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HUME STRATEGY REGIONAL PLANKEY PRIORITIES 2015 – 2017

An overview of regionally significant projects that requirefunding and support from government

December 2015

The Hume Strategy Regional Plan Key Priorities 2015 - 2017 report has been endorsed by the Hume Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committee; and the following Hume Regional Management Forum (RMF) and Hume Local Government Network (HRLGN) member agencies:

Department of Education and Training Department of Environment Land, Water and Planning (refer to notes) Department of Health and Human Services Department of Justice and Regulation Environment Protection Authority Regional Development Victoria VicRoads Victoria Police Country Fire Authority State Emergency Service Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority North East Catchment Management Authority Goulburn Murray Water Goulburn Valley Water North East Water Goulburn Ovens TAFE Mount Buller Mount Stirling Alpine Resort Alpine Shire Benalla Rural City Greater Shepparton City Indigo Shire Mitchell Shire Moira Shire Murrindindi Shire Strathbogie Shire Towong Shire Wangaratta Rural City Wodonga City

NOTES:

1. Mansfield Shire (RMF and HRLGN member agency) did not endorse the report prior to finalisation.

2. The Mount Buller - Mount Stirling Link Road (p. 14) is not currently supported by the relevant Ministers and this project is therefore not endorsed as a regional priority by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning - Hume Region.

Disclaimer

This publication may be of assistance to you but the Hume RDA Committee, Hume RMF and HRLGN do not guarantee that the report is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequences which may arise from you relying on any information in this report.

Date: 23 December 2015

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CONTENTS

HUME REGION OVERVIEW…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4

HUME REGION at a glance.................................................................................................................... 4

Hume Strategy for Sustainable Communities 2010-2020...................................................................... 5

Priority Projects Funded 2013-2015…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7

STRATEGIC REGIONAL PRIORITIES FOR COLLABORATIVE ACTION – THE GAME CHANGERS............. 8

HUME REGION PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS 2015-2017............................................................................ 9

REGIONAL PRIORITIES 2015-2017....................................................................................................... 10

Regional City Revitalisation.............................................................................................................. 10

Strong Regional Centres and Towns................................................................................................. 11

Resilient Communities...................................................................................................................... 12

Building Transport Capability and Capacity...................................................................................... 13

Developing Our Tourist Product and Visitor Economy..................................................................... 15

Going Global in the Food Economy.................................................................................................. 17

Prosperous Industry Supported by a Capable Workforce................................................................ 18

Climate Change Action and a Secure Energy Future........................................................................ 19

Digital Hume..................................................................................................................................... 20

Regional Sporting Facilities.............................................................................................................. 21

Sustainably Managed Catchments and Water Resources................................................................ 22

Protecting Our High Value Environmental Assets............................................................................ 23

Planning for Growth......................................................................................................................... 24

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HUME REGION at a glance…

LOCATION: Strategically situated at mid-point between Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

AREA: Over 4 million hectares (40,000 square kilometres), including more than 1.7 million hectares of public land in the form of national parks, reserves and state forests.

POPULATION: 280,000 estimated resident population.

SETTLEMENT PATTERN: A multi-centred networked region not dominated by one large regional city.

LGA’s: 12 Councils – Alpine, Benalla, Greater Shepparton, Indigo, Mansfield, Mitchell, Moira, Murrindindi, Strathbogie, Towong, Wangaratta and Wodonga.

REGIONAL CITIES: Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga (which has a strong ‘twin city’ relationship with Albury in NSW).

SUB REGIONS: Four distinct interrelated sub regions (functional economic areas) – Upper Hume, Central Hume, Goulburn Valley and Lower Hume.

GROWTH: The fastest growing Victorian region, with expected 1.6% average annual population growth to over 368,600 by 2031; driven largely by peri urban growth in Mitchell Shire and supported by growth across the region.

CLIMATE: Four distinct seasons.

ENVIRONMENT: Magnificent river valleys, extensive forests and high country – including high value environmental assets, such as the largest River Redgum Forest in the world at Barmah and iconic threatened species, such as the Mountain Pygmy Possum, Spotted Tree Frog and Regent Honeyeater; plus numerous plant species and threatened communities, such as alpine bogs.

ALPINE RESORTS: Five of Victoria’s six Alpine Resorts – Mount Buller, Mount Stirling, Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Lake Mountain.

TRANSPORT: Two nationally significant transport corridors – Hume and Goulburn Valley – and a growing freight transport and logistics sector, with direct access to four capital cities and 68% of Australian markets within 24 hours by road or rail.

WATER: Availability of high quality water resources, with regional catchments contributing 49% of inflows to the Murray Darling Basin; $2 billion investment in irrigation modernisation; the largest environmental flows in Victoria down the Goulburn and Murray Rivers; and the Calivil/Renmark (or Deep Sand) Aquifer.

AGRICULTURE: The largest regional economic sector (including agriculture, forestry and fishing) and home of Victoria’s ‘food bowl’ – the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District has a gross value around $2.2 billion and contributes 25% of the total value of Victoria’s agricultural product; and the Murray Dairy area (incorporating the Northern Irrigation area and North East Victoria) contributes 25% of national milk production.

MANUFACTURING: Second largest regional economic sector and one of the top five regional employment sectors, with exports worth approximately $2.4 billion in 2012, including value-added food products, engineering, technical and scientific products.

TOURISM: One of the regions fastest growing economic and employment sectors, with over 2.5 million overnight visitors, 4 million domestic day visitors and tourism expenditure exceeding $1.3 billion per annum – supported by iconic destinations such as Alpine areas and the Murray River; a year-round tourism offer; gourmet food and wine; military heritage tourism products; seasonal and nature based experiences; arts and culture; and growing cycle tourism.

HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES:

The third highest employing sector, with over 12% of the regional workforce, and the fastest growing sector in the region, with two large regional health services (Albury Wodonga Health and Goulburn Valley Health) and a sub regional integrated health service (Northeast Health Wangaratta), supported by a network of health and community services across the region.

EDUCATION: A diverse range of public and private education options in multiple locations, including university campuses and centres of excellence / expertise in equine education (GOTAFE); agriculture (Melbourne Uni - Dookie); motorsports (Wodonga TAFE); industrial skills(Wodonga TAFE); rural medicine and allied health practice (Melbourne Uni); freshwater research (La Trobe Uni); sustainable development (La Trobe Uni / Charles Sturt Uni); and horticulture (Victorian Government and industry partners).

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HUME STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 2010-2020The Hume Strategy for Sustainable Communities 2010-2020 (Hume Strategy) is a ten year strategic plan that was released in July 2010, based on input over two years from local government and state government in the Hume Region through the Hume Regional Management Forum (RMF) and the Hume Region Local Government Network (HRLGN). In addition, advice was provided at key points from regional community and business leaders.

The Hume Strategy was endorsed by the 12 councils in the Hume Region and the Hume Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committee, in addition to being formally accepted by the Victorian Government as the region’s aspirational plan.

The purpose of the Hume Strategy is to provide the framework to identify strategic regional priorities and guide future investment decisions that align with the shared vision for the region:

The Hume Region will be resilient, diverse and thriving. It will capitalise on the strengths and competitive advantages of the four sub regions, to harness growth for the benefit of the region

and to develop liveable and sustainable communities.

The Hume Strategy provides advice and recommendations that: Are framed from a regional and sub regional perspective Are consistent with existing policy, processes and plans Allow the region and sub regions to build on existing strengths Embrace a triple bottom line approach to the growth of settlements across the region Will continue to evolve as new opportunities arise.

It continues to be used by the region as a tool to encourage partnerships, support collaboration and inform decision making, with the aim of creating a more sustainable, prosperous and liveable Hume Region.

The strategy is articulated through a regional level plan and four sub regional plans that identify 20 key directions under five themes: Environment - Natural resources protected and enhanced for current and future generations Communities - Healthy, vibrant and resilient communities Economy - A thriving and dynamic economy Transport - An integrated network of efficient and high functioning transportation systems Land Use - An efficient and sustainable pattern of urban and rural land use and development.

To date, the identification and implementation of the regional priorities that align with the Hume Strategy has been coordinated by a partnership between the Hume RMF, Hume RDA Committee and HRLGN. The priorities were last updated in July 2013 and the purpose of this document is to provide a current overview of agreed regional priorities for 2015-2017, in order to: Maintain the currency of cross government regional knowledge about key projects / initiatives Meet Commonwealth and State government deliverables relating to identification of regional priorities

and ongoing regional strategic planning Capitalise on opportunities to engage relevant stakeholders at key points and value-add Maximise success of efforts to secure government funding and support Progress implementation and effective delivery of outcomes for the region.

This report presents the regional ‘game changers’ previously endorsed by the RMF, RDA Committee and HRLGN in 2013, as well as projects currently in the ‘pipeline’ and emerging priorities, including: Shovel ready essential infrastructure projects Ready to advance priority projects – planning, program development and service improvement

initiatives Advocacy priorities.

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All of the 2015-2017 regional priorities for action identified in this report align with the 20 key directions outlined in the Hume Strategy regional plan.

HUME STRATEGY KEY DIRECTIONS

ENVIRONMENT THEME

1. Anticipating and adapting to the effects of climate change

2. Managing our water resources sustainably

3. Protecting native habitat and biodiversity

4. Harnessing renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pursuing innovative waste management approaches

COMMUNITIES THEME

5. Embracing learning for life

6. Providing appropriate and accessible social services and infrastructure

7. Developing innovative and flexible service delivery models

8. Strengthening communities, increasing resilience and enhancing liveability

ECONOMY THEME

9. Strengthening a capable workforce

10. Adapting and diversifying agriculture in an environment of change

11. Facilitating research and innovation in tourism, manufacturing and industry to encourage new and evolving business

12. Developing ICT and energy infrastructure that builds on existing competitive advantages

TRANSPORT THEME

13. Enhancing integrated planning for mobility

14. Developing a proficient land transportation network

15. Linking communities through improved public transport and transport linkages

16. Strengthening the sustainability of the transport system

LAND USE THEME

17. Directing future population growth to settlements with the greatest capability to accommodate it

18. Maximising the use of existing infrastructure and services and facilitating strategic investment in future infrastructure and services

19. Retaining productive rural land for agriculture and other compatible rural uses

20. Ensuring efficient use of land use planning resources in the region

The report represents the current understanding by Hume Strategy partners about the focus for implementation of the Hume Strategy regional plan over the next two years for priorities that are: Aligned with the Hume Strategy regional plan and the government policy context Strategically significant for the region or sub region Requiring government support and/or funding to advance Not able to be optimised through existing mechanisms / resources Supported by strong leadership to progress implementation.

It is also acknowledged that new and emerging projects that require funding and support from government will be identified over time through ongoing regional priority setting.

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PRIORITY PROJECTS FUNDED 2013-2015A number of projects of significance at the regional and sub regional level that were identified by Hume Strategy partners in mid-2013 or emerged as more recent priorities have been funded, including: Alpine Events Centre Benalla Airport Redevelopment (Stage 1) Cobram Community and Learning Development Centre Cobram Urban Design Project (Stage 2) Destination Tallangatta Euroa Saleyard Redevelopment Goulburn River Valley Tourism Product Gap Analysis Goulburn Valley Fruit Growing Industry Roadmap Goulburn Valley Health Redevelopment – Planning Goulburn Valley Industry and Employment Plan Horticulture Centre of Excellence (Tatura) Hume Region Significant Tracks and Trails Strategy Hume Region Workforce Development Plan 2015-2018 Leneva-Baranduda Growth Corridor Planning Logic Intermodal Freight Terminal - Rail Freight Terminal Logic Intermodal Freight Terminal - Service Centre, Fatigue Management Centre and Trailer Interchange Midland Highway / Doyles Road Roundabout Upgrade Mount Buller Epic Mountain Bike Track Murray Dairy Accelerating Change Program ( Stage 1) Nagambie Main Street Redevelopment Project (Stage 1) Northern Victoria Food Opportunity Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2018 O’Keefe Rail Trail Extension: Detailed planning for Heathcote – Wallan extension to existing trail Regional Landscape Assessments: Central Murray and Goulburn Valley; Upper Murray; and Lower

Hume and High Country Rutherglen Economic Revitalisation Project Seymour Flood Mitigation Project Shepparton Airport Feasibility Study Shepparton CBD Revitalisation (Stage 1) – Vaughan Street Redevelopment Shepparton Court Complex Redevelopment Shepparton Regional Sports Precinct Shepparton Showgrounds Outdoor Multi Use Event and Recreation Project (Final Stage) Tallangatta Integrated Community Centre Upper, Central and Lower Hume Sub Regions Food Opportunity Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2018 Upper Murray 2030 Vision Plan Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk (Stage 3) Wangaratta CBD Masterplan Wangaratta Saleyard Redevelopment Winton Motor Raceway– On Track for the Future (Stages 2-4) Wodonga CBA Revitalisation – City Heart Infrastructure Project Wodonga CBA Revitalisation – Road Infrastructure and Goods Shed Development Wodonga Tennis Centre Redevelopment.

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STRATEGIC REGIONAL PRIORITIESFOR COLLABORATIVE ACTION – THE GAME CHANGERS

A number of key strategic priorities have been recognised over recent years as ‘game changers’ that have the potential to dramatically shape the way the region develops into the future.

Hume Strategy partners – Hume RMF, Hume RDA Committee and HRLGN – agreed in 2013 to work together over the longer term to advance action on ‘game changer’ priorities.

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HUME REGION HIGH PRIORITY GAME CHANGERS

Grow Regional Cities and Centres that Support CommunitiesSecure funding to revitalise high priority urban spaces and infrastructure, and support business activation:

Shepparton Central Business District (CBD) Revitalisation Wangaratta CBD Development and South Wangaratta Revitalisation Wodonga Central Business Area (CBA) Revitalisation.

Secure funding to upgrade facilities to provide accessible regional amenities and high order services: Goulburn Valley Health Albury Wodonga Health.

Freight Transport and LogisticsSecure funding to further develop intermodal freight logistics precincts:

Logic Intermodal Freight Terminal.

Secure funding and support for key improvements to regional transport networks: Shepparton Bypass (Stage 1a) Goulburn Valley Highway Corridor (including Strathmerton deviation) Shepparton East West Link and Shepparton Alternative Freight Route.

Hume Region Visitor Economy and Iconic Tourism Offer Develop an integrated regional network of tracks and trails, linked to iconic destinations and associated

infrastructure that enhances the visitor experience.

Position Hume in the Global Food Economy Support coordinated implementation of key actions identified in strategic regional and sub regional

food strategies, and align with action resulting from sector based strategies.

Digital Hume Support the NBN rollout and provision of NBN and mobile telephone coverage across the region,

with a particular focus on mobile black-spots. Implement activities to build digital readiness across a range of sectors, including business,

manufacturing, agriculture and not-for-profit, as well as households.

High Speed Rail Support development of bi-partisan government policy commitment to construction of high speed

rail from Melbourne to Brisbane and advocate for the link between Melbourne and Sydney to be identified as the first stage for construction of the high speed rail network, including stations at Albury-Wodonga and Shepparton.

HUME REGIONPRIORITY FOCUS AREAS 2015-2017In addition to the ‘game changers’, other regional priorities for action have been identified through review of existing Hume Region ‘project pipelines’ and ongoing regional priority setting activity. These priority projects and actions, which also require collective regional effort and government support, are presented in this report under focus areas.

Outcomes associated with these priorities will provide the foundation for a liveable, sustainable and prosperous Hume Region.

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HUME REGION PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS 2015-2017

REGIONAL CITY REVITALISATIONRecognising the critical role played by the network of high functioning regional cities in Hume Region and strengthening their collective capability.

STRONG REGIONAL CENTRES AND TOWNSBuilding strength as a multi centred region with its network of vibrant regional centres, towns and villages that support and are supported by regional cities.

RESILIENT COMMUNITIES Enhancing community wellbeing by developing and maintaining healthy, vibrant and resilient communities, reducing disadvantage and strengthening educational outcomes.

BUILDING TRANSPORT CAPABILITY AND CAPACITY Linking communities and building on the competitive advantage of having two nationally significant transport corridors within the region.

DEVELOPING OUR TOURISM PRODUCT AND VISITOR ECONOMY Delivering iconic tourism facilities, addressing product gaps and building the visitor economy.

GOING GLOBAL IN THE FOOD ECONOMYPositioning Hume Region in the global food economy.

PROSPEROUS INDUSTRY SUPPORTED BY A CAPABLE WORKFORCE Building strong industry sectors supported by a capable workforce.

CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION AND A SECURE ENERGY FUTUREIncreasing renewable energy capability and uptake for a low carbon energy future.

DIGITAL HUMETaking collective action to build infrastructure capacity and digital readiness across the region.

REGIONAL SPORTING FACILITIESDeveloping regionally significant sporting hubs and capitalising on opportunities for nationally significant sport and recreation facilities.

SUSTAINABLY MANAGED CATCHMENTS AND WATER RESOURCESProtecting catchments and building a strong future with less water for consumptive use.

PROTECTING OUR HIGH VALUE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSETSAligning action to protect the region’s iconic, high value environmental assets and ecosystem services with regional growth and sustainable land use.

PLANNING FOR GROWTHAligning support for population growth with the region’s aspirations for economic development, infrastructure, and sustainable land use.

REGIONAL PRIORITIES 2015-2017This section identifies projects (alphabetically) that are known to require funding and support from government.It does not include high priority regional projects that have already been fully funded and are underway, nor does it include smaller scale projects that are individual council or local level priorities.

REGIONAL CITY REVITALISATIONRecognising the critical role played by the network of high functioning regional cities in Hume Region and strengthening their collective capability...

Shovel Ready Essential Infrastructure Projects Shepparton CBD Revitalisation Stage 2: Maude Street Bus Interchange Project– secure funding for

construction of the bus interchange, retail precinct, piazza and community facilities.

Ready to Advance Priority Projects South Wangaratta Urban Renewal: Bulky Goods Retail Precinct and Avian Park – secure funding for

detailed planning.

Wangaratta CBD Revitalisation – complete investment business case to support securing infrastructure funding for implementation of the Wangaratta CBD Masterplan.

Advocacy PrioritiesShepparton Central Business District (CBD) Revitalisation Stage 3: Shepparton Railway Precinct Development – support advancement of planning to redevelop

underutilised VicTrack land adjacent to the railway station and construct a pedestrian bridge to provide direct access between the Shepparton Railway Station and Vaughan Street.

Wangaratta Redevelopment South Wangaratta – explore development opportunities for the former Ovens College site to support

expansion of an existing large scale social enterprise.

Wodonga Central Business Area (CBA) Revitalisation Support improvements for access and amenity adjacent to Junction Place.

Support business activation, private development and initiatives that capitalise on existing infrastructure investment in Wodonga CBA revitalisation at Junction Place, Mann Precinct and the City Heart.

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STRONG REGIONAL CENTRES AND TOWNSBuilding strength as a multi centred region with its network of vibrant regional centres, towns and villages that support and are supported by regional cities...

Shovel Ready Essential Infrastructure Projects Alpine Better Places Project – secure funding for priority infrastructure projects in Bright, Myrtleford

and Porepunkah, including vehicle, cycle and pedestrian linkages; riverside connections; streetscapes; town square redevelopment; and town gateways.

Seymour Flood Mitigation – secure additional funding to enable full construction of drainage infrastructure (i.e. levee bank) to mitigate against flood risk in the Seymour township.

Wallan Town Centre Revitalisation – secure additional funding for revitalisation of the central business area and connectivity to the recreational precinct.

Ready to Advance Priority Projects Benalla Priority Major Projects – complete detailed planning for redevelopment of the Benalla Visitor

Information Centre, Benalla Aquatic Centre, Benalla Business Growth (Enterprise Park) and the Benalla Art Gallery to ‘shovel ready’ stage and secure funding for construction.

Chiltern Place Making – support development of a detailed structure plan to address the settlement, housing, economic development, community infrastructure and urban design needs to support light industrial and residential growth requirements.

Kilmore Town Centre Revitalisation – complete detailed planning for revitalisation of the town centre in preparation for the Kilmore Wallan Bypass and secure funding for implementation, including improvements to the public realm, marketing and branding for the town centre.

Advocacy Priorities

Infrastructure planning / renewal and service development in regional centres and towns Continue to support local priority infrastructure project funding applications in regional centres and

towns.

Continue to support development of new project proposals that align with local priorities to strengthen the resilience, liveability and sustainability of regional centres and towns.

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RESILIENT COMMUNITIESEnhancing community wellbeing by developing and maintaining healthy, vibrant and resilient communities, reducing disadvantage and strengthening educational outcomes...

Shovel Ready Essential Infrastructure Projects Goulburn Valley Health (GVH) Redevelopment– secure funding for staged implementation of

infrastructure priorities identified in the GVH capital master plan and feasibility study.

Ready to Advance Priority Projects

No ready to advance priority projects identified.

Advocacy Priorities Aboriginal Economic Development Employment Hub – explore opportunities for development of a

regional Aboriginal economic development employment hub in Shepparton.

Albury Wodonga Health – support the service to meet regional health needs up to 2030 and shape long term major capital development at the Albury and Wodonga campuses.

Closing the Gap – continue to support regional Closing the Gap (CTG) initiatives and place-based programs in vulnerable communities, including the Wodonga CTG Education Project and The Benalla Alliance.

Health and Community Service Development – explore options and support service development proposals that meet identified community needs, including proposed developments at Northeast Health Wangaratta.

Improved Educational Outcomes – continue to support regional partnership approaches and place-based initiatives that aim to improve regional educational outcomes and assist young people to achieve their aspirations, including the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project and Better Together Alliance (Shepparton) and Tomorrow: Today Foundation (Benalla).

Local Ice Response Plans – secure cross government support to establish a place-based pilot in Wangaratta to implement a Hume Region model for development of an Ice Action Plan using the PIERS approach: Prevention – Intelligence – Enforcement – Reassurance – Support.

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BUILDING TRANSPORT CAPABILITY AND CAPACITY Linking communities and building on the competitive advantage of having two nationally significant transport corridors within the region...

Shovel Ready Essential Infrastructure Projects Logic Intermodal Freight Terminal (Barnawartha) – secure funding for construction of a gas gate to

provide access to natural gas at the site and construction of a precinct-based stormwater retardation basin.

Ready to Advance Priority Projects Beveridge Freight and Logistics Precinct – undertake a study to explore the feasibility of securing

future private investment for development of an interstate freight terminal at Beveridge over the longer term, given the potential of nearby Mangalore Airport.

Goulburn Valley Highway-Strathmerton Deviation – secure Victorian Government support and funding for detailed planning and pre-construction activities, in order to leverage Commonwealth Government funding for construction.

Kilmore Wallan Bypass – secure funding to finalise planning and complete land acquisition in preparation for construction of the Western Route.

Mangalore Airport – secure funding to undertake an Intermodal Freight Logistic Precinct Feasibility Study for Mangalore Airport in the Lower Hume sub region.

Murray River Crossing (Yarrawonga Bridge) – obtain resources to finalise planning and approvals for construction along the ‘Grey Route’, which was identified in November 2015 as the preferred option by the Victorian and NSW governments.

On-Ramp at Moloney Drive (Wodonga) – secure funding for detailed planning / design of the on-ramp at Moloney Drive that will enable freight to move efficiently off the Hume Freeway, south-bound to the industrial estate on Moloney Drive and reduce freight movements in and around Melrose Drive / Sangsters Road, contributing to improved safety at this location.

Shepparton Alternative Freight Route – secure Victorian Government funding to progress planning for safety improvement works and potential upgrade to ‘A road’ standard.

Shepparton Bypass (Goulburn Valley Highway) – secure funding for detailed planning and pre-construction activities, in order to leverage funding for construction of Stage 1a.

Shepparton East West Link – secure Victorian Government funding to plan for an arterial link between the future Shepparton Bypass and Shepparton Alternative Freight Route.

Wangaratta North and South Growth Areas – incorporate planning for improvements to freight movement and development of logistics capability in growth area planning, with reference to the freight and land use strategy being developed for Wangaratta and surrounds.

Advocacy Priorities Benambra-Corryong Road – build support for road sealing and upgrading to arterial road status in

order to provide an alternative route from East Gippsland to the Upper Murray, Canberra and Albury Wodonga.

Freight Transport – support bridge, road and rail infrastructure upgrades / improvements that align with recommendations of the Cross Border Murray River Bridges Strategy, Freight Directions in the Hume Region (2013) and the Hume Corridor and Northern Victoria transport strategies.

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Advocacy Priorities (transport cont.) GV Link Intermodal Freight Precinct (Shepparton) – support road infrastructure development,

particularly relating to the Shepparton Bypass, which will enable progress on planning for GV Link.

High Speed Rail – support development of a bi-partisan government policy commitment to construction of high speed rail from Melbourne to Brisbane and advocate for the link between Melbourne and Sydney to be identified as the first stage for construction of the high speed rail network, including stations at Albury-Wodonga and Shepparton.

Hume Freeway Wodonga – secure support to develop a strategic approach for interface considerations of the Wodonga arterial network with the Hume Freeway.

Mount Buller-Mount Stirling Link Road* – explore options to secure Victorian Government support for construction of an emergency access road and egress route.

Public Transport Service Improvements – advocate for increased public transport linkages, service frequency / reliability and parking infrastructure; with a particular focus on passenger rail between Melbourne – Seymour and Melbourne – Shepparton, as well as links between Melbourne and other regional cities, regional centres and major settlements in the Hume Region.

Rutherglen Bypass – support development of interim and ultimate options arising from the 2010 Aurecon study to divert arterial and heavy vehicle traffic from Main Street (Murray Valley Highway).

Shelley-Walwa Road – build support to develop a project proposal for sealing and other improvements which will enable transport connections into NSW for timber processing and support tourism development in the Upper Murray area.

Shepparton Airport – build support for relocation following completion of the detailed feasibility study.

[*Refer to note on page 2]

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DEVELOPING OUR TOURISM PRODUCT AND VISITOR ECONOMY Delivering iconic tourism facilities, addressing product gaps and building the visitor economy...

Shovel Ready Essential Infrastructure Projects Bonegilla Migrant Experience (Stage 2) – secure funding for development of education facilities and

function centre, landscaping, creation of a database and digitisation of migrant cards.

Great River Road – secure funding for infrastructure development to create new tourism assets along the Great River Road, including an interpretive wayside stop at the head of the Murray River.

Towong Recreation Futures: Corryong Recreation Precinct – secure funding to implement the Corryong Recreation Reserve Masterplan by developing facilities suitable for large scale equestrian events and to house the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival horse events, including rodeo and team penning activities.

Winton Motor Raceway (Stage 5) – secure funding to establish powered camping / accommodation, recreation and amenities buildings, a playground and associated utility upgrades to support operation of the venue as a premier racing facility.

Alpine Resorts Altitude Training and Health Facilities (Falls Creek Masterplan) Phase 1: Multi Use Sport Field –

secure funding to level and expand the existing Nordic Bowl area to create a surface suitable for summer sports training and improved winter snow use.

Mount Buller Sustainable Water Security Project: Off-Stream Water Storage – secure funding for construction to meet growing demand for potable water and snow making.


Alpine Resorts Lake Mountain Extensive Snow Making System – secure funding to complete business case development. Mount Hotham Precinct Development Project – secure funding to undertake detailed planning for

precinct development in the village area, including a dedicated bus / transport interchange terminal.

Arts and Culture Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) – secure support for completion of detailed design for development of

a new facility that will provide an iconic tourism offer in Shepparton.

Cycle Tourism, Tracks and Trails Hume Future Investment Tracks and Trails Project – secure resources to complete design work and

business case development for a series of initiatives that connect (sub project 1) and enhance (sub project 2) regionally significant trails – Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, High Country Rail Trail and Murray River Adventure Trail.

(1) Trail connection initiatives include:- Beechworth to Yackandandah and Yackandandah to Huon, linking the Murray to Mountains and

High Country rail trails- Wodonga CBD connection to link the High Country Rail Trail and Murray River Adventure Trail- surface upgrades of the High Country Rail Trail from Bandiana to Sandy Creek- connection of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail to the Murray River Adventure Trail at

Wahgunyah through interpretation - further develop eventual connection of the Benalla to the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail via

development of a connection from Glenrowan to Winton Wetlands.

(2) Trail enhancement concept design will identify investments that maximise the potential of the Murray to Mountains and High Country rail trails, with a focus on initiatives that enhance the

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visitor experience and expand trail utilisation, increase visitation and create additional economic and social benefits.

Ready to Advance Priority Projects (tourism cont.) Old Goulburn River Bridge – re-scope and complete planning for restoration of the heritage listed

bridge as a key link in the regional trail network in Seymour.

Tallarook to Seymour Recreation Trail – complete cultural heritage assessment and bridge design for extension of the Great Victorian Rail Trail from Tallarook to Seymour.

Tracks and Trails: Other Priority Projects – secure funding to complete planning, concept design and business case development for: - Lake Mountain to Marysville Mountain Bike Trail- Upper Murray 2030 Vision Plan: Town Trails Project- Upper Ovens Murray to Mountains Rail Trail: Bright to Harrietville Shared Trail – Final stage from

Germantown to Stony Creek- Wahgunyah to Lake Moodemere Trail- Wangaratta to Cheshunt (Phase 2): Cheshunt to Whitfield section.

Other Tourism Projects Glenrowan and Winton Wetlands Facilities – secure resources to develop a detailed plan for

experience development facilities to support tourism development at these sites.

Advocacy Priorities

Cycle Tourism, Tracks and Trails Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (Victorian Trails Strategy) – support detailed planning and business

case development following completion of the masterplan.

Great Victorian Rail Trail: Eildon Extension – build support for infrastructure funding following completion of the detailed design for extension of the rail trail from Alexandra to Eildon.

O’Keefe Rail Trail Extension – build support for infrastructure funding following completion of detailed planning for extension of the existing Bendigo to Heathcote rail trail from Heathcote to Wallan (via Pyalong, Tooborac, Kilmore and Wandong).

Other Tourism Priorities Agri-Tourism – support advancement of the regional agri-tourism sector, including food and beverage,

niche and premium product.

Lake Eildon Boating Facilities – support implementation of projects identified in the Lake Eildon Recreation Boating Facilities Improvement Plan (2015) to improve infrastructure related to recreational boating on and around Lake Eildon.

Military Heritage – strengthen the region’s military heritage tourism offer by supporting relocation of the Australian Army Tank and Artillery Museum located at Puckapunyal Army Base to the base perimeter.

Mount Buffalo Chalet – support the review of development plans and exploration of feasible options for establishing visitor information facilities, activity hub and cafe.

Regional Tourism Development – maximise opportunities identified through the tourism product gap analysis studies undertaken by Murray Region Tourism and Tourism North East; and the destination management plan produced by Goulburn River Valley Tourism.

Regional Visitor Attraction – grow the economic return from visitation by building awareness of the region’s tourism offer.

Wodonga Arts, Cultural and Events Precinct – support development of proposals that identify the location and investment required to continue infrastructure upgrades at Gateway Island, including the Visitor Centre; and establish an arts, cultural and events precinct in Wodonga.

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GOING GLOBAL IN THE FOOD ECONOMYPositioning Hume Region in the global food economy...

Shovel Ready Essential Infrastructure Projects

No shovel ready infrastructure projects identified.

Ready to Advance Priority Projects Agri-Tourism Operator Capability – attract funding to further build the agri-tourism channel through

developing tourism operator capability and professionalism in order to enhance the visitor experience in the region.

Alternative Business Models – secure resources to enable work with industry associations to build awareness of alternative farming and agribusiness models that lead to improved profitability, attraction of investment and, where appropriate, industry transition.

Optimal Use of Prime Agriculture Land – support progression of the Goulburn Valley case study, within the statewide strategic agricultural land project, to determine opportunities for aggregation and options for optimising production from prime agricultural land.

Skill Sharing and Capacity Development

Food and Fibre Alliances – attract funding to support establishment of new food and fibre alliances, and build capacity of existing food networks / hubs to develop growth plans for value adding / differentiation, accessing new markets and improving supply chain efficiencies.

Place-Based Employment Clusters (Goulburn Valley and Central Hume) – secure support to develop place-based employment clusters in key locations that will facilitate career pathways and on the job training opportunities, particularly in the Goulburn Valley and Central Hume sub regions.

Skill Development Programs for Food Sector SMEs – secure support to work with key education and training providers to further develop tailored business, financial and risk management programs that support building capacity and skills of small to medium sized food enterprises.

Advocacy Priorities Alpine Valleys Dairy Pathways Project – secure support for ongoing implementation of the North East

Dairy Regional Growth Plan and Workforce Development Strategy (2014) to maximise the use of high quality land and lift annual milk production, subject to the needs and aspirations of current owners.

Data for SMEs – secure improved access to and interpretation of data on domestic and international market opportunities for the region’s small to medium business enterprises.

Place-Based Employment Clusters (Upper and Lower Hume) – secure support to commence planning for employment clusters in the Upper and Lower Hume sub regions that will support improved understanding of career pathways and workplace training opportunities such as internships and apprenticeships.

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PROSPEROUS INDUSTRY SUPPORTED BY A CAPABLE WORKFORCE Building strong industry sectors supported by a capable workforce...




Training Pathways and Career Opportunities Secure funding to strengthen pathways between industry, education and training providers across

manufacturing; agriculture; transport; warehousing and logistics; and health, aged care and community services sectors.

Access funding opportunities to develop new or further support existing pathways for training directly related to identified skill shortages in the manufacturing; agriculture; transport; warehousing and logistics; and health, aged care and community services sectors.

Secure funding to develop effective messaging for dissemination through schools, vocational training and higher education providers, about career opportunities across manufacturing; agriculture; transport; warehousing and logistics; and health, aged care and community services sectors.

Advocacy PrioritiesAgriculture and Next Generation Farming Strengthen opportunities provided by the region’s agricultural education and training facilities,

including the GOTAFE and Charles Sturt University Wangaratta Regional Study Centre and Melbourne University Dookie Campus.

Support workforce development initiatives that strengthen the performance of the region in the global and national food economies.

Capacity Building through Manufacturing Alliances Secure support to broker alliances in key manufacturing hubs across Hume Region that will build the

competitiveness of the sector by exploring opportunities and building capacity for:- transitional initiatives- investment attraction and marketing- tendering skills development- contract clustering.

Health, Aged Care and Community Services Secure support to undertake a detailed environmental scan of existing regional health, aged care and

community services initiatives in order to identify additional initiatives that are required to further support rural recruitment, retention and workforce development for the sector.

Secure support for discussion and collaboration across health and human service organisations in relation to workforce planning and development to progress priority initiatives.

Transport, Warehousing and Logistics Secure support and seek funding to identify, develop and implement targeted programs, in conjunction

with regional education and training providers, for priority transport, warehousing and logistics workforce skills in order to service sector growth.

Secure support for skills development, maintenance and advancement for those already in the transport, warehousing and logistics workforce.

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CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION AND A SECURE ENERGY FUTURE Tackling the effects of climate change proactively and increasing renewable energy capability and uptake for a low carbon energy future...





Advocacy Priorities Hume Region Electricity Infrastructure – secure support for either line renewal or alternative

electricity supply for towns supporting large manufacturing facilities (i.e. Tatura and Cobram).

Regional Energy Future Projects – strengthen regional capacity to access funding from sources such as Victorian Government and Australian Government renewable energy initiatives, to support:- monitoring of the regional impact of carbon pricing- innovation and investment in renewable energy - energy efficiency- biodiversity protection and related environmental benefits.

Energy Pricing – promote pricing policy reforms which focus on improving energy efficiencies and removing efficiency inhibitors across industries within the region.

Climate Change Support local government to collectively address climate change by building economies of scale for

initiatives such as bulk purchasing of energy and support local leadership to harness new opportunities.

Secure support to:- develop a comprehensive and integrated Regional Climate Change Strategy, which details

reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change adaptations and opportunities for green industry development

- undertake a social, environmental and economic impact assessment of the consequences of a changed Hume region climate

- critically identify, analyse and promote economic opportunities resulting from climate change which provide competitive advantages to the Hume Region.

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DIGITAL HUMETaking collective action to build infrastructure capacity and digital readiness across the region...





Advocacy Priorities Build Digital Readiness – support activities to build digital readiness across a range of key sectors,

including business, manufacturing, agriculture and not-for-profit, as well as households.

Digital Hume implementation – seek funding and support to implement priority actions identified through Digital Hume: A digital strategy for a smart region (2013), with a particular focus on infrastructure development to support the NBN rollout and provision of NBN and mobile telephone coverage across the region, with attention to mobile black-spots.

Local Government Digital Readiness Strategies – support the development of regionally aligned digital readiness strategies by local government authorities in the region.

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REGIONAL SPORTING FACILITIESDeveloping regionally significant sporting hubs and capitalising on opportunities for nationally significant sport and recreation facilities...

Shovel Ready Essential Infrastructure Projects Wangaratta Aquatic Facilities – secure funding to implement remaining stages of the Wangaratta

Aquatics Plan 2014, including demolition and redundancy works at the former Yarrunga and Olympic Pool sites; and a new 50 metre outdoor pool and additional hydrotherapy facilities at the Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Wangaratta Equine Precinct - support redevelopment of training and horse care facilities, including access and links to other equine facilities.

Wodonga Racecourse and Event Precinct – secure funding to upgrade community multi-use facilities in the Hamilton Smith precinct and provide capacity to hold state and national events.

Ready to Advance Priority Projects Baranduda Fields Sports Precinct – secure support for detailed planning to co-locate community and

sporting facilities, and develop a recreational and education precinct for regional events and activities.

Broadford State Motorcycle Complex Upgrade – secure funding to complete a detailed feasibility assessment and costing for the proposed expansion of the Broadford State Motorcycle Complex and associated development of adjacent industrial land for an industrial park, training and accommodation facility, and council works depot.

La Trobe University Soccer Precinct (Wodonga) – secure support to progress development of facilities upon completion of master planning.

Goulburn Valley Equine and Greyhound Precinct – secure support to redevelop the facility and advance opportunities for surrounding land use, following release of the final Feasibility Study and Masterplan.

Advocacy Priorities

No advocacy priorities identified.

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SUSTAINABLY MANAGED CATCHMENTS AND WATER RESOURCESProtecting catchments and building a strong future with less water for consumptive use...

Shovel Ready Essential Infrastructure Projects High Value Environmental Feature Protection in the Shepparton Irrigation Region – secure funding for

scope of works, including shallow water table control, modification of water delivery options and protection / enhancement of remnant vegetation.

On- Farm Irrigation Modernisation – secure funding for implementation of on-farm irrigation system projects that were previously eligible for grants under the Farm Water Program, in order to accommodate demand for modernisation across the remaining 70,000 to 100,000 hectares of irrigation land that has ‘unfunded potential’.

Sub Surface (Groundwater) Program of Works – secure funding for implementation of shallow groundwater resource management and groundwater salinity management works that have been scoped and include a mix of public and private groundwater pumps.

Sustainable Irrigation Surface Drainage Systems – secure funding for scope of works that includes area requiring drainage within two kilometres of the Goulburn Murray Water Backbone, with a potential future irrigated footprint of over 120,000 hectares.

Ready to Advance Priority Projects Innovative Farming: Productive Land Use for a Variable Water Future – secure funding for programs

to assist farmers to make decisions about future use of their farming properties.

Murray Dairy Accelerating Change Program – secure funding for implementation beyond Stage 1 to accelerate innovation and best practice dairy farming.

Regional Response to the Murray Darling Basin (MDB) Plan – secure resources to undertake a socio-economic assessment to determine the ‘impact to date’ of MDB Plan implementation.

Advocacy Priorities Catchment Management – secure implementation support for the North East Regional Catchment

Management Strategy (2013) and Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Management Strategy (2013).

Water Policy – provide information to stakeholders on water market and water policy, and promote the importance of effective and transparent water policy, with particular focus on delivery share, cancellation fees, carry over and environmental water holdings

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PROTECTING OUR HIGH VALUE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSETSAligning action to protect the region’s iconic, high value environmental assets and ecosystem services with regional growth and sustainable land use...





Advocacy Priorities Landscape Precinct Planning – secure support to implement a large landscape project that delivers

regional scale application of Wodonga’s approach to landscape precinct planning, Wodonga Retained Environmental Network (WRENs), involving identification of high priority sites and adoption of planning scheme amendments for areas where environmental assets will be retained and protected from future development.

Regional Biolink – secure support to establish a Murray to Mountains (M2M) Biolink as an iconic regional environment initiative incorporating five key corridors, to increase the resilience of the region’s flora and fauna, ecosystems and social communities.

Regional Native Vegetation Offset Scheme – secure support to implement a regional scale native vegetation offset scheme as a pilot model to improve protection of biodiversity value and connection, and identify strategic areas for offsets to inform existing and future development.

Waste Management – collaborate with the two regional Waste and Resource Recovery Groups (North East and Goulburn Valley) to identify strategic opportunities to pursue sustainable waste management practices funded through sources such as the landfill levy, with an initial focus on advocating for the development of services and facilities to divert organics from landfill.

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PLANNING FOR GROWTHAligning support for population growth with the region’s aspirations for economic development, infrastructure and sustainable land use...




Planning for Growth in Regional Cities Support ongoing planning for the Leneva Baranduda Growth Area (Wodonga). Support ongoing planning for the Wangaratta North and South Growth Areas. Support development of the Shepparton North East and South East Growth Corridors.

Planning for Growth in Identified Regional Centres and Towns Support planning for the Bethanga Peninsula Rural Living Development in Towong Shire. Support planning for the Rutherglen Rural Living Strategy and implementation of the Stanley Village

Land Use Strategy in Indigo Shire. Support implementation of the Yea Structure Plan in Murrindindi Shire. Support planning for the Seymour and Kilmore Structure Plans in Mitchell Shire.

Hume Regional Growth Plan Provide ongoing support and cross government input for implementation of Hume Regional Growth

Plan (2014) priorities:- Planning for strategic regional infrastructure to support growth- Planning for future growth in Seymour and Mangalore- Rural residential local planning criteria adoption- Latent commercial / industry capacity assessment- Land supply and demand projections- Regional native vegetation and offset planning.

Support development of an interface between the Metropolitan Planning Strategy and Hume Regional Growth Plan for planning in peri urban areas.

Support alignment of future Municipal Strategic Statements, prepared by councils in Hume Region, with the Hume Regional Growth Plan.

Advocacy Priorities Regional Cities Profile – support regional participation in activities at the state and national levels that

increase recognition of the role of regional cities and strengthen their capacity for development as regional service centres.

Regional Landscape Assessment Studies – protect high value landscapes by supporting councils to implement findings in their local planning schemes from the three regional landscape assessment studies undertaken in 2014-15 (Lower Hume and High Country; Upper Murray; and Central Murray and Goulburn Valley).

Seymour Urban Development Framework – explore opportunities for development of Seymour as a ‘hinterland’ regional centre to the north of the recently expanded urban growth boundary for metropolitan Melbourne.

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BACK COVER

Documents

Web viewSecure funding and support for key improvements to regional transport networks: ... scale social enterprise. Wodonga ... opportunities identified through