SouthWest Victoria Chair Cr Ben Blain makes a compelling argument to government for more support for industry, communities and whole region.
Thank you, Minister, for your address and sharing with us some of the work the government is doing.
We look forward to strengthening our relationship with you especially considering the rich and important First Nations heritage and community in the South West.
Let’s talk about why we have organised this event and brought you all here today. It is to make a clear statement to all of you and to parliament that South West Victoria Alliance is committed to advocating for the region.
We are determined to make the most of what we have to uplift our communities.
Our region has some remarkable strengths, from a deep seaport at the Port of Portland, to a world recognized UNSECO World Heritage site Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, to the global tourist attraction of the Great Ocean Road.
We also are a significant agricultural producer – our region accounts for 23% share of national milk production. I note we have some industry in the room with us today.
SouthWest Victoria Alliance advocates strongly for projects and policies that address disadvantage and create opportunities across the region.
We are committed to making sure people have the housing, education, job opportunities, access to childcare and healthcare they need to live a happy, healthy and prosperous life.
Our refreshed vision we are launching today has three key pillars:
Environment
We know energy transition and renewable energy is in our region and will be growing.
We need a comprehensive Energy Transition Plan for the region, to understand training needs, future employment opportunities and infrastructure and community needs.
Other environment opportunities for our region include:
The Hydrogen Opportunity via a Clean Energy Training Hub led by Deakin University and
Development of a Sustainable Water Strategy. Planning for future water needs and usage is key for agricultural growth and tourism opportunities like geothermal.
Community
Childcare is a significant issue. Right now Corangamite Shire is in a situation where they are trying to find a new provider in Timboon so that the community doesn’t lose child care services,
Specifically the development of a Centre of Excellence to train more early years educators and address the workforce shortage in the region.
Housing is also a priority. We need more housing in the region. There are a number of examples of Key worker housing projects in the region using successful models already implemented
In regards to workforce, businesses and councils struggle to recruit qualified staff.
We want to develop, with government, strategies to address workforce shortages for businesses and for councils.
Future Opportunity
With 2 billion litres of milk production in the region, we will be advocating that the industry is supported;
Our agriculture sector needs to be supported to grow and innovate. Investment in enabling infrastructure, roads and transport infrastructure.
New tourism is also a priority – exploreing ways to support emerging tourism sectors like geo-thermal and highlighting and linking our First Nations history and community.
High-value agriculture – enabling infrastructure is needed, roads and other transport infrastructure.
Our ask to the politicians in the room is engage with us, visit the region, connect with our communities and learn about our potential.
For the stakeholders from across the region, our door is open. Connect with us on social media, we want to understand what your priorities are and how we can help you achieve your aims.
We want to be a key regional voice and amplify the needs and successes of our communities and continue to promote the ‘best of the south west’.
With that message for Spring Street, I am now pleased to introduce the Leader of the Opposition and Member for Hawthorn John Pesutto, to share some of his reflections.
