Locals, industry representatives and the Andrews Labor Government will come together tonight in Portland for the Great South Coast Regional Assembly – the final Assembly of 2017.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said the Assembly was an important opportunity to discuss the future of the region, its priorities and the Labor Government’s ongoing partnership with local communities.
Last year’s inaugural Great South Coast Regional Assembly in Port Fairy identified priorities for the region, which included securing a strong and diverse regional economy with more local jobs.
The Labor Government know the importance of the agricultural industry along the Great South Coast. That’s why it will announce $500,000 for a Great South Coast Food and Fibre Council – a key priority of the Partnership established to drive sector development strategies.
This is on top of $1 million already announced to continue another Partnership priority, Beyond the Bell, a program that boosts educational attainment in the region. The region will also share in the $45 million Connecting Regional Communities Program to support digital initiatives.
Communities along the south coast will also benefit from the $114 million Warrnambool line upgrade track, road upgrades in the region including those servicing the Port of Portland and the Princes and Henty highways, and $7.5 million for the design for Stage 2 redevelopment of South West Healthcare.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“This is the final Regional Assembly of 2017, and we’re ready to end on a high with a big crowd in Portland. More than 1,300 people have attended our forums this year, delivering their ideas to the heart of the Government.”
“From Colac to Portland, along our Great Ocean Road and across our prime agricultural land – we’re laying the foundations for the future for a vibrant and prosperous Great South Coast.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Tonight is an opportunity for locals to continue generating the ideas of the future that make living, working and visiting our Great South Coast Region the envy of Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Great South Coast Regional Partnership Chair Emily Lee-Ack
“This Partnership is keen to unleash the potential of the Great South Coast. Through our online survey, which has been running for more than a month, and here tonight, we are giving people living and working on the Great South Coast the opportunity to tell us what they want to see for their futures.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020