![Farmers back regional growth fund Farmers back regional growth fund](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-agfeed/805223.jpg/r0_0_500_389_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has backed a commitment by the State Opposition to introduce a $1 billion regional growth fund if elected at November’s State Election.
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VFF President Andrew Broad congratulated the Coalition on their announcement saying it was an important recognition of the need for investment in rural Victoria.
“This is a strong statement from the Opposition and one that should be applauded not only by rural Victorians but by those living in Melbourne as well,” Mr Broad said.
“At a time when we are debating the merits of a big versus not so big Australia there should be more focus on locating a substantial proportion of our inevitable growth in rural and regional areas.
“Farmers have long called for the investment we need to diversify regional economies. Greater funding for real rural infrastructure will help to lift the quality of life both in regional areas and in Melbourne by ensuring a more even spread of population across our nation.
“Particularly pleasing is the focus the Opposition’s policy has placed on local decision makers. No one knows better than local people the order of importance in which investment should be made.
“We are now looking with expectation to the State Government for the release of their Rural Blueprint. This document must focus on more than planning and rhetoric, it must commit new and substantial funds and should be the roadmap to maximising the economic growth of Rural Victoria,” Mr Broad concluded.