To help our businesses to continue to adapt, take advantage of new technology, attract and retain staff and remain competitive, investment is required that that will drive the recovery of our local community and economy.

Council seeks increased investment to support the private sector deal with lasting impacts of the pandemic, emerging challenges associated with a changing climate, and structural industrial changes for Gippsland.

With Bass Coast the second most reliant region on tourism behind Uluru and the expected return of international travel to pre-pandemic levels not expected within the next 3 to 5 years, we require support to remain a destination of choice. Programs that facilitate business to attract new markets and support investment throughout the project cycle are critical and we want to see a continuation of support for concept planning and development of job creating initiatives.

Initiatives such as the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund deliver the projects and infrastructure that make regional towns and cities better places to live, work and visit. They create local jobs and new economic opportunities for locals, lifting their standard of living and enabling them to pursue their dreams. We call on the State Government to increase this fund by 25% and provide continuous rounds of funding for this program.

We call for increased investment in Regional Victoria to address specific economic challenges like housing affordability, workforce issues, public transport, industry diversification.

We need to fast track the Wonthaggi North East Precinct. There is 60 hectares of industrial zone land that will enable the creation of jobs in more diversified and sustainable industries.