The partnership provides advice to government on insights and solutions that drive economic prosperity and remove barriers to growth.
Priority initiatives
We have identified 5 priority initiatives for 2023 and 2024 that reflect some of the challenges and opportunities faced by the Great South Coast region.
Read more about each initiative below or download Great South Coast Priorities (PDF 3056.01 KB) 
.
An accessible version of this document is currently not available. If you need this information in an alternative format, contact us via email at greatsouthcoast.partnership@rdv.vic.gov.au.
Key worker housing
- Ensuring the $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund includes the investment to deliver key and essential worker housing in line with evidence and solutions identified in the Barwon South West Key Worker Action Plan.
- Prioritised investment for use of crown land and caravan parks to deliver a Summer Workforce Accommodation Program.
Water
- Develop a functioning water trading platform in the Great South Coast region.
- Fast-track the development of a strategic and sustainable water management plan for the South West region, directing equitable access to a diversified range of competitively priced fresh and recycled resources to support industry growth.
Great South Coast road network
Prioritised investment in the Great South Coast's nationally significant road network including:
- Years 2 and 3 Dairy Supply Chain Road funding: $31.5 million per year over 2 years.
- Narrow Roads Program: $100 million per year for 4 years.
- Princess Highway West and Great Ocean Road inland: $300 million over 4 years joint investment between State and Federal Government.
- Timber Industry Road Evaluation Study (TIRES): include forward estimates 2024 to 2027 funding in the budget for works identified in the TIRES report.
Equitable economic participation
- Review the current Social Procurement Framework through a regional social benefit lens and pilot local changes in a Great South Coast Trial.
- Provide support to establish GSC BUILD (Business Upskill & Innovate for Local Development) - a local business capability building initiative to support SMEs in recruiting vulnerable individuals, offer career pathways through skills development, and help equip local industry to win competitive contracts.
Growing our clean energy sector
- Support Stage 1 establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Clean Energy to be delivered through a collaboration between Deakin University and SW TAFE of $20 million.
- Explore policy mechanisms for establishing a government-supported renewable hydrogen hub or zone in the region.
- Provide funded support to de-risk projects and reduce commercial gaps, including grants and network exemption charges for grid-connected renewable hydrogen projects.
- Regulate community investment schemes for renewable energy developers, benefiting the local community.
Economic development
The Great South Coast Regional Partnership has two foundational documents that guide our decision-making process. These documents have active project steering groups to provide direction on regional partnership priorities.
The Partnership supports transformative economic development opportunities, such as those identified in the Regional Economic Development Strategies.
Economic Futures Report
The Economic Futures Report aims to guide the region in capitalising on high value opportunities that align with the regions strengths and will work towards diversifying the Great South Coast Economy.
Economic Futures Report (PDF 18005.99 KB)
An accessible version of this document is currently not available. Contact us via email at greatsouthcoast.partnership@rdv.vic.gov.au if you need this information in an alternative format.
Social Futures Report
The Social Futures Report, "In Plain Sight," was developed to provide advice and strategies aimed at enhancing place-based economic participation within communities.
In Plain Sight report (PDF 6448.23 KB)
In Plain Sight – Summary (PDF 4120.6 KB)
An accessible version of this document is currently not available. Contact us via email at greatsouthcoast.partnership@rdv.vic.gov.au if you need this information in an alternative format.
Western Victoria Grain Industry Supply Chain Study
Victoria’s grain industry is an economic powerhouse that employs almost 10,000 people. Our golden grains are grown on 3.5 million hectares of land exported through commercial ports at Geelong, Portland and Melbourne. Our top 3 export destinations by value are China ($815m), Japan ($545m) and Indonesia ($368m).
Victoria accounted for 17% of Australia’s $33 billion total grain exports in 2022-23, making it the third largest exporter in the nation by value.
The Western Victoria Grain Industry Supply Chain Study maps expected future grain flows. The study includes data and technical insights to plan and manage the future needs of our road and rail freight network. It acknowledges efficiencies in recent major rail and road investments for industry, identifying priorities and opportunities for future consideration.
This report was prepared by the Great South Coast, Wimmera Southern Mallee and Central Highlands Regional Partnerships and associated Local Government Authorities in the region with the support of the Department of Transport and Planning.
For media enquiries relating to this report, email media@transport.vic.gov.au
For all other enquiries, email LocalTransportProgram@transport.vic.gov.au
Download: Western Victoria Grain Supply Chain Study Report Mar 2025 (DOCX 22084.9 KB) 
An accessible version of this document is currently not available. Contact us via email at greatsouthcoast.partnership@rdv.vic.gov.au if you need this information in an alternative format.