Bendigo not forgotten in State budget
Posted by Kevin de Vries | 05/05/2009
The Bendigo Business Council is pleased that the needs of the Bendigo region have not been forgotten in a Victorian budget that shares investment and spending around the State.
"It is pleasing to see the Brumby Government's strong emphasis on jobs, skills, investment, innovation and infrastructure" said Bendigo Business Council executive officer Kevin de Vries today. "The State Government has continued its commitment to secondary schools in Bendigo; provided some initial funds towards the urgently needed redevelopment of the Bendigo hospital; and will also invest in regional airport, rail freight, road and water projects. All of this investment will result in jobs in our region" said Mr de Vries.
Highlighting other elements of today's budget, Mr de Vries welcomed commitments to innovation, skills training, planning reforms and defence manufacturing capability.
"$20m in funding for Biotechnology strategy, and $40m for Highly Innovative Small and Medium Enterprises shows that the Victorian Government acknowledges that innovation will provide future business opportunities and employment."
"Addressing current and future shortages in skills with 15,000 extra training places over three years will ensure that well-trained employees will be available to Victorian businesses as demand rises in the recovery from the Global Financial Crisis. Bendigo training facilities such as BRIT will be well placed to deliver this skills training."
"$7m to introduce new planning reforms and electronic planning applications is most welcome as it will streamline building projects and deliver efficiencies for businesses and planning authorities."
"The Bendigo Business Council will also be looking for opportunities for local manufacturers Thales and ADA following the announcement of investment in the State's defence manufacturing capability including a Defence Industry Acceleration Program."
Mr de Vries said "It is now up to Bendigo businesses and their staff to grasp the opportunities provided in today's State budget and the investments and incentives previously announced by State and Federal Governments. Our city and region has been recognised in today's budget, businesses should look for ways to take advantage of these announcements".
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