The Andrews Labor Government is unlocking industrial opportunities in Bannockburn with new funding to help the area grow and become a better place to live, work and invest.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Bannockburn to announce a $2 million grant to support the development of the Bannockburn South West Industrial Estate, as part of the Labor Government's Regional Infrastructure Fund - Stimulus Round.
The investment will enable the installation of critical drainage infrastructure that will help unlock the potential of the industrial precinct and encourage private sector investment within the 268.5 hectares of undeveloped land, as identified in the Bannockburn Growth Plan.
The funding will support the construction of an onsite retarding basin and pump system, while also enabling the completion of earthworks on a table drain along Old Base Road for approximately 1.7 kilometres.
The project is expected to generate employment for five full-time equivalent staff during construction. Design works are underway and the project is expected to be complete by the middle of next year.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Labor Government's flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, helping businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supporting community projects and backing councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.
The stimulus round will boost local economies as they recover from the effects of the pandemic and create jobs while improving tourism and community infrastructure.
The fund is key to the Labor Government's $8 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria unveiled in the Victorian Budget 2020/21 to support communities to come back stronger than ever.
The second round of the fund's program is due to open for applications from 16 June with regional and rural councils eligible to apply for grants. Information and guidelines can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"Whether you're in a small country town or a bustling regional city - we're working to make all our communities even better places to live, work, visit and invest."
"This project will deliver immediate benefits by creating jobs and increasing economic activity. This round of the Regional Infrastructure Fund will ensure Victoria continues to have our nation's most vibrant regional economies."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
"The development of Bannockburn South West Industrial Estate will support the town's ongoing economic prosperity, and we are delighted to invest in this important project."
