REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
VICTORIA
Annual Report
11-12
Front and back cover images show the 2012 Regional Victoria Living Expo.
CONTENTS
Highlights 2011-12_____________________________________________ 2
Introduction __________________________________________________ 4
Chief Executive Foreword
4
Overview ____________________________________________________ 6
Responsibilities and Objectives
6
Strategic Direction
7
Profile
8
Regional Policy Advisory Committee
10
Partners and Stakeholders
11
Operation of the Regional Policy Advisory Committee
13
Operation of Regional Development Australia Committees
14
Implementing the Regional Growth Fund
15
Implementing Economic Infrastructure
17
Infrastructure Case Studies
19
Implementing Local Initiatives
24
Local Initiative Case Studies
25
Disaster Recovery
28
Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap
32
Murray Darling Basin Reform
35
Inaugural Regional Victoria Living Expo
36
Good Move Campaign
38
2012-13 RDV Priorities
40
Finance ____________________________________________________ 42
RDV Grant Payments
43
Economic Infrastructure
63
Output Targets and Performance
69
Revenue and Expenses
70
Financial Performance
71
Compliance
Legislation
71
71
Contact Information ___________________________________________ 72
HIGHLIGHTS 2011-12
 Implemented programs under the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.
 Announced funding of $54.4 million from the Regional Growth Fund for 23 strategic economic infrastructure projects
in regional and rural Victoria, with a total investment value of $212.6 million.
 Announced Mildura and Huntly as the first towns to benefit from the Energy for the Regions program which aims to
provide greater access to natural gas for communities in regional and rural Victoria.
 Established the $100 million Local Government Infrastructure Program as a key component of the Regional Growth
Fund.
 Established $100 million Putting Locals First Program as a key component of the Regional Growth Fund.
 Announced $15 million from the Regional Growth Fund for the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre development.
 Announced $7 million funding for the $13.3 million riverfront parklands work as part of Mildura Riverfront
redevelopment.
 Announced $5.2 million funding to redevelop Mildura Airport.
 Established the Fire Recovery Unit on 1 July 2011 to help with the ongoing recovery and response to the February
2009 bushfires.
 Opened Marysville Multipurpose Community Facility and Recreation Centre and Lake Mountain Visitor Centre.
 Launched the $5.2 million Marysville economic development package and extension of subsidised loans and small
business mentoring schemes to support economic development in fire-affected areas.
 Released the Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre request for proposal to development consortiums.
 Commenced the $30 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund on 1 July 2011. This is a jointly
administered program with the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
 Commenced the $10 million Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund on 1 July 2011.
 Supported 22 businesses in flood-affected areas with $3.6 million approved from the Victorian Business Flood
Recovery Fund.
 Provided local governments with funding to employ 19 Flood Recovery Officers to help flood-affected councils
respond to the 2010-2012 floods.
 Appointed and established the Regional Policy Advisory Committee in September 2011.
 Received ministerial approval of the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap in June 2012.
 Supported Regional Cities Victoria to run its inaugural Celebrating Regional Cities Week in November 2011.
 Supported the Minister for Regional Cities to conduct the inaugural Regional Cities Business Leaders Forum in April
2012.
 Committed $3.3 million over four years for the Networked Rural Councils program to support and strengthen the
Rural Councils Victoria network, build local government capacity and help create jobs and opportunities for local
communities.
 Delivered inaugural Regional Victoria Living Expo in April 2012, attended by more than 8000 people.
 Launched Good Move advertising campaign in May 2012 to attract people and skills to regional Victoria.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOREWORD
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) delivered the Victorian
Government’s agenda for regional Victoria throughout 2011-12,
including the implementation of Regional Growth Fund programs
and supporting the needs of regional Victorians affected by natural
disasters and economic change.
RDV developed a plan that clearly articulates the priorities for the organisation over the next four years and
establishes a delivery framework for each priority activity. This plan sets out our longer-term aims to create regions
that are prosperous, sustainable and liveable. Regions that generate value, opportunities and jobs and contribute to
the wellbeing and vitality of local communities and the Victorian economy. Regions that strike the right balance
between social, economic and environmental goals and that manage Victoria’s natural resources wisely and
sustainably. And regions that offer quality attributes, amenities and lifestyles that make them places where people
want to live.
Central to achieving our aims is the successful implementation of the Victorian Government’s Regional Growth
Fund. The fund is designed to stimulate long-term economic growth and prosperity in rural and regional Victoria.
Effective from 1 June 2011, the fund represents the Government’s commitment to drive regional development
across the State and ensure regional Victoria remains a key contributor to the State’s future growth and prosperity.
It supports communities to be more resilient and contributes to a better quality of life for regional Victoria by
providing better infrastructure, facilities and services. Local communities now play a greater role in determining the
local projects that can be funded through the Regional Growth Fund to support their own community and region.
The fund helps create jobs, improve career options and generate business opportunities for regional Victorians.
In its first year delivering the fund, RDV drove the ongoing economic development of regional Victoria by supporting
481 projects to the value of $161 million, leveraging total investments of almost $433 million and helping create
nearly 1,400 new regional jobs.
Our achievements included the first two milestones in the Energy for the Regions program when an agreement was
reached with relevant distributors to connect Huntly (near Bendigo) to the reticulated natural gas system, and
enhance the capacity of the system supplying Mildura. RDV also outlined an innovative approach for gas to be
secured for other towns in the second half of 2012.
RDV continued to respond to the needs of regional Victorians recovering from natural disasters, including the
devastating 2009 bushfires and 2011 floods.
One of the most important RDV-facilitated infrastructure projects initiated during the year was the Marysville Hotel
and Conference Centre, to which the Victorian Government is contributing up to $19 million in funding.
The successful delivery of the Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre will be a vital step towards the economic
regeneration of the town after the 2009 bushfires. The requests for development of this project that were undertaken
in 2011-12 demonstrated RDV’s capacity to partner with other Government agencies and the private sector to
deliver practical ‘bricks and mortar’ support to rural and regional Victorians in need.
RDV developed a range of support opportunities for flood-affected Victorian communities. To achieve this, our
regional programs and recovery teams worked closely with agencies across government and we look forward to a
comprehensive package being made available in the second half of 2012.
Under the guidance of the Latrobe Valley Transition Committee, RDV worked hard to prepare the Latrobe Valley
Industry and Employment Roadmap for consideration by Cabinet. The Roadmap draws on an extensive
consultation process in April and May 2012 involving collaboration with local government, community and industry
stakeholders.
RDV delivered its operations in partnership with the Regional Policy Advisory Committee and Regional
Development Australia, as well as external partnerships with Regional Cities Victoria and Rural Councils Victoria.
A key achievement for the year was the Regional Victoria Living Expo and ensuing Good Move advertising
campaign. Both initiatives aimed to attract more city people to the business and lifestyle benefits of country living.
Regional Victoria’s population is expected to almost double by 2056, with more people taking advantage of business
and lifestyle opportunities with access to health care, transport networks and education.
The longer-term economic outlook for regional and rural Victoria is strong. It currently accounts for about a quarter of
the State’s economic output and about a third of exports. Regional and rural Victoria is entering a period of great
positive change, and will prove even more essential to Victoria’s prosperity and social wellbeing in years to come.
I thank everyone in the RDV team for their commitment to growing regional and rural Victoria throughout 2011-12.
Much of the effort this year will pay dividends in the years ahead. I look forward to reporting on further results of this
work in 2012-13.
Lachlan Bruce
Chief Executive,
Regional Development Victoria
Deputy Secretary,
Department of Planning and
Community Development
RESPONSIBILITIES
AND OBJECTIVES
In accordance with the Regional Development Victoria Act 2002,
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) works closely with various
State Government agencies to meet its key strategic objective of
facilitating economic, infrastructure and community development to
help ensure new prosperity, more opportunities and a better quality
of life for regional Victorians.
RDV has primary responsibility for:




Developing integrated, regionally-focused policies and programs, including the implementation of the
Regional Growth Fund – the Government’s initiative to support future priorities for the social and economic
development of regional Victoria.
Creating vibrant and dynamic regional communities and economies through facilitating new jobs,
investments, exports, infrastructure for strategic projects and competitive businesses.
Delivering programs and information to help grow a robust and sustainable business economy and strengthen
communities throughout regional Victoria.
Developing and implementing initiatives to promote the State, to attract business and increase the population
of Victoria’s regions.
RDV’s key objectives in 2011-12 were:



To continue delivering the Victorian Government’s election commitments.
To develop and refine the forward agenda for Victoria’s regional cities, regions and rural areas.
To support communities in their recovery from natural disasters, such as the 2009 bushfires and the 2010,
2011 and 2012 floods.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
RDV delivered its objectives in 2011-12 by:

Implementing the Victorian Government’s commitments relating to the Regional Growth Fund.

Supporting 481 projects to the value of $161 million through the Regional Growth Fund, and leveraging total
investments of almost $433 million.

Managing and delivering programs that support regional and rural development.

Overseeing delivery of key regional infrastructure projects, such as the Energy for the Regions program and
the Mildura Riverfront Development.

Delivering the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap.

Monitoring the development of the Murray Darling Basin Plan and anticipating its impacts.

Engaging with the private sector through a market process on the Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre.

Facilitating the Black Saturday Memorial Service.

Delivering flood recovery grants.

Instigating the Latrobe Valley transition process in collaboration with local partners and the Commonwealth
Government.

Supporting the Regional Policy Advisory Committee to undertake work on behalf of the Minister for Regional
and Rural Development, the Minister for Regional Cities and the Parliamentary Secretary.

Delivering the inaugural Regional Victoria Living Expo.

Developing a new regional marketing campaign to promote regional Victoria as a location to live, work, invest
and study.

Working with the Commonwealth Government to appoint new Regional Development Australia Committees.

Delivering and managing programs that support recovery from natural disasters, such as floods in 2010, 2011
and 2012.

Supporting Regional Cities Victoria initiatives including the inaugural Regional Cities Business Leaders Forum.

Supporting Rural Councils Victoria initiatives including the delivery of the Networked Rural Councils program.
PROFILE
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) is the Victorian
Government’s lead agency in developing regional and rural
Victoria.
RDV’s role involves facilitating new investment, business growth and job creation, infrastructure development,
instigating policy and planning initiatives, and co-ordinating the delivery of Government programs, services and
resources in rural and regional Victoria.
This role includes implementing the Regional Growth Fund, facilitating consultation between the public and private
sectors and communities about economic and community development in rural and regional Victoria, and promoting
these areas.
It also includes advising the Minister for Regional and Rural Development and the Minister for Regional Cities on
matters relating to development in regional and rural Victoria, and supporting communities affected by the 2009 fires
through the Fire Recovery Unit.
RDV is located within the Department of Planning and Community Development and works closely with other
Victorian Government departments, including the Department of Business and Innovation.
Departmental staff based in the regions work closely with organisations and businesses to help facilitate investment,
jobs and exports. Staff are accessible at Victorian Government Business Offices located in Ballarat, Bendigo,
Geelong, Mildura, Shepparton, Traralgon, Wangaratta and Wodonga. RDV also has a presence in Ararat, Horsham,
Sale, Swan Hill and Warrnambool.
In 2011-12, RDV operated through the following groups:
REGIONAL PROGRAMS AND RECOVERY GROUP
The Regional Programs and Recovery Group took a lead role within the Department of Planning and Community
Development to develop and implement RDV programs and policy in regional and rural Victoria. This included the
administration and delivery of the Regional Development Australian Initiative in Victoria. The team worked closely
with regionally-based government staff, stakeholder organisations and individuals to support investment, jobs,
exports and communities across a range of service areas, including program management and recovery from
natural disasters. This included overseeing flood recovery support and the operations of the Fire Recovery Unit.
FIRE RECOVERY UNIT
The Fire Recovery Unit (FRU) was established in July 2011 following the closure of the Victorian Bushfire
Reconstruction and Recovery Authority. The FRU provided continuity of Government support and oversight for the
reconstruction and recovery effort after the 2009 bushfires by facilitating strong relationships and coordinated
responses to ongoing community needs.
INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP
The Infrastructure Group identified, facilitated and delivered infrastructure projects which contributed to the
enhanced productivity, liveability and sustainability of regional and rural Victoria, including those initiated through the
Regional Growth Fund.
POLICY AND PLANNING GROUP
The Policy and Planning Group provided policy and strategy leadership to RDV, coordinating with other departments
to develop ideas, knowledge, policies and programs that support the Victorian Government’s commitment to rural
and regional Victoria. The group was also responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Regional Growth
Fund, delivering research and analysis to support regional policy, and managing strategic relationships across and
outside Government.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION GROUP
The Marketing and Promotion Group delivered a range of activities to promote the business and lifestyle qualities of
life in regional and rural Victoria. In particular, the group was responsible for implementing the inaugural Regional
Victoria Living Expo and the Good Move advertising campaign.
REGIONAL POLICY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The state-wide Regional Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC) was
established in September 2011. RPAC operates as a high level
advisory body for the Minister for Regional and Rural Development
and the Minister for Regional Cities in relation to the implementation
of the Regional Growth Fund and overall regional development
policy.
RPAC brings the perspective of regional and rural Victoria to the table through a broad-based membership appointed
by the State Government. RPAC includes the three independent members and chairs of the five non-metropolitan
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees. As at 30 June 2012, the RPAC members were:
1. Ian McClelland OAM – Chairperson
Mr McClelland is the founder and Chairperson of the Birchip Cropping Group, a successful farm support and
agricultural research organisation in Victoria’s north-west.
2. Bruce Anson
Mr Anson is the Chief Executive Officer of Warrnambool City Council and the Chairperson of the Barwon South
West RDA Committee.
3. Jo Bourke
Ms Bourke is the Executive Director of the Wimmera Development Association and was Chairperson of the
Grampians RDA Committee.
4. Hayley Cail
Ms Cail was the Chairperson of the Hume RDA Committee.
5. Jenny Dawson
Ms Dawson is the Chairperson of the Loddon Mallee RDA Committee.
6. Richard Elkington
Mr Elkington is the Chairperson of the Gippsland RDA Committee.
7. Ross Lake OAM
Mr Lake is the General Manager of TASCO Inland, a major fuel and oil distributor based in Mildura.
8. Val Lang AM
Ms Lang is a partner in a farm in western Victoria and is the Deputy Chair of the Corangamite Catchment
Management Authority.
PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA COMMITTEES
Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a partnership between the Australian, State and Territory and local
governments to support the growth and development of Australia’s regions. RDV is working closely with RDA to
deliver important projects for regional Victorians through the implementation of the Regional Strategic Plans.
The five non-metropolitan RDA Committees work in partnership with regional leaders to set the strategic direction
and priorities for their respective regions. RDA Committees are also the local decision-makers in regard to the
Putting Locals First Program component of the Regional Growth Fund, and provide RDV with strategic advice on
business and development opportunities. RDV also administers the Operational Funding Contract in partnership
with the Commonwealth Government.
REGIONAL AND RURAL COUNCILS
RDV works closely with the 48 regional and rural councils to enable economic, infrastructure and associated
development.
> Regional Cities Victoria
RDV partners Regional Cities Victoria to progress shared policy agendas. Regional Cities Victoria is represented
by the Mayor and CEO from each of Victoria’s 10 largest regional cities – Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, Greater
Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Greater Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.
RDV works with Regional Cities Victoria to increase productivity and efficiency, workforce capacity and
participation and enhance the lifestyle amenities in regional cities to attract and retain a share of Victoria’s
growing population.
In 2011-12, RDV helped Regional Cities Victoria update its 2008-09 Implications of Population Growth on
Infrastructure and Resources in Regional Cities and raise the profile of regional cities through involvement in the
annual ‘Celebrating Regional Cities’ week.
> Rural Councils Victoria
RDV also partners with Rural Councils Victoria to progress policy agendas including the implementation of the
RDV-funded Networked Rural Councils program, which aims to help rural councils address current and future
challenges more sustainably. Auspiced by the Municipal Association of Victoria, Rural Councils Victoria is the
group of 38 rural councils responsible for 79 per cent of Victoria’s land area.
In 2011, the Victorian Government committed $3.3 million over four years for the Networked Rural Councils
program which aims to support and strengthen the Rural Councils Victoria network, build local government
capacity, and develop projects and strategies to create jobs and opportunities for local communities to maintain
growth. RDV worked in partnership with the network to develop its annual strategic work plan and deliver a
diverse range of projects to support rural councils and communities.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL SERVICES
RDV has an integrated delivery relationship with the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD).
DPCD Regional Services staff represent RDV on the ground in the regions. They are primarily responsible for
supporting the five Regional Development Australia Committees that operate outside Melbourne, and develop,
assess and recommend projects under the Putting Locals First Program. They also deliver program and grant
management responsibilities for a number of RDV-administered programs.
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND INNOVATION
RDV also has an integrated delivery relationship with the Department of Business and Innovation (DBI). DBI is
responsible for industry development and small business growth activities across Victoria. Many RDV programs
support or sustain business growth so DBI is a key partner in identifying opportunities and providing business
intelligence.
COMMONWEALTH AND OTHER STATE GOVERNMENTS
As part of Coalition of Australian Governments’ (COAG) reform of its ministerial council arrangements, a new
Standing Council on Regional Australia was established with representation from Commonwealth, State and
Territory ministers who have responsibility for regional matters. This council replaces the previous COAG Regional
Development Council. The Victorian Government’s Minister for Regional and Rural and Development and Minister
for Regional Cities represent Victoria on the council which will meet for the first time in early July 2012.
OPERATION OF THE REGIONAL POLICY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Regional Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC) convened in
September 2011 and met five times during 2011-12.
Its primary focus was scoping and developing its legislated role of monitoring the regional and rural impacts of
legislation and policy (‘rural proofing’). The Committee undertook research into international examples of rural
proofing, including those of Canada, UK and New Zealand, to identify best practice implementation models that
would be practical in the Victorian context.
Findings were validated by an independent evaluator who also advised on the principles and processes that could
underpin a best practice approach to rural proofing.
The Committee also engaged an independent evaluator to validate these findings and advise on the principles and
processes to underpin a best practice approach to ‘rural proofing’. The findings were endorsed by the committee in
February 2012.
In 2011-12, RPAC provided policy advice on:




Strategic infrastructure priorities and projects of State-wide significance to rural and regional Victoria that are
supported by the Regional Growth Fund.
Regional Growth Fund operation and outcomes of projects it funds.
Measuring and mitigating the impact of Acts and secondary legislation on rural and regional Victoria.
Policy matters affecting rural and regional Victoria including education and skills, energy, demographics and
liveability.
RPAC activities focused on regional impacts of legislation, providing regional policy advice and monitoring the
Regional Growth Fund. Key opportunities were identified for RPAC to undertake further work and provide advice to
Government on education and skills, energy, demographics and liveability.
OPERATION OF REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA
COMMITTEES
RDV worked closely with the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees to deliver important projects for
regional Victorians.
The five regional RDA Committees helped strengthen the capacity of regional communities through the review and
endorsement of applications under the Putting Locals First Program from the Regional Growth Fund.
A total of 33 projects were funded through the Regional Development Australia Initiative, with grants to organisations
totalling $4 million in 2011-12.
Throughout 2011-12, RDV worked with the RDA Committees in response to major priorities including the Latrobe
Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap and Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Victorian RDA Committees also endorse projects under the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Development
Australia Fund.
In partnership with the Commonwealth Government, in early 2012, RDV began the process of jointly appointing
RDA Committees for the 2012-15 appointment period.
IMPLEMENTING THE REGIONAL
GROWTH FUND
Launched on 5 July 2011, the Regional Growth Fund provides $1 billion over eight years to build strong, vibrant
cities and country communities. The fund demonstrates the Victorian Government’s commitment to create new
prosperity, more opportunities and better quality of life for regional and rural Victorians.
The Regional Growth Fund represents a new way of supporting development in regional and rural Victoria because
it is designed to be delivered in close consultation with the regional and rural communities that will benefit from the
planning, projects and services implemented through the fund.
Building stronger communities improves people’s access to jobs, education, business opportunities and other
aspects of community life. Stronger regional and rural communities also make better use of existing resources and
networks, particularly in responding to change.
The fund’s major streams include:
 $221 million for the Economic Infrastructure Program.
 $100 million for the Putting Locals First Program.
 $100 million for the Local Government Infrastructure Program.
RDV is the Victorian Government’s lead agency for delivering Regional Growth Fund initiatives throughout regional
and rural Victoria. As such, most RDV operations in 2011-12 were associated with implementing the fund’s
initiatives. RDV’s Regional Growth Fund-related operations:
 Invested in enabling infrastructure in line with local priorities identified in Regional Strategic Plans.
 Provided direct support to communities facing economic challenges, including the Latrobe Valley and
northern Victorian irrigation communities.
 Supported the supply of reliable energy and water sources to regional communities and industry, including
through the $100 million Energy for the Regions program.
 Facilitated job creation and improved career options for regional Victorians.
 Supported the resilience and sustainability of communities in regional Victoria through the:
•
Local Government Infrastructure Fund;
•
Putting Locals First Program; and
•
2012 Regional Victoria Living Expo.
Throughout 2011-12, Regional Growth Fund implementation generated significant growth and development across
regional and rural Victoria. In its first 12 months the fund supported 481 projects to the value of $161 million,
leveraging total investments of almost $433 million and helping create nearly 1,400 new regional jobs.
Investment in important community-driven projects under the Regional Growth Fund delivered major flow-on
benefits, including increased private-sector investment and overall business confidence in the regions.
IMPLEMENTING ECONOMIC
INFRASTRUCTURE
RDV supported the development of quality infrastructure through
the $221 million Economic Infrastructure Program – a key strategic
component of the Regional Growth Fund – to create more
prosperous, sustainable and liveable communities for regional and
rural Victorians. RDV also delivered its responsibilities to provide
strategic policy advice on infrastructure from a regional
perspective.
In 2011-12, RDV announced Economic Infrastructure Program funding of $54.4 million for 23 strategic economic
infrastructure projects. These projects will result in a total investment of $212.6 million across regional and rural
Victoria. They are expected to help create 887 direct full-time jobs, more than 2,069 indirect jobs, 955 jobs during
construction and support the retention of 2,231 existing jobs.
ENERGY FOR THE REGIONS PROGRAM
A major part of the Economic Infrastructure Program is the Energy for the Regions sub-program which invests $100
million over four years to help expand natural gas to communities across greater Victoria. Energy for the Regions is
also designed to encourage greater investment in the regions.
The broad aims of Energy for the Regions are to support the delivery of natural gas to priority towns, invest in a
major upgrade of Mildura’s natural gas supply capacity and invest $1 million in a feasibility study into providing
natural gas to Victorian communities along the Murray River.
The Government reached agreement with gas distributors on two regional gas projects. In May 2012, the Minister
for Regional and Rural Development announced a revised delivery strategy to introduce additional competition in
the energy marketplace.
The new strategy was informed by work on alternative delivery options that validated the economic merits of a virtual
pipeline relative to a fixed pipeline and an examination of the capability of compressed or liquefied natural gas to
supply regional Victoria. The implementation strategy will utilise extensive technical work undertaken by RDV and
commence in the second half of 2012.
INFRASTRUCTURE
CASE STUDIES
The following are examples of key infrastructure projects
implemented, initiated or funded through the Regional Growth
Fund and other Victorian Government regional and rural programs
during 2011-12.
GEELONG LIBRARY AND HERITAGE CENTRE PRECINCT
In December 2011, a grant of $15 million from the Regional Growth Fund was approved for Geelong’s $45 million
Library and Heritage Centre project. Funding was also provided by the Commonwealth Government and Geelong
Council. The project will involve the construction of a new contemporary and purpose-built library and heritage
centre in Geelong’s Cultural Precinct. Features will include library collections, an auditorium, cultural history displays
and exhibition spaces. Geelong Council appointed the project team and the project architects are developing
concept designs. The planning process is expected to be finalised by June 2013, with construction to start by
December 2013. Almost 300 people will be employed during construction. Planned for completion in December
2015, the project will generate 17 direct ongoing jobs and support the development of arts and culture in the
community.
MILDURA RIVERFRONT PARKLAND DEVELOPMENT (EASTERN PRECINCT)
In February 2012, $2 million in funding from the Regional Growth Fund for the Mildura Riverfront Parkland
Development (Eastern Precinct) was announced, in addition to $5 million committed in June 2011. The upgrade of
public infrastructure and open space will increase confidence and future investment in tourism infrastructure and
help connect the Mildura Marina and CBD to the riverfront.
The first stage of the $13.3 million project will upgrade existing sporting facilities, tourism information facilities, food
and beverage facilities, a riverfront boardwalk, wharf expansion and river edge upgrades, extended houseboat
moorings and upgrade public performance spaces and a riverside urban park.
MILDURA AIRPORT TERMINAL UPGRADE
As part of the tangible, on-the-ground benefits generated as a result of the Regional Growth Fund, RDV supported
the Mildura Airport Terminal Upgrade with a grant of $5.2 million towards the $6.4 million project. Mildura Rural City
Council also contributed to the project which will expand and refurbish the passenger terminal of the airport
providing for greatly increased floor space and accommodating a new check-in area and a redesigned baggage
system. More than 200,000 passengers use the airport annually in addition to its uses for freight, charter, flight
school, military and emergency operations. Construction will start in 2012. The project will leverage major
improvements to air services for the community, such as a commitment from Regional Express Airlines to establish
services to and from Sydney, Adelaide and Broken Hill.
GROWING AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING AT LATROBE REGIONAL AIRPORT
In partnership with Latrobe City Council, RDV supported a $2 million project to increase the capacity of Latrobe
Regional Airport. The project will facilitate the airport’s growth as an aerospace industry centre and expand regional
employment opportunities. RDV’s contribution of $1.5 million was made available under the Latrobe Valley Industry
and Infrastructure Fund which supports industry transition away from coal mining in the Latrobe Valley. The project
will include a new development hangar to provide for the expansion of current tenant, GippsAero, as it builds on its
existing research and development and aircraft manufacturing capabilities. GippsAero is a key employer in Latrobe
City, with a highly-skilled engineering workforce and an innovative approach to design and manufacture of utility
aircraft.
BENDIGO TRAM DEPOT AND MUSEUM
A $3.1 million redevelopment of the Bendigo Tram Depot and Museum was completed in January 2012. The project
significantly improved the work environment and tourism potential of Australia’s oldest operating tram depot, and the
improved workshop and spray-booth facilities will help maintain Melbourne’s W-class trams and restore trams from
as far away as Christchurch and San Francisco. RDV contributed $1.5 million to the project which has also helped
grow local employment and training in tram restoration through a partnership with Bendigo Regional Institute of
TAFE.
WARRNAMBOOL ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
The redevelopment of the Warrnambool Entertainment Centre, renamed as the Lighthouse Theatre, was completed
in early 2012. RDV contributed $4.8 million to a project which included new auditorium seats and a flexible arts
space, upgrading technical equipment and renovating the foyer, cafe and front-of-house facilities.
BURRA FOODS EXPANSION
A $54 million expansion of the Burra Foods manufacturing plant at Korumburra was completed in February 2012,
significantly increasing the plant’s capacity. RDV provided $2.1 million towards the project, which included installing
a new milk powder evaporation, drying and packing facility. Fifty new jobs were created at the plant and Burra Foods
expects sales to increase from about $55 million in 2011 to $200 million in 2012. The project has wider benefits for
the region, with a new high voltage power line constructed that will support improved electrical capacity for the entire
district.
YAAPEET RAIL LINE EXTENSION
In February 2012, the Dimboola to Rainbow line was reopened following an $8.3 million investment by RDV, the
Department of Transport and GrainCorp. With the assistance of RDV’s $1.7 million contribution, GrainCorp will now
transport up to 100,000 tonnes of grain per annum by rail to the ports. Rail represents a significant cost saving and
capacity increase over road transport, which generates better returns for grain growers in the region. The project will
also involve GrainCorp developing its Rainbow grain receival site into a high efficiency ‘super site’ to help increase
grain volumes moved by rail. In the last two years, Victoria experienced record grain volumes of 7.1 million tonnes in
2010-11 and 6.2 million tonnes in 2011-12. This project will help alleviate increased pressure on the grain supply
chain for exports from the State’s north and west.
SPC ARDMONA
In June 2012, the Victorian Government announced $4.4 million ($3.9 million from the Regional Growth Fund) in
grant funding to help upgrade the SPC Ardmona plant in Shepparton, one of the largest food processors in the
Goulburn Valley. The manufacturing plant and equipment will be modernised, which will increase efficiency and
reduce costs. The improvements will secure the future of the company’s operations in the Goulburn Valley and
create new jobs. Work is scheduled to begin in October 2012 and be complete by March 2015.
LOGIC FATIGUE MANAGEMENT CENTRE AT WODONGA
In June 2012, the Government announced a contribution of $1.64 million towards the development of a central
service hub in Wodonga, providing much needed facilities to support long-haul truck drivers. The centre will include
a Fatigue Management Centre for up to 45 trucks, a 24-hour service centre and a secure area for the exchange of
trailers between drivers from Melbourne and Sydney. As well as creating 48 indirect jobs, the project will generate
120 ongoing jobs at the site.
EAST GIPPSLAND WATER SECURITY PROJECT
In July 2011, RDV announced a $1 million grant to the Department of Sustainability and Environment to conduct the
East Gippsland Water Security Project. The project will investigate options to improve water security for irrigated
horticulture in summer along the Mitchell River in the Lindenow Valley. The funding was sourced from the
Developing Stronger Regions program which allocates $12 million over four years for feasibility studies, demand
studies or business cases to support planning for capital infrastructure projects.
PUBLIC RECOGNITION OF
RDV-SUPPORTED PROJECTS
Recognition of RDV-funded projects through international, national and state awards demonstrated the level of
ongoing support RDV provides to regional and rural Victorians. The following are examples of acknowledgements
presented in 2011-12.
HEPBURN WIND PROJECT
The Hepburn Wind project was recently awarded the World Wind Energy Award 2012 at the World Wind Energy
Conference in Germany, in recognition of Hepburn Wind bringing large scale community wind power to Australia.
RDV contributed $750,000 towards the $12.05 million facility. Sustainability Victoria also contributed to the project.
The Hepburn Community Windfarm is Australia’s first community-owned wind farm and is expected to produce
enough electricity to power 2300 local homes. It is featured as one of nine stand-out cooperatives on a set of
commemorative postage stamps.
The World Wind Energy Award is the latest accolade for the Hepburn Wind Cooperative. Others include the Climate
Alliance Innovator Award 2010, the Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Award 2011, the Banksia Environment Award
(Built Environment) 2011 and the Ethical Investor Australian Sustainability Award 2011.
RADFORD AND SON
In December 2011, R Radford and Son Pty Ltd from Warragul won the Agribusiness Leader of the Year Award at
the NAB Agribusiness Awards for Excellence. Radford is Gippsland’s only large-scale domestic abattoir, and
processes 80,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and lambs each year. The company’s operations are critical to the
region’s red meat industry and pivotal to the region’s growing status as Australia’s main Certified Organic red meat
producer.
Radford received the award for work undertaken in water recycling and energy efficiency, supported by an
infrastructure grant from RDV. In recent years the company has implemented $8 million worth of new plant
equipment and supporting infrastructure, and increased ‘throughput’ by almost 40 per cent. Radford has also cut its
use of water by 44 per cent, gas by 30 per cent, fuel by 19 per cent and electricity by four per cent.
IMPLEMENTING LOCAL INITIATIVES
Local initiatives of the Regional Growth Fund began
implementation in 2011-12.
The Local Government Infrastructure Program aims to provide regional and rural councils with certainty to plan for
and build new infrastructure or renew assets. A straightforward allocation of funds directly to all regional councils
offers a higher degree of certainty and allows them to bring forward maintenance and renewal of assets and
infrastructure. During the year, $74 million was committed to 276 projects nominated by rural and regional
councils under this program.
Putting Locals First is designed to support development of local solutions that address gaps in services and
infrastructure in regional communities. The program recognises that local people have unique insights into the
challenges faced by their communities. During 2011-12, $12.5 million was allocated to 138 projects under this
program.
REGIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Implementation of the Regional Community Leadership Program commenced in 2011-12. Under this program, $6
million was committed over four years to support community leadership programs in regional and rural Victoria.
Funds will be used to support nine community leadership programs and establish a secretariat. The secretariat
will operate across the State and nationally to support and add value to Victorian community leadership
programs.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
> Farmers’ Markets – In 2011-12, the Farmers’ Market Support Program helped 11 farmers’ markets to establish
or expand. The program also supported the Victorian Farmers’ Market to implement an information technology
initiative designed to support all aspects of the farmers’ market industry, benefitting farmers’ markets and their
stallholders through improved communications and increased promotional activity.
> Planning for Tomorrow – RDV supported 33 projects to improve the capability of local councils and regional
economic development organisations to undertake strategic, long-term economic, infrastructure and land use
planning that responds to the challenges of a rapidly changing environment.
> Local Skills Partnership – 11 projects supporting local councils with capacity to undertake economic
development initiatives and promotion of the regions’ economic strengths to attract and retain skilled people.
> Young Provincial Cadetship Program – More than 35 students were helped to undertake a paid work-based
cadetship in a field related to their study in regional Victoria.
LOCAL INITIATIVES
CASE STUDIES
The following examples represent local projects funded and
implemented in Victorian regional and rural communities through
the Regional Growth Fund and other State Government regional
funding programs in 2011-12.
BULMER FARM FRESH VEGETABLES
Funding of $40,000 from the Putting Locals First Program announced in May 2012 will help Bulmer Farm Fresh
Vegetables at Lindenow in Gippsland generate new distribution channels and supply directly into major supermarket
chains. The $240,000 project will create 10 new jobs (with the potential for more as production demand increases),
and enable value-added processing for fresh vegetable products for wholesale and export markets.
Project works are underway. They include purchasing and installing new fresh vegetable processing equipment and
constructing associated value-adding production rooms. When complete, produce will be able to be processed
within a temperature-controlled environment at Bulmer’s existing production facilities. Two new temperaturecontrolled production areas will also be built to cater for the increased production of processed vegetables – one
within the facility’s existing footprint and one as an extension to the main operational area.
The project will enable Bulmer Farm Fresh Vegetables to capitalise on the potential of on-farm processing of its
products, which the company considers a compatible extension to its supply of salad vegetables to processors. The
company also anticipates revenue from export sales of more than $400,000 per year within the first two years of the
project coming on-line.
LEADERSHIP BALLARAT AND WESTERN REGION
As part of the Regional Growth Fund, RDV provided $800,000 funding over four years to Leadership Ballarat and
Western Region to enhance its leadership program to help build capacity of the Grampians region and nurturing
emerging leaders.Leadership Ballarat and Western Region plans, promotes, manages and delivers an annual
program to further the leadership skills and capacity of participants. The 31-day program focuses on practical issues
and challenges within the region, and includes workshops, seminars, industry visits and weekend retreats. It
encourages local people from diverse backgrounds to work together towards positive changes in their environment,
and balances individual development with public-spirited community involvement for the benefit of the region.
POINT GREY PRECINCT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
A redevelopment plan for Lorne’s Point Grey Precinct will be undertaken with the help of $30,000 in funding
provided by RDV through the Putting Locals First Program. The Point Grey Precinct Redevelopment Plan project’s
design and implementation plan will provide quality community infrastructure that complement’s the $5 million Lorne
Pier project completed in 2007. The $115,000 project is planned for completion in May 2013, and will incorporate the
fishing co-op, restaurant, aquatic club, a community building and other community facilities. New and improved
infrastructure and facilities will attract more visitors to Lorne, and generate economic benefits for local business and
greater local employment opportunities during and after construction.
KOONDROOK BARHAM FARMERS’ MARKET
Farmers’ markets throughout Victoria contribute an estimated $227 million to the State economy each year and
every dollar spent at a farmers’ market generates $2.50 for its community. RDV will help capitalise on this in the
Loddon Mallee region by providing $20,000 to Red Gum Food Group for the Koondrook Barham Farmers’ Market
Expansion project. The project will be delivered as part of the $2 million Farmers’ Markets Support Program.
Held monthly on the banks of the Murray River, the expanded Koondrook Barham Farmers’ Market will give local
growers more opportunity to sell locally, and showcase what the region grows and produces. The expanded market
will help preserve sustainable farming and local food production, encourage regional biodiversity, and raise the
region’s profile as a key production area in northern Victoria and Gannawarra and Wakool shires. It will also attract
more tourists, increase local spending and give the Koondrook/Barham community better access to locally-grown
quality food.
KATAMATITE SPORTS CENTRE AND COMMUNITY HUB
On 23 March 2012, RDV provided the Moira Shire Council with $500,000 in funding to build a $1.6 million sports
centre and community hub at the Katamatite recreation reserve.
Planned for completion in 2013, the new multi-purpose facility will be designed for use by local sporting groups
(including football, netball, tennis and cricket), and the broader community of the township and surrounding areas.
The project will involve demolishing existing clubrooms and constructing a new community hub comprising a
function room, kitchen facilities, toilets and change facilities, a netball medical room and an administrative
office/meeting room. A new scorer’s box for cricket and football will also be built.
The aim of the new facilities is to meet current needs and provide Katamatite with a versatile hub for future use,
such as the ability to host functions, weddings and conferences. Schools in the area will also be able to hold events
like school sports, concerts, meetings and interviews.
DISASTER RECOVERY
FIRE RECOVERY SUPPORT
The Fire Recovery Unit (FRU) was established on 1 July 2011 following the closure of the Victorian Bushfire
Reconstruction and Recovery Authority. In 2011-12, the FRU provided continuity of government support and
oversight for the reconstruction and recovery effort. Activities and achievements during the year included:
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Provision of regionally-based Community Engagement Coordinators who responded to an average of 400
enquiries per month on a range of recovery-related issues.
Provision of a dedicated 1800 helpline and email address which have received almost 1000 enquiries in 12
months.
Production of a monthly newsletter with information on available support and services and publication of a
whole-of-government Bushfire Recovery Services Guide.
Monitoring and reporting on progress of bushfire recovery projects and publication of the Victorian Bushfire
Recovery Three Year Report that outlined the progress and achievements made in the ongoing fire recovery
effort.
Facilitating and promoting community recovery projects, such as the Grand Ridge Trail (Gippsland), Castella
Central Park (Kinglake) and the Yarra Glen District Men’s Shed.
Organising a central remembrance event in Melbourne on 5 February 2012.
Working with local communities to develop projects for consideration by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund
(VBAF) Advisory Panel.
Administering the delivery of projects funded through the VBAF Community Projects Initiative.
Conducting a survey of bushfire-affected households to improve data on the housing status of people who
lost their principal place of residence. The survey aimed to improve data on the housing status of such
people, including those living in temporary accommodation.
Working across government on behalf of bushfire-affected people and communities.
FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPORT
In 2011-12, RDV continued to take a lead role in response to the flood events of 2010, 2011 and more recently the
events of 2012, through its participation at the Secretaries’ Flood Recovery Group on behalf of the Department of
Planning and Community Development. This important whole of Victorian Government response process is
ensuring that communities have the resources and support they need to recover from the floods.
RDV helped flood-affected local governments and communities in rural and regional Victoria recover from the 20102012 floods by delivering a number of initiatives.
In partnership with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, RDV continued to successfully deliver the $30
million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund. The fund provides a grants program to flood-affected local
governments and Committees of Management to repair and restore flood-damaged community facilities. RDV
approved over $6.6 million in grants to local government and communities affected by the 2010-2011 floods.
The $10 million Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund commenced on 1 July 2011. Through the fund, RDV
worked with the Department of Business and Innovation to identify projects within flood affected areas that will
support investment and create jobs in regional Victoria. The fund approved $4.9 million in grants for projects that will
create over 400 jobs in regional areas affected by the 2010-2011 floods.
Funding was extended to local governments for Flood Recovery Officers, with a total of $2.6 million allocated to
ensure important recovery activities can continue and necessary support remains available for communities
impacted by the floods. A total of 19 Flood Recovery Officers were employed, with a number of positions having
been extended, to help local governments respond to the 2010-2012 floods.
FLOOD RECOVERY OPERATIONS SUMMARY
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More than $6.64 million in grants was approved for projects through the Flood Recovery Community
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Infrastructure Fund. Shire and rural city council recipients included Campaspe ($506,878), Gannawarra
($145,500), Hepburn ($99,000), Central Goldfields ($1,560,887), Northern Grampians ($571,570), Horsham
($323,564), Macedon Ranges ($103,197), Pyrenees ($903,367) Buloke ($280,679) and Swan Hill ($1.45
million).
The final report was delivered from the Review into the Flood Recovery Officer and the Rural Coordination
Officer Initiatives. All recommendations of the review were endorsed by the Minister for Regional and Rural
Development.
$620,000 was provided to extend Flood Recovery Officer positions at Buloke, Gannawarra, Campaspe,
Hepburn, Loddon, Mount Alexander, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Yarriambiack Shires and Mildura Rural
City Council. New funding for Flood Recovery Officers for Moorabool, Golden Plains and Mildura totalled
$180,000.
Over $3.6 million in grants from the Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund were approved to businesses
for projects, including Prairie Broiler Farm Flood Recovery Activity and Lockwood Site Expansion ($500,000)
and Mortlock Hydroponics ($250,000).
FLOOD RECOVERY CASE STUDIES
The following are two examples of flood recovery projects funded and implemented in 2011-12.
Navarre Sports Association Flood Recovery and Rebuilding Project
The only community facility in the small Northern Grampians township of Navarre, the Navarre Sports Reserve, was
significantly flood-damaged in September 2010. RDV helped the Northern Grampians Shire Council rebuild and
refurbish the facility with a grant of $39,766 from the Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund.
At a total cost of $53,000, project works included replacing the netball court surface and constructing a new
timekeeper’s box. The funding was announced in July 2011 and the completed facility reopened in May 2012. The
Navarre community now uses the reserve on a regular basis for numerous community activities as well as sporting
and passive recreation purposes.
Rochester Municipal Precinct Flood Recovery Re-establishment Project
In December 2011, RDV provided the Campaspe Shire Council with a $506,878 grant from the Flood Recovery
Community Infrastructure Fund to rebuild and restore severely flood-damaged municipal precinct buildings in
Rochester.
Project works included demolishing and rebuilding elements of the shire hall as well as improving access to the
building and upgrading its fire system. The town library and service centre received new access ramps, a new fire
system, flooring and painting. The former council chamber also had equivalent upgrades plus new walls, passages
and access.
Most of the project will be completed in August 2012 and will re-establish the precinct as important community hub
for Rochester and the surrounding district.
LATROBE VALLEY INDUSTRY AND
EMPLOYMENT ROADMAP
The Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap is
designed to build on existing Victorian Government initiatives to
create employment and stimulate new investment in the region.
The Roadmap was approved by Government in June 2012 and launched by the Minister for Regional and Rural
Development, Peter Ryan, in July.
The Roadmap delivers on a key election commitment, showcases the region’s competitive strengths and
advantages and provides a long-term strategic framework for guiding investment to deliver industry and employment
growth in the Latrobe Valley.
The Latrobe Valley, defined as the areas of Baw Baw, Latrobe City and Wellington Shire councils, is expected to be
significantly impacted by the introduction of the national carbon price and the Roadmap will help the region manage
this structural adjustment challenge.
In light of these challenges and the recognition that a collaborative approach is required to effectively support the
region, the Victorian and Commonwealth governments signed the Agreement for Cooperative Arrangements for the
Gippsland Region to support the transition of the Latrobe Valley economy.
The agreement formally established the Latrobe Valley Transition Committee, which comprises local leaders from
government, business, union, education, and community services sectors.
The Roadmap’s development over 14 months was underpinned by intensive research and engagement with the
community and business, and responds directly to advice from the Latrobe Valley Transition Committee released to
the Victorian Government’s Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan, and the Commonwealth
Government’s Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean, in June
2012.
The Roadmap outlines an investment framework based on strategic directions developed by the Latrobe Valley
Transition Committee:
> Transitioning business and workers –
ensuring workers and businesses affected by the economic transition have employment and business
opportunities.
> Strengthening the workforce – ensuring education provision and local industry needs are better aligned, and
participation in training and higher education increases are in line with future industry skills demands.
> Infrastructure for growth – ensuring governments and industry plan and coordinate infrastructure to support
industry growth and diversification.
> Strengthening innovation and competitiveness – ensuring businesses are supported to increase their
competitiveness and drive innovation.
> Attracting and facilitating investment –
ensuring existing businesses are helped to expand, and new businesses are encouraged to locate to the
Latrobe Valley.
> Enhancing liveability – ensuring the Latrobe Valley maintains and enhances its reputation as a liveable
community.
> Working together – next steps – ensuring governments, business, unions and other regional stakeholders work
cooperatively to diversify and grow the region’s economy.
The Roadmap also outlines State Government initiatives that are consistent with these strategic directions and are
designed to place the region’s economy on a sustainable pathway towards growth by providing support for the
region to diversify its economy and support for businesses to grow and expand.
AN EXPANDED LATROBE VALLEY INDUSTRY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
The State Government committed an additional $5 million to expand the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure
Fund (LVIIF) to $15 million to provide assistance to business to transition by enabling growth and diversification, and
delivering greater employment outcomes.
The LVIIF is a key initiative to drive investment in the region aligned to the Roadmap’s strategic directions, and it is
now more flexible and responsive to business needs. The LVIIF will fund projects that:
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Create new long-term jobs and secure existing business operations.
Respond to an identified industry need.
Leverage private sector investment.
Increase productivity.
Expand capacity to produce.
Enhance competitiveness and innovation.
Provide access to new markets.
Harness emerging opportunities.
Provide for increased exports and imports substitution.
MURRAY DARLING
BASIN REFORM
Under the Commonwealth Water Act 2007, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority was required to develop a ‘basin
plan’ to determine the volume of water necessary to maintain environmental assets. In November 2011, the
proposed Murray Darling Basin Plan was released for public consultation. A revised version was released for
consideration by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council in May 2012.
Focusing on social and economic impacts of proposed reductions in consumptive water use, RDV contributed to the
Victorian Government’s response to the Murray Darling Basin Plan which was submitted to the Murray-Darling Basin
Authority in April 2012.
In addition, RDV coordinated or undertook various activities to identify potentially vulnerable communities, advocate
regional issues and concerns, and increase understanding of primary and secondary impacts arising from
implementing a Murray Darling Basin Plan. As a member of a whole of government working group, RDV continued
to work with other departments, industry and affected communities to develop strategies for mitigating social and
economic implications of water reform in the Murray-Darling Basin.
The Loddon Mallee, Grampians and Hume RDA Committees worked closely with the Commonwealth and State
governments on activities relating to the economic and social impacts of reduced water in the Murray Darling Basin.
INAUGURAL REGIONAL VICTORIA
LIVING EXPO
A significant activity conducted by RDV to promote regional and
rural Victoria in 2011-12 was the inaugural Regional Victoria Living
Expo held at the Melbourne Convention Centre on 27-29 April 2012.
The three-day event highlighted the broad range of opportunities for a better quality of life in regional and rural
Victoria, particularly to Melburnians interested in moving to the regions. The Victorian Government provided $3
million in funding over four years.
Each of the 48 regional and rural councils representing every Victorian region exhibited to highlight the lifestyle and
practical benefits with specific emphasis on jobs, business, housing, education and the uniqueness of its region.
EXPO SNAPSHOT
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137 exhibitors and more than 8,000 visitors;
31 regional speakers presented during the seminar program; and
13 different regionally-based arts and cultural groups performed during the overall event.
EVENT ACTIVITIES
Supporting activities during the Expo included the Expo Lunch, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
Theatrette, Seminar Program and Cultural Program to enhance the exhibitor and visitor experience.
The ACMI Theatrette and Seminar Program was conducted in a purpose-built seminar area (with seating for 50
delegates) on the Expo floor.
ACMI provided excellent footage to showcase real life stories from regional and rural Victoria. Short stories and
documentaries celebrating community, memory and place, captured in townships across Victoria were screened on
the main stage on Friday.
The Seminar Program was held on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April. It covered the main drivers of education,
careers, housing, lifestyle/culture and business. All sessions were well attended, with some so popular that there was
standing room only.
The interactive zone was organised through Arts Victoria. It provided children with seven engaging activities over the
weekend. These activities included building an eco-cubby and hearing stories from the Aboriginal ‘Dreamtime’.
POST EVENT ANALYSIS
To gauge the outcomes of the event, RDV commissioned independent market research company, Latitude Insights, to
collect and analyse visitor feedback. The study showed that on average, visitors spent 80 minutes at the Expo, with
most saying they would be undertaking some form of follow-up activity, such as visiting the exhibitors’ websites (88 per
cent) and making further enquiries with some exhibitors (72 per cent). It also highlighted that 85 per cent of Expo
attendees indicated they would visit the parts of Victoria they were interested in.
POST EVENT FEEDBACK FROM REGIONAL COUNCILS
Many of the 48 regional and rural councils indicated a high level of genuine enquiries received since the Expo. To
capitalise on the popularity of the Expo, a number undertook local events, including an ‘open day’ held by Greater
Geelong City Council for people interested in relocating to the region.
GOOD MOVE CAMPAIGN
To capitialise on the momentum generated by the success of the
2012 Regional Victoria Living Expo, RDV launched a new
campaign to attract people and skills to regional and rural Victoria.
Presented across TV, radio and print media from 6 May to 30 June 2012, the campaign featured the real-life
experiences and stories of families who made the move from cities to regional Victoria. This included how they
overcame any initial challenges and their descriptions of the many regional pluses they now enjoy as a result.
Four 30-second TV commercials were filmed at Beechworth, Bendigo, Port Fairy and Currajung South.
The Good Move campaign aimed to direct specific enquiries to each of the regions via its dedicated website,
www.goodmove.vic.gov.au, which links visitors to the State’s regional and rural councils. The Good Move campaign
was informed by stakeholder feedback and aligned with research findings from ‘Attitudes and Target Profiling’, a
market research report by ShopScience.
2012-13 RDV PRIORITIES
PROGRAMS AND RECOVERY 2012-13 PRIORITIES:
RDV will continue to implement the Regional Growth Fund initiatives of Local Government Infrastructure Program
and the Putting Locals First Program.
We will work with the Victorian Community Leadership Secretariat and programs to further support and
strengthening the capacity of Victoria’s community leadership programs.
RDV will support the establishment of the Northern Mallee Leadership Program, and continue to work with the
Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association to support and facilitate the development of farmers’ markets throughout
regional Victoria and peri urban areas of Metropolitan Melbourne.
We will also continue to support regional areas to grow and prosper with the support of a range of local economic
and community development initiatives.
FIRE RECOVERY UNIT 2012-13 PRIORITIES:
RDV will provide a clear point of contact for information and connection to the State Government for communities
impacted by the 2009 bushfires, including support during the necessary transition from bushfire-specific services to
mainstream services.
Individuals and communities are recovering from the 2009 bushfires at different rates. While much recovery and
rebuilding progress has been made since the bushfires, there remains a need for targeted support.
Many support services were strengthened with specialist or additional capacity to support recovery from the 2009
fires. ‘One-off’ services and programs were also initiated. While the gradual transition of services back to core
service levels and the cessation of one-off initiatives is a necessary phase of the recovery process, coordination and
communication of this process (and careful targeting of remaining initiatives) will continue to be important.
FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPORT 2012-13 PRIORITIES:
RDV will continue to work with local governments and communities impacted by the 2010-2011 floods to
successfully manage and acquit projects funded from the range of flood recovery initiatives. Specifically, RDV will
continue to work with local governments receiving funding from the $30 million Flood Recovery Community
Infrastructure Fund and with the Department of Business and Innovation for businesses that successfully applied for
funding under the Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund.
This will include facilitating job creation and investment in areas affected by the March and June 2012 floods through
recovery initiatives such as the Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund having been extended to cover newly
affected regional areas.
In response to the floods across Victoria in 2012, RDV is working with affected local governments and communities
to develop recovery initiatives.
INFRASTRUCTURE 2012-13 PRIORITIES:
Through engagement with key stakeholders, RDV will continue to identify and facilitate strategic infrastructure
projects delivering strong social and economic benefits to regional Victoria.
A specific focus will be on several key activities including:
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Connecting priority towns to natural gas through Energy for the Regions.
Establishing a partnership and development agreement with the successful tenderer for the Marysville
Conference and Convention Centre.
Progressing the business case and the design process of the Mildura Riverfront Precinct.
Delivering key economic infrastructure projects through the Regional Growth Fund.
POLICY AND PLANNING 2012-13 PRIORITIES:
RDV will continue to deliver key economic investment and build community resilience through the ongoing delivery,
monitoring and evaluation of the Regional Growth Fund.
RDV will also implement the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap to build a strong evidence base that
underpins the Government’s investment in regional growth.
RDV will undertake Regional Cities growth research through its strategic partnerships with Regional Cities Victoria
and Rural Councils Victoria.
RDV will support the Regional Policy Advisory Committee to advise the Ministers on regional development issues
and policy responses.
Throughout 2012-13, RDV will work with other departments to deliver key Regional Growth Fund investments in
areas such as the new training places created via the Regional Partnership Facilitation Fund and the economic and
environmental sustainability of the Gippsland Lakes through the Gippsland Lakes Environmental Fund.
RDV will help regions with structural adjustment, and support them to maximise opportunities arising from those
changes. We will also continue to support regions as they consider Regional Strategic Planning initiatives.
RDA 2012-13 PRIORITIES:
In partnership with the Commonwealth Government, RDV will assist newly appointed Regional Development
Australia (RDA) Committees as they begin the new 2012-2015 appointment period.
Regional Development Victoria will manage the RDA Initiative in Victoria, to ensure effective integration between
State and Federal Government investment decisions.
RDV will continue to work with RDA Committees in response to major priorities such as the Latrobe Valley Industry
and Employment Roadmap and response to the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
2012-13 PRIORITIES:
RDV will continue promoting investment and lifestyle opportunities in regional Victoria through the Regional Victoria
Living Expo and the Good Move campaign.
Planning for the 2013 Regional Victoria Living Expo is underway, in line with the Victorian Government’s
commitment to hold the event for a further three successive years. The 2013 event will be held from 19 to 21 April at
the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
GRANTS AND
OUTPUT TARGETS
RDV GRANT PAYMENTS
RDV provided financial assistance through a range of programs
facilitating economic and community development in regional and
rural Victoria.
BIOFUELS INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT IN VICTORIA
Organisation
Phoenix Energy Australia Pty. Ltd.
Payment $
110,000
BUILDING STRONGER REGIONS PROGRAMS
Organisation
Central Goldfields Shire Council
Payment $
600,000
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
8,750,000
Department of Sustainability and Environment
1,400,000
Warrnambool City Council
Wimmera Uniting Care
Total
50,000
1,125,000
11,925,000
DEVELOPING REGIONAL LEADERS
Organisation
Payment $
Australian Industry Group
10,000
City of Greater Geelong
12,500
Committee for Geelong Inc.
30,000
Department of Primary Industries
100,000
Mansfield Shire Council
30,000
Murrindindi Shire Council
18,125
Local Government Professionals Inc.
17,500
Total
218,125
DEVELOPING STRONGER REGIONS PROGRAM
Organisation
Latrobe City Council
Places Victoria
Warrnambool City Council
Total
Payment $
30,000
304,225
10,000
344,225
FARMERS’ MARKETS SUPPORT PROGRAM
Organisation
Payment $
Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce Association
20,000
Berwick District Woodworkers Club Inc.
18,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council
4,450
Corangamite Shire Council
3,750
Lancefield Neighbourhood House Inc.
19,000
Lions Club of Mooroopna Inc.
5,000
Mansfield Shire Council
8,910
Mitchell Shire Council
13,500
Mornington Chamber of Commerce
18,000
Strathbogie Shire Council
15,000
South Gippsland Shire Council
19,925
Traralgon Lions Club Inc.
2,250
Victorian Farmers' Markets Association Inc.
459,239
Total
607,024
FLOOD RECOVERY COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
Organisation
Payment $
Alpine Shire Council
675,500
Ballarat City Council
19,510
Benalla Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc.
3,750
Benalla Rural City Council
213,600
Campaspe Shire Council
456,190
Central Goldfields Shire Council
Gannawarra Shire Council
Greater Bendigo City Council
1,430,169
130,950
25,113
Hepburn Shire Council
807,100
Horsham Rural City Council
291,208
Indigo Shire Council
31,200
Kingston City Council
70,200
Mansfield Shire Council
24,000
Mitchell Shire Council
147,500
Moorabool Shire Council
15,000
Mount Alexander Shire Council
89,100
Murrindindi Shire Council
36,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
725,157
Pyrenees Shire Council
813,030
South Gippsland Shire Council
146,700
Strathbogie Shire Council
240,000
Towong Shire Council
147,800
Wangaratta Rural City Council
100,000
West Wimmera Shire Council
Yarriambiack Shire Council
Total
5,274
44,955
6,689,006
FLOOD RECOVERY EVENTS FUND
Organisation
Payment $
Grampians Grape Escape Inc.
19,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
15,000
Total
34,000
FLOOD RECOVERY OFFICERS
Organisation
Payment $
Alpine Shire Council
20,000
Benalla Rural City Council
20,000
Buloke Shire Council
120,000
Campaspe Shire Council
120,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council
120,000
Corangamite Shire Council
60,000
Gannawarra Shire Council
210,000
Greater Shepparton City Council
20,000
Hepburn Shire Council
108,000
Horsham Rural City Council
120,000
Loddon Shire Council
120,000
Mildura Rural City Council
120,000
Moorabool Shire Council
60,000
Mount Alexander Shire Council
96,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
113,000
Pyrenees Shire Council
147,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council
120,000
Wangaratta Rural City Council
Yarriambiack Shire Council
Total
20,000
114,080
1,828,080
GEELONG FUTURE CITIES MASTER PLAN
Organisation
Payment $
City of Greater Geelong
717,000
LIVING REGIONS LIVING SUBURBS
Organisation
Payment $
Baw Baw Shire Council
205,000
Central Victoria General Practice Network Inc.
7,500
Department of Sustainability and Environment
15,880
Gippsland Rotary Centenary House Inc.
45,000
Greater Bendigo City Council
35,000
Greater Shepparton City Council
200,000
Indigo Shire Council
150,000
Latrobe City Council
137,250
Mansfield Shire Council
35,000
Mitchell Shire Council
15,000
Murrindindi Shire Council
180,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
50,000
South Gippsland Shire Council
10,000
Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Inc.
10,000
Surf Coast Shire Council
450,000
The Trustee for Geelong Performing Arts Centre Trust
250,000
Victorian Farmers’ Federation
Wellington Shire Council
Yarra Ranges Shire Council
Total
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM
50,000
450,000
48,059
2,343,689
Organisation
Payment $
Alpine Shire Council
615,000
Ararat Rural City Council
510,000
Ballarat City Council
100,000
Bass Coast Shire Council
315,000
Baw Baw Shire Council
1,480,000
Benalla Rural City Council
1,000,000
Borough of Queenscliffe
250,000
Buloke Shire Council
461,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council
466,000
City of Greater Geelong
500,000
Colac Otway Shire Council
349,928
Corangamite Shire Council
330,000
East Gippsland Shire Council
670,000
Gannawarra Shire Council
175,000
Golden Plains Shire Council
465,000
Greater Bendigo City Council
1,985,000
Greater Shepparton City Council
1,990,000
Hepburn Shire Council
Hindmarsh Shire Council
Horsham Rural City Council
553,000
80,000
480,000
Indigo Shire Council
1,066,788
Latrobe City Council
600,000
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
625,000
Mansfield Shire Council
100,000
Mildura Rural City Council
1,000,000
Mitchell Shire Council
576,000
Moira Shire Council
200,000
Moorabool Shire Council
50,000
Moyne Shire Council
467,000
Murrindindi Shire Council
470,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
1,000,000
Pyrenees Shire Council
1,320,000
South Gippsland Shire Council
1,250,000
Strathbogie Shire Council
784,260
Organisation
Surf Coast Shire Council
Payment $
2,360,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council
460,941
Towong Shire Council
318,983
Wangaratta Rural City Council
430,000
Warrnambool City Council
500,000
West Wimmera Shire Council
450,000
Wodonga City Council
950,000
Yarriambiack Shire Council
457,483
Total
LOCAL LIFE LOCAL EVENTS
28,211,383
Organisation
Payment $
Apex Lions Madison Committee
10,000
Baw Baw Shire Council
12,000
Bicycle Victoria Inc.
15,000
Chillout Daylesford Inc.
25,000
City of Greater Geelong
5,000
East Gippsland Business and Tourism Association Inc.
2,000
Eastern Gippsland Food and Wine Network Inc.
6,500
Geelong Winegrowers Association Inc.
40,000
Gippsland Cricket Region 7
1,000
Indigo Shire Council
5,000
Livestock Transporters Assocation of Victoria Inc.
Maldon Neighbourhood Centre Inc.
10,000
7,000
Mansfield Shire Council
10,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
15,000
South Gippsland Shire Council
5,000
Stawell Athletic Club Inc.
50,000
Surf Coast Shire Council
20,000
Swan Hill Promotions and Development Corporation Inc.
10,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council
10,000
Towong Shire Council
5,000
Trentham Residents and Traders Association
5,000
University of Ballarat
5,000
Yarriambiack Shire Council
7,500
Total
LOCAL SKILLS PARTNERSHIP
281,000
Organisation
Payment $
Alpine Shire Council
25,500
Ararat Rural City Council
12,500
Baw Baw Shire Council
25,000
Campaspe Shire Council
25,000
City of Greater Geelong
25,000
Corangamite Shire Council
15,000
Destination Gippsland Ltd.
60,000
Golden Plains Shire Council
37,500
Hepburn Shire Council
12,500
Indigo Shire Council
40,000
Mansfield Shire Council
50,000
Mildura Development Corporation Inc.
25,000
Moira Shire Council
5,000
Moorabool Shire Council
5,211
Northern Grampians Shire Council
32,500
Strathbogie Shire Council
5,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council
25,000
Towong Shire Council
37,500
Wangaratta Rural City Council
10,000
Wimmera Development Association Inc.
20,000
Wodonga City Council
37,500
Total
530,711
MARYSVILLE ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Organisation
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Management Board
Payment $
200,000
NETWORKED RURAL COUNCILS
Organisation
Municipal Association of Victoria
PLANNING FOR TOMORROW PROGRAM
Payment $
815,000
Organisation
Ballarat City Council
Bass Coast Shire Council
Payment $
300,000
7,400
Baw Baw Shire Council
98,500
Buloke Shire Council
55,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council
City of Greater Geelong
5,000
110,000
Colac Otway Shire Council
20,000
Corangamite Shire Council
38,540
Deakin University
115,000
East Gippsland Shire Council
37,500
Greater Bendigo City Council
62,571
Greater Shepparton City Council
92,129
Hepburn Shire Council
25,000
Horsham Rural City Council
70,000
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Management Board
15,000
Latrobe City Council
20,625
Loddon Shire Council
45,020
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
59,463
Mildura Rural City Council
25,000
Moorabool Shire Council
45,000
Murrindindi Shire Council
35,000
Pyrenees Shire Council
10,000
South Gippsland Shire Council
25,000
Southern Grampians Shire Council
95,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council
27,500
Towong Shire Council
25,000
Wangaratta Rural City Council
50,000
Warrnambool City Council
Total
PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (PLFP)
8,750
1,522,998
Organisation
Payment $
Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Inc.
12,750
Australian Dairy Conference Ltd.
10,000
Ballarat Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc.
15,000
Ballarat City Council
25,000
Ballarat Vocal Arts Association Pty. Ltd.
Baw Baw Shire Council
6,000
126,825
Beechworth Vignerons Association Inc.
13,000
Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival Inc.
10,000
City of Greater Geelong
50,000
Colac Otway Shire Council
487,000
Corangamite Shire Council
12,900
East Gippsland Food Cluster Inc.
56,000
East Gippsland Shire Council
45,000
Golden Plains Shire Council
153,250
Goulburn River Valley Tourism Ltd.
22,500
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Inc.
27,000
Greater Shepparton City Council
Indigo Shire Council
Kyabram Ministers Fellowship Inc.
Kyabram Racecourse and Recreation Reserve
Lakes Entrance Business Tourist Association Inc.
9,000
33,500
6,000
83,826
7,000
Lakes Entrance Fishermens Co-Operative Society Ltd.
27,000
Latrobe City Council
10,000
Mansfield Shire Council
Mitchell Shire Council
Moira Shire Council
200,860
8,100
250,000
Museums Australia Inc.
10,000
Mystic Mountains Tourism Inc.
15,000
North East Victoria Tourism Board Inc.
118,800
Northern Grampians Shire Council
168,750
Pyrenees Grape Growers and Winemakers Association Inc.
6,000
Queen Victoria Market Pty. Ltd.
20,000
Rotary Club of Lakes Entrance Inc.
10,000
Shipwreck Coast Tourism Inc.
20,000
Strathbogie Shire Council
Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Inc.
120,000
22,500
Organisation
Payment $
Surf Coast Shire
10,000
Swan Hill Promotions and Development Corporation Inc.
10,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council
The Australian Retailers Association
260,800
14,400
The Gippsland Business Awards Association Inc.
3,000
Tolmie Sports Assocication Inc.
68,022
Tourism Greater Shepparton Inc.
40,000
Towong Shire Council
401,477
Upper Goulburn Food Wine & Cultural Group
Victorian YMCA Community Programming Pty. Ltd.
Wellington Shire Council
4,500
40,000
159,300
Wines of the King Valley Inc.
Total
5,000
3,235,060
REGIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Organisation
Payment $
Committee for Ballarat Inc.
200,000
Committee for Geelong Inc.
200,000
Committee for Gippsland Inc.
150,000
Community Leadership Loddon Murray Inc.
200,000
GMIC Limited
Greater Shepparton City Council
25,000
150,000
Local Government Professionals Inc.
16,200
Moira Shire Council
16,800
Moyne Shire Council
100,000
North East Agcare Incorporation
140,000
Wimmera Development Association Inc.
101,250
Total
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA
1,299,250
Organisation
Payment $
Agribusiness Gippsland Inc.
11,250
Ballarat City Council
20,000
Baw Baw Shire Council
9,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council
60,000
Deakin University
30,000
Department of Innovation Industry & Regional Development
2,677,844
Destination Gippsland Ltd.
25,000
Geelong Otway Tourism Inc.
30,000
Gippsland Climate Change Network Inc.
7,500
Latrobe City Council
60,000
Mildura Development Corporation Inc.
12,500
Mildura Rural City Council
20,000
Murray River Region Tourism Limited
25,000
North East Victoria Tourism Board Inc.
50,000
Port of Portland Pty. Ltd.
25,000
South Gippsland Shire Council
20,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council
10,000
University of Ballarat
40,000
Wangaratta Rural City Council
75,000
Wellington Shire Council
7,500
Westvic Dairy Inc.
20,000
Wimmera Development Association Inc.
38,750
Total
SMALL TOWNS DEVELOPMENT FUND
3,274,344
Organisation
Alpine Shire Council
Ararat Rural City Council
Payment $
179,750
7,097
Benalla Rural City Council
350,000
Borough of Queenscliffe
125,000
Buloke Shire Council
392,891
Campaspe Shire Council
150,000
East Gippsland Shire Council
Gannawarra Shire Council
30,000
580,000
Golden Plains Shire Council
35,000
Greater Bendigo City Council
125,000
Greater Shepparton City Council
20,000
Hepburn Shire Council
109,525
Hindmarsh Shire Council
129,650
Horsham Rural City Council
261,000
Indigo Shire Council
277,500
Latrobe City Council
67,500
Loddon Shire Council
355,096
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
375,000
Mansfield Shire Council
150,000
Mildura Rural City Council
122,500
Moira Shire Council
405,000
Moorabool Shire Council
284,199
Mount Alexander Shire Council
121,886
Murrindindi Shire Council
256,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
165,000
Parks Victoria
105,000
Southern Grampians Shire Council
125,000
Strathbogie Shire Council
290,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council
148,921
Towong Shire Council
363,750
Wangaratta Rural City Council
101,000
Wellington Shire Council
250,000
Yarriambiack Shire Council
225,918
Total
6,684,183
SUSTAINABLE SMALL TOWNS DEVELOPMENT FUND
Organisation
Payment $
Alpine Shire Council
150,000
Ararat Rural City Council
150,800
Bass Coast Shire Council
50,000
Borough of Queenscliffe
125,000
City of Greater Geelong
166,720
Colac Otway Shire Council
20,000
Corangamite Shire Council
150,000
Department of Health
750,000
Gannawarra Shire Council
160,000
Golden Plains Shire Council
337,500
Indigo Shire Council
60,000
Mansfield Shire Council
50,000
Mildura Rural City Council
36,060
Moorabool Shire Council
100,000
Moyne Shire Council
100,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Pyrenees Shire Council
South Gippsland Shire Council
30,000
243,900
71,250
Surf Coast Shire Council
218,750
Swan Hill Rural City Council
300,000
Towong Shire Council
154,500
West Wimmera Shire Council
158,750
Wodonga City Council
100,000
Yarriambiack Shire Council
300,000
Total
THE GOOD LIFE CAMPAIGN
3,983,230
Organisation
Payment $
Alpine Shire Council
20,000
Ararat Rural City Council
20,000
Bass Coast Shire Council
20,000
Baw Baw Shire Council
20,000
Benalla Rural City Council
20,000
Borough of Queenscliffe
20,000
Buloke Shire Council
20,000
Campaspe Shire Council
20,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council
20,000
City of Greater Geelong
20,000
Colac Otway Shire Council
20,000
Corangamite Shire Council
20,000
Department of Premier and Cabinet
162,000
East Gippsland Marketing Inc.
18,750
East Gippsland Shire Council
20,000
Gannawarra Shire Council
20,000
Glenelg Shire Council
20,000
Golden Plains Shire Council
20,000
Greater Bendigo City Council
20,000
Greater Shepparton City Council
20,000
Hepburn Shire Council
20,000
Hindmarsh Shire Council
20,000
Horsham Rural City Council
20,000
Indigo Shire Council
20,000
Latrobe City Council
20,000
Loddon Shire Council
20,000
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
20,000
Mansfield Shire Council
20,000
Mildura Rural City Council
20,000
Mitchell Shire Council
20,000
Moira Shire Council
20,000
Moorabool Shire Council
20,000
Mount Alexander Shire Council
20,000
Moyne Shire Council
20,000
Organisation
Payment $
Murrindindi Shire Council
20,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
20,000
Pyrenees Shire Council
20,000
South Gippsland Shire Council
20,000
Southern Grampians Shire Council
20,000
Strathbogie Shire Council
20,000
Surf Coast Shire Council
20,000
Swan Hill Rural City Council
20,000
Towong Shire Council
20,000
Wangaratta Rural City Council
20,000
Warrnambool City Council
20,000
Wellington Shire Council
20,000
West Wimmera Shire Council
20,000
Wodonga City Council
20,000
Yarriambiack Shire Council
20,000
Total
1,120,750
VBRRA LEGACY PROJECTS
Organisation
Payment $
Flowerdale Community House
VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE BUSINESS INVESMENT FUND
30,000
Organisation
Payment $
A. Doos & C.E. Doos
75,000
Abingdon Market Pty. Ltd.
80,000
C.T. Donovan & S.A. Donovan
60,000
Cathedral Mountain Christian Centre Inc.
300,000
G. Edwards & T.J. Edwards & T.J. Edwards
100,000
Humphries, Timothy James
40,000
Jindivick Timber Pty. Ltd.
150,000
Membo Pty. Ltd.
120,000
N. Harvey & S.W. Ronaldson
30,000
North East Community Initiatives Limited
80,000
S. Kerr & D.J. Spooner
30,000
The Trustee for A. & K. Mcdonald Family Trust
240,000
The Trustee for Schlifelner Family Trust
40,000
The Trustee for the Jemmco Investments Trust
250,000
Total
1,595,000
VICTORIAN BUSINESS FLOOD RECOVERY FUND
Organisation
Payment $
Olam Orchards Australia Pty. Ltd.
100,000
True Foods Pty. Ltd.
400,000
Total
500,000
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROVINCIAL CADETSHIPS
Organisation
A. Hau & J. Laino & G. Tambassis
Payment $
3,750
Agrisearch Services Pty. Ltd.
12,750
Benalla Health
12,750
Benalla Rural City Council
3,750
Bruce E. Bartrop Pty. Ltd.
4,250
Building Commission
5,000
Buloke Shire Council
43,000
Campaspe Shire Council
500
Cardell Accountants
3,750
Central Goldfields Shire Council
8,500
Colac Otway Shire Council
8,500
East Gippsland Shire Council
3,750
Gannawarra Shire Council
7,500
Gerard Brandrick & Associates Pty. Ltd.
3,750
Hatch Associates Pty. Ltd.
4,250
Hindmarsh Shire Council
16,000
Hofmann Engineering Pty. Ltd.
7,500
I.R. Dodgshun & the Trustee for Optima Trust
4,250
Integra Land Pty. Ltd.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Messenger's Pharmacy
500
3,750
500
Murrindindi Shire Council
5,250
P.T. Tomkinson & Associates Pty. Ltd.
4,250
Planning Institute of Australia Limited
5,000
Radford Legal Pty. Ltd.
3,750
Regional Publishers (Western Victoria) Pty. Ltd.
3,750
Ross Both & Associates Pty. Ltd.
3,750
Sertori & Co. Pty. Ltd.
1,000
SLM Lawyers Pty. Ltd.
3,750
SMEC Australia Pty. Ltd.
3,750
South Gippsland Shire Council
3,750
Swan Hill Rural City Council
3,750
Tatura Milk Industries Limited
1,000
The Trustee for Byrne Melrose Unit Trust
3,750
Organisation
Payment $
The Trustee for Crossco Unit Trust
3,750
The Trustee for G. O'Bree Family Trust
3,750
The Trustee for Jet Ryan Trust No. 2
8,000
The Trustee for The Frankel Business Trust
3,750
Transfield Services (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
4,250
Wangaratta Rural City Council
500
WHK Pty. Ltd.
8,500
Wilson, Barry Maxwell
3,750
Total
241,000
ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
In 2011-12 the following economic infrastructure projects were announced:
Organisation
Project
Announced
Amount $
Building Strategic Tourism
and Cultural Assets
Greater Bendigo City Council
Sandhurst (Bendigo) Theatre Complex
Greater Geelong City Council
Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
South Gippsland Shire Council
Great Southern Rail Trail Extension (Foster to Welshpool) Project
3,000,000
15,000,000
2,000,000
Energy for the Regions
Envestra Ltd. (Vic Gas Distribution Ltd.)
Expansion of Supply Capacity for Mildura
Commercial in
Confidence
SP Ausnet
Supply of Natural Gas to Huntly
Commercial in
Confidence
Growing and Sustaining Regional
Industries and Jobs
Ancon Australia Pty. Ltd.
Port Anthony - Gateway to Growth Project
2,000,000
Bruck Textiles Pty. Ltd.
Process and Wastewater Treatment Innovation for Enhanced
Sustainability of Textile Manufacturing
2,193,475
Central Goldfields Shire Council
Carisbrook Renewal Park
1,534,854
Department of Transport
The Yaapeet Line Grain Development Project
1,700,000
EcoFuels Pty. Ltd.
Madowla Park Integrated Bio-energy Project
500,000
Flavorite Hydroponic Tomatoes Pty. Ltd.
Flavorite Water Efficiency Project
460,000
Hazeldene's Chicken Farm Pty. Ltd.
Hazeldene's Energy and Water Security Project
Horsham Rural City Council
Horsham Enterprise Estate - Stage 2
500,000
Murrindindi Shire Council
Yea Saleyards Upgrade
400,000
Pyrenees Shire Council
Beaufort Economic Growth Project
1,100,000
SPC Ardmona Limited
Sustainable Process Development Project
3,900,000
Wodonga City Council
Logic Fatigue Management & Trailer Interchange Project
1,640,000
Bendigo Agricultural Show Society Inc.
Development of the Victorian Regional Exhibition Complex - Bendigo
(Stage 2)
2,000,000
Mildura Rural City Council
Mildura Airport Terminal Redevelopment
5,200,000
Mildura Rural City Council
Mildura Riverfront Parklands Project
7,000,000
2,000,000
Transforming and Transitioning Local
Economies
Latrobe Valley Industry and
Infrastructure Fund
Hydro Australia Pty. Ltd.
Hydro Australia Capability Improvement Project
Latrobe City Council
Growing Aerospace Manufacturing at Latrobe Regional Airport
280,000
1,500,000
Organisation
Project
LION
Lion's Morwell Site External Electricity Line Upgrade
GRANT PAYMENTS
In 2011-12 the following payments were made towards economic infrastructure projects:
Announced
Amount $
490,000
Organisation
Project
Alpine Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Stanley Road Upgrade (Rd 3)
90,000
Ararat Rural City Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Mt William Road (Rd 3)
72,500
Ballarat City Council
Art Gallery of Ballarat Upgrade Project
Ballarat City Council
Australian Centre for Democracy at Eureka
1,500,000
Ballarat City Council
Ballarat Airport Investment Attraction Program
2,642,000
Ballarat City Council
Redevelopment of the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute - Stage 2
Barrett Burston Malting Co. Pty. Ltd.
Geelong Maltings: Water Recovery Project
Bass Coast Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Glen Alvie Road
448,000
Benalla Rural City Council
Benalla Regional Art Gallery Venue and Amenity Improvements
200,000
Benalla Rural City Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Samaria Road South Eastern
Access Roundabout
143,000
Bendigo Agricultural Show Society Inc.
Development of the Victorian Regional Exhibition Complex Bendigo (Stage 2)
1,250,000
Biodiesel Producers Ltd.
Biodiesel Storage and Blending Infrastructure Development
1,500,000
Boomaroo Nurseries & Wholesale Supplies
Pty. Ltd.
Boomaroo Nurseries Non-Potable Water Supply
175,000
Buloke Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Seven Mile Road Upgrade
(2009-10) (Rd 3)
169,023
Burra Foods Pty. Ltd.
Burra Foods - Korumburra Infrastructure Capacity Expansion
500,000
Campaspe Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Strathallan Road Markets
Connector (Stage 4) (Rd 3)
222,638
Campaspe Shire Council
Port of Echuca Revitalisation - Australia's Great River Port
Experience
Central Goldfields Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Stage 1: Broiler Farm B
Double Access Moolort (Rd 3)
15,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Stage 2: Broiler Farm B
Double Access Moolort (Rd 3)
415,000
Colac Otway Shire Council
Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre
Redevelopment
167,359
Colac Otway Shire Council
Local Ports Program 2009/10 - Port of Apollo Bay
260,000
Colac Otway Shire Council
Old Beechy Rail Trail
150,000
Corangamite Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - New Decking for
Cooriemungle Creek Bridge (Rd 3)
32,500
Corangamite Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program – Pavement Strengthening of
Cooriemungle Road Stage 1 (Rd 3)
38,688
Corangamite Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Pavement Strengthening of
Cooriemungle Road Stage 2 (Rd 3)
88,893
Corangamite Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Pavement Strengthening of
Naroghid Road (Rd 3)
40,181
Payment $
330,000
500,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
Organisation
Project
Corangamite Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Pavement Strengthening of
Timboon-Terang Road (Rd 3)
Deakin University
Regional Community Health Hub (REACH)
Department of Sustainability and Environment
Bushfire Recovery Projects - Lake Mountain, Steavenson Falls
and Grand Ridge Rail Trail
400,000
Department of Sustainability and Environment
Positioning Regional Victoria's Future Prosperity
196,389
Department of Transport
Freight Links for North West Victoria
3,125,000
Department of Transport
Iluka Murray Basin Project - Rail Infrastructure
3,970,000
Department of Transport
The Yaapeet Line Grain Development Project
1,000,000
East Gippsland Shire Council
Great Coastal Walks of East Gippsland
880,000
Elmore & District Machinery Field Days Inc.
Elmore Field Days
158,375
Payment $
49,552
2,000,000
Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board Development of Mountain Bike and Walking Trail Facilities at
Falls Creek Alpine Resort
300,000
Fonterra Australia Pty. Ltd.
Darnum Park Water-Saving Initiatives
102,925
Gannawarra Shire Council
Gateway to Gannawarra Education, Culture and Heritage Centre
500,000
George Weston Foods Limited
Castlemaine Expansion Water Efficiency Enhancements
Gippsland Ports Committee of Management
Inc.
Local Ports Program 2009/10 - Port of Gippsland Lakes
277,164
Gippsland Ports Committee of Management
Inc.
Local Ports Program 2009/10 - Port of Port Albert & Corner Inlet
305,455
Gippsland Ports Committee of Management
Inc.
Sustaining Local Ports - Andersons Inlet (2010-11)
112,625
Gippsland Ports Committee of Management
Inc.
Sustaining Local Ports - Corner Inlet & Port Albert (2010-11)
339,375
Gippsland Ports Committee of Management
Inc.
Sustaining Local Ports - Gippsland Lakes (2010-11)
Gippsland Ports Committee of Management
Inc.
Sustaining Local Ports - Mallacoota (2010-11)
Glenelg Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Casterton Dartmoor Road
100,000
Glenelg Shire Council
Portland Airport Redevelopment
440,000
Glenelg Shire Council
Portland Bay Coastal Infrastructure
Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Corporation
East Loddon Pipeline Project
645,000
Greater Bendigo City Council
Bendigo Regional Archive Centre
300,000
Greater Bendigo City Council
Finn Street Industrial Estate
610,477
Greater Bendigo City Council
O'Keefe Rail Trail Extension - Axedale to Heathcote
500,000
3,076,700
1,684,875
15,125
1,100,000
Organisation
Project
Greater Shepparton City Council
Shepparton Showgrounds Multi-Use Cattle Pavilion
250,000
Greater Shepparton City Council
Upgrade of the Shepparton Art Gallery
900,000
Hepburn Community Wind Park
Co-operative Limited
Rural Power Line Connectivity Solution for Community Scale
Renewable Energy Generation Facilities
150,000
Horsham Rural City Council
Horsham Aerodrome - Development of All Weather Second
Runway
525,000
Horsham Rural City Council
Horsham Enterprise Estate - Stage 2
400,000
Horsham Rural City Council
Wimmera Regional Intermodal Freight Hub Project
Indigo Shire Council
Industrial Land Development - Tangambalanga and
Yackandandah
L. & B. Williams Nominees Pty. Ltd.
Williams Wastewater Recycling
Latrobe City Council
Moe Activity Centre Plan - Implementation of Project 1 Train
Station Precinct
750,000
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
New Gisborne Industrial Estate - Final Stage Development and
Infrastructure Provision
400,000
Mildura Rural City Council
Mildura Arts and Cultural Precinct Redevelopment
Mitchell Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Seymour Pyalong Road (Rd
3)
Moira Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Tungamah North Road
136,919
Mount Alexander Shire Council
Wesley Hill Industrial Estate Stage 2 Development
177,267
Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Resort
Management Board
Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Alpine Multi-use Trail Network and
Associated Infrastructure
100,000
Moyne Shire Council
Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail
150,000
Multinet Gas Distribution Partnership
Supply of Natural Gas to South Gippsland
840,767
Murrindindi Shire Council
Yea Saleyards Upgrade
100,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Glenorchy and Marnoo
Township B-Double Road Upgrades
83,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Rainbow Valley Turkeys BDouble Road Upgrades
55,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - St Arnaud Township BDouble Road Upgrades
10,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Stawell Township B-Double
Road Upgrades
51,250
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Stawell Airport Upgrade - Stage 2
Paper Australia Pty. Ltd.
Australian Paper Maryvale Investment Program
1,256,000
Parks Victoria
Great Ocean Walk Experience
1,000,000
Parks Victoria
Great Ocean Walk Improvement Project (Stage 1)
Payment $
2,000,000
192,379
81,513
1,000,000
70,000
249,700
221,970
Organisation
Project
Parks Victoria
Great South West Walk Contemporary Refurbishment
220,000
Parks Victoria
Local Ports Program 2009/10 - Port Of Queenscliff
500,000
Parks Victoria
Sustaining Local Ports - Port Campbell (2010/11)
417,435
Parks Victoria
Sustaining Local Ports - Port Phillip Bay (2010/11)
344,152
Powercor Australia Ltd.
On-Farm Energy Upgrade Grant - Western Victoria
297,690
Pyrenees Hay Processors Co-operative
Limited
PHPC Export Enhancement Program
Pyrenees Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Raglan Elmhurst Road
Rocky Lamattina & Sons Pty. Ltd.
Lamattina Farms Switched On Horticulture Electricity Powerline
Upgrade
56,000
South Gippsland Region Water Corporation
Korumburra, Leongatha - South Gippsland Wastewater - Venus
Bay Ocean Outfall
408,141
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Hamilton Airport Upgrade
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Hamilton Showgrounds Upgrade
150,000
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Cavendish Coleraine Road
Widening & Pavement Strengthening (Rd 3)
161,326
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Redevelopment of the Hamilton Arts Precinct
300,000
SPI Networks Pty. Ltd.
On-farm Energy Upgrade Grant - Eastern Victoria
294,067
Strathbogie Shire Council
Nagambie Revitalisation Project
525,000
Strathbogie Shire Council
Strathbogie Equine Industry Expansion
400,000
Surf Coast Shire Council
Surf Coast Walk - Stage 1
400,000
The Bendigo Trust
Driving Bendigo's Working History (Bendigo Tramways Depot
Development)
400,000
The Sovereign Hill Museums Association
Gold Museum: Building for the Future (Sovereign Hill 40th
Anniversary)
500,000
Towong Shire Council
High Country Rail Trail - Sandy Creek Bridge
750,000
University of Melbourne
International Centre of Excellence in Water Management Dookie Infrastructure Upgrade - Phase 1
250,000
Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd.
Rural Showgrounds and Field Days Minor Capital Works
Program (Round 2)
100,000
Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd.
Rural Showgrounds and Field Days Renewal Fund Minor Capital Works Program
Victorian Farmers Federation
Stock Over Underpass Road Safety (Sours) Program Extension
505,542
Victorian Farmers Federation
Stock Over Underpass Road Safety (Sours) Program Further Extension
68,938
Wangaratta Rural City Council
Wangaratta Regional Events Centre Facility (Showgrounds)
Development
Payment $
34,845
386,975
1,131,343
98,167
175,000
Organisation
Project
Warrnambool City Council
Local Ports Program 2009/10 - Port of Warrnambool
Warrnambool City Council
Warrnambool Entertainment Centre Redevelopment Project
Warrnambool City Council
Warrnambool Intermodal Terminal Upgrade
170,000
Wellington Shire Council
Sale Showgrounds Redevelopment
150,000
Wellington Shire Council
West Sale and Bairnsdale Aerodromes
West Wimmera Shire Council
Kaniva Industrial Estate Extension
230,000
West Wimmera Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Broughton Road
Reconstruction
121,920
West Wimmera Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Charam Wombelano Road
Reconstruction
82,285
Wodonga City Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Mahers Road Reconstruction
(Rd 3)
88,184
Wodonga City Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Mahers Road Reconstruction
(Stage 2)
118,998
Wodonga City Council
Wodonga Performing Arts Centre Development
Total
Payment $
585,000
1,900,000
2,400,000
3,000,000
64,510,591
OUTPUT TARGETS
AND PERFORMANCE
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
AND REGIONAL CITIES
Unit of
Measure
2011-12
Target
2011-12
Actual
Note
Quantity
Economic development, service delivery and community capacity
projects funded
number
140
158
Energy for the Regions Program: Number of towns included
number
4
2
Regional infrastructure projects funded
number
100
101
Rural councils participating in Rural Councils Victoria (RCV)
network
number
38
38
Participant satisfaction with implementation of Regional
Development Victoria (RDV) programs
%
80
86
Putting Locals First Fund projects recommended by Regional
Development Committees approved for funding
%
85
100
Regional councils participating at the regional expo
%
80
100
Stakeholder satisfaction with RDV support for Regional Strategic
Planning
%
75
100
Advice provided to government about the bushfire reconstruction
and recovery process within agreed timelines
%
100
100
Grants acquitted within the timeframe specified in the terms and
conditions of the funding agreement: Local Government
Infrastructure Account
%
75
N/A
1
Quality
Timeliness
2
Note
1.
2.
The procurement process implemented by RDV to deliver the Program did not illicit a strong response from the gas distribution
businesses, with the majority of bids received not acceptable.
At the close of this process, agreement has been reached on two regional gas projects in Mildura and Huntly.
The next stage of Program delivery involves a broadened strategy to engage natural gas suppliers in both the conventional pipeline
and alternative delivery markets. The new strategy, expected to commence in the second half of 2012, includes a plan to offer
incumbent gas distributors a fixed subsidy ‘bounty’ amount to supply priority towns. In addition, bids will be invited from the market
for a compressed (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) natural gas delivery system and local town reticulation networks.
No grants were required to be acquitted in the current financial year.
REVENUE AND EXPENSES
Controlled income and expenses for the year ended 30 June 2012
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
AND REGIONAL CITIES
2012
$’000
2011
$’000
Income from transactions
Output appropriations
23,720
55,286
127,000
47,000
Interest
9,739
10,394
Other revenue
4,947
19,157
165,406
131,837
Grants and other payments
(134,724)
(97,745)
Employee-related expenses
(7,670)
(15,184)
Depreciation and amortisation
(172)
(775)
Capital asset charge
(130)
(403)
(13,150)
(15,133)
(13)
(23)
(155,860)
(129,263)
9,546
2,574
Regional Growth Fund appropriations
Total income from transactions
Expenses from transactions
Other operating expenses
Interest
Total expenses from transactions
Operating surplus (deficit)
The balance of the Regional Growth Fund Trust at 30 June 2012 was $233.89 million. The funds are held in trust
to meet existing commitments due in future periods.
The financial operations of Regional Development Victoria are included in the Financial Reports of the Department
of Planning and Community Development.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Consolidated financial statements for the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) and RDV
are contained in the 2011-12 annual report published by DPCD.
This report contains RDV’s Output Targets and Performance and Revenue and Expenses for the year ended 30
June 2012.
COMPLIANCE
Compliance requirements in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994 and the directions of the Minister
for Finances were managed by DPCD on behalf of RDV.
Consolidated compliance reporting information for RDV for the 2011-12 financial year is contained in the 2011-12
annual report published by DPCD.
LEGISLATION
RDV is responsible for the following legislation:



The Regional Development Victoria Act 2002.
The Regional Growth Fund Act 2011.
The Albury Wodonga Agreement (Repeal) Act 2003.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information regarding Regional Development Victoria (RDV)
contact a representative in your region.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT VICTORIA REPRESENTATIVES
Ararat
T 03 5365 0534
Ballarat
T 03 5327 2800
Bendigo
T 03 4433 8000
Geelong
T 03 5212 6000
Horsham
T 03 5381 2762
Mildura
T 03 5051 2000
Shepparton
T 03 5895 4100
Swan Hill
T 03 5036 2452
Traralgon
T 03 5116 7300
Wangaratta
T 03 5722 7101
Warrnambool
T 03 5561 4135
Wodonga
T 02 6022 9222
ACCESSIBILITY
If you would like this publication in an accessible format, such as large print or audio, please phone 13 22 15 (voice
calls), or email rdv@rdv.vic.gov.au.
This document is also available in an accessible format on the internet at www.rdv.vic.gov.au.
Published by the Victorian Government
Regional Development Victoria
Annual Report 2011-2012
September 2012
Melbourne Victoria
© Copyright State of Victoria 2012
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
Planning and Community Development
Level 12, 1 Spring Street
Melbourne 3000
T 03 9452 5251
E rdv@rdv.vic.gov.au
www.rdv.vic.gov.au
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