STATEMENT – HON JACINTA ALLAN MP

PREMIER

Today we’re here to launch Victoria’s Economic Growth Statement.
And with it, more than 40 initiatives that will deliver a stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable economy for
our state.
Because this Statement is so much more than just a document – it’s our roadmap for success.
Through the Economic Growth Statement:
• We’ll help businesses not just get off the ground – but soar.
• We’ll create more Victorian jobs – and with it more opportunity for Victorian workers.
• And we’ll back the industries and the people that will drive our great state forward.
Because Victoria is a great state, home to the best people, the best events, the best ideas.

Over the course of this year, and through roundtables and forums, I’ve heard from industry leaders and business
owners.
And you’ve told me how government can make it easier to do business in Victoria:
• That we can do more to stimulate investment and innovation
• That we can make sure regulation isn’t tying you up in red tape
• And that workers and communities must be a part of the solution
It’s why our Economic Growth Statement lays out our pathway towards a stronger economy, and a stronger
future. Our strategy focuses on the four key actions that we know will drive new economic growth. We will:
• Open doors, by making it easier to invest and expand in Victoria
• Cut red tape, so you can focus on your customers, not paperwork
• Build new skills, creating a workforce that’s ready to get to work
• And we’ll reach every community – because I firmly believe a strong regional Victoria means a strong
Victoria.

This week, we’ve announced a number of these changes:

Reducing unnecessary duplication for hospitality businesses.
Speeding up environmental approvals from government.
Creating a single, dedicated front door to support investors who want to come to our state.
Supporting more Victorian businesses who want to take their best to the world.
And unlocking over 6,000 hectares of industrial land.
If you’re using Victoria’s official metric, that’s equivalent to more than 3,000 MCGs – with the potential to support
up to $9.5 billion worth of industrial activity.
Imagine it: Land that currently lies empty, or underutilised – will instead represent security, certainty and pride
for thousands of Victorian workers – and their families.
I also know that industry wants to work collaboratively and productively with government.
But to do that, you need clarity and certainty on our state’s future direction.
It’s why as part of this Statement, we’ve identified the priority sectors that will be the beating heart of Victoria’s
economy.
From advanced manufacturing and defence, health technologies and medical research. The circular economy,
digital technology and agribusiness – these sectors are the keys to unlocking the biggest growth.

Victoria is open for business – with the Allan Labor Government slashing red tape to make it easier and cheaper for
cafes, pubs, and restaurants to open their doors, serve more customers and grow their business.

Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny and Minister for Small Business Natalie Suleyman today
visited the Peacock Hotel in Northcote to announce common sense changes to how businesses apply for liquor
licences and permits, as well as outdoor dining.
As part of the Economic Growth Statement, the requirement to apply for a planning permit to serve alcohol will be
abolished – saving venue owners time and money.
Good regulation helps keep Victorians safe and ensures fair outcomes for everyone. But heavy-handed and
outdated red tape gets in the way – stifling growth and creating headaches for business owners.
It’s why our Economic Growth Statement is making it simpler and easier to do business in Victoria.

OPENING DOORS AND BACKING BUSINESS TO INVEST AND EXPAND

Victoria is open for business – with the Allan Labor Government rolling out the welcome mat and giving businesses
certainty ours is a state where they can invest, expand and innovate.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins and Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
today visited Dulux’s state-of-the-art factory in Merrifield to announce that the Economic Growth Statement will
deliver a 10-year pipeline of industrial land – securing the space businesses need to expand and create jobs.
Not only is the Labor Government unlocking more land for industry, it’ll also make it easier to work with
government, slash the time it takes to get environmental approvals, and back the future of manufacturing.

UNLOCKING INDUSTRIAL LAND

The work to create the 10-year Plan for Industrial Land starts now with the aim of unlocking well-located and
accessible land that takes advantage of curfew free air and seaports serviced by existing rail and road infrastructure
– supporting more jobs and more businesses.
This decade-long pipeline of work will give businesses certainty on how and when land will be released – enabling
them to plan for the future.
Over the next decade, the Labor Government will deliver more greenfield employment precincts by safeguarding
industrial land and rezoning underutilised areas. The plan will be released in 2025.

The Government is also taking immediate action, including:

• Bringing forward planning of the Merrifield North precinct with planning commencing this financial year
and completed by the end of 2028, five years ahead of what was announced in the 10-year plan for
Melbourne’s greenfield. This precinct is close to the future Cloverton Metropolitan Activity
Centre and comprises more than 900 hectares and with capacity for up to 4700 jobs.
• Reviewing zoning of up to 3,300 hectares of industrial land at Altona North and Hastings, which is currently
restricted under Special Use Zoning, enabling it to be used for new and growing businesses.
• Tasking the new, dedicated greenfield land concierge service with working with councils and industry to
unlock land identified for industry and employment that is currently underutilised, identifying and
addressing issues preventing development.
The plan will drive economic activity across the state, particularly in the northern and western growth corridors of
Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Click here to learn more about Victoria Economic Growth Statement