The Victorian Government is unlocking more job opportunities for rural and regional Victorian communities, with the next round of the flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure fund now open for applications.

Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing today launched the new round of the fund at the Gippsland Logistics Precinct in Morwell, which once completed will have the potential to create hundreds of new jobs in the Latrobe Valley thanks to support from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.

Construction is underway on the development’s first stage to deliver fully serviced industrial zoned land to attract businesses to the precinct. An Expression of Interest process run by the Latrobe City Council will soon be underway to enable businesses to register an interest in securing a spot at the precinct.

This year’s funding, announced in the 22-23 Victorian Budget, provides $30 million for projects designed to create new jobs, attract business investment and deliver infrastructure projects to help regional towns continue to thrive.

The fund will allow local businesses, industry and councils to apply for grants to bring more projects to life that matter to locals. Since 2015, the fund has supported rural and regional Victoria’s 48 local councils and regional cities and hundreds of small to medium businesses to deliver around 1,000 projects that have created 13,000 jobs.

The Fund delivers grants through three streams, including the Regional Jobs Fund, Regional Infrastructure Fund and Investment Fast Track Fund, which are covering projects from the planning stage through to completion. The Fund is part of the Government’s more than $36 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015.

In the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region, several businesses have been supported in their expansion plans through the Regional Jobs Fund to create up to 60 new jobs for locals.  These include Australia’s oldest copper cable manufacturer Bambach Cables, food service distributor Bidfood and outdoor living company LV Shade Sails.

The Gippsland Logistics Precinct is part of plans by the Victorian Government to support, strengthen and diversify the Latrobe Valley economy by creating opportunities for growth and business development. This investment will position the Latrobe Valley as the new centre for manufacturing and logistics, supporting more jobs in the region.

The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund has also supported community centres, tourist attractions and improved streetscapes which are all helping regional towns become more appealing for locals and visitors.

Applications for the Regional Infrastructure Fund and Investment Fast Track Fund are open until Wednesday 17 August, while applications for the Regional Jobs Fund will be open until Friday, 30 June 2023.  For more information go to rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing

“I’m looking forward to seeing how our flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund will continue to help our regions reach their full potential with more jobs and economic opportunities.”

“Rural and regional Victoria communities contribute so much to our state’s economy, and this funding will help ensure that continues, from our smallest towns to our biggest regional cities.”