Wimmera Southern Mallee in focus

Tuesday, 12 July 2011

Local government, business and community representatives gathered in Horsham today to meet with Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development Damian Drum and discuss priorities in the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Plan.

Mr Drum said the purpose of the event was to engage with local business and industry leaders and roundtable discussions would focus on economic development, leadership and actions for the region.

Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, Mr Drum said the Victorian Coalition Government was committed to driving economic growth and strengthening infrastructure in the area.

"The Victorian Government last week launched the new $1 billion Regional Growth Fund which will create new prosperity, more opportunities and a better quality of life for Regional Victorians," Mr Drum said.

"It is important that regional growth is driven by locally identified priorities and the government understands the benefits of a grass-roots approach towards development and investment in regional communities."

Mr Drum said the roundtable event was an opportunity to identify potential partnerships and establish working relationships with business and industry leaders in the region.

"Communicating with industry and key stakeholders is crucial to ensuring each region is best placed to take advantage of available government resources to support local projects and initiatives," Mr Drum said.

"The Government believes in working with local people to support projects that have been identified by local communities, for local communities."

To view a copy of the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Strategic Plan, visit here