Ryan – Victorian Coalition Government helps Masters invest $500 million and create 6,400 jobs

· Victorian Coalition Government assistance supports massive Masters’
investment
· $500 million now invested in 17 stores, creating 6,400 jobs in total
· Coalition Government building a better Victoria, attracting
investment and jobs

The Victorian Coalition Government today welcomed news that Masters has
passed the milestone of $500 million of investment in Victoria, thanks
to assistance from the Department of State Development.

Speaking in Hawthorn East today, Deputy Premier and Minister for State
Development Peter Ryan said the $500 million investment across 17 new
stores had created thousands of jobs.

“Masters’ investment, aided by the Coalition Government, has created
6,400 jobs – almost 2,000 retail jobs and more than 4,400 direct and
indirect construction jobs,” Mr Ryan said.

“Some 11 per cent of Masters’ workers are older than 55, so Masters is
providing important employment in that age group.

“Big companies are investing in Victoria because the Coalition has
managed the economy so well – we have the only budget in surplus in
Australia.

“We’re pleased to have helped attract and fast track this investment
through assistance with several issues, including those around planning
and zoning.

“The Coalition Government will continue helping Masters with planning
approvals, vehicular access, traffic issues and infrastructure needs so
that Masters continues to expand and employ more Victorians.”

Mr Ryan was also pleased to note Masters Hawthorn hosts a MadCap Café,
which employs victims of mental illness and helps them build their
skills and confidence. The partnership is expected to grow into other
Masters stores.

Masters Regional Manager Tim Broxham said the Coalition Government had
helped the company to grow in Victoria and said it was looking forward
to a continuing relationship as more stores opened across Victoria.

“Since opening our very first store in Braybrook in September 2011,
Masters has opened another 16 stores in Victoria and a total of 49
across the country, employing thousands of Australians. We hope to
continue growing well into the future,” Mr Broxham said.

Mr Ryan said investment attraction, promotion and facilitation were key
priorities for the Coalition Government.

“The Coalition Government helps businesses looking to invest in
Victoria with approvals coordination, specialist advice on the
development approvals, site location services, advice on infrastructure
and utility requirements,” Mr Ryan said.