Farmers and regional communities in South Western Victoria will benefit from a new $200 million Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund that will drive economic growth, create jobs and boost exports from paddock to port.

Treasurer Tim Pallas today joined WestVic Container Export Managing Director Warwick Loft at Warrnambool intermodal terminal to discuss the new Fund, which will be established following the successful passage of the Port of Melbourne lease legislation through the Parliament.

Inspecting the container terminal, Mr Pallas said the Fund would be available for infrastructure projects to support the expected growth in container traffic as the region’s dairy and meat industries continue to prosper.

The Fund, which has the backing of the Victorian Farmers Federation, will support vital investment in agricultural infrastructure to boost productivity, increase exports and reduce costs so our farmers can stay competitive.

It will be available for practical projects and programs that wholly benefit the agriculture sector including transport, irrigation, and energy projects, as well as skills development programs and market access campaigns.

Eligible applicants will include farm businesses, industry and agribusiness organisations, asset owners such as water authorities and local government.

This Fund will ensure we’re investing in the infrastructure needed to help our farmers and producers in South Western Victoria get their goods to market faster, to take advantage of new local and international opportunities.

Leasing the Port of Melbourne will make our port even better for Victorian farmers, increasing efficiencies and competitiveness, including a significant benefit from the Port’s decision to implement an export discount.

The Fund will be established following the successful passage of the Delivering Victorian Infrastructure (Port of Melbourne Lease Transaction) Bill 2015 which the Liberals and Nationals voted against in Parliament.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

“It is forward-thinking and innovative initiatives like the Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund that will ensure Victorian farmers and exporters are best placed to take hold the opportunities of tomorrow, today.”

“The Fund – which is over and above all our existing election commitments – will invest in critical agriculture infrastructure, such as freight terminal upgrades, providing benefits to the many thousands of hard-working farmers in the South West that depend on this important sector.”

“It is time for everybody in Parliament to get behind this fund and give regional and rural Victoria a boost that goes towards innovation and opportunity.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

“Agriculture and our farming families sit at the heart of rural and regional Victoria, with our food and fibre industry contributing more than $11 billion to our economy and employing more than 87,000 people.”

“This Fund will give our local regional and farming communities the right infrastructure to capitalise on new opportunities to grow and remain competitive.”