Published by the Victorian Government
Regional Development Victoria
Annual Report 2004/05
October 2005
Melbourne Victoria
© Copyright State of Victoria 2005
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:
Communications Unit
Regional Development Victoria
55 Collins St
Melbourne 3000
Telephone: (03) 9651 9000
Facsimile: (03) 9651 9360
Printed by Waller and Chester
53 Scott Parade
Ballarat 3350
ContentsSection 1.0 - Introduction ............................................................................................................01
1.1 Chief Executive Foreword ................................................................................................................02
Section 2.0 - Overview of Regional Development Victoria ..........................................................03
2.1 Profile of Regional Development Victoria..........................................................................................04
2.2 Structure of Regional Development Victoria ....................................................................................05
2.3 Regional Development Advisory Committee ....................................................................................06
Section 3.0 - Year in Review ........................................................................................................07
3.1 Regional Development Victoria Programs and Services ..................................................................08
3.2 Highlights 2004/05 ..........................................................................................................................11
3.3 Where Are They Now? ....................................................................................................................20
3.4 Key Partners....................................................................................................................................22
3.5 Marketing Rural and Regional Victoria ............................................................................................23
3.6 Sponsorship–Herald Sun Tour 2004 ................................................................................................23
Section 4.0 - Other Relevant Information ....................................................................................24
4.1 Financial Performance ....................................................................................................................25
4.2 Compliance ....................................................................................................................................25
4.3 Legislation ......................................................................................................................................25
Section 5.0 - Grants and Output Targets ....................................................................................26
5.1 Regional Development Victoria Grants ............................................................................................27
5.2 Regional Infrastructure Development Fund Grants ..........................................................................31
5.3 Small Towns Development Fund Grants ..........................................................................................32
5.4 Natural Gas Extension Program Grants ..........................................................................................34
5.5 Output Targets and Performance ..................................................................................................35
5.6 Revenue and Expenses ..................................................................................................................36
Section 6.0 - Contact Information ..............................................................................................37
6.1 Regional Development Victoria – Contact Information ....................................................................38
The Hon. John Brumby MP
Minister for State and Regional Development
1 Treasury Place
Melbourne Vic 3000
Dear Minister,
Regional Development Victoria Annual Report 2004/05
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 2005.
Yours sincerely,
Kerry Murphy
Chief Executive
I am pleased to present this Annual Report documenting the achievements of Regional Development Victoria for the
period 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005.
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) is a statutory body established by the Government under the Regional Development
Victoria Act 2002. RDV works closely with the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development and other
Government departments and is responsible to the Minister for State and Regional Development.
The 2004/05 year marked the second full year of operation of RDV, which successfully promoted new economic and
investment opportunities in rural and regional Victoria and delivered initiatives and programs to strengthen regional
infrastructure, industries and communities.
Highlights for the year included:
• Attracting about $1 billion of new investment into rural and regional Victoria
• Creating 1,898 new jobs and a projected $395.9 million in new exports
• Implementing the Natural Gas Extension Program in rural and regional Victoria, with gas distribution companies
commencing major construction work of approximately 700 kilometres of pipeline to supply natural gas to 29 towns in
provincial Victoria - the biggest gas rollout in regional areas for many years
• Delivering Phase 2 of the Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria marketing campaign. The campaign, developed in close
partnership with the State’s 48 rural and regional councils, encouraged Melburnians to consider provincial Victoria as a
place to live, work and invest
• Providing assistance through the business component of the Community Regional Industry Skills Program for 17 approved
projects worth about $2 million
• Establishing the $1 million Macpherson Smith Community Alliance in partnership with the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust
• Delivering a suite of additional programs, including the Regional Business Investment Ready Program, Regional Investment
Initiative, Regional Innovation Clusters Program and Rural Community Infrastructure Development Grants Program.
I would like to thank the members of the Regional Development Advisory Committee who provided valuable advice and
feedback to the Minister throughout the year.
I would also like to thank all RDV staff for their contribution. I look forward to continuing to deliver on the Government’s
commitment to make provincial Victoria a better place to live, work and invest.
Kerry Murphy
Chief Executive
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1.1 Chief Executive Foreword
RDV is within the State and Regional Development portfolio
and works closely with the Department of Innovation,
Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD).
The Department objectives to which it contributes are:
• to position Victoria as an attractive destination for
investment that stimulates growth and development
across the State
• to work with the business sector and other key partners
to encourage and facilitate exports
• to facilitate and support innovation across Victorian
business and industry
• to foster a high performance and skilled workforce to
meet the needs of the economy
• to ensure sustained economic and industry development
of provincial Victoria.
The Government’s Growing Victoria Together objectives to
which RDV contributes are:
• creating more quality jobs and thriving, innovative
industries across Victoria
• growing and linking all of Victoria
• building friendly, confident and safe communities
• a fairer society that reduces disadvantage and respects
diversity.
RDV’s structure is aimed at achieving a strong and growing
rural and regional Victoria.
Economic and Community Programs
This Division acts as a conduit between business,
community and government at all levels. It also facilitates
access to government assistance to small towns, linking
economic and community development. It works with
other Government departments, including Department for
Victorian Communities, Department of Education and
Training and Department of Human Services on community
building and development initiatives.
Regional Co-ordination
This Division provides a co-ordinated and uniform approach
to program delivery for RDV. Regional Co-ordination
ensures a consistent RDV message is communicated,
provides a central source of information and delivers
a range of programs. It works with other government
departments, including Department for Victorian
Communities, Department of Education and Training,
and Department of Human Services on community building
and development initiatives. It also takes a lead role in
responding to requests from the Minister for State and
Regional Development, DIIRD and other agencies and
departments.
Regional Industries
This Division delivers a range of business assistance
services to industry and provides advice to Ministers
and the Government on matters related to the food,
resource-based industries and rural commerce sectors.
The Division’s activities focus on investment attraction,
improving the international competitiveness of companies
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Overview of Regional Development Victoria
2.1 Profile of Regional Development Victoria
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) was established in 2003 as a statutory body to lead the Government’s
commitment to the economic development of rural and regional Victoria. Its focus is on building stronger
economies, communities and infrastructure to create a prosperous and growing rural and regional Victoria.
Regional Infrastructure Development
The Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)
facilitates investment, employment and export opportunities
in regional Victoria. It achieves this through the provision of
funding for capital works projects that support new industry
development, link transport infrastructure, improve tourism
facilities, and better link regional Victoria to new
opportunities in education and information and
communication technologies infrastructure.
2.2 Structure of RegionalDevelopment Victoria
Strategy and Regional Policy
This Division provides support and advice to the Minister for
State and Regional Development on policies, programs and
issues concerning community and economic development
in rural and regional Victoria.
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ment Victoria
Investment Attraction
Food Victoria
Food & Related Industries
Resourced Based Industries
Rural Commerce
Regional Manager North East Region
Rural Community Development Network
Secretary DIIRD
Regional Development Advisory Committee
Regional Industries
Chief Executive(Responsible to the Secretary,
DIIRD for the general conduct and management of RDV)
Minister - State & Regional Development
Office of Chief Executive
Community Projects
Regional Manager Western Region
Regional Infrastructure Development Fund
Natural Gas Extension Program
Small Towns Development Fund
Regional Manager South West Region
Policy & Program Development
Advisory Committee Secretariat
Regional Manager Gippsland Region
Marketing & Communications
Regional Co-ordination Activities
Business & Community Liaison
Regional Manager Northern Region
Economic and Community Programs
Regional Infrastructure Development
Strategy & Regional Policy Development
Regional Co-ordination
The Committee consists of the Chief Executive of RDV,
who is the Chair, and six members representing rural and
regional Victoria. Committee members were approved by
the Governor in Council on 2 September 2003.
The following rural and regional Victoria representatives,
offering wide-ranging backgrounds and expertise in
economic development, community development, finance
and marketing, are members of the Regional Development
Advisory Committee:
- Ms Jo Bourke - Ms Jenny Dawson
- Mr John G Brown - Mr Richard Elkington
- Mr Ed Coppe
During 2004/05, applications for the sixth, vacant position
on the Committee were sought from across the State
and then considered. The successful applicant will be
announced by the Minister for State and Regional
Development in 2005/06.
During 2004/05, the Committee met in Ararat, Bairnsdale,
Ballarat, Geelong, Horsham, Paynesville, Sale and
Warrnambool.
The Committee has continued to make a valuable
contribution to the Government’s regional development
agenda.
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Overview of Regional Development Victoria
Left to Right
• Joe Helper MP,
Parliamentary Secretary,
Regional Development
• Kerry Murphy,
Chair
• Jennifer Dawson
• Richard Elkington
• The Hon. John Brumby MP,
Minister for State and
Regional Development
• Jo Bourke
• Ed Coppe
• John G Brown.
2.3 Regional Development Advisory Committee
The 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 rural and
regional Victoria and provide support in promoting and growing rural and regional Victoria.
Programs
Bushfire Recovery Fund
Funding through the Bushfire Recovery Fund continued to
be provided to assist in the rebuilding of fire-affected areas
of Victoria’s North Eastern and Gippsland regions.
Community Development Program
The program provides $1 million over four years to local
government and incorporated organisations to undertake
event-based projects that support community and economic
development. Funding of up to $10,000 was provided for
new event-based activities that foster community and
economic development in the nine interface local councils.
Community Capacity Building Initiative –
Macpherson Smith Community Alliance
RDV, in partnership with the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust,
made grants available to projects identified by rural
communities that were part of an earlier joint Community
Capacity Building Initiative. The Community Capacity
Building Initiative was a joint initiative between RDV and the
Department for Victorian Communities. RDV’s involvement
ceased on 30 June 2004.
Community Regional Industry Skills Program
The Community Regional Industry Skills Program (CRISP)
addressed skills shortages and supported the development
of sustainable industries and jobs across rural and
regional Victoria. CRISP provides $10 million over four
years and is delivered by RDV and the Department for
Victorian Communities (DVC). Funding administered by
RDV addresses skills needs at enterprise level.
Funding administered by DVC addresses skills needs
through targeted, strategic partnerships at the local level.
Council and Regional Development Body Program
This program provided assistance to regional and interface
councils and development bodies to work together and
also for individual projects on a broader regional basis to
promote and facilitate economic development.
Grants, provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis, were also
available to individual councils for Priority Projects that
had an economic focus.
Drought Recovery
As part of the Government’s drought recovery activities,
Regional Development Victoria (in partnership with the
Department of Primary Industries) delivered the Rural
Community Infrastructure Development Grants Program.
This program was established to assist communities in
the north west of the State affected by poor harvests in
2004 which exacerbated the continuing impacts of the
recent drought.
Grow Your Business, Agenda for New
Manufacturing and Opening Doors
to Export Programs
Under these programs, assistance was provided to
companies to engage consultants to help them improve and
build their business in areas including export and innovation.
Living Regions, Living Suburbs Program
This program supported initiatives promoting economic and
social renewal in rural, regional and interface communities
throughout Victoria. Particular emphasis was placed on
local and regional projects that assisted the development of
a sound economic base through the social and economic
revitalisation of individual communities.
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Year in Review
3.1 Regional Development Victoria Programs and Services
Programs and services delivered by Regional Development Victoria (RDV) in 2004/05.
Natural Gas Extension Program
Funding of $70 million was allocated from the Regional
Infrastructure Development Fund to extend the reticulated
natural gas network. In 2004/05, it was announced that gas
distribution companies, Multinet Gas, SP AusNet and
Envestra would supply natural gas to 29 towns in provincial
Victoria and within interface council areas, and major
construction works commenced with approximately
700 kilometres of pipeline to be laid over the next two to
three years to supply the 29 towns.
Regional Business Investment Ready Program
The Regional Business Investment Ready Program is a
three-year program designed to assist in the attraction of a
greater flow of capital into provincial Victoria. The program
is aimed at increasing the amount of investment in regional
Victoria by delivering a range of tailored and structured
services for regional business owners seeking to grow, and
local government and regional authorities seeking capital for
infrastructure development.
Regional Commercialisation Pilot Program
RDV, in conjunction with the Office of Science and
Technology, delivered the program in Victoria’s Northern,
North Eastern and Western regions. It involved a series of
workshops to help individuals and businesses develop
business cases to commercialise new products.
Regional Infrastructure Development Fund
The fund facilitated investment, employment and export
opportunities in regional Victoria through the provision of
infrastructure funding for capital works projects with a focus
on industry development, transport, tourism, education and
information and communication technologies.
Regional Innovation Clusters Program
The program assisted businesses to create jobs and drive
investment in rural and regional Victoria by supporting
growth clusters.
Regional Investment Initiative
This initiative was designed to attract new investment
to rural and regional Victoria and to help regional and
interface councils capitalise on investment opportunities.
It had two key components – the Business Investment
Initiative and the Council Investment Initiative.
Rural Leadership and Community Events Program
This program assisted communities, including those
affected by drought, by encouraging and strengthening
leadership, creative skills and capacities essential to their
social, economic growth and development.
Small Towns Development Fund
A sub-program of the Regional Infrastructure Development
Fund to help small towns undertake practical economic and
community development initiatives. The fund targeted
projects that aimed to create new opportunities for
economic growth via economic and social infrastructure.
Trade Fairs and Missions Program
RDV helped companies develop export markets in
15 different countries, focussing on new markets including
India and China.
Your Town Your Bank
RDV delivered the program through its network of Rural
Community Development Officers, providing grants of up to
$20,000 on a matching dollar-for-dollar basis, for feasibility
studies into establishing local banking or other financial
services facilities.
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Services
Economic and Community Development
RDV assisted in the co-ordinated delivery of Government
programs, services and resources in rural and regional
Victoria and acted as a conduit between governments at
all levels, business and the community.
Export Assistance and Trade Fairs
Regular seminars were conducted in key regional areas,
and companies were assisted to visit overseas trade fairs to
establish contacts and build networks to capture
opportunities and promote exports.
Industry Development and Investment Facilitation
RDV delivered a range of services to assist the
development of strategic industries in rural and regional
Victoria. RDV’s Regional Industries Division had a particular
industry sector focus on:
• the food processing industry and related supply chain
sectors (including stockfeed, agricultural machinery and
equipment, irrigation and water storage equipment)
• industries that add value to the State’s natural resources
(including forests and plantation-based industries,
furnishing and building products, minerals extraction
and processing and energy generation).
The Division works closely with the food industry to
increase its international competitiveness and develop
export opportunities.
Rural Community Development Officers
Rural Community Development Officers (RCDOs) worked
from nine rural locations and liaised directly with councils,
businesses, community groups and individuals. RCDOs
facilitated access to Government assistance to small towns,
linking economic facilitation with community development.
In addition, a liaison officer worked in a similar role to the
RCDOs in the interface councils.
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.
Regional Networks (Victorian Business Centres)
RDV was widely accessible through Victorian Business
Centres located across Victoria in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong,
Mildura, Shepparton, Traralgon, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
They provided a first point of contact for businesses and
communities seeking to access Government services.
RDV staff were also located in Ararat, Bairnsdale, Colac,
Echuca, Horsham, Seymour, Warragul and Warrnambool.
Regional offices actively marketed and promoted 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
• local businesses
• relevant State and Federal government departments.
Regional offices also worked closely with other agencies
to maintain a whole-of-government approach to service
provision. They provided information and referral services
for business, through collocation with other Government
and business providers, including:
• Area Consultative Committees
• AusIndustry
• Austrade
• Australian Taxation OfficeRD
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Year in Review
• Department of Primary Industries
• Department for Victorian Communities
• Industry Capability Network
• TradeStart
• Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Other local economic development agencies.
3.2 Highlights 2004/05
Economic and CommunityDevelopment
Regional Population Growth
RDV delivered Phase 2 of the Make it Happen in Provincial
Victoria marketing campaign. This contributed to the
Government’s aim to increase the State’s population to at
least 6 million by 2025 and achieve regional population
growth of 1.25 per cent per annum by 2006.
Phase 2 included $2.85 million for a three-year marketing
campaign and $2.85 million for a new Provincial Economic
Partnerships (PEP) initiative, designed to equip regional
councils with the skills and tools they need to capture
economic and investment opportunities.
In 2004/05, PEP funded a range of projects, including:
• Metropolitan radio campaigns (Goulburn Murray region,
Wimmera Mallee region, North East region, Gippsland
region)
• Expos (Great South Coast region, Grampians Pyrenees
region)
• Economic Development Kits (Indigo Shire, Towong Shire,
Rural City of Wangaratta).
Bushfire Recovery
Grant payments from the Bushfire Recovery Fund totalling
$650,516 assisted fire-affected regions of Victoria’s North
East and Gippsland.
Case Study 1Provincial Economic Partnerships program - GrampiansPyrenees region expoThe phones hardly stopped ringing in the Grampians Pyrenees followingthe region’s Redirect Your Energy expo at Federation Square in November2004. The three Councils that comprise the Grampians Pyrenees region –Ararat, Northern Grampians and Pyrenees – used a $30,000 ProvincialEconomic Partnerships program grant to help fund the two-day expo,which included a land giveaway. The innovative campaign generatedstrong interest in the Melbourne media with an equivalent advertisingvalue of $250,000 that included an article in The Age followed by a storyon Channel 7’s Today Tonight program that aired nationally. More than1,000 enquiries from across Australia about the land giveaway werereceived with further enquiries about jobs and property prices. Threeblocks of land that the Pyrenees Shire wanted to sell were sold in twodays and strong interest was also received from property developerslooking at land for residential subdivision.
Case Study 2Paynesville Community BankA grant to the East Gippsland Shire Council and Paynesville CommunityBank Steering Committee funded half of a feasibility study into theestablishment of a community bank at Paynesville. Unlike most otherstudies for the establishment of a community bank which are from townsthat had banks and lost them, Paynesville is a small but rapidly growingcommunity that has never had a bank. The establishment of a local bankwill mean business owners will no longer drive 30 minutes to do theirbanking and tourists and locals will have access to local banking facilities.
Case Study 3Wyndham Street Commercial Precinct - SheppartonA Living Regions Living Suburbs grant to the City of Greater Sheppartonwill help redevelop part of the historic Shepparton Butter Factory site onthe fringe of the CBD. Next to the successful Victoria Park Lake precinct,the project will rejuvenate an area that has lain idle for many years andwill link the lake to the CBD as a fully planned city gateway. The projectincludes the installation of underground power, drainage, street furnitureand landscaping and will prepare the remainder of the site for furtherredevelopment.
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Community Development Program (CDP)
Grants from the CDP totalled $130,995 in 2004/05, and
supported events including launches of farmers’ markets
and community facilities, a weekend fun run, shopping
precinct festivals, youth celebrations and business
week activities.
Community Capacity Building Initiative –
Macpherson Smith Community Alliance
RDV, in partnership with the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust,
established the $1 million Macpherson Smith Community
Alliance (MSCA) with RDV and the trust each providing
$500,000 over two years. The purpose of the MSCA is
to make grants available to projects identified by rural
communities that were part of an earlier joint Community
Capacity Building Initiative. In 2004/05, 26 grants totalling
$500,000 were approved.
Drought Recovery
Regional Development Victoria (in partnership with the
Department of Primary Industries) delivered the Rural
Community Infrastructure Development Grants Program.
Grants of $400,000 were provided to each of the following
municipalities: the Shires of Buloke, Hindmarsh, Northern
Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack; and the
Rural Cities of Horsham, Mildura and Swan Hill.
The program is funding community infrastructure projects
which have a combined economic and social benefit,
such as maintaining sporting and community facilities,
streetscape works and upgrading public infrastructure.
Regional Industry Development
Investment Attraction
Regional Development Victoria contributed to the attraction
of about $1 billion of new facilitated investment in rural and
regional Victoria.
New investment in regional Victoria in 2004/05 accounted
for more than half of all new investment attracted to the
State, which is an excellent result for regional communities
and a clear indication of the importance of effective
partnerships between councils, industry and RDV.
Along with this new investment, 1,898 new jobs will be
created and a projected $395.9 million in new exports will
be delivered. Total regional investment for the past financial
year was well in excess of the target of $600 million,
and new job creation also comfortably exceeded the
target of 1,000 jobs.
Investment has come from a broad range of industry sectors,
including food processing $385 million, downstream mineral
processing $252 million, agribusiness $151 million, energy
$130 million and financial services $70 million.
Case Study 4Flowerdale Link ProjectIn December 2004 Murrindindi Shire Council completed the FlowerdaleLink Project with funding from the Living Regions Living SuburbsProgram. The project provided better community facilities and socialconnection for Flowerdale and the surrounding communities ofHazeldene and Silver Creek. The project included a new six-kilometrepedestrian path linking the three communities, two new picnic areaswith car access, outdoor furniture and toilet facilities and a majorupgrade of the Flowerdale Community Hall.
Case Study 5Ceramet Technologies Pty Ltd - BallaratA Community Regional Industry Skills Program (CRISP) grant andBusiness Assistance Program (BAP) grant is helping engineeringcompany Ceramet Technologies to build a state-of-the-art $13.5 millionmetal injection moulding facility, which will create 90 new jobs inBallarat. The BAP funding is helping the company fund relocation andestablishment costs for the new facility. The CRISP funding helped thecompany recruit and train up to 90 professional, technical and supportstaff. The new facility will focus on making light-weight components forthe automotive and aerospace industries.
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Year in Review
Examples of significant regional investments and jobs
secured in this financial year include:
• Bendigo Mining (Kangaroo Flat), $215 million, 550 jobs
• Almonds Australia (Robinvale), $150 million, 90 jobs
• Bendigo Bank (Bendigo), $70 million, 315 jobs
• Southcorp Wines (Mildura), $59 million, 70 jobs
• Perseverance Corporation (Fosterville), $24 million
• Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm Pty Ltd (Bendigo),
$11 million, 100 jobs
• MasterFoods Foods Pty Ltd (Wodonga), $50 million
• Tatura Milk (Tatura), $10 million, 18 jobs
• Campbell’s Soup (Lemnos), $8.5 million
• Ceramet Technologies (Ballarat), $13.5 million, 90 jobs
• MasterFoods Snackfoods (Ballarat), $10 million
• Quicksilver (Geelong and Torquay), $6.5 million, 50 jobs
• Ripcurl (Torquay), $5 million, 40 jobs
• Thornton Engineering (Geelong), $5 million, 25 jobs
• Midfield Meat (Warrnambool), $3.5 million, 50 jobs
• GlaxoSmithKline (Port Fairy), $20 million
• Hallmark Oaks (Cann River), $1.3 million, 15 jobs.
Food Strategy
The Victorian Government’s $3 million strategic action plan
for the food processing industry along the supply chain -
Next Generation Food Strategy - was launched in
October 2004.
Involving over 170 stakeholders, the strategy was developed
with industry and contains 45 initiatives across seven key areas:
• Sustainability
• Product integrity
• Export
• Industry and regional development
• Innovation
• Education, training & careers
• Promoting excellence.
Export
RDV contributed to DIIRD’s export focus with emphasis on
new markets including India and China, and the provision of
assistance to 324 companies in the food, beverages and
resources industries through the Department’s Trade Fairs
and Missions program. This assistance will help these
companies develop export markets in 15 different countries
in Europe, Asia, North America, South America, India and
the Middle East.
Case Study 6Raise the Ripple - InverlochA Small Towns Development Fund grant helped the seaside township ofInverloch construct a full-size replica of Ripple, the historic ketch (sailingvessel) on the foreshore close to the main shopping area. The ketch onceserviced the area for 40 years, transporting freight and passengers.The Raise the Ripple project, an action of the Inverloch Tourism DestinationDevelopment Plan, developed under the guidance of Tourism Victoria, willprovide a significant point of interest boosting tourism to the area.
Case Study 7Kalkee Community CentreOnce a small thriving community, demographic changes and populationshifts resulted in the decline of community infrastructure in Kalkee. A SmallTowns Development Fund grant will help provide a Community Centre thatwill house a conference centre, catering facilities, an amenities block anda number of smaller rooms for various sporting and community purposes.Located on the Recreation Reserve, the centre will provide a venue forcommunity engagement and business/client exchange. Farmers andagribusiness operators will have a venue to interact with their client basethrough forums and information days.
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Community Regional Industry Skills Program
The $10 million, four-year CRISP is a key component of
the Victorian Government’s commitment to promoting
employment growth and economic development across
Victoria. There are two components of this program: CRISP
Business (delivered by RDV) and CRISP Communities
(delivered by the Department for Victorian Communities).
In 2004/05, grants totalling about $2 million for 17 projects
were approved to help companies facing skill shortages.
One of these projects was to assist the Planning Institute of
Australia to overcome the shortage of planners in regional
Victoria, through a $160,000 grant. The assistance
provided through CRISP Business has contributed to new
investment and job creation.
Commercialisation
In 2004, DIIRD, acting through its Commercialisation and
Cluster Division and RDV, conducted a Pilot Regional
Commercialisation Program in Victoria’s Northern, North
Eastern and Western Regions. Services were delivered under
contract by a specialist provider. A total of 46 businesses
took part in one-day diagnostic workshops and 25
businesses were selected to participate in two intensive
seven-week programs of business-case building, culminating
in presentations to an independent expert panel.
Grow Your Business, Agenda for New
Manufacturing and Opening Doors
to Export Programs
In 2004/05, a total of 126 individual Grow Your Business,
Agenda for New Manufacturing and Opening Doors to Export
grants valued at over $1.2 million were paid to businesses
and organisations in rural and regional Victoria. Regional
Victoria received 39 Agenda for New Manufacturing grants
valued at over $490,000, 79 Grow Your Business Grants
valued at $646,000 and eight Opening Doors to Export
grants valued at $135,000.
Regional Business Investment Ready Program
The Victorian Government’s Regional Business Investment
Ready Program (RBIRP) was launched in March 2005.
The first initiative delivered as part of the RBIRP Business
Stream was an information seminar on debt and equity
funding, which was broadcast simultaneously to
22 locations across Victoria to an audience of regional
business people. In 2004/05, substantial development
of the program was undertaken. Major elements of the
program will be delivered to rural and regional Victoria
by investment professionals in 2005/06.
Case Study 8Jamieson Small Towns ProjectA Small Towns Development Fund grant contributed toward the upgradeof Gerrans Park in the town’s main street, streetscape improvementsand a significant upgrade of the historic Jamieson Hall. The hall upgradewill provide the community with a facility that can be used for a range offunctions, once again connecting and involving the residents in thetown’s social and artistic life.
Case Study 9Loch Recreational Facilities The township of Loch has reinvented itself as a boutique village forconnoisseurs of food, collectables, arts and craft. A Small TownsDevelopment Fund grant for works that will connect the recreationalreserve with the main street will help its continued growth as a communityand tourist hub. The project, which links the recreational reserve via anunderpass, will also give residents improved safety and security.
Case Study 10Australian Eatwell Pty Ltd - DonaldA decision to merge two Melbourne-based businesses – a soupcompany with a vegetable burger company – led the owner of AustralianEatwell to investigate relocation options. With the assistance of anEnterprise Development Grant, Donald was chosen. The move hasresulted in new employment opportunities in provincial Victoria and ina number of benefits for the company, including access to a reliableworkforce, proximity to two major highways and access to high-qualitylocal produce such as lentils and chickpeas.
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Regional Innovation Clusters Program
Delivery commenced of the $2.9 million Regional Innovation
Clusters Program, a three-year initiative to develop and
strengthen regional clusters. In 2004/05, two clusters
successfully commenced operation; funding was approved
for the development of four clusters; and funding was
approved for feasibility studies to examine the potential of
another six new clusters.
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 firms in their regions. This program is available
to regional businesses, regional councils and interface
councils.
A total of 40 projects were supported with a grant value in
excess of $1.6 million. The grants were provided for a variety
of investment-related projects such as investment opportunity
studies, economic development strategies, innovation
workshops, infrastructure assessment studies and
business workshops.
Regional Infrastructure Development
Regional Infrastructure Development Fund
During 2004/05, the Government announced funding
contribution from RIDF towards three projects:
• Port of Portland Multi-Purpose Ship Loader and
Associated Infrastructure ($500,000)
• Bendigo Rural Exhibition Centre ($2.5 million)
• Bendigo Bank Civic Space and Public Infrastructure
($3 million).
A number of RDIF-funded projects were completed during
the year, including:
• Class A reclaimed water treatment plant at Hamilton
• Creation of a Centre for Research and Training in
Environmental Science at Wodonga
• Eureka Centre Precinct Development, Ballarat
• Port of Sale Redevelopment
• Geelong Technology Precinct.
Further projects were under consideration for funding
as at 30 June 2005 and may be funded in the 2005/06
financial year.
Case Study 11Border Express - Barnawartha NorthA Regional Investment Initiative grant helped Border Express relocateto Logic Park in Barnawartha North. Border Express is the Park’s firsttenant, involving an investment of $5 million and the creation of 10new jobs. RDV assisted in the overall development of Logic Park,a $90 million project creating 360 new full-time jobs.
Case Study 12Ballarat Information and Communications Technology centre A grant through the Regional Innovation Clusters Program will helpBallarat continue to build as a leading regional Information andCommunications Technology (ICT) centre. The funding will help buildand strengthen relationships between Ballarat’s ICT sector and the city’sother business sectors, education providers and R&D organisations.The City of Ballarat will use the funding to develop a mapping andfeasibility study for the long-term growth of the Ballarat ICT Cluster.
Case Study 13Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm Pty Ltd - BendigoHazeldene’s Chicken Farm is a family-owned business on the outskirtsof Bendigo employing approximately 420 people. A grant under theCommunity Regional Industry Skills Program (CRISP) will assist in the$11million redevelopment of the company’s manufacturing facility whichwill create 100 new jobs. The CRISP grant will address regional skillsshortages by off-setting training costs incurred for its additional100 staff.
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Natural Gas Extension Program
In 2004/05 a major focus of the RIDF was the implementation
of the Natural Gas Extension Program (NGEP). During the
year, it was announced that gas distribution companies,
Multinet Gas, SP AusNet and Envestra, would supply
natural gas to 29 towns in country Victoria and interface
municipalities, the biggest gas rollout in regional areas for
many years. Major construction works commenced in
2004/05, with approximately 700 kilometres of pipeline to be
laid over the next two to three years to supply the 29 towns.
Small Towns Development Fund
The $20 million Small Towns Development Fund (STDF) is
a program funded through the RIDF. In 2004/05, 84 STDF
projects were funded, providing small rural towns
opportunities for economic growth via development of
socio-economic infrastructure. The STDF provided funds in
partnership with regional councils on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
STDF projects funded in 2004/05 included:
• Beulah GPS Base Station ($15,000)
• Yarram Tourist Centre and Arts Space ($15,000)
• Walwa Community Centre ($100,000)
• Mortlake Industrial Estate – Stage Two ($200,000).
Strategy and Regional Policy
During 2004/05, support and advice continued to be
provided to the Minister for State and Regional Development
on policies, programs and issues concerning economic and
community development in rural and regional Victoria.
RDV worked with the Victorian Competition and Efficiency
Commission and across Government to consider
opportunities to enhance the regulatory environment for
regional economic development. Other significant policy
projects undertaken included an examination of population
and employment in provincial Victoria, and preliminary work to
benchmark the business costs in rural and regional Victoria.
RDV also worked with other State and Territory governments
through:
• the Standing Committee on Regional Development
• Victoria’s provincial cities through the Regional Cities
Victoria group
• other stakeholder groups – to expand co-operation on
regional investment, infrastructure, attraction and retention
of skilled labour, skilled migration and research in Australia.
Support was also provided to the Minister’s Regional
Development Advisory Committee, and for Community
Cabinet meetings held in regional Victoria.
Case Study 14Rip Curl - TorquayA Community Regional Industry Skills Program grant will help iconic surfclothing and equipment manufacturer Rip Curl train and recruit 40 newemployees and establish its new warehouse and global head office inTorquay. The company’s new total investment of $6 million will helpincrease exports and result in an increase in the pool of skilled labourin the region, which will benefit the surf clothing industry as a whole.
Case Study 15Ear Associates Pty Ltd - TraralgonEar Associates is an innovative service company providing independentreporting and analysis services to audiologists and hearing devicemanufacturers through EARtrak, a unique system developed by thecompany. A First Step Exporter Program helped the company attend ahearing industry trade show in Germany as well as visit prospectivecustomers in the UK, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.The company made significant sales in the German market with a full cycleof several thousand surveys returned. Enquiry was also received from theUSA. This assistance has given Ear Associates a substantial boost as wellas raising the international profile of the Australian hearing industry.
Case Study 16SIAL 2005 - Food and Wine Trade FairSIAL 2005 was one of the largest international trade exhibitions inChina for food, beverages, wines and spirits. A grant through RegionalDevelopment Victoria assisted the attendance of 14 companies to SIAL2005 in Shanghai in May. The Trade Fair attracted 800 exhibitors and anestimated 20,000 visitors, with Victorian participants estimating about$16.6 million in sales over the next two years.
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Case Study 17Goulburn Valley Fruit Cluster - SheppartonA grant from the Regional Innovation Clusters Program will enable the Goulburn Valley Fruit Cluster at Shepparton to engage an export facilitator and developand implement a global export strategy for the cluster. The Goulburn Valley Fruit Cluster is made up of more than 40 fruit growers, three of Australia's leadingstone fruit, apple and pear packing operations, packaging suppliers, transport companies, agribusiness suppliers and higher education and researchinstitutions. The Goulburn Valley Fruit Cluster currently obtains one-third of its sales revenue – about $7 million – from export markets, which are critical to itslong-term success. Under this initiative, the group will fully integrate its marketing activities between export and domestic markets and further develop exportsales, particularly in key Asian markets.
Case Study 18Provincial Economic Partnerships program - Strathbogie, Channel 9, Today programChannel 9’s Today program showcased Strathbogie Shire as a great place to live, work, and invest with the support of a PEP grant. Channel 9’s popularbreakfast program hosted four live crosses for the weather bulletins from various locations within the Shire, including Collingrove Stud in Nagambie, whosestallions include former Melbourne Cup winner Jeune. The coverage helped to promote the region to a national audience. Council also developed a new pageon its website to provide contact details and information for interested viewers.
Case Study 19Glenelg Industrial Land Master PlanA Regional Investment Initiative grant to the Glenelg Shire enabled it to undertake a major study to identify the location of the region’s future industrial land.The project focused on identifying sites with easy or reduced cost access to road, rail, gas, power, water and waste water infrastructure as well as sufficientbuffer distance from future residential development. This will enable the Council to respond proactively to investment enquiries, currently representing over $1billion worth of projects which could lead to over 500 new jobs in areas including mineral sands processing, timber processing and advanced manufacturing.
Case Study 20Industry Capability Mission - IndiaAn Industry Capability Mission to India, led by RDV during February 2005, assisted 11 building, infrastructure and other export-oriented companies visit thefast-growing Indian market. The mission focussed on supply opportunities for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010 and export development acrossthe sector in New Delhi and Chennai. Participants have identified potential business opportunities of about $30 million. The Mission also helped raiseawareness of Victorian capabilities to the Indian market and has resulted in return visits by key Indian organisations.
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As part of its commitment to review and report on the effectiveness and
outcomes of its programs, in 2004/05 RDV undertook an evaluation of
selected RIDF sub-programs, including the Stock Over/Underpass Road
Safety Program and the Dairy Power Infrastructure Upgrade Program.
The evaluation of the Programs was commissioned by RDV and conducted
by Impact Consulting Group. The evaluations included focus groups and
surveys with participating farmers and interviews with core stakeholders.
Stock Over/Underpass Road Safety ProgramThrough the RIDF, the Victorian Government has provided funding for the
Stock Over/Underpass Road Safety (SOURS) Program.
Through the SOURS Program, the Government provides a grant of up to
$20,000 towards the cost of installation of a stock over or underpass,
where farmers regularly cross stock over roads. Since the Program was
announced in August 2000, 290 underpasses have been constructed,
with funding approval provided for over 100 additional projects.
The Program is administered through a partnership approach between
RDV and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF).
The four core objectives of the SOURS Program are to:
• Improve Road Safety
• Improve workplace safety for farmers and their employees
• Improve farm efficiency and productivity
• Remove impediments to expansion of dairy farms and growth of
the industry.
Evaluation findings
The evaluation found that by removing stock from roads, there was a
dramatic improvement in workplace safety:
• 9% of farmers surveyed reported a road accident related to their stock
crossing in the 12 months prior to the installation of the underpass.
No farmer reported an accident since the installation of their underpass.
The evaluation found that by removing stock from roads, underpasses
improved road safety:
• Local Government representatives confirmed that underpasses improved
road safety, both directly through taking stock off roads, and also as a
result of improved road surface conditions (removal of mud and manure
from the road and less degradation of sealed surfaces).
• School Bus safety has been a particular area of improvement that was
previously a major concern for farmers and rural communities.
The evaluation found that installation of an underpass improved farm
efficiency and productivity:
• On average, installation of an underpass saved participating farmers
6 labour hours per week.
This saved time was generally reapplied to value-adding activity.
• 100% of surveyed farmers agreed that the underpass made the herd
easier to manage. More than 85% agreed that an underpass made
their farm more viable for dairying and enabled them to use their land
more productively.
• More than 70% of surveyed farmers agreed that the underpass made
their operation more profitable.
• Underpasses allow for increased grazing time and improved utilisation
of pasture, reduced farm maintenance requirements, and improved
milking efficiency.
• Underpasses also have a positive impact on animal health (and therefore
productivity) via reductions in animal stress, and reductions in foot
problems and heat stress that were previously caused by the bunching
of cows before crossing roads.
The evaluation found that installation of an underpass facilitates the
expansion of dairy farms:
• On average, farmers who installed an underpass increased their land
holdings from 514 hectares to 574 hectares. In focus groups, farmers
believed that underpasses were both a driver and enabler of expansion
of dairy farms.
In addition to demonstrating that the SOURS Program is meeting its
objectives, the evaluation found that the Program was providing additional
social benefits. Farmers overwhelmingly believed that the underpasses
provide peace of mind. The risks involved in crossing stock across busy
roads created stress and uncertainty for farmers. Fear of accidents and
litigation was also alleviated through the installation of an underpass.
In addition to this personal wellbeing, underpasses also improved the
social environment. Farmers reported that neighbours and road users
were more “friendly”, as traffic delays caused by cows were eliminated,
as was the mud and manure previously left on the road.
In summary, the evaluation found that an underpass contributed to road
and workplace safety, farm efficiency and productivity, industry expansion
and personal wellbeing, providing a positive return for the investment by
both Government and farmers.
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Year in Review
REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND (RIDF)
Dairy Power Infrastructure Upgrade ProgramThrough the RIDF the Victorian Government provided funding for the
Dairy Power Infrastructure Upgrade (DPIU) Program.
Initially scheduled to close on 30 June 2003, the DPIU Program was
extended to 31 October 2004. Under the Program, the Government
provided a grant equal to 50% of the farmer’s costs of upgrading their
power supply infrastructure from Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) or
Single Phase to Three Phase.
The Program was administered through a partnership approach between
RDV and the electricity distribution companies, who also made a contribution
to the project cost in accordance with their regulatory obligations.
Over 260 dairy farmers participated in the Program in its four years of
operation.
The four core objectives of the DPIU Program were to:
• Encourage and facilitate investment in new technology and equipment
• Improve farm efficiency and productivity
• Remove impediments to expansion of dairy farms and growth of
the industry
• Improve the operation and capacity of the electricity distribution network
in dairying areas of regional Victoria.
Evaluation findings
The finding of the evaluation supported empirical evidence collected by
RDV that:
• Farmers previously operating on SWER systems generally upgraded to
Three Phase to better operate existing equipment or to enable future
investment in new equipment and technology, and
• Farmers previously operating on Single Phase systems often upgraded to
Three Phase as part of larger investment in their farm. The average
additional investment by farmers upgrading from Single Phase to Three
Phase power was $106,776. This was made up of investment in new
equipment such as new dairies, milk vats, irrigation pumps, feed systems
and waste management systems. Farmers mostly agreed that this
investment was either driven or enabled by the improved power supply.
The evaluation found that the Program encourages and facilitates
investment in new technology and equipment.
• Farmers strongly agreed that the upgrade provided them with an
opportunity to adopt new technology, both now and into the future.
• Based on extrapolation of survey results, “flow on” expenditure on new
dairying equipment as a result of the power upgrades is likely to have
been many millions of dollars, providing additional economic benefits to
local manufacturers.
The evaluation found that the Program improves farm efficiency and
productivity:
• The power upgrades enabled improved efficiency and farm management
via the purchase and operation of new dairying equipment. For example,
Three Phase power enabled the operation of larger milk vats for
additional storage, requiring only one milk pickup each day and thereby
eliminating the extra charges for second pickups.
• Installation and operation of irrigation equipment was also enabled by
the power upgrades, improving the productivity of farms.
• Farmers strongly agreed that the upgrades improved the operation and
viability of their farm.
The evaluation found that the Program removes impediments to expansion
of dairy farms and growth of the industry:
• The Program has been successful in removing a major impediment for
many dairy farmers – insufficient power to operate new technology.
The significant “flow on” investment as a result of the upgrades
demonstrates this.
• The upgrades enable future investment and expansion by dairy farmers.
The evaluation found that the Program improves the operation and
capacity of the electricity distribution network in dairying areas of regional
Victoria:
• Farmers agreed that the upgrades had improved the capacity and the
reliability of their supply. Many noted that previously insufficient capacity
caused outages and other difficulties when running the dairy, which had
significant negative impacts on milking and output.
In summary, the evaluation found that the power upgrades have been,
and will continue to be an important mechanism to enable Victorian dairy
farmers to invest in equipment and implement new technology, thereby
improving the operation and viability of their farm.
Natural Gas Extension Program(A sub-program of the RIDF)
The biggest roll-out of natural gas connections in country Victoria since
the 1970s will provide a $427.6 million economic boost for Provincial
Victoria over the next 20 years. A KPMG report reviewing the economic
impact of connecting natural gas to the communities found the program
would generate around 395 new full-time equivalent jobs each year over
the next 20 years. Connecting to natural gas from LPG saves an average
household between $600 and $1200 a year. A medium business can save
up to $30,000 a year. For some large businesses that annual saving can
be hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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Avonmore Estate Winery
Avonmore Estate Winery produces a boutique organic
bio-dynamic wine range from its vineyard at Elmore near
Bendigo. A Grow Your Business grant helped the winery
develop a website with an online purchasing facility. This led
to increased domestic exposure and the ability to showcase
niche organic products globally. In March 2005 Avonmore
Estate made its first export sale to Canada via an order
received on its website. It has since received a second
order from Canada, displayed product at a Trade Fair at
Ottawa and Toronto in Canada and negotiated its first
sale with Thailand – all of this without having to leave
the country.
Flavorite Hydroponic
Warragul company Flavorite Hydroponic Tomatoes Pty. Ltd.,
produces and packs its own high-quality hydroponic
tomatoes as well as packing tomatoes for a number of
other growers around the district. It received a Timber
Towns Investment Support Package to extend and
streamline its facilities. The new works have now been
commissioned and the whole farm is fully operational.
Flavorite is reaping the benefits of this large investment
with increased production. The organisation employed
145 people in 2004 and expects this to be about 200 by
December 2005.
Safetech
Moe company Safetech is an Australian materials handling
innovator, designer and manufacturer. The company
worked with RDV to streamline its operations – identifying
priority steps in the design, manufacturing and distribution
process and eliminating unproductive areas. Safetech has
now moved into larger premises with manufacturing
organised around lean manufacturing principles. It has
continued both strong sales growth and increasing
employment numbers in the business.
La Trobe University, Albury-Wodonga Campus
In April 2004, La Trobe University received a RIDF Grant of
$1.5 million toward the $5 million Centre for Research and
Training in Environmental Science at Wodonga (the Centre).
This grant was featured in the 2003/2004 RDV annual
report. LaTrobe University completed construction of the
Centre in May 2005. One hundred and fifty-nine contractors
worked on the construction of the Centre, with a peak of
55 contractors on site on any particular day. The Centre
combines the Research Laboratories of the Murray Darling
Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC) and the Science
Teaching Laboratories of LaTrobe University.
Through combining the two facilities, additional cooperation
and collaboration has resulted. MDFRC staff provide guest
lectures at the University, and provide joint seminars with
the University faculty. The University estimate that up to
40 ongoing jobs have been created as a result of the
building and operation of the Centre.
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Year in Review
3.3 Where Are They Now?
This section provides a snapshot of how past RDV assistance, programs and services have helped businesses and
organisations grow and develop.
Earth Releaf Retail Nurseries and Go Native
Wholesale Nursery
A meeting with the Traralgon Victorian Business Centre in
2002 helped Keith Grey, a Berry Creek accountant, develop
a business strategy to pursue his passion for horticulture,
leaving behind ledgers and balance sheets in exchange
for plants and potting mix. Armed with small business
information and referral services provided by the VBC,
Earth Releaf Retail Nurseries became a reality in late 2002.
In 2003 a wholesale nursery followed, and by August 2003
Earth Releaf was trading in Meeniyan, Trafalgar and
Leongatha. In its first year of operation, in 2003 Earth
Releaf, operating retail nurseries and cafés, was a finalist
in the retail section of the Gippsland Business Awards.
Keith’s nurseries provide local tourist information and his
vision is to combine Earth Releaf’s growth with attracting
more tourists into the Gippsland area.
Blood on the Southern Cross – Sovereign Hill,
Ballarat
Sovereign Hill’s spectacular Blood on the Southern Cross
outdoor sound and light show last year hosted its
one-millionth visitor.
The state-of-the-art show – which tells the story of the
1854 Eureka Rebellion – has attracted up to 90,000
visitors a year since opening in 1993.
In that time, the show has been instrumental in transforming
thousands of day visits into thousands of overnight stays,
helping grow tourism, which, in turn, has brought extra
investment and job opportunities to Ballarat and the region.
Blood on the Southern Cross received a $2 million overhaul
in 2002 with the help of a $1.2 million grant from the
Victorian Government's Regional Infrastructure
Development Fund.
The investment helped grow annual show visitor numbers
from 86,000 in 2003, to 96,000 in 2004, cementing
Sovereign Hill as the most successful man-made regional
tourism attraction in Victoria, with more than 460,000
visitors each year.
The new show has been pivotal in the continued growth
of the tourism sector in and around Ballarat with figures
showing it has a direct regional income of $6 million a year,
generating 1400 bed nights a week.
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3.4 Key Partners
Regional Development Victoria (RDV)Key Partners
Local Government and Local Economic
Development Bodies
RDV worked in close partnerships with the 48 regional
councils, nine interface councils and various local economic
development bodies in facilitating economic, infrastructure
and socio-economic development. The support from RDV
extended from facilitating investment attraction,
infrastructure and industrial estate development to
supporting communities recovering from natural disaster
and industry restructure.
Office of Small Business Commissioner
The Office of Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) is
dedicated to promoting a competitive and fair operating
environment for small business. RDV regional offices
provided strategic support to the Small Business
Commissioner in promoting the services of the OSBC
and assisted in business networking.
Other State Government Departments
RDV worked with other Government Departments on
various initiatives.
Commonwealth and other State Governments
RDV is a member of the Standing Committee on Regional
Development that comprises representatives of the
Commonwealth and State governments and the Australian
Local Government Association. The committee considered
a wide range of regional issues and matters including
economic, investment, skills and community development.
TradeStart
In partnership with the Commonwealth Government’s
TradeStart, RDV delivered export services of the New
Exporters Development Program to small and medium
enterprises in south-west Victoria.
Industry Associations
RDV regional offices worked closely with all key local
business networks, associations and industry bodies.
Roles and activities included participation as committee
member, awards judging, mentoring and facilitating access
to RDV assistance programs and services.
Community Organisations
RDV supported and partnered a wide-ranging and diverse
group of community organisations across rural and regional
Victoria. These partnerships helped strengthen communities
through the delivery of infrastructure projects, the
Macpherson Smith Community Alliance and the Your Town
Your Bank program. They have also made a considerable
contribution to specific events such as fire and drought
recovery initiatives and to ongoing community capacity
building and development initiatives.
3.5 Marketing Rural and RegionalVictoria
In 2004/05, RDV delivered Phase Two of the Make it
Happen in Provincial Victoria marketing program.
The $5.7 million program, which included public relations,
press and television advertising and a dedicated website,
carried forward the momentum from Phase 1 of the
campaign, which was launched in 2003. The campaign was
developed in close partnership with the State’s 48 rural and
regional councils to encourage Melbourne residents
and businesses to consider relocating to rural and
regional Victoria.
It was the first time rural and regional Victoria had marketed
itself as an entity and the first time the councils had worked
together to promote rural and regional Victoria as a whole.
In addition to $2.85 million over three years for the marketing
of the campaign, Phase 2 also included $2.85 million for a new
Provincial Economic Partnerships initiative to equip regional
councils with the skills and tools they need to capture
economic and investment opportunities. The Make it Happen
in Provincial Victoria marketing campaign is aimed at helping
to meet the Government’s target of 1.25 per cent population
growth in rural and regional Victoria by 2006.
3.6 Sponsorship–Herald Sun Tour 2004
In September 2004 the Government announced a
three-year sponsorship of Australia’s most famous
road cycling race – the Herald Sun Tour.
The Tour was one of the biggest international sports events
in regional Victoria, taking in numerous towns and rural
communities along its route of around 1200km over 10 days
of racing. The Tour also provided a direct economic benefit
to host cities and towns, injecting about $100,000 into the
local economy for each overnight stay.
The Herald Sun Tour – founded as the Sun Tour in 1952 – is
the highest-ranked professional cycling event in the Southern
Hemisphere, enjoying the same Union Cycliste International
(UCI) rating as the tours of Sweden and Germany.
The Tour attracted 85 riders from 16 countries competing
for $120,000 in prize money. The 2004 Herald Sun Tour ran
from October 14-24, starting in Lygon St Melbourne and
finishing in Traralgon. The Tour was linked to the Make it
Happen in Provincial Victoria marketing campaign, which
promotes the work, investment and lifestyle opportunities in
provincial Victoria.
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4.1 Financial Performance
Consolidated financial statements for the Department of
Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD)
and Regional Development Victoria (RDV) are contained
in the Annual Report 2004/05 published by DIIRD.
Sections 5.5 and 5.6 of this report contain Output Targets
and Performance and Revenue and Expenses respectively,
for RDV for the year ended 30 June 2005.
4.2 Compliance
Compliance requirements in accordance with the Financial
Management Act 1994 and the Directions of the Minister
for Finance are handled by DIIRD on behalf of RDV.
Consolidated compliance reporting information for RDV,
for the financial year 2004/05 is contained in the Annual
Report 2004/05 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.
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5.1 Regional Development Victoria Grants
Regional Development Victoria provided financial 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.
Consistent with discussions with the Auditor-General’s Office, grants from appropriate regional development programs
to interface councils and metropolitan organisations are contained in the 2004/05 Annual Report for the Department of
Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.
Financial assistance of $8 million was provided to the following companies and organisations.
Organisation Funding Type Payment $
Alpine Shire Council Bushfire Recovery Fund 126,250
Alpine Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 93,030
Alpine Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 5,000
Alpine Shire Council Regional Investment Initiative 25,000
Ararat Rural City Council Regional Investment Initiative 7,500
Ararat Rural City Council Rural Leadership & Community Events 300
Ballarat Football League Inc Rural Leadership & Community Events 1,250
Barwon Region Water Authority Regional Investment Initiative 12,500
Bass Coast Shire Council Drought Assistance Packages 1,650
Bass Coast Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 20,000
Bass Coast Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 12,500
Bass Coast Shire Council Rural Community Events and Development Program 17,885
Baw Baw Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 5,000
Benalla Rural City Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 20,000
Berry Street Victoria Inc Drought Assistance Packages 20,000
Buchan & Gelantipy Racing Club Inc Living Regions Living Suburbs 6,087
Buloke Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 22,997
Buloke Shire Council Rural Community Infrastructure Development Program 400,000
Campaspe Shire Council Drought Assistance Packages 244
Campaspe Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 31,329
Campaspe Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 9,000
Campaspe Shire Council Rural Leadership & Community Events 4,655
Central Goldfields Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 25,500
Central Goldfields Shire Council Rural Leadership & Community Events 1,204
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Organisation Funding Type Payment $
Ceramet Technologies Pty Ltd Community Regional Industry Skills Program 60,000
City of Ballarat Living Regions Living Suburbs 450,777
City of Ballarat Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 25,000
City of Greater Bendigo Living Regions Living Suburbs 121,183
City of Greater Bendigo Regional Investment Initiative 25,000
City of Greater Bendigo Rural Leadership & Community Events 1,000
City of Greater Geelong Living Regions Living Suburbs 200,000
City of Greater Geelong Regional Innovation Clusters Program 21,334
City of Greater Geelong Regional Investment Initiative 210,000
City of Greater Shepparton Living Regions Living Suburbs 345,316
City of Greater Shepparton Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 3,500
City of Greater Shepparton Regional Innovation Clusters Program 50,000
City of Warrnambool Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 12,500
City of Warrnambool Regional Investment Initiative 3,000
City of Wodonga Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 14,741
Colac Otway Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 3,500
Committee for Drouin Inc Rural Community Events and Development Program 700
Corangamite Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 9,000
Corio Community Sports Club Inc Rural Leadership & Community Events 1,875
East Gippsland Shire Council Bushfire Recovery Fund 103,478
East Gippsland Shire Council Drought Assistance Packages 1,208
East Gippsland Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 13,482
Gannawarra Shire Council Drought Assistance Packages 1,550
Gannawarra Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 39,294
Glenelg Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 2,363
Glenelg Shire Council Regional Investment Initiative 7,500
Golden Plains Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 5,581
Goulburn Murray Community Leadership Program Inc Rural Community Events and Development Program 8,547
Grampians Community Health Centre Inc Drought Assistance Packages 1,160
GV Time Out Inc Drought Assistance Packages 2,500
Hepburn Shire Council Regional Investment Initiative 4,500
Hindmarsh Shire Council Rural Community Infrastructure Development Program 400,000
Horsham Art is Festival Rural Leadership & Community Events 2,500
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Regional Development Victoria Grants
Organisation Funding Type Payment $
Horsham Rural City Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 18,123
Horsham Rural City Council Rural Community Infrastructure Development Program 400,000
Indigo Shire Council Bushfire Recovery Fund 142,000
Indigo Shire Council Drought Assistance Packages 1,550
Latrobe City Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 14,404
Lions Club of Merrigum Inc Rural Leadership & Community Events 65
Loddon Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 71,180
Lyrebird Arts Council Inc Rural Leadership & Community Events 1,750
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 76,300
Man from Snowy River Bush Festival Inc Drought Assistance Packages 2,500
Mansfield Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 11,250
Mansfield Shire Council Regional Investment Initiative 26,250
Mansfield Shire Council Rural Leadership & Community Events 376
Marsed Pty Ltd Community Regional Industry Skills Program 60,000
Mildura Rural City Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 6,582
Mildura Rural City Council Regional Investment Initiative 21,250
Mildura Rural City Council Rural Community Infrastructure Development Program 400,000
Mildura Rural City Council Rural Leadership & Community Events 1,352
Mitchell Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 17,110
Mitchell Shire Council Regional Investment Initiative 75,500
Moira Shire Council Drought Assistance Packages 3,769
Moira Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 3,500
Moira Shire Council Regional Investment Initiative 20,750
Moira Tourism Inc Rural Leadership & Community Events 1,903
Moorabool Shire Council Drought Assistance Packages 2,000
Moorabool Shire Council Regional Investment Initiative 15,000
Moorabool Shire Council Rural Leadership & Community Events 1,063
Mount Alexander Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 27,828
Mount Beauty & District Chamber of Commerce Inc. Drought Assistance Packages 2,469
Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board Bushfire Recovery Fund 25,000
Murrindindi Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 523,133
Murrindindi Shire Council Rural Leadership & Community Events 800
Nathalia and District Development Corporation Inc Rural Leadership & Community Events 1,400
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Organisation Funding Type Payment $
North Central Catchment Management Authority Drought Assistance Packages 2,423
North Central Catchment Management Authority Rural Community Events and Development Program 10,400
North East AgCare Inc Rural Community Events and Development Program 10,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council Rural Community Infrastructure Development Program 400,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council Rural Leadership & Community Events 999
Pacific Edge Holdings Pty Ltd Regional Investment Initiative 200,000
Patience & Nicholson (Aust) Pty Ltd Community Regional Industry Skills Program 50,000
Portland Coast Region Water Authority Regional Investment Initiative 97,000
Pyrenees Shire Council Drought Assistance Packages 5,234
Pyrenees Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 15,000
Pyrenees Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 30,000
Regional Arts Victoria Living Regions Living Suburbs 30,000
Rubicon Systems Australia Pty Ltd Regional Investment Initiative 20,250
Rural City of Wangaratta Bushfire Recovery Fund 11,413
Rural City of Wangaratta Drought Assistance Packages 4,200
Rural City of Wangaratta Glenrowan Lions Park Project 6,831
Rural City of Wangaratta Living Regions Living Suburbs 18,168
Rural City of Wangaratta Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 7,000
South Gippsland Shire Council Rural Community Events and Development Program 25,438
South West Water Authority Living Regions Living Suburbs 100,000
South West Water Authority Regional Investment Initiative 29,268
Southern Grampians Shire Council Drought Assistance Packages 3,000
Southern Grampians Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 98,750
Southern Grampians Shire Council Regional Investment Initiative 11,171
Strathbogie Shire Council Council and Regional Development Body Program 51,075
Strathbogie Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 4,754
Strathbogie Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 12,500
Strathbogie Shire Council Regional Investment Initiative 49,500
Strzelecki Engineering Pty Ltd Regional Investment Initiative 20,000
Surf Coast Shire Regional Investment Initiative 12,500
Swan Hill Rural City Council Regional Investment Initiative 7,500
Swan Hill Rural City Council Rural Community Infrastructure Development Program 400,000
Talbot Action Inc Drought Assistance Packages 1,750
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Organisation Funding Type Payment $
Talbot Football-Cricket Club Inc Rural Leadership & Community Events 1,357
The Taste Factory Pty Ltd Regional Investment Initiative 22,500
Thoona and District Progress Association Drought Assistance Packages 1,050
Towong Shire Council Bushfire Recovery Fund 194,875
Towong Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 8,093
Towong Shire Council Rural Community Events and Development Program 2,250
Upper Murray Health & Community Services Rural Leadership & Community Events 1,433
Walhalla Tourist Railway Committee of Management Inc Living Regions Living Suburbs 20,000
Wanalta Foods Pty Ltd Community Regional Industry Skills Program 20,000
Wangaratta Rural City Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 6,614
Wellington Shire Council Bushfire Recovery Fund 47,500
Wellington Shire Council Drought Assistance Packages 500
Wellington Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 17,540
Wellington Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 10,000
Wellington Shire Council Regional Investment Initiative 24,200
Wellington Shire Council Rural Leadership & Community Events 2,127
West Wimmera Shire Council Make it Happen in Provincial Victoria 15,500
West Wimmera Shire Council Regional Investment Initiative 10,000
West Wimmera Shire Council Rural Community Infrastructure Development Program 400,000
Woady Yaloak Catchment Group Inc Rural Leadership & Community Events 2,140
Wycheproof Community Resource Centre Drought Assistance Packages 2,075
Yarriambiack Shire Council Living Regions Living Suburbs 25,452
Yarriambiack Shire Council Rural Community Infrastructure Development Program 400,000
Yea Golf Club Inc Rural Leadership & Community Events 650
5.2 Regional Infrastructure Development Fund Grants
Financial Assistance of $6 million was announced from the Fund to the following organisations:
Organisation Project $ Amount
Greater Bendigo City Council Bendigo Rural Exhibition Centre 2,500,000
Greater Bendigo City Council Bendigo Bank Civic Space and Public Infrastructure 3,000,000
Port of Portland Pty Ltd Port of Portland Multi-Purpose Ship Loader & Associated Infrastructure 500,000 RD
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5.3 Small Towns Development Fund Grants
(A sub-program of the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund)
Financial Assistance of $5.6 million was announced from the Fund to the following Councils:
Council Project $ Amount
Ararat Rural City Council Streatham Simpson Park Development 25,000
Ararat Rural City Council Mininera Recreation Reserve Community Facilities 50,000
Bass Coast Shire Council Raise the Ripple 37,500
Bass Coast Shire Council Community Building - Rotunda Cape Woolamai 18,000
Baw Baw Shire Council Hallora Community Facility 50,000
Buloke Shire Council Nullawil Community Complex Upgrade 22,542
Buloke Shire Council Donald Industrial Estate 72,000
Campaspe Shire Council Kyabram Union/Allan Street Precinct Beautification 200,000
Campaspe Shire Council Rushworth Railway Parkland 100,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council Talbot Town Centre Development 79,000
Colac Otway Shire Council Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre Upgrade 20,000
Colac Otway Shire Council Gellibrand River Township Upgrade 35,000
Colac Otway Shire Council Beech Forest Township Upgrade 47,000
Colac Otway Shire Council Lake Colac Upgrade 200,000
Colac Otway Shire Council Carlisle River Township Upgrade 40,000
Corangamite Shire Council Camperdown Botanic Gardens Improvement 23,000
East Gippsland Shire Council Mallacoota Streetscape and Alfresco Project 75,000
East Gippsland Shire Council Metung Streetscape 55,000
Gannawarra Shire Council Quambatook Community Facility 27,547
Gannawarra Shire Council Murrabit Hall Upgrade 34,000
Gannawarra Shire Council Atkinson Park Development 34,000
Glenelg Shire Council Portable Promotion, Events & Community Facilities Package 20,614
Golden Plains Shire Council Bannockburn Industrial Estate - Stage 2 200,000
Golden Plains Shire Council Shelford Community Meeting Space 65,000
Greater Geelong City Council William Buckley Historic Trail 9,783
Greater Geelong City Council Ocean Grove Park Redevelopment 13,000
Greater Geelong City Council Barwon Coast Trail 200,000
Greater Shepparton City Council Dookie Community Centre 200,000
Hepburn Shire Council Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens Improvement 76,400
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Council Project $ Amount
Hindmarsh Shire Council Old Dimboola Banner Office Print Museum Development 7,000
Hindmarsh Shire Council Winiam Hall Upgrade 12,160
Horsham Rural City Council Kanagulk Memorial Hall Upgrade 17,450
Horsham Rural City Council Haven Recreation Reserve Development 10,000
Horsham Rural City Council Kalkee Community Centre 65,000
Horsham Rural City Council Natimuk Showgrounds Community Facilities 50,000
Indigo Shire Council Stanley Hall 27,000
Indigo Shire Council Chiltern Community Courthouse Upgrade 30,000
Indigo Shire Council Chiltern East Entry Community Precinct 51,250
Indigo Shire Council Yackandandah Streetscape Commercial Precinct 120,000
Loddon Shire Council Wedderburn Community Centre Development 84,122
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Kyneton Grandstand Redevelopment 64,600
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Kyneton Streetscape 200,000
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Gisborne Community Hall Refurbishment 42,375
Mansfield Shire Council Jamieson Town Centre Development 90,000
Mansfield Shire Council Mansfield Community Facilities Upgrade 23,750
Mansfield Shire Council Woods Point Township Enhancement 47,000
Mildura Rural City Council Murrayville Public Hall Upgrade 31,368
Mitchell Shire Council Wandong-Heathcote Junction Township Improvement Works 82,000
Mitchell Shire Council Kilmore Memorial Hall Redevelopment 55,000
Mitchell Shire Council Development of the Sam de Gabrielle Reserve 50,000
Mitchell Shire Council LB Davern Reserve Community Facility Expansion 50,000
Moira Shire Council Bundalong Hall Refurbishment 50,000
Moorabool Shire Council Blackwood Hall & Senior Citizens Club Redevelopment 13,300
Moorabool Shire Council Mt Egerton Hall Upgrade 28,150
Moorabool Shire Council Mt Wallace Hall Upgrade 34,875
Mount Alexander Shire Council Upgrade of Metcalfe Community Facility 30,000
Moyne Shire Council Mortlake Industrial Estate - Stage 2 200,000
Murrindindi Shire Council Yea Railway Reserve Upgrade - Stage 2 32,000
Murrindindi Shire Council Yea Community Services Centre Upgrade 131,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council Great Western Master-plan Implementation 63,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council St Arnaud Walkway 17,500
Northern Grampians Shire Council Grampians Gateway Industrial Estate 200,000
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Council Project $ Amount
Northern Grampians Shire Council Halls Gap Town Centre Revitalisation 60,000
Pyrenees Shire Council Avoca Hall Upgrade 40,000
Pyrenees Shire Council Beaufort Industrial Estate - Murchison Street 80,000
Pyrenees Shire Council Lexton (Toll Bar) Park Upgrade 11,500
South Gippsland Shire Council Loch Recreational Facilities 75,000
South Gippsland Shire Council Dumbalk Memorial Park BBQ Marquee 17,260
Southern Grampians Shire Council Peck St Industrial Estate 200,000
Surf Coast Shire Council Lorne Visitor Information Centre 200,000
Surf Coast Shire Council Jan Juc Village Community Park 15,400
Swan Hill Rural City Council Lake Boga Development 37,500
Swan Hill Rural City Council McCrae Set Development 141,532
Towong Shire Council Walwa Community Centre 100,000
Towong Shire Council Tallangatta Showgrounds Facilities Upgrade 49,500
Wangaratta Rural City Council Oxley-Milawa Gourmet Region Link 192,000
Wangaratta Rural City Council Carboor Hall Upgrade 17,400
Wellington Shire Council Yarram Tourist Centre and Art Space 15,000
West Wimmera Shire Council Edenhope Mechanics Hall Upgrade 41,250
West Wimmera Shire Council Harrow Streetscape 70,000
Wodonga City Council Baranduda to Huon Rail Trail 121,000
Yarriambiack Shire Council Beulah GPS Base Station 15,000
Yarriambiack Shire Council Rupanyup Memorial Park Development 68,490
Yarriambiack Shire Council Anzac Park Redevelopment 29,554
5.4 Natural Gas Extension Program Grants
(A sub-program of the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund)
Financial Assistance of $44.5 million was announced from the Fund to the following natural gas distribution companies:
Organisation Project $ Amount
SP Australia Networks (Distribution) Pty Ltd Supply of natural gas to Port Fairy, Creswick, Camperdown, 25,410,000Maiden Gully, Barwon Heads, Woodend, Macedon, Gisborne,New Gisborne, Lancefield, Romsey, Riddells Creek
Envestra Ltd Supply of natural gas to Bairnsdale, Paynesville, Balnarring Beach, 12,915,200Balnarring, Hurstbridge, Merricks Beach, Somers, St Andrews Beach
Multinet Gas Distribution Partnership Supply of natural gas to Yarra Glen, Wandin, Seville, Seville East, 6,157,704Woori Yallock, Yarra Junction, Launching Place, Wesburn, Millgrove
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5.5 Output Targets and Performance
OUTPUT GROUP / Output Performance Indicator 2004/05 Target Annual Result
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT / Output Cost $1.6mRegional Strategic Leadership
Quantity - Provincial Economic Partnerships – projects supported 9 22
Regional Development Advisory Committee meetings held 5 5in rural and regional Victoria
Strategic policy initiated 2 2
Quality - Council satisfaction with Provincial Victoria marketing campaign 90% 96%
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT / Output Cost $6.6mRural Community Development
Quantity - Assistance provided to business in small communities 50 52on growth opportunities
Community development grants supported 9 11
Development of partnerships with community foundations and business 3 3
Regional-State-Local Government community forums 5 5
Small communities – projects supported 30 30
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT/ Output Cost $78.7 mRegional Infrastructure Development
Quantity - RIDF Projects funded 5 3 (1)
(excluding Gas and Small Towns Development Fund)
Small Towns Development Fund (RIDF) projects funded 30 84
Quality - RIDF Committee recommendations accepted by Ministers 90% 100
Timelines - Development of agreements executed with successful End Oct 2004 Achievedtenderers under the Natural Gas Extension Program Tender.
Advice to RIDF applicants – after receipt of application. 90 days 115
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT/ Output Cost $12.1 mRegional Economic Development
Quantity - Companies in regional Victoria provided with assistance 100 284for growth opportunities
Jobs created in Regional Victoria 1,000 1,898
Living Regions, Living Suburbs Support Fund: community banking project grants 6 2 (2)
New exports facilitated and announced in regional Victoria $100 m 395.9
New investment facilitated and announced in regional Victoria $600m 1099.2 (3)
Next Generation Food Strategy – quarterly endorsement of project 4 4report by Food Victoria Council
Regional Business Investment Ready Program Skills Workshop 6 0 (4)
Regional economic development council projects supported 15 39
1. A number of proposals were being assessed as at 30 June 2005. 2. Low demand due to the reversal of bank closure policy. 3. Includes Almonds Australia $150 million, Southern Hydro $130 million, Bendigo Mining $215 million.4. Six local government workshops to be conducted in second half of calendar year 2005. R
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5.6 Revenue and Expenses
Output Group Schedule - Controlled revenue and expenses for the year ended 30th June 2005
Regional Development Regional Development2004/05 2003/04($’000) ($’000)
Revenue
Output appropriations 31,235 22,814
Regional Infrastructure Development Fund Appropriations 25,000 20,000
Special appropriations 1,515 0
Other revenue 0 1,286
Total revenue 57,750 44,100
Expenses
Employee entitlements (11,083) (12,477)
Depreciation and amortisation (577) (645)
Grants and other payments to service providers (42,551) (46,328)
Capital asset charge (280) (143)
Supplies and services (7,263) (6,841)
Borrowing Costs (24) 0
Other expenses from ordinary activities (6) (48)
Total expenses (61,784) (66,482)
Net Result for the Reporting Period (4,034) (22,382)
The net result for the reporting period for the year ended 30 June 2005 results from payments out of the Regional
Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) trust being $4 million higher then the appropriation received during the year for that
program (2004 - $22 million). The unspent balance in the trust at the end of the current year to be expended on committed
projects over a number of future years is $100 million (2004 - $104 million).
Regional Development Victoria was established under the Regional Development Victoria Act 2002. The financial operations
of Regional Development Victoria are included in the Financial Report for the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional
Development.
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6.1 Regional Development Victoria – Contact Information
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Contact Information
A. Victorian Business Centres
BALLARAT
48 Sturt Street Ballarat 3350
Ph 5320 5900 Fax 5320 5998
BENDIGO
46 Edward Street Bendigo 3550
Ph 5442 4100 Fax 5442 5452
GEELONG
69 Moorabool Street Geelong 3220
Ph 5229 0641 Fax 5229 9503
MILDURA
131 Langtree Street Mildura 3500
Ph 5051 2000 Fax 5051 2020
SHEPPARTON
3/164 Welsford Street Shepparton 3630
Ph 5821 1811 Fax 5822 2554
TRARALGON
33 Breed Street Traralgon 3844
Ph 5174 9233 Fax 5174 7845
WANGARATTA
27-29 Faithful Street Wangaratta 3677
Ph 5721 6988 Fax 5721 2265
WODONGA
6/22 Stanley Street Wodonga 3689
Ph 02 6056 2166 Fax 02 6056 2334
B. Rural Community Development Officers
Ararat Telephone: 5352 1367
Bairnsdale Telephone: 5153 2741
Colac Telephone: 5231 6627
Horsham Telephone: 5381 2762
Mildura Telephone: 5051 2000
Seymour Telephone: 5799 0573
Wangaratta Telephone: (02) 6056 2166
Warrnambool Telephone: 5561 4135
Wodonga Telephone: (02) 6056 2166
C. Regional Infrastructure Development Fund
Telephone: 9651 9301
Email: [email protected]
D. Regional Industries Specialists
Ararat Telephone: 5352 1369
Bendigo Telephone: 5442 4100
Warragul Telephone: 5622 1612
E. Food Industry Specialists
Ballarat Telephone: 5320 5915
Shepparton Telephone: 5821 1811
Warrnambool Telephone: 0418 545 580
F. TradeStart Export Adviser
Geelong Telephone: 5223 2104
G. Interface Councils Liaison Officer
Melbourne Telephone: 9651 9000
H. Email
Email: To contact a staff member at Regional Development
Victoria use the email domain: first name.last [email protected]
For general email enquiries: [email protected]
I. Websites
www.rdv.vic.gov.au www.food.vic.gov.au
www.provincialvictoria.vic.gov.au www.business.vic.gov.au
J. Melbourne Office
Level 12 and Level 37, 55 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Ph 9651 9000 Fax 9651 9360