- Published:
- Tuesday 2 June 2015
The Andrews Labor Government’s investment in agriculture will create jobs and drive economic growth to regional Victorian communities, the Central Victorian Agribusiness Forum in Newbridge heard today.
Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, told industry experts the Labor Government is committed to farming families, who sit at the heart of rural and regional Victoria. The Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget makes investing in agriculture a priority, ensuring our state’s $11 billion food and fibre industry grows.
The Budget includes up to $220 million for the Murray Basin Rail Project, which will standardise rail freight services, increase efficiency and improve access to ports so our farmers, producers and families can continue to prosper. The Labor Government has fast-tracked $30 million to get work started.
The Government has already delivered on its election commitment to establish a $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, including $250 million to develop new centres and attractions to boost business and bring visitors to regional Victoria.
The Budget provides $45 million in initiatives aimed at building industry capacity and creating new jobs, while the Labor Government’s $20 million Food Source Victoria program will bring neighbouring producers together to boost exports and grow local industries.
The Budget demonstrates the Labor Government’s commitment to farming families, ensuring Victorian producers are better connected, better skilled and better supported.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford
“The Central Victorian Agribusiness Forum plays a key role increasing productivity, profitability and opportunity for the farming sector.”
“Agriculture is a key sector in our economy and farming families sit at its heart. We have to work hard to ensure the food and fibre industry gets the support it needs to prosper.”
“We’re putting farming families first, ensuring they stay competitive and get the support they deserve.”