Regional Growth Fund roadshow

Monday, 06 June 2011

The Victorian Government has begun a series of regional roundtable discussions across the state ahead of the launch of its $1 billion Regional Growth Fund in July.

Speaking to local government, business and community representatives in Sale today, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development Damian Drum said the Regional Growth Fund would support the implementation of locally identified priority projects across regional Victoria.

The Government's vision for regional development is to ensure our regions remain a key contributor to the state's future growth and prosperity.

"Roundtable events have been set up across the state to establish working relationships with key representatives from each region, ahead of the official launch of the Regional Growth Fund," Mr Drum said.

Mr Drum said the Regional Growth Fund would provide flexible funding that supported strategic regional goals and investment in local community infrastructure that was in addition to existing funding for core services such as health and education.

"I am in Gippsland today to help identify opportunities for growth in the area and help establish the foundations of strong long-term working partnerships between the community and the Government," Mr Drum said.

"Through the Regional Growth Fund the Government will support projects across the state that have been identified and driven by the local community, for the local community."

Industry roundtable events will also be held in Warragul, Wodonga, Shepparton, Geelong, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Horsham, Ballarat, Mildura, Swan Hill and Kyneton over coming weeks.