News

Grants and awards | August 28, 2019

Jobs and funding cuts under Labor’s ‘plan’ for regional development

The future of Victoria’s only government department dedicated to supporting jobs growth and community development in the Lowan electorate and across Regional Victoria remains under threat.

The Andrews Labor Government is currently reviewing Regional Development Victoria (RDV), but it’s not clear when the review will be completed or if it will be publicly released.

The review comes after a $130 million cut to RDV’s administration funding in the May State Budget.

Labor has failed to rule out further job losses and funding cuts from RDV following the review.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy said there were many local programs that had been supported by RDV.

“RDV, through the Regional Growth Fund, has supported many critical projects that have led to community development and jobs growth in Lowan,” Ms Kealy said.

“This includes $500,000 for the Casterton Family and Children’s Centre, $1.2 million for Longerenong College, $354,000 for the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and $170,000 for the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange.

“Despite the program delivering a $1 billion boost to country communities and encouraging businesses – and jobs – to relocate out of Melbourne, Labor failed to renew it in the May State Budget.

“The rumour mill’s running wild with reports of more job cuts at RDV, significant cash flow problems and delays of more than 12 months for grant assessments.

“Regional leaders are rightly questioning how much longer RDV will survive.

“Given the $130 million cut to RDV’s administration funding, plus the failure to renew the $500 million Regional Growth Fund in the May State Budget, it appears things will continue to get worse for our regional communities under city-centric Labor.”