The Opposition, however, says the grant and any jobs it might bring, are just a drop in the ocean compared to the number of positions it blames the government for costing the Rose City.
The aim of the precinct, the development of which is led by Benalla Rural City Council, is to create more local jobs in Benalla.
It will do that with a new hub that aims to attract advanced manufacturing, logistics and sustainable industries.
Agriculture Minister Ros Spence announced a $240,000 grant from the Community Development Fund to help Benalla Rural City Council progress the project.
“We’re supporting Benalla to build a resilient future through economic diversification and a shift towards sustainable industries,” Ms Spence said.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn said the precinct would transform the Benalla-Yarrawonga Rd Industrial Precinct and Enterprise Park into a hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics and sustainable industries.
“This investment aligns with our community’s vision, as outlined in the Future of Benalla and District Local Development Strategy, and will pave the way for long-term economic growth, job creation and innovation in our region,” Cr Hearn said.
That strategy identified advanced manufacturing as a key industry sector that would support long-term economic growth in the region.
This government funding aims to kickstart planning for the precinct, including an infrastructure needs analysis, and a conceptual masterplan and precinct design.
An infrastructure analysis study has identified gaps in the current industrial area and provided recommendations for key upgrades to support the future growth of the precinct on Yarrawonga Rd.
A masterplan and precinct design will shape the future of the Yarrawonga Rd site, demonstrating how to activate current and emerging industries, with input from stakeholders.
A transport strategy will also be developed to ensure safe, efficient and sustainable infrastructure across the municipality as the precinct grows.
The precinct is expected to attract high-value industries and deliver long-term benefits to the local and national economy through job creation, infrastructure improvements and increased industrial output.
This announcement builds on the government’s previous investments, including a $1 million Forestry Transition Fund grant for Midland Freight Pty Ltd to construct a new $3 million multi-purpose freight facility.
Council has also received $500,000 from the Community Development Fund to support the implementation of the LDS and deliver community capacity building activities.
Benalla is one of 11 Victorian towns and communities receiving support to transition and implement new strategies in their local economy, supported by the government’s Forestry Transition Program Community Development Fund.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, however, said a planning grant might look good in a press release, but it was a drop in the ocean when you considered the hundreds of jobs she said were ripped out of our community by the government.
“Our region lost hundreds of direct jobs when Labor shut down the sustainable timber industry, with many more disappearing across transport, trades and local suppliers,” she said.
“The recent Forest One cuts and the collapse of major defence contracts in Benalla have only deepened the pain.
“Red tape is choking local businesses, power bills are climbing under a rushed renewables rollout, outages are increasing and our regional roads are falling apart.
“Families in Benalla are asking for real, lasting jobs, not glossy announcements from Melbourne.
“Our region deserves genuine investment and a government that treats local jobs with respect — that is exactly what the Nationals would deliver in government.”
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