Press Releases

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan opened the South East Australian Transport Strategy’s (SEATS) first quarterly meeting for 2012 at O’Neills restaurant in Sale on Thursday night.

In opening the meeting, Mr Ryan said SEATS worked well with government bodies, because its goal centered on investment in transport infrastructure, which is a main driver of economic development in the regions.

“The Victorian Government’s involvement with SEATS, along with other key stakeholders such as local councils, road and rail authorities, private enterprise and local community groups makes for a good relationship arrangement, as we all shape the transport infrastructure of South Eastern Australia,” Mr Ryan said.

“SEATS have been proactive in partnering with both local and State governments in achieving an impressive amount of upgraded and built roads over the past five years.”

Mr Ryan said the Government believed in the importance of transport infrastructure as it was vital to creating employment opportunities in the country’s South Eastern region.

“The Victorian Government is committed to growing regional Victoria to create new prosperity, more opportunities and a better quality of life,” Mr Ryan said.

“Regional Victoria now has a more diverse economy with competitive and productive agriculture, manufacturing, professional and consumer service businesses.

“We believe regional Victoria holds the key to balancing the state’s future population growth, and building on our transport infrastructure and networks makes up a great part of that balance.”

Media contact: Ben Bulmer 0437 108 870