The remediation of the former Ballarat Saleyards site is an exciting step toward unlocking its full potential and supporting Ballarat’s future growth.

Thanks to the Allan Labor Government works at the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) are forging ahead, with construction beginning on an extension to Liberator Drive. Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today announced that Winslow Constructors have secured the contract to lead this next stage of the BWEZ development, which is being delivered by Development Victoria on behalf of Regional Development Victoria.

The Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) is a major success story for local job creation, with works on track to exceed expectations for the number of local workers, suppliers and materials sourced during construction thanks to the Allan Labor Government. Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today joined Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and the team from building firm Winslow Constructors to see first-hand the latest construction progress at the precinct.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today visited Ballarat to announce the new Food, Fire and Light Festival which will light up Sovereign Hill this October and announce the latest round of the Labor Government’s $38 million Regional Events Fund.

The Allan Labor Government has kick-started production of Victoria’s new X’Trapolis 2.0 in Ballarat, supporting up to 150 direct jobs, and up to 750 local jobs across the supply chain.

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting manufacturers across the state to equip their workers with the cutting-edge digital skills needed to boost competitiveness and create more jobs of the future. Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll today visited Ballarat manufacturer SEM Fire and Rescue, which is one the businesses benefitting from the Labor Government‘s $4.5 million Digital Jobs for Manufacturing program.

The Andrews Labor Government is doing what matters for families, parents and kids across regional Victoria, with a comprehensive package to give parents the support they need at the start of their life as a new family.

Hundreds of Victorians with a passion for horses will have the opportunity to start a career in racing thanks to a program placing disadvantaged jobseekers into work with some of the state’s best stables. Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines today visited the Ballarat Turf Club to announce a $3.1 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government to deliver 200 jobs in the racing sector through Jobs Victoria.

The Andrews Labor Government is boosting education, skills and innovation in the heart of Victoria’s second biggest regional city, with the launch of Federation University’s Co-operative Centre of Excellence. Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney today opened the new centre for industry and education in Ballarat’s CBD – made possible by a $9.5 million Labor Government investment.

Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat will be safer and more accessible for all theatre goers thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison visited the theatre to mark the start of Stage 3 restoration work on the nearly 150-year-old landmark, supported by a $10 million Labor Government investment through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.

Victoria’s strong economy is continuing to drive a dynamic labour market with the regional unemployment rate at a near all-time record low – and the lowest of all the states.  Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures released this week show that the regional unemployment rate is 2.9 per cent, while the national rate sits at 3.1 per cent.

The new trains will be manufactured in Dandenong and assembled in Alstom’s Ballarat factory later this year, bolstering the Labor Government’s commitment to support jobs across our state and continue the pipeline of local manufacturing.

The Andrews Labor Government is looking at more ways to boost employment opportunities in the Central Highlands, bringing together businesses, employers and community leaders. A forum held in Ballarat today and hosted by Jobs Victoria examined ways the Labor Government, local businesses and communities can work together to identify opportunities and develop new approaches to address workforce challenges.

Early works are now underway to build an Intermodal Freight Hub at the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ). The works will see five serviced lots built at the site – in preparation for major construction to take place on the freight hub next year.