- Published:
- Monday 13 April 2015
The Andrews Labor Government will today introduce legislation to establish the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund to drive growth and create jobs in regional Victoria.
The Regional Development Victoria Amendment (Jobs and Infrastructure) Bill will deliver on the Labor Government’s key election commitment to establish a $500 million Fund to support major projects, create jobs and build stronger regional communities.
The introduction of this legislation paves the way for the Labor Government to deliver the $200 million worth of projects and programs committed under the Fund at the election.
Key projects committed to include:
- Redevelopment of the Eureka Stadium and Ballarat Sports Precinct
- Stage Two redevelopment of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre
- Completion of the Grampians Peak Trail
- Revamp of Bendigo’s Cathedral precinct
- Development of a world-class health training centre and dental prosthetics laboratory in the Latrobe Valley
The Bill builds on the successful model of regional and rural development established by previous Labor Governments. It will simplify regional development legislation into a single Act, and ensure the best framework is in place to grow a strong regional Victoria.
Under the previous Coalition Government, regional Victoria went backwards. Regional jobs stalled, youth unemployment reached new heights and TAFE was gutted.
In the Coalition’s last budget, despite being home to 25 per cent of the state’s population, regional Victoria only received four per cent of the funds for major projects.
The Labor Government’s legislation will ensure we can invest in the projects we need to get regional Victoria back on track.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford
“Our $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund will kick-start growth in regional Victoria, putting our regions back at the heart of Victoria’s economy.”
“This legislation will ensure we have the right model in place to create jobs, drive growth and strengthen regional Victoria.”
“Under the Coalition, regional Victoria went backwards – the only thing that grew was the unemployment queue.”