Damian Drum, the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, accompanied by local Member of Parliament Bill Sykes met with councils and businesses in north east Victoria this week.
At Euroa, Mr Drum and Dr Sykes were presented with some exciting information on development projects for Strathbogie Shire.
For example discussions are in progress to upgrade Mangalore Airport and opportunities for intensive agricultural industries are also being explored.
Strathbogie Shire has committed a lot of their Regional Growth Fund money to road and bridge maintenance and upgrades.
“This will accelerate the reduction of the infrastructure maintenance gap so that it should be eliminated by 2017.
“This use of Regional Growth Fund money on roads and bridges is in addition to another $4 million over four years for road and bridge maintenance.”
The Avenel Recreational Reserve was recently allocated $300,000 plus $100,000 from the shire for infrastructure upgrades and a similar project is in the pipeline for Memorial Oval at Euroa.
Dr Sykes concluded, “The Coalition Government’s commitment of $1 billion over eight years through the Regional Growth Fund to regional Victoria and $160 million over four years for roads and bridges to smaller rural councils is really helping local government close the infrastructure maintenance gap and provide local communities with improved services and quality of life.”

Damian Drum, the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, accompanied by local Member of Parliament Bill Sykes met with councils and businesses in north east Victoria this week.
At Mansfield, Mr Drum and Dr Sykes were impressed by the ‘can do’ approach of Mansfield Shire councillors and staff.
Mansfield based projects which have benefitted from the Regional Growth Fund include the upgrading of the Mansfield Recreational Reserve and surrounding infrastructure and the development of a strategic community plan.
Other State Government grants have recently been allocated to resurface the Mansfield netball courts and security lighting at the recreational reserve and playground.
In each case there have also been substantial local government and community contributions.
Smaller communities have also benefitted from recent State Government funding including the Tolmie Tea Rooms and Maindample Community Park.
Mr Drum said, “Mansfield has fantastic natural assets such as the high country and Lake Eildon. In addition Mansfield is fortunate to have capable councillors and staff to maximise the advantage of these assets by attracting tourists whilst protecting prime agricultural land and the lifestyle of local residents and the absentee property owners.”
Dr Sykes concluded, “The Coalition Government’s commitment of $1 billion over eight years through the Regional Growth Fund to regional Victoria and $160 million over four years for roads and bridges to smaller rural councils is really helping local government close the infrastructure maintenance gap and provide local communities with improved services and quality of life.”

Damian Drum, the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, accompanied by local Member of Parliament Bill Sykes met with councils and businesses in north east Victoria this week.
At Bright, Mr Drum and Dr Sykes met with Alpine Shire mayor Peter Roper and CEO Ian Nicholls who highlighted the natural beauty of the Alpine Shire as well as the challenges including a small rate payer base and in recent times and a series of flood and fires.
Alpine Shire have used much of their Regional Growth Fund money to upgrade key roads such as the Stanley Road, Island Street, Myrtleford Hoop Trail bridges and Gundowring Road.
Mr Drum and Dr Sykes also visited the Bright Art Gallery and met with president Ian Cheyne, secretary Heather Kelly and treasurer Brian Kelly.
The art gallery have lodged an application for a grant through the Putting Locals First program of $300,000 to extend the art gallery which is full to the brim with paintings at the moment.
Mr Drum indicated the support for cultural projects such as the art gallery was very consistent with Regional Growth funding priorities as the presence of assets such as the art gallery enhances the lifestyle for locals as well as attracting visitors.
Dr Sykes concluded, “The Coalition Government’s commitment of $1 billion over eight years through the Regional Growth Fund to regional Victoria and $160 million over four years for roads and bridges to smaller rural councils is really helping local government close the infrastructure maintenance gap and provide local communities with improved services and quality of life.”

Damian Drum, the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, accompanied by local Member of Parliament Bill Sykes met with councils and businesses in north east Victoria this week.
At Benalla, Mr Drum and Dr Sykes inspected Thales Munitions Factory. Both were impressed by the commercial ‘can do’ focus of management and staff and the impressive on-site safety record.
Mr Drum said, “Thales employs around 250 people at the Benalla site and several hundred more at Bendigo, Mulwala/Yarrawonga, and in their Melbourne offices. Thales’ contribution to the local economy and general community well-being is very significant and the Coalition Government are keen to support businesses such as Thales.”
Mr Trevor Gunn, General Manager Manufacturing Operations Benalla said, “Thales has made significant investments in equipment and up skilling our workforce at Benalla and we are proud to be delivering a key strategic capability to Australia’s armed forces from regional Victoria.”
Dr Sykes said, “Over my ten years as the local member I have observed the evolution of ADI, now Thales, into a very professional, commercially driven business.
“Thales have also been very community minded, in particular they have donated well over 100 computers for my office to distribute free to local community groups.”
Mr Drum and Dr Sykes also met with Benalla Rural City council representatives and learnt how the council was utilising the $4 million roads and bridges grant and over $3 million for local infrastructure and community projects.
Councillor Suzy Martin said, “The $4 million over four years to spend on roads and bridges has greatly helped the infrastructure maintenance program.
“What is really good is that council, not State Government, decides how to spend the money. Of course we must provide proof of responsible use of the money.”
Dr Sykes concluded, “The Coalition Government’s commitment of $1 billion over eight years through the Regional Growth Fund to regional Victoria and $160 million over four years to smaller rural councils for roads and bridges is really helping local government close the infrastructure maintenance gap and provide local communities with improved services and quality of life.”

Strategic planning in Mansfield Shire received a boost today with Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes announcing a $75,000 Victorian Government grant to Mansfield Shire Council on behalf of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.

Dr Sykes said the funding would help the council to engage a professional with specialist strategic planning skills to undertake a comprehensive review over two years of the shire’s strategic planning documents and processes.

“The key focus of the role will be to ensure that the Mansfield Shire Council has the right strategic plans and policies in place to effectively guide future investment and growth in a way that preserves and protects the shire’s rural character,” Dr Sykes said.

Dr Sykes said Mansfield Shire was one of the fastest growing rural municipalities in Victoria.

“Mansfield Shire is an increasingly popular location for people to settle in who want a change in lifestyle. The area offers abundant natural attractions such as Lake Eildon and the High Country and many sporting opportunities such as skiing and bike riding.

“Mansfield has a reputation as a ‘can do’ community which works hard to provide opportunities for residents to get involved in activities such as volunteering, the arts, conservation and sports. The continued development of MACE, providing educational study opportunities also contributes to the attractiveness of Mansfield as a great place to live.

“The region also attracts more than 1.2 million tourists per annum, generating an estimated $134 million in economic activity.

“While this growth makes the area very attractive for potential investors, Shire planning documentation and processes need to be improved to maintain the inherent character and amenity of the area.

“They also need to capture and capitalize on investment opportunities by offering direction, certainty and opportunity for those looking to invest in the Shire.”

Mr Ryan said Mansfield Shire Council doesn’t have a dedicated Strategic Planning position in its organizational structure and this new position would inject the necessary skills to ensure growth is supported and managed effectively by Council

“In particular, the role of the Mansfield township as a regional service centre must be recognised by local planning policy, and there is a need to ensure that plans are in place to manage future growth of that centre,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Strategic Planning for Investment project will deliver streamlined planning controls and a clear strategic direction to guide growth. This work will facilitate orderly and appropriate investment in commercial, retail and residential sectors across Mansfield Shire.”

Mr Ryan said Victorian Government funding to engage the strategic planner would be provided over two years to Mansfield Shire Council.

Friday 2 March 2012 For immediate release

$95,000 for Mansfield town integrated strategic study

A comprehensive planning study to develop a strategic, long term vision to accommodate current and future growth in and around Mansfield town will be developed with the help of a $95,000. The grant was announced today by the Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes on behalf of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.

Dr Sykes said the study would explore optimal land use arrangements and opportunities for Mansfield township to facilitate appropriate growth, providing certainty to Mansfield Shire Council, investors and the community.
“Mansfield Shire’s population has been growing at about 2% annually, largely due to high birth rates and an increasing trend for non-resident ratepayers to retire permanently to their rural properties,” Dr Sykes said.

“Location and high natural amenity are some of the key drivers of the Shire’s extraordinary growth, which is expected to continue at around 1.6% per annum for the next 20 years.

“To deliver these opportunities for growth and investment it is critical for the Shire to have an articulated and agreed vision for the town and the planning documents to support it.

“This will help the council plan and manage development to optimise outcomes rather than merely respond on an ad-hoc basis to development requests that risk poor outcomes.”

The Study will address key areas, including:
• Availability of vacant residential, industrial and commercial land with strategy to manage the redevelopment of these areas;
• Identify opportunities and constraints related to land capability, environmental issues, availability of services and infrastructure for land use and redevelopment;
• Address access within the township including road network and walking paths to respond to vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle movement requirements;
• Consider infrastructure needs and standards to achieve sustainable urban design;
• identify urban design initiatives to guide future development and promote the unique characteristics of the township;
• Develop of a precinct parking plan specifically for the Mansfield Shopping Strip to support the proposed expansion of the commercial precinct; and
• Consider measures to facilitate growth of the Health, Community Services and Education sectors, which are vital to attract and support economic growth.

Mr Ryan said Victorian Government funding for the $190,000 Mansfield Shire Council – An Integrated Strategic Study for Mansfield Township would be provided to Mansfield Shire Council. He said the study was expected to start in March and take a year to complete.

A new community park will be built in Maindample thanks to a $90,000 Victorian Government grant announced today by Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes on behalf of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.
Dr Sykes said the Maindample Community Park Project would make Maindample a more attractive location by providing facilities not currently available in the town.
“Maindample is a growing community that is becoming an increasingly popular place for young families to live,” Dr Sykes said.
“Maindample currently has no maintained parks, public reserves or gardens, which limits the ability of residents and families to participate in safe, outdoor recreation and social activities in their township.
“In recent community consultation, Maindample residents identified the creation of a community park for the use and enjoyment of residents and visitors as one of their top priorities.”
Dr Sykes said, “This is a fantastic result for Maindample and a great example of what can be achieved when a community and local government work together.
“The park will also add to the amenity of the area when the local community holds its Maindample Community Market, usually on any Sunday during a long weekend.
“The Maindample Community Park Project will use three acres of vacant Crown land in the settlement centre, which was tidied up during a recent community working bee.”
The project involves:
• Construction of a shelter to house an electric BBQ;
• Installing a water tank (attached to BBQ shelter), along with picnic tables and bench seating;
• Constructing pathways linking key amenities on the reserve;
• Landscaping and site beautification;
• Designing and installing interpretive signage focusing on Maindample’s history;
• Constructing a children’s play area and gravel parking area;
• Installing fencing around the park.
Mr Ryan said the park would improve Maindample’s livability by providing a safe, publicly accessible community space.
“This will create opportunities for residents to participate in safe, passive recreation within their own township,” Mr Ryan said.
“The Goulburn River High Country (GRHC) Rail Trail now links Maindample with Mansfield and Bonnie Doon and the park will be a valuable addition to the Trail.”
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Government funding for the Maindample Community Park Project would be provided to Mansfield Shire Council through $100 million Putting Locals First program.
He said work on the park was expected to start in October and be completed in February 2013.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today welcomed funding from the Victorian Government of $25,000 to improve the skills of Goulburn River Valley tourism businesses.
Dr Sykes said Goulburn River Valley Tourism’s Business Development and Training Program would improve coordination and promotion of tourism attractions across the Strathbogie, Murrindindi and Mitchell Shires and the City of Greater Shepparton.
He said, “This initiative is a proactive way to promote and strengthen tourism opportunities and events in the Strathbogie and Murrindindi Shires, both of which offer some fantastic natural attractions including Lakes Eildon and Nagambie and many rivers, rail trails and National Parks. The region also has excellent local festivals, markets and events, wineries and restaurants.
“The region will benefit from this project by offering training in packaging and promotion and event management as well as the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) Summit to train volunteers and staff about the product and attractions of the Goulburn River Valley region.”
Member for Seymour, Cindy McLeish said, “The Goulburn River and the valley is one of the truly gorgeous parts of Victoria.

“I’m pleased the Coalition Government can provide this opportunity for local tourism businesses which will be of benefit to the towns and the many Goulburn communities.”
Jeanette Powell, Member for Shepparton said, “This is great news for Goulburn River Valley Tourism as it will enable it to further develop its cooperative approach to tourism across the region.”
The project follows a survey by Goulburn River Valley Tourism of its stakeholders to determine industry training and development needs, which identified event development and packing and promotion as the two key training needs.
The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) Summit is expected to attract more than 100 participants and provides volunteers the opportunity to better understand the region’s tourism offerings and to share information and network.
The project will build the capacity of tourism operators to meet tourist needs and grow the local economy and to improve business connectivity to create a more robust and diverse tourism sector in the region.
The Victorian Government funding for the Business Development and Training Program is provided to Goulburn River Valley Tourism through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First program.

Member for Benalla Bill Sykes today opened a $3.5 million project that will pave the way for future growth in tourism and private sector development in Nagambie.
Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, Dr Sykes said the Nagambie Revitalisation Project had redeveloped public open space around Nagambie Lakes and linked major new private sector development with the town.
“The upgrade, involving ‘on land’ and ‘over water’ infrastructure has connected Nagambie’s main commercial precinct with the new multi-million dollar lakeside residential precinct currently under construction,” Dr Sykes said.
“A key element of the project was directing lakeside residents, holidaymakers, as well as park and lake users to Nagambie’s commercial centre through the use of a convenient and attractive pathway.
“The works covered Jacobsons Outlook, Blaney Reserve, Buckley Park and jetty and the Lakeside connectivity path.”
Minister Ryan said that by linking the town to its major tourism asset, the project would attract tourists and private sector development.
“The Nagambie Revitalisation Project was identified as a high priority in the Nagambie Growth Management Plan, which aims to create an environment that acts a catalyst for new investment in the region,” Mr Ryan said.
“The adjacent Elloura development currently underway at a cost of a $175 million over five years is likely to create 50 to 60 jobs during the construction phase as well as providing flow-on employment in the hospitality, accommodation and commercial services sectors.”
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Government, through Regional Development Victoria, provided Strathbogie Council with $2.385 million towards the Nagambie Revitalisation Project, and council contributed $100,000.
Other funding partners included Elloura developer the Lockland Group, which contributed $1 million towards public access infrastructure, and Marine Victoria ($30,000).

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today welcomed receiving advice from Murrindindi Shire on how they will allocate funding of $2.1 million for several important new infrastructure works in the Murrindindi Shire.
Dr Sykes said the funding was the first allocation to Victoria’s 48 rural and regional councils from the $100 million Local Government Infrastructure Program (LGIP).
Dr Sykes said the Murrindindi Shire had allocated its funding to a number of projects which include;
1. Thornton Hall external works; and
2. Feasibility planning for infrastructure.

CEO of the Murrindindi Shire Council, Margaret Abbey said, “The funding will allow Council to continue to work with the community to restore important community infrastructure across the shire.”
Dr Sykes said, “The Liberal Nationals Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to regional Victoria.
“The upgrade of the hall at Thornton will no doubt be welcomed by the local community.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the Local Government Infrastructure Program gave regional and rural councils certainty to plan for and build new infrastructure or renew assets.

“The program is supporting local council initiatives including roads, bridges, and new community assets such as halls and theatres, sporting grounds, grandstands, pools, libraries, and upgrading existing facilities,” Mr Ryan said.

“Each council has been allocated a notional four-year total for priority local projects identified in forward capital works plans.”

Mr Ryan said the government had so far provided $74.7 million for 267 infrastructure projects from the Local Government Infrastructure Program’s allocation.

Dr Sykes said the Local Government Infrastructure Program was part of the Regional Growth Fund, the Government’s $1 billion commitment over eight years to drive regional development across the State and ensure regional Victoria remained a key contributor to the State’s future growth and prosperity.