- Published:
- Wednesday 11 December 2024
Victoria is open for business – with the Allan Labor Government unlocking more industrial land to create more space for regional business and more jobs for regional workers.
Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today visited Bendigo-based JL King & Co to announce that, through its Economic Growth Statement, the Labor Government will unlock more land across regional Victoria for industry and development.
The Government will invest $10 million in trunk infrastructure – for things like water supply, sewerage, roads, and electricity – to open up more industrial land across regional Victoria, and with it more opportunity for local workers and their families.
Delivered through competitive funding rounds, this investment will focus on ready-to-go projects with
co-investment from local councils and industry – ensuring businesses have the confidence and certainty they need to set-up and expand.
The $10 million investment builds on the success of projects like the Portland North Employment Precinct and Ballarat West Employment Zone, which have created thousands of jobs and brought new businesses to these communities.
The Labor Government supported JL King & Co with installation of infrastructure including gas, electricity, water, sewerage, telecommunications as well as access roads and car parks at their new Bendigo facility – enabling them to employ 80 new staff and deliver more locally grown produce to interstate markets.
The Economic Growth Statement outlines more than 40 initiatives across four key actions: open doors, cut red tape, build new skills and reach every community – dedicated to growing regional economies and regional jobs.
As part of this focus, the Statement include a range of initiatives to make it easier to do business and attract investment to regional Victoria, including:
- Piloting Regional Launching Pads – shared collaboration spaces for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to connect and grow
- Developing a new website to showcase regional investment opportunities
- Investing $20 million in growing Victoria’s priority sectors – including advanced manufacturing, circular economy, health technology, and agribusiness – to drive the state’s economic future
- Boosting exports with a $10.9 million package that will help more Victorian small and medium-sized businesses take their products to global markets and identify new markets
- Developing agricultural applications of RNA technology, with new funding for research and manufacturing
- Cutting regulation to save businesses time and money, with a focus on smarter, simpler processes that reduce red tape and unnecessary permits
With the regional payroll tax rate the lowest in the nation and regional job growth among the highest, the Economic Growth Statement will ensure more Victorians have the security and certainty of a good job.
Businesses looking to invest in regional Victoria are encouraged to contact their local Regional Development Victoria office or visit rdv.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“We’ll take empty or underutilised land and help unlock it – transforming these sites into hives of activity, buzzing with local jobs and local workers.”
“By fast-tracking the development of industrial land, we’re creating certainty for business, confidence for investors, and more jobs for regional Victorians."
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
“We’re building the essential infrastructure regional businesses need to grow, expand and create jobs. It’s a win for business, a win for jobs and a win for regional Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“This is about unlocking the potential of our community by ensuring businesses have the infrastructure they need to grow, create jobs, and employ more local workers.”