Victoria's Regional Economies to grow even stronger
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Victoria's regional and rural economies are set to grow even stronger after the Brumby Labor Government combined Regional and Rural Development portfolio with Industry and Trade today.
Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan today acquired Industry and Trade and said the economic development super-portfolio would make it easier to attract more investment to regional Victoria as well as ensuring continued investment in metropolitan Victoria.
"With both portfolios allocated to one Minister, investors will be more aware than ever before of the incredible opportunities in regional and rural Victoria," she said.
"This will mean more jobs, stronger investment, and secured lifestyles for regional and rural cities and towns."
Ms Allan said regional and rural Victoria was an integral part of Victoria's industry and trade future.
"Victorian Government investment in regional Victoria so far includes support of more than 530 projects worth more than $11 billion and creating more than 19,000 jobs," she said.
"Encapsulated in this is the work I have done as Regional and Rural Development Minister under the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
"RIDF has so far seen $1.3 billion in infrastructure facilitated by this government's loyal support of regional and rural cities and towns."
Ms Allan said Victoria's economic strength would continue to be a priority for the Brumby Labor Government.
"The Premier and I both want the Victorian economy to continue to be one of the leading economies in the worldwide recovery from the Global Financial Crisis," she said.
"Creating and securing investment and jobs for Victorian families is crucial to maintaining Victoria's competitive edge."
"All Victorians will continue to see investment and support from this government in key manufacturing and industry areas such as automotive, aviation, defence, tourism, financial services, food and ICT and telecommunications.
Ms Allan said the Brumby Labor Government's strong economic management had led to a 32 per cent increase in Victorian exports since 2000.
"Victoria's exports are now worth $33 billion to the state each year including $20.3 billion of goods exports and $12.7 billion of services exports," she said.
"It remains our commitment to grow Victoria's overall export target to $35 billion by the year 2015."
Back to News