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Latrobe City Transition Taskforce starts on plan to move away from traditional power generation and a reduced timber industry

Taskforce establishment to plan for the economic diversification and investment opportunirties.

By news@gippsland - 30th August 2021 - Back to News

Building on Latrobe City's strengths to transform an economy fuelled by coal-fired power generation to a new diamond standard was the focus of the first Latrobe City Transition Taskforce meeting last Friday.

Latrobe City Council is acting now to minimise the significant effects of the closure of power stations upon the municipality in the future, successful transition is being planned

Council established the bi-partisan taskforce to plan for economic diversification and investment opportunities as the region transitions from traditional power generation and a reduced timber industry.

With the expected loss of 500 direct jobs, 200 contractor roles and significant indirect jobs when Yallourn Power Station shuts down in 2028, combined with a similar fallout still being felt following Hazelwood's closure in 2017, the taskforce will focus on new investment to generate employment.

Supporting the lead in transition

Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson said a key goal was to establish a diversification of industry to future proof our economy. "Our community has suffered from the severe and sudden impact of major industry closures and the loss of skilled, highly paid work."

"With less than seven years until Yallourn closes and the anticipated Loy Yang closure by 2048, we must lay the foundations for a thriving regional city now, capitalising on our local knowledge and expertise."

"We are thrilled to have State and Federal representatives on board to help us lead this transition and set the course for generations of Latrobe City growth and prosperity, because we cannot do this alone." Cr Gibson said.

Investments to boost economy

Council will target investment in fields including:

• Food and fibre
• Recyclables
• Advanced manufacturing
• Regional and rural health

Other important investments also include:

• Renewable energy
• Technical education
• Defence engineering
• Geothermal energy
• Circular economy

Other opportunities include developing the Gippsland Logistics Precinct, Latrobe Regional Airport, Centre for Australian Automotive Futures and unlocking various barriers to Latrobe City's further economic growth, such as infrastructure restrictions.

Appreciating the task force commitment

Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, Senator for Victoria Kim Carr, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Peter Walsh, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, State Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood, Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath and Member for Morwell Russell Northe attended today's first meeting. Council thanks the commitment of the taskforce members to date and welcomes future participation from State and Federal officials from all sides of government.

Pictures from Latrobe City website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Committee for Gippsland Strategic Plan 2021/24 to support jobs and investment for regions
  Following a thorough review in 2020, this new strategy aims to build a stronger and more relevant Committee for Gippsland, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our organisation
• Free pair of glasses for 176 students across West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley from Andrews Labor Victorian government
  One thousand more Victorian students can now see more clearly and concentrate better at school, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government's free Glasses for Kids program.
• Traralgon flood recovery pop-up support for Latrobe City Council
  Adjusting to life in the wake of disaster will be the subject of a free pop-up flood recovery session in Traralgon this month.
• Darren Chester urges to new prime minister to visit Latrobe Valley and expands project funding
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has written to new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding the funding of local projects which are critical to the future of the region.
• Community feedback for Traralgon Recreation Reserve and Showgrounds and Glenview Park precincts masterplans from Latrobe City Council
  Council has developed masterplans to redevelop the TRR&S and create a new community and events hub at Glenview park.
• More alcohol and drug detox beds needed in Latrobe Valley says Russell Northe
  Mr Northe indicated this had been a long running issue with many local individuals, families and service providers frustrated by the lack of services in a community that desperately needs detox beds.
• Feedback wanted on Bass Coast Council Draft Asset Plan to achieve its objective aligning with community vision
  Bass Coast Shire Council is calling for community feedback on its Draft Asset Plan that will end on Tuesday, 7 June.
• Federal budget 2022-23 and the plan to strengthen West and South Gippsland
  Summaries of 2022-23 budget and funding across West and South Gippsland.
• Innovation centre boosts the Latrobe Valley economy
  Innovation centre that helps in boosting the creation of jobs and the region's economy, supporting the development that is beneficial to the valley.
• Feedback wanted on community vision, draft council plan and draft long term financial plan from Baw Baw Shire Council
  Residents of the community is encouraged to join the community engagement and send their feedback to council's vision for the Baw Baw's future.
• Have your say on Bass Coast population growth plan and neighbourhood character study by 16 September 2022
  Bass Coast Shire Council is developing a Neighbourhood Character Study, a Housing Strategy, and a Residential Development Framework to help manage future population growth.
• Community feedback wanted on proposed sale of Hazelwood House in Churchill to Quantum Support Services by Latrobe City Council
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on a proposal to sell Hazelwood House in Churchill.
• Celebrating a million ways to be a woman online part of International Women's Day from Latrobe City Council
  As part of International Women's Day, Latrobe City Council is encouraging the community to join in celebrating the contribution of women across the municipality.
• Federal government backs largest indoor Barramundi aquaculture farm at Latrobe Valley with $30M funding
  The Latrobe Valley will become home to the world's largest indoor barramundi aquaculture farm with a $30 million boost from the federal government.
• Tony King starts new official curator of Sale Botanic Gardens
  New curator of Sale Botanic Gardens, Tony King having his impressive land conservation and horticulture background will add a great asset to the Sale Botanic Garden.
• Community feedback sought for draft Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan from South Gippsland Shire until 4 August 2022
  The Plan brings together community priorities for health and wellbeing, the work of council and local organisations, and local health and wellbeing data to identify priorities and strategies for the next three years.
• Darren Chester challenges Victorian Labor politicians to reject plan to shut down timber industry in Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is challenging Victorian Labor politicians to reject the Andrews Government plan to shut down the native hardwood timber industry by 2030.
• Opening of new multi-use pavilion at Apex Park in Traralgon by Chris Buckingham from Latrobe Valley Authority
  It's peak season at one of Latrobe City's most utilised sporting venues following the opening of a new pavilion at Traralgon's Apex Park.
• Feedback sought on draft Smiths Beach town plan by Bass Coast Shire Council
  Bass Coast Shire Council has developed the Draft Smiths Beach Town Plan, following extensive community engagement in 2020 and is now looking for feedback.
• Andrews Labor government needs to come clean with Victorians on its plan to replicate North Richmond Injecting Room
  The Andrews Labor government must be honest with Victorians about its secret plans for more injecting rooms across Melbourne, which could see a second injecting room on the iconic cafe laneway of Degraves Street.
• South Gippsland Shire Council adopts Domestic Wastewater Management Plan and Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Strategy
  At the council meeting on 20 July, both the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Strategy and the Domestic Wastewater Management Plan were adopted unanimously.
• Low indigenous vaccination rates risk widening the gap in Latrobe Valley and Gippsland
  Vaccine hesitancy and testing hesitancy in Victoria's Indigenous communities' risks pushing people further into disadvantage under the Andrews Labor Government's plan to offer more freedoms to people who are fully-vaccinated.
• Baw Baw Shire Council adopts community vision, council and long term financial plan from extensive community input during 2021
  Baw Baw Shire Council has adopted the Community Vision, Council Plan and Long Term Financial Plan - three key documents that will guide the future of our region.
• Community consultation starts for $2M Mallacoota streetscape upgrade
  Community consultation to upgrade the Mallacoota streetscape.
• East Gippsland Council calls communities to help create emergency response plans called a Local Incident Management Plan (LIMP)
  Preparing local communities for emergencies particularly on knowing what to do during fire and storm hits.
• Independent MPs help Labor make it harder to own a home in the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland
  Independent MPs have joined with Labor MPs to pass a new housing tax.
• Andrew's Labor government wastes big advertising dollars ahead of looming City Loop shutdown and union strikes
  Andrews government's misuse of taxpayers money, spending it to campaigns to make him look good instead of spending it on important infrastructures.
• Dan Andrews walks away from apology opportunity for dismissive comments on toxic bullying culture allegations in Victorian Labor party
  Premier Daniel Andrews has walked away from another opportunity to apologise for comments dismissing a Labor MP's allegations of a toxic bullying culture within the Labor Party as "fantasy".
• Feedback wanted by on draft Public Health and Wellbeing Plan from Baw Baw Shire Council
  Baw Baw Shire Council is inviting community feedback, thoughts and suggestions on its draft Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.
• Writing competition calls for fiction about Latrobe City
  Writing competition that would that tells about the past, present and the people of the city.
• Baw Baw Shire Council Aged and Disability Services to transition from July 2022
  Decision to cease the delivery of meals services, home maintenance, home modifications, social support groups and volunteer programs will be transitioned to delivery by other providers.
• Stallholders sought for Children's Expo for Latrobe City
  An event inviting the stallholders to come and join the expo for the kids, with many services and activities for them to enjoy
• Liberal Nationals support move to deliver hundreds of extra workers for Victoria's under-resourced mental health workforce
  Government needs to boost mental health support through simple reforms to get them through the lockdowns.
• Community feedback wanted on draft Maffra structure plan in Wellington Shire
  Council is seeking community feedback for the Maffra structure plan.
• Major disruptions to Melbourne CBD and regional trains with the City Loop to close
  Indefinite closure of Melbourne metro's City Loop Network will throw the CBD into chaos at a key moment in the city's recovery.
• Liberals and Nationals move changes for better protections against farm trespass in Victoria
  Farmers won't be better protected against illegal and traumatic farm trespass crime unless amendments to on-the-spot fine laws are passed in the Victorian Parliament.
• Draft South Gippsland Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategies, Amendment C126 and development plan application on public exhibition
  Council is inviting you to send your feedback about the South Gippsland planning scheme and development.
• Wellington Shire council's domestic animal management plan is open for feedback
  Dog and cat lovers, the council wants to hear from you.
• Baw Baw Shire Council supports West Gippsland Regional Library transition to not-for-profit
  Endorsing support for West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation to be a not-for-profit organisation.
• Feedback wanted on draft Great Southern Rail Trail Visitation and Marketing Plan by South Gippsland Council
  South Gippsland Shire Council is keen to hear your feedback on the draft Great Southern Rail Trail Visitation and Marketing Plan.
• Feedback wanted on draft Great Southern Rail Trail Visitation and Marketing Plan by South Gippsland Council
  South Gippsland Shire Council is keen to hear your feedback on the draft Great Southern Rail Trail Visitation and Marketing Plan.
• Green light for Australia Day celebrations to go ahead in Latrobe City
  Celebrations of culture, community and connectedness will go ahead on Australia Day at venues across Latrobe City.
• Andrews Labor Victorian government blocks move to ensure adequate mental health practitioners for school children
  Labor MPs, with the support of three crossbenchers, have once again blocked a move to make sure there's enough mental health practitioners for Victoria's school children.
• Work on Omeo Mountain Bike Park starts in East Gippsland
  Hopeful for the stage two funding to be announced as works in Omeo Bike park starts on Friday.
• Recovery Committee (CRC) to be established in Traralgon to help with disasters and plan for future emergencies
  Community-Led Recovery Committee will be established in Traralgon to help people bounce back from disaster situations and plan for future emergencies.
• Emergency services personnel denied COVID-19 vaccine priority in Latrobe Valley
  Emergency services workers removed from vaccine priority list in Victoria by the Andrews Government.
• New Maryvale Mill Energy from Waste Facility will add local jobs from federal government's $48.2M investment through Modern Manufacturing Initiative program
  Latrobe City Council welcomes the federal government's commitment of $48.2 million to the energy from waste facility at the Maryvale Mill through the Modern Manufacturing Initiative.
• Traralgon Recreation Reserve gets $2.75M for new facilities development as part of Victorian government 2022/23 budget
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed the Victorian government's budget contribution of $2.75 million towards developing new facilities at Traralgon Recreation Reserve (TRR), which is a key component of council's Traralgon Flood Recovery Project.
• Glengarry Mechanics Institute officially re-opens after $557,074 refurbished funded by federal and Victorian governments
  Latrobe City Council in partnership with Member for Gippsland Darren Chester MP, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP and the Latrobe Valley Authority officially opened the refurbished Glengarry Mechanics Institute yesterday.
• Come meet AFL legend Eddie Betts at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium Catterick Crescent in Traralgon on 28 June 2022
  Latrobe City Libraries are excited to announce that AFL legend and anti-racism campaigner, Eddie Betts, is coming to Latrobe City to read from his children's books, sign autographs, answer questions and kick a footy around.
• Morwell Park Primary School gets $5.35M expansion and upgrade from Victorian government and Colman Education Foundation
  Latrobe City Council is pleased to partner with the Department of Education and Training, Morwell Park Primary School and the Colman Education Foundation to implement the Our Place approach at Morwell Park.
• Andrew Giles MP promises $10M to Stage two of Gippsland Logistics Precinct project ahead of federal election
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed a $10 million election promise to progress the Gippsland Logistics Precinct from the Labor Party ahead of the Federal election.
• Bidfood Morwell new cold storage food distribution facility and LV Shade Sails expansion get Victorian government support
  Latrobe City Council welcomes the Victorian government's support of 47 new jobs across Morwell and Traralgon through the Regional Jobs Fund.
• Kosciusko and Bank Street intersection in Traralgon to get vital safety upgrade as part of federal government's $300M commitment for 2022
  Latrobe City Council is pleased Regional Roads Victoria will begin vital upgrades at key intersections along the Princes Highway this year.
• Everyone to enjoy Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre in Traralgon regardless of ability or language with introduction of Access Key
  Latrobe City Council delivers Access Key to customise accessibility to Gippsland Aquatic Centre (GRAC) in Traralgon
• Russell Northe questions parliament over homeless crisis in Latrobe Valley
  Mr Northe and his office had been contacted by countless people who were either homeless or at grave risk of homelessness with the situation seemingly more prevalent than ever right now.
• Pop-up program from Baw Baw Shire Council is back and starts 17 March 2022 in Thorpdale
  Baw Baw Shire Council's popular Council Pop-up program is back for 2022, taking council and staff on the road to speak to locals where they live.
• Baw Baw Shire Council adopts Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council has adopted the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025 which guides Council's statutory responsibility for improving the health and wellbeing of the community.
• Controlled release of treated wastewater from Metung into Tambo Bay Wetlands starts 25 July 2022 by East Gippsland Water
  East Gippsland Water will shortly start a controlled release of recycled water (treated wastewater) from its Metung wastewater treatment facility into the nearby Tambo Bay Wetlands (week commencing 25 July).
• Gippsland Performing Arts Centre officially opened by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas as centerpiece of the $42M Latrobe Creative Precinct
  The much-anticipated Gippsland Performing Arts Centre has opened its doors to the public, with the state-of-the-art space to become a drawcard for locals and visitors bringing top acts to the region.
• Glengarry community invited to discuss updates to flood overlays and drainage on 17 March 2022
  In response to community interest, Latrobe City Council will hold a community open house session this week to discuss the proposed planning scheme Amendment C131.
• Victorian power saving bonus of $250 extended until 30 June 2022
  The Victorian Government is extending the popular $250 Power Saving Bonus payment to support more vulnerable households doing it tough with energy bills.
• Proposed community hub for Glenview Park in Traralgon supported by Darren Chester
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is supporting Latrobe City Council's proposal to establish a community hub and purpose built facility for local groups at Glenview Park in Traralgon.
• Russell Northe encourages community support for Gippsland hospice at Churchill in Latrobe Valley
  Online petition for state government to consider and explore opportunities to build a hospice in the local community.
• CFA-declared fire danger period for Baw Baw Shire starts on 10 Jan 2022
  The CFA-declared Fire Danger Period will commence at 1.00am on Monday, 10 January 2022.
• AusNet Services develop transmission lines so Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone (G-REZ) will connect to national electricity market
  Committee for Gippsland welcomes plans for additional transmission infrastructure in Gippsland which will support new energy investment into the region while creating employment opportunities for locals.
• Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve (TRRCR) transformed from barren paddock to historic gem in Latrobe City
  Over the past 30 years the Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve (TRRCR) has been transformed from a barren grazing paddock forgotten by time into an historic gem of Latrobe City.
• Gippsland state-owned schools, health and service organisations directed to move regional banks accounts to CBA, NAB and Westpac
  State-owned schools, health services and organisations have been directed to close accounts with smaller regional banks and transfer funds to Commonwealth, Westpac or NAB banks.
• Applications open for funding for Gippsland Logistics Precinct in Morwell to create jobs in Latrobe Valley
  The Victorian government is unlocking more job opportunities for rural and regional Victorian communities, with the next round of the flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure fund now open for applications.
• Liveability and growth reduced in regional Victoria from highly under-serviced by public transport
  Extreme gaps on regional Victoria's public transportation shows that the government fails to provide a plan for the recovery of the region, making it hard for the region's industry and producers to even lesser productivity and profit.
• Youth-specific rehabilitation facility on Northern Avenue in Traralgon officially opened as part of Victorian Ice Action Plan
  Latrobe Valley and Gippsland youth to get the alcohol and drugs rehabilitation support they need through Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA).
• Health Advocate Jane Anderson re-appointed by state government to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Latrobe Valley
  The Victorian Government is ensuring the right leadership is in place to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Latrobe Valley.
• Cat owners required to keep cats on their property 24-hour a day from 1 July 2023 as part of Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-25
  Bass Coast Shire Council's Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-25 that focuses on responsible pet ownership, creating a suitable environment for your cat within owner property.
• Delburn Wind Farm proposal seeks approval for 33 turbine wind energy facility in in the Strzelecki Ranges to south of Latrobe Valley
  The Delburn Wind Farm Pty Ltd seeks approval to develop a 33-turbine wind energy facility located in south-east Victoria, in the Strzelecki Ranges, to the south of the Latrobe Valley.