A delegation of industry, community, political and education leaders from across the SouthWest Victoria region have today (29 May 2024) travelled to Parliament House in Melbourne to meet ministers, MPs and senior bureaucrats.
The delegation of 60 – which includes mayors, CEOs, councillors and community leaders – is taking part in six high-level meetings.
SouthWest Victoria Alliance Chair Cr Ben Blain said:
“Representatives of SouthWest Victoria Alliance (SWVA) are travelling to Melbourne to impress upon ministers, shadow ministers, government and opposition MPs and senior bureaucrats the vital contribution that the region makes to the state’s economy.
“SWVA representatives are advocating for the investment that the region needs to ensure our communities continue to thrive and contribute to the Victorian and Australian economies.”
“SWVA’s vision for the region has three main themes: Environment, Community and Future Possibility.
“This vision and its themes gives SWVA the opportunity to speak with state and federal governments to call for a range of investments for our communities.”
On Jobs and training, Cr Blain saidSWVA needs help to:
- Understand what the future jobs are and what the future demand for these jobs will be
- Define what training is needed in the region to train people locally
- Understand what our existing workforce and training capacity is
- Ensure and define how women, first nations, young people and other specified groups can be a part of the energy transition and employment
- Examine what else is needed in our region, such as housing, infrastructure and other investments.
Cr Blain said: “The SWVA region should be key to developing the hydrogen opportunity, which would mean the development of a Clean Energy Training Hub that would place Deakin University at the heart of research and training for this emerging sector.”
“This would also help us gain a greater understanding of future workforce potential.”
Cr Blain said: “Working with government to development a sustainable water strategy is crucial.
“Planning for future water use is key to sustainable growth. Understanding agricultural demands in the region is important to supporting industry.
He said: “An effective water strategy would also provide opportunities for an enhanced tourism sector. Geothermal is a future industry that should be explored.”
“Childcare access is a significant issue with some families unable to access childcare. This has significant flow on effects to people being able to work or even being able to continue to live in the region,” Cr Blain said.
SWVA is advocating to government for:
- Greater childcare planning is needed to understand the workforce gaps, demand of childcare and pressure points in the region.
- Deakin University is a key player and will work to develop a Centre of Excellence to train staff and look at solutions such as a workforce pilot program linked to free TAFE training.
Housing
“The SouthWest, like many regions, is facing a housing crisis with people not being able to come to the region for education and employment opportunities because there is not adequate housing,” Cr Blain said.
Workforce
“Businesses and councils across the region struggle to attract and retain skilled workers. The lack of adequate housing, childcare and other support service plays a significant role in this.
“We want to work with government to ensure Councils and businesses struggling to find skilled workers get the support they need to attract and retain workers,” Cr Blain said.
FUTURE POSSIBILITY
“We see a future for the SouthWest where innovation and growth go hand in hand. The region wants to be at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism, unlocking new possibilities for a more prosperous future and deeper connection with the world beyond our region,” Cr Blain said
New Tourism
“Geothermal and other eco-tourism will be a key part of the future. Government support is needed to develop these sectors.
“Cultural tourism will also be important. There is a rich First Nation history in the SouthWest region and there needs to be a greater celebration and promotion of these key assets. Support for the development of linkages between sites is needed.
High Value Agriculture
“Enabling infrastructure is key to supporting the agriculture industry. Roads and other infrastructure need to be sufficient to safely transport goods,” Cr Blain said.
“Innovation support, trying new innovative and more sustainable practices come at a cost for producers. Supporting the agriculture sector to innovate through targeted grants will ensure the sector is able to grow sustainably,” he said.
Conclusion
“In a world facing unprecedented challenges, the SouthWest stands as an example of what could be achieved if we work together to prioritise the environment, future possibilities and people.
“Our tight-knit communities value the bonds forged over many years, ensuring that everyone is cared for and no one is left wanting. This is a region that works together and is ready to work to tackle our challenges and welcome new members into our communities,” Cr Blain said.
