Regional Economic Transition

Regional Development Victoria (RDV) is the Victorian Government’s lead agency responsible for rural and regional economic development.

Our core strength is our ability to build local partnerships and knowledge so that together with communities we can respond to change and create lasting opportunities for economic growth.

We work across all parts of government to drive a coordinated strategy that ensures our collective efforts achieve the best outcomes for local communities.

With staff based in every region, we take a locally focused approach to each region’s needs - because they each have unique strengths, opportunities and challenges.

Opportunities and challenges evolve - whether brought about by environmental, social or economic factors. Accordingly, regions must be able to stand strong by backing a diverse range of industries to create the jobs of the future and provide the lifestyles and communities people want and deserve.

Many regions across Victoria and Australia are experiencing change and transition from traditional industries towards newer and broader industries, presenting opportunities and challenges. Victoria’s south west and Gippsland’s Latrobe Valley are two examples.

Our support for these regions means we know that with the right response, communities can and do weather the effects of change and go on to thrive.

We also know that regional Victoria is an evolving place where agriculture, mining and manufacturing remain important, but where local economies are increasingly diversified.

With tremendous growth in new energy, health, education, advanced manufacturing and tourism industries, our local workforces are and will continue to be more diverse than ever before.

Regional industries are productive, profitable and innovative. But their resilience to change doesn’t happen by accident and there is always more to do.