2017/18 Victorian Budget outcomes for Central Highlands

01/05/2017

Regional Victoria will share in a range of significant state-wide investments that address a range of Regional Partnership priorities including:

$29 million for priority initiatives by the Partnerships, as well as funding to enable more comprehensive engagement in each region and to undertake further development of regional priorities.
$45 million to the Connecting Regional Communities Program to support digital initiatives such as broadband trials, digital agricultural applications and blackspot minimisation.
$1.45 billion for upgrades to regional rail infrastructure across the state.
25% reduction in the payroll tax rate for regional businesses – expected to benefit 4,000 businesses.
$50 million to double the First Home Owner Grant to $20,000 for new homes in regional areas.
$1.7 million to re-establish the Victorian Rural Women’s Network (RWN) to promote women’s economic participation and professional development.

$47.8 million to establish a Gov hub in Ballarat
$39 million for Stage 2 of the Ballarat Line Upgrade, to deliver better services for Ararat