Unlocking more industrial land and regional economies
13/02/2026We’re helping to drive new economic growth across our regions, through the opening of our $15 million Trunk Infrastructure Fund.
Trunk infrastructure is essential for enabling new business investment in our regions, and includes:
- water and sewerage connections
- power and NBN access
- road network connections.
‘Ready to go’ trunk infrastructure lays the groundwork for the creation and expansion of industrial land, offering more opportunities for investment in the regional economy and strengthening Victoria’s supply chains.
The fund will offer grants of between $500,000 and $2 million to help develop or expand key sites – including industrial estates and employment precincts – through the installation of this essential infrastructure.
Investments in trunk infrastructure can enable significant economic benefits and jobs growth for local and regional economies, as demonstrated by our previous and ongoing support for projects across the state.
At the Portland North Employment Precinct, we supported works to improve drainage, lighting and road access to better connect the precinct to key freight routes and make it more viable for businesses.
This resulted in Bunnings establishing a new store in the precinct, creating more than 50 jobs. With Bunnings as an ‘anchor tenant’, future investment will be encouraged that supports more job creation and long-term economic growth across the region.
In Gippsland, upgrades to water infrastructure at Bairnsdale South Industrial Estate have provided tenants with access to 200kPa pressure, eliminating the need for costly private firefighting systems – reducing business costs and making the precinct more attractive for investors.
Meanwhile, ongoing development at the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) has created 2 large business precincts, with more to come.
This development has already created hundreds of jobs and secured millions in private investment, boosting the regional supply chain and creating an engine room for regional economic growth.
Future BWEZ tenants will join companies including Field Air, John Valves and CHS Broadbent on site, with the employment zone anticipated to have created more than 2,000 full-time equivalent jobs once fully developed.
BWEZ continues to be delivered by Development Victoria, with Regional Development Victoria and Ballarat City Council attracting investors to the precinct.
Our Trunk Infrastructure Fund is a key initiative of the Victorian Government’s Economic Growth Statement, which is aimed squarely at preparing our economy, people and businesses to secure the economic opportunities of the future.
Eligible applicants will need to provide a co-contribution investment for their project. Applicants in Victoria’s 38 rural councils and Alpine resort areas will contribute at least one-third of the project’s value, while those in the 10 regional city council areas are required to contribute at least half.
Learn more about the Trunk Infrastructure Fund.