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Media Releases | Grant
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Media
Releases
Economic development on track - 14
June, 2007
The efforts of Mildura Rural City Council and the Sunraysia Mallee
Economic Development Board to promote and develop the region’s
economy have been recognised in a recent community survey.
The
Department of Victorian Communities’ recent annual satisfaction
survey identified Mildura Rural City as one of the best performed
regional cities in Economic Development with a score of 67, five
points above the median score of 62 and a four-point improvement
on Mildura Rural City’s 2006 survey score.
Recent statistics
have also confirmed Mildura as Australia’s fastest growing
inland centre, with growth in economic sectors including manufacturing
remaining robust in spite of regional challenges.
The results
come following sustained regional marketing efforts through Council
and the SMEDB, a number of positive announcements from State
and Federal Government as well as progress in establishing international
commercial and trade links between the Mildura region and south-east
Asia.
This work has opened up considerable opportunities for
local businesses, service providers, exporters and producers;
while also helping to build stronger cultural and educational
ties.
Council and SMEDB have also led exhibitions at the China
Kunming Import and Export Commodities Fair, showcasing Mildura’s
produce and services to businesses and buyers servicing a market
of around one billion people.
In addition, Council and the board
have lobbied extensively for improved freight rail, with recent
announcements from the State and Federal Government confirming
the Geelong to Mildura freight line will be upgraded, providing
improved transport links for the region’s exports.
The
State Government has also announced an $8 million grant to re-locate
Mildura’s freight rail gate from the riverfront following
significant consultation and lobbying done by Council.
Through
the sustained efforts of Council and the board, awareness is
also growing of the growth of Mildura’s economy; with the
region being promoted at a number of exhibitions and events including
the recent Victorian Government Better for Business expo in Melbourne.
SMEDB publications such as its newsletter, monthly Economic Snapshots,
the Mildura Region Economic Profile and business events have
also helped support local business and industry, as well as highlighting
investment opportunities in the region.
Councillor for Community
and Economic Development Vernon Knight said the vision of Council
and the SMEDB was being widely recognised in the community.
“The
push into China and south-east Asia has been recognised as visionary
and these activities position our region well for future growth,” Councillor
Knight said.
“The promotion of our region has also been
very effective, once again proving that as a region we punch
well above our weight.
“Amid the considerable challenges
our region faces, we are now being recognised as an important
part of Australia’s economy and Council’s efforts
to lobby for improved rail freight infrastructure that have led
to the announcement of an upgrade can only further our competitive
edge.” |
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