A light industrial estate will be developed in Serpentine with the help of a $49,875 grant announced today by the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad.
Visiting Inglewood today, Ms Broad said three sites would be developed as part of a strategy to attract new businesses to the grain growing town of 380 people on the Loddon Valley Highway.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to help Loddon Shire Council encourage growth in the region,” Ms Broad said.
“Loddon Shire Council is tackling population decline with an economic development strategy that aims to encourage growth.
“This industry initiative provides an estate with great potential for taking advantage of the town’s location on a major transport route.
“It’s a big step towards boosting industry, local employment and economic development in the district.”
Ms Broad said the $99,750 project would design and develop the site – only 70 metres from the Loddon Valley Highway – construct an entrance and fencing and connect power, telephone and water to the three sites.
“One site has been earmarked for development of a fuel transfer and bulk storage facility to distribute fuel in the region and will provide one full-time job,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad said the Brumby Labor Government funding for the project would be provided to Loddon Shire Council through the Small Towns Development Fund.
“The project typifies initiatives supported by the Small Towns Development Fund, which are making a big difference to towns in provincial Victoria,” Ms Broad said.
“The Small Towns Development Fund is helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure,” Ms Broad said.
“So far, the fund has provided more than $51.9 million toward 486 announced capital works projects estimated to be worth more than $105 million right across provincial Victoria.”