of the overall Echuca Riverfront Development International Mountain Bike Association as an EPIC to increase visitation to the town and region by facility. It has already attracted excellent reviews encouraging a greater length of stay and increased from international visitors and is quickly being spend. The Victorian and Commonwealth recognised as a key destination for mountain bikers. Governments are jointly contributing $3.9 million The Victorian Government provided $375,000 to towards this second stage that will generate 50 support construction of the single-track descent new ongoing jobs and 14 jobs during construction. that offers stunning views across the Victorian High Stage 2 will integrate the adjacent Port of Echuca Country and diverse challenges for mountain bike Discovery Centre, the Port Precinct, the Hopwood and cycling enthusiasts. While the track is primarily Gardens and Riverboat Dock. It will also improve for mountain bike use, there is also a shared 4km environmental outcomes, vehicle access and section along the Delatite River. parking arrangements, upgrade mooring access and boat servicing, establish a functional community open space, and refurbish a former kiosk/dressing shed for cafe operation. YEA WETLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE Opened in August 2014, the Yea Wetlands SWAN HILL HEARTBEAT OF THE Environmental Centre is a $1.75 million facility MURRAY designed to increase year-round visitation to the area in the wake of the February 2009 bushfires. The $3.85 million Heartbeat of the Murray The Victorian Government contributed $1.25 million Experience is well on the way to revitalising Swan to the project that interprets the adjacent Yea Hill’s iconic Pioneer Settlement to help boost overall wetland and provides a range of visitor information visitation to the town and region. By encouraging services from an architecturally designed, visitors to stay longer and spend more, the project sustainable Wetlands Interpretation Visitor Centre. will help induce new economic development It features displays on the importance of water, opportunities in the settlement, the riverfront precinct local wetland ecology and biodiversity retention and throughout Swan Hill. Supported by $2.8 in supporting floodplain, catchment and water million jointly from the Victorian and Commonwealth resource management. Governments, the project has three components – the Heartbeat of the Murray Laser show, renewing the ‘day product’ at the settlement and supporting KOONDROOK WHARF infrastructure. Key assets such as the Gem paddle steamer and The $2 million construction of the Koondrook Wharf the Pyap Wharf will be open to the general public and associated infrastructure was announced in during the day, creating a vibrant and visually October 2014 as a major initiative to boost local appealing function area. The overall project will businesses and community activity. Supported enable the settlement to develop in line with visitor with $500,000 from the Victorian Government, expectations, and generate a range of associated the project will create an architecturally striking commercial and employment opportunities. The development designed to increase visitor numbers project will deliver 46 new jobs, retain 17 jobs and to Koondrook and act as an important link in the create six construction-related jobs. wider Murray River visitor experience. The project will include mooring facilities to support local recreational activity and commercial operations, casual access to the Murray River foreshore, and interpretation of the original wharf and surrounding area. There will also be deck access to support events and activities and new public works around the existing tramway turntable. For all Victorian Government funding contributions to Murray Darling projects, see page 63. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 26

FLAGSTAFF HILL MARITIME VILLAGE Commonwealth Governments, the exciting new REDEVELOPMENT complex is now available for community use, including local education, arts, entertainment Consistent with Warrnambool City Council’s and tourism groups. The project adapted the Old Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Master Plan, the Bendigo Gaol to create a new 1000-seat theatre $2.95 million Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village with a fully equipped fly tower, music, dance Renewal Project is expected to increase visitation and drama studio spaces and general learning to the region by 30 per cent. The project will areas. The project has enabled the entry to the include a redesigned and refreshed night sound new complex through the former Marong Cell and light/laser show – night show technology Block, which housed the original gaol gallows. that will also be incorporated into the daytime The Victorian Government contributed $10.5 experience. It will realign the reception areas to million towards the project that created 121 jobs consolidate the gift shop and the Warrnambool during construction and is forecast to generate Visitor Information Centre, and deliver a more over $36 million in regional economic output. By functional and refurbished restaurant. The project the fifth year of operation, the theatre is expected will also upgrade the wharf area so key historic to attract more than 78,000 visitors per annum, whaling boats can be refurbished, and provide support 16 ongoing jobs and encourage over better access to the village’s floating fleet of $1.45 million in tourism spending. ships. Supported by $1.95 million from the Victorian Government, the project is anticipated to create 21 new jobs, retain 14 and provide seven during construction. LONGERENONG COLLEGE STUDENT RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES UPGRADE

Longerenong College is one of Victoria’s leading QUEENSCLIFF FERRY TERMINAL agricultural education institutions. A $4.74 UPGRADE PROJECT million project began in late 2014 to refurbish the college’s residential facilities with a view to The $2.65 million Queenscliff Ferry Terminal increase enrolments and course offerings, and Upgrade Project aimed to improve the long-term improve regional education participation and commercial viability of the Queenscliff-Sorrento retention rates. Broader aims of the project are to ferry service and stimulate new business address skill shortages in the local and regional opportunities at each destination. Supported economy, facilitate skill development and skills by the Victorian Government’s $1.35 million retention, improve employment and productivity contribution to Searoad Ferries, the project will in the agricultural sector of the region and further encourage tourism travel between the improve the college’s overall competitiveness, Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas. Work financial viability and long- term sustainability. The included upgrading the sea wall, expanding the Victorian Government contributed $1.78 million car park, improving access and restoring the towards this important project that involves rock groin. The project also addressed concerns refurbishing 114 single occupancy student rooms associated with ageing Crown land infrastructure and shared residential facilities, and constructing that had potential to affect ferry business a new three-storey building adjoining the operations. existing accommodation to incorporate two new communal study areas and a separate recreational area. It also involves installing various utilities and amenities, such as reverse cycle air ULUMBARRA THEATRE conditioning, an electronic access system and DEVELOPMENT upgrading wireless internet infrastructure. The project is expected to be complete by April 2016. The $25.8 million Ulumbarra Theatre development (also known as the Sandhurst Community Theatre Project) opened in April 2015. Delivered in partnership between the , Bendigo Senior Secondary College, and the Victorian and RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 27

CENTRAL GEELONG SHEPPARTON ART MUSEUM REVITALISATION PROJECT FEASIBILITY STUDY

As a growing regional city, central Geelong The $250,000 Shepparton Art Museum continues to develop as the region’s primary Feasibility Study determined development centre of commerce, arts/culture and options for the future expansion of the entertainment, education and health. Revitalising Shepparton Art Museum and provided the Geelong City centre by enhancing its recommendations on the delivery of a attractiveness and cohesion will help maintain $35 million preferred option that was endorsed this growth and make the city more resilient by Greater Shepparton City Council in May 2015. to future social and economic changes. This The Victorian Government supported the study $7.52 million city-shaping project is the first with $125,000. Community consultation was step in realising the objectives of Vision II, and positive and the project is now in design phase. implementing the Central Geelong Action Plan. Announced in September 2014 and supported by $3 million from the Victorian Government, the project incorporates capital works in four BURRA FOODS KORUMBURRA key areas within Central Geelong – Malop The $22 million expansion of Burra Foods’ dairy Street, Dennys Place, laneways between Malop processing plant at Korumburra was completed Street and Ryrie Street, and Myers Street. Up in December 2014. Burra Foods employs to 45 direct and 40 indirect jobs are likely to 148 full-time staff and delivers significant local be created, plus growth in goods and services economic benefits by supporting 172 dairy farms activity, which will encourage more visitors and in Gippsland that supply its milk. The Victorian residents to Geelong. Government contributed $1.5 million towards The project will open up the CBD and improve a key component of the project that upgraded links between the railway station, arts precinct, wastewater treatment, water recycling and re-use Johnstone Park, and the health services and equipment, and water purification at the plant. hospital precincts. Greater pedestrian exposure The water upgrades reduced the company’s to smaller retail offerings will create more annual reliance on town water by over 60 per property and business investment opportunities. cent, improved water quality and reduced annual It also aligns with sustainable design principles wastewater discharges from 110ML to 75ML. (including water efficiencies and tree planting) for They also underpinned the expansion of the plant the growth of Geelong as a regional city. that boosted the company’s value-added exports and led to the creation of 27 new ongoing jobs, as well as 60 during construction.

GEELONG GALLERY REDEVELOPMENT BUSINESS CASE WANGARATTA LIVESTOCK Finalised in March 2015 and supported by EXCHANGE REDEVELOPMENT $100,000 from the Victorian Government, the PROJECT $200,000 Geelong Gallery Redevelopment Business Case identified and assessed all Announced in June 2015, the $3.4 million redevelopment options for the Geelong Gallery. Wangaratta Livestock Exchange Redevelopment The City of Greater Geelong has endorsed Project will employ industry best practice to a $39.8 million development option as the ensure the Exchange remains competitive and preferred option, which requires funding support viable in an industry of rising standards and from all levels of government and the private expectations. The project includes construction (philanthropic) sector. of a new auctioneer’s walkway and other yard modifications, new roofing over the entire facility to enable the installation of water capture and re-use, dust suppression, better lighting and soft flooring. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 DEVELOPING MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PG 28

Benefits of the project include user safety AUSNET SERVICES – HUNTLY improvements, enhanced comfort for patrons NATURAL GAS EXTENSION and stock and reductions in operational costs through decreased cleaning and water savings of A $4.5 million project to extend the natural gas 20Ml per annum. pipeline has now connected more than 380 households and businesses in Huntly to natural The Victorian Government will contribute gas thanks to a $2.58 million investment by the $500,000 towards the project that will generate Victorian Government. 35 jobs during construction. The project will lead to an increase in the market share of the Residents along the Midland Highway were Exchange, and through increased business among the first to connect their household and visitation activity, local economic output is appliances to natural gas in August 2014. The expected to increase by $5.5 million per annum project provides an additional energy source and increase indirect employment by up to 36 for residents that can lower household costs. full time equivalent positions. Gas network owner, AusNet Services (formerly SP AusNet), has laid over 16km of pipeline underground from the existing network in Bendigo. Rocky ground necessitated open cut ARARAT ARTS PRECINCT trenching and a bigger excavator to lay the pipe, REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT but the work and reinstatements were made with minimal impact on residents. In April 2015, the Victorian Government announced funding of $3.7 million towards the $5.29 million Ararat Arts Precinct Redevelopment Project that will create a high profile home BROOKFIELD INFRASTRUCTURE for arts and events in Ararat. By increasing GROUP – CNG GAS DELIVERY the competitiveness of the Ararat Performing SOLUTION Arts Centre (APAC) and the Ararat Regional Art Gallery (ARAG), the project will enable In September 2014, the Victorian Government the procurement and presentation of major announced an agreement with Brookfield professional arts programming to increase local Infrastructure Group (Australia) to supply engagement and attract high spending cultural natural gas to 11 regional communities using tourists to the region. a compressed natural gas (CNG) delivery solution. Following an $85 million request The project will also activate the iconic town for tender (which includes $15 million from hall building in Ararat, and enhance cultural the Commonwealth Government), Brookfield opportunities for regional residents and visitors agreed to connect Heathcote, Invermay, Lakes by offering an increasing program of arts events Entrance, Maldon, Marong, Orbost, Terang, capable of exposing residents to art forms Swan Hill, Kerang, Robinvale and Nathalia to previously unavailable in an affordable and natural gas. The CNG delivery solution involves inclusive format. compressing natural gas in ‘mother stations’, When complete, ARAG’s significant textiles trucking the compressed gas to the outskirts collection (which is often unavailable for public of each town to ‘daughter stations’ where gas viewing due to the constraints of the current is stored, depressurised and then reticulated facility) will be available for viewing on a via pipes to homes and businesses within each regular basis. This will ensure that the popular town. As part of the project, Brookfield will permanent collection is available and rotated double the supply capacity at its CNG station regularly so local residents and visitors can in Derrimut to supply regional towns before appreciate this impressive archive. constructing the two mother stations. The project is expected to be complete by 2018 and provide at least 12,500 residents and industries in regional Victoria with access to natural gas. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES PG 29

SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES

RDV encourages stronger and more sustainable regional communities by building their capacity to drive development and make the most of local investment. The following are examples of the range of projects and initiatives delivered throughout rural and regional Victoria. In 2014-15, RDV delivered the last year of community-focused Regional Growth Fund projects. Examples of these projects follow.

COWES ACTIVITY CENTRE PLAN WONTHAGGI THEATRE GROUP BUILDING FOYER The $200,000 Cowes Activity Centre Plan project delivered by Council This $293,500 project is currently underway included identifying township investment to construct and fit out an all-purpose foyer priorities related to economic development, attached to the existing Wonthaggi Theatrical infrastructure needs, township revitalisation, Group building at the State Coal Mine Historic traffic and road infrastructure constraints, Reserve in Wonthaggi. The project involves tourism strategies and the extension of local building a new public meeting space, new business cycles. RDV contributed $150,000 toilets and a new kitchen with servery and bar, to the project, which was well received by the plus a significant power supply upgrade. The Cowes local community. Victorian Government contributed $195,686 to the project, which is due for completion in 2016. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES PG 30

REACTIVATE LATROBE VALLEY COMMUNITY GARDEN LEONGATHA

The $169,730 RMIT University project is This $131,158 project for Community College currently establishing pop-up shops at 20 Gippsland is establishing a multipurpose empty shop sites and four vacant lots in community garden and resource centre, and Morwell, Moe, Traralgon and Churchill through will feature a communal garden, orchard, specially negotiated leases. Supported by individual plots, hydroponics, aquaponics, the Victorian Government with $113,000, this permablitz, display gardens, propagation important community initiative will also feature facilities, a hothouse and shadehouse. Due a shop front headquarters and two new major for completion in early 2016, the Victorian arts and cultural festivals. An overarching Government contributed $77,400 towards project steering committee and two project the project to engage a wide range of sub-committees will manage the events stakeholders and provide opportunities for and pop-up shops. The project is nearing training, social inclusion and health benefits, completion. as well as grow food for local distribution.

PAYNESVILLE ESPLANADE ALEXANDRA OVAL COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT AND RECREATION CENTRE

Due for completion at the end of 2014-15, The $3.35 million project delivered by this $750,000 East Gippsland Shire Council Ararat Rural City Council has transformed project will transform the Paynesville CBD as the Alexandra Oval precinct into a versatile a tourism and growing sea-change lifestyle meeting place for the local Ararat and destination. The Esplanade is the heart of surrounding community. Supported with Paynesville and connects the town centre and $500,000 from the Victorian Government, the internationally renowned Gippsland Lakes. the project replaced old football-only change rooms with new sporting change room Work will include a maritime-themed facilities catering for football, cricket, netball, streetscape featuring street trees, umpires and match day requirements. It also landscaping, marine timber crossings and created a community multi-purpose meeting bollards and other themed furniture and space including meeting room, function signage. Intersection redesign will slow space, commercial kitchen, canteen, bar and traffic and reduce vehicle numbers, as well public amenities within the precinct. as increase overall pedestrian safety. Wider footpaths will encourage more retail activity and improve visitor experiences through alfresco dining and other street trading. VICTORIA PARK INFRASTRUCTURE Another feature – terracing of the foreshore UPGRADE – will increase the number of festivals and events that can be held, as well as offer The ’s $1 million project is scope for other local activities. The Victorian in the early stages of improvements to Government contributed $300,000 towards activate the northern end of Victoria Park – a this important community and tourism project. significant, centrally located park in Ballarat. Work includes installing barbecue facilities, seating, shelters, unstructured play-space, paths and car parking. Supported with $500,000 from the Victorian Government, the upgrade promises to be a welcome addition to the community life of the city and surrounding region. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES PG 31

BALLARAT OLYMPIC PRECINCT MALLEE BUSH RETREAT – UPGRADE STAGE 5

This $90,000 project has enhanced the A successful collaboration between the overall amenity of the Olympic Rings Victorian Government and Yarriambiack Precinct in Ballarat that celebrates the Shire Council’s Lake Coorong / Lake Olympic rowing events held at Lake Lascelles Committee of Management, Wendouree in 1956, and highlights the this $92,000 project has constructed a main entrance to the lake and gardens ‘single men’s quarters’ on the foreshore precinct. Supported by $60,000 from the of Lake Lascelles in Hopetoun. The Victorian Government, the improvements Victorian Government contributed include landscaping, bluestone paving $60,000 to the project, which is the border to define the precinct, irrigation next stage of building accommodation to maintain the landscaped areas and units at Lake Lascelles. It is part of the a new flagpole. The improvements community plan to provide an alternative complemented existing infrastructure in industry and economic stimulus in the time for the 2014 World Masters Rowing Hopetoun area. Regatta at Lake Wendouree.

WARRNAMBOOL CITY CENTRE MAUDE VIEWING PLATFORM REVITALISATION – GILLES The $168,028 Maude Viewing Platform STREET project has created a spectacular Due for completion in late 2015, the tourism asset at the highest point $850,000 project will revitalise Gilles over the Moorabool Valley. Supported Street in Warrnambool. Work will include by $125,000 from the Victorian improving the taxi rank, toilet block and Government, the new platform’s design streetscape, plantings, and installation emphasises local Aboriginal culture that of street furniture, all in keeping with tells a Dreamtime story from the local the design guidelines currently being Wathaurong people about Bundjil, the developed. The Victorian Government wedge tail eagle and his six helpers. provided $300,000 to Warrnambool City Council towards this important initiative to boost the local economy and enhance HINDMARSH SHIRE COUNCIL the liveability of one of Victoria’s most ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT dynamic regional cities. STRATEGY

The $120,000 project currently underway is using the services of a qualified and experienced consultant to develop an economic development strategy for Hindmarsh Shire. With $90,000 assistance from the Victorian Government, the strategy will outline the activities required to maximise regional output, job creation and investment for the next five years. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES PG 32

NIRRANDA MULTIPURPOSE DUNKELD COMMUNITY CENTRE CENTRE The Southern Grampians Shire Council Moyne Shire Council’s $1.52 million project has completed the first stage of the new will construct a multipurpose centre at $1.5 million Dunkeld Community Centre. Nirranda Recreation reserve for a range of Supported by $500,000 from the Victorian community and sporting groups, including the Government, stage one involved demolishing local football and cricket clubs, junior netball the existing RSL building, and the kitchen, association and social tennis gatherings. The supper room, foyer and toilet wing adjoining Victorian Government provided $200,000 the Dunkeld Memorial Hall. The new Dunkeld towards the project that will also include a Community Centre now incorporates a new multipurpose centre, upgraded football welcoming area, foyer, information and change rooms, and new netball change display area, an events space, community rooms as well as a new netball court and kitchen and kiosk, an administration area and upgrading another netball court. community office with IT and equipment.

MOUNT MORIAC RESERVE LEOPOLD COMMUNITY HUB MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION A thriving community within the City of PROJECT Greater Geelong, this $8.96 million project gives Leopold a new multifunction meeting This $1.35 million undertaking by the Surf space with kitchen, toilets, outdoor space Coast Shire has delivered the first stage and storage. With $500,000 from the of a master plan that includes the priority Victorian Government, it now forms part redevelopment of the sporting pavilion shared of a larger community hub that provides by the Modewarre Football Netball Club integrated early years services and a toy and Modewarre Cricket Club. The Victorian library. The hub is located in a central civic Government provided $300,000 towards space enabling strong connection to the local Stage 1, which also included upgrading shopping precinct. and extending the netball and tennis courts to accommodate a third competition and training netball court and two tennis courts, plus a new reserve play facility. BARWON SOUTH WEST REGIONAL TRAILS DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT AND PROMOTION GREAT OCEAN ROAD NATIONAL PROJECT HERITAGE CENTRE This $70,000 Warrnambool City Council The Great Ocean Road is one of the great project responds directly to recommendations tourism icons of Victoria and a significant contained in the Barwon South West economic contributor to the local economy. Regional Trails Master Plan, a region-wide The Victorian Government provided $500,000 partnership-planning project. Funded by the towards this $750,000 initiative by the Surf Victorian Government this project will develop Coast Shire to develop a National Heritage an action plan to develop, manage and Centre commemorating the history of the promote regional trails in the Barwon South construction of the Great Ocean Road. Now West. The project is expected to conclude by complete, the project included an extension September 2015. to the Lorne Visitor Information Centre for more display, storage and circulation spaces, interpretive displays telling the story of the construction of the Great Ocean Road, improvements to community and visitor facilities, and centre management and heritage tourism plans. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES PG 33

OCEAN GROVE PARK PERFORMANCE SPACE

Developed by Ocean Grove Park Inc with $500,000 assistance from the Victorian Government, this $1 million project created a performance space building in Ocean Grove Park so the growing local community has a permanently available public venue for arts presentations. The venue will also be used for meetings, education sessions, ceremonies, conferences and community gatherings in indoor and outdoor surroundings for audiences of up to 2,000.

HOPWOOD GARDENS PARK DEVELOPMENT – ECHUCA

The Shire of Campaspe instigated this $520,000 project to redevelop Hopwood Gardens Park in the popular Port of Echuca tourist precinct. With $340,000 from the Victorian Government, the recently begun redevelopment will improve the connection between the port precinct and the proposed riverbank development, using landscaping and linking pathways. Traffic calming and better car parking will also improve safety and enhance facilities.

BENDIGO BOTANIC GARDENS – GARDEN FOR THE FUTURE

The Bendigo Botanic Gardens are one of the city’s key assets. This $3.92 million project now underway will realise a three-hectare contemporary Garden for the Future. The Victorian Government contributed $500,000 towards purpose-built, modern, outdoor infrastructure that will include two hectares of contemporary botanic garden designed by a leading landscape architecture firm, display gardens housing collections of interesting plants from around the world, and a sheltered outdoor performance and lecture area. The project will also incorporate an outdoor event space, central pedestrian promenade and supporting footpath network along with an array of sustainable features such as advanced street trees irrigated by stormwater, and an irrigation system incorporating water-sensitive urban design and recycled water supply.

CANTERBURY PARK

Currently underway, the $1.6 million second stage of a development to transform the Canterbury Park Precinct into a sophisticated events and community space hub focuses on the Eastern section of the ‘central activity area’. With $500,000 in the Victorian Government assistance for the City of Greater Bendigo, it includes constructing an entry road, car park modifications, a multi-functional event space, general landscaping and park lighting.

KYNETON COMMUNITY PARK

The $400,000 project for the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, with $300,000 from the Victorian Government, represents the initial stage of the construction of the Kyneton Community Park. Due for completion in early 2016, it will involve developing detailed designs to be followed by site preparation works, including drainage, hydraulic and power infrastructure, and above ground infrastructure such as pathways, landscaping elements and water features, plus cultural management plans. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES PG 34

MURRAY RIVER TRAIL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

This $600,000 Mildura Rural City Council project is in its early stages to complete a large section of Mildura’s river trail and connect key attractions along the Murray River. Supported by $300,000 from the Victorian Government, work includes constructing shared off-road cycling and walking trails, bollards, trail signs and seating, new leisure infrastructure designed to encourage more nature-based and cycle tourism in the region.

BENALLA PERFORMING ARTS AND CONVENTION CENTRE

This $316,000 Benalla Rural City Council project has upgraded the facilities at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre. With the assistance of $237,000 from the Victorian Government, work included refurbishing the kiosk and kitchen, providing better access to upgraded meeting rooms and function amenities, and updating IT connections. A digital projector is now installed in the cinema, which also had upgrades to its lighting, change rooms and auditorium. Streetscaping adjacent to the facility completed the precinct refurbishment.

WANGARATTA CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT MASTER PLAN PROJECT

The $225,000 project developed by the is currently adding to the existing body of knowledge within council and identifying key infrastructure and planning activities to enhance the Wangaratta CBD and business precinct. Supported by $150,000 from the Victorian Government, the project is considering a breadth of requirements, including transport and cultural activities within the CBD.

STRATEGIC TRAILS IN THE ALPINE SHIRE

The Alpine Shire Council implemented a $2.5 million project to create the trailhead sections of the Harrietville to Bright shared trail. Supported by $1 million from the Victorian Government, the project has also completed trails between Pioneer Park in Harrietville to Stoney Creek, Smoko, and about 5km along the Ovens River corridor from Centenary Park in Bright to Germantown Bridge.

YARCK COMMUNITY HALL RENOVATION

The small community of Yarck now benefits considerably from this $277,000 project to upgrade its existing hall with a new power supply, new kitchen, reverse cycle air conditioning, an external deck, new veranda, disabled toilet and some external all-weather ground works. With $169,000 from the Victorian Government, the completed project provides the community with a much-needed multipurpose meeting place. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 SUPPORTING RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES PG 35

FOGGY MOUNTAINS BLUEGRASS FAWCETT HALL UPGRADE FESTIVAL This $82,000 Fawcett Mechanics Institute This $30,000 initiative by the Kinglake Reserve Committee of Management Business Network enabled the inaugural project has made the most of an important three-day Bluegrass Festival to be held at community asset. The project extended the Kinglake in October 2014. Supported with existing hall, and added a new kitchen and $20,000 from the Victorian Government, the unisex disabled toilets, plus an outdoor deck festival included a wide range of activities, with ramps linking the new extension to the from a bush dance to all-day events in original building. With $80,000 contributed the town centre, to support two separate, by the Victorian Government, the project also ticketed bluegrass concerts, a traditional incorporates sustainable design elements gospel concert, farmers’ market and a such as solar panels and storm water pipes vintage car show. connected to tanks and septic plumbing to reuse rain/grey water in the toilets.

MANSFIELD COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE PROJECT MURCHISON HERITAGE CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT Mansfield Shire Council partnered with the local community in this $618,000 project to The $160,000 project by Greater Shepparton improve the layout and usability of Mansfield City Council extended the centre to increase Recreation Reserve – the town’s primary opportunities for the Historical Society’s outdoor community gathering place. This operation as well as provide more community project represents stages 4 and 5 of the facilities for the township of Murchison. redevelopment and included alterations to Supported with $80,000 from the State access and parking, provision of pathways, Government, the extension now provides a and constructing terraced seating. new multipurpose space opening onto the gardens adjacent to the building and features a fully equipped kitchen. The multipurpose space is available for community group meetings as well as private function hire. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL RECOVERY PG 36

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL RECOVERY RDV works in partnership with other Government and non-government organisations to support the recovery of communities and economies impacted by emergencies. In 2014-15, RDV worked with communities affected by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires, the 2010, 2011 and 2012 floods, the 2014 bushfires and the Morwell Mine fire.

2009 VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES Vibe Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre Through the Fire Recovery Unit, RDV continued to provide a central point of contact for information Officially opened on 21 April 2015, Vibe Marysville and connection to services within the State Hotel and Conference Centre (Vibe Marysville) was Government for communities affected by the listed by Traveller magazine as one of the world’s 2009 Victorian Bushfires. This included supporting 15 most remarkable hotel openings of the year, communities to implement local initiatives funded alongside esteemed hotel developments including through the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund. Dubai’s Palazzo Versace, Venice’s JW Marriot and Beijing’s Sunrise Kempinksi. In August 2014, RDV provided $975,000 to the Marysville and Triangle Community Foundation to Vibe Marysville’s development was a partnership support recovery and community projects in the between the Victorian Government (which Marysville and Triangle region over the next 10 contributed $19 million), the private sector (project years. This meets a Government commitment to consortia members were TFE Hotels, Metier3 ensure proceeds from the sale of Marysville Central Architects and Melbourne Civic City Property), and Shopping Centre benefit the local community. the Marysville community. The long anticipated hotel and conference centre began operating in RDV also continued to support activities in the February 2015. Kinglake Ranges, including the inaugural Foggy Mountain Bluegrass Festival that attracted more The new facility incorporates 101 guest rooms than 1,000 people, delivered significant local (including five suites), a conference centre (with economic benefits and strengthened event and meeting spaces for up to 430 guests), community cohesion. the Radius Bar and Grill, Radius Café, spa/ wellness centre, gymnasium outdoor pool and tennis court. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL RECOVERY PG 37

During the construction phase, the project One of the final projects under the funding created approximately 85 new full time equivalent completed in 2014-15 was reinstating the jobs, generated a regional turnover of $23 million Tungamah netball courts, supported by Moira per annum and a regional value-add of $9.5 Shire Council and $15,000 raised by local million per annum. The Economic Assessment community members. The new courts have Report prepared by SGS Economics and secured the club’s future and ensured that Planning forecast that by its fifth operational year, sporting competition can continue in Tungamah. Vibe Marysville would create 60 ongoing full time equivalent jobs, generate a regional turnover of $12 million per annum and a regional value- add of $6.4 million per annum. Vibe Marysville’s 2014 BUSHFIRES AND MORWELL current operating performance has already MINE FIRE surpassed these projections. RDV continued delivering $2.3 million in Since opening, Vibe Marysville has hosted over economic recovery support for regional Victorian 4,000 guests and 1,300 delegates and utilised communities affected by the 2014 bushfires 22 local food suppliers from the region to supply and the Morwell Mine fire. Support is allocated the Radius Restaurant. The ‘opening team’ has to three distinct components – a 2014 bushfire expanded from 42 to 67 members, including 50 recovery community events package, fast from the Marysville and Triangle region. tracking regional development projects in affected communities and a 2014 bushfires Tourism and visitor economies are significant economic recovery fund. drivers of economic growth and development in the regions. Strategic tourism infrastructure The first two components address immediate and complementary destination offerings are and short-term economic recovery needs. crucial to increasing visitation, length of stay The third focuses on longer-term economic and spending in the regions. The Victorian recovery by funding various infrastructure, Government played a significant role in this tourism and strategic plan projects. Under all project by de-risking and leveraging private three components, 24 projects were approved investment to deliver a significant hotel and (with most completed or underway). These conference centre development, which is helping included $1 million allocated to four projects in reposition Marysville as a leisure and business Morwell for an urban design and development destination. plan and beautification works, a communication and branding strategy, a major event, and the design and construction of two city entrances. Implementing all four projects will take place over 2010, 2011 AND 2012 FLOODS the next two and a half years. In 2014-15, RDV completed delivery of its support programs for communities impacted by the 2010, 2011 and 2012 floods. The Victorian Government provided $11.15 million over three years to repair and restore community infrastructure via 60 projects in 35 municipalities. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL RECOVERY PG 38

RESILIENT COMMUNITY PROGRAM

As well as responding to emergencies, RDV worked with regional communities to pilot initiatives that build capacity to prepare for, withstand and recover from all types of hazards. Twenty projects were supported under this program and RDV is working with recipients to maximise learning outcomes. The following case studies describe two of these projects.

Volunteering Victoria

Volunteering Victoria received $110,000 for its Manager of Spontaneous Emergency Volunteers project. The pilot project recruited and trained volunteer managers who can be deployed to help spontaneous emergency volunteers during relief and recovery activities. The project has strengthened relationships and clarified roles between local volunteer groups, emergency service organisations, community members and local government. It has enhanced emergency preparedness, capability and resilience throughout the G21 region, which incorporates the municipalities of Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe and Surf Coast.

Destination Gippsland

Destination Gippsland received $40,000 for the Gippsland Tourism Incident Management project. The project delivered a series of workshops to the tourism business community across Gippsland to provide education, leadership, media and resilience training. Key resources developed as part of the project include individual training videos, a USB resource to aid emergency planning and a digital based resource incorporating a range of information and risk management tools. The project has empowered the Gippsland tourism business community to take a leading role in preparing, responding and recovering from emergency events. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 PROMOTING RURAL AND REGIONAL VICTORIA PG 39

PROMOTING RURAL AND REGIONAL VICTORIA

2014 ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW

The regional living message was on display at the Royal Melbourne Show from 20 September to 1 October 2014, highlighting the living and investment opportunities available in regional Victoria to an estimated 500,000 Melburnians. RDV’s 2014 display was located inside the popular Woolworths pavilion and focused on providing visitors with both interactive activities along with practical and informative information on relocating to regional Victoria.

To involve children, the stand featured a rock-climbing wall showcasing Mt Arapiles from the Grampians region, a fishing activity with a stunning backdrop image of Gipsy Point in Gippsland along with a giant map of Victoria finger painting activity. Adults were invited to explore the more informative components of the stand, which included a job search and business investment kiosk describing the ‘five steps to planning your move to regional Victoria’ plus a giant map of Victoria and regional profile information boards. All stand messaging was tied into the Good Move regional marketing campaign and promoted the 2015 Regional Victoria Living Expo. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 PROMOTING RURAL AND REGIONAL VICTORIA PG 40

2015 REGIONAL VICTORIA New features for 2015 included the LIVING EXPO ‘Put Victoria on Your Table’ cooking demonstrations, which involved 11 The fourth edition of the Regional Victoria cooking demonstrations over three Living Expo was a success, attracting days, and the Regional Jobs Hub, a a record 10,156 patrons. Held at the dedicated area designed to match Expo Melbourne Convention and Exhibition visitors with employment and training Centre from 1-3 May, the 2015 Regional opportunities in regional Victoria. Once Victoria Living Expo was a free, three-day again, the Expo proved particularly public event showcasing the benefits of popular with young families and working living and investing in rural and regional professionals, and councils continue to Victoria. A total of 125 exhibitors, receive positive enquiries from attendees including the State’s 48 rural and keen to move to their regions. regional councils, were on hand to help Melburnians with their move, providing practical advice on regional housing, employment, education, health and GOOD MOVE REGIONAL lifestyle opportunities. MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Other event highlights included an arts The Victorian Government’s Good Move and culture program showcasing regional regional marketing campaign continued Victoria’s vibrant arts industry, seminars, to highlight the very best of regional providing information on regional housing living, showcasing real-life families who and business opportunities, and a have made the move from the city and ‘sports in the community’ precinct – a now call regional Victoria home. The sports interactive zone giving Expo campaign included television and radio visitors the chance to meet some of advertising featuring case studies from their favourite sports stars, including each of the five State Government AFL players Steve Johnson and Jarryd boundary regions with real-life families Roughead, and Geva Mentor from the who had moved to rural and regional Melbourne Vixens. Victoria. The Good Move campaign complemented the Regional Victoria Living Expo, with both programs used to promote rural and regional Victoria as an ideal relocation and investment option, offering opportunities equal to or greater than Melbourne.

RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FUTURE PRIORITIES PG 41

FUTURE PRIORITIES

In 2015-16, RDV will continue building on the strengths of Victoria’s regions, and maintain economic growth in the context of various opportunities and challenges.

A key focus for RDV will be to continue delivering Victorian Government priorities, and attract and support high value initiatives under the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.

RDV will work to implement the Government’s reforms arising from Regional Economic Development and Services Review chaired by former Victorian Premier and former Minister for Regional Development, John Brumby.

RDV will seek to capitalise on other government reforms for regional Victoria, including a renewed commitment to regional tourism under Visit Victoria, a new Food and Fibre Strategy under the Future Industry Fund, and major regional investments in education, skills, road and rail.

In line with government policy, RDV will also aim to ensure fair and equitable growth in regional Victoria to help tackle disadvantage, and build a sustainable future. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FUTURE PRIORITIES PG 42

RDV priorities in 2015-16 will include STRENGTHEN REGIONAL the following. COMMUNITIES >> Encourage families and young people BUILD A STRONG AND to live and work in rural and regional COMPETITIVE REGIONAL towns. VICTORIAN ECONOMY >> Invest in community-led initiatives and partnerships that create or enhance >> Invest in major infrastructure projects conditions for economic growth, that create or enhance the conditions build community capabilities to drive for economic growth, and build change, and improve the liveability of diversified and sustainable regional rural and regional towns. economies that are resilient to change. >> Improve the liveability of cities, centres and towns to attract and retain >> Attract and facilitate investment families and young people to live with a focus on regional competitive and work. advantage or high-growth potential businesses. >> Continue working with the Commonwealth Government through >> Capitalise on the potential of emerging the RDA Committees to capture industry sectors, particularly the opportunities for joint investment and Victorian Government’s priority areas action. and new export markets. >> Support regional strategic planning alliances to implement priority projects and actions. SUPPORT JOB CREATION

>> Deliver activities associated with the Victorian Government’s commitment to rural and regional employment.

>> Help regional businesses invest in new technology, processes and collaboration.

>> Support regionally-based businesses to engage with new domestic and international markets.

>> Facilitate new investment and trade through initiatives that strengthen alliances to boost exports, build industry capabilities and support high growth, high-value industry sectors to drive jobs growth and attract new investment. FINANCE RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 44

RDV GRANT PAYMENTS

2014 BUSHFIRES ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUND Organisation Payment $ Destination Gippsland Ltd 225,000

East Gippsland Shire Council 45,000

Grampians Tourism Board Inc 166,500

Horsham Rural City Council 108,900

Latrobe City Council 150,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council 112,500

Total 807,900

ADVANCING COUNTRY TOWNS Organisation Payment $ Benalla Rural City Council 108,700

Colac Otway Shire 34,000

East Gippsland Shire Council 108,700

Glenelg Shire Council 3 07,50 0

Mildura Rural City Council 3 07,50 0

Murrindindi Shire Council 39,000

Robinvale District Health Services 108,700

South Gippsland Shire Council 151,500

Total 1,165,600 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 45

BUILDING STRONGER REGIONS PROGRAMS Organisation Payment $ Agribusiness Gippsland Inc 17,000

Australia China Business Council 150,000

Baw Baw Shire Council 20,266

Bulmer Farms Pty Ltd 12,500 Catholiccare Archdiocese of Melbourne 15,000 Central Goldfields Shire Council 300,000 Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 4,000,000 Department of Environment and Primary Industries 2,600,000 Department of Transport Planning and Local Infrastructure 50,000 East Gippsland Food Cluster Incorporated 32,500 East Gippsland Shire Council 350,000 Gippsdairy Board Inc 19,250 Gippsland Employment Skills Training Inc 5,000 Greater Bendigo City Council 165,000 Growth Areas Authority 166,668 Lakes Entrance Fishermens Co-operative Society Ltd 16,250 Wimmera Uniting Care 250,000 Total 8,169,434

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM FOR BUSHFIRE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES Organisation Payment $ Labertouche & District Community Centre Inc 26,250

Murrindindi Shire Council 27,000

Total 53,250

COMMUNITY RECOVERY FUND Organisation Payment $ Baw Baw Shire Council 7,323

Mitchell Shire Council 33,006

South Gippsland Shire Council 8,265

Total 48,594 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 46

COMMUNITY REGIONAL INDUSTRY SKILLS PROGRAM Organisation Payment $ Longwarry Food Park Pty Ltd 3,333

Milburn Lake Pty Ltd 20,000

Total 23,333

CORIO NORLANE TRANSPORT PROJECT Organisation Payment $ City of Greater Geelong 222,600

Total 222,600

DEVELOPING REGIONAL LEADERS Organisation Payment $ Local Government Professionals Inc 10,000

Total 10,000

DEVELOPING STRONGER REGIONS PROGRAM Organisation Payment $ Ballarat City Council 329,784

Barwon Region Water Corporation 41,500

City of Greater Geelong 160,000

Department of Environment and Primary Industries 322,513

Fruit Innovation Processing Pty Ltd 50,000

Greater Shepparton City Council 125,000

Hardwicks Meat Works Pty Ltd 43,568

Heathcote Tourism & Development Inc 27,328

North East Victoria Tourism Board Inc 25,000

Shire of Towong 40,349

Total 1,165,041

FARMERS’ MARKETS SUPPORT PROGRAM Organisation Payment $ Hepburn Shire Council 17,550

Local Food Connect Inc 1,700

Nillumbik Shire Council 12,000

Swan Hill Rural City Council 8,500

Victorian Farmers' Markets Association Inc 117,000

Wedderburn Community House Inc 16,200

Total 172,950 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 47

FIRE READY COMMUNITIES Organisation Payment $ 3,750

Fawcett Mechanics Institute Reserve Committee of Management 1,062

Healesville Living & Learning Centre Inc 8,200

Horsham Rural City Council 343 Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre Inc 3,000 Nillumbik Shire Council 13,700 Surf Coast Shire 9,724 The Otway Health & Community Services 10,000 Total 49,779

FLOOD RECOVERY COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Organisation Payment $ Baw Baw Shire Council 13,960

East Gippsland Shire Council 1,103

Greater Shepparton City Council 938

Latrobe City Council 24,000

Mitchell Shire Council 8,796

Moira Shire Council 100,000

Murrindindi Shire Council 1,824

Shire of Towong 12,000

South Gippsland Shire Council 16,300

Swan Hill Rural City Council 141,627

Wellington Shire Council 9,856

Total 330,404

FLOODS COMMUNITY RECOVERY FUND Organisation Payment $ Hindmarsh Shire Council 9,000

Mount Alexander Shire Council 6,785

Total 15,785 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 48

LIVING REGIONS LIVING SUBURBS Organisation Payment $ Ararat Rural City Council 4,800

East Gippsland Shire Council 15,000

Hindmarsh Shire Council 15,000

Horsham Golf Club 15,000

Horsham Rural City Council 15,000

Latrobe City Council 135,000

Macedon Ranges Shire Council 15,000

Mallee Family Care Inc 8,000

Marysville Community Golf & Bowls Club Inc 200,000

Mitchell Shire Council 15,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council 15,000

Portland and District Christian Emergency Relief Centre Inc 6,449

Tourism Victoria 20,000

Victorian Chicken Meat Council Inc 15,000

Wellington Shire Council 10,000

Total 504,249

LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM Organisation Payment $ Alpine Shire 400,000

Ararat Rural City Council 260,000

Baw Baw Shire Council 15,000

Borough of Queenscliffe 555,000

Buloke Shire Council 451,375

Central Goldfields Shire Council 390,000

City of Greater Geelong 740,000

Colac Otway Shire 715,000

Corangamite Shire Council 1,025,000

East Gippsland Shire Council 480,000

Gannawarra Shire Council 120,000

Glenelg Shire Council 920,000

Golden Plains Shire Council 250,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 49

LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (cont’d) Organisation Payment $ Greater Bendigo City Council 15,000

Hepburn Shire Council 300,000

Hindmarsh Shire Council 140,000

Latrobe City Council 10,000

Macedon Ranges Shire Council 620,000

Mansfield Shire Council 440,000

Mitchell Shire Council 470,000

Moira Shire Council 700,000

Moorabool Shire Council 440,000

Mount Alexander Shire Council 801,049

Murrindindi Shire Council 530,000

Pyrenees Shire Council 90,000

Shire of Moyne 615,000

Shire of Strathbogie 460,000

Shire of Towong 490,000

Southern Grampians Shire Council 1,370,984

Wangaratta Rural City Council 190,000

Wellington Shire Council 640,000

West Wimmera Shire Council 705,000

Wodonga City Council 10,000

Yarriambiack Shire Council 453,000

Total 15,811,408

LOCAL SKILLS PARTNERSHIP Organisation Payment $ Ararat Rural City Council 7,50 0

Benalla Rural City Council 7,50 0

Buloke Shire Council 15,000

Central Goldfields Shire Council 7,50 0

Horsham Rural City Council 7,50 0

Northern Grampians Shire Council 29,200

Pyrenees Shire Council 7,50 0

Southern Grampians Shire Council 7,50 0

Surf Coast Shire 3,750

Yarriambiack Shire Council 3,750

Total 96,700 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 50

MARYSVILLE ECONOMIC RECOVERY Organisation Payment $ Marysville Triangle Business and Tourism Inc 65,000

Murrindindi Shire Council 100,000

Total 165,000

MARYSVILLE HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE DEVELOPMENT Organisation Payment $ Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre Pty Ltd 6,400,000

Total 6,400,000

NETWORKED RURAL COUNCILS Organisation Payment $ Municipal Association of Victoria 645,000

Total 645,000

PLANNING FOR TOMORROW PROGRAM Organisation Payment $ Ararat Rural City Council 7,000

Ballarat City Council 20,000

City of Greater Geelong 4,000

Greater Bendigo City Council 84,000

Mansfield Shire Council 47,50 0

Southern Grampians Shire Council 27,50 0

Total 190,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 51

PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM Organisation Payment A-1 Engineering (Vic) Pty Ltd 15,000

Advance Camperdown Inc 134,100

Agrifood Skills Australia Ltd 15,000

Alpine Shire 1,555,850

Anglican Trusts Corporation of The Diocese of Gippsland 41,270

Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Inc 5,000

Ararat Rural City Council 23,900

Australasian Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association Inc 5,000

Australian Dairy Conference Ltd 1,000

Bacchus Marsh Community Unlimited Incorporated 1,500

Ballarat City Council 701,000

Ballarat National Theatre Inc 36,000

Bass Coast Shire Council 568,226

Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network Inc 1,000

Baw Baw Shire Council 945,500

Beechworth Rotary Club Inc 5,000

Benalla Auto Club Inc 25,000

Benalla Rural City Council 408,500

Bendigo Chinese Association Museum Inc 90,000

Bendigo TAFE 150,000

Borough of Queenscliffe 251,500

Brauerander Park Foundation 19,300

Bright Court House Committee of Management 130,500

Buda Historic Home & Garden Inc 2,550

Buloke Shire Council 430,000

Bundalaguah-Myrtlebank Public Hall Inc 18,800

Campaspe Shire Council 53,600

Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre Ltd 26,100

Central Goldfields Shire Council 48,675

Chrismont Wines Pty Ltd 30,000

City of Greater Geelong 1,345,300

Colac Otway Shire 508,500

Committee for Geelong Ltd 3,000

Common Equity Housing Ltd 414,000

Community College Gippsland Ltd 38,700

Corangamite Shire Council 396,866 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 52

PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (cont’d) Organisation Payment Cowes Yacht Club Incorporated 63,543

Creative Clunes Inc 14,000

Creswick Railway Workshops Association Inc 2,000

D. & R. Henderson Pty Ltd 75,000

Deakin University 64,000

Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd 3,400

Donald 2000 Inc 16,200

Donald Music Literature and Arts Society Inc 12,500

East Gippsland Shire Council 795,250

Eildon Action Inc 5,160

Eltsac Pty Ltd 40,000

Fawcett Mechanics Institute Reserve Committee of Management 6,000

Flowercow Pty Ltd 25,000

Foodbank Victoria Ltd 10,000

Freshzest Pty Ltd 24,000

Gallery Kaiela Inc 18,000

Gannawarra Shire Council 463,150

Gateways Support Services Inc 12,000

Gippsland Lakes Community Health 18,000

Give Where You Live Inc 90,000

Glenelg Shire Council 524,989

Golden Plains Shire Council 73,500

Goulburn River Valley Tourism Ltd 67,50 0

Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Inc 33,000

Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Ltd 30,000

Greater Bendigo City Council 765,500

Greater Shepparton City Council 130,720

GV Community Energy Pty Ltd 25,000

Hepburn Shire Council 126,000

Hindmarsh Shire Council 645,250

Horsham Rural City Council 902,200

Indigo Shire Council 121,200

Insulmet Pty Ltd 15,000

J & J Nielsen Pty Ltd 1,050

Jailhouse Rock Festival Committee Inc 500

James Stock Feed And Fertilizer Pty Ltd 10,000

Joel Joel Public Hall 400

Karingal Inc 325,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 53

PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (cont’d) Organisation Payment Kennedys Creek Public Hall 5,000

Kinglake Ranges Business Network Inc 38,375

Koallah Farm Pty Ltd 20,000

Lake Bolac Development Association Inc 550

Lake Coorong/Lake Lascelles Committee of Management Inc 24,000

Lakegoldsmith Steam Preservation Association Inc 500

Latrobe City Business Tourism Association Inc 4,500

Latrobe City Council 826,850

Latrobe Valley Women In Business Inc 1,000

Lions Club of 29,700

Lions Club of Minyip Inc 780

Loddon Shire Council 408,000

Longwarry & District Lions Club Inc 40,000

Lorne Business & Tourism Association Inc 5,000

Macedon Ranges Shire Council 971,789

Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation Ltd 15,000

Majorca Victoria Park Gardens & Public 11,970

Mallacoota Arts Council Inc 150,000

Mallee District Aboriginal Services 320,000

Mansfield Shire Council 203,390

Mildura Development Corporation Inc 3,000

Mildura Rural City Council 542,958

Mitchell Shire Council 661,654

Moira Shire Council 477,000

Molesworth Public Hall 280,000

Mollongghip Hall and Tennis Club Incorporation 2,000

Montana Timber Holdings Pty Ltd 3,000

Moorabool Shire Council 34,300

Mount Alexander Shire Council 3,000

Mount Elephant Community Management Inc 60,000

Murray River Region Tourism Ltd 97,50 0

Murrindindi Shire Council 227,6 0 0

Nangiloc Colignan Farms Pty Ltd 75,000

Natimuk Foreshore Committee 72,500

Nezky Pty Ltd 10,000

North East Victoria Tourism Board Inc 10,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council 315,950

Nullawil Recreation Reserve 82,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 54

PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (cont’d)

Organisation Payment Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre Inc 1,620

Ocean Grove Park Inc 500,000

Oxley Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Incorporated 28,000

Parks Victoria 28,000

Port Campbell Progress Group Inc 72,000

Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail Committee Inc 44,000

Portland Tourist Association Inc 13,500

Pyrenees Shire Council 6 87,40 0

RMIT Link 130,000

Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc 800

Rochester Historical & Pioneer Society Incorp 57,000

Rotary Club of Alexandra Inc 160,000

Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell Inc 48,600

Ryan & Mcnulty Pty Ltd 10,000

Sale Business and Tourism Association Inc 2,640

Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club Inc 200,000

Seaview Public Hall Reserve 20,904

Shire of Moyne 1,130,826

Shire of Strathbogie 999,000

Shire of Towong 620,500

Skipton Progress Association Inc 17,000

South Gippsland Shire Council 1,051,971

Southern Farming Systems Ltd 4,500

Southern Grampians Shire Council 513,000

St Laurence Community Services Inc 84,000

St Leonards Progress Association Incorporated 6,300

Star Community Cinema Association Inc 3,500

Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Inc 45,000

Surf Coast Shire 930,000

Swan Hill Rural City Council 423,600

Tanjil Valley Landcare Group 12,150

Tarraville Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Inc 19,000

The Bendigo Trust 80,000

The Boisdale & District Progress Association Inc 16,928

The Centre for Rural Communities Inc 3,000

The Gippsland Business Awards Association Inc 600

The Mountain Cattlemens Association of Victoria Inc 82,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 55

PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (cont’d)

Organisation Payment The Willaura & District Community Development Group Inc 15,000

Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Inc 161,500

Trafalgar East Public Hall Reserve 1,500

UCA - Camperdown 3,000

Valley Park Farm Pty Ltd 60,000

Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Museum Sub-Branch 1,358

Walhalla Board of Management Inc 10,800

Walhalla Goldfields Railway Inc 40,000

Wangaratta Rural City Council 4 47,8 0 0

Warracknabeal & District Historical Society Inc 7,50 0

Warracknabeal Town Hall Committee of Management 7,50 0

Warrnambool City Council 590,000

Wellington Shire Council 619,000

West Wimmera Health Service 11,000

West Wimmera Shire Council 225,000

Wimmera Development Association Inc 3,000

Wimmera Development Association Incorporated 16,000

Wodonga City Council 310,500

Wonthaggi Theatrical Group Inc 175,000

Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd 13,500

Wurinbeena Ltd 15,000

Yarck Mechanics Institute and Library 101,400

Yarrawonga Holiday Park Inc 22,500

Yarriambiack Shire Council 318,300

Yea Community Service Group Inc 650

Yea Racecourse and Recreation Reserve 53,400

Yinnar & District Community Association Inc 9,360

Total 31,320,022 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 56

REGIONAL BLUEPRINT - INDUSTRIES FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW Organisation Payment $ Pactum Dairy Group Pty Ltd 550,000

Total 550,000

REGIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Organisation Payment $ Committee for Ballarat Inc 197,000

Committee for Geelong Ltd 150,000

Community Leadership Loddon Murray Inc 150,000

Greater Shepparton City Council 135,000

MADEC Australia 140,000

Moira Shire Council 10,000

North East Agcare Incorporation 126,000

Shire of Moyne 100,000

Wimmera Development Association Inc 91,125

Total 1,099,125

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA - REGIONAL Organisation Payment $ Avalon Airport Australia Pty Ltd 3,000

Ballarat City Council 60,000

Central Goldfields Shire Council 45,000

City of Greater Geelong 20,656

Federation University Australia 5,000

Gippsland Climate Change Network Incorporated 20,000

Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Ltd 50,000

Greater Shepparton City Council 6,250

Southern Farming Systems Ltd 38,400

Surf Coast Shire 25,000

Warrnambool City Council 56,000

Wellington Shire Council 10,000

Wimmera Development Association Incorporated 43,000

Total 382,306 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 57

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT VICTORIA SPECIAL PURPOSE PROJECTS Organisation Payment $ Marysville and Triangle Community Foundation Ltd 975,000

Total 975,000

RESILIENT COMMUNITY PROGRAM Organisation Payment $ Australian Red Cross Society 86,400

Buloke Shire Council 11,471

Central Goldfields Shire Council 52,362

Destination Gippsland Ltd 36,000

Emerald Centre for Hope & Outreach Inc 34,200

Melton City Council 82,530

Mitchell Shire Council 80,538

South Gippsland Shire Council 26,100

The East Gippsland Network of Neighbourhood Houses Inc 73,800

Victorian Deaf Society 71,100

Volunteering Victoria Incorporated 11,000

Wangaratta Rural City Council 36,000

Warrnambool City Council 90,000

Total 691,501

SMALL SCALE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS Organisation Payment $ City of Greater Geelong 20,000

Glengarry Mechanics Institute (Hall Committee) 2,500

Noweyung Ltd 35,000

Total 57,500

SMALL TOWNS DEVELOPMENT FUND Organisation Payment $ Wangaratta Rural City Council 100,000

Total 100,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 58

SUSTAINABLE SMALL TOWNS DEVELOPMENT FUND Organisation Payment $ Shire of Moyne 100,000

Total 100,000

THE GOOD LIFE CAMPAIGN Organisation Payment $ Alpine Shire 20,000

Ballarat City Council 10,000

Bass Coast Shire Council 10,000

Baw Baw Shire Council 20,000

Benalla Rural City Council 10,000

Borough of Queenscliffe 10,000

Buloke Shire Council 10,000

Campaspe Shire Council 10,000

Central Goldfields Shire Council 20,000

City of Greater Geelong 10,000

Colac Otway Shire 10,000

Corangamite Shire Council 10,000

Department of Premier and Cabinet 38,635

East Gippsland Shire Council 10,000

Gannawarra Shire Council 10,000

Glenelg Shire Council 10,000

Golden Plains Shire Council 10,000

Greater Bendigo City Council 20,000

Greater Shepparton City Council 10,000

Hepburn Shire Council 10,000

Hindmarsh Shire Council 20,000

Horsham Rural City Council 20,000

Indigo Shire Council 10,000

Latrobe City Council 20,000

Loddon Shire Council 20,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 59

THE GOOD LIFE CAMPAIGN (cont’d) Organisation Payment $ Macedon Ranges Shire Council 10,000

Mansfield Shire Council 10,000

Mildura Rural City Council 10,000

Mitchell Shire Council 20,000

Moira Shire Council 10,000

Moorabool Shire Council 10,000

Murrindindi Shire Council 10,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council 20,000

Pyrenees Shire Council 10,000

Shire of Moyne 10,000

Shire of Strathbogie 10,000

South Gippsland Shire Council 20,000

Southern Grampians Shire Council 10,000

Surf Coast Shire 10,000

Swan Hill Rural City Council 10,000

Wangaratta Rural City Council 10,000

Warrnambool City Council 10,000

Wellington Shire Council 20,000

West Wimmera Shire Council 20,000

Wodonga City Council 10,000

Yarriambiack Shire Council 10,000

Total 618,635

VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE BUSINESS INVESTMENT FUND Organisation Payment $ Blueberry Hill Berries 10,000

Jindivick Timber Pty Ltd 10,000

Total 20,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 60

VICTORIAN BUSINESS FLOOD RECOVERY FUND Organisation Payment $ Beechworth Honey Experience Pty Ltd 56,250

Brimarco Pty Ltd 17,578

Cutri Fruit Pty Ltd 100,000

David Eldridge Pty Ltd 28,000

E.B. Mawson & Sons Proprietary Ltd 80,000

Elliott Holdings (Aust) Pty Ltd 200,000

G.E. & D.A. Kennedy Proprietary Ltd 7,50 0

Geltch Investments Pty Ltd 25,000

Global Roto-Moulding Pty Ltd 35,000

Hopley Recycling Pty Ltd 15,000

Lamattina Beverages Pty Ltd 50,000

Leda Custom Farm Equipment Pty Ltd 50,000

Miquin Pty Ltd 30,000

Mortlock Hydroponics Pty Ltd 58,000

N & C Hargreaves Pty Ltd 20,000

N.M.P. Pty Ltd 150,000

P.R. Adams Pty Ltd 1,505

Peter Stoitse Transport Pty Ltd 20,000

Ropaan Nominees Pty Ltd 20,000

Scorpio Foods Pty Ltd 250,000

Southern Stockfeeds (Operations) Pty Ltd 75,000

Tolosa Holdings Pty Ltd 10,000

True Foods Pty Ltd 50,000

Total 1,348,833

VICTORIAN COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANTS Organisation Payment $ Cardinia Shire Council 152,000

City of Whittlesea 100,000

Corangamite Shire Council 25,000

Hepburn Shire Council 40,000

Total 317,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 61

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROVINCIAL CADETSHIPS PROGRAM Organisation Payment $ 2020 Engineering Solutions Pty Ltd 3,750

Ausrapid Inc 500

Australian Eatwell Pty Ltd 500

Benalla Health 12,750

BM Civil Engineers Pty Ltd 2,000

Buloke Shire Council 1,500

Campaspe Shire Council 500

Cardell Accountants Pty Ltd 4,750

Crowe Horwath (Aust) Pty Ltd 1,000

Crowther & Sadler Pty Ltd 1,000

Dimboola Primary School 500

DN Vision Pty Ltd 3,750

Dunstan Farmers Engineering Pty Ltd 4,250

Ecotecture Design Group 500

Gerard Brandrick & Associates Pty Ltd 4,250

Gippsland Lakes Community Health 3,750

Hardwicks Meat Works Pty Ltd 500

Mallee Physio 1,000

Messenger's Pharmacy 500

MGR Solicitors Pty Ltd 7,50 0

Mildura Rural City Council 8,500

Murray Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network Inc 20,250

Murrindindi Shire Council 8,500

Northeast Health Wangaratta 12,750

Planning Institute of Australia Ltd 21,373

Ryan Legal Services Pty Ltd 4,250

SLM Lawyers Pty Ltd 1,000

Swan Hill District Health 4,250

The Sovereign Hill Museums Association 1,000

Warrnambool City Council 500

Wodonga City Council 4,250

Total 141,373 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 62

ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE

GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

In 2014-15 the following economic infrastructure projects were announced:

Announced Organisation Project amount $

ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

Ararat Rural City Council Ararat Arts Precinct Redevelopment 3,700,000

Brookfield Regional Networks Energy for the Regions - Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) 70,000,000 (Victoria) Pty Limited Supply for Eleven Regional Towns*

Gippsland Water Corporation Labertouche Water Main Replacement Project 569,929

Goulburn Valley Region Water Dedicated Water Supply for MGC Cobram 1,900,000 Authority

Latrobe City Council Hazelwood Pondage Foreshore Enhancement Project 1,000,000

Parks Victoria Grampians Peaks Trail - Stage Two 1,200,000

Rural City of Wangaratta Wangaratta Livestock Exchange Redevelopment 500,000

Swan Hill Rural City Council Chisholm Reserve Motor Sports Complex Redevelopment 2,000,000

Unilever Australia Limited Unilever Tatura Investment Project 879,930

ViPlus Dairy Pty Ltd ViPlus Toora Milk Plant Development - Stage 2 1,500,000

Warrnambool City Council Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village Renewal Project 1,950,000

GEELONG ADVANCEMENT FUND

City of Greater Geelong Central Geelong (Malop Street to Myers Street) 3,000,000 Revitalisation Project

Deakin Residential Services Pty Ltd Geelong Student Accommodation Project 853,710

GOULBURN VALLEY INDUSTRY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

ACN Orchards Pty Ltd ACN Orchards Export Opportunity Expansion Project 60,000

Barolli Orchards Pty Ltd Barolli Export Expansion Opportunity Project 90,000

Casalare Pty Ltd Food Packing and Filling Facility 72,000

Kagome Foods Australia Pty Ltd Installation of a Permanent Beetroot Line 200,000

Pactum Dairy Group Pty Ltd Pactum Dairy Group Future Ready 1,000,000

Tatura Abattoirs Pty Ltd Tatura Abattoirs Expansion Project 1,200,000

The Trustee for Boumbis Operations Boumbis Orchards Export Expansion Opportunity Project 60,000 Trust

The Trustee for Daniel Tripoli Family Toolamba Fresh Expansion Project 30,000 Trust

W Ryan Abattoirs Pty Ltd Ryan Export Upgrade Project 1,375,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 63

Announced Organisation Project amount $

LATROBE VALLEY INDUSTRY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

Alysium Gardens Pty Ltd Alysium Gardens Aged Care 420,000

Australian Fresh Salads Pty Ltd Vegetable Processing Expansion Project 200,000

Brandy Creek Winery & View Cafe Brandy Creek Spa and Wellness Centre 250,000

CTE-Custom Transport Equipment CTE - Weerong Road Expansion 200,000 Pty Ltd

K & R J Matthews Quarries Pty Ltd Tyers Quarry Plant Upgrade 100,000

Latrobe City Council Gippsland Heavy Industry Park - Infrastructure Project 2,500,000

Latrobe Community Health Service Stage 2: Latrobe Valley University Training Clinic & Dental 420,000 Prosthetic Laboratory

Latrobe Valley Bus Lines Pty Ltd Latrobe Valley Bus Lines Workshop and Body Shop Upgrade 50,000

Latrobe Valley Sands Latrobe Valley Sands Expansion Project 50,000

Park Avenue Pty Ltd Clean Room Laundry Expansion 150,000

Riviera Farms Pty Ltd Infrastructure & Processing Expansion Project 135,000

Spectrum Sales Pty Ltd Spectrum Outbound Sales 50,000

MURRAY-DARLING BASIN REGIONAL ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM (VIC)

Gannawarra Shire Council Koondrook Wharf Development 500,000

Murray Dairy Inc Murray Dairy Accelerating Change 485,969

Shire of Campaspe Echuca Riverfront Development 1,300,000

Swan Hill Rural City Council Heartbeat of the Murray Experience 933,333

Workco Ltd Upgrade of Longerenong College Student Residential 666,667 Facilites RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 64

GRANT PAYMENTS

In 2014-15 the following payments were made towards economic infrastructure projects:

Announced Organisation Project amount $

ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Australian Paper Pty Limited Optimised Fibre and Water Efficiency Project 1,500,000

Bendigo Agricultural Show Society Development of the Victorian Regional Exhibition Complex - 100,000 Inc Bendigo (Stage 2)

Burra Foods Pty Ltd Infant Formula Water Initiatives 500,000

Central Gippsland Region Water Labertouche Water Main Replacement Project 209,929 Corporation

Central Goldfields Shire Council Carisbrook Renewal Park 441,433

City of Greater Bendigo O'Keefe Rail Trail Extension - Axedale to Heathcote 300,000

City of Greater Geelong Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (GLHC) 6,000,000

Colac Otway Shire Old Beechy Rail Trail 100,000

East Gippsland Shire Council Bastion Point Ocean Access Project 3,415,000

East Gippsland Shire Council East Bairnsdale Infrastructure Enhancement Project 233,000

Ecofuels Pty Ltd Madowla Park Integrated Bio-energy Project 50,000

Falls Creek Alpine Resort Development of Mountain Bike and Walking Trail Facilities 800,000 Management Board at Falls Creek Alpine Resort

Federation University Australia - Growing the University of Ballarat Technology Park 275,000 Ballarat

Glenelg Shire Council Portland Airport Redevelopment 590,000

Golden Plains Shire Council Infrastructure to Expand Intensive Agriculture for Food 1,900,000 Security and Economic Development

Goulburn Valley Region Water Tatura Abattoirs Expansion - Sewage Pump Station and 200,000 Corporation Rising Main

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Landsborough Valley Water Supply Pipeline Project 1,187,50 0 Corporation

Hazeldene's Chicken Farm Pty Ltd Hazeldene's Water and Wastewater Security Project 24,000

Kinross Farm Pty Ltd King Parrot Creek Power Upgrade to Enable the Expansion 35,000 of Kinross Farms

Latrobe City Council Moe Rail Precinct Revitalisation Project Stage 1 1,000,000

Mansfield Shire Council Mt Buller Mt Stirling EPIC Mountain Bike Trail Project - 66,445 Element Two

Mars Australia Pty Ltd Utilities Efficiency Investment 300,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 65

Announced Organisation Project amount $

Mars Australia Pty Ltd Utilities Efficiency Investment 300,000

Mildura Rural City Council Mildura Riverfront Parklands Project 5,250,000

Murrindindi Shire Council Yea Wetlands Environmental Centre 249,850

North East Region Water Corporation Bright Off River Water Storage 600,000

Pactum Dairy Group Pty Ltd Ultra High Temperature Dairy Milk Processing Plant 250,000

Parks Victoria Grampians Peaks Trail 798,819

Parks Victoria Great Ocean Walk Experience 1,000,000

Peninsula Searoad Transport Pty Ltd Searoad Ferries Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Upgrade Project 575,000

Phillip Island Nature Park Board of Nobbies and Summerland Peninsula Tourism Expansion 700,000 Management Inc Project

Sonac Australia Pty Ltd Sonac Australia Production Expansion and Facility 343,000 Modernisation

South Gippsland Shire Council Great Southern Rail Trail Extension (Foster to Welshpool) Project 400,000

Southern Grampians Shire Council Hamilton Airport Upgrade 407,16 4

Swan Hill Rural City Council Chisholm Reserve Motor Sports Complex Redevelopment 1,000,000

University of Melbourne International Centre of Excellence in Water Management - 625,000 Dookie Infrastructure Upgrade - Phase 1

Urban Renewal Authority Victoria Junction Place, Central Wodonga - Urban Renewal Initiative 2,000,000

Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd Rural Showgrounds and Field Days Minor Capital Works 83,117 Program (Round 2)

Victorian Farmers’ Federation Cattle Underpass Program (CUPS) 940,673

Warrnambool City Council Warrnambool Intermodal Terminal Upgrade 116,971

Warrnambool City Council Warrnambool Regional Aviation Park 290,000

West Wimmera Shire Council Kaniva Industrial Estate Extension 191,000

Wodonga City Council Logic Fatigue Management and Trailer Interchange Project 164,000

Wodonga Rendering Pty Ltd Wodonga Abattoirs - Tri-Generation Plant 200,000

ENERGY FOR THE REGIONS PROJECTS

Australian Gas Networks (SA) Limited Energy for the Regions - Expansion of Supply Capacity for 2,722,500 Mildura

Australian Gas Networks (Vic) Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Koo Wee Rup 1,575,000

Brookfield Regional Networks Energy for the Regions - Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) 10,000,000 (Victoria) Pty Limited Supply for Eleven Regional Towns

Multinet Gas (Db No 1) Pty Ltd & Supply of Natural Gas to Warburton 1,406,000 Multinet Gas (Db No 2) Pty Ltd

SPI Networks (GAS) Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Avoca 2,0 97,250

SPI Networks (GAS) Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Bannockburn 2,244,000

SPI Networks (GAS) Pty Ltd Supply of Natural Gas to Winchelsea 1,039,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 66

GRANT PAYMENTS (cont’d)

Announced Organisation Project amount $

GEELONG ADVANCEMENT FUND PROJECTS

Barwon Health St Mary's Hall Redevelopment and Associated Health Support 1,000,000 Facilities

Deakin Residential Services Pty Ltd Geelong Student Accommodation Project 400,000

Karingal Inc Kommercial Factory Development 150,000

GOULBURN VALLEY INDUSTRY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND PROJECTS

Boumbis Orchards Pty Ltd Boumbis Orchards Export Expansion Opportunity Project 20,000

Casalare Pty Ltd Kyabram Food Packing and Filling Facility 12,000

Toolamba Fresh Produce Pty Ltd Toolamba Fresh Expansion Project 10,000

LATROBE VALLEY INDUSTRY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND PROJECTS

ACME Enterprises Pty Ltd Brandy Creek Spa and Wellness Centre 30,000

Australian Fresh Salads Pty Ltd Vegetable Processing Expansion Project 125,000

Australian Trailer Manufacturers Pty Relocation & Expansion of Australian Trailer Manufacturers 60,000 Ltd

CTE-Custom Transport Equipment CTE - Weerong Rd Expansion 50,000 Pty Ltd

Elite Pack Elite Pack - Food Tray Production Expansion 100,000

Fishers (Latrobe Valley) Pty Ltd Fisher's Pallet and Wood Treatment Upgrade 326,500

GBG Concrete and Constructions Precast Concrete Panel Facility Expansion 37,500 Pty Ltd

Gibsons Groundspread Pty Ltd Gibson Ground Spread Expansion Project 85,000

Gippsland Body Builders Pty Ltd Darcan Way Expansion And Equipment Upgrade 50,000

Hydro Australia Pty Ltd Hydro Australia Capability Improvement Project 40,000

K. & R.J. Matthews Quarries Pty Ltd Tyers Quarry Plant Upgrade 60,000

Latrobe City Council Growing Aerospace Manufacturing at 500,000

Latrobe Valley Bus Lines Pty Ltd Latrobe Valley Bus Lines Workshop and Body Shop Upgrade 30,000

Latrobe Valley Sands Latrobe Valley Sands Expansion Project 30,000

Maffra Farmhouse Cheese Pty Ltd Maffra Cheese Company Capacity Expansion Project 37,500

Maffra Farmhouse Cheese Pty Ltd Soft and Club Cheese Production Expansion Project 60,000

Morwell Shopfitters Pty Ltd MSF Advanced Manufacturing Processes 45,000

Narkoojee Pty Ltd Narkoojee Winery - Casual Dining Facility 5,000 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 67

Announced Organisation Project amount $

PineGro Products Pty Ltd New Packaging Business - Pinegro Morwell 70,000

Riviera Farms Pty Ltd Infrastructure & Processing Expansion Project 100,000

Rotafab Pty Ltd Machine Tool Modernisation and Integration 13,307

Safetech Pty Ltd Safetech Capacity Expansion 120,000

Sage Computer Support Pty Ltd Sage Technology - Mobilisation and User Interface Unification 50,000

Spectrum Sales Pty Ltd Spectrum Outbound Sales 25,000

Steeline Gippsland Pty Ltd Steeline Gippsland Expanding Capability Project 62,500

STR Inspection Services Pty Ltd STR Business Diversification Project - Non Destructive Testing 36,084

Victorian American Imports Pty Ltd Standing Drive Infrastructure, Purchase, Development and 57,420 Production Expansion Project

MURRAY-DARLING BASIN REGIONAL ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM (VIC)

Gannawarra Shire Council Koondrook Wharf Development 300,000

Murray Dairy Inc Accelerating Change 100,000

Workco Ltd Upgrade of Longerenong College Student Residential 900,000 Facilities

Total 61,593,462 RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 68

OUTPUT TARGETS AND PERFORMANCE

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Unit of 2014-15 2014-15 AND REGIONAL CITIES Measure Target Actual

Quantity

Econonomic development, service delivery and community number 140 70 capacity projects funded

Regional infrastructure projects approved by Minister number 100 124

Rural councils participating in Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) number 100 100 network

Quantity

Participant satisfaction with implementation of Regional % 80 93 Development Victoria (RDV) programs

Putting Locals First Fund projects recommended by % 85 100 Regional Development Committees approved for funding

Regional councils participating at the regional expo % 80 100

Timeliness

Grants paid within the timeframe specified within the terms % 75 75 and conditions of the funding agreement: Local Government Infrastructure Program

RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 69

REVENUE AND EXPENSES Controlled revenue and expenses for the year ended 30 June 2015:

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2015 2014 AND REGIONAL CITIES $’000 $’000 Income from Transactions Output appropriations* 59,149 59,329

Regional Growth Fund Appropriations 121,377 136,000

Grants Received 12,256 7,740

Interest 4,796 5,016

Other Revenue 9,510 3,687

Total Income from transactions 207,088 211,772

Expenses from transactions

Grants and other payments (143,928) (155,191)

Employee-related expenses (25,810) (21,796)

Depreciation and amortisation (1,267) (1,084)

Capital asset charge (527) (527)

Other operating expenses (15,306) (17,16 4 )

Interest (21) (47)

Total Expenses from transactions (186,859) (195,809)

Operating surplus (deficit) 20,229 15,963

*Includes $3.623 million approved in 2015 for the Regional Growth Fund through a Treasurer’s Advance.

The balance of the Regional Growth Fund Trust at 30 June 2015 was $258,351 million. The funds are held in trust to meet existing commitments due in future periods.

The financial operations of Regional Development Victoria are included in the financial reports of the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 FINANCE PG 70

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Consolidated financial statements for the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) and RDV are contained in the 2014/15 Annual Report published by DEDJTR.

This report contains RDV’s Output Targets and Performance and Revenue and Expenses for the year ended 30 June 2015.

COMPLIANCE Compliance requirements in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994 and the directions of the Minister for Finances were managed by DSDBI on behalf of RDV.

Consolidated compliance reporting information for RDV for the 2014-15 financial year is contained in the 2014-15 Annual Report published by RDV.

LEGISLATION RDV was responsible for the following legislation:

>> The Regional Development Victoria Act 2002.

>> The Regional Growth Fund Act 2011.

>> The Albury Wodonga Agreement (Repeal) Act 2003. RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 CONTACT INFORMATION PG 71

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Swan Hill VICTORIA OFFICES 324 Campbell Street, Swan Hill 3585 Tel 03 5036 4823 Ballarat E [email protected] 111 Armstrong Street Nth, Ballarat 3350 Traralgon Tel 03 5327 2800 33 Breed Street, Traralgon 3844 Fax 03 5327 2830 Tel 03 5116 7300 E [email protected] Fax 03 5175 0324 Bendigo E [email protected] Level 1, 56-60 King Street, Bendigo 3550 Wangaratta Tel 03 4433 8000 Wangaratta Government Centre, 1st Floor, Fax 03 4433 8099 62 Ovens Street, Wangaratta 3677 E [email protected] Tel 03 5722 7101 Geelong Fax 03 5722 7109 Level 2, Harrison Place E [email protected] 237 Ryrie Street, Geelong 3220 Warrnambool Tel 03 5215 6000 Old Police Station, South West TAFE, Fax 03 5215 6099 9 Gilles Street, Warrnambool 3280 E [email protected] Tel 03 5561 4135 Horsham Fax 03 5561 3851 The Grains Innovation Park E [email protected] 122 Natimuk Road, Horsham 3400 Wodonga Tel 03 5381 2762 111-113 Hume Street, Wodonga 3689 Fax 03 5381 2514 Tel 02 6059 0200 E [email protected] Fax 02 6059 0250 Mildura E [email protected] 131 Langtree Avenue, Mildura 3500 Tel 03 5051 2000 Fax 03 5051 2020 E [email protected]

Shepparton 79a Wyndham Street, Shepparton 3632 Tel 03 5895 4100 Fax 03 5822 2554 E [email protected] RDV ANNUAL REPORT 14-15 ACCESSIBILITY PG 72

ACCESSIBILITY

If you would like this publication in an accessible format, such as large print or audio, please phone 13 22 15 (voice calls), or email [email protected].

This document is also available in an accessible format on the internet at www.rdv.vic.gov.au.

Published by the Victorian Government Regional Development Victoria Annual Report 2014-2015

September 2015 Melbourne Victoria

© Copyright State of Victoria 2015

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

ISSN 1448-9341

Contact Regional Development Victoria Level 31, 121 Exhibition Street Melbourne 3000

T 13 22 15

E [email protected] www.rdv.vic.gov.au

Designed by o2 Media 2/102 Lava Street Warrnambool, Victoria 3280 o2media.com.au

Printed by Finsbury Green in regional Victoria on 100% recycled paper www.rdv.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne