The Victorian Government’s Regional Growth Fund investment in East Gippsland Shire has reached the $15 million mark on projects with a total value of $23 million.

State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said a number of exciting projects had been delivered and he looked forward to more in 2014.

“This fund really has stimulated an enormous amount of projects, not only in East Gippsland, but all around regional Victoria,” said Mr Bull.

In East Gippsland Shire, the Regional Growth Fund has invested $15.1 million to 56 projects with a total investment value of $23 million, including:

•    $346,000 for the upgrade of Visitor Information Centres in East Gippsland •    $950,000 for the Bairnsdale All Abilities playground •    $300,000 for the $775,000 Paynesville Town Centre improvements project •    $500,000 for the $3.7 million Bairnsdale Library Precinct project •    $500,000 for the $1.2 million Bairnsdale CBD improvement project •    $500,000 for the $886,000 Lakes Entrance on-water refuelling project at Bullock Island •    $300,000 for the $500,000 Patterson Park Metung project •    $80,000 for the Orbost Sensory Gardens path development •    $20,000 for the $80,000 Orbost and District Revitalisation plan •    $300,000 for the $750,000 Paynesville Esplanade enhancement project •    $150,000 for the $3.78 million One Harvest Beetroot project

Acting Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan, said the Regional Growth Fund leverages co-investment from business and all levels of government into community-led regional projects to produce jobs and benefits for country communities.

“Other components of the Regional Growth Fund have created many more regional jobs.

 “When the regions do well, Victoria does well. That’s why the Regional Growth Fund was established – to deliver for country Victorians,” Mr Ryan said.

For more information, visit www.rdv.vic.gov.au/regional-growth-fund