VECCI regional submission supports job growth

 

THE VECCI submission to the State Government’s regional review supports business growth and job creation throughout Victoria, according to Chief Executive Mark Stone.

Mr stone said, "VECCI has recently made a submission to the State Government’s Regional Service Delivery Model and Strategic Directions for Regional Policy Review, on behalf of businesses throughout Victoria.

"Our submission, based on extensive regional member consultation, reinforces the fact that the economic performance of our regional and rural communities over the past decade has been a standout feature of Victoria’s overall economic growth.

"It also notes the important role our regions will continue to play into the future, helping ease Melbourne’s population growth pressures and forge new trade, employment and investment opportunities."

Mr Stone said the message to policy makers is that regional growth needs to be accelerated through a series of reforms that include:

INFRASTRUCTURE: Fast track outstanding regional infrastructure projects including the:

• Ballarat Railway Station redevelopment
• Bendigo Airport redevelopment
• Geelong’s Yarra Street Pier reconstruction
• South Gippsland Highway upgrade
• Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton bypass construction
• Mildura Riverfront Precinct redevelopment (Stage 2) 

LOCAL CONTENT: Aim for up to 20 per cent local content in all regional major projects and government purchasing.
 
DECENTRALISED GOVERNMENT: Further relocate key state government departments or agencies to regional areas.
 
SKILLS: Strengthen youth employment pathways, increase regional apprenticeships and traineeships and improve the quality of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.
 
COSTS: Set a regional red and green tape reduction target of at least $100 million per annum by 2015/16.
 
TRADE: Enhance international connections and networks and ensure our agribusiness manufacturers and service industries capitalise on Free Trade Agreements.

"VECCI stands ready to work with the State Government to progress the outcomes of the Review, supporting continued regional growth and job creation," Mr Stone said.

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

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