Thursday, 31 August 2023

Ministers statements: regional development

Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Equality) (12:35): I rise today in my role as Minister for Regional Development to talk about the really wonderful buy-in and engagement that is happening for rural and regional communities, for sporting organisations and for local councils, tourism boards, our regional partnerships and so many others as the work around the regional package forums and round tables continues. This builds on a range of conversations that I have been pleased to continue with people right across rural and regional Victoria to make the most of the $2 billion regional package and to make sure that, when we talk about the six pillars which apply to this record investment of more than $2 billion, at the heart of these conversations and these meetings in large groups and small we have First Peoples, accessibility and inclusion, economic, social, environmental, sport and wellbeing values.

It was wonderful to join the Minister for Housing Colin Brooks last week in Shepparton for a further conversation about the work to deliver permanent sporting infrastructure – in Shepp, for example, that is the BMX facilities – as well as to talk about $1 billion in additional funding for a least 1300 social and affordable homes, $150 million for the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund and so many other initiatives which councils large and small, organisations and communities are really excited about. This ranges from the Tiny Towns Fund and the additional $10 million that is available through that through to sporting infrastructure, all-abilities operations and programs, and First Nations engagement and economic development. These are conversations that are directly informing the work of delivering on this regional package. This is a collaborative approach, informed by good co-design and engagement. I cannot wait for the next one to come in Geelong next week and for the ones that follow.