Yesterday, regional Labor MPs joined Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant on the Bellarine to discuss priorities for regional Victoria.

Economic development was a key topic of conversation throughout the day, highlighting the importance of economic growth for supporting good local jobs, so that regional communities, like the Bellarine, can remain fantastic places to live, work and visit.

Recognising the unique strengths of each region is vital in supporting communities and businesses to work together to innovate and make targeted investment to achieve stronger outcomes for their communities.

A regional economic growth roundtable with local industry, education and business representatives took place in the afternoon at Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club, with discussion regarding opportunities and challenges for businesses in the region and their aspirations for economic growth.

The roundtable was hosted by the Minister for Regional Development the Hon. Gayle Tierney and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development Michaela Settle with Regional Development Victoria Regional Director Barwon South West Brett Ince and had local industry and business representatives from the Bellarine and Geelong.

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“It was a great opportunity to highlight the incredible businesses and industry leaders we have across the Bellarine.”

“Our local industry representatives were able to speak directly to the Minister for Regional Development and Members of Parliament while providing advice on how we can continue to support regional business development and growth.”