I am pleased to share the first edition of the quarterly newsletter from Regional Development Victoria (RDV). Regional Living News will provide a snapshot of key developments supported by the Victorian Government in regional and rural Victoria.

This edition showcases a range of government initiatives designed to help drive regional development. These include significant funding for priorities identified through Regional Partnerships, including $29 million for specific community projects, $45 million to develop better digital infrastructure and communications, as well as investments across health, education, transport and housing.

Also great news for regional Victorians are budget allocations of $50 million to double the First Home Owner Grant for new homes in regional Victoria, abolishing stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing under $600,000 and a 25 per cent reduction of the payroll tax rate for businesses operating in the regions.

We update you on a major project in Ballarat – the Mars Stadium redevelopment. Formerly known as Eureka Stadium, it is one of numerous large-scale infrastructure projects funded from the Victorian Government's $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. The fund is key to RDV’s role in growing jobs, safeguarding existing employment, building infrastructure and strengthening regional communities throughout Victoria. Since its inception, the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund has attracted $1.1 billion in investment, generated $123 million in exports, and created and retained over 4,500 jobs in regional Victoria.

The inaugural edition of our newsletter previews the forthcoming 2017 Regional Assemblies including the first for the year, Mallee Regional Assembly held on 29 June in Swan Hill. It also features a story about enthusiasm and innovation – two of the many qualities that make life in our regions so rewarding.

James Flintoft
Chief Executive 
Regional Development Victoria

RDV is the Victorian Government’s lead agency responsible for driving economic and community development in rural and regional Victoria. Our aim is to work with local communities to help make regional Victoria a better place to live, work and do business by continuing to make significant contributions to investment, growth and regional planning.

Work is on track to deliver the world-class stadium that Ballarat deserves. When complete, the newly named Mars Stadium will mean teams like the Western Bulldogs can 'hit the paddock' in Ballarat and bring more visitors to regional Victoria.

Read more about the Stadium

A number of key initiatives are currently under way to help strengthen our regional communities. These stories include:

New GovHubs bring more jobs into regional Victoria

More jobs will be directed to the regions as a result of GovHub – two dedicated government complexes to be built in Ballarat and the Latrobe Valley by 2020.

Read more about GovHubs.

The 2017-18 Victorian Budget provides funding for better digital infrastructure to create more local jobs and enrich regional communities.

Read more about better digital connections.

Ian and Leanne Neeland were on the verge of starting their new business in Queensland but an approach from the Victorian Government Business Centre in Geelong changed everything. Now business is booming for their Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.

Read how they made it work.

The Victorian Government has recently allocated $29 million to meet specific priorities identified by Regional Partnerships, including projects in health, education, transport, housing and digital connectivity. Work continues with the state’s nine Regional Partnerships as they report back to government on their local priorities.

Read more about Regional Partnerships.