RDA Barwon South West Projects

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Barwon South West delivers and supports initiatives that drive economic development by working closely with all levels of government, business and community organisations and other local stakeholders.

Achievements booklet

We've developed a booklet to summarise the efforts and accomplishments of RDA Barwon South West and highlight the incredible outcomes and successes demonstrating our organisation’s dedicated and collaborative spirit.

The booklet is a celebration of the partnerships made, challenges overcome, and the positive impact we have collectively made on our community and beyond.

As we continue to grow, your continued support will be invaluable in shaping the next chapter of our journey.

We invite you to explore the stories that showcase the strengths and initiatives of our region and extend our gratitude for your ongoing support and belief in our vision.

View online: RDA Barwon South West Achievements Booklet

Download:

Previous projects

Shipwreck Coast Master Plan

The Shipwreck Coast Master Plan is a visionary project to protect the fragile coastline of the Shipwreck Coast, improve opportunities for visitors and strengthen the local economy and employment opportunities.

Its purpose includes how public land is managed by state and local governments and aims to provide confidence for business investment along the Shipwreck Coast and Hinterland.

RDA Barwon South West prioritised the implementation of the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan and led a regional funding advocacy group which included representatives from the Surf Coast Shire, Warrnambool City Council, Corangamite Shire, Moyne Shire, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism, Geelong Regional Alliance (G21) and the Great South Coast and Barwon Regional Partnerships.

Over time the project is expected to create almost 4,000 jobs for Victorians and deliver an increase of $254 million in annual spending.

Containing 72 projects, the plan has received more than $108 million from the Victorian and Australian Government to deliver priority projects under stage two of the plan including world-class tourist facilities, infrastructure and amenities.

Encompassing 28 kilometres of spectacular coastline, the Shipwreck Coast incorporates Port Campbell National Park, the Bay of Islands Coastal Park, the Twelve Apostles Marine Park and the Arches Marine Sanctuary. The Great Ocean Road runs along Shipwreck Coast and links the townships of Princetown, Port Campbell and Peterborough.

This is a key part of the Victorian Government's Visitor Economy Strategy, released in July 2016, which aims to attract investment that drives increased visitation and yield in regional Victoria, including the state's world class nature-based tourism destinations.

Find out more about the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan.

Regional Jobs and Investment Package

The $222.3 million Regional Jobs and Investment Packages (RJIP) supports the Australian Government's commitment to stimulate economic growth in Australian regions.

Almost $20 million in grants funding has been directed toward projects in Geelong thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Package.

The program provides funding in three grant funding streams:

Local infrastructure - these grants are for local governing bodies and not-for-profit organisations to invest in new or upgraded infrastructure. These projects will capitalise on opportunities for growth, deliver long-term economic benefits to regional communities and create jobs.
Business innovation - these grants enable business to build scale and capability to be competitive in new or growing markets that create sustainable employment.
Skills and training - these grants provide funding to local government bodies and agencies and not for profit organisations. These projects support training and upskilling of the regional workforce to meet regional priorities, take advantage of emerging opportunities and withstand major labour market changes.

The following projects have received funding:

$5,000,000 towards Australia’s first Next Generation Carbon Fibre Manufacturing Facility in Waurn Ponds
$3,288,925 towards the development of immersive elite sports and ecotourism for the Cape Otway Road Australia (CORA)
$2,000,000 towards the Wildlife Wonders: Ecotourism for economic development and conservation in Apollo Bay
$2,000,000 for the development of the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct Project
$1,980,197 towards developing advanced architectural glass manufacturing capabilities in Geelong North
$1,029,464 towards the Conflux Technology Additive Manufacturing & Engineering Centre (AMEC) in Waurn Ponds
$720,500 towards the aquaponics urban farming food production expansion in Waurn Ponds
$545,826 for EMU Australia to install state of the art technologies
$500,000 towards an automated timber resaw system in Colac
$500,000 to start up the Jun Kombucha brewing facility in Geelong
$500,000 towards the redevelopment of operations and training centre at the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club
$309,442 towards multi-materials design and advanced manufacturing facility for the Partington Advanced Engineering in Highton
$300,000 towards the outdoor dining and instruction facility to enhance Basils Farm at Swan Bay
$292,750 towards the high efficiency engine, converting waste heat to electricity for Capricorn Power in Grovedale
$250,000 towards Lake Colac Master Plan Stage 1
$205,181 for the Australian New Energy to upscale production equipment
$162,227 towards installing a wood briquette (compressed wood blocks) press and packaging line in Moolap
$145,000 towards the Tarndwarncoort (Tarndie) infrastructure investment project
$100,000 towards the expansion of the manufacturing facility at CPS Colac
$95,000 towards the Geelong workshop maintenance efficiency and innovation project in Norlane
$70,000 towards the expansion of the Teamworks Performance production facility and procuring new machinery and equipment.

The program’s intended outcomes are to drive economic growth and create jobs in ten pilot regions by investing in projects that will:

diversify regional economies;
stimulate long term growth;
deliver sustainable employment; and
enable applicants to enter new markets and sectors.

There are ten packages, each is a locally led pilot, enabling each region to determine local priorities and growth industries to drive economic growth in their region and create jobs.

If you would like more information about any of the projects listed above, email RDA Barwon South West.

Designation Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

RDA Barwon South West prioritised the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) as it directly aligns with the Committee’s strategic focus to support workforce supply initiatives that will provide increased economic opportunities in the region.

Workforce shortages predicted there will be between 2,450 and 7,650 additional workers required in the region by 2021. Additionally, the below average population growth and low regional unemployment is creating skilled labour shortages.

For this reason, DAMA will provide the flexibility for the region to respond to its workforce supply shortages by providing employers the opportunity to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers.

The Agreement was announced in late 2018, with the Great South West region among the first regions in Australia to enter in a five-year agreement with the Australian Government.

RDA Barwon South West provided funding for a new website to assist key agriculture, hospitality and other businesses in the region hoping to apply for the program.

More than 25 eligible occupations will be available under the agreement, with a full list available on the Warrnambool City Council DAMA website.

If you would like more information about this project, email RDA Barwon South West.