Regional Development Victoria Annual Report 2011-2012 Web viewBallarat Vocal Arts Association Pty....

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

VICTORIAAnnual Report

11-12

Front and back cover images show the 2012 Regional Victoria Living Expo.

CONTENTSHighlights 2011-12______________________________________________2Introduction____________________________________________________4Chief Executive Foreword 4Overview_______________________________________________________6Responsibilities and Objectives 6Strategic Direction 7Profile 8Regional Policy Advisory Committee 10Partners and Stakeholders 11Operation of the Regional Policy Advisory Committee 13Operation of Regional Development Australia Committees 14Implementing the Regional Growth Fund 15Implementing Economic Infrastructure 17Infrastructure Case Studies 19Implementing Local Initiatives 24Local Initiative Case Studies 25Disaster Recovery 28Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap 32Murray Darling Basin Reform 35Inaugural Regional Victoria Living Expo 36Good Move Campaign 382012-13 RDV Priorities 40Finance _______________________________________________________42RDV Grant Payments 43Economic Infrastructure 63Output Targets and Performance 69Revenue and Expenses 70Financial Performance 71Compliance 71Legislation 71Contact Information____________________________________________72

HIGHLIGHTS 2011-12 Implemented programs under the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund. Announced funding of $54.4 million from the Regional Growth Fund for 23 strategic economic

infrastructure projects in regional and rural Victoria, with a total investment value of $212.6 million. Announced Mildura and Huntly as the first towns to benefit from the Energy for the Regions program

which aims to provide greater access to natural gas for communities in regional and rural Victoria. Established the $100 million Local Government Infrastructure Program as a key component of the

Regional Growth Fund. Established $100 million Putting Locals First Program as a key component of the Regional Growth

Fund. Announced $15 million from the Regional Growth Fund for the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre

development. Announced $7 million funding for the $13.3 million riverfront parklands work as part of Mildura

Riverfront redevelopment. Announced $5.2 million funding to redevelop Mildura Airport. Established the Fire Recovery Unit on 1 July 2011 to help with the ongoing recovery and response to

the February 2009 bushfires. Opened Marysville Multipurpose Community Facility and Recreation Centre and Lake Mountain Visitor

Centre. Launched the $5.2 million Marysville economic development package and extension of subsidised

loans and small business mentoring schemes to support economic development in fire-affected areas.

Released the Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre request for proposal to development consortiums.

Commenced the $30 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund on 1 July 2011. This is a jointly administered program with the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Commenced the $10 million Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund on 1 July 2011. Supported 22 businesses in flood-affected areas with $3.6 million approved from the Victorian

Business Flood Recovery Fund. Provided local governments with funding to employ 19 Flood Recovery Officers to help flood-affected

councils respond to the 2010-2012 floods. Appointed and established the Regional Policy Advisory Committee in September 2011. Received ministerial approval of the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap in June 2012. Supported Regional Cities Victoria to run its inaugural Celebrating Regional Cities Week in November

2011. Supported the Minister for Regional Cities to conduct the inaugural Regional Cities Business Leaders

Forum in April 2012. Committed $3.3 million over four years for the Networked Rural Councils program to support and

strengthen the Rural Councils Victoria network, build local government capacity and help create jobs and opportunities for local communities.

Delivered inaugural Regional Victoria Living Expo in April 2012, attended by more than 8000 people. Launched Good Move advertising campaign in May 2012 to attract people and skills to regional

Victoria.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOREWORDRegional Development Victoria (RDV) delivered the Victorian Government’s agenda for regional Victoria throughout 2011-12, including the implementation of Regional Growth Fund programs and supporting the needs of regional Victorians affected by natural disasters and economic change.RDV developed a plan that clearly articulates the priorities for the organisation over the next four years and establishes a delivery framework for each priority activity. This plan sets out our longer-term aims to create regions that are prosperous, sustainable and liveable. Regions that generate value, opportunities and jobs and contribute to the wellbeing and vitality of local communities and the Victorian economy. Regions that strike the right balance between social, economic and environmental goals and that manage Victoria’s natural resources wisely and sustainably. And regions that offer quality attributes, amenities and lifestyles that make them places where people want to live.

Central to achieving our aims is the successful implementation of the Victorian Government’s Regional Growth Fund. The fund is designed to stimulate long-term economic growth and prosperity in rural and regional Victoria.

Effective from 1 June 2011, the fund represents the Government’s commitment to drive regional development across the State and ensure regional Victoria remains a key contributor to the State’s future growth and prosperity.

It supports communities to be more resilient and contributes to a better quality of life for regional Victoria by providing better infrastructure, facilities and services. Local communities now play a greater role in determining the local projects that can be funded through the Regional Growth Fund to support their own community and region. The fund helps create jobs, improve career options and generate business opportunities for regional Victorians.

In its first year delivering the fund, RDV drove the ongoing economic development of regional Victoria by supporting 481 projects to the value of $161 million, leveraging total investments of almost $433 million and helping create nearly 1,400 new regional jobs.

Our achievements included the first two milestones in the Energy for the Regions program when an agreement was reached with relevant distributors to connect Huntly (near Bendigo) to the reticulated natural gas system, and enhance the capacity of the system supplying Mildura. RDV also outlined an innovative approach for gas to be secured for other towns in the second half of 2012.

RDV continued to respond to the needs of regional Victorians recovering from natural disasters, including the devastating 2009 bushfires and 2011 floods.

One of the most important RDV-facilitated infrastructure projects initiated during the year was the Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre, to which the Victorian Government is contributing up to $19 million in funding.

The successful delivery of the Marysville Hotel and Conference Centre will be a vital step towards the economic regeneration of the town after the 2009 bushfires. The requests for development of this project that were undertaken in 2011-12 demonstrated RDV’s capacity to partner with other Government agencies and the private sector to deliver practical ‘bricks and mortar’ support to rural and regional Victorians in need.

RDV developed a range of support opportunities for flood-affected Victorian communities. To achieve this, our regional programs and recovery teams worked closely with agencies across government and we look forward to a comprehensive package being made available in the second half of 2012.

Under the guidance of the Latrobe Valley Transition Committee, RDV worked hard to prepare the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap for consideration by Cabinet. The Roadmap draws on an extensive consultation process in April and May 2012 involving collaboration with local government, community and industry stakeholders.

RDV delivered its operations in partnership with the Regional Policy Advisory Committee and Regional Development Australia, as well as external partnerships with Regional Cities Victoria and Rural Councils Victoria.

A key achievement for the year was the Regional Victoria Living Expo and ensuing Good Move advertising campaign. Both initiatives aimed to attract more city people to the business and lifestyle benefits of country living.

Regional Victoria’s population is expected to almost double by 2056, with more people taking advantage of business and lifestyle opportunities with access to health care, transport networks and education.

The longer-term economic outlook for regional and rural Victoria is strong. It currently accounts for about a quarter of the State’s economic output and about a third of exports. Regional and rural Victoria is entering a period of great positive change, and will prove even more essential to Victoria’s prosperity and social wellbeing in years to come.

I thank everyone in the RDV team for their commitment to growing regional and rural Victoria throughout 2011-12. Much of the effort this year will pay dividends in the years ahead. I look forward to reporting on further results of this work in 2012-13.

Lachlan BruceChief Executive,Regional Development Victoria

Deputy Secretary,Department of Planning and Community Development

RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBJECTIVESIn accordance with the Regional Development Victoria Act 2002, Regional Development Victoria (RDV) works closely with various State Government agencies to meet its key strategic objective of facilitating economic, infrastructure and community development to help ensure new prosperity, more opportunities and a better quality of life for regional Victorians.RDV has primary responsibility for:

Developing integrated, regionally-focused policies and programs, including the implementation of the Regional Growth Fund – the Government’s initiative to support future priorities for the social and economic development of regional Victoria.

Creating vibrant and dynamic regional communities and economies through facilitating new jobs, investments, exports, infrastructure for strategic projects and competitive businesses.

Delivering programs and information to help grow a robust and sustainable business economy and strengthen communities throughout regional Victoria.

Developing and implementing initiatives to promote the State, to attract business and increase the population of Victoria’s regions.

RDV’s key objectives in 2011-12 were:

To continue delivering the Victorian Government’s election commitments. To develop and refine the forward agenda for Victoria’s regional cities, regions and rural areas. To support communities in their recovery from natural disasters, such as the 2009 bushfires

and the 2010, 2011 and 2012 floods.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONRDV delivered its objectives in 2011-12 by:

Implementing the Victorian Government’s commitments relating to the Regional Growth Fund. Supporting 481 projects to the value of $161 million through the Regional Growth Fund, and

leveraging total investments of almost $433 million. Managing and delivering programs that support regional and rural development. Overseeing delivery of key regional infrastructure projects, such as the Energy for the Regions

program and the Mildura Riverfront Development. Delivering the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap. Monitoring the development of the Murray Darling Basin Plan and anticipating its impacts. Engaging with the private sector through a market process on the Marysville Hotel and

Conference Centre. Facilitating the Black Saturday Memorial Service. Delivering flood recovery grants. Instigating the Latrobe Valley transition process in collaboration with local partners and the

Commonwealth Government. Supporting the Regional Policy Advisory Committee to undertake work on behalf of the Minister

for Regional and Rural Development, the Minister for Regional Cities and the Parliamentary Secretary.

Delivering the inaugural Regional Victoria Living Expo. Developing a new regional marketing campaign to promote regional Victoria as a location to live,

work, invest and study. Working with the Commonwealth Government to appoint new Regional Development Australia

Committees. Delivering and managing programs that support recovery from natural disasters, such as floods

in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Supporting Regional Cities Victoria initiatives including the inaugural Regional Cities Business

Leaders Forum. Supporting Rural Councils Victoria initiatives including the delivery of the Networked Rural

Councils program.

PROFILERegional Development Victoria (RDV) is the Victorian Government’s lead agency in developing regional and rural Victoria. RDV’s role involves facilitating new investment, business growth and job creation, infrastructure development, instigating policy and planning initiatives, and co-ordinating the delivery of Government programs, services and resources in rural and regional Victoria.

This role includes implementing the Regional Growth Fund, facilitating consultation between the public and private sectors and communities about economic and community development in rural and regional Victoria, and promoting these areas.

It also includes advising the Minister for Regional and Rural Development and the Minister for Regional Cities on matters relating to development in regional and rural Victoria, and supporting communities affected by the 2009 fires through the Fire Recovery Unit.

RDV is located within the Department of Planning and Community Development and works closely with other Victorian Government departments, including the Department of Business and Innovation.

Departmental staff based in the regions work closely with organisations and businesses to help facilitate investment, jobs and exports. Staff are accessible at Victorian Government Business Offices located in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura, Shepparton, Traralgon, Wangaratta and Wodonga. RDV also has a presence in Ararat, Horsham, Sale, Swan Hill and Warrnambool.

In 2011-12, RDV operated through the following groups:

REGIONAL PROGRAMS AND RECOVERY GROUPThe Regional Programs and Recovery Group took a lead role within the Department of Planning and Community Development to develop and implement RDV programs and policy in regional and rural Victoria. This included the administration and delivery of the Regional Development Australian Initiative in Victoria. The team worked closely with regionally-based government staff, stakeholder organisations and individuals to support investment, jobs, exports and communities across a range of service areas, including program management and recovery from natural disasters. This included overseeing flood recovery support and the operations of the Fire Recovery Unit.

FIRE RECOVERY UNIT The Fire Recovery Unit (FRU) was established in July 2011 following the closure of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority. The FRU provided continuity of Government support and oversight for the reconstruction and recovery effort after the 2009 bushfires by facilitating strong relationships and coordinated responses to ongoing community needs.

INFRASTRUCTURE GROUPThe Infrastructure Group identified, facilitated and delivered infrastructure projects which contributed to the enhanced productivity, liveability and sustainability of regional and rural Victoria, including those initiated through the Regional Growth Fund.

POLICY AND PLANNING GROUPThe Policy and Planning Group provided policy and strategy leadership to RDV, coordinating with other departments to develop ideas, knowledge, policies and programs that support the Victorian Government’s commitment to rural and regional Victoria. The group was also responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Regional Growth Fund, delivering research and analysis to support regional policy, and managing strategic relationships across and outside Government.

MARKETING AND PROMOTION GROUPThe Marketing and Promotion Group delivered a range of activities to promote the business and lifestyle qualities of life in regional and rural Victoria. In particular, the group was responsible for implementing the inaugural Regional Victoria Living Expo and the Good Move advertising campaign.

REGIONAL POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEEThe state-wide Regional Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC) was established in September 2011. RPAC operates as a high level advisory body for the Minister for Regional and Rural Development and the Minister for Regional Cities in relation to the implementation of the Regional Growth Fund and overall regional development policy. RPAC brings the perspective of regional and rural Victoria to the table through a broad-based membership appointed by the State Government. RPAC includes the three independent members and chairs of the five non-metropolitan Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees. As at 30 June 2012, the RPAC members were:

1. Ian McClelland OAM – Chairperson

Mr McClelland is the founder and Chairperson of the Birchip Cropping Group, a successful farm support and agricultural research organisation in Victoria’s north-west.

2. Bruce Anson

Mr Anson is the Chief Executive Officer of Warrnambool City Council and the Chairperson of the Barwon South West RDA Committee.

3. Jo Bourke

Ms Bourke is the Executive Director of the Wimmera Development Association and was Chairperson of the Grampians RDA Committee.

4. Hayley CailMs Cail was the Chairperson of the Hume RDA Committee. 5. Jenny DawsonMs Dawson is the Chairperson of the Loddon Mallee RDA Committee.6. Richard ElkingtonMr Elkington is the Chairperson of the Gippsland RDA Committee. 7. Ross Lake OAM Mr Lake is the General Manager of TASCO Inland, a major fuel and oil distributor based in Mildura. 8. Val Lang AM Ms Lang is a partner in a farm in western Victoria and is the Deputy Chair of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERSREGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA COMMITTEESRegional Development Australia (RDA) is a partnership between the Australian, State and Territory and local governments to support the growth and development of Australia’s regions. RDV is working closely with RDA to deliver important projects for regional Victorians through the implementation of the Regional Strategic Plans. The five non-metropolitan RDA Committees work in partnership with regional leaders to set the strategic direction and priorities for their respective regions. RDA Committees are also the local decision-makers in regard to the Putting Locals First Program component of the Regional Growth Fund, and provide RDV with strategic advice on business and development opportunities. RDV also administers the Operational Funding Contract in partnership with the Commonwealth Government. REGIONAL AND RURAL COUNCILSRDV works closely with the 48 regional and rural councils to enable economic, infrastructure and associated development. > Regional Cities Victoria

RDV partners Regional Cities Victoria to progress shared policy agendas. Regional Cities Victoria is represented by the Mayor and CEO from each of Victoria’s 10 largest regional cities – Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, Greater Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Greater Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.RDV works with Regional Cities Victoria to increase productivity and efficiency, workforce capacity and participation and enhance the lifestyle amenities in regional cities to attract and retain a share of Victoria’s growing population.In 2011-12, RDV helped Regional Cities Victoria update its 2008-09 Implications of Population Growth on Infrastructure and Resources in Regional Cities and raise the profile of regional cities through involvement in the annual ‘Celebrating Regional Cities’ week.

> Rural Councils Victoria

RDV also partners with Rural Councils Victoria to progress policy agendas including the implementation of the RDV-funded Networked Rural Councils program, which aims to help rural councils address current and future challenges more sustainably. Auspiced by the Municipal Association of Victoria, Rural Councils Victoria is the group of 38 rural councils responsible for 79 per cent of Victoria’s land area. In 2011, the Victorian Government committed $3.3 million over four years for the Networked Rural Councils program which aims to support and strengthen the Rural Councils Victoria network, build local government capacity, and develop projects and strategies to create jobs and opportunities for local communities to maintain growth. RDV worked in partnership with the network to develop its annual strategic work plan and deliver a diverse range of projects to support rural councils and communities.

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL SERVICESRDV has an integrated delivery relationship with the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD). DPCD Regional Services staff represent RDV on the ground in the regions. They are primarily responsible for supporting the five Regional Development Australia Committees that operate outside Melbourne, and develop, assess and recommend projects under the Putting Locals First Program. They also deliver program and grant management responsibilities for a number of RDV-administered programs.

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND INNOVATIONRDV also has an integrated delivery relationship with the Department of Business and Innovation (DBI). DBI is responsible for industry development and small business growth activities across Victoria. Many RDV programs support or sustain business growth so DBI is a key partner in identifying opportunities and providing business intelligence.

COMMONWEALTH AND OTHER STATE GOVERNMENTSAs part of Coalition of Australian Governments’ (COAG) reform of its ministerial council arrangements, a new Standing Council on Regional Australia was established with representation from Commonwealth, State and Territory ministers who have responsibility for regional matters. This council replaces the previous COAG Regional Development Council. The Victorian Government’s Minister for Regional and Rural and Development and Minister for Regional Cities represent Victoria on the council which will meet for the first time in early July 2012.

OPERATION OF THE REGIONAL POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Regional Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC) convened in September 2011 and met five times during 2011-12.Its primary focus was scoping and developing its legislated role of monitoring the regional and rural impacts of legislation and policy (‘rural proofing’). The Committee undertook research into international examples of rural proofing, including those of Canada, UK and New Zealand, to identify best practice implementation models that would be practical in the Victorian context.

Findings were validated by an independent evaluator who also advised on the principles and processes that could underpin a best practice approach to rural proofing.

The Committee also engaged an independent evaluator to validate these findings and advise on the principles and processes to underpin a best practice approach to ‘rural proofing’. The findings were endorsed by the committee in February 2012.

In 2011-12, RPAC provided policy advice on:

Strategic infrastructure priorities and projects of State-wide significance to rural and regional Victoria that are supported by the Regional Growth Fund.

Regional Growth Fund operation and outcomes of projects it funds. Measuring and mitigating the impact of Acts and secondary legislation on rural and regional

Victoria. Policy matters affecting rural and regional Victoria including education and skills, energy,

demographics and liveability.

RPAC activities focused on regional impacts of legislation, providing regional policy advice and monitoring the Regional Growth Fund. Key opportunities were identified for RPAC to undertake further work and provide advice to Government on education and skills, energy, demographics and liveability.

OPERATION OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA COMMITTEESRDV worked closely with the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees to deliver important projects for regional Victorians.

The five regional RDA Committees helped strengthen the capacity of regional communities through the review and endorsement of applications under the Putting Locals First Program from the Regional Growth Fund.

A total of 33 projects were funded through the Regional Development Australia Initiative, with grants to organisations totalling $4 million in 2011-12.

Throughout 2011-12, RDV worked with the RDA Committees in response to major priorities including the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap and Murray Darling Basin Plan.

Victorian RDA Committees also endorse projects under the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund.

In partnership with the Commonwealth Government, in early 2012, RDV began the process of jointly appointing RDA Committees for the 2012-15 appointment period.

IMPLEMENTING THE REGIONAL GROWTH FUNDLaunched on 5 July 2011, the Regional Growth Fund provides $1 billion over eight years to build strong, vibrant cities and country communities. The fund demonstrates the Victorian Government’s commitment to create new prosperity, more opportunities and better quality of life for regional and rural Victorians.

The Regional Growth Fund represents a new way of supporting development in regional and rural Victoria because it is designed to be delivered in close consultation with the regional and rural communities that will benefit from the planning, projects and services implemented through the fund.

Building stronger communities improves people’s access to jobs, education, business opportunities and other aspects of community life. Stronger regional and rural communities also make better use of existing resources and networks, particularly in responding to change.

The fund’s major streams include:

$221 million for the Economic Infrastructure Program. $100 million for the Putting Locals First Program. $100 million for the Local Government Infrastructure Program.

RDV is the Victorian Government’s lead agency for delivering Regional Growth Fund initiatives throughout regional and rural Victoria. As such, most RDV operations in 2011-12 were associated with implementing the fund’s initiatives. RDV’s Regional Growth Fund-related operations:

Invested in enabling infrastructure in line with local priorities identified in Regional Strategic Plans.

Provided direct support to communities facing economic challenges, including the Latrobe Valley and northern Victorian irrigation communities.

Supported the supply of reliable energy and water sources to regional communities and industry, including through the $100 million Energy for the Regions program.

Facilitated job creation and improved career options for regional Victorians. Supported the resilience and sustainability of communities in regional Victoria through the:

• Local Government Infrastructure Fund; • Putting Locals First Program; and• 2012 Regional Victoria Living Expo.

Throughout 2011-12, Regional Growth Fund implementation generated significant growth and development across regional and rural Victoria. In its first 12 months the fund supported 481 projects to the value of $161 million, leveraging total investments of almost $433 million and helping create nearly 1,400 new regional jobs.

Investment in important community-driven projects under the Regional Growth Fund delivered major flow-on benefits, including increased private-sector investment and overall business confidence in the regions.

IMPLEMENTING ECONOMICINFRASTRUCTURERDV supported the development of quality infrastructure through the $221 million Economic Infrastructure Program – a key strategic component of the Regional Growth Fund – to create more prosperous, sustainable and liveable communities for regional and rural Victorians. RDV also delivered its responsibilities to provide strategic policy advice on infrastructure from a regional perspective. In 2011-12, RDV announced Economic Infrastructure Program funding of $54.4 million for 23 strategic economic infrastructure projects. These projects will result in a total investment of $212.6 million across regional and rural Victoria. They are expected to help create 887 direct full-time jobs, more than 2,069 indirect jobs, 955 jobs during construction and support the retention of 2,231 existing jobs.

ENERGY FOR THE REGIONS PROGRAMA major part of the Economic Infrastructure Program is the Energy for the Regions sub-program which invests $100 million over four years to help expand natural gas to communities across greater Victoria. Energy for the Regions is also designed to encourage greater investment in the regions.

The broad aims of Energy for the Regions are to support the delivery of natural gas to priority towns, invest in a major upgrade of Mildura’s natural gas supply capacity and invest $1 million in a feasibility study into providing natural gas to Victorian communities along the Murray River.

The Government reached agreement with gas distributors on two regional gas projects. In May 2012, the Minister for Regional and Rural Development announced a revised delivery strategy to introduce additional competition in the energy marketplace.

The new strategy was informed by work on alternative delivery options that validated the economic merits of a virtual pipeline relative to a fixed pipeline and an examination of the capability of compressed or liquefied natural gas to supply regional Victoria. The implementation strategy will utilise extensive technical work undertaken by RDV and commence in the second half of 2012.

INFRASTRUCTURE CASE STUDIESThe following are examples of key infrastructure projects implemented, initiated or funded through the Regional Growth Fund and other Victorian Government regional and rural programs during 2011-12.GEELONG LIBRARY AND HERITAGE CENTRE PRECINCTIn December 2011, a grant of $15 million from the Regional Growth Fund was approved for Geelong’s $45 million Library and Heritage Centre project. Funding was also provided by the Commonwealth Government and Geelong Council. The project will involve the construction of a new contemporary and purpose-built library and heritage centre in Geelong’s Cultural Precinct. Features will include library collections, an auditorium, cultural history displays and exhibition spaces. Geelong Council appointed the project team and the project architects are developing concept designs. The planning process is expected to be finalised by June 2013, with construction to start by December 2013. Almost 300 people will be employed during construction. Planned for completion in December 2015, the project will generate 17 direct ongoing jobs and support the development of arts and culture in the community.

MILDURA RIVERFRONT PARKLAND DEVELOPMENT (EASTERN PRECINCT)In February 2012, $2 million in funding from the Regional Growth Fund for the Mildura Riverfront Parkland Development (Eastern Precinct) was announced, in addition to $5 million committed in June 2011. The upgrade of public infrastructure and open space will increase confidence and future investment in tourism infrastructure and help connect the Mildura Marina and CBD to the riverfront.

The first stage of the $13.3 million project will upgrade existing sporting facilities, tourism information facilities, food and beverage facilities, a riverfront boardwalk, wharf expansion and river edge upgrades, extended houseboat moorings and upgrade public performance spaces and a riverside urban park.

MILDURA AIRPORT TERMINAL UPGRADEAs part of the tangible, on-the-ground benefits generated as a result of the Regional Growth Fund, RDV supported the Mildura Airport Terminal Upgrade with a grant of $5.2 million towards the $6.4 million project. Mildura Rural City Council also contributed to the project which will expand and refurbish the passenger terminal of the airport providing for greatly increased floor space and accommodating a new check-in area and a redesigned baggage system. More than 200,000 passengers use the airport annually in addition to its uses for freight, charter, flight school, military and emergency operations. Construction will start in 2012. The project will leverage major improvements to air services for the community, such as a commitment from Regional Express Airlines to establish services to and from Sydney, Adelaide and Broken Hill.

GROWING AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING AT LATROBE REGIONAL AIRPORTIn partnership with Latrobe City Council, RDV supported a $2 million project to increase the capacity of Latrobe Regional Airport. The project will facilitate the airport’s growth as an aerospace industry centre and expand regional employment opportunities. RDV’s contribution of $1.5 million was made available under the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund which supports industry transition away from coal mining in the Latrobe Valley. The project will include a new development hangar to provide for the expansion of current tenant, GippsAero, as it builds on its existing research and development and aircraft manufacturing capabilities. GippsAero is a key employer in Latrobe City, with a highly-skilled engineering workforce and an innovative approach to design and manufacture of utility aircraft.

BENDIGO TRAM DEPOT AND MUSEUMA $3.1 million redevelopment of the Bendigo Tram Depot and Museum was completed in January 2012. The project significantly improved the work environment and tourism potential of Australia’s oldest operating tram depot, and the improved workshop and spray-booth facilities will help maintain Melbourne’s W-class trams and restore trams from as far away as Christchurch and San Francisco. RDV contributed $1.5 million to the project which has also helped grow local employment and training in tram restoration through a partnership with Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE.

WARRNAMBOOL ENTERTAINMENT CENTREThe redevelopment of the Warrnambool Entertainment Centre, renamed as the Lighthouse Theatre, was completed in early 2012. RDV contributed $4.8 million to a project which included new auditorium seats and a flexible arts space, upgrading technical equipment and renovating the foyer, cafe and front-of-house facilities.

BURRA FOODS EXPANSIONA $54 million expansion of the Burra Foods manufacturing plant at Korumburra was completed in February 2012, significantly increasing the plant’s capacity. RDV provided $2.1 million towards the project, which included installing a new milk powder evaporation, drying and packing facility. Fifty new jobs were created at the plant and Burra Foods expects sales to increase from about $55 million in 2011 to $200 million in 2012. The project has wider benefits for the region, with a new high voltage power line constructed that will support improved electrical capacity for the entire district.

YAAPEET RAIL LINE EXTENSIONIn February 2012, the Dimboola to Rainbow line was reopened following an $8.3 million investment by RDV, the Department of Transport and GrainCorp. With the assistance of RDV’s $1.7 million contribution, GrainCorp will now transport up to 100,000 tonnes of grain per annum by rail to the ports. Rail represents a significant cost saving and capacity increase over road transport, which generates better returns for grain growers in the region. The project will also involve GrainCorp developing its Rainbow grain receival site into a high efficiency ‘super site’ to help increase grain volumes moved by rail. In the last two years, Victoria experienced record grain volumes of 7.1 million tonnes in 2010-11 and 6.2 million tonnes in 2011-12. This project will help alleviate increased pressure on the grain supply chain for exports from the State’s north and west.

SPC ARDMONAIn June 2012, the Victorian Government announced $4.4 million ($3.9 million from the Regional Growth Fund) in grant funding to help upgrade the SPC Ardmona plant in Shepparton, one of the largest food processors in the Goulburn Valley. The manufacturing plant and equipment will be modernised, which will increase efficiency and reduce costs. The improvements will secure the future of the company’s operations in the Goulburn Valley and create new jobs. Work is scheduled to begin in October 2012 and be complete by March 2015.

LOGIC FATIGUE MANAGEMENT CENTRE AT WODONGAIn June 2012, the Government announced a contribution of $1.64 million towards the development of a central service hub in Wodonga, providing much needed facilities to support long-haul truck drivers. The centre will include a Fatigue Management Centre for up to 45 trucks, a 24-hour service centre and a secure area for the exchange of trailers between drivers from Melbourne and Sydney. As well as creating 48 indirect jobs, the project will generate 120 ongoing jobs at the site.

EAST GIPPSLAND WATER SECURITY PROJECTIn July 2011, RDV announced a $1 million grant to the Department of Sustainability and Environment to conduct the East Gippsland Water Security Project. The project will investigate options to improve water security for irrigated horticulture in summer along the Mitchell River in the Lindenow Valley. The funding was sourced from the Developing Stronger Regions program which allocates $12 million over four years for feasibility studies, demand studies or business cases to support planning for capital infrastructure projects.

PUBLIC RECOGNITION OF RDV-SUPPORTED PROJECTSRecognition of RDV-funded projects through international, national and state awards demonstrated the level of ongoing support RDV provides to regional and rural Victorians. The following are examples of acknowledgements presented in 2011-12.

HEPBURN WIND PROJECT The Hepburn Wind project was recently awarded the World Wind Energy Award 2012 at the World Wind Energy Conference in Germany, in recognition of Hepburn Wind bringing large scale community wind power to Australia. RDV contributed $750,000 towards the $12.05 million facility. Sustainability Victoria also contributed to the project.

The Hepburn Community Windfarm is Australia’s first community-owned wind farm and is expected to produce enough electricity to power 2300 local homes. It is featured as one of nine stand-out cooperatives on a set of commemorative postage stamps.

The World Wind Energy Award is the latest accolade for the Hepburn Wind Cooperative. Others include the Climate Alliance Innovator Award 2010, the Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Award 2011, the Banksia Environment Award (Built Environment) 2011 and the Ethical Investor Australian Sustainability Award 2011.

RADFORD AND SONIn December 2011, R Radford and Son Pty Ltd from Warragul won the Agribusiness Leader of the Year Award at the NAB Agribusiness Awards for Excellence. Radford is Gippsland’s only large-scale domestic abattoir, and processes 80,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and lambs each year. The company’s operations are critical to the region’s red meat industry and pivotal to the region’s growing status as Australia’s main Certified Organic red meat producer.

Radford received the award for work undertaken in water recycling and energy efficiency, supported by an infrastructure grant from RDV. In recent years the company has implemented $8 million worth of new plant equipment and supporting infrastructure, and increased ‘throughput’ by almost 40 per cent. Radford has also cut its use of water by 44 per cent, gas by 30 per cent, fuel by 19 per cent and electricity by four per cent.

IMPLEMENTING LOCAL INITIATIVESLocal initiatives of the Regional Growth Fund began implementation in 2011-12. The Local Government Infrastructure Program aims to provide regional and rural councils with certainty to plan for and build new infrastructure or renew assets. A straightforward allocation of funds directly to all regional councils offers a higher degree of certainty and allows them to bring forward maintenance and renewal of assets and infrastructure. During the year, $74 million was committed to 276 projects nominated by rural and regional councils under this program.

Putting Locals First is designed to support development of local solutions that address gaps in services and infrastructure in regional communities. The program recognises that local people have unique insights into the challenges faced by their communities. During 2011-12, $12.5 million was allocated to 138 projects under this program.

REGIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIPImplementation of the Regional Community Leadership Program commenced in 2011-12. Under this program, $6 million was committed over four years to support community leadership programs in regional and rural Victoria. Funds will be used to support nine community leadership programs and establish a secretariat. The secretariat will operate across the State and nationally to support and add value to Victorian community leadership programs.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS> Farmers’ Markets – In 2011-12, the Farmers’ Market Support Program helped 11 farmers’ markets

to establish or expand. The program also supported the Victorian Farmers’ Market to implement an information technology initiative designed to support all aspects of the farmers’ market industry, benefitting farmers’ markets and their stallholders through improved communications and increased promotional activity.

> Planning for Tomorrow – RDV supported 33 projects to improve the capability of local councils and regional economic development organisations to undertake strategic, long-term economic, infrastructure and land use planning that responds to the challenges of a rapidly changing environment.

> Local Skills Partnership – 11 projects supporting local councils with capacity to undertake economic development initiatives and promotion of the regions’ economic strengths to attract and retain skilled people.

> Young Provincial Cadetship Program – More than 35 students were helped to undertake a paid work-based cadetship in a field related to their study in regional Victoria.

LOCAL INITIATIVES CASE STUDIESThe following examples represent local projects funded and implemented in Victorian regional and rural communities through the Regional Growth Fund and other State Government regional funding programs in 2011-12.BULMER FARM FRESH VEGETABLESFunding of $40,000 from the Putting Locals First Program announced in May 2012 will help Bulmer Farm Fresh Vegetables at Lindenow in Gippsland generate new distribution channels and supply directly into major supermarket chains. The $240,000 project will create 10 new jobs (with the potential for more as production demand increases), and enable value-added processing for fresh vegetable products for wholesale and export markets.

Project works are underway. They include purchasing and installing new fresh vegetable processing equipment and constructing associated value-adding production rooms. When complete, produce will be able to be processed within a temperature-controlled environment at Bulmer’s existing production facilities. Two new temperature-controlled production areas will also be built to cater for the increased production of processed vegetables – one within the facility’s existing footprint and one as an extension to the main operational area.

The project will enable Bulmer Farm Fresh Vegetables to capitalise on the potential of on-farm processing of its products, which the company considers a compatible extension to its supply of salad vegetables to processors. The company also anticipates revenue from export sales of more than $400,000 per year within the first two years of the project coming on-line.

LEADERSHIP BALLARAT AND WESTERN REGIONAs part of the Regional Growth Fund, RDV provided $800,000 funding over four years to Leadership Ballarat and Western Region to enhance its leadership program to help build capacity of the Grampians region and nurturing emerging leaders.Leadership Ballarat and Western Region plans, promotes, manages and delivers an annual program to further the leadership skills and capacity of participants. The 31-day program focuses on practical issues and challenges within the region, and includes workshops, seminars, industry visits and weekend retreats. It encourages local people from diverse backgrounds to work together towards positive changes in their environment, and balances individual development with public-spirited community involvement for the benefit of the region.

POINT GREY PRECINCT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN A redevelopment plan for Lorne’s Point Grey Precinct will be undertaken with the help of $30,000 in funding provided by RDV through the Putting Locals First Program. The Point Grey Precinct Redevelopment Plan project’s design and implementation plan will provide quality community infrastructure that complement’s the $5 million Lorne Pier project completed in 2007. The $115,000 project is planned for completion in May 2013, and will incorporate the fishing co-op, restaurant, aquatic club, a community building and other community facilities. New and improved infrastructure and facilities will attract more visitors to Lorne, and generate economic benefits for local business and greater local employment opportunities during and after construction.

KOONDROOK BARHAM FARMERS’ MARKET Farmers’ markets throughout Victoria contribute an estimated $227 million to the State economy each year and every dollar spent at a farmers’ market generates $2.50 for its community. RDV will help capitalise on this in the Loddon Mallee region by providing $20,000 to Red Gum Food Group for the Koondrook Barham Farmers’ Market Expansion project. The project will be delivered as part of the $2 million Farmers’ Markets Support Program.

Held monthly on the banks of the Murray River, the expanded Koondrook Barham Farmers’ Market will give local growers more opportunity to sell locally, and showcase what the region grows and produces. The expanded market will help preserve sustainable farming and local food production, encourage regional biodiversity, and raise the region’s profile as a key production area in northern Victoria and Gannawarra and Wakool shires. It will also attract more tourists, increase local spending and give the Koondrook/Barham community better access to locally-grown quality food.

KATAMATITE SPORTS CENTRE AND COMMUNITY HUBOn 23 March 2012, RDV provided the Moira Shire Council with $500,000 in funding to build a $1.6 million sports centre and community hub at the Katamatite recreation reserve.

Planned for completion in 2013, the new multi-purpose facility will be designed for use by local sporting groups (including football, netball, tennis and cricket), and the broader community of the township and surrounding areas.

The project will involve demolishing existing clubrooms and constructing a new community hub comprising a function room, kitchen facilities, toilets and change facilities, a netball medical room and an administrative office/meeting room. A new scorer’s box for cricket and football will also be built.

The aim of the new facilities is to meet current needs and provide Katamatite with a versatile hub for future use, such as the ability to host functions, weddings and conferences. Schools in the area will also be able to hold events like school sports, concerts, meetings and interviews.

DISASTER RECOVERYFIRE RECOVERY SUPPORTThe Fire Recovery Unit (FRU) was established on 1 July 2011 following the closure of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority. In 2011-12, the FRU provided continuity of government support and oversight for the reconstruction and recovery effort. Activities and achievements during the year included:

Provision of regionally-based Community Engagement Coordinators who responded to an average of 400 enquiries per month on a range of recovery-related issues.

Provision of a dedicated 1800 helpline and email address which have received almost 1000 enquiries in 12 months.

Production of a monthly newsletter with information on available support and services and publication of a whole-of-government Bushfire Recovery Services Guide.

Monitoring and reporting on progress of bushfire recovery projects and publication of the Victorian Bushfire Recovery Three Year Report that outlined the progress and achievements made in the ongoing fire recovery effort.

Facilitating and promoting community recovery projects, such as the Grand Ridge Trail (Gippsland), Castella Central Park (Kinglake) and the Yarra Glen District Men’s Shed.

Organising a central remembrance event in Melbourne on 5 February 2012. Working with local communities to develop projects for consideration by the Victorian Bushfire

Appeal Fund (VBAF) Advisory Panel. Administering the delivery of projects funded through the VBAF Community Projects Initiative. Conducting a survey of bushfire-affected households to improve data on the housing status of

people who lost their principal place of residence. The survey aimed to improve data on the housing status of such people, including those living in temporary accommodation.

Working across government on behalf of bushfire-affected people and communities.

FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPORTIn 2011-12, RDV continued to take a lead role in response to the flood events of 2010, 2011 and more recently the events of 2012, through its participation at the Secretaries’ Flood Recovery Group on behalf of the Department of Planning and Community Development. This important whole of Victorian Government response process is ensuring that communities have the resources and support they need to recover from the floods.

RDV helped flood-affected local governments and communities in rural and regional Victoria recover from the 2010-2012 floods by delivering a number of initiatives.

In partnership with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, RDV continued to successfully deliver the $30 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund. The fund provides a grants program to flood-affected local governments and Committees of Management to repair and restore flood-damaged community facilities. RDV approved over $6.6 million in grants to local government and communities affected by the 2010-2011 floods.

The $10 million Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund commenced on 1 July 2011. Through the fund, RDV worked with the Department of Business and Innovation to identify projects within flood affected areas that will support investment and create jobs in regional Victoria. The fund approved $4.9 million in grants for projects that will create over 400 jobs in regional areas affected by the 2010-2011 floods.

Funding was extended to local governments for Flood Recovery Officers, with a total of $2.6 million allocated to ensure important recovery activities can continue and necessary support remains available for communities impacted by the floods. A total of 19 Flood Recovery Officers were employed, with a number of positions having been extended, to help local governments respond to

the 2010-2012 floods.

FLOOD RECOVERY OPERATIONS SUMMARY More than $6.64 million in grants was approved for projects through the Flood Recovery

Community Infrastructure Fund. Shire and rural city council recipients included Campaspe ($506,878), Gannawarra ($145,500), Hepburn ($99,000), Central Goldfields ($1,560,887), Northern Grampians ($571,570), Horsham ($323,564), Macedon Ranges ($103,197), Pyrenees ($903,367) Buloke ($280,679) and Swan Hill ($1.45 million).

The final report was delivered from the Review into the Flood Recovery Officer and the Rural Coordination Officer Initiatives. All recommendations of the review were endorsed by the Minister for Regional and Rural Development.

$620,000 was provided to extend Flood Recovery Officer positions at Buloke, Gannawarra, Campaspe, Hepburn, Loddon, Mount Alexander, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Yarriambiack Shires and Mildura Rural City Council. New funding for Flood Recovery Officers for Moorabool, Golden Plains and Mildura totalled $180,000.

Over $3.6 million in grants from the Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund were approved to businesses for projects, including Prairie Broiler Farm Flood Recovery Activity and Lockwood Site Expansion ($500,000) and Mortlock Hydroponics ($250,000).

FLOOD RECOVERY CASE STUDIESThe following are two examples of flood recovery projects funded and implemented in 2011-12.

Navarre Sports Association Flood Recovery and Rebuilding Project

The only community facility in the small Northern Grampians township of Navarre, the Navarre Sports Reserve, was significantly flood-damaged in September 2010. RDV helped the Northern Grampians Shire Council rebuild and refurbish the facility with a grant of $39,766 from the Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund.

At a total cost of $53,000, project works included replacing the netball court surface and constructing a new timekeeper’s box. The funding was announced in July 2011 and the completed facility reopened in May 2012. The Navarre community now uses the reserve on a regular basis for numerous community activities as well as sporting and passive recreation purposes.

Rochester Municipal Precinct Flood Recovery Re-establishment Project

In December 2011, RDV provided the Campaspe Shire Council with a $506,878 grant from the Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund to rebuild and restore severely flood-damaged municipal precinct buildings in Rochester.

Project works included demolishing and rebuilding elements of the shire hall as well as improving access to the building and upgrading its fire system. The town library and service centre received new access ramps, a new fire system, flooring and painting. The former council chamber also had equivalent upgrades plus new walls, passages and access.

Most of the project will be completed in August 2012 and will re-establish the precinct as important community hub for Rochester and the surrounding district.

LATROBE VALLEY INDUSTRY AND EMPLOYMENT ROADMAPThe Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap is designed to build on existing Victorian Government initiatives to create employment and stimulate new investment in the region.The Roadmap was approved by Government in June 2012 and launched by the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan, in July.

The Roadmap delivers on a key election commitment, showcases the region’s competitive strengths and advantages and provides a long-term strategic framework for guiding investment to deliver industry and employment growth in the Latrobe Valley.

The Latrobe Valley, defined as the areas of Baw Baw, Latrobe City and Wellington Shire councils, is expected to be significantly impacted by the introduction of the national carbon price and the Roadmap will help the region manage this structural adjustment challenge.

In light of these challenges and the recognition that a collaborative approach is required to effectively support the region, the Victorian and Commonwealth governments signed the Agreement for Cooperative Arrangements for the Gippsland Region to support the transition of the Latrobe Valley economy.

The agreement formally established the Latrobe Valley Transition Committee, which comprises local leaders from government, business, union, education, and community services sectors.

The Roadmap’s development over 14 months was underpinned by intensive research and engagement with the community and business, and responds directly to advice from the Latrobe Valley Transition Committee released to the Victorian Government’s Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan, and the Commonwealth Government’s Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean, in June 2012.

The Roadmap outlines an investment framework based on strategic directions developed by the Latrobe Valley Transition Committee:

> Transitioning business and workers –ensuring workers and businesses affected by the economic transition have employment and business opportunities.

> Strengthening the workforce – ensuring education provision and local industry needs are better aligned, and participation in training and higher education increases are in line with future industry skills demands.

> Infrastructure for growth – ensuring governments and industry plan and coordinate infrastructure to support industry growth and diversification.

> Strengthening innovation and competitiveness – ensuring businesses are supported to increase their competitiveness and drive innovation.

> Attracting and facilitating investment –ensuring existing businesses are helped to expand, and new businesses are encouraged to locate to the Latrobe Valley.

> Enhancing liveability – ensuring the Latrobe Valley maintains and enhances its reputation as a liveable community.

> Working together – next steps – ensuring governments, business, unions and other regional stakeholders work cooperatively to diversify and grow the region’s economy.

The Roadmap also outlines State Government initiatives that are consistent with these strategic directions and are designed to place the region’s economy on a sustainable pathway towards growth by providing support for the region to diversify its economy and support for businesses to grow and expand.

AN EXPANDED LATROBE VALLEY INDUSTRY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDThe State Government committed an additional $5 million to expand the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund (LVIIF) to $15 million to provide assistance to business to transition by enabling growth and diversification, and delivering greater employment outcomes.

The LVIIF is a key initiative to drive investment in the region aligned to the Roadmap’s strategic directions, and it is now more flexible and responsive to business needs. The LVIIF will fund projects that:

Create new long-term jobs and secure existing business operations. Respond to an identified industry need. Leverage private sector investment. Increase productivity. Expand capacity to produce. Enhance competitiveness and innovation. Provide access to new markets. Harness emerging opportunities. Provide for increased exports and imports substitution.

MURRAY DARLING BASIN REFORMUnder the Commonwealth Water Act 2007, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority was required to develop a ‘basin plan’ to determine the volume of water necessary to maintain environmental assets. In November 2011, the proposed Murray Darling Basin Plan was released for public consultation. A revised version was released for consideration by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council in May 2012.

Focusing on social and economic impacts of proposed reductions in consumptive water use, RDV contributed to the Victorian Government’s response to the Murray Darling Basin Plan which was submitted to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority in April 2012.

In addition, RDV coordinated or undertook various activities to identify potentially vulnerable communities, advocate regional issues and concerns, and increase understanding of primary and secondary impacts arising from implementing a Murray Darling Basin Plan. As a member of a whole of government working group, RDV continued to work with other departments, industry and affected communities to develop strategies for mitigating social and economic implications of water reform in the Murray-Darling Basin.

The Loddon Mallee, Grampians and Hume RDA Committees worked closely with the Commonwealth and State governments on activities relating to the economic and social impacts of reduced water in the Murray Darling Basin.

INAUGURAL REGIONAL VICTORIA LIVING EXPOA significant activity conducted by RDV to promote regional and rural Victoria in 2011-12 was the inaugural Regional Victoria Living Expo held at the Melbourne Convention Centre on 27-29 April 2012. The three-day event highlighted the broad range of opportunities for a better quality of life in regional and rural Victoria, particularly to Melburnians interested in moving to the regions. The Victorian Government provided $3 million in funding over four years.

Each of the 48 regional and rural councils representing every Victorian region exhibited to highlight the lifestyle and practical benefits with specific emphasis on jobs, business, housing, education and the uniqueness of its region.

EXPO SNAPSHOT 137 exhibitors and more than 8,000 visitors; 31 regional speakers presented during the seminar program; and 13 different regionally-based arts and cultural groups performed during the overall event.

EVENT ACTIVITIESSupporting activities during the Expo included the Expo Lunch, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) Theatrette, Seminar Program and Cultural Program to enhance the exhibitor and visitor experience.

The ACMI Theatrette and Seminar Program was conducted in a purpose-built seminar area (with seating for 50 delegates) on the Expo floor.

ACMI provided excellent footage to showcase real life stories from regional and rural Victoria. Short stories and documentaries celebrating community, memory and place, captured in townships across Victoria were screened on the main stage on Friday.

The Seminar Program was held on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April. It covered the main drivers of education, careers, housing, lifestyle/culture and business. All sessions were well attended, with some so popular that there was standing room only.

The interactive zone was organised through Arts Victoria. It provided children with seven engaging activities over the weekend. These activities included building an eco-cubby and hearing stories from the Aboriginal ‘Dreamtime’.

POST EVENT ANALYSISTo gauge the outcomes of the event, RDV commissioned independent market research company, Latitude Insights, to collect and analyse visitor feedback. The study showed that on average, visitors spent 80 minutes at the Expo, with most saying they would be undertaking some form of follow-up activity, such as visiting the exhibitors’ websites (88 per cent) and making further enquiries with some exhibitors (72 per cent). It also highlighted that 85 per cent of Expo attendees indicated they would visit the parts of Victoria they were interested in.

POST EVENT FEEDBACK FROM REGIONAL COUNCILSMany of the 48 regional and rural councils indicated a high level of genuine enquiries received since the

Expo. To capitalise on the popularity of the Expo, a number undertook local events, including an ‘open day’ held by Greater Geelong City Council for people interested in relocating to the region.

GOOD MOVE CAMPAIGNTo capitialise on the momentum generated by the success of the 2012 Regional Victoria Living Expo, RDV launched a new campaign to attract people and skills to regional and rural Victoria. Presented across TV, radio and print media from 6 May to 30 June 2012, the campaign featured the real-life experiences and stories of families who made the move from cities to regional Victoria. This included how they overcame any initial challenges and their descriptions of the many regional pluses they now enjoy as a result.

Four 30-second TV commercials were filmed at Beechworth, Bendigo, Port Fairy and Currajung South.

The Good Move campaign aimed to direct specific enquiries to each of the regions via its dedicated website, www.goodmove.vic.gov.au, which links visitors to the State’s regional and rural councils. The Good Move campaign was informed by stakeholder feedback and aligned with research findings from ‘Attitudes and Target Profiling’, a market research report by ShopScience.

2012-13 RDV PRIORITIESPROGRAMS AND RECOVERY 2012-13 PRIORITIES:RDV will continue to implement the Regional Growth Fund initiatives of Local Government Infrastructure Program and the Putting Locals First Program.

We will work with the Victorian Community Leadership Secretariat and programs to further support and strengthening the capacity of Victoria’s community leadership programs.

RDV will support the establishment of the Northern Mallee Leadership Program, and continue to work with the Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association to support and facilitate the development of farmers’ markets throughout regional Victoria and peri urban areas of Metropolitan Melbourne.

We will also continue to support regional areas to grow and prosper with the support of a range of local economic and community development initiatives.

FIRE RECOVERY UNIT 2012-13 PRIORITIES:RDV will provide a clear point of contact for information and connection to the State Government for communities impacted by the 2009 bushfires, including support during the necessary transition from bushfire-specific services to mainstream services.

Individuals and communities are recovering from the 2009 bushfires at different rates. While much recovery and rebuilding progress has been made since the bushfires, there remains a need for targeted support.

Many support services were strengthened with specialist or additional capacity to support recovery from the 2009 fires. ‘One-off’ services and programs were also initiated. While the gradual transition of services back to core service levels and the cessation of one-off initiatives is a necessary phase of the recovery process, coordination and communication of this process (and careful targeting of remaining initiatives) will continue to be important.

FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPORT 2012-13 PRIORITIES:RDV will continue to work with local governments and communities impacted by the 2010-2011 floods to successfully manage and acquit projects funded from the range of flood recovery initiatives. Specifically, RDV will continue to work with local governments receiving funding from the $30 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund and with the Department of Business and Innovation for businesses that successfully applied for funding under the Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund.

This will include facilitating job creation and investment in areas affected by the March and June 2012 floods through recovery initiatives such as the Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund having been extended to cover newly affected regional areas.

In response to the floods across Victoria in 2012, RDV is working with affected local governments and communities to develop recovery initiatives.

INFRASTRUCTURE 2012-13 PRIORITIES:Through engagement with key stakeholders, RDV will continue to identify and facilitate strategic infrastructure projects delivering strong social and economic benefits to regional Victoria.

A specific focus will be on several key activities including: Connecting priority towns to natural gas through Energy for the Regions. Establishing a partnership and development agreement with the successful tenderer for the

Marysville Conference and Convention Centre. Progressing the business case and the design process of the Mildura Riverfront Precinct. Delivering key economic infrastructure projects through the Regional Growth Fund.

POLICY AND PLANNING 2012-13 PRIORITIES:RDV will continue to deliver key economic investment and build community resilience through the ongoing delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the Regional Growth Fund.RDV will also implement the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap to build a strong evidence base that underpins the Government’s investment in regional growth.RDV will undertake Regional Cities growth research through its strategic partnerships with Regional Cities Victoria and Rural Councils Victoria.RDV will support the Regional Policy Advisory Committee to advise the Ministers on regional development issues and policy responses. Throughout 2012-13, RDV will work with other departments to deliver key Regional Growth Fund investments in areas such as the new training places created via the Regional Partnership Facilitation Fund and the economic and environmental sustainability of the Gippsland Lakes through the Gippsland Lakes Environmental Fund.

RDV will help regions with structural adjustment, and support them to maximise opportunities arising from those changes. We will also continue to support regions as they consider Regional Strategic Planning initiatives.

RDA 2012-13 PRIORITIES:In partnership with the Commonwealth Government, RDV will assist newly appointed Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees as they begin the new 2012-2015 appointment period. Regional Development Victoria will manage the RDA Initiative in Victoria, to ensure effective integration between State and Federal Government investment decisions.RDV will continue to work with RDA Committees in response to major priorities such as the Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap and response to the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

MARKETING AND PROMOTION2012-13 PRIORITIES:RDV will continue promoting investment and lifestyle opportunities in regional Victoria through the Regional Victoria Living Expo and the Good Move campaign.

Planning for the 2013 Regional Victoria Living Expo is underway, in line with the Victorian Government’s commitment to hold the event for a further three successive years. The 2013 event will be held from 19 to 21 April at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

GRANTS AND OUTPUT TARGETS

RDV GRANT PAYMENTSRDV provided financial assistance through a range of programs facilitating economic and community development in regional and rural Victoria.BIOFUELS INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT IN VICTORIAOrganisation Payment $

Phoenix Energy Australia Pty. Ltd. 110,000

BUILDING STRONGER REGIONS PROGRAMSOrganisation Payment $Central Goldfields Shire Council 600,000

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 8,750,000

Department of Sustainability and Environment 1,400,000

Warrnambool City Council 50,000

Wimmera Uniting Care 1,125,000Total 11,925,000

DEVELOPING REGIONAL LEADERSOrganisation Payment $Australian Industry Group 10,000

City of Greater Geelong 12,500

Committee for Geelong Inc. 30,000

Department of Primary Industries 100,000

Mansfield Shire Council 30,000

Murrindindi Shire Council 18,125

Local Government Professionals Inc. 17,500Total 218,125

DEVELOPING STRONGER REGIONS PROGRAMOrganisation Payment $

Latrobe City Council 30,000

Places Victoria 304,225


Total 344,225

FARMERS’ MARKETS SUPPORT PROGRAMOrganisation Payment $Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce Association 20,000

Berwick District Woodworkers Club Inc. 18,000

Central Goldfields Shire Council 4,450

Corangamite Shire Council 3,750

Lancefield Neighbourhood House Inc. 19,000

Lions Club of Mooroopna Inc. 5,000


Mitchell Shire Council 13,500

Mornington Chamber of Commerce 18,000

Strathbogie Shire Council 15,000

South Gippsland Shire Council 19,925Traralgon Lions Club Inc. 2,250

Victorian Farmers' Markets Association Inc. 459,239Total 607,024

FLOOD RECOVERY COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Organisation Payment $Alpine Shire Council 675,500

Ballarat City Council 19,510

Benalla Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc. 3,750

Benalla Rural City Council 213,600

Campaspe Shire Council 456,190

Central Goldfields Shire Council 1,430,169

Gannawarra Shire Council 130,950

Greater Bendigo City Council 25,113

Hepburn Shire Council 807,100

Horsham Rural City Council 291,208

Indigo Shire Council 31,200

Kingston City Council 70,200



Moorabool Shire Council 15,000

Mount Alexander Shire Council 89,100


Northern Grampians Shire Council 725,157

Pyrenees Shire Council 813,030

South Gippsland Shire Council 146,700


Towong Shire Council 147,800

Wangaratta Rural City Council 100,000

West Wimmera Shire Council 5,274

Yarriambiack Shire Council 44,955Total 6,689,006

FLOOD RECOVERY EVENTS FUNDOrganisation Payment $Grampians Grape Escape Inc. 19,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council 15,000Total 34,000

FLOOD RECOVERY OFFICERSOrganisation Payment $Alpine Shire Council 20,000


Buloke Shire Council 120,000





Greater Shepparton City Council 20,000



Loddon Shire Council 120,000

Mildura Rural City Council 120,000





Swan Hill Rural City Council 120,000



GEELONG FUTURE CITIES MASTER PLANOrganisation Payment $


LIVING REGIONS LIVING SUBURBSOrganisation Payment $Baw Baw Shire Council 205,000

Central Victoria General Practice Network Inc. 7,500

Department of Sustainability and Environment 15,880

Gippsland Rotary Centenary House Inc. 45,000










Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Inc. 10,000

Surf Coast Shire Council 450,000

The Trustee for Geelong Performing Arts Centre Trust 250,000

Victorian Farmers’ Federation 50,000

Wellington Shire Council 450,000

Yarra Ranges Shire Council 48,059Total 2,343,689

LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

Organisation Payment $Alpine Shire Council 615,000

Ararat Rural City Council 510,000


Bass Coast Shire Council 315,000

Baw Baw Shire Council 1,480,000

Benalla Rural City Council 1,000,000

Borough of Queenscliffe 250,000




Colac Otway Shire Council 349,928


East Gippsland Shire Council 670,000


Golden Plains Shire Council 465,000

Greater Bendigo City Council 1,985,000

Greater Shepparton City Council 1,990,000


Hindmarsh Shire Council 80,000


Indigo Shire Council 1,066,788


Macedon Ranges Shire Council 625,000


Mildura Rural City Council 1,000,000


Moira Shire Council 200,000


Moyne Shire Council 467,000


Northern Grampians Shire Council 1,000,000

Pyrenees Shire Council 1,320,000

South Gippsland Shire Council 1,250,000


Surf Coast Shire Council 2,360,000






Wodonga City Council 950,000


LOCAL LIFE LOCAL EVENTSOrganisation Payment $Apex Lions Madison Committee 10,000

Baw Baw Shire Council 12,000

Bicycle Victoria Inc. 15,000

Chillout Daylesford Inc. 25,000


East Gippsland Business and Tourism Association Inc. 2,000

Eastern Gippsland Food and Wine Network Inc. 6,500

Geelong Winegrowers Association Inc. 40,000

Gippsland Cricket Region 7 1,000


Livestock Transporters Assocation of Victoria Inc. 10,000

Maldon Neighbourhood Centre Inc. 7,000




Stawell Athletic Club Inc. 50,000


Swan Hill Promotions and Development Corporation Inc. 10,000



Trentham Residents and Traders Association 5,000

University of Ballarat 5,000

Yarriambiack Shire Council 7,500Total 281,000

LOCAL SKILLS PARTNERSHIP

Organisation Payment $Alpine Shire Council 25,500Ararat Rural City Council 12,500





Destination Gippsland Ltd. 60,000





Mildura Development Corporation Inc. 25,000








Wimmera Development Association Inc. 20,000

Wodonga City Council 37,500Total 530,711

MARYSVILLE ECONOMIC RECOVERYOrganisation Payment $Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Management Board 200,000

NETWORKED RURAL COUNCILSOrganisation Payment $Municipal Association of Victoria 815,000

PLANNING FOR TOMORROW PROGRAM

Organisation Payment $Ballarat City Council 300,000Bass Coast Shire Council 7,400Baw Baw Shire Council 98,500Buloke Shire Council 55,000Central Goldfields Shire Council 5,000City of Greater Geelong 110,000Colac Otway Shire Council 20,000Corangamite Shire Council 38,540Deakin University 115,000East Gippsland Shire Council 37,500Greater Bendigo City Council 62,571Greater Shepparton City Council 92,129Hepburn Shire Council 25,000Horsham Rural City Council 70,000Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Management Board 15,000Latrobe City Council 20,625Loddon Shire Council 45,020Macedon Ranges Shire Council 59,463Mildura Rural City Council 25,000Moorabool Shire Council 45,000Murrindindi Shire Council 35,000Pyrenees Shire Council 10,000South Gippsland Shire Council 25,000Southern Grampians Shire Council 95,000Swan Hill Rural City Council 27,500Towong Shire Council 25,000Wangaratta Rural City Council 50,000Warrnambool City Council 8,750Total 1,522,998

PUTTING LOCALS FIRST PROGRAM (PLFP)

Organisation Payment $Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Inc. 12,750Australian Dairy Conference Ltd. 10,000Ballarat Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc. 15,000Ballarat City Council 25,000Ballarat Vocal Arts Association Pty. Ltd. 6,000Baw Baw Shire Council 126,825Beechworth Vignerons Association Inc. 13,000Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival Inc. 10,000City of Greater Geelong 50,000Colac Otway Shire Council 487,000Corangamite Shire Council 12,900East Gippsland Food Cluster Inc. 56,000East Gippsland Shire Council 45,000Golden Plains Shire Council 153,250Goulburn River Valley Tourism Ltd. 22,500Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Inc. 27,000Greater Shepparton City Council 9,000Indigo Shire Council 33,500Kyabram Ministers Fellowship Inc. 6,000Kyabram Racecourse and Recreation Reserve 83,826Lakes Entrance Business Tourist Association Inc. 7,000Lakes Entrance Fishermens Co-Operative Society Ltd. 27,000Latrobe City Council 10,000Mansfield Shire Council 200,860Mitchell Shire Council 8,100Moira Shire Council 250,000Museums Australia Inc. 10,000Mystic Mountains Tourism Inc. 15,000North East Victoria Tourism Board Inc. 118,800Northern Grampians Shire Council 168,750Pyrenees Grape Growers and Winemakers Association Inc. 6,000Queen Victoria Market Pty. Ltd. 20,000Rotary Club of Lakes Entrance Inc. 10,000Shipwreck Coast Tourism Inc. 20,000Strathbogie Shire Council 120,000Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Inc. 22,500Surf Coast Shire 10,000Swan Hill Promotions and Development Corporation Inc. 10,000Swan Hill Rural City Council 260,800The Australian Retailers Association 14,400The Gippsland Business Awards Association Inc. 3,000Tolmie Sports Assocication Inc. 68,022Tourism Greater Shepparton Inc. 40,000Towong Shire Council 401,477Upper Goulburn Food Wine & Cultural Group 4,500Victorian YMCA Community Programming Pty. Ltd. 40,000

Organisation Payment $Wellington Shire Council 159,300Wines of the King Valley Inc. 5,000Total 3,235,060

REGIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAMOrganisation Payment $Committee for Ballarat Inc. 200,000Committee for Geelong Inc. 200,000Committee for Gippsland Inc. 150,000Community Leadership Loddon Murray Inc. 200,000GMIC Limited 25,000Greater Shepparton City Council 150,000Local Government Professionals Inc. 16,200Moira Shire Council 16,800Moyne Shire Council 100,000North East Agcare Incorporation 140,000Wimmera Development Association Inc. 101,250Total 1,299,250

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA

Organisation Payment $Agribusiness Gippsland Inc. 11,250




Deakin University 30,000

Department of Innovation Industry & Regional Development 2,677,844

Destination Gippsland Ltd. 25,000

Geelong Otway Tourism Inc. 30,000

Gippsland Climate Change Network Inc. 7,500


Mildura Development Corporation Inc. 12,500


Murray River Region Tourism Limited 25,000

North East Victoria Tourism Board Inc. 50,000

Port of Portland Pty. Ltd. 25,000



University of Ballarat 40,000



Westvic Dairy Inc. 20,000

Wimmera Development Association Inc. 38,750Total 3,274,344

SMALL TOWNS DEVELOPMENT FUND


























Parks Victoria 105,000

Southern Grampians Shire Council 125,000







SUSTAINABLE SMALL TOWNS DEVELOPMENT FUND








Department of Health 750,000

















THE GOOD LIFE CAMPAIGN













Department of Premier and Cabinet 162,000

East Gippsland Marketing Inc. 18,750



Glenelg Shire Council 20,000






















Southern Grampians Shire Council 20,000





Organisation Payment $Wangaratta Rural City Council 20,000






VBRRA LEGACY PROJECTSOrganisation Payment $Flowerdale Community House 30,000

VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE BUSINESS INVESMENT FUNDOrganisation Payment $A. Doos & C.E. Doos 75,000

Abingdon Market Pty. Ltd. 80,000

C.T. Donovan & S.A. Donovan 60,000

Cathedral Mountain Christian Centre Inc. 300,000

G. Edwards & T.J. Edwards & T.J. Edwards 100,000

Humphries, Timothy James 40,000

Jindivick Timber Pty. Ltd. 150,000

Membo Pty. Ltd. 120,000

N. Harvey & S.W. Ronaldson 30,000

North East Community Initiatives Limited 80,000

S. Kerr & D.J. Spooner 30,000

The Trustee for A. & K. Mcdonald Family Trust 240,000

The Trustee for Schlifelner Family Trust 40,000

The Trustee for the Jemmco Investments Trust 250,000Total 1,595,000

VICTORIAN BUSINESS FLOOD RECOVERY FUND Organisation Payment $Olam Orchards Australia Pty. Ltd. 100,000

True Foods Pty. Ltd. 400,000Total 500,000

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROVINCIAL CADETSHIPS

Organisation Payment $A. Hau & J. Laino & G. Tambassis 3,750

Agrisearch Services Pty. Ltd. 12,750

Benalla Health 12,750


Bruce E. Bartrop Pty. Ltd. 4,250

Building Commission 5,000


Campaspe Shire Council 500

Cardell Accountants 3,750





Gerard Brandrick & Associates Pty. Ltd. 3,750

Hatch Associates Pty. Ltd. 4,250


Hofmann Engineering Pty. Ltd. 7,500

I.R. Dodgshun & the Trustee for Optima Trust 4,250

Integra Land Pty. Ltd. 500


Messenger's Pharmacy 500


P.T. Tomkinson & Associates Pty. Ltd. 4,250

Planning Institute of Australia Limited 5,000

Radford Legal Pty. Ltd. 3,750

Regional Publishers (Western Victoria) Pty. Ltd. 3,750

Ross Both & Associates Pty. Ltd. 3,750

Sertori & Co. Pty. Ltd. 1,000

SLM Lawyers Pty. Ltd. 3,750

SMEC Australia Pty. Ltd. 3,750



Tatura Milk Industries Limited 1,000

The Trustee for Byrne Melrose Unit Trust 3,750

The Trustee for Crossco Unit Trust 3,750

The Trustee for G. O'Bree Family Trust 3,750

The Trustee for Jet Ryan Trust No. 2 8,000

The Trustee for The Frankel Business Trust 3,750

Transfield Services (Australia) Pty. Ltd. 4,250

Wangaratta Rural City Council 500

WHK Pty. Ltd. 8,500

Wilson, Barry Maxwell 3,750Total 241,000

ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTUREGRANT ANNOUNCEMENTSIn 2011-12 the following economic infrastructure projects were announced:

Organisation ProjectAnnounced Amount $

Building Strategic Tourism and Cultural Assets

Greater Bendigo City Council Sandhurst (Bendigo) Theatre Complex 3,000,000

Greater Geelong City Council Geelong Library and Heritage Centre 15,000,000

South Gippsland Shire Council Great Southern Rail Trail Extension (Foster to Welshpool) Project

2,000,000

Energy for the Regions

Envestra Ltd. (Vic Gas Distribution Ltd.)

Expansion of Supply Capacity for Mildura Commercial in Confidence

SP Ausnet Supply of Natural Gas to Huntly Commercial in Confidence

Growing and Sustaining Regional Industries and Jobs

Ancon Australia Pty. Ltd. Port Anthony - Gateway to Growth Project 2,000,000

Bruck Textiles Pty. Ltd. Process and Wastewater Treatment Innovation for Enhanced Sustainability of Textile Manufacturing

2,193,475

Central Goldfields Shire Council Carisbrook Renewal Park 1,534,854

Department of Transport The Yaapeet Line Grain Development Project 1,700,000

EcoFuels Pty. Ltd. Madowla Park Integrated Bio-energy Project 500,000

Flavorite Hydroponic Tomatoes Pty. Ltd.

Flavorite Water Efficiency Project 460,000

Hazeldene's Chicken Farm Pty. Ltd. Hazeldene's Energy and Water Security Project 2,000,000

Horsham Rural City Council Horsham Enterprise Estate - Stage 2 500,000

Murrindindi Shire Council Yea Saleyards Upgrade 400,000

Pyrenees Shire Council Beaufort Economic Growth Project 1,100,000

SPC Ardmona Limited Sustainable Process Development Project 3,900,000

Wodonga City Council Logic Fatigue Management & Trailer Interchange Project 1,640,000

Transforming and Transitioning Local Economies

Bendigo Agricultural Show Society Inc.

Development of the Victorian Regional Exhibition Complex - Bendigo (Stage 2)

2,000,000

Mildura Rural City Council Mildura Airport Terminal Redevelopment 5,200,000

Mildura Rural City Council Mildura Riverfront Parklands Project 7,000,000

Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund

Hydro Australia Pty. Ltd. Hydro Australia Capability Improvement Project 280,000

Latrobe City Council Growing Aerospace Manufacturing at Latrobe Regional Airport

1,500,000

LION Lion's Morwell Site External Electricity Line Upgrade 490,000

GRANT PAYMENTSIn 2011-12 the following payments were made towards economic infrastructure projects:

Organisation Project Payment $

Alpine Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Stanley Road Upgrade (Rd 3)

90,000

Ararat Rural City Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Mt William Road (Rd 3)

72,500

Ballarat City Council Art Gallery of Ballarat Upgrade Project 330,000

Ballarat City Council Australian Centre for Democracy at Eureka 1,500,000

Ballarat City Council Ballarat Airport Investment Attraction Program 2,642,000

Ballarat City Council Redevelopment of the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute - Stage 2

500,000

Barrett Burston Malting Co. Pty. Ltd. Geelong Maltings: Water Recovery Project 1,000,000

Bass Coast Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Glen Alvie Road 448,000

Benalla Rural City Council Benalla Regional Art Gallery Venue and Amenity Improvements

200,000

Benalla Rural City Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Samaria Road South Eastern Access Roundabout

143,000

Bendigo Agricultural Show Society Inc. Development of the Victorian Regional Exhibition Complex - Bendigo (Stage 2)

1,250,000

Biodiesel Producers Ltd. Biodiesel Storage and Blending Infrastructure Development

1,500,000

Boomaroo Nurseries & Wholesale Supplies Pty. Ltd.

Boomaroo Nurseries Non-Potable Water Supply 175,000

Buloke Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Seven Mile Road Upgrade (2009-10) (Rd 3)

169,023

Burra Foods Pty. Ltd. Burra Foods - Korumburra Infrastructure Capacity Expansion

500,000

Campaspe Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Strathallan Road Markets Connector (Stage 4) (Rd 3)

222,638

Campaspe Shire Council Port of Echuca Revitalisation - Australia's Great River Port Experience

1,500,000

Central Goldfields Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Stage 1: Broiler Farm B Double Access Moolort (Rd 3)

15,000

Central Goldfields Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Stage 2: Broiler Farm B Double Access Moolort (Rd 3)

415,000

Colac Otway Shire Council Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre Redevelopment

167,359

Colac Otway Shire Council Local Ports Program 2009/10 - Port of Apollo Bay 260,000

Colac Otway Shire Council Old Beechy Rail Trail 150,000

Corangamite Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - New Decking for Cooriemungle Creek Bridge (Rd 3)

32,500

Corangamite Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program – Pavement Strengthening of Cooriemungle Road Stage 1 (Rd 3)

38,688

Corangamite Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Pavement Strengthening of Cooriemungle Road Stage 2 (Rd 3)

88,893

Corangamite Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Pavement Strengthening of Naroghid Road (Rd 3)

40,181

Corangamite Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Pavement Strengthening of Timboon-Terang Road (Rd 3)

49,552

Deakin University Regional Community Health Hub (REACH) 2,000,000


Department of Sustainability and Environment

Bushfire Recovery Projects - Lake Mountain, Steavenson Falls and Grand Ridge Rail Trail

400,000

Department of Sustainability and Environment

Positioning Regional Victoria's Future Prosperity 196,389

Department of Transport Freight Links for North West Victoria 3,125,000

Department of Transport Iluka Murray Basin Project - Rail Infrastructure 3,970,000

Department of Transport The Yaapeet Line Grain Development Project 1,000,000

East Gippsland Shire Council Great Coastal Walks of East Gippsland 880,000

Elmore & District Machinery Field Days Inc.

Elmore Field Days 158,375

Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board

Development of Mountain Bike and Walking Trail Facilities at Falls Creek Alpine Resort

300,000

Fonterra Australia Pty. Ltd. Darnum Park Water-Saving Initiatives 102,925

Gannawarra Shire Council Gateway to Gannawarra Education, Culture and Heritage Centre

500,000

George Weston Foods Limited Castlemaine Expansion Water Efficiency Enhancements 3,076,700

Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Inc.

Local Ports Program 2009/10 - Port of Gippsland Lakes 277,164


Local Ports Program 2009/10 - Port of Port Albert & Corner Inlet

305,455


Sustaining Local Ports - Andersons Inlet (2010-11) 112,625


Sustaining Local Ports - Corner Inlet & Port Albert (2010-11)

339,375


Sustaining Local Ports - Gippsland Lakes (2010-11) 1,684,875


Sustaining Local Ports - Mallacoota (2010-11) 15,125

Glenelg Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Casterton Dartmoor Road

100,000

Glenelg Shire Council Portland Airport Redevelopment 440,000

Glenelg Shire Council Portland Bay Coastal Infrastructure 1,100,000

Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Corporation

East Loddon Pipeline Project 645,000

Greater Bendigo City Council Bendigo Regional Archive Centre 300,000

Greater Bendigo City Council Finn Street Industrial Estate 610,477

Greater Bendigo City Council O'Keefe Rail Trail Extension - Axedale to Heathcote 500,000

Greater Shepparton City Council Shepparton Showgrounds Multi-Use Cattle Pavilion 250,000

Greater Shepparton City Council Upgrade of the Shepparton Art Gallery 900,000

Hepburn Community Wind Park Co-operative Limited

Rural Power Line Connectivity Solution for Community Scale Renewable Energy Generation Facilities

150,000

Horsham Rural City Council Horsham Aerodrome - Development of All Weather Second Runway

525,000

Horsham Rural City Council Horsham Enterprise Estate - Stage 2 400,000

Horsham Rural City Council Wimmera Regional Intermodal Freight Hub Project 2,000,000


Indigo Shire Council Industrial Land Development - Tangambalanga and Yackandandah

192,379

L. & B. Williams Nominees Pty. Ltd. Williams Wastewater Recycling 81,513

Latrobe City Council Moe Activity Centre Plan - Implementation of Project 1 Train Station Precinct

750,000

Macedon Ranges Shire Council New Gisborne Industrial Estate - Final Stage Development and Infrastructure Provision

400,000

Mildura Rural City Council Mildura Arts and Cultural Precinct Redevelopment 1,000,000

Mitchell Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Seymour Pyalong Road (Rd 3)

70,000

Moira Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Tungamah North Road

136,919

Mount Alexander Shire Council Wesley Hill Industrial Estate Stage 2 Development 177,267

Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Resort Management Board

Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Alpine Multi-use Trail Network and Associated Infrastructure

100,000

Moyne Shire Council Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail 150,000

Multinet Gas Distribution Partnership Supply of Natural Gas to South Gippsland 840,767

Murrindindi Shire Council Yea Saleyards Upgrade 100,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Glenorchy and Marnoo Township B-Double Road Upgrades

83,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Rainbow Valley Turkeys B-Double Road Upgrades

55,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - St Arnaud Township B-Double Road Upgrades

10,000

Northern Grampians Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Stawell Township B-Double Road Upgrades

51,250

Northern Grampians Shire Council Stawell Airport Upgrade - Stage 2 249,700

Paper Australia Pty. Ltd. Australian Paper Maryvale Investment Program 1,256,000

Parks Victoria Great Ocean Walk Experience 1,000,000

Parks Victoria Great Ocean Walk Improvement Project (Stage 1) 221,970

Parks Victoria Great South West Walk Contemporary Refurbishment 220,000

Parks Victoria Local Ports Program 2009/10 - Port Of Queenscliff 500,000

Parks Victoria Sustaining Local Ports - Port Campbell (2010/11) 417,435

Parks Victoria Sustaining Local Ports - Port Phillip Bay (2010/11) 344,152

Powercor Australia Ltd. On-Farm Energy Upgrade Grant - Western Victoria 297,690

Pyrenees Hay Processors Co-operative Limited

PHPC Export Enhancement Program 34,845

Pyrenees Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Raglan Elmhurst Road 386,975

Rocky Lamattina & Sons Pty. Ltd. Lamattina Farms Switched On Horticulture Electricity Powerline Upgrade

56,000

South Gippsland Region Water Corporation

Korumburra, Leongatha - South Gippsland Wastewater - Venus Bay Ocean Outfall

408,141

Southern Grampians Shire Council Hamilton Airport Upgrade 1,131,343

Southern Grampians Shire Council Hamilton Showgrounds Upgrade 150,000


Southern Grampians Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Cavendish Coleraine Road Widening & Pavement Strengthening (Rd 3)

161,326

Southern Grampians Shire Council Redevelopment of the Hamilton Arts Precinct 300,000

SPI Networks Pty. Ltd. On-farm Energy Upgrade Grant - Eastern Victoria 294,067

Strathbogie Shire Council Nagambie Revitalisation Project 525,000

Strathbogie Shire Council Strathbogie Equine Industry Expansion 400,000

Surf Coast Shire Council Surf Coast Walk - Stage 1 400,000

The Bendigo Trust Driving Bendigo's Working History (Bendigo Tramways Depot Development)

400,000

The Sovereign Hill Museums Association Gold Museum: Building for the Future (Sovereign Hill 40th Anniversary)

500,000

Towong Shire Council High Country Rail Trail - Sandy Creek Bridge 750,000

University of Melbourne International Centre of Excellence in Water Management - Dookie Infrastructure Upgrade - Phase 1

250,000

Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd. Rural Showgrounds and Field Days Minor Capital Works Program (Round 2)

100,000

Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd. Rural Showgrounds and Field Days Renewal Fund - Minor Capital Works Program

98,167

Victorian Farmers Federation Stock Over Underpass Road Safety (Sours) Program - Extension

505,542

Victorian Farmers Federation Stock Over Underpass Road Safety (Sours) Program - Further Extension

68,938

Wangaratta Rural City Council Wangaratta Regional Events Centre Facility (Showgrounds) Development

175,000

Warrnambool City Council Local Ports Program 2009/10 - Port of Warrnambool 585,000

Warrnambool City Council Warrnambool Entertainment Centre Redevelopment Project

1,900,000

Warrnambool City Council Warrnambool Intermodal Terminal Upgrade 170,000

Wellington Shire Council Sale Showgrounds Redevelopment 150,000

Wellington Shire Council West Sale and Bairnsdale Aerodromes 2,400,000

West Wimmera Shire Council Kaniva Industrial Estate Extension 230,000

West Wimmera Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Broughton Road Reconstruction

121,920

West Wimmera Shire Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Charam Wombelano Road Reconstruction

82,285

Wodonga City Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Mahers Road Reconstruction (Rd 3)

88,184

Wodonga City Council Local Roads to Markets Program - Mahers Road Reconstruction (Stage 2)

118,998

Wodonga City Council Wodonga Performing Arts Centre Development 3,000,000

Total 64,510,591

OUTPUT TARGETSAND PERFORMANCE

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL CITIES Unit of

Measure2011-12 Target

2011-12 Actual Note

Quantity

Economic development, service delivery and community capacity projects funded

number 140 158

Energy for the Regions Program: Number of towns included

number 4 2 1

Regional infrastructure projects funded number 100 101

Rural councils participating in Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) network

number 38 38

Quality

Participant satisfaction with implementation of Regional Development Victoria (RDV) programs

% 80 86

Putting Locals First Fund projects recommended by Regional Development Committees approved for funding

% 85 100

Regional councils participating at the regional expo % 80 100

Stakeholder satisfaction with RDV support for Regional Strategic Planning

% 75 100

Timeliness

Advice provided to government about the bushfire reconstruction and recovery process within agreed timelines

% 100 100

Grants acquitted within the timeframe specified in the terms and conditions of the funding agreement: Local Government Infrastructure Account

% 75 N/A 2

Note

1. The procurement process implemented by RDV to deliver the Program did not illicit a strong response from the gas distribution businesses, with the majority of bids received not acceptable.At the close of this process, agreement has been reached on two regional gas projects in Mildura and Huntly.The next stage of Program delivery involves a broadened strategy to engage natural gas suppliers in both the conventional pipeline and alternative delivery markets. The new strategy, expected to commence in the second half of 2012, includes a plan to offer incumbent gas distributors a fixed subsidy ‘bounty’ amount to supply priority towns. In addition, bids will be invited from the market for a compressed (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) natural gas delivery system and local town reticulation networks.

2. No grants were required to be acquitted in the current financial year.

REVENUE AND EXPENSESControlled income and expenses for the year ended 30 June 2012

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL CITIES 2012

$’0002011$’000

Income from transactions

Output appropriations 23,720 55,286

Regional Growth Fund appropriations 127,000 47,000

Interest 9,739 10,394

Other revenue 4,947 19,157Total income from transactions 165,406 131,837

Expenses from transactions

Grants and other payments (134,724) (97,745)

Employee-related expenses (7,670) (15,184)

Depreciation and amortisation (172) (775)

Capital asset charge (130) (403)

Other operating expenses (13,150) (15,133)

Interest (13) (23)Total expenses from transactions (155,860) (129,263)

Operating surplus (deficit) 9,546 2,574

The balance of the Regional Growth Fund Trust at 30 June 2012 was $233.89 million. The funds are held in trust to meet existing commitments due in future periods.

The financial operations of Regional Development Victoria are included in the Financial Reports of the Department of Planning and Community Development.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEConsolidated financial statements for the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) and RDV are contained in the 2011-12 annual report published by DPCD.This report contains RDV’s Output Targets and Performance and Revenue and Expenses for the year ended 30 June 2012.

COMPLIANCECompliance requirements in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994 and the directions of the Minister for Finances were managed by DPCD on behalf of RDV. Consolidated compliance reporting information for RDV for the 2011-12 financial year is contained in the 2011-12 annual report published by DPCD.

LEGISLATIONRDV is responsible for the following legislation:

The Regional Development Victoria Act 2002. The Regional Growth Fund Act 2011. The Albury Wodonga Agreement (Repeal) Act 2003.

CONTACT INFORMATIONFor more information regarding Regional Development Victoria (RDV) contact a representative in your region.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT VICTORIA REPRESENTATIVESAraratT 03 5365 0534

Ballarat T 03 5327 2800

Bendigo T 03 4433 8000

Geelong T 03 5212 6000

Horsham T 03 5381 2762

MilduraT 03 5051 2000

Shepparton T 03 5895 4100

Swan Hill T 03 5036 2452

Traralgon T 03 5116 7300

Wangaratta T 03 5722 7101

Warrnambool T 03 5561 4135

Wodonga T 02 6022 9222

ACCESSIBILITYIf you would like this publication in an accessible format, such as large print or audio, please phone 13 22 15 (voice calls), or email [email protected].

This document is also available in an accessible format on the internet at www.rdv.vic.gov.au.Published by the Victorian GovernmentRegional Development VictoriaAnnual Report 2011-2012

September 2012Melbourne Victoria

© Copyright State of Victoria 2012

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

ISSN 1448-9341

ContactPlanning and Community DevelopmentLevel 12, 1 Spring StreetMelbourne 3000

T 03 9452 5251

E [email protected]

Designed byo2 Media2/102 Lava StreetWarrnambool, Victoria 3280www.o2media.com.au

Printed byFinsbury Green in Victoria on 100% recycled paper

www.rdv.vic.gov.au

Regional Development Victoria Annual Report 2011-2012 Web viewBallarat Vocal Arts Association Pty....

Documents

Transcript of Regional Development Victoria Annual Report 2011-2012 Web viewBallarat Vocal Arts Association Pty....