The Andrews Labor Government is backing Portland to create more jobs across a diverse range of industries, while providing the housing workers need through the newly opened Portland Diversification Fund.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the $7.5 million Fund is open for applications as part of the $17.4 million Portland Economic Diversification Plan.
Extensive engagement with the Portland business community, Traditional Owners and the Glenelg Shire, found housing is a major barrier to creating jobs and attracting new industries.
$1 million from the Fund will be dedicated to addressing the housing shortage in Portland. The dedicated funding will help fast-track projects that provide an immediate solution to creating more housing for workers across the Glenelg Shire.
As part of the Fund, grants up to $500,000 are available to a range of businesses and initiatives that will create a diverse economy including planning works required to get eligible projects shovel ready.
Applications are encouraged for projects that invest in renewable energy, tourism initiatives led by Traditional Owners, manufacturing, transport, export supply chains, and professional services.
Eligible applicants include businesses, not-for-profits, Traditional Owner groups, TAFE and universities, services providers, and the Glenelg Shire Council.
The Portland Economic Diversification Plansupports investment to create sustainable long-term jobs growth and better opportunities for locals.
The Plan includes $2.5 million to provide access to the second stage of the Portland North Employment Precinct with essential road infrastructure to improve truck access to industrial sites in the precinct. Another $4.8 million is supporting the upgrade to freight roads used to transport goods in local industries.
The Plan also provided funding for a recently opened Regional Development Victoria office, with staff working closely with local business and industry to help identify other future initiatives to support the region.
The Government is also investing in a range of projects across Portland designed to improve the tourism and visitor experience including $9.8 million through the Building Works package and the Regional Infrastructure Fund to transform the foreshore into a tourism destination.
Find out more about the Portland Diversification Fundat rdv.vic.gov.au/portland-diversificationExternal Link
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
“We understand housing is a major barrier to growing the economy in this community – which is why we’re fast-tracking solutions to create more housing and attract more workers to Portland.”
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“We’re backing the Portland community now and into the future with this Fund to help create more jobs in this important corner of our state while supporting local businesses.”
