Rural Victoria
- The water industry was reformed, which meant savings of 18% on an average household water bill and even larger savings for most businesses.
$450 million was committed to upgrade drinking water in rural and regional areas to World Health Organisation standards.
Unemployment in regional areas was reduced from 11.9 per cent in November 1992 to 7.7 per cent in June 1999. - The International Fibre Centre, costing $50 million over ten years, was established to provide a world class training facility from fibre to finished fabric.
- Annual food exports more than doubled on 1992 levels, to over $4 billion.
- $2.1 billion in food related investments were facilitated, 80 per cent of which were invested in rural and regional Victoria.
- The development of 5 Regional Action Plans by forums consisting of community and business leaders were facilitated.
- 3 additional national parks were created – Chiltern Box Iron Bark, Terrick Terrick and Lake Eildon.
- 23,000 hectares were added to Victoria’s network of national parks and reserves.
- Regional forest agreements (RFA) had been completed for East Gippsland and Central Highlands with remaining RFAs to be completed by 1999.
- Catchment Management Authorities were established to enable community based decision making for the protection and enhancement of our natural resource base.
- The Bringing the Bay to Life program was established, protecting Port Phillip Bay’s significant natural and cultural features, and improving access and infrastructure for boating and recreational activities.
Major projects
- Major projects completed or underway included:
- Federation Square
- The New Melbourne Museum
- Redevelopment of the State Library
- Construction of the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
- Upgrade of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl
