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Morwell To Get Back On Track With $1.4 Million Economic Development PackageMorwell Is Set To Be Revitalised, Rejuvenated And Prepped For A Prosperous Future With A Victorian Coalition Government Funded $1.4 Million By Russell North - 19th November 2014 - Back to News Economic Development Package For Urban Design, Tourism, Beautification, Events And Small Business Mentoring Projects.
The Member for Morwell Russell Northe said this package, developed in conjunction with Latrobe City Council, the Morwell and District Community Recovery Committee and Advance Morwell, will support Morwell following the challenges of the mine fire to build on its strengths for growing the economy and delivering benefits to the community.
"The Victorian Coalition Government is focused on ensuring Morwell and the Latrobe Valley has a prosperous future. This package will help restore confidence in Morwell, drive investment and create jobs," Mr Northe said.
"We will work with Latrobe City Council and the community in delivering this package to ensure it meets local needs and supports local outcomes."
Included in the package is the Future Morwell Urban Design Revitalisation Plan which will comprise research and extensive community consultation for informing the development of a strategic urban framework. The framework will provide guidance on the best use of land according to its characteristics such as the neighbourhood, commercial and industrial properties and landscape.
The Revitalisation Plan will be the foundation for the next stage of Morwell’s revitalisation – the redevelopment of the Morwell CBD which will focus on upgrading the streetscape in a way that engages existing businesses and ultimately attracts new retail operations and new investment in Morwell.
Complementing the Revitalisation Plan the Victorian Government will also develop a Gippsland Tourism Marketing Plan which will include brand and tactical marketing, public relations, international marketing and industry training and development activities.
"To support the success of the tourism plan we will also beautify Morwell’s entrances to redefine Morwell’s identity as a welcoming hub of the Latrobe Valley with strong prospects and opportunities. This will include new signage and traffic noise mitigation and marketing of local businesses," Mr Northe said.
"The final piece of the puzzle will involve support for small business including a series of events focused on developing strong relationships between existing businesses and generating new business as well as a financial literacy and mentoring program for small business owners. This will empower businesses with new networks and skills for being proficient in financial management and planning for future business ventures.
"The economic development package is an intentional culmination of activities that will take advantage of Morwell’s assets and support growth."
The Coalition Government recognises that Morwell has a great deal to offer the region, further evidenced by the recent $100 million Regional Cities Infrastructure Program election commitment of which Latrobe City will benefit.
"The Nationals, as part of a Coalition Government, know that when the regions do well, the entire state does well. So we are committed to ensuring regional cities continue to thrive," Mr Northe said.
"Through the Regional Growth Fund the Coalition Government has already invested more than $20.7 million into 78 projects in Latrobe City, leveraging more than $75.1 million worth of total investment.
"This compares to the Labor Party’s policy of scrapping the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund – and therefore the Regional Cities Infrastructure Program – and replacing it with their failed Regional Infrastructure Development Fund which over 11 years invested just $611 million across the entire state."
Break down of the economic development package:
$650,000 for the Future Morwell Urban Design Revitalisation Plan – comprises urban design and beautification for rebranding Morwell and attracting investment.
$250,000 for a tourism marketing plan– comprises activities including brand and tactical marketing, public relations, international marketing and industry training and development.
$350,000 for the Morwell City Entrances Project – involves development of key entrances to the Morwell CBD with appropriate beautification, signage and mitigation of traffic noise.
$100,000 for branding signage and marketing– involves aligning and communicating a redefined Morwell identity, in particular for local businesses.
$60,000 for events – involves creating and managing an events schedule that develops relationships to existing businesses and generates new business related events.
$16,000 for financial literacy and numeracy mentoring – Small Business Victoria will roll out a mentoring program to assist business owners manage incoming expenses, financial statements, budget and cash flows.
Total = $1,426,000
Media contact: 5133 9088
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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