annual report 2007-08 - rdv.vic.gov.au · regional development victoria annual report 2007/08 i am...

Regional Development VictoriaAnnual Report 2007-08

Annual Annual ReportReport

20

07

-08

5086 RDV Annual Report 2007-08_v6.indb 15086 RDV Annual Report 2007-08_v6.indb 1 6/11/08 11:37:09 AM6/11/08 11:37:09 AM

PAGE | 2

RDV Annual Report 2007/08

ContentsSection 1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................................4

1.1 Chief Executive Foreword ...........................................................................................................6

Section 2.0 Overview of Regional Development Victoria ...............................................................................8

2.1 Profi le of Regional Development Victoria ....................................................................................9

2.2 Structure of Regional Development Victoria .............................................................................10

2.3 Regional Development Advisory Committee ............................................................................11

Section 3.0 Year in Review ...........................................................................................................................14

3.1 Program Highlights 2007/08 .....................................................................................................15

3.2 Case Studies 2007/08 ...............................................................................................................38

3.3 Regional Infrastructure Development Fund Year in Review ......................................................43

3.4 Small Towns Development Fund Year in Review ......................................................................56

3.5 Key Partners..............................................................................................................................60

3.6 Marketing Provincial Victoria.....................................................................................................62

3.7 Sponsorship ..............................................................................................................................64

Section 4.0 Other Relevant Information .......................................................................................................66

4.1 Financial Performance ..............................................................................................................67

4.2 Compliance ...............................................................................................................................67

4.3 Legislation .................................................................................................................................67

Section 5.0 Grants and Output Targets ........................................................................................................68

5.1 Regional Development Victoria Grants .....................................................................................69

5.2 Regional Infrastructure Development Fund Grants ..................................................................75

5.3 Small Towns Development Fund Grants ...................................................................................77

5.4 Output Targets and Performance ..............................................................................................79

5.5 Revenue and Expenses ............................................................................................................80

Section 6.0 Contact Information ..................................................................................................................82


The Hon. Jacinta Allan, MPMinister for Regional and Rural DevelopmentLevel 36121 Exhibition StreetMelbourne 3000

Dear Minister,

Regional Development Victoria Annual Report 2007/08

I am pleased to submit to you, for presentation to Parliament, Regional Development Victoria’s Annual Report. The document outlines the achievements of the organisation for the year ended 30 June 2008.

Yours sincerely,

Justin HanneyChief Executive

121 Exhibition StreetMelbourne, Victoria 3000GPO Box 4509Melbourne, Victoria 3001AustraliaTelephone: (03) 9651 9138Facsimile: (03) 9651 9360

Annual Report 2007-08


Overview of Regional Development Victoria1.

Page | 4

Introduction1.



Page | 5

1.0 IntroductionRegional Development Victoria (RDV) works closely with the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development and other Government departments to meet its key strategic objective of facilitating economic, infrastructure and community development to support a prosperous and growing provincial Victoria.

RDV pursues fi ve distinct strategies to achieve its objective:

Develop and facilitate investment in provincial Victoria in key industry sectors;•

Provide assistance for strategic infrastructure projects that contribute to economic growth;•

Facilitate sustainable business development through the provision of programs, information • and referral services;

Facilitate rural and regional community building and engagement; and•

Encourage regional population growth.•



Page | 6

1.1 Chief Executive ForewordI’m pleased to report on the achievements of Regional Development Victoria (RDV) for 2007/08.

I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge my predecessor Dan O’Brien for his leadership and vision in positioning RDV to meet the ongoing challenges of regional development.

I rejoined the organisation in January 2008 and quickly observed the provincial landscape had changed considerably since 2006 when I was with RDV as Executive Director of Industry Investment.

Despite growing challenges facing industry and business – climate change and sustainability, water security, the price of fuel and electricity and access to market funds – the ongoing commitment of all RDV staff has helped drive economic and industry growth and attract investment in regional and rural Victoria in 2007/08.

Highlights for the year include $1.2 billion in regional investment, creating 2,766 new jobs and facilitating exports of $669 million in goods and services.

No event better refl ects RDV’s achievements in the past year than a milestone reached in November 2007 – the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) achieved $1 billion in direct leveraged investment in regional and rural Victoria.

This was achieved in just eight years, through RDV’s $370.8 million contribution to 154 projects through the RIDF. These fi gures continue to grow. As at 30 June 2008, RDV announced investment had risen to $402.7 million in 192 RIDF projects worth $1.2 billion and this investment has helped revitalise provincial Victoria.

RIDF has made the state stronger by building critical infrastructure at regional airports, extending the natural gas network, providing major new water infrastructure for regional industry and spurring construction of industrial estates.

In all of this, RDV has pursued its goal of bringing shared prosperity to provincial Victoria, creating communities that are attractive for families to live, work and invest in.

Moving Forward: Update - The Next Two Years 2008 to 2010 contributed a $5 million extension to the Small Towns Development Fund (STDF) to help Victoria’s 38 smaller rural municipalities undertake a greater number of more substantial projects. This recognises that municipalities with a small rate base can have diffi culties meeting the requirement for a 2:1 contribution to projects.

The maximum funding ratio for eligible projects within the smaller municipalities was increased to 3:1.

This new funding assistance will provide further opportunities to assure the future of our small towns, a key part of Victoria’s character and history. It will enable communities in small towns to fi nance projects that will create economic growth and development, develop economic and social infrastructure, and enhance the liveability of their communities.

In 2007/08, the STDF funded 73 projects worth $8.6 million. In its fi ve years of operation to 30 June 2008, the STDF has provided about $34.2 million towards 380 social and community infrastructure projects across provincial Victoria, delivering huge benefi ts for small communities.


Annual Report 2007-08pppp

Page | 7

In 2007/08 RDV began tackling the need for long-term regional strategic planning. This is critical to meeting the opportunities and demands of a fast-growing population. By 2021 Victoria will be home to an extra one million people – a decade earlier than previously forecast – and one-quarter of them are expected to locate in regional and rural areas. In June 2008, through Moving Forward: Update – The Next Two Years 2008 to 2010, Victorian Premier John Brumby announced a $15.9 million initiative to boost the planning capacity of Victoria’s 48 regional and rural councils. and appointed a Ministerial Taskforce led by the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, to oversee the preparation of a statewide regional plan.

Other important events in the past year included:

renewing and refocusing • Moving Forward, the action plan to drive growth in provincial Victoria, through Moving Forward: Update – The Next Two Years 2008 to 2010;

continuing the • Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria campaign to promote the benefi ts of living, working and investing in provincial Victoria; and

delivering a suite of regional development programs and services to regional businesses, industries and communities.•

RDV will continue to strengthen and drive growth in the regions through focusing on three key areas – teamwork across all functions in our people; outcomes underpinned by effective process; and building research-led policy and planning capability.

RDV is proud to be known as the “champion for provincial Victoria” and I look forward to guiding our committed team and working with the Government to implement the regional development agenda.

Justin HanneyChief Executive Regional Development VictoriaDeputy Secretary, Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development


Page | 8

2. Overview of Regional Development Victoria



Page | 9

2.0 Overview of Regional Development VictoriaRegional Development Victoria:

delivers programs, information and referrals to help grow a robust economy and innovative and sustainable • enterprises in provincial Victoria;

creates a vibrant and dynamic regional sector through the facilitation of new jobs, investments and exports; • and

facilitates new investment through infrastructure funding for strategic projects.•

2.1 Profi le of Regional Development VictoriaRegional Development Victoria is a statutory body established by the Government under the Regional Development Victoria Act 2002. It is responsible to the Minister for Regional and Rural Development. RDV commenced operation in March 2003 and its focus is on building stronger economies, communities and infrastructure to create a prosperous and growing provincial Victoria.

RDV sits within the Regional and Rural Development portfolio and works within the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD).

RDV contributes to the Department’s strategic directions through:

developing better skilled, more productive and innovative people, business and industries;•

connecting Victorians and Victorian businesses to local, national and international businesses, • markets and governments;

promoting Victoria as a great place to live, work, invest, visit and learn; and•

shaping the economic development policy agenda.•

It contributes to the Government’s Growing Victoria Together objectives by:

creating more quality jobs and thriving, innovative industries across Victoria; and•

growing and linking all of Victoria.•


Page | 10

2.2 Structure of Regional Development Victoria

Delivery

The Delivery Division drives Government programs and services to support industry and business growth and acts as a conduit between all levels of government to promote regional development. The Division delivers regional programs and services through 15 Regional Development Victoria offi ces in provincial Victoria.

Industry Investment

Industry Investment delivers a range of business assistance services to develop and facilitate investment, create jobs, and increase the number of innovative enterprises in provincial Victoria. The Division’s activities focus on investment attraction, improving the international competitiveness of companies and enhancing provincial Victoria’s export performance.

RDV is structured to deliver a range of programs and initiatives to strengthen Victoria’s regional economy, infrastructure, communities and business sector through its four divisions: Delivery; Industry Investment; Infrastructure; and Promotion and Development.

Above: Regional Development Victoria Organisation Chart as at June 30, 2008.

MinisterRegional and Rural

Development

SecretaryDIIRD

Regional Development

Advisory Committee

Executive Support& Coordination

Executive Director, Delivery

Robert Jones

Executive Director,Industry Investment

Gary Gaffney

Executive Director, InfrastructureLea Corbett

Executive Director,Promotion & Development

Vacant

Information

Administration

Regional Network(VBCs)

Program Delivery

Regional Unit

Water

Education and ICT

Marketing &Communications

Policy

Chief ExecutiveJustin Hanney

Strategy and Development

Strategic Business Assistance

Energy

Industry Development

Tourism

Transport

Finance

Program Adminis-tration & Evaluation



Page | 11

In particular, it works to:

expand and strengthen the industrial base; •

improve the international competitiveness of local fi rms and • industries;

develop exports;•

improve the business environment; and •

promote resources, skills and capabilities.•

Infrastructure

The Infrastructure Division, through the administration of the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), provides fi nancial assistance for capital works to enhance the economic and social development of regional Victoria.

The RIDF provides funds for capital works that:

support industry development;•

improve critical transport linkages;•

develop and improve tourism infrastructure; and•

establish better links within regional Victoria to create new • opportunities in education and information technology.

The Infrastructure Division is structured to deliver on its main areas of focus:

water;•

education and Information Communication Technology;•

energy;•

industry development;•

tourism; and•

transport.•

Promotion and Development

Promotion and Development is responsible for regional and rural policy and strategy development. This area is also responsible for driving marketing and communications initiatives. The Division focuses on identifying emerging trends and challenges for the sustained development of regional industries and communities.

2.3 Regional Development Advisory CommitteeThe Regional Development Victoria Act 2002 provides for the establishment of a Regional Development Advisory Committee to advise the Government on matters relating to community and economic development in regional and rural Victoria and provide support in promoting and growing regional and rural Victoria.

The Committee consists of the Chief Executive of RDV, who is the Chair, and six members representing rural and regional Victoria. Committee members were fi rst approved by the Governor in Council on 2 September 2003.

The following regional and rural Victoria representatives, offering wide ranging backgrounds and expertise in economic development, community development, fi nance and marketing,

are members of the Regional Development Advisory Committee:

Ms Jo Bourke • • Mr John G Brown

Mr Ed Coppe • • Ms Jenny Dawson

Mr Richard Elkington • • Ms Mary Molloy.

During 2007/08, the Committee met on four occasions in: July 2007; December 2007; February 2008; and June 2008. The Committee has continued to make a valuable contribution to the Government’s regional and rural development agenda.

Left to right:Gary Gaffney, Executive Director, Industry InvestmentLea Corbett, Executive Director, InfrastructureRobert Jones, Executive Director, DeliveryJustin Hanney, Chief Executive, Regional Development Victoria, Deputy Secretary, Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (Vacant) Executive Director, Promotion and Development.


Page | 12

The Hon. Jacinta Allan MP

Justin HanneyChief Executive, Regional Development Victoria

John G Brown Ed CoppeJo Bourke

Jenny Dawson

Minister for Regional and Rural Development

Chair

Advisory Committee

Richard Elkington Mary Molloy

Regional Development Advisory Committee



Page | 13


Year in Review3.

Page | 14



Page | 15

This report marks the achievements of Regional Development Victoria for the period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008. Budget paper performance measures are contained in Section 5.4 Output Targets and Performance on page 79.

3.1 Program Highlights 2007/08In 2007/08 RDV continued to deliver on the Government’s commitment to grow the whole State by providing a range of government programs and services.

RDV took a lead role in the delivery of a number of programs and services outlined below.

Aviation Infrastructure

In 2006/07 RDV developed the Regional Aviation Fund, a sub-program of the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), for commencement on 1 July 2007. The program provides funding to help boost regional tourism by providing infrastructure upgrades to regional airports across Victoria. Eligible projects include:

upgrades or extensions to runways;•

leveling and/or strengthening of aprons;•

building or improving passenger terminal facilities;•

upgrading or relocating navigational aids and refueling areas; and•

providing additional infrastructure such as car parking, drainage or landscaping.•

In 2007/08, the Regional Aviation Fund has fi nanced projects at airports across Victoria including: Stawell $950,000; Latrobe Valley $492,000; and Mallacoota $791,000.

Above: Latrobe Regional Airport.


Page | 16

Biofuels Infrastructure Program

The Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG) is a $5 million sub-program of the RIDF that provides grants to assist the development of infrastructure necessary for the production of biofuels. The level of funding offered varies depending on the scope and signifi cance of the project and the level of private sector and local funding. Applications are considered from councils as well as the private sector.

Biofuels Road Map and Action Plan

Another way RDV is supporting the biofuels industry is through its work on the Biofuels Road Map and Action Plan. The Biofuels Road Map and Action Plan was developed to assist the industry to plan for the future, attract investment and build critical mass. The biofuels industry offers signifi cant potential for investment and growth in provincial Victoria. A sustainable supply of energy can be grown in Victoria from renewable organic sources and provide not only economic benefi ts to rural communities, but cleaner air.

Building Arts and Cultural Infrastructure

The Building Arts and Cultural Facilities initiative provides funding to build regional arts facilities, or upgrade and improve existing facilities, capable of supporting a full spectrum of arts programs, similar in style and range to city centres. Funded through the RIDF, in 2007/08 RDV provided the following grants through the program:

$300,000 to Greater Shepparton City Council • towards the upgrade of the Eastbank Centre in Shepparton, one of provincial Victoria’s leading arts and cultural centres; and

$570,000 to Glenelg Shire Council towards the • upgrade of four key arts facilities across the Shire including: the Portland Arts Centre; the Portland Civic Hall; the Casterton Town Hall; and the Heywood Community Hall.

Buy Locally

The Buy Locally initiative seeks to support councils and business groups in provincial Victoria promoting the ‘buy local’ message. Consistent with capturing new opportunities, the Buy Locally initiative supports activities that:

encourage regionally located businesses and • organisations to source and purchase products from within their local communities and regions; and

encourage co-operation among regional • businesses to undertake marketing activities that will promote local purchasing of their products.

In 2007/08, $249,000 was committed across 25 councils involving 17 projects.

Above: Buy Locally initiative in action.



Page | 17

Community Enterprises in Small Towns

The Community Enterprises in Small Towns Program helps small towns establish community-managed enterprises to replace lost commercial services, provide new services, or create new community uses for underused or empty commercial buildings. Grants are available to provincial councils acting on behalf of community groups to explore options for enterprises that are community-managed and where profi ts will be returned to the community.

In 2007/08, one project involved the commercial closure of the only petrol outlet and mechanical repair service in the small rural community of Woomelang (population of 220). Through the Community Enterprises in Small Towns Program, the Yarriambiack Shire Council was able to examine the viability of the operation which resulted in the re-opening of a store and petrol station through a community volunteer approach.

Community Regional Industry Skills Program

The $5 million Community Regional Industry Skills Program (CRISP), introduced in 2003, provides funding to tackle skills shortages and build skills capabilities in regional areas. Since its inception, a further two phases on CRISP have been introduced:

CRISP II – a $5.5 million extension in 2005 and expansion • into building business skills, support for communities to fi ll skills gaps, and targeting mature age workers.

CRISP III – a further $3 million extension in 2007 as part of • the Victorian Government’s $138 million bushfi re package which enables assistance to be provided to communities that have recently been adversely affected by exceptional climatic events including bushfi re, drought, frost or fl ood.

In 2007/08 a total of 22 companies were offered CRISP assistance with approved grants totalling almost $1.2 million.


Page | 18

Driving Growth in Victoria’s Dairy Industry

In 2007/08 RDV continued to work on driving growth in Victoria’s dairy industry through three programs:

Promoting Good Employment Practices in the Dairy • Industry;

A New Dairy Industry Planning Forum; and•

Scoping Study for Dairy Industry Research and • Development Capability Requirements.

Financial assistance was provided to Dairy Australia to support the Dairy Employment Management Committee’s Moving Forward initiative, which aims to make the dairy industry an employer of choice by promoting better workplace and employment practices and establishing a well-defi ned career structure for the industry. These programs are funded through the Provincial Victoria Growth Fund.

Farmers’ Markets Program

In 2006/07 RDV developed the Farmers’ Markets Program for commencement on 1 July 2007. Funding is provided to the Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association (VFMA), and individual grants to incorporated bodies, provincial and interface councils, and community organisations auspiced by councils or the VFMA, to develop and expand the Farmers’ Market concept across the State. In 2007/08 support was announced for nine projects worth $228,550.

Above: Farmers’ markets in action – from producer to consumer.

Food Industry for a Regionally Sustainable Tomorrow (FIRST)

Funded under the Provincial Victoria Growth Fund, the Food Industry for a Regionally Sustainable Tomorrow (FIRST) program provides $3 million over three years (to July 2010) to support the future competitiveness and sustainability of Victoria’s food industry. The FIRST program has a focus on building capability within regional Victoria’s food industry around fi ve key action areas:

innovation;•

Food for Life• (developing a healthier food supply);

industry capability;•

supply chain development; and •

international growth.•

In 2007/08, $135,000 funding was shared between fi ve projects under the FIRST program.

Four Seasons Energy Pilot Program

New enabling technologies such as GeoExchange or ground source heat pumps (GSHP) have great potential to deliver more effi cient, cheaper energy for the heating and cooling of buildings in regional areas.

RDV’s $1 million Four Seasons Energy Pilot Program aims to facilitate the introduction and wide market adoption of GeoExchange technology in regional Victoria.

In 2007/08 the following grants were provided under the program:

$52,500 for the Corryong Innovation Centre;•

$46,600 for the Kaniva Senior Citizens building; and•

$46,600 for the Edenhope Senior Citizens building.•



Page | 19

Grow Your Business, Agenda for New Manufacturing and Opening Doors to Export Programs

Under these programs, assistance was provided to companies and organisations to undertake a range of projects that aimed to improve and build regional businesses in areas that included export and technology.

In 2007/08 a total of 44 Grow Your Business grants valued at $478,127 were provided to businesses and organisations in provincial Victoria. A further $101,199 was committed to 10 businesses under the Opening Doors to Export program.

Innovation and Regional Specialisation Opportunities through Science, Technology and Innovation

This initiative supports networks of councils, businesses, universities and research institutions to develop science, technology and innovation (STI) projects designed to promote regional specialisation, improve the linkages between regional industries and universities, and attract investment to emerging industries. As at 30 June 2008, progress included:

Approval of four projects (funding total of $200,000). • Recycling of Dye-House Waters – Geelong; Onsite Processing of Biowaste – Birchip Cropping Group; Intelligent Automation of Boiler Cleaning – Gippsland; and Community-based Biofuels Project – Mansfi eld.

Two of the above projects have been completed. The • potential impacts of these completed projects have been demonstrated by the building of collaborative partnerships and the preparation of business cases for the sourcing of demonstration funds (targeting around $2 million).

Ongoing marketing of program to stakeholders (research • providers, economic development units, and cluster groups).

Ongoing investigation and facilitation of project • opportunities (12 expressions of interest discussed).

Intermodal Freight Infrastructure Program

The $20 million Intermodal Freight Infrastructure Program, a sub-program of the RIDF, was established to improve the performance of the supply chain between regional export industries and ports, and to complement developments occurring in the growth of urban intermodal facilities. The program provides funding to facilitate the development of Intermodal hubs at key locations in regional Victoria. The Wimmera Intermodal Freight Hub was the fi rst project to receive funding ($2.25 million) in October 2006 and work has continued on this program through 2007/08.

Living Regions, Living Suburbs Program

The Living Regions, Living Suburbs Program supports initiatives promoting economic and social renewal in rural, regional and interface communities throughout Victoria. Particular emphasis is placed on adoption of innovative processes, socio-economic revitalisation, support for major tourism, and responses to natural disasters. In 2007/08, funding for 14 projects was announced, with a funding commitment of more than $1.9 million.

Local Dairy Industry Roads Program

The Local Dairy Industry Roads Program is a sub-program of the RIDF. It aims to improve the safety of local roads and the effi ciency and competitiveness of the dairy industry. The initiative provides funding through two streams for the upgrade of local roads and improvements to farm entrances.

In 2006/07 funding of nearly $4 million was provided for 16 projects. Funding agreements have been executed for all projects. The program continued to be active in 2007/08 as project construction and expenditure is phased in over the 2006/07 to the 2009/10 fi nancial years. Of the 16 projects approved, seven have been completed and fi ve are under construction or fi nalising completion. The other four are in planning and design phases.

The Local Road Dairy Farm Gate Access Scheme, managed by VicRoads, provides grants to dairy farmers to improve farm entrances for B-double access. At 30 June 2008, grants expenditure totalled $164,827.


Page | 20

Local Ports Infrastructure

The RIDF Local Ports Infrastructure initiative provides funding for new investment by local ports to upgrade, enhance and replace infrastructure, enabling them to remain important economic and community assets. Capital funding is available for projects that maintain and upgrade port assets to enhance access and safety, improve the delivery of services to local communities and ensure local ports play a strong role in provincial Victoria’s commercial fi shing, boating and tourism industries.

In 2007/08, RDV provided fi nancial assistance totalling $4.1 million for three local port localities around Victoria. Local ports funded included: the Gippsland Lakes; Corner Inlet and Port Albert; and Port Fairy.

Local Roads to Markets

RDV developed the Local Roads to Markets Program, a sub-program of the RIDF in 2006/07 for commencement on 1 July 2007. It expands the Local Dairy Roads Program to include selected agricultural and horticultural producers who do not have B-double access to their properties. The program aims to better link farms with local processing in sectors such as the timber, grain, fruit and processed food sectors. More than $2.6 million in funding was provided in 2007/08 to 20 individual local roads projects from 12 councils across regional Victoria.

The related Local Roads to Markets Farm Gate Access Scheme expands on the Local Dairy Roads Farm Gate Access Scheme to include all agricultural and horticultural industries. VicRoads manages the program and seven projects have been completed to date.

Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria Marketing Program

In 2007/08 RDV continued to deliver the Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria campaign in partnership with the State’s 48 regional and rural councils.

The Make it Happen campaign seeks to encourage Melburnians to relocate to provincial Victoria by promoting the benefi ts of living, working and investing in the regions.

The integrated marketing campaign raises awareness of provincial Victoria and helps regional councils make the most of this heightened interest by developing their own localised campaigns through grants given under the Provincial Economic Partnerships program.

The campaign is overseen by the Provincial Victoria Steering Committee, comprising representatives from provincial councils, regional development bodies and government departments.



Page | 21


Page | 22

Make Your Career Happen Campaign

The Make Your Career Happen in Provincial Victoria initiative aims to build and maintain business capability in regional Victoria through skill retention and attraction.

A range of projects are underway and are being delivered by industry. These projects are based around a number of priority skill gap areas such as building surveyors, rural doctors and building trades.

Known as the Key Industry Sector Statewide Development Program, proposals may comprise a number of the following elements:

a marketing campaign promoting the career • opportunities in provincial Victoria to a Melbourne and regional audience; and

an industry-based program delivering skill retention • and attraction projects.

Activities include:

regional industry visits to raise awareness of • regional career opportunities;

industry professional development to facilitate • access to appropriate, fl exible, targeted training; and

practical on-site experience and training such as • cadetships, traineeship and industry placement activities.

More recently, the campaign has been enhanced to support targeted, localised skills initiatives across individual or groups of rural and regional councils, known as the Attracting and Retaining Regional Skills Program.



Page | 23

Moving Forward: Update – The Next Two Years 2008 to 2010Moving Forward: Making Provincial Victoria the Best Place to Live, Work and Invest, the Government’s $502 million action plan released in November 2005, incorporates over 70 programs and initiatives to drive employment, population and investment growth in provincial Victoria over the medium to longer term.

In response to emerging challenges and opportunities, in June 2008 a renewed and refocused Moving Forward: Update – The Next Two Years 2008 to 2010 was unveiled setting out a series of Victorian Government actions in regional and rural Victoria.

The centrepiece of the Moving Forward Update is a landmark new regional planning initiative to boost the planning capacity of Victoria’s 48 regional and rural councils and accelerate the development of statutory plans for major regional growth centres.

In total, $68 million will be invested among fi ve priority areas:

$16.7 million to manage growth and change; •

$8.1 million for industry development;•

$7.38 million for skills development;•

$25.2 million for infrastructure development; and•

$10.88 million to tackle drought and changing climate.•

Above: Moving Forward Update publication launched 3 June 2008.


Page | 24

Natural Gas Extension Program

A sub-program of the RIDF, the $70 million Natural Gas Extension Program (NGEP) supports the expansion of the natural gas system to new areas of provincial Victoria. This program is now fully committed, with 34 towns successful under a competitive tender process.

As at 30 June 2008, connection to natural gas had occurred in 29 of the 34 towns with works to supply the remaining fi ve towns well underway.

This program represents the biggest expansion of the natural gas network in regional Victoria since the 1970s with more than 1,000 kilometres of pipeline laid and thousands of new households and businesses benefi ting from a cleaner and cheaper energy source.

An independent report found that the economic boost for provincial Victoria as a result of the NGEP would be $427.6 million over the next two decades in addition to the Government’s $70 million contribution. A large proportion of the positive economic impact – $309.5 million – is from the redirection of household and business energy savings as a result of connecting to natural gas.

Networks to Success

The Networks to Success Program promotes greater collaboration among rural and regional producers and processors to improve supply chain links and encourages cooperation in marketing, exporting tourism and industry development activities. Grants are available to incorporated organisations, a lead company or local government. Projects on a sectoral basis are encouraged. In the 2007/08 fi nancial year 10 projects were approved with a total value of $237,545.

New Investment Partnership Program

The Government’s investment in major infrastructure projects in provincial Victoria offers signifi cant potential for developing new business and industry opportunities, as well as attracting new residents and investment. Through the New Investment Partnerships Program (NIPP) the Government works in partnership with local councils, businesses, community groups and farmers to identify opportunities for new investment from projects leveraged from the Government’s investment in infrastructure.

The NIPP has two components:

The Wimmera Mallee Pipeline (WMP); and•

Enhanced Rail Services.•

Projects seek to drive industry, population and economic growth, with a particular focus on leveraging activity from the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline project and the State’s enhanced rail services to the regional cities of Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong and the Latrobe Valley.

As at 30 June 2008, four projects worth $1.88 million were being delivered by the Wimmera Development Association (WDA) and Department of Primary Industries in relation to the pipeline. The projects capitalise on the construction opportunities arising from the pipeline as well as secondary business benefi ts – on-farm and off-farm business opportunities.

The four projects underway are:

Sustainable Agribusiness Opportunities – • WMP Project

WDA Business Advisory Offi cer•

WDA Business Directory•

WDA Business Workshops.•

New Planning Cadetships and Traineeships

In 2006/07, RDV worked to develop new planning cadetships and traineeships to assist provincial councils manage growth in regional communities. Five new planning cadetships and fi ve new planning assistant traineeships in regionally based councils were created. Participating councils contribute salary and other costs towards the project, which helps local councils meet planning obligations and develop expertise in planning, as well as helping to redress the shortage of planners in provincial Victoria. The project is administered by the Planning Institute of Australia. This project began in August 2007 with a supporting promotional brochure prepared. Of the 24 students who applied for the cadetships, 10 were approved and placed across Victoria during the November/December 2007 or mid-2008 semester intakes. Of 18 applicants for the traineeships, nine were approved.



Page | 25

New Small Towns Program

Funded through the Provincial Victoria Growth Fund, the Municipal Association of Victoria is driving the delivery of a range of activities under the Small Towns Program. Two of the many highlights for 2007/08 were the inaugural Small Towns Summit hosted by the small town of Birchip in the Buloke Shire and the launch of the Rural Economic Opportunities Fund to support small communities generate new opportunities for growth.

New Support for the Wine Industry

Victoria now has around 850 wineries, with more than 90% operating on a small scale. While this provides great diversity and commitment to quality, it is diffi cult for small producers to make their presence felt in an intensely competitive wine market both domestically and overseas. To address this situation, the Government provided $200,000 over 2006/07 and 2007/08 to the Victorian Wine Industry Association (VWIA) for a new wine promotion strategy to establish Victoria as a preferred supplier in premium-market segments in Australia and overseas. The program has now been completed and activities undertaken by the VWIA include:

holding wine master classes and 19 regional branding • workshops;

undertaking trade events in Brisbane and Melbourne and • the Australia Day tastings in the UK;

creating a new website;•

producing a ‘Wines of Victoria’ booklet; and •

a regional photography project.•

The Government has also provided funding to give more small wineries access to the Wineskills Program, which provides business and marketing assistance to wineries which crush less than 1,000 tonnes of fruit per year. Five workshops have been held around the state and these have received positive feedback from participants.

On-Farm Energy Grant Program

The $4 million RIDF On-Farm Energy Grant Program helps farmers upgrade their electricity infrastructure.

In April the fi rst two grants were announced through the program – $1.8 million each for Powercor Australia and SP AusNet.

The program aims to remove a major impediment to growth for farmers, as most existing electricity infrastructure does not provide suffi cient supply for modern farming technology such as irrigation systems or milk cooling vats for dairy farmers.

The grants will enable farmers to apply directly to Powercor Australia and SP AusNet for funding of up to half the upgrade cost. Funding is available for the upgrade of high-voltage poles, pole-top structures, conductors, transformers and cables.


Page | 26

Planning for Growth (Support for Councils to Manage and Plan for Growth and Change)

Moving Forward acknowledged that while strong population growth opens up new opportunities, it also creates challenges for communities. These challenges include managing the expectations and choices of new residents, planning for future infrastructure requirements, developing appropriate planning mechanisms to deal with more intensive land use, while protecting country lifestyles and securing adequate land for future residential and industrial growth. Through Planning for Growth, grants are available to provincial councils and/or approved organisations for a range of priority for projects that:

address the community, social, infrastructure and • environmental impacts of growth;

minimise the impact of growth on country lifestyles;•

help communities to plan for the future; and•

tackle infrastructure problems in growth ‘hotspots’, • such as growing coastal areas.

In 2007/08, $220,000 in funding was given to four projects under the Planning for Change Program with a total value of $484,000.

In 2007/08, $3.3 million in funding was provided under the Planning for Growth Program to 31 projects with a total value of $5.5 million.

Promoting to the Domestic Consumer

In 2007/08, RDV continued to deliver the Promoting to the Domestic Consumer Program encouraging the recognition and consumption of Victorian food and wine through promotional and educational activity – both within Victoria and interstate. Building on the outcomes of the restaurant project in 2007, in May 2008 a number of small to medium-sized Victorian food and beverage producers exhibited at Restaurant ‘08 in Melbourne, a dedicated event for Australia’s restaurant sector. The event was successful with many visitors attending over the two days.

The RDV stand, featuring the Gippsland region, produced great outcomes including sales, new distributors and an enhanced understanding of Australia’s restaurant sector. This program will lead to growth and improved economic viability of regional food businesses. The program enables groups of fi rms, especially those working across a range of sectors to test, develop and expand new markets and educate targeted audiences.

Provincial Economic Partnerships Program

The Provincial Economic Partnerships Program provides funding to provincial councils to enhance and promote economic development opportunities, consistent with the Live, Work and Invest message of the Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria campaign. Two streams of the program – Economic and Marketing; and Professional Development – support projects assisting councils with tactical marketing projects to promote their region and economic development. In 2007/08 support was announced for 31 projects worth $684,313.



Page | 27


Page | 28

Provincial Leaders Development Program

The Provincial Leaders Development Program provides funding to support local initiatives that recognise and assist business and community leaders who will drive the strategies needed for economic sustainability and community development. Three streams of initiatives eligible for funding under this program are:

Regional Leaders Initiatives•

Local Leaders Initiatives•

Fellowships for Young Leaders.•

In 2007/08 a total of 18 projects with a grant value of $393,649 were funded which leveraged a total of $1.2 million in leadership projects. The 18 projects represent, one fellowship project, seven regional leadership projects, and 10 local leaders projects.

The projects range from one day workshops to weekend forums and year-long structured training.

Provincial Pathways Program

As outlined in Moving Forward, the Victorian Government is providing $7.6 million in funding assistance over four years for the development of pathways/trail networks to generate economic, social and recreational benefi ts.

Funding through the RIDF is available for infrastructure works to develop rail trails, pathways and walking track projects that demonstrate the potential to deliver on the Government’s stated objectives for provincial Victoria by:

stimulating tourism and other economic activity • by attracting more people, jobs and investment to regional Victoria;

delivering the right balance of skills and industry • needed to drive future growth; and

promoting sustainable development and better • land management.

During 2007/08 RDV worked on developing a number of projects to be ready for implementation during 2008/09. The projects are located across the state and include areas such as the Great Ocean Road tourism region, Gippsland and north east Victoria. A number of councils in other regions have indicated interest in developing shared pathways and are in the process of scoping projects for 2009/10 funding.

Provincial Victoria Events Program

The Provincial Victoria Events Program provides direct sponsorship for two categories of events in provincial communities announced in the Government’s Moving Forward statement:

The • Provincial Victoria Key Regional Events Program; and

The • Provincial Victoria Local Events Program.

The program is assisting regional events achieve their potential in driving economic development in provincial Victoria.

The objectives of the programs are to:

promote new and existing events that contribute • to economic development and business growth in provincial Victoria;

support existing key regional events to be • sustainable and contribute to business growth and socio-economic development; and

assist in linking communities with potential private • sponsors for local events.

In 2007/08, the Provincial Victoria Events Program provided grants of $707,000 for 16 key regional events and 40 local events, leveraging funding to a total of $6.3 million.



Page | 29

d

Regional Business Investment Ready Program

The Regional Business Investment Ready Program (RBIRP), completed in 2007/08, was a three year program designed to assist the attraction of a greater fl ow of capital into provincial Victoria. The program provided a range of tailored and structured services to assist high growth potential regional business owners. Services were delivered under contract by specialist providers:

Finance for Business Growth• - 14 workshops were delivered in 12 regional locations, with a total of 114 participants attending from across regional Victoria.

Roadmap for Successful Commercialisation• - Two Roadmap for Successful Commercialisation workshops and 11 advanced Commercialisation - Fork in the Road workshops were delivered. Over 120 participants attended the regional commercialisation workshop series and a successful Network Day was run on 25 October 2007.

Mentoring for Commercialisation Funding• - 36 new businesses were admitted to this module to receive mentoring services. Over $9 million of early commercialisation funding was secured.

Strategic Business Assistance• - 12 innovative businesses received tailored mentoring packages from specialist service providers. Strategic business assistance ensured these businesses were best placed to commercialise new products, including business structuring, intellectual property management and go-to-market strategies.

Regional Electrical Access Program

Businesses in regional Victoria can receive assistance from the RIDF to upgrade their electricity supplies through the new Regional Electrical Access Program (REAP) introduced in 2007/08. The program recognises that the cost of new and upgraded electrical connections in regional locations can be higher than in urban areas. REAP provides grants of up to 50 per cent of a business’s contribution where the works will also improve the energy capacity for surrounding properties.

Regional Industry Investment Program

The Regional Industry Investment Program (RIIP) has been established as a sub-program of the RIDF to secure, strengthen and assist the diversifi cation of the regional industry base; and promote economic development and improve the competitive capacity of regional Victoria through major private investment in capital works.

RIIP was developed in recognition of the long-term impact of drought, frost and bushfi re on Victoria and is targeted to attracting investment to strengthen the regional industry base and the capacity of communities to adapt to structural and climatic change.

Since the program began early in 2008 assistance has been provided for fi ve major regional investment projects, including:

Victorian-based, international mineral processing • equipment company, Gekko Systems’ investment of $5 million in a new Ballarat factory, creating 105 new jobs in the region. Gekko Systems specialises in the design, development and distribution of innovative mineral processing equipment and systems. Its headquarters are in Ballarat and it has offi ces in Canada and South Africa. Gekko Systems plans to grow its workforce to 250 over the next fi ve years.

One of India’s largest IT companies, Satyam Computer • Services’ development of a new software development and training campus at Geelong, creating 2000 jobs (1400 new jobs and 600 relocations).

Huyck Australia’s planned expansion of its paper machine • clothing manufacturing plant in Geelong that will deliver 30 new full-time jobs. The company is investing $7.5 million in the fi rst stage of the expansion to increase the plant’s capacity and capability to supply press felts to the world market.


Page | 30

Regional Infrastructure Development Fund

The Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) supports infrastructure projects that improve the competitive capacity of regional Victoria and enhance economic development through investment, job creation and the promotion of export opportunities.

In 2007/08, the Victorian Government announced funding from the RIDF worth $33.1 million for 46 projects. Additional announcements are expected to be made in early 2008/09. (A full list of the announced projects is identifi ed in Section 5, Grants and Output Targets).

Section 3.3 of this report contains information on RIDF sub-programs and case studies on RIDF-supported projects.

A RIDF grant will help Boomaroo Nurseries implement a rain and stormwater capture and treatment system. The project will enable the company’s planned $8 million expansion without increasing pressure on drinking water supplies in Lara, a town on Stage 4 water restrictions.

Regional Innovation Clusters Program

The Regional Innovation Clusters Program was completed in June 2008 with assistance for 20 clusters approved. The development of clusters has been emphasised to promote cooperation, innovation and knowledge exchange leading to economic development resulting in investments, jobs and exports.

Despite the conclusion of funding, RDV will continue to provide ongoing guidance and management of the cluster portfolio. The clusters developed in provincial Victoria cover a range of industries including: Aviation and Aerospace; Biotechnology and Health; Food Processing-Fruit Processing-Grains-Poultry-Seafood-Wine; ICT; Manufacturing; Marine; and Transport and Water Technology.

Regional Investment Initiative

This program commenced in 2004/05 to support projects that will attract new investment, assist in retaining and expanding existing businesses and improve the business practices of fi rms in regions. This program is available to regional businesses, regional councils and interface councils. Since the program’s inception 125 grants have been approved with a grant value of more than $6.4 million. The grants were provided for a variety of investment-related projects, such as direct assistance to companies seeking to invest, investment opportunity studies, economic development strategies and workshops, and business workshops.



Page | 31

Regional Inward Buyer Mission Program

The Regional Inward Buyer Mission Program provides one-off grants to facilitate inward buyer missions to regional Victoria by overseas enterprises seeking business opportunities, with a focus on growing niche areas.

In the 2007/08 year, nine projects were approved under the Program for a total of $185,000. Buyers came from across Asia, the Middle East, USA and New Zealand. A further four projects totalling $49,000 have been approved for 2008/09.

As part of the Regional Inward Buyer Mission Program, Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) has been funded to provide a series of export seminars and export related newsletters for regional businesses. In 2007/08, two seminars were held in regional Victoria. These seminars are region-specifi c, giving local businesses relevant and specifi c information.

Regional Networks (Victorian Business Centres)

RDV is widely accessible through Victorian Business Centres located across provincial Victoria in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura, Shepparton, Traralgon, Wangaratta and Wodonga. They provide a fi rst point of contact for accessing Government business services.

RDV staff are also located in Ararat, Bairnsdale, Colac, Horsham, Seymour, Warragul and Warrnambool.

Regional offi ces actively market and promote business and economic development programs and services to the following key local stakeholders:

local government/development associations and service • authorities;

industry/business associations;•

community groups;•

potential and established local businesses; and•

relevant State and Federal government departments.•

Regional offi ces also work closely with other agencies to maintain a whole-of-government approach to service provision.

They provide information and referral services for business, through co-location with other Government and business providers, including:

Area Consultative Committees;•

AusIndustry;•

Austrade;•

Australian Taxation Offi ce;•

Department of Primary Industries;•

Department for Victorian Communities;•

Industry Capability Network;•

Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry; • and

other local economic development agencies.•

Rural Showgrounds

In April 2008 an allocation of $500,000 was made to Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd through the RIDF for the establishment of a minor capital works program. The fi rst round under this program closed in July 2008 and is being reviewed.

In November 2007, a grant of up to $500,000 was announced to develop the Gippsland Field Days Lardner Park Exhibition Centre in partnership with the Gippsland Field Days and Commonwealth Regional Partnerships, with a total project cost of $2.7 million.

In March 2008, a $350,000 grant was announced to Moira Shire Council for the $2.3 million Numurkah Showground redevelopment.

Rural Skills Connect Program

Regions across Victoria are experiencing skills and labour shortages in a wide range of occupations. There are a number of skill priorities, essential for growing regional communities.

At the same time, farm workers, owners and operators affected by the drought are experiencing either an immediate need for employment or an opportunity to consider their medium to longer term employment options.

The objective of the Regional Skills Connect Program is to use the transferable skills of the farm-related rural sector to meet rural industry skill gaps. Over 12 months, each project seeks to engage rural farming workers, owners and operators who have a range of skills which have not been formally recognised but which may meet local business needs.


Page | 32

This is linked to a real identifi ed employment opportunity established directly with a business. The projects encourage businesses to consider innovative ways of employing people, such as fl exible hours, and facilitate the training needed to bridge any skills gap.

There are eight projects under way across 27 shires with funding of up to $250,000 available to each project:

Rural City of Wangaratta, Moira Shire and the • City of Greater Shepparton;

Bass Coast, West and South Gippsland • (South Gippsland, Bass Coast and Baw Baw);

Latrobe Valley and Eastern Gippsland • (East Gippsland, Wellington and Latrobe);

Wimmera (Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, • West Wimmera and Horsham);

Grampians Pyrenees (Northern Grampians, • Pyrenees and Ararat);

Northern (Wodonga, Indigo, Alpine and Towong);•

Southern (Benalla, Mansfi eld, Murrindindi and • Strathbogie); and

North West (Mildura Rural City, • Swan Hill Rural City and Buloke)

Small Business Advice and Referral Services

A range of services were provided to rural and regional small businesses, including information on starting, expanding and managing a business, referral to specialist service providers, access to enterprise development programs and investment facilitation assistance.

Small Towns Development Fund

A sub-program of the RIDF, the Small Towns Development Fund (STDF) helps small towns undertake practical economic and community development initiatives.

The STDF targets projects that aim to create new opportunities for growth via economic and social infrastructure. Between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008, $8.6 million in funding from the STDF was provided for 73 projects.

Projects for which STDF funding was announced in 2007/08 include:

Bannockburn Community and Cultural Hub • Phase 1 ($250,000);

Camperdown Theatre Royal Redevelopment • ($150,000);

Euroa Golf Course Water Reuse ($60,000);•

Seymour Chittick Park Redevelopment ($232,266); • and

Walwa Community Wastewater Treatment and • Reuse ($250,000).

A full list of these approved projects is identifi ed in 5.3 Small Towns Development Fund Grants.

Stock Over/Underpass Road Safety Program

The Stock Over/Underpass Road Safety Program (SOURS), a sub-program of the RIDF, has been in operation since August 2000, with a total program budget of $10 million. A 2005 evaluation found that the program was meeting and exceeding its key objectives, including improved road and workplace safety, increased farm effi ciency, and removal of impediments to the expansion of the dairy industry.

Since the program commenced in 2001, more than $8 million has been committed to 397 completed underpass projects. Due to the success of the SOURS program in meeting its objectives and the ongoing demand for assistance, the Government has continued to extend funding for the program. A new funding formula allows eligible farmers to claim an increased grant of up to $33,000.

The announcement had a positive and immediate effect on application numbers, with the Victorian Farmers Federation reporting that by 30 June 2008 a total of $780,000 has been provided to 36 completed underpass projects from the new funding.



Page | 33

Targeted Trade and Investment Mission Program

The Targeted Trade and Investment Mission Program was established under the Provincial Victoria Growth Fund in response to a need for a more targeted approach to increasing exports from regional Victoria.

The program was allocated a budget of $900,000 over three years.

In 2007/08, fi ve projects were approved to the value of $86,000. Missions went to Argentina, China and Italy, establishing strong relationships with key stakeholders on which to build future export sales. A further fi ve projects totaling $184,000 have been approved for 2008/09.

VicStart Regional Technology Commercialisation Program

The VicStart Regional Technology Commercialisation Program (RTCP) was completed in 2007/08. This three-year program involved a series of practical workshops, run over approximately 12 weeks, to help innovative individuals and businesses develop business cases for the commercialisation of new products. Services were delivered under contract by a specialist provider.

RDV actively facilitated the delivery of the third and fi nal annual cycle of the three-year program in major regional centres. A total of 59 businesses took part in one-day diagnostic workshops and 42 businesses participated in the fi ve intensive 11-week business case building programs.

Water for Industry Initiative

Water is fundamental to both our quality of life and our economic future. The current drought continues to bring this into sharp focus.

At a time when water supplies are at critical levels, this initiative secures the operation of key industries and the availability of this valuable resource for regional communities. Announced in November 2006 as part of the Government’s $146 million Drought Assistance Package, this allocation from the RIDF is available to industry, water authorities and councils in regional Victoria that can demonstrate water projects that increase security and availability of water supply.

During the 2007/08 year, $1.1 million of RIDF funding was allocated to the following projects:

$325,000 to Boomaroo Nurseries in Lara to offset up to • 100ML of potable water by implementing an independent non-potable raw water supply;

$635,474 to Central Highlands Water to reduce potable • water usage by 154ML at the Ballarat operations of McCain Foods Australia; and

$172,800 to GBP Exports, Poowong, to construct an • independent non-potable supply that can reduce potable demand by up to 100ML.


Page | 34

Throughout 2007/08, a range of initiatives continued to be delivered by other agencies under the Government’s provincial economic statement, Moving Forward: Making Provincial Victoria the Best Place to Live, Work and Invest. Regional Development Victoria continues to coordinate Moving Forward ensuring a collaborative whole-of-Government approach to making provincial Victoria the best place to live, work and invest:

Boosting Local Public Private PartnershipsThis pilot program provides support and assistance to local government in the development and delivery of complex/major projects, in particular those including private investment in public infrastructure, to enhance project management capabilities within local government. Delivered by Department of Treasury and Finance.

Boosting Recreational Fishing and Tourism Opportunities This project aims to increase opportunities for recreational fi shing across provincial Victoria, improved recreational fi shing facilities and infrastructure at selected sites, and the promotion of a more family-friendly and community-inclusive image for the sport. Delivered by Department of Primary Industries.

Breakthrough Eco-Tourism in Victoria’s State Forests This initiative aims to generate employment and economic benefi ts from greater investment in nature-based tourism at a limited number of sites in Victoria’s forests and Crown land reserves, particularly as logging decreases in some areas. Delivered by Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Bus Links to the Revitalised Rail NetworkThis program strengthened the regional transport network by improving regional bus services capitalise on recent rail improvements. Delivered by Department of Infrastructure.

Centre for Greenhouse and Energy Technology The CEGT initiative provides investment funds and support services for the development, demonstration and commercialisation of technologies in fossil fuels, renewables and energy effi ciency. Delivered by Department of Primary Industries.

Community Management of Crown Land This program helps volunteer communities managing Crown land reserves in provincial Victoria with assistance to arrest physical deterioration, improve accessibility, protect natural values, increase viability and increase community use of reserves. Delivered by Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Country Football and Netball ProgramThis program co-funded with the AFL provides grants to assist grassroots country football and netball clubs to develop facilities in regional and rural councils, including football, netball and umpire facilities; shared community, club and social facilities; multi-use facilities; and lighting. Delivered by Department of Planning and Community Development.

CRC for Innovative Dairy ProductsConcluded in 2007/08, this project investigated potential bioactive compounds in the primary milk stream which are now undergoing detailed evaluation post-project, including cardiovascular screening. Delivered by Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.

Developing Gold UndercoverThis program supports the discovery of Victoria’s potentially large undiscovered and unexplored gold resources (estimated to be up to 80 million ounces with a current market value of about $75 billion) to attract new investment in gold to Victoria. Delivered by Department of Primary Industries.

Developing the Latrobe Valley’s Resources Future This initiative seeks to establish a favourable environment to encourage new sustainable investment in the Latrobe Valley based on brown coal, with signifi cant fl ow-on benefi ts for the State. Delivered by Department of Primary Industries.



Page | 35

Growing Regional ArtsThis $8 million initiative assists the operation and programming of provincial arts facilities by supporting regional tours of some of the state’s ‘fl agship’ arts companies, and offering councils in regional Victoria a support package for their professional arts programs. Delivered by Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Implementing the Plantation Incentives StrategyThis strategy manages barriers to investment in plantations, provides incentives for the establishment of plantations where they provide environmental benefi ts, and invest in research, development and extension to support industry development.

Delivered by Department of Primary Industries.

Indexation of Regional Differential Paid to Regional TAFE Institutions This was introduced in 1999 to compensate the nine regional TAFE institutions for the expense of operating with small class sizes, extra travel and high communication costs.

Delivered by Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.

Investing in Next Generation BroadbandThis project builds on existing Government initiatives and supports the development of next generation broadband (NGN) infrastructure, services and applications in regional areas. Delivered by Multimedia Victoria.

Keeping the Port of Lakes Entrance OpenA major investment of $31.5 million over six years to replace plant and equipment and trial new approaches to mitigate siltation in the Port of Lakes Entrance to keep it open, navigable and safely operating.

Delivered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Marketing Provincial Victoria ProgramThe Government allocated $11 million from the Provincial Victoria Growth Fund for Tourism Victoria to develop and deliver a comprehensive four-year tourism campaign for Provincial Victoria, creating new opportunities to build a higher profi le for Victoria’s regional tourism assets. Major activities undertaken during 2007/08 include:

• Raising awareness of the unique tourism experiences in Provincial Victoria including the development of brand campaigns for the Goldfi elds, Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, and Daylesford and Macedon Ranges

• Providing additional funding to Regional Campaign Committees and Strategic Alliances through the Regional Marketing Program (RMP) to undertake regional marketing

• Developing new and innovative tourism products enhancing strengths in the areas of food and wine and nature-based tourism

• Undertaking marketing campaigns for key segments including bed and breakfast and caravanning, highlighting key destinations, themes and attractions

• Implementing an Aboriginal marketing program in conjunction with Victoria’s Aboriginal tourism industry to support indigenous tourism product’s in regional Victoria

• Supporting the Postcards television program which highlights key regional destinations and attractions across the State

• Undertaking cooperative trade marketing campaigns highlighting fl y-drive packages in key interstate markets

• Showcasing major touring routes in regional Victoria and the continuation of the Victorian Pictorial Signs Revitalisation Project

• Implementing initiatives to boost tourism skills in regional areas including leadership development programs. The regions of focus have been Gippsland and the Grampians.

Delivered by Tourism Victoria, DIIRD.

y


Page | 36

Park and Ride StationsSeven new Parkways (Park and Ride facilities) have now been completed at Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Drouin, Garfi eld, Gisborne, Lara and Wallan, offering convenient public transport access from the highway.Delivered by Department of Transport.

Positioning Provincial Victoria to Capitalise on Skilled Migration The Workforce Transition Program (WTP) was established to extend workplace orientation services and work experience placements for skilled migrants into Provincial Victoria. This initiative will contribute to the Government’s target of Victoria’s population reaching 6 million by 2025 and regional population growth increasing by 1.25% annually from 2006.

Delivered by Department of Planning and Community Development.

Refi tting V/Line’s Regional Train FleetIn 2007/08, six Sprinters, two 4-carriage H sets, 4x4 N class trains and 2 BZN carriages were refurbished with new soft furnishings, upgraded toilets and washrooms and exterior livery to match the new V’Locity trains. Delivered by Department of Transport.

Regional Bus ServicesThis program extends bus services within regional towns and cities experiencing strong population growth. Some of the new bus services include: the King and Ovens Valleys; Donald to Horsham; Hopetoun to Warracknabeal; Woomelang to Sea Lake; Ultima to Swan Hill; Rainbow to Jeparit to Horsham; and Grampians to Warrnambool. Delivered by Department of Transport.

Services and Information for New Land Managers This project assists Victorian small landholders to understand their land management responsibilities as new property owners to ensure they have realistic expectations of living in rural Victoria, and are aware

of appropriate land management practices and their obligations as land managers. Delivered by Department of Primary Industries.

Skills and Jobs for Disadvantaged Workers This project provides disadvantaged Victorians with sustainable employment opportunities in Western Victoria’s manufacturing sector and North East Victoria’s transport, distribution and logistics industry. Four projects have begun in Ballarat and Western Victoria to address the skill needs of manufacturing industry and nine projects working with the transport, distribution and logistics industry. Delivered by Department of Planning and Community Development.

Strategic Industry Road PlansA study undertaken to identify road transport issues for key regional industries. The study fi ndings will be used to assist in determining priorities for road infrastructure improvements and maintenance in provincial Victoria. Delivered by VicRoads.

Tackling Weeds and Pests in High-Risk Rural Areas This initiative is aimed at improving the management of pest plants and animals through three components: implementing changes to the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 to improve weed management, improving community participation in pest animal management; and increasing weed management support to community and Landcare groups in lifestyle regions. Delivered by Department of Primary Industries.

Targeted BushTender A new project aimed at providing cost-effective incentives to private landholders who are contracted to improve native vegetation on their land, which will in turn lead to further economic, social and environmental benefi ts through the adoption of sustainable land use practices. Delivered by Department of Sustainability and Environment.



Page | 37


Page | 38

3.2 Case Studies 2007/08The case examples in this section showcase the achievements of Regional Development Victoria through the delivery of programs and services that capture opportunities for growth in provincial Victoria.

$10,000 for Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show

The 12th annual Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show of 7–8 June 2008 was the biggest yet, with the addition of a Saturday night country music feature. The show, one of the largest events in Murrindindi Shire, was assisted by a $10,000 Provincial Victoria Local Events Program grant to the Alexandra Traders and Tourism Association. For many retailers in the town, the show is their busiest trading period of the year. Many businesses in the region have been affected by the ongoing drought; the funding helped to lift spirits in the town, boosted the economy and provided fundraising opportunities for service clubs and other organisations. An emphasis on attracting visitors to stay overnight in the district promoted Alexandra as a holiday destination.

$472,500 for Skills Initiatives in the Wimmera

In May 2008 two grants were announced totalling $472,500 in funding for two projects to tackle skills shortages in the Wimmera. A $250,000 Wimmera Rural Skills Connect project will help at least 40 people working in the farm sector transfer their skills to meeting rural industry skills gaps. The $222,500 Wimmera Southern Mallee Global Skills initiative will attract up to 65 skilled migrants to the region over the next two-and-a-half years. The wealth of skills and experience farmers have developed running highly complex and technical enterprises will be tapped by the Wimmera Rural Skills Connect program in the Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and West Wimmera shires and Horsham Rural City Council. It is funded under the $2.5 million Rural Skills Connect initiative, part of the Government’s $100 million drought assistance package announced in October 2007. It will focus on skills in demand in western Victoria such as welding, transport, machinery operation, hospitality and aged care, creating a minimum of 40 effective full-time jobs over 12 months. The Wimmera Southern Mallee Global Skills project, an initiative of the Wimmera Development Association, Horsham Rural City Council and the West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and Buloke shires, will promote the Wimmera region to skilled migrants, identify skills shortages and provide information to employers.

20 New Morwell Manufacturing Jobs

A $50,000 grant under the Regional Investment Initiative is helping a Mirboo North manufacturer develop a new plastics moulding operation in Morwell, creating up to 20 local jobs. Kiel Industries relocated from Melbourne to the Latrobe Valley in the early 1990s and has grown rapidly. It is a major employer in the region, manufacturing a range of moulded products including pallet bases, road safety barriers and water tanks. The grant will enable the company to fi nish the fi rst two stages of a total $3.5 million expansion of its site in Tramway Road, Morwell, which will include the installation of two new rotational moulding kilns.



Page | 39

$99,000 for Leadership Ballarat and Western Region

RDV supported the Leadership Ballarat and Western Region program in 2007/08 with a $99,000 grant. The program, which was established in 2005 by the Committee for Ballarat, develops future leaders across the City of Ballarat, Ararat Rural City and Hepburn, Moorabool, Golden Plains and Pyrenees shires. It encourages imaginative and informed thinking about the future of the region. Participants are drawn from the corporate, local government, small business, agriculture, arts, health, education, environment and community sectors. Selection is based on demonstrated leadership potential. Participants are high achievers, have a genuine interest in community matters and are prepared to accept the time commitment of the program, which develops the leadership skills essential for continued economic growth in Provincial Victoria.

$15,000 for Youth Services’ Leadership Program in Wodonga

Wodonga Council’s Youth Services Leadership Program benefi ted in 2007/08 from a $15,000 RDV grant to provide young people with opportunities to experience leadership responsibilities within the community. The 12-month program trains participants in decision-making, negotiation, effective communication, people skills, social responsibility and project investigation and planning. It also provides an opportunity for experienced community leaders to transfer their knowledge, skills and community values to tomorrow’s leaders and to inspire a group of young people to display active leadership through a community project. At the completion of the program participants qualify for two units of competency from a nationally recognised training package (‘Manage Projects’ and ‘Contribute to Effective Workplace Relationships’). It encourages young people to become active community and business leaders in Wodonga.

Grant to Help Ballarat Food Cluster Build Markets

Food companies in the Ballarat region will capitalise on opportunities in the domestic and export markets with the help of a $50,000 grant made in September 2007 to the City of Ballarat for two projects under the Regional Innovation Clusters Program (RICP). The Ballarat Food Cluster’s extended shelf life project will explore the use of innovative packaging techniques for the food service and retail sectors. It will also look at ingredients to be used in the creation of new ready-to-eat long-life products. The University of Ballarat will be central to an indigenous foods project, in which a number of innovative food companies will collaborate on developing local ingredients that can be used in baking. These include bush tomato, wild limes, wattle seed, mountain pepper, aniseed myrtle, lemon myrtle and native mint. The RICP recognises the key role that clusters play in boosting innovation, developing skills and commercialising ideas and knowledge in regional Victoria. The cluster is supported by the City of Ballarat, Central Highlands Water, and the University of Ballarat. It provides a network in which members can exchange information relevant to their industry.


Page | 40

Support for Goulburn Murray Water Technology Cluster

A $150,000 grant made in 2007/08 to the Shire of Moira under the Regional Innovation Clusters Program will allow the Goulburn Murray Water Technology Cluster to undertake a range of water saving initiatives. The cluster is made up of water technology providers and users, education providers, key water industry bodies and local government. It covers the Goulburn and Murray valleys and includes Moira and Campaspe shires and the City of Greater Shepparton.

Clustering enables businesses and the higher education sector to establish closer working relationships that can lead to a competitive advantage for their region.

The grant will be used to:

develop tailored solutions to more effi cient water use through detailed analysis, identifi cation and application • of innovative technologies (including software programs) to add value to the agribusiness sector;

facilitate export by identifying sources of competitive advantage, packaging of existing technologies, • development of marketing and branding strategies and the identifi cation of potential new markets;

undertake a technology audit and skills analysis of the water technology sector in the Goulburn Murray region • and develop a data bank to facilitate information exchange and knowledge sharing; and

employ a cluster manager to drive these initiatives and the delivery of the cluster’s broader objectives.•

$12,000 to support Horsham’s Awakenings Festival

Australia’s only regional disability arts festival was supported by a $12,000 Provincial Victoria Local Events Program grant to the Horsham Rural City Council. The Awakenings Arts Festival, which ran from 12 to 21 October 2007 in Horsham, drew performers and participants from around Australia. It encompassed all levels of performance experience, from grassroots to professional, featuring performing and visual arts that showcased the work of artists with disabilities. It included a breakfast conference, workshops, school and community performances, a ball, outdoor adventures, a photographic competition, live indoor and street performances, buskers and stalls. RDV funding was applied to the Awakening Roberts Place component of the festival. It featured a community and farmers’ market in central Horsham, supporting a number of local producers, businesses and community enterprises and helping to attract people from across the Wimmera. Now in its 12th year, the festival involves more than 750 participants, draws on more than 500 volunteers and is attended by about 11,000 people. A University of Ballarat study found the average nightly spend per registered participant or performer was $76.50 and the average stay four nights.

$20,000 boost to International Dairy Week in Tatura

International Dairy Week, the largest annual dairy cattle sale and show in the southern hemisphere, was held in Tatura in January 2008 with the help of a $20,000 grant from the Next Generation Food Strategy. The event showcased the best quality cattle to more than 6,000 visitors from across Australia and more than 20 overseas countries. Victoria’s dairy industry employs 19,000 people on farm and in processing. It has a turnover of $5.12 billion and, with exports of $2.13 billion, is the largest food export sector. International Dairy Week generates about $6.6 million in direct spending in the local economy and more than $12 million indirectly. The event provided Victorian dairy farmers with information on the latest dairy practices and innovations from leading national and international genetics companies, industry suppliers and breeders. This year it included a world symposium on the Illawarra breed.



Page | 41

Grant Backs Uptake of Biofuels

An $80,000 grant to the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) through the Living Regions Living Suburbs program will encourage the use of biofuels in Victoria’s road transport sector. The VTA will promote biofuels by communicating information and case studies to its 800 members through direct campaigns, its website and industry events. The project is expected to play an important role in helping Victoria achieve its aim of having biofuels comprise fi ve per cent of all fuel consumed by 2010. In addition to bringing environmental benefi ts, biofuels will generate employment opportunities and economic activity in provincial Victoria in feedstock and biofuels production. The grant ties into the Victorian Government’s $5 million Biofuels Infrastructure Grants (BIG) program. All Government vehicles must be fi lled with ethanol blended fuel when it is available.

$4,000 for Avoca Camel Cup, Wool and Wine Festival

The Avoca Camel Cup, Wool and Wine Festival on 8 June 2008 was supported by a $4,000 Provincial Victoria Events Program grant to the Pyrenees Shire Council. The festival, held for the fi rst time and staged in Avoca, showcased the region’s wool, wine and fi ne arts. The community rallied behind the new festival, which brought substantial benefi ts through accommodation bookings and merchandise sales.

Funding Draws Over 30,000 Monthly Visitors to East Gippsland Website

Launched in November 2007, the new East Gippsland website (www.discovereastgippsland.com.au) has generated a great response, attracting over 33,000 unique visitors in June 2008, increasing from 13,763 in December 2007.

The new website, partly funded through a Provincial Economic Partnership grant, seeks to promote East Gippsland as a prime location for investment and lifestyle migration, market the region as a tourist attraction, and link regional businesses with the wider community. Building on the Live, Work and Invest message of RDV’s Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria campaign, the website is structured in three sections, Tourism, Business and Lifestyle and includes editorial information as well as a large number of listings for local business operators. The success of the website demonstrates the real need for a central source of information about the East Gippsland region and the quality of the information provided on the site.

Restored Wurlitzer Organ Launched at Warragul Wesley Centre

A $3,000 grant from the Provincial Victoria Local Events Program helped Baw Baw Shire Council attract more than 200 organ enthusiasts from all parts of Australia and around the world to a musical convention held on the long weekend of 21 to 24 March 2008. The highlight was the launch of a restored 1924 Wurlitzer Organ at the Wesley Centre in Warragul. The Warragul Theatre Organ Society raised $75,000 for the restoration. Recitals by renowned local organist David Johnson and others strengthened the town’s cultural reputation and showcased the beautiful Wesley Centre, which was restored with the assistance of a Victorian Government grant of $287,000 in 2005.


Page | 42

$16,000 to Aid Expansion of the Australian Turntable Co

After three years of continued growth, the Australian Turntable Co Pty Ltd (ATC) recognised the need to restructure and invest in training and skills transfer to expand capacity and grow their niche business.

In May 2008, ATC successfully completed a $16,000 Community Regional Industry Skills Program (CRISP II). Through the program, a comprehensive training audit was conducted and a training plan developed for its staff. This focused on enhancing business skills and managing to support their growing export trade.

Outcomes included the creation of 10 new positions at their Kangaroo Flat factory, capital investment of $200,000 in new machinery including a welding robot operating up to 20 hours a day and implementation of their $40,000 training plan. The company is currently working on over $3 million worth of export projects in Iran, France, Las Vegas and the United Kingdom.

Geoexchange Centre of Excellence

As part of the launch of Moving Forward Update: The Next two Years 2008 to 2010, $150,000 was provided for the development of a Geoexchange Centre of Excellence. The centre will advance the knowledge and skills needed for the industry’s growth by providing technical resources and assistance to educate tradespeople and the public on the benefi ts of geoexchange systems.

Gold Workforce Development Plan

Recognising that future investment in the Victorian minerals industry would be infl uenced by the availability of a skilled workforce located in regional Victoria, $200,000 was provided under the Moving Forward: Making Provincial Victoria the Best Place to Live, Work and Invest action plan to assist the Minerals Council of Australia – Victorian Division (MCA) implement the recommendations of the 2005 National MCA report on solving skills shortages in the mining industry. The Provincial Victoria Minerals Industry Skills Study was completed in July 2007 and examined the impact and extent of skills shortages in regional Victoria and investigated and recommended strategies for the attraction, retention and training of an adequate pool of skilled people for the Victorian mining industry.

North Shepparton Community Hub

In December 2007 RDV, through the Provincial Victoria Growth Fund, committed $512,000 to a $3.8 million redevelopment of two major adjacent sites in Shepparton – Parkside estate owned by the Offi ce of Housing and the former Parkside Gardens site owned by the City of Greater Shepparton.

This priority renewal initiative furthers the Growing Victoria Together goal of building friendly, confi dent and safe communities by addressing social, economic and environmental disadvantage. This is a project of Federal, State and Local Government, with RDV joined by the Victorian Departments of Human Services and VicUrban led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Aboriginal Affairs.

Affordable housing is to be developed at the former Parkside Gardens international village site. The Hub will increase education opportunities, particularly in adult community education and training programs. The Community Café, for example, will be the venue for hospitality training linked to programs managed at the adjacent secondary college. About 80 jobs will be supported among construction workers and materials suppliers before the Hub is expected to open in June 2009, creating 12 permanent community service delivery jobs and three jobs in the cafe.



Page | 43

3.3 Regional Infrastructure Development Fund Year in ReviewThe Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) supports infrastructure projects that improve the competitive capacity and liveability of regional Victoria by generating economic prosperity, driving investment, jobs and population growth, and supporting community well-being.

Funding is provided for capital works in six main areas:

Water;•

Education and ICT;•

Energy;•

Industry development;•

Tourism and arts; and•

Transport.•

RIDF Funding Arrangements and Budget

The RIDF was established by the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund Act 1999 as a Trust Fund in the Public Account.

The establishment of the RIDF as a Trust Fund enables RIDF funding to be held in trust to meet project funding commitments as they fall due while at the same allocating annual budget provisions to new capital works projects.

Allocations to the fund vary from year to year in accordance with the Government’s broader Budget strategy. Total RIDF funding provided by the Victorian Government is $585.68 million for the period 2000/01 to 2009/10, with $483.68 million made available to 30 June 2008.

As the diagram (below left) illustrates, RIDF funding has been allocated to new projects in line with the cumulative budget allocation. Expenditure associated with the committed funds typically lags behind project approvals – a refl ection of the long lead times associated with capital works projects and the milestone or performance-based funding agreements that are a feature of the RIDF.

The balance held in the RIDF Trust Fund at 30 June 2008 was $199.49 million, as is shown in Section 5.5 Revenue and Expenses. It is projected that all RIDF funds will be fully committed at the conclusion of 2009/10.

Measuring the Benefi ts

Evaluation of the Economic Impacts of the RIDF

Several evaluation processes have been undertaken during the life of the RIDF. 2007/08 saw the most signifi cant and comprehensive to date – an evaluation by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) of the economic impacts of the RIDF from July 2001 to March 2008.

During this period the fund had committed a total of $320 million to 163 capital works projects. Eighty-three completed projects, with a RIDF contribution of $134 million, were examined in the study.

Key fi ndings:

In addition to the fund’s role in strengthening regional • and rural communities, it has provided signifi cant benefi ts to the State’s economy with increases in household consumption, investment, employment and export and income volume.

The infrastructure projects created 393 full-time jobs and • added an average of $10.9 million annually to the gross state product (GSP) during their construction period alone.

Once operational, the infrastructure boosted employment • in provincial Victoria by nearly 4,000 jobs (3,896) on average each year from 2001 to 2007 and is now adding an extra $116.5 million every year to Victoria’s GSP.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Annual ExpenditureAnnual Commitments Annual Budget

2009/102008/092007/082006/072005/062004/052003/042002/032001/022000/010

100

200

300

400

$ m

illion

s

$ millions

500

600

700

CumulativeExpenditure

Cumulative Commitments Cumulative Budget

2009/102008/092007/082006/072005/062004/052003/042002/032001/022000/01


Page | 44

Two-thirds of project partners surveyed for the • study said their projects would not have proceeded without the contribution of the RIDF. RIDF funding created the confi dence needed to leverage investment from other levels of government and the private sector.

The $134 million of RIDF funding towards the • completed projects had leveraged $277 million from other sources, while the total $320 million allocated by RIDF to complete and incomplete projects had leveraged $790 million from other sources. This equates to a direct leverage ratio of $2.47 for every dollar committed by RIDF.

New educational facilities and ICT projects that • facilitate research reveal their benefi ts over the longer term. Natural gas extension to regional towns may not always directly create jobs but it enhances population retention and growth and reduces costs to industry. Social infrastructure such as new arts facilities contributes to overall community well-being by increasing liveability and social participation.

The full report, including breakdowns of economic impacts by region, is available on RDV’s website at www.rdv.vic.gov.au.

Evaluation of Industrial Estates Program

The RIDF provides funding for councils to develop or enhance industrial land and industrial estates as a means of attracting new business, jobs and investment to provincial Victoria.

In 2007, RDV commissioned a report by Impact Consulting Group to evaluate the economic impact and benefi ts of the 14 industrial estates established to date with assistance from RIDF funding. The study found that RIDF funding for industrial estates in provincial Victoria has directly contributed to growth in jobs, investment, exports and population (through the attraction of skilled workers).

The total cost to establish all of the 14 estates was $46.5 million, with the RIDF contribution being $8.2 million. RIDF contributions ranged from $60,887 for the Nathalia Industrial Estate, to $2 million for the Wodonga Logic Freight Centre.

Key fi ndings of the evaluation:

$1 of RIDF funding was responsible for generating • $33.29 in direct leveraged investment (averaged across all 14 industrial estates). This exceptional ratio was driven by the signifi cant investment in the Wodonga Logic Freight Centre by Wodonga City Council and anchor tenant Woolworths.

The total direct leveraged investment across the 14 • industrial estates was estimated at $244.2 million.

1,181 new full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs • were directly created as a result of the 14 estates.

248 full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs were • transferred to the industrial estates.



Page | 45

The iconic Hepburn Mineral Springs Bathhouse was renovated with RIDF funding.


Page | 46

RIDF Sub-Program HighlightsThe table below provides an overview of key achievements of some of the RIDF sub-programs during 2007/08.

RIDF Program 2007/08 Key Achievements

Aviation Infrastructure (Regional Aviation Fund)

Funding for upgrades of the following airports: Stawell ($950,000); Latrobe Valley ($492,000); and Mallacoota ($791,000).

Biofuels Infrastructure Program Continued work on the Biofuels Road Map and Action Plan.

Building Arts and Cultural Infrastructure

• $300,000 provided towards the upgrade of the Eastbank Centre in Shepparton.

• $570,000 for the upgrade of four key arts facilities across Glenelg Shire.

Intermodal Freight Infrastructure Program

Continued work on the development of the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Hub.

Local Dairy Industry Roads Program and Farm Gate Access Scheme/Local Roads to Market Program and Farm Gate Access Scheme

Local Dairy Industry Roads Program:

• Roll-out of 16 projects to improve key local dairy routes for safer and more effi cient access by B-double dairy tankers.

• Farm Gate Access Scheme: As at 30 June 2008, grants expenditure totalled $164,827.

Local Roads to Market Program:

• More than $2.6 million in funding provided for 20 roads projects to assist agricultural and horticultural producers who do not have B-double access to their properties.

Local Ports Infrastructure Provided $4.1 million for upgrades to three port localities - the ports of Gippsland Lakes, Port Fairy, and Corner Inlet and Port Albert.

Natural Gas Extension Program A further four towns were connected to natural gas and more than 200 kilometres of pipeline laid. Since the program commenced around 1,000 kilometres of pipeline has been laid and 29 towns connected to natural gas, providing thousands of households and businesses with a cleaner and cheaper energy source.

On-Farm Energy Grant Program Two grants announced for electricity suppliers Powercor Australia and SP AusNet ($1.8 million each). Farmers can apply directly to the companies for half the cost of upgrading their electricity infrastructure to support modern farming technology.

Provincial Pathways Program Worked on a number of projects that will be ready for implementation in 2008/09, including rail trails, pathways and walking tracks in the Great Ocean Road, Gippsland and North East Victoria tourism regions.



Page | 47

RIDF Program 2007/08 Key Achievements

Regional Electrical Access Program

This new program was introduced on 3 June 2008 and provides grants of up to 50 per cent of the cost of a business’ contribution towards electricity upgrades where the works will also improve the energy supply for surrounding properties.

Regional Industry Investment Program

Five grants have been provided since the program’s establishment in early 2007 including funding to:

• Mineral processing equipment company, Gekko Systems in Ballarat;

• Satyam Computer Services, towards the development of a new software development and training campus in Geelong;

• Huyck Australia to assist with the expansion of its manufacturing plant in Geelong.

Rural Showgrounds • In April 2008, an allocation of $500,000 was made to Victorian Agricultural Show Ltd through the RIDF for the establishment of a minor capital works program.

• In November 2007, a grant of up to $500,000 was announced to Gippsland Field Days to establish the Lardner Park Exhibition Centre with a total project cost of $2.7 million.

• In March 2008, a $350,000 grant was announced to Moira Shire Council for the $2.3 million Numurkah Showgrounds redevelopment.

Stock Over/Underpasses Road Safety Program

Since the program commenced in 2001, more than $8 million has been committed to 397 completed underpass projects.

Water for Industry Initiative During the year, $1.1 million of funding was allocated to the following projects:

• $325,000 to Boomaroo Nurseries in Lara to implement an independent non-potable raw water supply;

• $635,474 to Central Highlands Water to reduce potable water usage by 154ML at the Ballarat operations of McCain Foods Australia; and

• $172,800 to GBP Exports, Poowong, to construct an independent non-potable supply that can reduce potable demand from its abattoir by up to 100ML.


Page | 48

RIDF Case StudiesThe following provides a illustration of the RIDF projects announced or completed in the 2007/08 fi nancial year.

Industry development

GPSnet to help farmers improve effi ciencyThe RIDF is contributing $3.42 million towards the Victorian Government’s $6.92 million upgrade of the State’s high-accuracy satellite positioning and navigation-based services.

The RIDF contribution will fund the infrastructure to increase the number of Continuously Operating Reference (COR) stations in Victoria’s global positioning satellite network (GPSnet) from 30 to 102, making it the largest network of any Australian state.

The 72 new stations, to be located across regional Victoria, will improve the accuracy of the GPSnet, enabling users to pinpoint their location almost anywhere in Victoria to within a few millimetres. At present, this level of positional accuracy is only consistently available in the Melbourne region.

The improved system is expected to signifi cantly increase the effi ciency of Victorian farmers, who will be able to use the technology to automatically guide tractors and harvesters. There will also be benefi ts for a wide range of commercial and government activities, including construction, mining, engineering, mapping, surveying, utilities, transport, emergency services and even weather prediction. The GPSnet expansion will be constructed in stages, from 2008 to 2011.

$2.18m for Maryborough Industrial Estate The future prosperity of Central Goldfi elds Shire received a boost in May 2008 through a $2.18 million RIDF grant to establish a seven-lot industrial estate in Maryborough. The Goldfi elds Export Cluster project is expected to create 45 new jobs and generate $8.5 million of new investment in its fi rst three years.

The industrial estate is well positioned to attract food-related industries due to having appropriate planning and regulatory requirements already in place. Once fully developed, it will generate total investment of at least $24 million and create 120 new jobs in Maryborough and the region. Central Goldfi elds Shire, which is eager to develop employment opportunities by attracting new industries, is encouraging export-focused businesses to become estate tenants and has received strong interest.

The council will contribute half of the $4.36 million project cost. Works include the provision of gas, power, water and sewerage; roadworks and a minor rail level-crossing upgrade; bulk earthworks and drainage; and the construction of a council-owned-and- operated weighbridge.



Page | 49

Industry development

Audit of Industrial Land in Provincial VictoriaProperty developers and businesses looking to relocate to provincial Victoria will fi nd it easier to identify suitable locations, thanks to an online database that maps all industrial land across regional and rural Victoria. In 2007/08 RDV funded and worked with Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) to gather information through the state-wide Audit of Industrial Land in Provincial Victoria. The state-wide audit was undertaken by DPCD and the initiative will ensure there is suffi cient industrial land to meet the future needs of our growing economy.

The audit will, for the fi rst time, provide a complete picture of all land in provincial Victoria zoned for industrial use. This information will assist local councils in the strategic planning of land use over the next fi ve to 10 years. An online repository provides maps, schedules and reports on the industrial land available in more than 161 Victorian towns across the State.

The information will be accessible via www.rdv.vic.gov.au/industrialland.


Page | 50

Water

$325,000 for Boomaroo Nurseries’ Water ProjectA $325,000 grant announced in November 2007 will allow a major Victorian seedling nursery to expand without increasing pressure on drinking water supplies in Lara, a town on Stage 4 water restrictions. Boomaroo Nurseries supplies vegetable growers in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales with 260 million seedlings a year. Its $8 million expansion will boost production capacity by 60 per cent but also increase water needs from 150ML to 250ML a year. A grant from the RIDF Water for Industry initiative will fi nance half of a $650,000 project by Boomaroo to capture rainwater from glasshouse roofs, run-off from the site, stormwater from adjoining residential areas and drainage water from seedling irrigation. The water will be treated through specifi cally designed wetlands, fi ltered, held in a storage basin, disinfected and collected again after being used. Water for Industry recognises that industry is a signifi cant user of water in regional communities. It supports projects that provide sustainable benefi ts to the local economy and communities, including water recycling projects that reduce industry’s call on town water supplies.

$172,800 for Water Project at Poowong Abattoir

Poowong and its abattoir will be better able to cope with water shortages with the help of a $172,800 grant from the RIDF’s Water for Industry initiative. Poowong draws its water from the Little Bass Reservoir, which has a capacity of 209ML, of which an average of 120ML a year has been used by GBP Exports’ abattoir. In June 2006, South Gippsland Water had to truck in water for the Poowong community and the abattoir was restricted to a changing daily water ration. The operation, which employs 175 staff, was sometimes forced to close because it could not complete wash-down on a partial allocation of water. The grant will help the company capture up to 100ML of water a year, reducing its demand on the town’s potable water supply by 80 per cent. It provides for enlarging an existing on-stream dam, increased usage of groundwater from an existing bore, and the capture of rainwater and surface run-off from the site into an existing dam.

Grant Helps Ballarat Processor Save Town Water

Ballarat’s largest water user, McCain Foods, will reduce its potable water use by up to 50 per cent as the result of a $635,474 RIDF grant to Central Highlands Water. The McCain Water Minimisation Project is expected to save 154ML of water a year by a number of means, including water use minimisation techniques and the capture, treatment and re-use of waste water as a substitute for potable water. The program will provide opportunities for other manufacturing fi rms in the region and across Victoria to learn how to establish new water-saving initiatives. McCain accounts for about eight per cent of local water demand. It will increase internal water recycling, eliminate water use in certain parts of the food production process and reduce spillage in the processing areas.

Murray Goulburn Co-operative, Leitchville

In June 2006, Murray Goulburn Co-operative (MGC) was granted $930,000.through the RIDF towards a $2.6 million project to create a waste water reuse system at its Leitchville plant. The plant is a major employer in the Gannawarra Shire and the wider region, with 131 employees. The plant is supplied by 341 dairy farms, which typically employ two people each. Annual production at the plant is 37,000 tonnes, predominately cheese. Production is valued at around $143 million, of which 72 per cent is for the export market. MGC is experiencing diffi culties with the management of waste water, most of which is currently dispersed on to MGC-owned properties behind the Leitchville plant, with little economic or environmental benefi t. Further, in the past three years, inadequate waste water storage and limitations on the disposal of waste water has forced MGC to shut down the Leitchville plant for periods during winter. The new system will see better waste water storage and reuse, prevent the shut down of the MGC plant, and save irrigation and town water of 418ML a year.



Page | 51

Education and ICT

$6m for Deakin University Geelong Technology Precinct

The RIDF is contributing $6 million to the expansion of the Geelong Technology Precinct at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus. The $13 million project, which includes a new 3000-square-metre ‘Proof of Concept’ research facility, will almost double the precinct’s capacity and create up to 150 jobs for researchers, staff and collaborators. It is expected to boost the local economy by as much as $48 million and help create a further 434 direct and indirect jobs. Additional features of the project include an upgrade of the Bio Deakin Laboratory and the installation of a waste water treatment facility in the winery area. The university will contribute $7 million to the project, which will greatly help Geelong take up opportunities in new high-value manufacturing and knowledge industries. The project will also facilitate continued growth in Deakin’s research and industry partnerships, nationally and internationally. Construction will begin in 2008 and be completed by 2010.

RIDF funding helped establish Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus and will now assist with its further expansion.

Arts and Culture

$300,000 Boost for Shepparton’s Eastbank Centre

RIDF’s support for regional arts, cultural and recreation facilities in 2007/08 included a $300,000 contribution to infrastructure improvements to Shepparton’s Eastbank Centre, a focal point of the city’s arts and cultural scene. The centre, which was built in 2001, comprises a 850-seat auditorium and the adjacent Shepparton Art Gallery. Greater Shepparton City Council will contribute $250,000 to the project, which will include construction of a new external courtyard to create a strong street presence, reconfi guring of the box offi ce and gallery reception, installation of an air lock at the main entrance of the gallery to improve climate control and the conversion of a fi rst-fl oor space into offi ces and meeting rooms to provide more effi cient venue management.

$570,000 Upgrade for Glenelg Arts Facilities

Key arts facilities across Glenelg Shire will be upgraded as the result of a $570,000 RIDF grant announced in March 2008. The Portland Arts Centre, Portland Civic Hall, Casterton Town Hall and Heywood Community Hall will be upgraded to meet increased demand, attract a greater variety of professional touring arts performances and exhibitions and help keep arts spending in the region. Shire residents spend about $1.5 million a year on cultural activities outside the region – improving arts venues and programs will ensure some of this spending stays local. Lighting, electrical and sound infrastructure will be improved at the four venues and retractable seating will be installed at Portland Civic Hall. The council will meet the balance of costs of the $1.2 million project.


Page | 52

Transport

Major Upgrade for Mallacoota Airport

Developed as a defence and training facility by the RAAF in World War II, Mallacoota Airport has two runways that can cater for relatively large propeller-driven aircraft. However, until now this strategically located airport has been underused due to its unsealed gravel runways and lack of navigation lights.

A $791,000 grant for infrastructure upgrades under RIDF’s Regional Aviation Fund, will enable the airport to operate 24 hours a day in all weather conditions and enhance the capability for emergency, search and rescue, coastal and maritime surveillance and customs services.

The upgrade involves: installation of pilot-activated runway lighting; sealing of the runways, taxiways and aircraft parking apron to enable all-weather operations; installation of a permanent refuelling facility to improve aircraft services and safety; and expansion of the terminal and facilities to improve comfort for patrons.

Once completed, the upgrade will enable reliable and swift access to south-east Asian markets for high value, time-critical wild fi shery and aquaculture products such as crayfi sh and abalone. It will also give people in the region greater and more reliable access to visiting health and medical services, and improve access to the region’s world-class wilderness attractions.

Freight Relocation Gives Mildura Room to Grow

An $8 million RIDF grant will allow Mildura Rural City Council to capitalise on its key natural asset – the Murray River – by relocating the Mildura rail freight centre away from the riverfront to nearby Merbein. The council’s Mildura Riverfront Masterplan estimates that linking the city centre with the river will generate $122 million in total new private and public investment for the city, and create up to 270 full-time jobs. Relocating freight activity will remove a key impediment to continued growth of Mildura, one of the fastest-growing cities in regional Victoria. Its population is increasing by 2.2 per cent a year.

Upgrade for Stawell Airport Emergency Response

The Regional Aviation Fund will provide $950,000 for the upgrade of Stawell Airport. This will improve the airport’s capacity to provide emergency response services, particularly during the bushfi re season. The airport supports about 110 traffi c movements a week, including fi re bombing, aerial agricultural operations, fi re spotting, charter and scenic fl ights. Its runways will be upgraded to accommodate a greater range of aircraft and to achieve a 7,257kg rating for fi re bombing planes. Other works include relocation of the weather station and site levelling to enable business expansion; improvements to public amenities and the car park; a power upgrade and new lighting; and realignment of internal access roads servicing runways and airport businesses. The project will also support current airport business and charter operations and assist the Northern Grampians Shire Council in attracting new aviation-based businesses and increased tourism to the region.



Page | 53

Tourism

Historic Hepburn Bathhouse Refurbishment

Hepburn and Daylesford’s growing reputation as the spa capital of Australia will be enhanced by the $10.6 million refurbishment of the Hepburn Mineral Springs Bathhouse, completed in mid 2008. The RIDF provided $8 million for the project, which has revitalised a well-loved community and tourism icon closely entwined with the region’s history and development. The heritage-listed bathhouse, which dates back to 1895, has been carefully renovated and a new wing built to house the mineral water bathing pools. With more than 30 wet and dry spa treatment rooms, the bathhouse is now one of the largest day spas in Australia.

The restored bathhouse is expected to directly generate 60 to 70 new jobs over the next two years and create fl ow-on investment and continued growth of the region’s already strong tourism industry. Hepburn Shire Council, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Victorian Mineral Water Committee, Sustainability Victoria and the Australian Government contributed $2.6 million to the project.


Page | 54

Tourism

$1.5m Helps Port Fairy Fishing, Tourism

Fishing and tourism in Port Fairy will benefi t from a $1.525 million RIDF grant that will allow for upgrading of the Marina Wharf, upgrading wharves on the west side of the Moyne River and continued works to the bluestone walls, originally built in the mid-1800s. The port is a popular tourism destination and is important economically and socially to the town. A nine-vessel commercial fi shing fl eet generates about $10 million for the region. The program, which has a total cost of $1.695 million, will also improve the local amenity and delivery of services to local communities and enhance access and safety at the port.

$1.5m for Wonthaggi’s Historic Black Coal MineThe State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi will be re-launched as one of provincial Victoria’s premium heritage and tourist attractions with the help of a $1.5 million RIDF grant announced in May 2008. The funding will help with the installation of below-ground infrastructure at the mine, which will re-open to the public for underground tours after being closed in 2004.

The black coal mine, managed by Parks Victoria, is a key part of the identity and heritage of the Wonthaggi region. It is estimated that up to 70 people will work on the two-year redevelopment project. The project cost is $3.4 million. Additional funding from the Federal Government, the local community and industry will allow the construction of above-ground facilities, including a new visitor centre, a visitor entrance, landscaping and car parking. The upgraded attraction is expected to draw more than 20,000 visitors a year.

Falls Creek All Seasons Gateway Project The RIDF has provided funding of up to $2.9 million to the Falls Creek All Seasons Gateway Project. The project involves the creation of a civic centre and improved visitor arrivals space for Falls Creek Resort. Following extensive consultation with the Falls Creek community and operators, the fi nal design was adopted by the Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board in December 2007.

Construction began in early 2008 with critical pedestrian linkages, road works and services undertaken before the start of the snow season. The construction program has been developed around the snow season.



Page | 55

Energy

More towns connected to natural gas

The extension of natural gas to the Macedon Ranges was completed in July 2007 with the connection of Romsey and Lancefi eld under RDV’s $70 million Natural Gas Extension Program, which will ultimately allow 34 towns to switch from LPG. Nearby Woodend, Macedon, Gisborne, New Gisborne and Riddells Creek had been connected under the program. Connecting to natural gas can save an average household between $600 and $1,200 a year while a medium business can save up to $30,000 a year. An independent report released in August 2005 found the extension of natural gas to regional areas would provide a $65.4 million economic boost for the Macedon Ranges alone, creating an average of 66 new full-time equivalent jobs locally each year over the next 20 years. In October 2007, Camperdown became the 29th town connected.

Murray Goulburn Co-operative, Leongatha

In September 2006 RIDF funding of $1.57 million was provided to Murray Goulburn Co-operative (MGC) for an electricity co-generation turbine at its Leongatha factory. The plant is the largest business and employer for the region and builds on the region’s extensive agricultural base. It employs 440 people during the peak and is supplied by 566 farms from a catchment spanning 20 towns and communities (from Leongatha to Foster to Neerim South and Phillip Island). The factory is a major producer of high-value diary product. It produces butter, retail butter/spreads and creams, UHT products (export), casein/caseinates (high-value exports to the US market), milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate/whey powder (export) and lactoferrin (high value/export). Installation of a 2MW turbine will generate electricity from steam and supply the processing plant at a constant rate. This will stabilise production lines, which are sensitive to power brownouts and blackouts. It will also save MCG up to 60ML of town water a year. Steam will be returned as condensate for re-use in the steam generation process.


Page | 56

3.4 Small Towns Development Fund Year in ReviewThe following case studies illustrate Small Towns Development Fund (STDF) assistance for infrastructure projects that help communities in small towns create new opportunities for socio-economic growth and development.

As at 30 June 2008, the Government had announced $34.2 million for 380 social and community infrastructure projects worth $73.1 million through the Small Towns Development Fund.

In 2007/08, $8.6 million was provided for 73 projects.

Sale Gardens for a Changing Environment

Wellington Shire Council received a grant of $35,000 for the development of a sustainable garden in Sale. The project will include a range of demonstration gardens in a public landscape context located at the Sale Botanic Gardens, highlighting the diversity of plant material suitable for the local water-scarce environment.

The project will engage a range of local community partners in its planning, design and implementation. Once the landscapes have been completed, interpretive signage will be used to highlight the key benefi ts in selecting correct plant material in private/home garden landscapes.

It is expected that the completed project will help reinvigorate gardening and gardens in the shire, as well as conserving water supplies by promoting more drought-tolerant garden plants. Training and employment benefi ts will also accrue through East Gippsland TAFE’s horticultural involvement as a community partner.

$24,421 for Water Saving Project in Charlton

The Charlton Forum was painfully aware of the impact of Stage 4 water restrictions on the town’s appearance. The local progress group knew the inability to use the town’s water supply to maintain open space threatened the iconic Charlton Travellers Rest and its lush gardens, picnic facilities, wishing well, gazebo and views of the river. The Charlton Travellers Rest was a drawcard for visiting travellers, and any loss of its green appearance would detract from its ability to pull trade into the town. The Forum recognised that neither bore water nor stormwater were subject to usage restrictions: why not tap these sources to ensure the Travellers Rest and the town centre retained the lush appearance that gave Charlton its appeal? The Forum and the Buloke Shire applied for Small Towns Development Fund assistance and received $24,421 for a scheme to tap bore water and harvest stormwater for the upkeep of the town’s open space.

The local sporting ground already used bore water, which meant much of the infrastructure for the project was in place. The project will install water storage tanks at the Charlton Travellers Rest and the pony, bowling, croquet, golf and angling clubs to provide a source of water in the drier months. Rain will be diverted to the tanks rather than down the street’s stormwater drains. The scheme is expected to harvest up to 8ML of stormwater a year.



Page | 57

Upgrade to Hamilton Visitor Information Centre

This $120,000 project will refurbish and upgrade the existing Visitor Information Centre (VIC) to maximise visitor comfort and access to information. It will also enable the Southern Grampians Shire Council to meet the requirements of the National Visitor Information Centre Accreditation Program. The grant of $60,000 will assist with undertaking works that include installing new display and merchandising stands; internal painting; laying new carpet; realigning walls, ceiling and windows; remodelling the customer service workspace and counter area; external painting and signage; and external landscaping and paving.

It is expected that the Hamilton VIC upgrade will promote socioeconomic development by increasing tourism yield through long-term improvement to vital tourism infrastructure. It will provide contemporary, professional facilities and improve the display, merchandising and customer service capacity of the centre for the more than 45,000 people who visit it each year.

$120,000 for Ballan Streetscape Works

Ballan is located in the fast-growing Ballarat corridor and has a town population of 2,000 and a population catchment of 6,600. The $180,000 Ballan streetscape project will implement works identifi ed in the Ballan Urban Design Framework 2003.

Project works include three components: development of a community space at the front of the Mechanics Institute to promote social engagement and community art in the Main Street; new paving, street furniture and landscaping to improve amenity and link the community space to McLean Reserve; and interpretive signage identifying and promoting local businesses, tourism operators, community facilities, organisations and events.

The project aims to revitalise the main street in Ballan and provide a stimulus for local businesses and private commercial development in Ballan. It will also create an improved image and profi le for Ballan and encourage increased community and visitor use of the Mechanics Institute as a community hub.

$72,500 for Teesdale Turtle Bend Meeting Place

Teesdale, less than 40 kilometres north-west of Geelong, is a service centre for the surrounding farming community. In recent years young families have been drawn to the town by its affordable rural lifestyle and attractive location. The Small Towns Development Fund is helping to build a sense of community in Teesdale and draw old and new residents together in an outdoor performing arts structure and informal meeting place. A $72,500 grant will help fund the facility on the edge of the Native Hut Creek bend in the town’s only open space reserve. Designed in the shape of the Eastern Snake-Necked Turtle that inhabits the adjacent creek, the building is expected to become an iconic landmark and attract visitors to the town.


Page | 58

Happy Valley’s ‘New’ Old School Building

In 1990, the volunteer Happy Valley School Restoration Group began transforming a school that closed in 1940 from a derelict building to a valued community asset. Work included external wall rendering, replacing the roof sheeting, installing insulation, a new kitchen fl oor and fl y screens and reinstatement of the historic school chimney. The Small Towns Development Fund made a $53,333 grant to Golden Plains Shire Council, which contributed $16,167 to the project. The restoration group provided $10,500 through in-kind contributions. Residents no longer have to travel out of town for functions and celebrations. The building, which reopened in February 2008, is used for social events including the Rainbow debutante ball, Linton Primary School graduation dinner, family reunions, parties, car rallies, engagements, weddings and funeral receptions.

$153,099 for Kerang Town Entry Project

A $229,649 project to highlight Kerang’s business development and water management capabilities will be carried out with the help of a $153,099 Small Towns Development Fund grant to Gannawarra Shire Council. The Kerang Town Entry project will build business confi dence and create a picturesque town entry. It will promote Kerang as a destination for water- and nature-based recreational activities. Six-million litres of stormwater will be harvested each year from the Tate Drive Industrial Estate to water parks and gardens and supply businesses with non-potable water supplies. The Murray Valley Highway entrance will incorporate native shrubs and grasses, timber bollards, signage and banners. The present Rotary Plantation along the highway will benefi t from new plantings and a substantial improvement in irrigation and drainage.

Bannockburn Community and Cultural Hub Phase One

This project, delivered through the Small Towns Development Fund, will involve a major upgrade to the existing Bannockburn Public Hall, which will result in the development of the Bannockburn Community and Cultural Hub.

The project aims to redevelop the existing hall to create a 200 seat multi-purpose facility, including capacity for performing arts and cinema. It will also develop a new adjoining community learning centre and neighbourhood house, which is to be built on to the rear of the existing hall. This will provide a range of spaces including capacity to accommodate various secondary and adult learning requirements; space for community activities including recreation, artistic and environmental pursuits; youth meeting space to accommodate local Youth Action Teams and youth development programs; ‘hot desk’ facilities for small business, local community groups and the Bannockburn Community News; and consultation rooms for Geelong- and Ballarat-based employment, training and health providers.

Completion of the project will result in improved community meeting and social facilities in a town with a current limited provision. The specifi cally designed spaces and equipment will support recreational activities, social events, dances, performing arts, public exhibitions and cinema, and provide a range of learning facilities to enable small and medium scale (six to 30 people) adult, community and further education courses to be conducted.



Page | 59


Page | 60

3.5 Key Partners

Regional Development Victoria (RDV) – Key Partners

Commonwealth and other State Governments

RDV is a member of the Standing Committee on Regional Development that comprises representatives of the Australian Local Government Association and the Commonwealth and State Governments. In 2007/08, the Committee considered a wide range of regional issues and matters, including economic, investment, skills and community development.

Community Organisations

RDV supported and partnered with a diverse range of community organisations across rural and regional Victoria. These partnerships helped strengthen communities through the delivery of infrastructure projects, leadership initiatives and events and made a considerable contribution to ongoing community capacity building and development initiatives.

Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development

RDV worked closely on numerous initiatives with business units in the Department, including Tourism Victoria, Invest Victoria, Offi ce of Science and Technology, Offi ce of Investment Facilitation, Small Business Victoria and Offi ce of Manufacturing and Service Industries.

Economic Development Bodies

RDV worked closely with local economic development bodies in facilitating economic, infrastructure and socio-economic development. These bodies provided a close link between government and business and helped attract new investment and develop existing businesses and promote economic development opportunities.

Industry Associations

RDV regional offi ces worked closely with key local business networks, associations and industry bodies. Roles and activities included participating as committee members, awards judging, mentoring and facilitating access to RDV assistance programs and services.

Industry Capability Network

Industry Capability Network (ICN) is an independent, not-for-profi t Victorian Government-funded service to the manufacturing, engineering and services sector. With a growing industry capability database of over 40,000 Australian businesses, ICN consultants perform a technical role, providing purchasers with free sourcing and business-matching services to identify competitive Australian capability and innovation. In 2007/08, RDV continued to work with the ICN on the Regional Industry Link (RIL) – a program connecting regional industry capabilities to business opportunities and projects in Victoria, Australia and overseas. This initiative is being managed by ICN Victoria through its Melbourne and regional offi ces in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon.



Page | 61

Local Government

RDV worked closely with the 48 regional and rural councils, and the nine interface councils in facilitating economic, infrastructure and socio-economic development. RDV’s support included facilitating investment attraction, infrastructure and industrial estate development and supporting communities recovering from natural disaster and industry restructure.

Offi ce of Small Business Commissioner

The Offi ce of Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) is dedicated to promoting a competitive and fair operating environment for Victoria’s small businesses. RDV regional offi ces provided strategic support to the Small Business Commissioner in promoting the services of the OSBC, and assisted in business networking.


Page | 62

3.6 Marketing Provincial VictoriaThe benefi ts of living, working and investing in provincial Victoria continued to be highlighted in 2007/08 through the Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria campaign.

On 13 October 2007, Changes: Life in Provincial Victoria, was broadcast on commercial free-to-air television from 4.30pm to 5.30pm featuring individuals and business owners who have successfully relocated to provincial Victoria.

It was followed the next day with an eight-page special feature, The Good Life, in the Sunday Herald Sun. This highlighted emerging regional hotspots, jobs in demand and further case studies about people who have made the move to provincial Victoria.

Jo Silvagni and Peter Mitchell, presenters of Changes:

Life in Provincial Victoria.



Page | 63

Other Make it Happen campaign activities included:

Supporting local councils to implement their own marketing activities through the • Provincial Economic Partnerships grant program;

Promoting opportunities in provincial Victoria at the The National Careers and Employment Expo in • Melbourne in May 2008;

Highlighting what provincial Victoria has to offer through television, press and outdoor advertising; and•

Connecting interested people to local councils through the provincial Victoria website and the • Victorian Business Line.

Cover of Sunday Herald Sun Liftout, The Good Life (Sun 14 Oct 07).


Page | 64

3.7 SponsorshipThroughout 2007/08, RDV sponsored a number of sporting teams and events in provincial Victoria. By linking these clubs and events with the Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria campaign, RDV was able to highlight the many wonderful lifestyle and investment opportunities in regional Victoria.

Herald Sun Tour 2007Support for an iconic Victorian cycling event

As part of the Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria campaign, RDV continued to support the Jayco Herald Sun Tour, now recognised as the most signifi cant international event for regional Victoria.

The eight-day cycling event, from 14 to 21 October 2007, showcased provincial Victoria to a national and international audience, highlighting a number of regions throughout the State, including Bendigo, Nagambie, Mansfi eld, Beechworth, Falls Creek, Mount Beauty and Wangaratta.

Hosting the stage of a tour generates an estimated $100,000 for each host town through providing food, accommodation and sundries to more than 300 people. As well as promoting provincial Victoria through live television broadcasts, the sponsorship leverages the signifi cant promotion of the tour through the wider media – further highlighting the exciting events and lifestyle benefi ts found in provincial Victoria.

Advertisement linked with RDV’s sponsorship of the 2007 Jayco Herald Sun Tour.



Page | 65

Stawell Gift 2008

Stawell Gift provides over $5 million to local Grampians economy

RDV’s $120,000 two-year sponsorship of the Stawell Gift has helped to raise the profi le and secure the future of Australia’s most famous foot race, which is estimated to generate more $5 million for the Grampians economy each year.

More than 10,000 people attended the Stawell Easter Athletics Carnival, held over the Easter weekend of 21 to 24 March 2008. Of this, one-third were from the local region, one-third from metropolitan Melbourne and one-third from interstate.

The sponsorship agreement included naming rights for the Provincial Victoria Women’s Gift, extensive Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria campaign signage across Stawell’s Central Park, and further advertising in the carnival program.

The widespread appeal of this historic event, and its live broadcast on Channel 10, provided the perfect platform to promote the opportunities to live, work and invest in provincial Victoria.

Advertisement linked with RDV’s sponsorship of the 2008 Stawell Gift.


Other Relevant Information4.

Page | 66



Page | 67

4.1 Financial PerformanceConsolidated fi nancial statements for the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) and Regional Development Victoria (RDV) are contained in the Annual Report 2007/08 published by DIIRD.

Sections 5.4 and 5.5 of this report contain Output Targets and Performance and Revenue and Expenses respectively, for RDV for the year ended 30 June 2008.

4.2 Compliance Compliance requirements in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994 and the Directions of the Minister for Finance are managed by DIIRD on behalf of RDV.

Consolidated compliance reporting information for RDV, for the fi nancial year 2007/08, is contained in the Annual Report 2007/08 published by DIIRD.

4.3 Legislation The legislation for which RDV is responsible is the Regional Development Victoria Act 2002, which establishes RDV and outlines its functions and duties.

RDV administers money paid out of the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund in accordance with the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund Act 1999.


Page | 68

5. Grants and Output Targets



Page | 69

5.1 Regional Development Victoria Grants Regional Development Victoria provided fi nancial assistance through a broad range of programs aiding economic and community development in regional Victoria. Assistance included funding for economic development and infrastructure projects and regional community events. Assistance is also provided through the Government’s $502 million action plan for provincial Victoria: Moving Forward: Making Provincial Victoria the Best Place to Live, Work and Invest.

Community Regional Industry Skills Program (CRISP)

Organisation Payment $

Associated Kiln Driers Pty Ltd 30,000

Biodiesel Producers Limited 54,875

Blue Lake Milling Pty Ltd 25,000

Chemring Australia Pty Ltd 37,500

Event Studios Australia Pty Ltd 10,000

FMP Group (Australia) Pty Ltd 100,000

K&K Fasteners Pty Ltd 20,000

Pengala Pty Ltd 60,000

R A & J L Murphy 60,000

Rip Curl Pty. Ltd. 50,000

Riverland Oilseeds Pty Ltd 12,000

Total 459,375

Drought Assistance Package - Local Government


Bass Coast Shire Council 300,000

Baw Baw Shire Council 300,000

Cardinia Shire Council 300,000

City of Casey 300,000

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council 300,000

Nillumbik Shire Council 300,000

Shire of Yarra Ranges 300,000

South Gippsland Shire Council 300,000

Total 2,400,000


Page | 70

Drought Assistance Packages – other


Rotary Club of Euroa 1,000

Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry

1,000,000

Total 1,001,000

Farmers’ Markets



City of Whittlesea 7,500

Foster Community Association Inc 18,216

Golden Plains Shire Council 7,500

Moira Shire Council 5,520

Nillumbik Shire Council 7,500

Pearcedale Community Centre Inc. 20,000

Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association Inc. 87,839

Total 169,075

Gippsland Flood Recovery 2007



East Gippsland Shire Council 2,000,000

Latrobe City Council 135,000

Lions Village Licola Inc 30,000

Wellington Shire Council 595,000

Total 3,060,000

Living Regions Living Suburbs


Alpine Shire Council 14,985

Ararat Rural City Council 10,431


Benalla Rural City 25,000

Campaspe Shire Council 27,918


City of Greater Bendigo 70,000

City of Greater Geelong 70,000

City of Warrnambool 188,000


Department of Justice 32,500

Department of Transport 500,000

East Gippsland Shire Council 5,250

Enterprize Ship Trust 100,000

Express Promotions Australia Pty Ltd 20,000

Glenrowan Vignerons Inc 14,850

Grampians Community Health Centre Inc 50,000

Horsham Rural City Council 185,000

Industry Capability Network (Vic) Ltd 25,000

Mansfi eld Shire Council 15,000


Murrindindi Shire Council 39,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council 20,000

Shire of Yarra Ranges 43,000

Southern Grampians Shire Council 9,702

Strathbogie Shire Council 25,000

The Herald & Weekly Times Limited 50,000

Tourism Victoria 580,000

Victorian Country Press Association Ltd 160,000

Victorian Transport Association Inc 55,000

Wangaratta Rural City Council 178,014


Wimmera Development Association Inc 10,000

Wines of the King Valley Inc 1,252

Wodonga City Council 54,000

Wood Products Victoria Ltd 14,200

Total 2,657,070



Page | 71

Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria


Borough of Queenscliffe 19,400

City of Ballarat 20,000



Colac Otway Shire Council 12,500


Hindmarsh Shire Council 12,500

Local Government Professionals Inc 9,000


Mildura Rural City Council 12,500

Mitchell Shire Council 6,564

Moorabool Shire Council 28,500

Mount Alexander Shire Council 12,500


Rural City of Wangaratta 12,500

Towong Shire Council 12,500


Total 315,439

Next Generation Food Strategy


Australian Specialist Cheesemakers’ Association (ASCA)

22,250

Burra Foods Pty Ltd 40,000

Cheese Expertise Pty Ltd 12,500

Confectionery Manufacturers of Australasia Limited

20,000

Dairy Industry Association of Australia 3,500


International Dairy Week 20,000

Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia - Melbourne Inc

8,000

Kosher Australia Pty Ltd 7,000


Organic Dairy Farmers of Australia Ltd 4,699

Organic Federation of Australia Ltd 5,000

Smeaton Hackett Events Pty Ltd 12,000


The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Inc

12,500

Tractor & Machinery Association of Australia 70,100

Victorian Health Promotion Foundation 5,000

Victorian Marine Farmers Inc 9,500


Total 332,367


Page | 72

Provincial Victoria Growth Fund


Horsham Colour Pty Ltd 5,000

Adams Printers Pty Ltd 20,000

Alexandra and District Open Gardens Inc 2,250

Alpine Shire Council 72,025

Apimondia 2007 Pty Ltd 25,000

Arapiles Community Theatre Inc 6,000

Ararat Rural City Council 78,000

Australian Alpine Valley Agribusiness Forum Inc 10,000

Australian Dairy Farmers Ltd 250,000

Australian Eatwell Pty Ltd 12,500

AWMA Pty Ltd 30,000

Backwell IXL Pty Ltd 40,000

Bass Coast Shire Council 364,549


BBI Biofuels Australia Pty Ltd 14,000

Beaufort Golf Club Inc 5,500

Bemco Australia Pty Ltd 13,200

Benalla Rural City 27,500

Bendigo Chamber of Commerce and Industries

7,500

Bendigo Winegrowers Association Inc 14,309

Berliss Pty Ltd 30,000

Birchip Cropping Group Inc 51,250

Boomaroo Nurseries & Wholesale Supplies Pty Ltd

18,750

Borough of Queenscliffe 12,500

Building Commission 30,000

Buloke Shire Council 68,750

Business Networking for Growth (Central Victoria) Inc

1,105

Campaspe Shire Council 7,500

Central Victorian Agribusiness Forum 13,088




City of Greater Shepparton 149,039


Clyne Farms Pty Ltd 28,500

Colac Otway Shire Council 49,182

Corangamite Shire Council 40,000

Cotton On Clothing Pty Ltd 100,000

CRF (Colac Otway) Pty Ltd 25,000

Dairy Industry Association of Australia Inc - Victorian Division

8,000

Department of Planning and Community Development

770,000

Department of Primary Industries 1,493,000

Department of Sustainability and Environment 2,200,000

Department of Treasury and Finance 150,000

Dunkeld Progress Association Inc 6,000


Excelior Pty Ltd 250,000

Gannawarra Shire Council 45,000

Geelong Chamber of Commerce 39,000

Gekko Systems Pty Ltd 25,000

Glenelg Shire Council 37,500


Goulburn Valley Aero Club Incorporated 7,500

Grip Youth Services Inc 5,000

Henley on Lake Wallace Inc 6,000

Hepburn Shire Council 27,500

Heyfi eld and District Traders Association Inc 5,000

Hindmarsh Shire Council 2,500

Horsham Rural City Council 58,741

Indigo Shire Council 25,829


Latrobe City Council 122,861

Lions Club of Carisbrook Inc 6,000

Lions Club of Strzelecki Inc 10,000

Local Government Professionals Inc 24,000

Macedon Ranges Shire Council 10,000


Master Builders Australia Inc 17,500

Maxitrans Australia Pty Ltd 6,000

McGuigan Simeon Wines Ltd 50,000



Page | 73

Mildura Chamber of Commerce Inc 7,500


Mildura Theatre Brewery Pty Ltd 25,000

Minerals Council of Australia - Victorian Division

37,029

Mitchell Shire Council 14,375


Monash University 30,000

Moorabool Shire Council 35,000

Moyne Shire Council 25,000

Municipal Association of Victoria 525,000

Murray Dairy Inc 9,610

Murrindindi Shire Council 12,500

Mystic Mountains Tourism Inc 2,486

Newgrove (Aust) Pty Ltd 18,320

North East Multicultural Association Inc 7,262


Orbost Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc 6,750

Otvin Pty Ltd 20,000

Planning Institute Australia Inc - Vic Div 120,000

Port Fairy Tourist Association Inc 1,846

Porter Utilities Pty Ltd 10,000

Pure Logistics Transport Pty Ltd 60,000

Pyrenees Shire Council 79,799

Queenscliff Music Festival Inc 33,000

Riviera Triathlon Club Inc 25,120

Robins Foods Pty Ltd 8,500

Rosedale Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc 5,000

Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise Inc 5,000

Rotary Club of Bendigo South Inc 5,000

Rural Workforce Agency, Victoria Ltd 112,000

SalesForce Australia Pty Ltd 275,000

Seymour Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc 5,000

Seymour Business and Tourism Inc 7,500

Seymour Racing Club Inc 20,000


Spring Creek Community House Inc 2,500

St Arnaud Festival Committee Incorporated 4,000

Stawell Athletic Club Inc 45,000


Surf Coast Shire 67,500

Swan Hill Rural City Council 34,809

Tarerer-Gunditj Project Association Inc 10,000

The Australian Industry Group 50,000

The Australian Turntable Company Pty Ltd 16,000

The Beechworth Celtic Festival Inc 10,000

The Gippsland Field Days 3,000

The Lions Club of Eildon Inc 15,000

Titeline Drilling Pty Ltd 40,000

Tourism Victoria 4,000,000

Towong Shire Council 15,250

Unilever Australia Ltd 12,500

United Group Rail Pty Ltd 15,000

Vegco Pty Ltd 20,000

Victorian Cycling Inc 15,000


35,000

Victorian Wine Industry Association 75,000



West Gippsland Dance Festival Inc 5,000


Wodonga Chamber of Commerce Inc 7,500

Wodonga City Council 52,500

Women’s National Basketball - Bendigo Inc 80,000

Yarriambiack Shire Council 19,449

Total 14,353,724


Page | 74

Regional Business Investment Ready Program




450,000

Total 490,000

Regional Innovation Clusters Program








GMIC Ltd 23,955



Loddon Shire Council 15,000






Total 692,072

Regional Investment Initiative


Border Express Pty Ltd 30,000

Broiler Breeders Australia Pty Ltd 98,000

Buloke Shire Council 13,650




Corangamite Shire Council 3,750


Integrity Fruit Pty Ltd 38,000

Kiel Industries Pty Ltd 25,000

MacKay Casings Pty Ltd 40,000


Moyne Shire Council 50,000

Parks Victoria 5,000

Perfection Dairies Pty Ltd 18,000

Riverland Oilseed Processors Pty Ltd 20,000

SCS Plastics Pty Ltd 60,000


Yackandandah Jam & Preserving Co Pty Ltd 18,000

Total 712,646

Rural Skills Connect Project





Pyrenees Shire Council 250,000



West Wimmera Shire Council 250,000

Total 1,625,000



Page | 75

5.2 Regional Infrastructure Development Fund GrantsRIDF – Local Roads to Markets

Applicant Project Name RIDF Amount Approved $

Campaspe Shire Council Strathallan Road Sealing 259,750

Indigo Shire Council Kiewa - Bonegilla Road - Stage 1 242,300

Indigo Shire Council Kiewa - Bonegilla Road - Stage 2 351,500

Wangaratta Rural City Council Edi-Cheshunt Road Reconstruction 100,000

Golden Plains Shire Council Safer B-Double Route For Intensive Agriculture (English Road) 184,000

Baw Baw Shire Council Widening and Gravel Resheeting & Sealing of Matheson Road and of Murphy & Bransgrove Roads

60,000

Baw Baw Shire Council Widening, Gravel Resheeting and Bituminous Sealing of Gordon Road

70,000

Baw Baw Shire Council Widening, Resheeting and Sealing of Weebar Road, Drouin 30,000

Wellington Shire Council Bolgers Road Reconstruction 200,000

Colac Otway Shire Council Larpent Road Accessibility Improvement Project 225,000

Mildura Rural City Council Yelta Silo Improved Road Safety Project 200,000

Corangamite Shire Council Corangamite Shire (Knackery Road Upgrade) 106,000

Corangamite Shire Council Curdivale Port Campbell Road Intersection 19,000

Corangamite Shire Council Williams Road Upgrade 57,000

Corangamite Shire Council Blake Street, Skipton - Upgrade 17,000

Moyne Shire Council Allansford-Wangoom Road Upgrade 100,000

Moyne Shire Council Allansford-Wangoom (Drylakes Road) Upgrade 98,000

Pyrenees Shire Council Vinoca Road Upgrade - Avoca 100,000

Southern Grampians Shire Council Cavendish-Coleraine Road (A) Upgrade 102,400

Southern Grampians Shire Council Cavendish-Coleraine Road (B) Upgrade 95,000


Page | 76

Applicant Project Name RIDF Amount Approve $

RIDF - Local Ports

Moyne Shire Council Port of Port Fairy 1,525,500

Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Port of Corner Inlet & Port Albert 1,008,000

Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Port of Gippsland Lakes 1,641,800

RIDF - Regional Arts Infrastructure

Greater Shepparton City Council Eastbank Centre Improvements 300,000

Glenelg Shire Council Upgrade to Various Arts Facilities in the Glenelg Shire 570,000

RIDF - Regional Aviation

Northern Grampians Shire Council Stawell Airport Upgrade 950,000

Latrobe City Council Latrobe Regional Airport - Major Airpark Development 492,000

East Gippsland Shire Council Mallacoota Airport Utilisation Enhancement 791,000

RIDF - Water For Industry

Central Highlands Region Water Corporation Central Highlands Water-McCain Water Minimisation Project 635,474

Boomaroo Nurseries Pty Ltd Boomaroo Nursery Non-Potable Water Supply 325,000

GBP Exports Pty Ltd GBP Exports Non-Potable Water Supply 172,800

RIDF - Rural Showgrounds

The Gippsland Field Days Limited Lardner Park Exhibition Centre 500,000

Moira Shire Council Numurkah Showgrounds Redevelopment 350,000

Victorian Agricultural Show Ltd. Rural Showgrounds and Field Days Renewal Fund - Minor Capital Works Program

500,000

RIDF - Energy

Powercor Australia On-Farm Energy Upgrade Grant - Western Victoria 1,800,000

SP AusNet On-Farm Energy Upgrade Grant - Eastern Victoria 1,800,000

Glenelg Shire Council Heywood Industrial Corridor - Power Upgrade Project 300,000

RIDF - Regional Industry Investment Program*

Huyck Australia Huyck Geelong *

Satyam Computer Services Ltd. Satyam (Deakin University Campus at Geelong) *

Gekko Systems Pty Ltd. Gekko Systems New Investment Project *

RIDF - Industrial Estates

Gannawarra Shire Council Tate Drive Industrial Estate Kerang 166,895

Moorabool Shire Council Hillside Industrial Estate Expansion, Bacchus Marsh 1,014,007

Central Goldfi elds Shire Council Goldfi elds Export Cluster 2,182,840

RIDF - Other (Education, Tourism, ICT)

Deakin University Geelong Technology Precinct Proof of Concept Facility 6,000,000

Department of Sustainability and Environment, Information Business Technology

Positioning Regional Victoria’s Future Prosperity (GPS Net) 3,420,000

Parks Victoria Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Upgrade 1,500,000

* Details of these investment grants have not been disclosed as they are deemed commercial in confi dence.



Page | 77

5.3 Small Towns Development Fund GrantsCouncil Project Name $ Amount

Approved

Alpine Shire Council Harrietville Streetscape Revitalisation 20,000

Alpine Shire Council Tawonga Streetscape 40,000

Alpine Shire Council Wandiligong Alpine Park Revitalisation 73,300

Ararat Rural City Council Ararat Streetscape Stage 2 166,000

Ballarat City Council Ballarat Skipton Rail Trail Upgrade Stage 2 250,000

Bass Coast Shire Council Bass Coast Rail Trail Development 100,000

Baw Baw Shire Council Walhalla Long Tunnel Mine Access 160,000

Baw Baw Shire Council Yarragon Train Exhibit Upgrade 20,000

Benalla Rural City Council Eastern Gateway to Benalla 250,000

Buloke Shire Council Charlton Water Use 24,421

Central Goldfi elds Shire Council Maryborough Retail Precinct Revitalisation 250,000

Central Goldfi elds Shire Council Dunolly Recreation Reserve Upgrade 25,200

Corangamite Shire Council Camperdown Theatre Royal Redevelopment 150,000

East Gippsland Shire Council East Bairnsdale Community Precinct 40,000

East Gippsland Shire Council Mallacoota Pathways 175,680

Gannawarra Shire Council Kerang Town Entry 153,099

Gannawarra Shire Council Murrabit Hall Precinct Development 132,310

Golden Plains Shire Council Scarsdale Historic Hall Upgrade 46,667

Golden Plains Shire Council Bannockburn Community & Cultural Hub Phase 1 250,000

Golden Plains Shire Council Teesdale Turtle Bend Meeting Place 72,500

Greater Geelong City Council Bellarine Rail Trail Improvements 150,000

Hepburn Shire Council Creswick Visitor Information Centre Precinct Development 212,000

Hepburn Shire Council Clydesdale Hall Upgrade 20,000

Hindmarsh Shire Council Jeparit Caravan Park 33,000

Hindmarsh Shire Council High Street, Dimboola Streetscape 75,110

Hindmarsh Shire Council Rainbow Heritage Streetscape 50,000

Horsham Rural City Council Wail Arboretum Education, Recreation and Tourism Facility Upgrade

52,709

Horsham Rural City Council Natimuk Urban Streetscape 50,000

Horsham Rural City Council Haven Hall Entry and Kitchen Improvements 31,174

Horsham Rural City Council Laharum Community Link Centre 101,913

Indigo Shire Council Chiltern Historic Commercial Precinct 200,000

Latrobe City Council Yinnar Historical & Township Entry Signage 24,000

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Riddells Creek Recycled Water Use 250,000


Page | 78

Council Project Name $ Amount

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newham Mechanics Institute Hall and Precinct Conservation and Renovation

250,000

Mansfi eld Shire Council Bonnie Doon Township Enhancement 166,000

Mansfi eld Shire Council Merrijig Hall Upgrade 220,000

Mansfi eld Shire Council Tolmie Hall Refurbishment 120,000

Mansfi eld Shire Council Gaffney’s Creek Community Facility 85,000

Mansfi eld Shire Council Gough’s Bay Picnic Point and Pathways 120,000

Mildura Rural City Council Merbein Town Entrance 26,500

Mitchell Shire Council Seymour Chittick Park Redevelopment 232,266

Mitchell Shire Council Broadford Hall Upgrade 75,000

Moira Shire Council Moira Small Towns Revitalisation 100,000

Moorabool Shire Council Bungaree Hall Upgrade 31,920

Moorabool Shire Council Korweinguboora Community Facility Upgrade 20,000

Moorabool Shire Council Greendale Rotunda and Picnic Facilities 46,000

Moorabool Shire Council Caledonian Park Development, Ballan 50,000

Moorabool Shire Council Myrniong Rotunda and Outdoor Space Upgrade 50,000

Mount Alexander Shire Council Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Enhancement 250,000

Moyne Shire Council Macarthur Quality Water Supply 250,000

Murrindindi Shire Council Kinglake Services Centre Precinct Upgrade 50,000

Murrindindi Shire Council Highlands Community Hall and Precinct Upgrade 33,775

Murrindindi Shire Council Kinglake West Memorial Hall Upgrade 54,600

Murrindindi Shire Council Alexandra Rotary Park Enhancement 58,065

Murrindindi Shire Council Yea Recreation Reserve Upgrade Stage 2 47,500

Northern Grampians Shire Council Halls Gap Water Harvesting and Reuse Initiative 250,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council Stawell Gift Hall of Fame Upgrade 250,000

Pyrenees Shire Council Beaufort Lake & Recreation Reserve Water Harvesting 66,000

Pyrenees Shire Council Landsborough/Navarre Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant 500,000

Southern Grampians Shire Council Hamilton Visitor Information Centre Upgrade 60,000

Swan Hill Rural City Council Robinvale Irrigation Upgrade 226,950

Swan Hill Rural City Council Manangatang Wattle Street Improvements 50,533

Swan Hill Rural City Council Lake Boga Foreshore Development 250,000

Towong Shire Council Walwa Community Wastewater Treatment and Re-use 250,000

Towong Shire Council Eskdale Water Supply 250,000

Wangaratta Rural City Council Cheshunt Hall Refurbishment 55,500

Wangaratta Rural City Council Glenrowan to Hamilton Park Pathway 100,000

Wellington Shire Council Port Albert Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum Extension 99,500

Wellington Shire Council Sale Gardens for a Changing Environment 35,000

West Wimmera Shire Council Kaniva Regional Wetlands Gateway 16,666

West Wimmera Shire Council Edenhope Foreshore Walking Track 75,680

Yarriambiack Shire Council Warracknabeal Leisure Centre Rain Water Harvesting, Storage and Use

47,018

Yarriambiack Shire Council Warracknabeal Showgrounds Redevelopment Stage 2 53,769



Page | 79

5.4 Output Targets and PerformanceOutput Performance Indicator Unit of Measure 2007/08 Target 2007/08 Actual

Regional Economic Development and Investment

Quantity Companies in regional Victoria provided with assistance for growth opportunities

number 160 166

Jobs created in regional Victoria number 1000 2766New exports facilitated in regional Victoria $ million 100 669New investment facilitated in regional Victoria $ million 750 1191Quantity Participant satisfaction with Regional Business Investment Ready program

per cent 75% 93%

Output Performance Indicator Unit of Measure 2007/08 Target 2007/08 Actual

Regional Promotion and Development

Quantity Delivery of leadership programs in provincial Victoria

number per region 1 1

Enquiries to provincial councils about living, working and/or investing in their region

number 500 483

Projects to support councils plan for growth and change

number 25 32

Provincial Economic Partnerships -Projects supported

number 15 43

Provincial events held with Regional Development Victoria support

number 55 68

Quality Regional councils satisfi ed with RDV’s delivery of promotion and development programs

per cent 75% 100%

Timeliness Regional councils satisfi ed with timelines of RDVs response to queries and funding applications

per cent 75% 92%

Output Performance Indicator Unit of Measure 2007/08 Target 2007/08 Actual

Regional Infrastructure Development

Quantity RIDF projects funded (excluding Small Towns Development Fund)

number 15 55

Small Towns Development Fund (STDF) projects funded

number 50 73

Quantity RIDF Committeerecommendations accepted by Ministers

per cent 90% 100%

Timeliness Advice to RIDF applicants - after receipt of applications

days 90 90

*For 2008/09 the Regional Economic Development and Investment and Regional Promotion and Development Outputs have been consolidated into the

Regional Economic Development, Investment and Promotion Output.


Page | 80

5.5 Revenue and ExpensesControlled revenue and expenses for the year ended 30 June 2008.

Regional Development

Income2007/08

$’0002006/07

$’000

Output appropriations 50,051 62,398

Regional Infrastructure Development Fund appropriations 91,000 92,000

Other revenue 11,943 2,706

Other income (2,839) (78)

Total Income 150,155 157,026

Expenses

Grants and other payments (80,547) (99,638)

Employee benefi ts (12,175) (12,316)

Depreciation and amortisation (755) (870)

Capital asset charge (354) (505)

Supplies and services (9,864) (10,329)

Finance costs (59) (57)

Impairment of assets - -

Total expenses (103,754) (123,715)

Net Result for the Reporting Period 46,401 33,311

The net result for the period refl ects additional activity associated with funds provided to Regional Development Victoria to assist with Gippsland Flood Recovery and Drought Initiatives. The surplus relates predominately to the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).

The unspent balance of the RIDF budget is held in the RIDF Trust. The balance of the RIDF Trust at 30 June 2008 was $199.49 million. This is funding which is being held in trust to meet existing project commitments due in future periods.The operation of the RIDF Trust Fund and Budget is further explained on page 43 of this report (Section 3.3).

Regional Development Victoria was established under the Regional Development Victoria Act 2002. The fi nancial operations of Regional Development Victoria are included in the Financial Report of the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.


Page | 81



Page | 82

6. Contact Information



Page | 83

Victorian Business Centres

T 9651 9235 Email: [email protected]

Level 33, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000T 9651 9138 F 9651 9360

AraratT 5352 1367

BairnsdaleT 5153 2741

ColacT 5231 6627

HorshamT 5381 2762

MilduraT 5051 2000

SeymourT 5799 0573

WarrnamboolT 5561 4135

Wodonga T 02 6056 2166

Regional Development Victoria (RDV) is widely accessible at Victorian Business Centres (VBCs) located across Victoria in the regional locations of Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura, Shepparton, Traralgon, Wangaratta and Wodonga. VBCs provide a fi rst point of contact for businesses and communities seeking to access government services.

RDV also has a presence in Ararat, Bairnsdale, Colac, Echuca, Horsham, Seymour, Warragul and Warrnambool.

Regional Infrastructure Development Fund

Regional Development Victoria - Melbourne Offi ce

Rural Development Offi cers

Provincial Victoria

Ballarat 48 Sturt StreetBallarat 3350T 5320 5900F 5320 5998

Bendigo46 Edward StreetBendigo 3550T 5442 4100F 5442 5452

Geelong69 Moorabool StreetGeelong 3220T 5229 0641F 5229 9503

Mildura131 Langtree AvenueMildura 3500T 5051 2000F 5051 2020

Shepparton3/164 Welsford StreetShepparton 3630T 5821 1811F 5822 2554

Traralgon33 Breed StreetTraralgon 3844T 5174 9233F 5174 7545

Wangaratta36 Ford StreetWangaratta 3677T 5721 6988F 5721 2265

Wodonga 6/22 Stanley StreetWodonga 3689T 02 6056 2166F 02 6056 2334

Victorian Business Line

13 22 15 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday9651 7596 TTY (text telephone) E: [email protected]


Annual Report 2007-08pppp


This page left intentionally blank



Published by the Victorian Government Regional Development Victoria

Annual Report 2007/08

October 2008Melbourne Victoria

© Copyright State of Victoria 2008

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 VictoriaLevel 33, 121 Exhibition Street

Melbourne 3000Telephone: (03) 9651 9138Facsimile: (03) 9651 9360Email: [email protected]

www.rdv.vic.gov.au

www.business.vic.gov.au

Printed by: Stream Solutions, 157 Spring Street, Melbourne


annual report 2007-08 - rdv.vic.gov.au · regional development victoria annual report 2007/08 i am...

Documents