The Victorian Government is providing $50,000 to support planning for continued economic growth in Portland, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said.
Ms Tierney said the funding would develop an Integrated Growth Plan for Portland to boost exports through the Port of Portland and support growth of the town’s retail, cultural and tourism precincts.
“Portland is a dynamic community with a growing economy and the Portland Integrated Growth Plan will provide a coordinated approach to its continued economic development,” Ms Tierney said.
“The Port of Portland delivers $1.5 billion into the regional economy each year and currently has approximately 3.2 million tonnes in annual throughput, which is expected to grow to an estimated seven million tonnes over the next five to 10 years, according to the Green Triangle Freight Action Plan.
“The Port of Portland Land Use Strategy indicates that truck traffic to the port is estimated to peak at 250,000 trucks per annum, the equivalent of 685 per day.
“Growth in tourism and the recreational boating and fishing sector is also expected to contribute to increased growth pressures that need to be managed in the long-term.
“The development of new infrastructure to meet increased demand in boating, recreational fishing and eco-tourism has been identified by the Council as a priority.
“This project will provide a plan to design and link the various components of Portland’s future development together.”
Ms Tierney said the Integrated Growth Plan will build on existing work of key initiatives including the Portland Bay Coastal Infrastructure Plan, the Green Triangle Region Freight Action Plan and the Port of Portland Land Use Strategy.
A project working group will also be established to provide input and guidance into the plan and will include representation from several Government departments including Regional Development Victoria (RDV), and the Committee for Portland.
Funding for the initiative is being provided through the Victorian Government’s through the Government’s Planning for Growth program.
The program is one of a number provided by the Victorian Government to support regional towns and communities plan for continued economic growth and development.