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13 April , 2004 Media Release Investment growth a step in the right direction State Government claims of investment growth in excess of $3 billion and the creation of 7400 new jobs in regional areas have been welcomed by a group of regional business leaders. Champions of the Bush said the figures announced by Regional Development Minister John Brumby had reinforced their claims that more people were starting to recognise the benefits of living, working and investing in provincial Victoria. Champions of the Bush Chairman John Brown, from Brown Brothers Wines at Milawa, said the latest figures demonstrated the importance of continuing to promote rural and regional areas. "In recent times we have seen the State Government's $1.3 million 'Make it Happen' campaign along with our own 'Back to the Bush' project which encouraged country people to invite city-based family and friends to visit on the Labour Day long weekend," Mr Brown said. "These campaigns are raising awareness in both the city and the country about the opportunities which exist in provincial Victoria. "We need to create an environment of innovation and excitement about the future which will help our regional areas to achieve their full potential." Champions of the Bush Executive Officer Darren Chester believes more Melburnians are set to 'discover' the lifestyle advantages of provincial Victoria. "From our experience, young parents in particular are looking for more out of life than two parents working long hours and leaving their kids in childcare from nine to five," Mr Chester said. "They want to find a better balance between work and family life and we can offer that throughout regional Victoria. "While housing has increased in value, it is still much more affordable than the city and the job opportunities appear to be expanding for skilled workers across a range of industries. "State Government research has indicated that up to 600,000 people currently living in Melbourne would consider a move to provincial Victoria if the circumstances were right. "Our message is: there has never been a better time to consider a move and people currently living in the country need to be encouraging their family and friends to join them. "Life's
better in the country and if we can attract more investment and increase
our population it will help to make many of our smaller communities
more sustainable in the longer term. It's all about creating a future
for our younger people and making sure that rural and regional areas
prosper in the future."
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