Leaders across north-east Victoria today presented a plan to Government showing how they will work together to create more jobs, boost local economies, build stronger communities and increase opportunities for people to study locally.
Visiting Wangaratta, Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan today received the Hume Strategy for Sustainable Communities and said it would help guide the Government in making the right investments in the region.
“The Hume Strategy for Sustainable Communities puts the region and its people in the driver’s seat to build a more prosperous future,” Ms Allan said.
“The plan estimates that north-east Victoria will grow by more than 100,000 people by 2036, generating demand for about 72,000 new homes and more than 41,000 extra jobs.
“It proposes a strategy to direct population growth to those settlements with the greatest capacity to take it.
“The plan is one of eight regional plans being handed to our Government as an integral part of the $631 million Ready for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Regional and Rural Victoria.
“The plans are an example of our Government working shoulder to shoulder with regional communities to drive the future job, study and lifestyle opportunities they want.
“These plans will also help us support our regions to build stronger communities through cultural and sporting facilities, boost tourism and attract more businesses to regional Victoria.”
Ms Allan said the Hume Strategy for Sustainable Communities, endorsed by the region’s 12 councils and the Hume Regional Management Forum, included key strategic directions:
- Responding to growth in a sustainable way;
- Supporting a network of unique and diverse settlements;
- Acknowledging the importance of the natural environment;
- Ensuring communities are safe, healthy, nurtured and supported; and
- Encouraging integrated regional planning.
Ms Allan praised the work of the project control group, local councils, Regional Development Australia (RDA) committee and the Hume Regional Management Forum.
“We know that local knowledge and expertise is central to maintaining prosperous and sustainable regions,” Ms Allan said.
“These committees have helped determine the long term future of their regions including the services and infrastructure needed now and in the future to cater for population growth.”
Ms Allan said Ready for Tomorrow was now well underway and the plans would be considered by a Ministerial Committee.