REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
VICTORIA
Annual Report
12-13
Front and back cover image shows the new $52.6 million Regional and Community Health Hub (REACH) at Deakin
University’s Waurn Ponds campus in Geelong.
CONTENTS
Highlights 2012-13 _____________________________________________________ 2
Introduction ___________________________________________________________ 6
Chief Executive Foreword
6
Overview_____________________________________________________________ 8
Responsibilities
8
Profile
9
Regional Policy Advisory Committee
11
Partners and Stakeholders
12
Operation of the Regional Policy Advisory Committee
14
Delivering the Regional Development Australia Initiative
15
Working with Regional Cities Victoria
16
Working with Rural Councils Victoria
17
Implementing the Regional Growth Fund
18
Regional Growth Fund: Delivering Major Infrastructure
20
Regional Growth Fund: Energy for the Regions
28
Regional Growth Fund: Supporting Local Initiatives
29
Regional Growth Fund: Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund
31
Regional Growth Fund: Other Key Initiatives
33
Disaster Recovery Support
34
Regional Economic Growth Project
36
Geelong Advancement Fund
37
Farmers’ Markets
37
Thinking Regional and Rural Guidelines
38
Hosting the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development
38
2013 Regional Victoria Living Expo
39
Good Move Regional Marketing Campaign
40
Future Priorities 2013-14
42
Finance ____________________________________________________________ 44
RDV Grant Payments
45
Economic Infrastructure
63
Output Targets and Performance
69
Revenue and Expenses
70
Financial Performance
71
Compliance
71
Legislation
71
Contact Information ___________________________________________________ 72
HIGHLIGHTS 2012-13
July 2012

Launched the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap.

Provided funding for three Flood Recovery Officers in the Hume region.

Released the Fire Recovery Housing Survey, identifying rehousing progress achieved since the 2009 bushfires.
August 2012

Hosted the Case for Growing Regions seminar on 30 August 2012 with the Organisation of Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Grattan Institute.

Coordinated the OECD field trip around the G21 region for its global comparative study of how regions are
developing partnerships to enhance interactions between cities and rural areas.

Provided a $300,000 grant to initiate stage one of the Regional City Growth Strategy, a partnership between
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) and Regional Cities Victoria to improve planning for future city growth.

Supported a $1.5 million water and infrastructure project for Olam Orchards with $467,528 from the Regional
Growth Fund.

Supported the building of Bayer CropScience’s $14 million world-class Wheat and Oilseeds Breeding Station
with $1.24 million in State support.

Supported the Northern Mallee Leadership Program with $400,000 from the Regional Community Leadership
Program.

Approved funding for two Flood Recovery Officers for East Gippsland and Wellington Shire Councils.
September 2012

Announced the date for the 2013 Regional Victoria Living Expo at the Good Move campaign stand at the Royal
Melbourne Show.

Workforce Development in the Grampians Region research study completed by the Grampians RDA in
conjunction with the University of Ballarat.
October 2012

Provided $5 million towards the Flood Support Program to help five catchment management authorities with
flood restoration projects.

Announced the successful developer of the $28 million Vibe Hotel and Conference Centre in Marysville.

Announced a $2 million contribution from the Regional Growth Fund for the Cattle Underpass Program.

Supported an $8.27 million access project for the Warrnambool Eastern Industrial Precinct with $3.6 million from
the Regional Growth Fund.
November 2012

Requested expressions of interest from companies to deliver natural gas to priority towns using compressed
natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of the next phase of the $100 million Energy for the
Regions program.

Officially opened the $5.57 million Ballarat Airport upgrade, a project supported by $3.43 million in State
Government funding.
December 2012

Supported the $46.9 million redevelopment of central Wodonga with $3 million from the Regional Growth Fund.

Supported Wodonga Rendering‘s
$4.12 million Tri-Generation Plant Project at the Wodonga Abattoirs with $1 million from the Regional Growth
Fund.

Commenced the $2 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund to support flood-affected
communities in the Hume and Gippsland regions.

Gippsland RDA undertook the Young Dairy Development Leadership project that generated development
workshops for young farmers.

Completed $52.6 million REACH centre on Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus in Geelong with $7 million
provided by the Victorian Government.
January 2013

Shortlisted leading energy companies with the technical and financial capability to tender for the development
and operation of a delivered natural gas capacity for regional Victoria utilising CNG or LNG alternative delivery
solutions.
February 2013

Held a public event at Melbourne Museum to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Black Saturday.

Released the Bushfire Recovery Four Year Update report.

Supported Mars Australia’s $6.2 million utilities efficiency investment project with $1.5 million from the Regional
Growth Fund to help deliver significant water and energy efficiencies at its Ballarat manufacturing facility.

Published Reinventing the Regions report in collaboration with the Committee for Economic Development of
Australia.

Held the Regional Policy Advisory Committee’s (RPAC) Regional Leaders Workshop to identify long-term
investment priorities for regional Victoria.
March 2013

Launched the $11 million Geelong Advancement Fund to drive jobs growth, increase skills and innovation, and
deliver economic and community infrastructure in Geelong.
April 2013

Held the 2013 Regional Victoria Living Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 19 to 21
April which attracted almost 9,500 visitors – a 15 per cent increase on the inaugural event in 2012.

Announced Avoca’s connection to natural gas as part of the Energy for the Regions program.

Launched the Regional Policy Advisory Committee’s Thinking Regional and Rural Guidelines across the
Victorian Government.

Led the development of the Framework for Regional Economic Development, a key element of the work
program of the Council of Australian Governments’ Standing Council on Regional Australia.
May 2013

Helped the local council, business and community in Bendigo benefit from the new $650 million Bendigo
Hospital by providing $350,000 to ensure local jobs, investment and business growth opportunities.

Supported Rural Councils Victoria’s Rural Summit held from 2-3 May in Lakes Entrance.

Announced natural gas connection for Bannockburn as part of the Energy for the Regions program.

Construction began on Marysville’s $28 million Vibe Hotel and Conference Centre.

Supported Golden Plains Shire Council’s Infrastructure to Expand Intensive Agriculture for Food Security and
Economic Development project, with $2.94 million from the Regional Growth Fund.

Approved the thousandth project funded under the Regional Growth Fund.
June 2013

Announced natural gas connection for Winchelsea and Wandong-Heathcote Junction as part of the Energy for
the Regions program.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOREWORD
Now in our tenth year, Regional Development Victoria’s operations in
2012-13 confirmed the agency’s capability as a pivotal access point
into government for regional and rural Victorians.
We delivered more than $200 million in regional infrastructure commitments and approved more than 1,000 regional
projects under the Victorian Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund, making up $325 million invested into
projects worth $1.3 billion in only two years.
Regional and rural Victoria plays a key role in Victoria’s future prosperity and growth. Our regions account for about a
quarter of the state’s economic output and employment and its population is projected to grow by an extra 528,000
people – from 1.48 million to 2.01 million – by 2036.
Regional Cities Victoria recently updated its report by Essential Economics that showed that by supporting growth in the
regions we can help reduce the estimated $95 billion in cumulative congestion costs associated with expanding
Melbourne’s outer-metropolitan areas over the next 20 years. The report forecasts costs of $1 billion to support an
additional 50,000 people in regional cities compared to more than $3 billion for an equivalent number in metropolitan
Melbourne.
In 2012-13, RDV played a leading role in delivering key outcomes to help manage regional growth and boost regional
economies. Our work ranged from facilitating large-scale infrastructure to small-scale projects that address specific
business and community needs. All activities were underpinned by comprehensive strategic planning and policy
development in partnership with key stakeholders, including local government, business and community organisations.
The agency helped develop and deliver important infrastructure in collaboration with industry and all tiers of government,
as illustrated by programs like the Energy for the Regions rollout which enables Avoca, Huntly, Bannockburn,
Winchelsea and Wandong-Heathcote Junction to experience the social and economic benefits of natural gas in their
communities.
During the year, we facilitated projects in Victorian regional cities, such as helping fund a $46.9 million revitalisation of
Wodonga’s CBD, and supported events designed to improve the future of small towns around Victoria, like Rural
Councils Victoria’s Rural Summit held in May 2013 at Lakes Entrance.
The RDV team continued to help the recovery of fire and flood-affected regional communities by offering targeted
support to re-establish important community infrastructure and flood recovery officers. We invested to ensure the
conference and convention business once again supports the Marysville economy through important new facilities like
the Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre.
RDV’s place-based interventions continued to provide ongoing benefits for regional and rural Victorians. For example,
RDV provided essential development assistance through the initial implementation of the Latrobe Valley Infrastructure
and Employment Roadmap – a bi-partisan arrangement with the Commonwealth Government that is now helping secure
the economic future of the Latrobe Valley by encouraging business innovation and training, and facilitating jobs in
emerging industries.
During the year, RDV hosted international experts in regional development – delegates from the Organisation of
Economic Cooperation and Development – and supported their visit to the G21 region as part of the organisation’s
worldwide tour of regional-urban planning partnerships.
We encouraged thought leadership on rural and regional matters through the Case for Growing Regions seminar, held in
conjunction with the OECD and Grattan Institute, and the Thinking Regional and Rural Guidelines to support regional
development thinking in government decision-making. We also supported the development of the Framework for
Regional Economic Development – a key element of the work program of the Council of Australian Governments’
Standing Council on Regional Australia.
In April 2013, we encouraged more Melburnians to enjoy life in the country by making the 2013 Regional Victoria Living
Expo even bigger and better than last year. The 2013 Expo attracted almost 9,500 visitors which represents a 15 per
cent increase on the inaugural event in 2012. The 2013 Expo was supported by the Victorian Government’s successful
Good Move marketing campaign that emphasises the benefits of ‘making the move’ to regional Victoria.
RDV is proud to have delivered sustained developmental support to Victoria’s regions throughout 2012-13. I am proud to
lead such a talented and committed team, and look forward to continuing our good work in
2013-14.
Lachlan Bruce
Chief Executive,
Regional Development Victoria
Deputy Secretary,
Department of Planning and
Community Development
RESPONSIBILITIES
In accordance with the Regional Development Victoria Act 2002,
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) works closely with various
State Government agencies to facilitate economic, infrastructure and
community development to improve the 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 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.
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.
For most of 2012-13, RDV was located within the Department of Planning and Community Development.
On 9 April 2013, the Premier of Victoria announced responsibility for RDV would shift to the Department of State
Development, Business and Innovation (formerly the Department of Business and Innovation). This will be effective from
1 July 2013 although the transition commenced from the announcement date.
RDV staff work closely with organisations and businesses to help facilitate investment, jobs and exports. Staff are
accessible at offices located in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura, Shepparton, Traralgon, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
RDV also has a presence in Horsham, Sale, Swan Hill and Warrnambool.
In 2012-13, RDV operated through the following groups:
REGIONAL PROGRAMS AND RECOVERY GROUP
The Regional Programs and Recovery Group is responsible for the delivery of a range of programs and activities
including the local initiatives component of the Regional Growth Fund, the Regional Development Australia initiative in
Victoria and bushfire and flood recovery programs. This includes the operations of the Fire Recovery Unit.
FIRE RECOVERY UNIT
The Fire Recovery Unit was established in July 2011 following the closure of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and
Recovery Authority. In 2012-13, the Fire Recovery Unit provided continuity of Government support and oversight for the
reconstruction and recovery effort after the 2009 bushfires by facilitating strong relationships and co-ordinated responses
to ongoing community needs.
INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP
The Infrastructure Group identifies, facilitates and delivers infrastructure projects which contribute 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 provides policy and strategy leadership to RDV, co-ordinating with other departments to
develop ideas, knowledge, policies and programs that support the Victorian Government’s commitment to regional and
rural Victoria. The group is 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 the Victorian
Government.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION GROUP
The Marketing and Promotion Group delivers a range of activities to promote the business and lifestyle qualities of life in
regional and rural Victoria. In particular, the group is responsible for implementing the Regional Victoria Living Expo and
the Good Move advertising campaign.
REGIONAL POLICY ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
The Regional Policy Advisory Committee
(RPAC) was established
under legislation to provide independent advice to the Minister for
Regional and Rural Development and Minister for Regional Cities on
priorities in regional Victoria, and to monitor and advise on the impacts
of legislation and policy decisions on regional and rural Victoria.
RPAC has a broad focus to provide external advice to government on the regional impacts of policy and legislation, longterm priorities to support regional growth and prosperity plus any other regional policy matters referred to the Committee
by government.
RPAC includes three independent members and the chairs of the five non-metropolitan Regional Development Australia
(RDA) Committees. As at 30 June 2013, 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. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to
agriculture.
2. Bruce Anson
Mr Anson is Chairperson of the Barwon South West RDA Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Warrnambool City
Council.
3. Stuart Benjamin
Mr Benjamin is Chairperson of the Grampians RDA Committee, a Director of Elmstone Property Group and Chair of
Ballarat Regional Tourism.
4. Mark Byatt
Mr Byatt is Chairperson of the Hume RDA Committee and has been Mayor of Wodonga since 2008.
5. Jenny Dawson
Ms Dawson is the Chairperson of the Loddon Mallee RDA Committee, and a Non-Executive Director of Bendigo and
Adelaide Bank.
6. Richard Elkington
Mr Elkington is the Chairperson of the Gippsland RDA Committee and a Director of East Gippsland Water.
7. Ross Lake OAM
Mr Lake is the General Manager of TASCO Inland, a major fuel and oil distributor based in Mildura. He received the
Medal of the Order of Australia for service to arts administration, to social welfare, and to the community.
8. Val Lang AM
Ms Lang is Victorian representative for Australian Women in Agriculture. She was made a Member of the Order of
Australia for service to women living in rural and regional communities.
PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA
Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a partnership between the Commonwealth, 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 also provide local recommendations 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 regional cities – Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, Greater Geelong,
Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Greater Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga. RDV works with Regional
Cities Victoria to strengthen the economic base of regional cities, and enhance the lifestyle amenities in regional cities
to attract and retain a greater share of Victoria’s growing population.
• Rural Councils Victoria
RDV also partners with Rural Councils Victoria to progress policy agendas including the implementation of the RDVfunded $3.3 million 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. Throughout 2012-13, RDV worked in
partnership with the Rural Councils Victoria network to deliver a diverse range of projects to support rural councils
and communities.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
RDV had an integrated delivery relationship with the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD)
which ceased operation on 30 June. Before the department was dissolved as part of the 2013 Machinery of Government
changes, DPCD Regional Services staff represented RDV in the regions. Their responsibilities included supporting the
five Regional Development Australia Committees that operate outside Melbourne, and developing, assessing and
recommending projects under the Putting Locals First Program. They also delivered program and grant management
responsibilities for a number of RDV-administered programs.
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND INNOVATION
The Department of Business and Innovation (DBI) is responsible for industry and economic development and small
business growth activities across Victoria. Many RDV programs support or sustain business growth so DBI regional staff
are vital in identifying opportunities and providing business intelligence. From 1 July 2013, DBI and RDV will be part of
the Department of State Development, Business and Innovation (DSDBI).
COMMONWEALTH AND OTHER STATE GOVERNMENTS
As part of the 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 Development and Minister for Regional Cities
represent Victoria on the council which met for the first time in July 2012.
OPERATION OF THE REGIONAL POLICY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Regional Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC) met five times
during 2012-13, including regional meetings in Bendigo,
Warrnambool and Traralgon.
RPAC developed and introduced the Thinking Regional and Rural Guidelines across the Victorian Government.
Launched in April 2013, the guidelines are designed to help policymakers systematically assess regional and rural
impacts of new policies, legislation and other major Government decisions. The guidelines are intended to build
government-wide capability and understanding of regional and rural issues, and complement RPAC’s legislated role to
provide direct advice to Government on regional and rural impacts of legislation and policy.
During the year, the committee commissioned KPMG to research the social and cultural factors that influence aspiration
and engagement in education for students in regional Victoria. Due for release in August 2013, the Research into
Education Aspiration for Regional Victoria is investigating links between educational aspiration and participation rates,
and mapping existing interventions that aim to boost aspiration and provide policymakers with options for further action.
In February 2013, the committee hosted a workshop with over 25 regional leaders across academia, government,
business and community sectors to progress thinking regarding the long term strategic investments required to support
growth in regional and rural Victoria.
RPAC also staged three community forums as part of its regional meetings across the State. These consultations were
essential in developing RPAC’s strategic advice to the Government on future priorities for regional development and the
Regional Growth Fund.
DELIVERING THE REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA INITIATIVE
RDV continued to work closely with Commonwealth Government to
deliver the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Initiative through
the five regional Victorian RDA Committees.
In 2012-13, the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments came together to jointly appoint the 2013-16 Victorian RDA
Committees. In September 2012, the new committees were announced, with new Chairs appointed for the Grampians
and Hume RDA Committees, and a further 24 new members across all five regional RDAs.
Throughout the year, RDV worked with the regional RDA Committees to develop new projects that align with priorities
identified in the Regional Strategic Plans. A total of 22 projects were approved through the RDA Initiative, with more than
$900,000 in grants.
WORKING WITH
REGIONAL CITIES VICTORIA
RDV continued to provide leadership to develop place-based and
integrated approaches to government investment, planning and
policy associated with Victoria’s 10 regional cities of Geelong,
Ballarat, Warrnambool, Horsham, Mildura, Bendigo, Shepparton,
Wangaratta, Latrobe and Wodonga.
In August 2012, the State Government provided a $300,000 grant to initiate Stage One of the Regional City Growth
Strategy – a partnership between RDV and Regional Cities Victoria to improve planning for future city growth.
The main aim of the strategy is to identify ways to leverage opportunities from existing infrastructure investment, help
make future developments more efficient and prioritise key infrastructure to increase population and economic growth in
each of the regional cities over the next 25 years.
The project will help the Victorian Government and regional city councils better plan for population growth, facilitate
delivery of land, infrastructure, services and jobs, and help the cities to grow as attractive and liveable regional centres.
The Regional City Growth Strategy complements existing government activities and policy directions, particularly the
eight regional growth plans. It also builds on the work of the Regional Cities Economic Growth product which includes the
development of economic outlooks for each regional city and analyses policy levers to support accelerated economic
growth.
In 2012-13, RDV further strengthened its partnership with Regional Cities Victoria by supporting annual events like
Celebrating Regional Cities Week and the Regional Cities Business and Industry Leaders Forum which discussed
economic growth and the important role regional cities play in the prosperity of Victoria.
WORKING WITH
RURAL COUNCILS VICTORIA
RDV provides Rural Councils Victoria with funding support as part of
the $3.3 million Networked Rural Councils program to help Victoria’s
38 rural councils build capacity, share information and undertake
projects that support sustainable and liveable rural communities.
During the year, RDV funding supported events like the annual Rural Summit which showcases leading initiatives and
information to build the capacity of rural councils. Held from 2-3 May 2013 in Lakes Entrance, the Rural Summit
addressed the theme ‘the rural revolution’ and was attended by over 160 councillors and mayors, local government
executives and officers, and business and community leaders.
Rural Councils Victoria delivered various other initiatives through the Networked Rural Councils program including:

A framework to help rural councils apply a risk assessment approach to determine their enforcement priorities.

A comprehensive training program to build the economic development capacity of rural council officers,
executives and councillors.

Practical support for rural councils to plan and deliver local and regional open days to build on the interest
generated through the Regional Victoria Living Expo to encourage relocation to rural Victoria.

Pilot projects to trial innovative models of professional placement to increase the recruitment of skilled workers to
rural areas.
IMPLEMENTING THE REGIONAL GROWTH
FUND
RDV continued to deliver the Victorian Government’s regional
development policy through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund in
2012-13.
Through the Regional Growth Fund, RDV invested in enabling infrastructure (in line with local priorities identified in
regional strategic plans), energy and water, directly supported communities facing economic challenges, and
encouraged local solutions that improve services, community infrastructure, skills and leadership in regional and rural
communities throughout Victoria.
During the year, RDV’s facilitation of the Regional Growth Fund helped create and maintain jobs and improve career
options for regional Victorians by helping regional businesses grow and take advantage of development opportunities.
As at 30 June 2013, 1,089 projects collectively worth $1.3 billion were supported by total funding of $324.29 million from
the Regional Growth Fund since its inception in July 2011.
As at 30 June 2013, within this total, the Economic Infrastructure Program announced $61.61 million for 34 regional
infrastructure projects, $90.4 million for 359 projects nominated by regional and rural councils under the Local
Government Infrastructure Program and $42.4 million for 379 projects under the Putting Locals First Program.
The Regional Growth Fund provides $1 billion over eight years to create prosperity, opportunities and improve the quality
of life for regional and rural Victorians. Building stronger regional and rural 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 Regional Growth Fund is delivered primarily by RDV in close consultation with the regional and rural communities
that benefit from the planning, projects and services implemented through the fund.
The fund’s major streams over the first four years include:

$221 million for the Economic Infrastructure Program.

$100 million for the Putting Locals First Program.

$100 million for the Local Government Infrastructure Program.
During 2012-13, 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 and Putting Locals First Program.
REGIONAL GROWTH FUND: DELIVERING
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE
Throughout the year, the Economic Infrastructure Program of the
Regional Growth Fund supported strategic infrastructure
development and helped create more liveable, productive and
sustainable regional communities.
The Economic Infrastructure Program continued the Government’s focus on investing in infrastructure to increase jobs,
attract new industry and improve regional services. In 2012-13, the Economic Infrastructure Program announced
$61.61 million for 34 regional infrastructure projects which included the following:
BAYER CROPSCIENCE
In August 2012, Bayer CropScience announced the construction of a $14 million world-class wheat and canola breeding
facility and trial site at Longerenong College near Horsham, supported by $1.24 million in State Government funding to
improve road access to the site.
The only one of its kind in Australia, the centre will bring a new level of expertise to the region and create highly
specialised development opportunities for Longerenong college students.
Up to 20 new life sciences jobs are expected to be created as a result of the development. When complete, the centre
will boost Horsham’s reputation as a leading grain research area and the capability of Victoria’s agricultural
biotechnology sector.
The centre will incorporate new laboratory and glasshouse facilities and focus on delivering improvements in oilseed and
wheat breeding to increase crop performance for the benefit of farmers in Australia and overseas.
OLAM ORCHARDS
In August 2012, Olam Orchards Australia’s $60 million almond processing facility at Carwarp near Mildura received
$467,528 from the Victorian Government to help construct a $1.5 million enabling utility infrastructure project.
The project was completed in March 2013 and included a 5.5MW electricity connection, infrastructure to supply up to
5ML of water from the Carwarp Water Syndicate and major improvements to road access.
The water upgrades will provide the Carwarp Water Syndicate with improved security and reliability, and the construction
of turning lanes onto the Calder Highway will enhance safety for the general public and other businesses using the
intersection.
Part of Olam International, a leading global supplier of agricultural products, Olam Orchards Australia is a major
employer in the region. The project will create 41 full-time equivalent jobs and have significant flow-on benefits for the
local economy and community.
WARRNAMBOOL EASTERN INDUSTRIAL PRECINCT
Warrnambool’s new industry hub, the Warrnambool Eastern Industrial Precinct will undertake the $8.27 million Horne
Road - Access to the Warrnambool Eastern Industrial Precinct project to improve access to the site and, in the process,
overcome a critical shortage of industrial land in Warrnambool and create 460 long-term jobs. In October 2012, a $3.6
million Regional Growth Fund contribution was announced in support of the project.
Warrnambool has consistently been one of Victoria’s fastest growing regional cities over the last decade, but nonresidential investment is not keeping pace with Warrnambool’s population growth, which is partly due to a lack of readily
available industrial land to accommodate new investment. The limited supply is driving the high cost of industrial land,
which constrains investment and compromises the scale of employment growth in the region.
Stage 1 of the Horne Road – Access to the Warrnambool Eastern Industrial Precinct project will release 65 hectares of
industrial land to the market, with the potential for a further 42 hectares to the north and south to be rezoned on a stageby-stage basis. The project will deliver long-term access to a new industrial precinct and provide clear direction on where
industry and employment growth in Warrnambool will be over the next 15 years.
CATTLE UNDERPASS PROGRAM
A Regional Growth Fund contribution of $2 million was announced in October 2012 for the Cattle Underpass Program
which funds stock over/underpasses to improve road safety, workplace safety, farm efficiency and to remove
impediments to the expansion of dairy farms and the dairy industry.
The $13.5 million Cattle Underpass Scheme provides funding to eligible farmers for stock crossing installations. The
scheme provides a subsidy of up to 33 per cent of the road or rail underpass installation. Most of this funding is allocated
to regional dairy operations because they require frequent movement of cows to the dairy and back to pasture, and these
locations are often bisected by public thoroughfares.
The Cattle Underpass Program replaced a previous program, the Stock Over/Underpass Road Safety program, which
was independently evaluated by Impact Consulting Group. The report found that an underpass contributes to road and
workplace safety, farm efficiency and productivity, industry expansion and personal wellbeing, and provides a positive
return on investment by both the farmer and the Government.
BALLARAT AIRPORT
The $5.57 million upgrade of the Ballarat Airport was officially opened in November 2012, supported by $3.43 million
from the State Government. The Ballarat Airport Investment Attraction project consolidates the airport and its precinct as
a key investment-attraction location for Ballarat and western Victoria.
The completed project supports investment and business attraction and retention activities within the aviation-related
sector, including air charter, private and corporate flying, local flying, pilot training, aircraft servicing and maintenance,
aerial work and helicopter operations.
The Ballarat Airport Investment Attraction project involved:
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a new international-standard runway lighting system that can be pilot-activated;
a Precision Approach Path Indicator that provides guidance information to help pilots maintain the correct
runway approach;
remote access to the Ballarat weather station for pilots;
a fibre optic conduit along the airport access road; and
resealing the airport’s primary runway to extend its life by 20 years.
The upgraded airport positions the City of Ballarat to attract direct investment from national and international businesses
working within aviation sectors related to commercial airline pilot training, support crews, aviation technicians and
mechanics.
Leasing arrangements have already been undertaken by Singapore Technologies Aerospace Academy (STAA) and the
expansion of the Field Air Group of companies which supply the STAA with Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
services.
The project will also be a catalyst for the development of future infrastructure and economic development projects within
the wider airport precinct and Ballarat West Employment Zone, which is expected to generate up to 9,000 jobs and inject
$5 billion annually into the Ballarat economy when fully developed.
JUNCTION PLACE WODONGA
The $46.9 million Junction Place, Central Wodonga Urban Renewal Initiative is a major redevelopment of underutilised
land in the heart of Wodonga.
In December 2012, the Victorian Government announced a $3 million contribution to this significant project which will
double the size of the city’s CBD, greatly improve the quality of services and commercial offerings to help cater to
population growth, stimulate local and regional economies, create jobs and provide Wodonga with exciting new tourism
and cultural assets.
RDV’s contribution will enable works to begin on key infrastructure, including realignment of Elgin Boulevard and the
construction of the Urban Square. The project will also provide safe access to pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles, as well
as locals and visitors using the bus interchange to travel in and out of the CBD.
This significant project will have lasting impacts on employment, the economy and quality of life for the Wodonga
community for current and future generations.
WODONGA RENDERING
Wodonga Rendering‘s $4.12 million Tri-Generation Plant Project at the Wodonga Abattoirs will provide the plant with a
more economically and environmentally sustainable energy source for refrigeration, steam and hot water.
Wodonga Abattoirs processes about 25,000 tonnes of meat products (about 900,000 animals) each year, most of which
are exported to markets in the United States, Japan, Korea, China, South East Asia and the Middle East.
The abattoir and the rendering plant use nearly every part of the processed animal to produce a number of value-added
products. Its processes require considerable energy in the form of heat and steam. These energy costs are anticipated to
make up more than 10 per cent of the company’s overall operational costs by 2013-14.
In December 2012, a $1 million Regional Growth Fund contribution was announced towards the Tri-Generation Plant
Project which will help reduce the company’s annual electricity use by 73 per cent, operational expenses by more than
$760,000 and greenhouse emissions by over 40 per cent. The project will also improve the export competitiveness of the
business, help retain jobs and remove a major constraint to expansion.
GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE COUNCIL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Agricultural businesses are the largest employers in Golden Plains Shire, providing about 26 per cent of all jobs. To
further increase the prospects of this sector, in May 2013, the Government announced a $2.94 million grant towards
Golden Plains Shire Council’s Infrastructure to Expand Intensive Agriculture for Food Security and Economic
Development project.
The new 4,000-hectare precinct will help to secure new agricultural investment, primarily associated with intensive
poultry, pig and goat farming. Competitive advantages of the precinct include an increasing number of intensive farming
businesses, good transport links, proximity to customers, markets, feed stock providers and suitable labour.
To date, the major constraint has been a lack of potable water infrastructure and alternative water sources which
restricted the ability for intensive farming businesses to expand or relocate to the precinct. The Infrastructure to Expand
Intensive Agriculture for Food Security and Economic Development project will help resolve this issue by constructing a
12.5km pipeline to supply potable water to the precinct. The pipeline will be designed and constructed by the Barwon
Region Water Corporation.
Other objectives of the project over the next 10 years include attracting $160 million in private sector investment and
creating more than 770 jobs in the intensive agriculture sector.
EAST BAIRNSDALE INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
In May 2013, the $6.2 million East Bairnsdale Infrastructure Enhancement Project was supported by $1.73 million from
the Regional Growth Fund to East Gippsland Shire Council.
The project will develop a comprehensive flood mitigation and drainage scheme by constructing two wetland retarding
basins linked by landscaped drainage swales, low flow pipes, outfall pipes and road culverts. The wetlands will also be
landscaped and revegetated to create a new park for the local community.
Bairnsdale’s geography and growth patterns have created a shortage of land for industrial and residential growth to the
west and south of the Mitchell River, leaving only the eastern part of Bairnsdale for future expansion. However, a
significant proportion of land in East Bairnsdale is subject to frequent flooding. This has restricted further development of
a large industrial estate in Lucknow, including a $25 million expansion project for a major landholder on the estate,
Patties Foods Limited – Eastern Victoria’s largest private employer.
The flood mitigation and drainage measures will help unlock the economic potential of the industrial estate and
surrounding land at Lucknow.
The project will facilitate $67 million of investment at the industrial estate, help create more than 850 jobs in the region
over the next 10 years and significantly improve water quality flowing into the internationally-listed Ramsar Wetlands and
Gippsland Lakes.
MARS AUSTRALIA
In February 2013, Mars Australia’s $6.2 million utilities efficiency investment project was supported by $1.5 million from
the Regional Growth Fund. The project will deliver significant water and energy efficiencies at the Mars Ballarat
manufacturing facility by modernising plant and equipment and installing sustainable technologies.
Capital works for the project will include a plant insulation program, a water capture and storage program, an upgrade to
the wastewater treatment plant, a renewable energy program and an upgrade to the ammonia plant.
The project will deliver significant water and energy efficiencies and ensure that the manufacturing facility at Ballarat will
lower production costs, make the business more competitive and meet prescribed global sustainability benchmarks.
Lowering costs and meeting water and energy efficiency goals is vital to securing business continuity at Ballarat and
qualifying the business to compete for internal production contracts.
When complete, the utilities efficiency investment project is anticipated to reduce energy consumption by almost 30 per
cent, water use by more than 40 per cent, and result in annual net energy cost savings of $923,000 and net water cost
savings of $30,000.
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT EUREKA
Opened in May 2013, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka tells the story of the Eureka Stockade and the
ongoing struggle for democracy around the world. As part of the redevelopment project, one of Australia’s most important
cultural artefacts, the Eureka Flag, was significantly restored and is now housed within the new museum alongside a
range of interactive digital exhibits.
The $11.9 million project was developed in partnership with the Commonwealth Government, Ballarat City Council and
the Victorian Government which contributed $5 million from the Regional Growth Fund.
This new tourism and educational asset is expected to attract up to 115,000 visitors and generate about $7.2 million for
the local economy each year.
WODONGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE – THE CUBE WODONGA
Wodonga’s new performing arts centre, the Cube Wodonga, was officially opened in August 2012. The Cube Wodonga
is a strong addition to the network of performing arts centres across the state and will bring many cultural, social and
economic benefits to the region.
The $12.2 million project was developed in partnership between the Victorian Government, the Commonwealth
Government and the Wodonga City Council, and supported by a $4.7 million State Government grant.
The venue features a flat floor auditorium with a retractable seating bank and seating pit. It also features a box office,
large foyer function area with bar, community lounge, meeting room, full back-of-house amenities and a cafe that flows
out onto the courtyard that can seat 80 people.
The Cube Wodonga is an exciting new addition to Victoria’s cultural infrastructure and will enable the region to attract the
best touring shows. It will stage local productions and events, showcase local talent, and become an important centre of
community life.
MILDURA ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE
Officially opened in December 2012, the $9.1 million Mildura Arts and Cultural Centre redevelopment is the result of a
partnership between the Victorian Government, the Commonwealth Government and Mildura City Council. The project
was supported by $3.1 million from the State Government.
The new centre is forecast to deliver long-term economic, social and cultural benefits for the region, as well as ensure
the arts remain a strong component of community life in Mildura.
Features of the redevelopment include a new 450-seat performing arts centre, upgrades to back-of-house and plant
facilities, a new foyer which links the theatre and adjacent art gallery, and additional car parking and external works.
DEAKIN UNIVERSITY REGIONAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH HUB
The new $52.6 million Regional and Community Health Hub (REACH) facility at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds
campus in Geelong was officially opened in February 2013. The facility enables the university to teach new programs in
clinical optometry, medical imaging, exercise and sports science. It also makes a new community-based program in
sport available to indigenous students.
Supported by $7 million from the State Government, the facility helps resolve training issues associated with health
professionals in regional and rural Victoria, particularly for optometrists, radiographers and exercise scientists. REACH
will also provide Geelong and western Victoria with major social and economic benefits by creating over 850 new jobs,
injecting $140 million into the regional economy each year, and increasing higher education opportunities in regional
Victoria.
REACH can accommodate 1,500 students and incorporates a 200-seat lecture theatre, tutorial and problem-based
learning rooms, a simulation centre, laboratories, office and student facilities.
The facility also houses an innovative e-learning service, Deakin Health Online, linking health services, practitioners and
educational institutions to clinically train health professionals in regional Victoria, with potential to expand to clinical sites
around Australia.
GREAT COASTAL WALK OF EAST GIPPSLAND
The Snowy River Estuary Walk near Marlo was opened in February 2013. The walk is part of the $2.17 million Great
Coastal Walk of East Gippsland project which received $1.6 million in Victorian Government funding to extend two short
walks – the Mallacoota Scenic Coastal Walk and the Snowy River Estuary Walk. Each is designed to become the
‘bookends’ for the future Coastal Wilderness Walk from Marlo and Mallacoota.
The 5.1km Snowy River Estuary Walk is made up of a 1.4km section from Marlo to Mills Street and 3.7km from Mills
Street to the ocean beach near French’s Narrows. The entire walk highlights the scenic values of the coastal area of
Marlo and the mouth of the Snowy River and accesses new views previously only visible from vehicles.
The new walks are developed around existing towns to use existing infrastructure and services, encourage benefits to
local communities, and maintain the quality of the parks and walkways. This will retain the scenic and natural integrity of
the experience by not facilitating commercial development outside Orbost, Marlo and Mallacoota. All commercial activity
will be based in the towns and the benefits will flow to the local businesses and residents.
The Great Coastal Walk of East Gippsland project will create a new tourism product for the region, protect sensitive
environments, increase access to and appreciation of the region’s natural assets for both visitors and local residents, and
attract new investment to the accommodation and hospitality sector in the regional hubs.
REGIONAL GROWTH FUND: ENERGY FOR
THE REGIONS
The $100 million Energy for the Regions program continued to fund
the extension of natural gas across regional Victoria and encourage
associated investment in the regions.
During the second half of 2012, a broadened delivery strategy began to introduce additional competition in the energy
marketplace. This included exploring alternative delivery options such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied
natural gas (LNG).
The first component of the broadened strategy involved offering gas distributors a fixed subsidy ‘bounty’ amount to
supply the remaining 13 priority towns. The fixed subsidy process resulted in the announcement of the connection to
natural gas for Avoca, Bannockburn, Winchelsea and Wandong-Heathcote Junction in April, May and June 2013.
The second component of the strategy involves a tender process, which will seek to connect towns to natural gas via a
CNG or LNG supply mechanism. A CNG or LNG delivery solution has the potential to deliver on the Victorian
Government’s commitment to provide a lower-cost energy alternative to towns in regional Victoria at a comparable price,
safety and level of service and convenience to natural gas sourced from a conventional pipeline.
In January 2013, RDV shortlisted leading energy companies to tender for the development and operation of a delivered
natural gas capacity for regional Victoria utilising CNG or LNG alternative delivery solutions. The request for tender will
commence in the second half of 2013.
REGIONAL GROWTH FUND: SUPPORTING
LOCAL INITIATIVES
The $100 million Local Government Infrastructure Program
component of the Regional Growth Fund continued to help all 48
regional and rural councils in Victoria plan and build new
infrastructure or renew assets.
To date, more than $90 million has been allocated against 359 projects nominated under this program by rural and
regional councils, with a total value of $248 million. The fund is creating greater certainty for councils to plan and deliver
key infrastructure projects scheduled as part of their existing forward capital works plans. Projects nominated by councils
included:
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$20.4 million to 68 shared use community facilities.
$19 million to 78 open space projects.
$18.4 million to 65 road or bridge infrastructure projects.
$7.9 million to 35 sports facilities.
$3.3 million to 19 tourism-related facilities.
PUTTING LOCALS FIRST
During 2012-13, the Putting Locals First Program component of the Regional Growth Fund enabled regional
communities to determine and deliver service and infrastructure responses that reflected their local priorities.
At 30 June 2013, commitments from the program totalled $42.4 million towards 379 projects with a total project cost of
$114.4 million. This included:
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$16.4 million to 73 shared use community facilities.
$5.1 million to 23 streetscape projects.
$5 million to 30 open space projects.
$3.5 million to 89 local strategic and project planning initiatives.
$2.1 million to 34 business and industry development initiatives.
$869,000 to 64 local and regional events.
In 2012-13, $30.4 million was approved for 251 projects under this program.
The following examples represent work under these programs during 2012-13.
WEDDERBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT
The $1.7 million project to revitalise and extend Wedderburn Community Centre was supported by a $400,000 grant to
Loddon Shire Council. Developed through extensive community engagement and planning processes, the project will
significantly improve the centre’s functionality and its capacity to deliver social and economic services that meet local
needs.
PORT FAIRY STREETSCAPE
The $900,000 project to enhance Port Fairy’s town centre was supported by a $500,000 grant to Moyne Shire Council.
The project will upgrade and improve footpaths, roadway, street furniture, plantings and infrastructure within the village
green to make the town centre more attractive and improve continuity. It will also help attract and retain residents, and
encourage visitors to frequent the main shopping precinct.
JAMES STOCKFEED MILL EXPANSION
A $500,000 expansion of James Stockfeed and Fertilizer’s milling operations in Nathalia was supported by a $50,000
grant. The project will create six new full-time jobs, help retain 11 existing positions, and increase the company’s capacity
to service existing contracts and source new business opportunities.
OCEAN GROVE TOWN CENTRE URBAN DESIGN
The $200,000 Ocean Grove Town Centre Urban Design Framework and Implementation project was supported by a
$100,000 grant to the Greater City of Geelong. Developed in consultation with the local community, the project aims to
unlock the development potential of Ocean Grove and prepare the town centre for the next 10 years of growth.
LAKE GOLDSMITH STEAM RALLY CENTENARY
The famous heritage steam rally attracts visitors from around the world and generates economic benefits for Beaufort
and the Ballarat region. Supported by a $20,000 grant, the 2013 centenary event was attended by about 15,000 people
and generated more than $2.1 million in economic activity for the region.
REGIONAL GROWTH FUND: LATROBE
VALLEY INDUSTRY AND
INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
The $15 million Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund is a
component of the Regional Growth Fund designed to help strengthen
the Latrobe Valley’s workforce, invest in infrastructure, support
enhanced competitiveness and innovation, and attract and facilitate
investment into the region.
The fund is designed to help the Latrobe Valley manage the challenge of structural adjustment and reposition its
economy for sustainable long-term growth. Preceding the 2012-13 financial year, the fund was broadened to align with
the strategic directions of the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap.
Launched in July 2012, the Roadmap delivers a key Victorian Government election commitment to provide a long-term
strategic framework to guide investment for industry and employment growth in the Latrobe Valley.
During 2012-13, 12 new projects were announced under the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund, taking the
total number of projects funded to 16. These 16 projects will create 228 full-time equivalent positions in the Latrobe
Valley and allow local businesses to retain an additional 394 full-time equivalent positions. The following are examples of
projects funded in 2012-13.
ALPINE TROUT FARM EXPANSION IN NOOJEE
In September 2012, the $1.55 million Alpine Trout Farm Food Processing Plant and Hatchery project in Noojee was
supported by $733,035 from the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund.
The Alpine Trout Farm supplies fresh and processed fish to Costco and several Melbourne fish markets. Further
expansion will enable the company to supply a major national supermarket chain and consider distribution to Hong Kong
and mainland China.
The project will involve constructing a 500sqm processing facility, shop and loading bay, and purchasing new hatchery
and processing equipment. When complete, it will increase the Alpine Trout Farm’s production capability for fresh and
processed fish products and improve its cold-room and distribution facilities. It will create 17 new jobs, secure five
existing jobs and create 30 construction jobs.
AUSTRALIAN SUSTAINABLE HARDWOODS’ HEYFIELD MILL EXPANSION
Victoria’s largest hardwood saw mill, operated by Heyfield’s Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, is undertaking a $2.63
million expansion project which is expected to create 15 new full-time equivalent jobs, six indirect jobs, 20 construction
jobs and the retention of 190 full-time jobs. In February 2013, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods received $650,000 from
the Victorian Government to support its Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Value Adding/Expansion Project.
Australian Sustainable Hardwoods produces a range of high quality manufactured timber products including window and
door frames, door stiles and flooring which have great potential to replace equivalent products that are currently
imported. Expanding its operations will help the company take advantage of such opportunities, as well as provide the
chance to export for further business growth.
The project will include an extension to an existing finger-joining and laminating facility, a new hard stand site, and
purchasing a new horizontal finger-joiner and new equipment for the joiner line. Australian Sustainable Hardwoods is the
main recipient of high quality logs in Gippsland so its ongoing operations at the Heyfield mill are essential to the viability
of the forest industry and the regional economy.
ELITE PACK EXPANSION IN DROUIN
A $1.1 million expansion at Elite Pack in Drouin opened in May 2013 supported by $250,000 from the Latrobe Valley
Industry and Infrastructure Fund. The expanded facility will include new plastic tray manufacturing equipment which will
help cut manufacturing costs and make Elite Pack’s products more competitive against imported equivalents.
The expansion will create 10 new full-time jobs and potentially an additional 12 jobs in future. It is forecast to generate
$1.2 million for the local economy every year by helping strengthen the local manufacturing sector – worth more than
$700 million to the Baw Baw region annually. To date, almost $1.5 million has been invested in Baw Baw Shire through
the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund, delivering projects worth over $4 million.
REGIONAL GROWTH FUND: OTHER KEY
INITIATIVES
Through the Regional Growth Fund, the Government also supported
a range of other major initiatives during 2012-13, including the
Regional Partnerships Facilitation Fund, the Regional Community
Leadership Program and the Rural Council Planning Flying Squad.
REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS FACILITATION FUND
Through the $20 million Regional Partnerships Facilitation Fund, RDV supported higher education and vocational
education and training institutions to adopt new partnership models that improve access to higher education in regional
and rural Victoria.
REGIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Implementation of the Regional Community Leadership Program continued in 2012-13. Under this program, $6 million
was committed over four years to support nine community leadership programs in regional and rural Victoria and to
establish a secretariat.
RDV provided $400,000 funding over four years to the Mildura and District Educational Council to re-establish the
Northern Mallee Leadership Program.
Funds will help the organisation design and deliver an annual community leadership program to develop strong
community leaders across the Mildura region and beyond. Funding will also contribute to developing a sustainable
independent organisation to oversee future delivery of the program.
RURAL COUNCIL PLANNING FLYING SQUAD
During 2012-13, RDV also helped regional and rural communities plan for change and growth through the $2.8 million
Rural Council Planning Flying Squad which provides specialist advice and assistance to regional and rural councils on
issues such as major projects and developments, long-term land use and strategic plans.
DISASTER RECOVERY SUPPORT
FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPORT
In 2012-13, RDV commenced delivery of new initiatives to support affected communities following the flood events of
2012 and continued implementation of 2010-2011 recovery projects.
RDV allocated $2 million for the 2012 Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund, which supports flood-affected
local government authorities and communities in Victoria’s north-east and Gippsland regions repair damaged
infrastructure.
RDV also provided $540,000 for Flood Recovery Officers in Moira, Towong, East Gippsland and Wellington Shires and
Greater Shepparton City Council to assist with 2012 flood recovery.
The $5 million Flood Support Program was also established through the Regional Growth Fund as a partnership
between RDV and the former Department of Sustainability and Environment. The program supports five catchment
management authorities to restore flood damaged catchments and improve environmental conditions for primary
producers and irrigators in flood-affected areas.
In addition to the programs and initiatives outlined above, $7.78 million was approved to fund 40 projects under the $10
million Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund, leveraging $122.5 million in investment and creating 689 jobs in
Victoria.
BUSHFIRE RECOVERY SUPPORT
Through the Fire Recovery Unit (FRU), RDV continued to provide a central point of contact for enquiries related to the
2009 Victorian Bushfires. In particular, community engagement staff from the Unit helped local government, community
groups and individuals to access support from a range of services, including the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund and the
Government Buyback Scheme.
In February 2013, the FRU led the coordination and staging of a central commemorative event to mark the fourth
anniversary of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.
Hosted by the Premier and held at Melbourne Museum, the public event attracted over 200 people from across Victoria
and displayed artwork and performances from bushfire-affected individuals.
The FRU coordinated the publication of the Victorian Bushfire Recovery Four Year Update, published in early February
2013, which summarised key recovery milestones and achievements across the state over the preceding 12 months.
During 2012-13, RDV also provided support to regional communities impacted by the summer’s bushfires, through
support for local events and infrastructure associated with economic recovery.
REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH PROJECT
The first stage of the Regional Economic Growth Project was
completed in April 2013.
The project delivered an accessible and consistent information base to inform policy development, planning and
investment decisions on how to accelerate growth in regional Victoria. Stage one identified the following important factors
to accelerate growth in all regions.
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Human capital, particularly growing the population and improving the quality of the available workforce by lifting
tertiary attainment rates and reducing the proportion of unskilled and semi-skilled workers.
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Enhancing and exploiting natural endowments (minerals, land, forestry, fisheries).
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Targeted infrastructure investment that improves the connectivity of export-orientated businesses to national and
international markets.
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Productivity-enhancing investments in innovation and technological development that increase the
competitiveness of export-orientated businesses throughout value chains.
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Improving accessibility to amenities and social opportunities within the region (particularly in regional cities and
centres).
Stage one of the Regional Economic Growth Project applied a consistent framework to deliver a baseline understanding
of growth trends and drivers for Victoria’s 10 regional cities and eight Regional Strategic Planning areas.
GEELONG ADVANCEMENT FUND
Launched in March 2013, the $11 million Geelong Advancement Fund
supports initiatives that increase jobs, skills and innovation and deliver
economic and community infrastructure in Geelong.
Administered by RDV, the competitive fund supports collaborative ventures with public and private sector, education and
community organisations that will improve economic and liveability outcomes in Geelong. The fund supports projects
that:
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Generate new jobs and/or investment.
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Provide new or improved civic or cultural facilities.
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Revitalise the Geelong Central Business District.
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Resolve bottlenecks/blockages that create problems for businesses and industries operating in Geelong.
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Enhance competitiveness and innovation.
The Geelong Advancement Fund is part of the $15 million Geelong Development Fund which supports new investment
that generates sustainable jobs in the Geelong region.
FARMERS’ MARKETS
In 2012-13, the Farmers’ Markets Support Program approved six new projects to support the establishment or expansion
of farmers’ markets in Victoria, as well as providing the Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association with $220,400 to develop
a marketing and branding strategy and a further $142,500 to undertake an industry growth project.
THINKING REGIONAL
AND RURAL GUIDELINES
The Thinking Regional and Rural Guidelines were approved by the Victorian Government in December 2012 and
launched in April 2013 in collaboration with the Institute of Public Administration Australia. The guidelines were
developed through the advice of the Regional Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC) as a mechanism to ensure the
systematic consideration of regional and rural impacts of major government policy and investment decisions.
The guidelines are a capability-building tool for government officials responsible for policy development, program design,
legislation, regulation and major investment decisions. They provide guidance about the characteristics of regional
Victoria, references to key information and data sources about Victorian regions and a framework for assessing the
regional impacts of the specific initiatives being contemplated.
The Thinking Regional and Rural Guidelines complement RPAC’s role providing direct advice to the Victorian
Government on the regional impacts of major policies and legislation. They have been disseminated across all
departments and through the Victorian Public Service Hub.
HOSTING THE ORGANISATION OF
ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND
DEVELOPMENT
A team from the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) visited Geelong in August 2012 to
apply its assessment framework on how regions are developing partnerships to enhance interactions between cities and
rural areas.
The framework was developed by the OECD and the European Commission to identify such partnerships and determine
how they can help bridge co-ordination gaps in policies for urban and rural dwellers. RDV facilitated the inclusion of G21
as a case study within this global project. The OECD’s final report will be released in October 2013.
The OECD visit also included a civic reception hosted by the City of Geelong and a forum in Melbourne on regional
development.
2013 REGIONAL VICTORIA LIVING EXPO
The 2013 Regional Victoria Living Expo at the Melbourne Convention
and Exhibition Centre from 19 to 21 April 2013 attracted 15 per cent
more visitors than the inaugural Expo in 2012.
Almost 9,500 people attended the 2013 event compared to 8,200 the previous year.
The 2013 Expo involved 138 exhibitors including commercial exhibitors and the State’s 48 regional and rural councils.
Each presented information and advice on jobs, education, property, health, and lifestyle opportunities available in
regional and rural Victoria.
The event achieved notable attendance from young families and working professionals, including many in the health field
such as doctors, dentists, nurses and healthcare administrators.
Numerous attending councils experienced extremely positive enquiries from attendees keen to move into their regions.
GOOD MOVE REGIONAL MARKETING
CAMPAIGN
In 2012-13, the Victorian Government’s Good Move regional
marketing campaign continued to showcase the benefits of regional
living to entice city dwellers to make their dreams of moving to the
country a reality.
The 2012-13 campaign advertising featured real life families that have made the journey from a big city to the regions
and have overcome barriers such as settling into the community, and finding jobs, housing and suitable schools.
In 2013, the Good Move campaign and Expo complemented each other to position regional and rural areas as ideal
locations to establish a home, and take up employment, business and education opportunities that are equal, if not
better, than those available in Melbourne.
EVALUATION OF 2013 REGIONAL VICTORIA LIVING EXPO AND GOOD MOVE CAMPAIGN
RDV appointed independent research company, Latitude Insights, to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the
2013 Expo and awareness of Good Move campaign activity.
Top line findings showed that more than 90 per cent of visitors found the Expo useful to their purpose and 97 per cent
considered the standard of exhibits as ‘very good’ or ‘quite good’. Almost all respondents (96 per cent) said they would
recommend the Expo.
More than half of 2013 Expo visitors became aware of the event via television, 36 per cent through radio and 25 per cent
through newspaper advertising. The combined delivery of Good Move and Expo television advertising resulted in a 15
per cent increase in visitors to the event.
FUTURE PRIORITIES 2013-14
RDV priorities for 2013-14 are to continue building on the strengths of
the regions and maintain growth in the face of economic challenges.
These priorities include the following.
REGIONAL GROWTH FUND
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Committing a further $54 million to regionally-significant economic infrastructure projects through the Economic
Infrastructure Program, and continuing to implement the Local Government Infrastructure Program and the
Putting Locals First Program.
Concluding the fixed subsidy negotiation process and running the CNG/LNG tender as part of the Energy for the
Regions program. Any towns not connected under the bounty offer process will be included in the second
component of the broadened strategy: a tender process which intends to connect the towns through the CNG or
LNG supply mechanism. This tender process will occur in the second half of 2013. The proposal to decant and
transport CNG/LNG to the outskirts of regional towns will provide an opportunity to work with the energy industry
to achieve broader energy security for regional Victoria, as well as offering consumers comparable pricing and
convenience to conventional pipeline gas.
POLICY AND PLANNING

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




Shaping and influencing the future regional policy agenda through mechanisms including internal research on
key regional development policy and program areas, and the Standing Council on Regional Australia.
Shaping and influencing the future regional policy agenda through the strategic investment advice of the
Regional Policy Advisory Committee.
Delivering Stage 2 of the Regional Economic Growth Project.
Providing ongoing support and development of the Regional Cities portfolio.
Continuing to monitor and evaluate the Regional Growth Fund and its component programs.
Leading the next phase of regional strategic planning in Victoria.
Continuing to deliver the Networked Rural Councils program in partnership with Rural Councils Victoria to help
rural councils address current and future challenges more sustainably.
MARYSVILLE HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE PROJECT

Overseeing the development of Marysville’s $28 million Vibe Hotel and Conference Centre, with completion
expected around September 2014.
FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPORT

Finalising two key initiatives relating to the 2010 and 2011 flood events – the $5 million Flood Recovery
Community Infrastructure Fund (to restore community infrastructure affected by the 2010 floods) and the $30
million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund (jointly administered by RDV and the Department of
Sustainability and Environment to help recovery efforts
after the 2011 floods).
BUSHFIRE RECOVERY SUPPORT

Continuing the Fire Recovery Unit’s operation as a central point of contact for 2009 bushfire-affected
communities and individuals, and delivering a fifth anniversary central commemorative event in 2014.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA


Continuing to manage the RDA initiative in Victoria, providing support and advice to the committees on
operational and strategic matters.
Helping RDA Committees meet their strategic objectives, as agreed to under the operational funding contract
between RDV and the Commonwealth Government.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Working with the Victorian Community Leadership Secretariat and Programs to continue supporting and
strengthening the capacity of Victoria’s community leadership programs.
VICTORIAN FARMERS’ MARKETS

Continuing 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.
2014 REGIONAL VICTORIA LIVING EXPO

Capitalising on the success of the 2013 Regional Victoria Living Expo, the event will be held for a third
successive year on 11-13 April 2014 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.
BUILDING STRONGER REGIONS PROGRAMS
Organisation
Central Goldfields Shire Council
Payment $
591,000.00
Department of Education
5,790,000.00
Department of Sustainability and Environment
6,000,000.00
Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Incorp
Latrobe City Council
Wimmera Uniting Care
Total
200,000.00
90,600.00
2,250,000.00
14,921,600.00
DEVELOPING REGIONAL LEADERS
Organisation
Payment $
Local Government Professionals Inc.
20,000.00
Total
20,000.00
FARMERS’ MARKETS SUPPORT PROGRAM
Organisation
Payment $
Corangamite Shire Council
3,750.00
Golden Plains Shire Council
18,000.00
Inverloch Tourism Association Inc.
Koonwarra Farmers Market Incorporated Association
9,200.00
10,750.00
Lancefield Neighbourhood House Inc.
7,025.00
Local Food Connect
1,800.00
Mitchell Shire Council
4,500.00
Mount Eliza Chamber of Commerce Inc.
20,000.00
Nillumbik Shire Council
20,000.00
Red Gum Food Group
18,000.00
Shire of Strathbogie
5,000.00
Victorian Farmers' Markets Association Inc.
296,060.00
Total
414,085.00
FLOOD RECOVERY COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
Organisation
Alpine Shire
Ballarat City Council
Benalla Rural City Council
Buloke Shire Council
Campaspe Shire Council
Gannawarra Shire Council
Payment $
337,000.00
2,168.00
63,900.00
280,679.00
50,687.80
8,142.84
Hepburn Shire Council
604,522.12
Loddon Shire Council
220,480.00
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
103,197.00
Mitchell Shire Council
122,219.67
Mount Alexander Shire Council
Murrindindi Shire Council
9,900.00
136,604.99
Northern Grampians Shire Council
18,997.00
Shire of Strathbogie
54,840.00
FLOOD RECOVERY COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND (CONTINUED)
Organisation
Swan Hill Rural City Council
West Wimmera Shire Council
Yarriambiack Shire Council
Total
Payment $
1,312,200.00
586.00
4,995.00
3,331,119.42
FLOOD RECOVERY OFFICERS
Organisation
Buloke Shire Council
Campaspe Shire Council
Payment $
110,000.00
50,000.00
Department of Human Services Victoria
300,000.00
East Gippsland Shire Council
100,000.00
Hepburn Shire Council
60,000.00
Loddon Shire Council
60,000.00
Mildura Rural City Council
50,000.00
Mount Alexander Shire Council
50,000.00
Northern Grampians Shire Council
60,000.00
Pyrenees Shire Council
60,000.00
Wellington Shire Council
100,000.00
Yarriambiack Shire Council
Total
50,000.00
1,050,000.00
LATROBE VALLEY ROADMAP
Organisation
Baw Baw Shire Council
Destination Gippsland Ltd.
Payment $
100,500.00
72,000.00
Growth Areas Authority
166,666.00
Latrobe City Council
100,500.00
Wellington Shire Council
157,500.00
Total
597,166.00
LIVING REGIONS LIVING SUBURBS
Organisation
Payment $
18,000.00
Anglican Trusts Corporation of the Diocese of Gippsland
Geelong Football Club Limited
800,000.00
Gippsland Rotary Centenary House Inc.
5,000.00
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Corporation
25,000.00
Greater Bendigo City Council
150,000.00
Horsham Golf Club
290,000.00
Latrobe City Council
104,750.00
Mitchell Shire Council
150,232.50
Murrindindi Shire Council
150,000.00
40,000.00
Portland and District Christian Emergency Relief Centre Inc.
250,000.00
State of Victoria - Department of Justice
20,000.00
Stawell Athletic Club Inc.
100,000.00
The Bendigo Diocesan Trusts Corporation
Tourism Victoria
40,000.00
Victorian Farmers Federation
43,762.00
Walhalla Goldfields Railway Inc.
10,000.00
Wellington Shire Council
300,000.00
Yarra Ranges Shire Council
150,000.00
Total
2,646,744.50
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM
Organisation
Payment $
Alpine Shire
517,360.00
Ararat Rural City Council
623,000.00
Ballarat City Council
1,890,000.00
Bass Coast Shire Council
850,000.00
Baw Baw Shire Council
745,000.00
Benalla Rural City Council
450,000.00
Buloke Shire Council
461,000.00
Campaspe Shire Council
20,000.00
Central Goldfields Shire Council
500,000.00
City of Greater Geelong
500,000.00
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (CONTINUED)
Organisation
Payment $
Colac Otway Shire
711,243.00
Corangamite Shire Council
300,000.00
East Gippsland Shire Council
670,000.00
Gannawarra Shire Council
925,000.00
Glenelg Shire Council
514,600.00
Golden Plains Shire Council
788,000.00
Hepburn Shire Council
534,000.00
Hindmarsh Shire Council
1,084,198.00
Horsham Rural City Council
1,150,000.00
Indigo Shire Council
1,060,000.00
Loddon Shire Council
900,000.00
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
625,000.00
Mansfield Shire Council
785,742.00
Mildura Rural City Council
500,000.00
Mitchell Shire Council
695,000.00
Moira Shire Council
980,000.00
Moorabool Shire Council
1,200,000.00
Mount Alexander Shire Council
1,231,000.00
Murrindindi Shire Council
441,970.00
Northern Grampians Shire Council
437,000.00
Pyrenees Shire Council
170,000.00
Shire of Moyne
472,842.00
Shire of Strathbogie
153,740.00
Shire of Towong
500,000.00
South Gippsland Shire Council
Southern Grampians Shire Council
1,240,000.00
504,171.00
Swan Hill Rural City Council
1,550,000.00
Wangaratta Rural City Council
1,285,000.00
Wellington Shire Council
1,200,000.00
West Wimmera Shire Council
Wodonga City Council
Yarriambiack Shire Council
Total
556,379.00
1,040,000.00
457,000.00
31,218,245.00
LOCAL LIFE LOCAL EVENTS
Organisation
Payment $
Baw Baw Shire Council
3,000.00
Nagambie Lakes Tourism & Commerce Inc.
5,000.00
Southern Grampians Shire Council
5,000.00
Total
13,000.00
LOCAL SKILLS PARTNERSHIP
Organisation
Payment $
Alpine Shire
37,500.00
Ararat Rural City Council
33,750.00
Baw Baw Shire Council
25,000.00
Benalla Rural City Council
33,750.00
Building Commission
50,000.00
Buloke Shire Council
30,000.00
Campaspe Shire Council
25,000.00
Central Goldfields Shire Council
33,750.00
Corangamite Shire Council
15,000.00
Gannawarra Shire Council
30,000.00
Horsham Rural City Council
33,750.00
Indigo Shire Council
10,000.00
Mildura Development Corporation Inc.
25,000.00
Pyrenees Shire Council
33,750.00
Southern Grampians Shire Council
33,750.00
Surf Coast Shire
33,750.00
Swan Hill Rural City Council
25,000.00
Wimmera Development Association Inc.
37,500.00
Wodonga City Council
12,000.00
Yarriambiack Shire Council
33,750.00
Total
592,000.00
MARYSVILLE ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Organisation
Payment $
The Trustee for Belgravia Leisure Unit Trust
320,000.00
Total
320,000.00
NETWORKED RURAL COUNCILS
Organisation
Payment $
Municipal Association Of Victoria
980,000.00
Total
980,000.00
PLANNING FOR TOMORROW PROGRAM
Organisation
Payment $
Alpine Shire
18,999.75
Ancon Australia Pty. Ltd.
15,000.00
Ararat Rural City Council
63,000.00
Ballarat City Council
63,000.00
City of Greater Geelong
36,000.00
East Gippsland Shire Council
57,500.00
Gannawarra Shire Council
30,000.00
Greater Bendigo City Council
Greater Shepparton City Council
Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
Horsham Rural City Council
136,000.00
7,500.00
100,000.00
15,000.00
Indigo Shire Council
6,109.00
Latrobe City Council
45,000.00
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
10,000.00
Mansfield Shire Council
47,500.00
Mildura Rural City Council
45,000.00
Mitchell Shire Council
32,500.00
Moorabool Shire Council
5,000.00
Murrindindi Shire Council
35,000.00
South Gippsland Shire Council
Southern Grampians Shire Council
142,000.00
50,000.00
Surf Coast Shire
100,000.00
Swan Hill Rural City Council
100,000.00
Wangaratta Rural City Council
Warrnambool City Council
Wellington Shire Council
Wodonga City Council
Total
40,000.00
6,145.00
20,000.00
270,000.00
1,496,253.75
PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (PLFP)
Organisation
Alberton Timber & Treatment Plant Pty. Ltd.
Alpine Shire
Payment $
16,000.00
412,660.00
Alpine Valleys Vignerons Inc.
27,000.00
Apollo Bay Fishermans Co-Operative Society Ltd.
50,000.00
Art Is Festival
15,000.00
Audentes Investments Pty. Ltd.
27,000.00
Ballan Autumn Festival Association Inc.
5,000.00
Ballarat Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc.
10,000.00
Ballarat City Council
67,500.00
Ballarat Regional Tourism Inc.
99,000.00
Baw Baw Shire Council
242,125.00
Benalla Rural City Council
270,000.00
Bendigo Business Council
5,000.00
Bethanga Soldiers Memorial Hall Reserve
15,600.00
Buloke Shire Council
450,000.00
Campaspe Shire Council
120,000.00
Castlemaine State Festival Ltd.
30,000.00
Central Goldfields Shire Council
499,375.00
Central Highlands Agribusiness Forum Inc.
Chewton Domain Society Inc.
35,200.00
146,900.00
City of Greater Geelong
95,000.00
Colac Area Health
27,000.00
Colac Otway Shire
135,000.00
Committee for Ballarat Inc.
25,000.00
Committee for Echuca Moama Inc.
47,000.00
Community Leadership Loddon Murray Inc.
27,000.00
Community Music Victoria Inc.
Corangamite Shire Council
5,500.00
206,400.00
Country Fire Authority
54,000.00
Daylesford Macedon Produce Inc.
20,000.00
Donald 2000 Inc.
9,000.00
East Gippsland Business and Tourism Association Inc.
8,000.00
PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (PLFP) (CONTINUED)
Organisation
Payment $
East Gippsland Food Cluster Inc.
14,000.00
East Gippsland Marketing Inc.
38,250.00
East Gippsland Shire Council
556,800.00
Echuca Historical Society Inc.
69,500.00
Echuca-Moama Arts Initiative
27,000.00
Eildon Action Inc.
118,440.00
Euroa Rotary Club
15,000.00
Foodbank Victoria Ltd.
100,000.00
Gannawarra Shire Council
597,095.00
Gateways Support Services Inc.
78,000.00
Geelong Otway Tourism Inc.
55,500.00
Gippsland Auto Museum Inc.
17,312.00
Gippsland Education Precinct Inc.
16,000.00
Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Inc.
200,000.00
Girgarre Development Group Inc.
19,950.30
Glenelg Shire Council
27,000.00
Golden and Paradise Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc.
32,400.00
Golden Plains Shire Council
426,550.00
Goulburn River Valley Tourism Ltd.
2,500.00
Grampians Estate Wine Company Pty. Ltd.
4,000.00
Grampians Grape Escape Inc.
8,000.00
Grampians Tourism Board Inc.
27,000.00
Greater Bendigo City Council
Greater Shepparton City Council
200,000.00
90,000.00
Hepburn Shire Council
189,000.00
Horsham Rural City Council
327,000.00
Indigo Shire Council
113,520.00
Iron Horse Intermodal Pty. Ltd.
270,000.00
J. & J. Nielsen Pty. Ltd.
42,000.00
Jailhouse Rock Festival Committee
15,000.00
Kyabram Racecourse and Recreation Reserve
9,314.00
Lakes Entrance Fishermens Co-Operative Society Ltd.
3,000.00
PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (PLFP) (CONTINUED)
Organisation
Payment $
Latrobe City Council
452,000.00
Loddon Shire Council
365,000.00
Macalister Research Farm Co-Operative Ltd.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation Ltd.
Mansfield Shire Council
4,500.00
557,100.00
60,000.00
315,000.00
Mildura Development Corporation Inc.
16,000.00
Mildura Rural City Council
95,386.00
Mitchell Shire Council
200,900.00
Moe Jazz Festival Inc.
3,000.00
Moira Shire Council
76,500.00
Mollongghip Hall and Tennis Club Inc.
18,000.00
Montana Timber Holdings Pty. Ltd.
27,000.00
Moorabool Shire Council
597,500.00
Mount Alexander Shire Council
211,000.00
Mouston Willaura Football Netball Club
9,800.00
Murray Darling Association Inc.
7,000.00
Museums Australia Inc.
4,500.00
National Celtic Folk Festival Inc.
25,000.00
North East Victoria Tourism Board Inc.
115,200.00
Northern Grampians Shire Council
206,250.00
Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre Inc.
14,580.00
Oxley Residents Association
43,000.00
Powerworks Pty. Ltd.
9,600.00
Progressing Cobden Inc.
129,600.00
Pyrenees Shire Council
735,000.00
Queen Victoria Market Pty. Ltd.
10,000.00
Robinvale 80 Ski Race Committee Inc.
15,000.00
Rotary Club of Lakes Entrance Inc.
10,000.00
Rupanyup Public Hall Reserve Committee
15,890.00
Rushworth Public Park Reserve Committee of Management Inc.
351,000.00
Seaspray Reserves Committee of Management
52,200.00
Shipwreck Coast Tourism Inc.
21,000.00
Shire of Moyne
295,650.00
PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (PLFP) (CONTINUED)
Organisation
Shire of Strathbogie
Shire of Towong
Payment $
232,500.00
60,000.00
South Gippsland Shire Council
558,866.00
Southern Grampians Shire Council
162,000.00
St Leonards Progress Association Inc.
Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Inc.
Surf Coast Shire
Swan Hill Promotions and Development Corporation Inc.
Swan Hill Rural City Council
The Alby Pointon Family Trust
The Australian Retailers Association
The Bendigo Trust
The Gippsland Business Awards Association Inc.
The Lions Club of Wedderburn Inc.
The Noojee & District Historical Society Inc.
The Trustee for Bulmer's Family Trust
56,700.00
2,500.00
298,500.00
10,000.00
394,392.00
16,500.00
1,600.00
270,000.00
3,000.00
10,125.00
199,057.50
40,000.00
The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Victoria) Unitingcare Gippsland
5,000.00
Tolmie Sports Assocication Inc.
7,558.00
True Foods Pty. Ltd.
100,000.00
University of Ballarat
40,500.00
Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry
70,000.00
Victorian YMCA Community Programming Pty. Ltd.
62,500.00
Wangaratta Rural City Council
18,000.00
Warrnambool City Council
237,000.00
Wellington Shire Council
342,700.00
Western District Health Service
10,000.00
Wimmera Development Association Inc.
65,000.00
Wodonga Bowling Club Inc.
19,800.00
Wodonga City Council
265,000.00
Women On Farms Gathering St Arnaud 2013 Inc.
10,000.00
Women's National Basketball Bendigo Inc.
40,000.00
Workco Ltd.
25,200.00
Yarriambiack Shire Council
40,000.00
Yinnar & District Community Association Inc.
Total
4,050.00
15,658,595.80
REGIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Organisation
Payment $
Committee for Ballarat Inc.
518,000.00
Committee for Geelong Inc.
200,000.00
Committee for Gippsland Inc.
150,000.00
Community Leadership Loddon Murray Inc.
200,000.00
GMIC Limited
Madec Australia
25,000.00
140,000.00
Moira Shire Council
20,000.00
Murray River Region Tourism Ltd.
27,000.00
North East Agcare Inc.
140,000.00
Shire of Moyne
140,000.00
The Community Foundation for Bendigo & Central Victoria Ltd.
Wimmera Development Association Inc.
Local Government Professionals Inc.
Total
27,000.00
101,250.00
1,800.00
1,690,050.00
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA
Organisation
Payment $
Agrifood Skills Australia Ltd.
20,000.00
Ballarat City Council
10,000.00
Bass Coast Shire Council
80,000.00
Central Goldfields Shire Council
20,000.00
City of Greater Geelong
115,000.00
Committee for Gippsland Inc.
53,500.00
Deakin University
11,239.44
Destination Gippsland Ltd.
30,000.00
East Gippsland Shire Council
40,000.00
Gippsdairy Board Inc.
18,500.00
Gippsland Climate Change Network Inc.
27,297.64
Grampians Tourism Board Inc.
25,000.00
Greater Bendigo City Council
100,000.00
Greater Shepparton City Council
18,750.00
Latrobe City Council
18,553.00
Mitchell Shire Council
17,280.00
Monash University
32,500.00
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA (CONTINUED)
Organisation
Payment $
Murrindindi Shire Council
25,000.00
Ne Tracks Local Learning and Employment Network Inc.
12,000.00
North East Victoria Tourism Board Inc.
25,000.00
Port of Portland Pty. Ltd.
5,000.00
Roads Corporation
40,000.00
South Gippsland Shire Council
15,467.00
University of Ballarat
85,000.00
Wangaratta Rural City Council
125,000.00
Warrnambool City Council
117,000.00
Wellington Shire Council
117,566.41
Western District Health Service
30,000.00
Westvic Dairy Inc.
19,789.17
Wimmera Development Association Inc.
43,250.00
Total
1,297,692.66
SMALL TOWNS DEVELOPMENT FUND
Organisation
Payment $
Ararat Rural City Council
10,000.00
Ballarat City Council
50,000.00
Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board
100,000.00
Gannawarra Shire Council
145,812.50
Golden Plains Shire Council
125,000.00
Hepburn Shire Council
142,000.00
Horsham Rural City Council
111,000.00
Indigo Shire Council
100,000.00
Loddon Shire Council
61,537.00
Mitchell Shire Council
115,000.00
Murrindindi Shire Council
184,000.00
Northern Grampians Shire Council
115,000.00
Parks Victoria
445,000.00
Shire of Towong
138,750.00
Swan Hill Rural City Council
74,693.00
Yarriambiack Shire Council
67,500.00
Total
1,985,292.50
SUSTAINABLE SMALL TOWNS DEVELOPMENT FUND
Organisation
Alpine Shire
Payment $
90,000.00
City of Greater Geelong
150,000.00
Colac Otway Shire
119,040.00
East Gippsland Shire Council
200,000.00
Gannawarra Shire Council
80,000.00
Golden Plains Shire Council
300,000.00
Hepburn Shire Council
187,860.00
Hindmarsh Shire Council
Indigo Shire Council
71,500.00
360,000.00
Mansfield Shire Council
50,000.00
Moorabool Shire Council
187,820.84
Mount Alexander Shire Council
81,000.00
Murrindindi Shire Council
198,026.00
Northern Grampians Shire Council
150,000.00
Shire of Moyne
100,000.00
Shire of Towong
37,500.00
South Gippsland Shire Council
41,975.00
Surf Coast Shire
482,979.00
Swan Hill Rural City Council
150,000.00
Wellington Shire Council
300,000.00
Total
3,337,700.84
THE GOOD LIFE CAMPAIGN
Organisation
Payment $
Alpine Shire
10,000.00
Ararat Rural City Council
10,000.00
Ballarat City Council
30,000.00
Bass Coast Shire Council
10,000.00
Baw Baw Shire Council
10,000.00
Benalla Rural City Council
10,000.00
Borough of Queenscliffe
10,000.00
Buloke Shire Council
10,000.00
Campaspe Shire Council
10,000.00
Central Goldfields Shire Council
10,000.00
City of Greater Geelong
10,000.00
Colac Otway Shire
10,000.00
Corangamite Shire Council
10,000.00
East Gippsland Shire Council
10,000.00
Gannawarra Shire Council
10,000.00
Glenelg Shire Council
10,000.00
Golden Plains Shire Council
10,000.00
Greater Bendigo City Council
10,000.00
Greater Shepparton City Council
10,000.00
Hepburn Shire Council
10,000.00
Hindmarsh Shire Council
10,000.00
Indigo Shire Council
10,000.00
Latrobe City Council
10,000.00
Loddon Shire Council
10,000.00
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
10,000.00
Mansfield Shire Council
10,000.00
Mildura Rural City Council
10,000.00
Mitchell Shire Council
10,000.00
Moira Shire Council
10,000.00
Moorabool Shire Council
10,000.00
Mount Alexander Shire Council
10,000.00
Murrindindi Shire Council
10,000.00
Northern Grampians Shire Council
10,000.00
Pyrenees Shire Council
10,000.00
Shire of Moyne
10,000.00
Shire of Strathbogie
10,000.00
THE GOOD LIFE CAMPAIGN (CONTINUED)
Organisation
Payment $
Shire of Towong
10,000.00
South Gippsland Shire Council
10,000.00
Southern Grampians Shire Council
10,000.00
Surf Coast Shire
10,000.00
Wangaratta Rural City Council
10,000.00
Warrnambool City Council
10,000.00
Wellington Shire Council
10,000.00
West Wimmera Shire Council
10,000.00
Wodonga City Council
10,000.00
Yarriambiack Shire Council
10,000.00
Total
480,000.00
VBRRA LEGACY PROJECTS
Organisation
Payment $
Flowerdale Community House
30,000.00
Total
30,000.00
VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE BUSINESS INVESTMENT FUND
Organisation
Payment $
A Doos & C.E Doos
30,000.00
A.R Clayton & A Jestin Puthenpurackal
20,000.00
Cathedral Mountain Christian Centre Inc.
100,000.00
Cross Country Ski Hire Pty. Ltd.
80,000.00
Humphries, Timothy James
10,000.00
Jindivick Timber Pty. Ltd.
30,000.00
Membo Pty. Ltd.
80,000.00
Nina Lunde
40,000.00
North East Community Initiatives Ltd.
12,000.00
S Kerr & D.J Spooner
10,000.00
Strzelecki Engineering Pty. Ltd.
50,000.00
The Trustee for A & K Mcdonald Family Trust
45,000.00
The Trustee for the Jemmco Investments Trust
160,000.00
Total
667,000.00
VICTORIAN BUSINESS FLOOD RECOVERY FUND
Organisation
Payment $
Brimarco Pty. Ltd.
50,000.00
Centre State Asphalting Pty. Ltd.
75,000.00
Clinton Smith
50,000.00
E.B. Mawson & Sons Pty. Ltd.
100,000.00
F.J. Lenne Pty. Ltd.
50,000.00
F.K Hensgen & J.P Hensgen
25,000.00
Frewstal Pty. Ltd.
250,000.00
Geltch Investments Pty. Ltd.
75,000.00
Global Roto-Moulding Pty. Ltd.
15,000.00
Goldacres Trading Pty. Ltd.
88,000.00
Hazeldene's Chicken Farm Pty. Ltd.
500,000.00
Hf Deutscher Pty. Ltd.
75,000.00
Hopley Recycling Pty. Ltd.
45,000.00
Keens & Keens Trust
40,000.00
La Gray Family Trust
50,000.00
Mattina Fresh Pty. Ltd.
80,000.00
Miquin Pty. Ltd.
70,000.00
N.M.P. Pty. Ltd.
50,000.00
Olam Orchards Australia Pty. Ltd.
350,000.00
Paarhammer Pty. Ltd.
50,000.00
Seven Fields Pty. Ltd.
375,000.00
Sundown Foods Australia Pty. Ltd.
187,500.00
The Trustee for Castle Tourism and Entertainment Unit Trust
150,000.00
The Trustee for Culell Family Trust
100,000.00
The Trustee for Modern Specialised Vehicles Unit Trust
The Trustee for Mortlock Trading Trust
The Trustee for N & C Hargreaves Family Trust
50,000.00
125,000.00
50,000.00
The Trustee for Southern Stockfeeds (Operations) Hybrid Unit Trust
150,000.00
The Trustee for the Pickworth Orchards Trust
200,000.00
Vic Feed Group Pty. Ltd.
25,000.00
Zilzie Wines Pty. Ltd.
62,500.00
Total
3,563,000.00
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROVINCIAL CADETSHIPS
Organisation
A Hau & J Laino & G Tambassis
Benalla Health
Benalla Rural City Council
Payment $
500.00
12,750.00
9,000.00
Buloke Shire Council
12,000.00
Cardell Accountants
4,750.00
East Gippsland Shire Council
1,000.00
Gannawarra Shire Council
9,500.00
Gerard Brandrick & Associates Pty. Ltd.
3,750.00
Hardwick Brothers Meatworks Trust
3,750.00
Hindmarsh Shire Council
1,000.00
Radford Legal Pty. Ltd.
500.00
Regional Publishers (Western Victoria) Pty. Ltd.
500.00
Ross Both & Associates Pty. Ltd.
4,250.00
Smec Australia Pty. Ltd.
3,750.00
South Gippsland Shire Council
500.00
Stubbs Wallace Pty. Ltd.
3,750.00
Swan Hill Rural City Council
1,000.00
The Sovereign Hill Museums Association
7,500.00
The Trustee for Byrne Melrose Unit Trust
3,750.00
The Trustee for Crossco Unit Trust
3,750.00
The Trustee for G O'bree Family Trust
3,750.00
The Trustee for Jet Ryan Trust No. 2
9,500.00
The Trustee for the Frankel Business Trust
3,750.00
The Trustee for the Sadler Family Trust
15,000.00
Warrnambool City Council
7,500.00
WHK Pty. Ltd.
3,750.00
Wilson, Barry Maxwell
Total
500.00
131,000.00
ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
In 2012-13 the following economic infrastructure projects were announced:
Organisation
Project
Announced
Amount $
Economic Infrastructure Projects
East Gippsland Shire Council
East Bairnsdale Infrastructure Enhancement Project
1,733,000
Epworth Foundation
(T/A Epworth HealthCare)
Epworth Geelong - Infrastructure to Establish the Site and Open
Access to Future Opportunities
2,850,000
Golden Plains Shire Council
Infrastructure to Expand Intensive Agriculture for Food Security and
Economic Development
2,940,000
Goulburn Valley Water
Tatura Abattoirs Expansion - Sewerage Pump Station and Rising
Main
200,000
Greater Shepparton City Council
Vaughan Street Precinct Urban Renewal and Redevelopment
Project
700,000
Horsham Rural City Council
Infrastructure Upgrade to Support Development at Longerenong
College
Mansfield Shire Council
Mt Buller Mt Stirling EPIC Mountain Bike Trail Project – Element Two
Mars Australia Pty Ltd (Mars)
Utilities Efficiency Investment
1,500,000
North East Region Water Corporation
Bright Off River Water Storage
2,000,000
Olam Orchards Australia Pty Ltd
Olam Orchards Almond Processing Facility - Enabling Infrastructure
Projects
Paper Australia Pty Ltd
Optimised Fibre and Water Efficiency Project
3,000,000
Places Victoria
Junction Place, Central Wodonga - Urban Renewal Initiative
3,000,000
Sonac Australia Pty Ltd
Sonac Australia Production Expansion and Facility Modernisation
University of Ballarat
Growing the University of Ballarat Technology Park
2,945,000
Victorian Farmers Federation
Cattle Underpass Program
2,000,000
Warrnambool City Council
Access to the Warrnambool Eastern Industrial Precinct
3,600,000
Wesfarmers LNG Pty Ltd
Establishment of a Victorian LNG Heavy Duty Vehicle Refueller
Network for Wesfarmers LNG
2,500,000
Wodonga Rendering Pty Ltd
Wodonga Abattoirs - Tri-Generation Plant
1,008,000
1,143,466
375,000
467,528
343,000
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Organisation
Project
Announced
Amount $
Energy for the Regions Projects
Envestra Limited
Energy for the Regions - Supply of Natural Gas to WandongHeathcote Junction
4,130,000
SP Ausnet
Energy for the Regions - Supply of Natural Gas to Avoca
8,389,000
SP Ausnet
Energy for the Regions - Supply of Natural Gas to Bannockburn
8,976,000
SP Ausnet
Energy for the Regions - Supply of Natural Gas to Winchelsea
4,156,000
Latrobe Valley Industry and
Infrastructure Fund Projects
Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Pty
Ltd
Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Value Adding/Expansion
500,000
Fisher’s (Latrobe Valley) Pty Ltd
Fisher’s Pallet and Wood Treatment Upgrade
326,500
Stirloch Constructions Pty Ltd
Stirloch Constructions Precast Concrete Manufacturing Facility
350,000
The Alpine Trout Farm Pty Ltd
Alpine Trout Farm Food Processing Plant and Hatchery Project
733,035
Ceres Natural Foods P/L
Pureharvest Warehouse Extensions
200,000
DJM Fabrications Pty Ltd
Business Sustainability and Growth - Rail Diversification Initiative
250,000
Elite Pack
Elite Pack - Food Tray Production Expansion
250,000
GBG Concrete and Construction Pty Ltd
Precast Concrete Panel Facility Expansion
150,000
Maffra Farmhouse Cheese Pty Ltd
Maffra Cheese Company Capacity Expansion Project
150,000
Pinegro Products Pty Ltd
New Packaging Business - Pinegro Morwell
250,000
Sage Computer Support Pty Ltd
Trading as Sage Technology
Sage Technology Mobilisation and User Interface Unification
250,000
Steeline Gippsland Pty Ltd
Steeline Gippsland Expanding Capability Project
250,000
GRANT PAYMENTS
In 2012-13 the following payments were made towards economic infrastructure projects:
Organisation
Project
Payment $
Economic Infrastructure Projects
Ancon Australia Pty Ltd
Port Anthony - Gateway to Growth Project
2,000,000
Australian Tartaric Products Pty Ltd
Waste to Energy Biomass Boiler Project
Ballarat City Council
Australian Centre for Democracy at Eureka
Ballarat City Council
Ballarat Airport Investment Attraction Program
500,000
Baw Baw Shire Council
Hazel Drive Industrial Estates Transport Linkages
337,500
Benalla Rural City Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Police Track/Mitchell
Road/Tatong-Morngag Road (Rd 3)
146,975
Bendigo Agricultural Show Society Inc
Development of the Victorian Regional Exhibition Complex Bendigo (Stage 2)
500,000
Biodiesel Producers Ltd
Biodiesel Storage and Blending Infrastructure Development
500,000
Bruck Textiles Pty Ltd
Process and Wastewater Treatment Innovation for Enhanced
Sustainability of Textile Manufacturing
990,000
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)
185,000
Central Goldfields Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Stage 2: Broiler Farm B
Double Access Moolort (Rd 3)
40,000
Colac Otway Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Irrewillipe Road Upgrade
93,750
Colac Otway Shire Council
Old Beechy Rail Trail
Deakin University
Regional Community Health Hub (REACH)
2,000,000
Department of Transport
Clunes Railway Station Reopening
2,807,454
Department of Transport
The Yaapeet Line Grain Development Project
700,000
East Gippsland Shire Council
Great Coastal Walks of East Gippsland
532,546
East Gippsland Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Rodericks Road/
Lindenow-Glenaladale Road Intersection Upgrade (Rd 3)
East Gippsland Shire Council
Mallacoota Airport Utilisation Enhancement
170,000
Ecofuels Pty Ltd
Madowla Park Integrated Bio-energy Project
400,000
Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board
Development of Mountain Bike and Walking Trail Facilities at
Falls Creek Alpine Resort
400,000
Flavorite Hydroponic Tomatoes Pty Ltd
Flavorite Water Efficiency Project
460,000
Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Inc
Sustaining Local Ports - Gippsland Lakes (2010-11)
650,690
Glenelg Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Condah-Hotspur Upper
Road - Stage 2 (Rd 3)
55,500
Glenelg Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Condah-Hotspur Upper
Road - Stage 1 (Rd 3)
108,250
Glenelg Shire Council
Portland Bay Coastal Infrastructure
900,000
2,000,000
2,400,000
150,000
95,000
1,150,000
GRANT PAYMENTS (CONTINUED)
Organisation
Project
Golden Plains Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - English Road - Stage 2
(Rd 3)
Goulburn-Murray Rural Water
Corporation
East Loddon Pipeline Project
1,276,593
Greater Bendigo City Council
Bendigo Art Gallery Upgrade
1,250,000
Greater Bendigo City Council
Finn Street Industrial Estate
261,633
Greater Bendigo City Council
O'Keefe Rail Trail Extension - Axedale to Heathcote
600,000
Greater Bendigo City Council
Sandhurst (Bendigo) Theatre Complex
Hindmarsh Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Belcher Street Upgrade (Rd 3)
116,250
Hindmarsh Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Rainbow Rises Road Bridge
Over Outlet Creek
103,063
Horsham Rural City Council
Horsham Enterprise Estate - Stage 2
38,943
Horsham Rural City Council
Horsham Town Hall Redevelopment
2,000,000
Horsham Rural City Council
Infrastructure Upgrade to Support Development at Longerenong
College
Horsham Rural City Council
Wimmera Regional Intermodal Freight Hub Project
Indigo Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Jacks Road
243,475
Latrobe City Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Speargrass Road Bridge
Replacement (Rd 3)
190,000
Loddon Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Prairie Local Road Improvement
(Rd 3)
250,480
Mildura Rural City Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Dried Fruits Receivables and
Distribution Hub Project
38,300
Mildura Rural City Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Treviso Way - Upgrade and
Reseal (Karadoc-Yatpool)
106,830
Mildura Rural City Council
Mildura Airport Terminal Redevelopment
4,200,000
Mildura Rural City Council
Mildura Arts and Cultural Precinct Redevelopment
1,000,000
Mildura Rural City Council
Mildura Riverfront Parklands Project
1,000,000
Mitchell Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Granville Drive Seymour (Rd 3)
27,425
Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Resort
Management Board
Mt Buller And Mt Stirling Alpine Multi-Use Trail Network and
Associated Infrastructure
50,000
Moyne Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Bartons Road (Rd 3)
61,350
Moyne Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Boggy Creek Road (Rd 3)
65,500
Moyne Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Rowans Road (Rd 3)
85,450
Moyne Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Sisters-Noorat Road (Rd 3)
55,000
Moyne Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Terang-Framlingham Road (Rd
3)
156,000
Multinet Gas Distribution Partnership
Supply of Natural Gas to South Gippsland
497,445
Payment $
8,953
2,000,000
464,986
2,450,000
GRANT PAYMENTS (CONTINUED)
Organisation
Project
Murray Goulburn Co-Operative Co. Limited
Murray Goulburn - Leongatha Water and Energy Project
500,000
Murrindindi Shire Council
Yea Saleyards Upgrade
300,000
Murrindindi Shire Council
Yea Wetlands Environmental Centre
300,000
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Bolangum Inn Road and
Wallaloo East Road
89,826
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Carrolls Road and Baldwin
Plains Road (Rd 3)
62,240
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Nelson Road
62,500
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - School Loop Road
65,569
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Sutherland Road
25,340
Paper Australia Pty Ltd
Australian Paper Gas Infrastructure
500,000
Parks Victoria
Grampians Peaks Trail
500,000
Parks Victoria
Sustaining Local Ports - Port Phillip Bay (2010-11)
648,698
Places Victoria
Junction Place, Central Wodonga - Urban Renewal Initiative
Powercor Australia Ltd
On-Farm Energy Upgrade Grant - Western Victoria
150,412
Pyrenees Shire Council
Beaufort Economic Growth Project
950,000
Strathbogie Shire Council
Strathbogie Equine Industry Expansion
400,000
South Gippsland Shire Council
Great Southern Rail Trail Extension (Foster to Welshpool) Project
900,000
Spi Networks Pty Ltd
On-Farm Energy Upgrade Grant - Eastern Victoria
Surf Coast Shire Council
Surf Coast Walk - Stage 1
150,000
The Bendigo Trust
Driving Bendigo's Working History (Bendigo Tramways Depot
Development)
200,000
The Sovereign Hill Museums Association
Gold Museum: Building for the Future (Sovereign Hill 40th
Anniversary)
Towong Shire Council
High Country Rail Trail - Sandy Creek Bridge
Towong Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Bramley Lane Upgrade
Towong Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Bunroy Bridge on Upper
Murray Road at Biggara
109,980
Towong Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Coghills Road Upgrade
16,650
Towong Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Goddes Road Bridge (Rd 3)
38,000
Towong Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Mt Alfred Road Upgrade
64,735
Towong Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Nariel Road Upgrade
47,493
Unilever Australia Limited
RIIP - Unilever Dry Processing for Tatura
Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd
Rural Showgrounds and Field Days Minor Capital Works Program
(Rd 2)
100,000
Victorian Farmers Federation
Cattle Underpass Program (CUPS)
531,539
Payment $
1,000,000
21,991
1,500,000
350,000
8,100
Commercial in
Confidence
GRANT PAYMENTS (CONTINUED)
Organisation
Project
Victorian Farmers Federation
Stock Over Underpass Road Safety (SOURS) Program Extension
Wangaratta Rural City Council
Wangaratta Regional Events Centre Facility (Showgrounds)
Development
90,000
Wannon Region Water Corporation
Upgrade of Camperdown Industrial Water Reclamation Plant
Project
929,800
Wannon Region Water Corporation
Warrnambool Brine Management Project
410,326
Warrnambool City Council
Warrnambool Entertainment Centre Redevelopment Project
900,000
Warrnambool City Council
Warrnambool Intermodal Terminal Upgrade
297,500
Wellington Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Telegraph Road
Reconstruction
109,719
Wellington Shire Council
West Sale and Bairnsdale Aerodromes
Wesfarmers LNG Pty Ltd
Establishment of a Victorian LNG Heavy Duty Vehicle
Refueller Network for Wesfarmers LNG
500,000
Western Region Water Corporation
Gisborne Recycled Water Scheme
525,870
Wodonga City Council
Logic Fatigue Management and Trailer Interchange Project
738,000
Wodonga City Council
Wodonga Performing Arts Centre Development
Yarriambiack Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Dimboola Minyip Road
(Rd 3)
187,603
Yarriambiack Shire Council
Local Roads to Markets Program - Rainbow Yaapeet Road
Widening (Rd 3)
147,714
Energy for the Regions - Expansion of Supply Capacity for Mildura
907,500
Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Pty Ltd
Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Value Adding / Expansion
300,000
DJM Fabrications (Vic) Pty Ltd
Business Sustainability and Growth - Rail Diversification Initiative
90,000
GBG Concrete & Construction Pty Ltd
Precast Concrete Panel Facility Expansion
75,000
Hydro Australia Pty Ltd
Hydro Australia Capability Improvement Project
Latrobe City Council
Growing Aerospace Manufacturing at Latrobe Regional Airport
Pinegro Products Pty Ltd
New Packaging Business - Pinegro Morwell
Sage Computer Support Pty Ltd
Sage Technology Mobilisation and User Interface Unification
100,000
Alpine Trout Farm Pty Ltd
Alpine Trout Farm Food Processing Plant and Hatchery Project
433,035
Payment $
336,653
1,050,000
1,000,000
Energy for the Regions Projects
Envestra Limited
Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure
Fund Projects
Total
200,000
1,000,000
90,000
58,882,135
OUTPUT TARGETS AND PERFORMANCE
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
AND REGIONAL CITIES
Unit of
Measure
2012-13
Target
2012-13
Actual
Note
Quantity
Economic development, service delivery and community capacity
projects funded
number
140
155
Energy for the Regions Program: Number of towns included
number
4
4
Regional infrastructure projects funded
number
100
172
%
100
100
Participant satisfaction with implementation of RDV programs
%
80
90
Putting Locals First Fund projects recommended by Regional
Development Committees approved for funding
%
85
100
Regional councils participating at the regional expo
%
80
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
Rural councils participating in Rural Councils Victoria (RCV)
network
1
2
Quality
3
Timeliness
4
Note
1.
A greater number of projects were submitted than anticipated.
2.
The targets for the value of grants approved was met, from a greater number of projects of lower values.
This was across a wide range of programs, including Putting Locals First, Living Regions Living Suburbs and the Sustainable Small
Towns Development Fund.
3.
All 48 regional and rural councils participated (100%) in the Expo.
4.
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 2013:
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
AND REGIONAL CITIES
2013
$’000
2012
$’000
Income from transactions
Output appropriations
23,440
23,720
123,986
127,000
Interest
7,308
9,739
Other revenue
6,476
4,947
161,210
165,406
Grants and other payments
(143,177)
(134,724)
Employee-related expenses
(8,753)
(7,670)
(59)
(172)
(130)
(130)
(9,792)
(13,150)
(11)
(13)
(161,921)
(155,860)
(711)
9,546
Regional Growth Fund appropriations
Total income from transactions
Expenses from transactions
Depreciation and amortisation
Capital asset charge
Other operating expenses
Interest
Total expenses from transactions
Operating surplus (deficit)
The balance of the Regional Growth Fund Trust at 30 June 2013 was $227.449 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 2012-13 Annual Report published by DPCD.
This report contains RDV’s Output Targets and Performance and Revenue and Expenses for the year ended 30 June
2013.
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 2012-13 financial year is contained in the 2012-13 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
Ballarat
T 03 5327 2800
Bendigo
T 03 4433 8000
Geelong
T 03 5223 2104
T 03 5215 6000
Horsham
T 03 5381 2762
Mildura
T 03 5051 2000
Shepparton
T 03 5895 4100
Traralgon
T 03 5116 7300
Wangaratta
T 03 5722 7101
Warrnambool
T 03 5561 4135
Wodonga
T 02 6059 0200
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 2012-2013
September 2013
Melbourne Victoria
© Copyright State of Victoria 2013
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
ISSN 1448-9341
Contact
Regional Development Victoria
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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