Media Release: INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL CENTRES OF THE FUTURE LAUNCHED TODAY

FROM THE MINISTER FOR REGIONAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

DATE: Tuesday, May 27, 2008

INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL CENTRES OF THE FUTURE LAUNCHED TODAY

Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan launched a Parliamentary inquiry into the future investment needs of regional Victoria in State Parliament today.

Ms Allan said the Regional and Rural Affairs Committee Inquiry into Regional Centres of the Future would examine what additional measures may be needed to build on the Brumby Government’s record investment in regional and rural Victoria.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure provincial Victoria has the right investment and infrastructure to support the future needs of families in regional Victoria,” Ms Allan said.

“The inquiry will focus on the future of provincial Victoria, examining productivity, sustainability and liveability to ensure regional Victoria can meet the challenge of future population growth.”

The inquiry will examine a range of issues including:
· measures to encourage new and existing business, industries and government authorities to establish operations in regional centres;
· the development of industrial land to support the economic base of regional centres;
· the most effective investments in infrastructure to encourage business and industry development in regional centres, and to support and encourage future population growth;
· initiatives to promote social wellbeing in growing regional centres; and
· national and global success stories about the promotion of population growth in regional centres.

Since 1999, the Bracks/Brumby Government has been committed to improving infrastructure and resources in regional and rural Victoria, resulting in $8.91 billion worth of new investment and the creation of more than 16,000 new jobs.

“Through initiatives such as the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund, the Brumby Government has been able to deliver valuable infrastructure projects across Victoria.

“To date, the fund has provided $399.9 million towards 172 capital works projects that have injected more than $1.19 billion in new infrastructure investment, which is a remarkable achievement.”

The inquiry, to be undertaken by the Regional and Rural Affairs Committee, will deliver its report to Parliament by September 30, 2009.