RECENT figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics have revealed employment in regional Victoria is on the rise.

The quarterly ABS Labour Force detail released in August showed Victoria’s regional workforce increased by 18,300 employees, up 2.5% against statistics from the first quarter.

Unemployment also dropped from 5.6% to 5.2%, placing Victoria in second place behind Western Australia for the nation’s lowest unemployment rates.

“These figures compare favourably with the Australian regional average of 6%,” Treasurer Michael O’Brien said.

“The Coalition government’s economic strategy is to build for growth and create jobs, and we are continuing to deliver infrastructure in our regional cities and towns to achieve that end.

“Statewide, we are investing a record $6.1 billion in infrastructure this year alone.”

For more information about the ABS Labour Force detail, click here.