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New Corporate Headquarters

Latrobe Council to proceed with $8 million headquarters in Morwell

By Latrobe City Council - 14th March 2002 - Back to News

The first component of Latrobe City’s new Corporate Headquarters has been announced, an $8 million dollar project to be constructed on land located between Commercial Road and the railway line in Morwell’s CBD, but Council will hold over indefinitely a $5 million library/Council Chamber/ function room.

The new Corporate Headquarters will be located opposite the Latrobe Regional Gallery and the proposed Justice Precinct, and is adjacent to Morwell’s Rose Garden.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said that Bligh Voller Nield the design architects had formulated a number of design principles for the creation of a new Council headquarters, which were presented to the steering committee and to public meetings for endorsement, following extensive canvassing and consultation with Council and the community over their expectations.

“The design principles include that the building be: dynamic and enlivening to the streetscape; welcoming and inclusive to the community; an environmental showcase – educational and inspirational; forward thinking – progressive and sustainable; a landmark building – iconic and specific; cost effective; flexible – allowing for change and growth; responsive – generated by user needs and environment; and a catalyst to civic pride and growth,” Cr Jenkins said.

Cr Jenkins said a two-component approach to the construction of the Corporate Headquarters in Morwell has been endorsed by Council as best providing the necessary infrastructure to allow a smooth operational centre for the delivery of Council services throughout the municipality, while minimising costs. “Council has approved the first component ‘the Office and Public Square’ component as one which is responsible and practical,” Cr Jenkins said.

“The first component involves the construction of the office building and external works and fit-out, and will provide a badly needed centralised administrative headquarters to allow efficient service delivery.

 The second stage will involve the construction of the library and Council Chamber area. The timing of the second component is one which will be evaluated after further community consultation.

“While there are economies to be gained through building both components together, the higher than expected costs of library facilities as well as a possible commercial partnership, mean that the second component can be held over, pending confirmation of State Government assistance or other opportunities,” Cr Jenkins added.

“The Headquarters project will result in significant real jobs. The project will be structured to use local materials and labour. Additionally, the new Corporate Headquarters allows Council to meet its obligations to provide equal access to all its citizens whatever their ability, and Council is ensuring that access, efficiency and environmental objectives are integrated into the new building design.

Cr Jenkins said a key factor with the construction of the new Corporate Headquarters is that there will be no necessity for any rate rise for the community as a consequence.

“The project can be incorporated within the Council’s adopted five-year financial plan without any further increases in rates. Council’s financial plan requires rates to be increased in accordance with CPI and this project can be accommodated within those parameters,” Cr Jenkins concluded. 

A series of community briefing sessions on the Corporate Headquarters Project is being held at Kernot Hall in Morwell, late this week and early next week.  The sessions will provide details of the concept design, costs and proposed funding for the project.  The sessions will be held:
=      Thursday, 14 March 2002 at 5pm – 6pm
=      Friday, 15 March 2002 at 12 noon – 1pm
=      Monday, 18 March 2002 at 1pm – 2pm
=      Monday, 18 March 2002 at 5.30pm – 6.30pm
=      Tuesday, 19 March 2002 at 5.30pm – 6.30pm

For further information contact Latrobe City Council, telephone 1300 367 700

Latrobe’s new Corporate Headquarters
Questions and answers

Why is the new Corporate Headquarters needed?
The functions of the former City of Moe, City of Morwell, City of Traralgon, Shire of Traralgon, and parts of the Shire of Narracan and Shire of Rosedale were all amalgamated, and while there were supposed to be a number of efficiencies as a result, the practical aspect of streamlining and providing a high level of service from six or seven sites revealed deficiencies.

Council’s administrative functions and associated staff are currently located in six different buildings spread over three towns. This situation results in unnecessary costs and inefficiencies. The former Traralgon City building is currently at capacity with approximately 60 staff. There are another 60 staff located in the old Library, old Traralgon Shire office and separate offices in Breed Street Traralgon, and a similar number are located in the Morwell Service Centre.

Half a million dollars was spent in refurbishing, particularly those buildings in Traralgon, and relocating a number of services and activities. This has not proved to be a satisfactory arrangement for the long term, and therefore Council has looked at a number of alternatives to best accommodate the current and future needs of the organisation.

Effectively it means that a new Corporate Headquarters is needed which can deliver a high quality range of Council services in the most efficient manner. It makes sense for these headquarters to be built in a practical position near the centre of the municipality, which is why the Morwell site has been chosen.

In consolidating corporate operations into one building, there will be savings in electricity, such as in lighting, heating and cooling; in equipment such as photocopiers, computer equipment and telephones; in communication costs such as petrol and telephone bills; and in staff time through not having to commute between offices.

Several of the existing buildings are substandard and would need considerable maintenance work in the near future if retained for their current purposes. By moving a number of operations into new premises, considerable building maintenance and refurbishing costs will be avoided.

How much will the Corporate Headquarters cost?
The Office and Public Square component will cost just under $8.1 million, and will require only $2 million of new borrowings.

Office and Public Square Funding Arrangements:

Existing Loan                                                                           2,336,000
Proceeds from Property Sales                                                   2,093,500
Allocation from 2002/2003 Capital Works Program                      1,579,500
New Borrowings                                                                       2,000,000
                                                                                             $8,009,000

How is Council to fund this without a rate rise?
The project can be incorporated within the Council’s adopted five-year financial plan without any further increases in rates necessitated by the project. Council’s financial plan requires rates to be increased in accordance with CPI and this project can be accommodated within those parameters. 

Is this the cheapest option?
No, cheaper alternatives are available. However, these alternatives depend on more extensive asset sales and do not provide for improved efficiencies and/or expanded library services. Council has decided that the option adopted provides both increases in efficiency and accommodates improved libraries in the most cost effective manner.

Will services still be provided in Traralgon?

Council has once again confirmed its intention to retain and utilise the former Traralgon City building as a library and Citizen Service Centre. A full range of services will be provided at the Traralgon Citizen Service Centre, just as are currently delivered at the Moe and Morwell Citizen Service Centres. Effectively it is the corporate administrative arm of Council that is being moved. Services to ratepayers will remain.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland Council connects local contractors with upcoming projects, opportunities and business support initiatives on 21 August 2026
  Around 80 local contractors attended East Gippsland Shire Council’s annual breakfast, gaining insights into upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and business support initiatives for local enterprises.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges state government to act on urgent on Western Port Woodlands protection controls before caretaker period
  Bass Coast Shire Council has urged the Victorian Government to introduce interim protections for Western Port Woodlands, citing significant biodiversity values and seeking action before caretaker provisions begin on November 3.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft policy to strengthen engagement and decision-making until 21 October 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation, clarify engagement expectations and ensure community input informs council decision-making. Submissions close 21 October 2026.
• East Gippsland Council seeks community feedback on general local law review before 2027 expiry, submit by 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its General Local Law review, covering public spaces, safety, amenity and local activities, with consultation open until Friday, October 2.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awards $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades and improvements
  Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades, repairs and improvements, supporting healthier, more connected local communities.
• Bass Coast Shire Council asks residents to keep FOGO bins cardboard-free following updated recycling guidelines from April 2026
  Bass Coast Council asks residents to keep cardboard out of FOGO bins from April 2026, ensuring high-quality compost, reducing contamination, and supporting efficient recycling and local environmental sustainability.
• Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
  Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.
• Australia Post invests in Morwell parcel facility, boosting Latrobe City jobs, economic diversification and future growth opportunities
  Australia Post has begun construction of a 10,000-square-metre parcel facility in Morwell, consolidating regional operations, supporting local jobs and strengthening Latrobe City’s economic diversification and investment opportunities.
• East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming 1 October 2026, allowing access to other networks during eligible natural disasters
  East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming, activated by Telstra, Optus and TPG on October 1, 2026, allowing access to other networks for essential calls, texts and limited data during eligible disasters.
• Wellington Shire Council 2026 hard waste collection returns this spring for convenient household clean-up and recycling
  Wellington Shire Council’s annual hard waste collection returns from September 28 to October 30, offering residents convenient disposal of unwanted household items, including e-waste, while supporting recycling and reducing illegal dumping.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges community advocacy for major projects ahead of Victorian state election
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging residents to support advocacy for the Rokeby to Noojee Trail Extension and urgent Warragul-Drouin intersection upgrades ahead of the Victorian state election.
• East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
  East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity.
• Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• East Gippsland Shire Council calls for election funding to unlock thousands of homes across the shire
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes.
• Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
  Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities.
• East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding.
• Baw Baw Shire Council to consider cost of returning to weekly red-bin collections
  Baw Baw Council will investigate the costs and implications of restoring weekly red-bin collections after a 6,139-signature petition highlighted strong community concern over the FOGO changes.
• East Gippsland Shire Council urges property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems and prevent failures
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems, including regular servicing and septic pumping, to prevent failures and protect households, neighbours and the environment.
• Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities
  Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on first draft Events Strategy for future events from 27 August to 16 September 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting residents, event organisers and local businesses to comment on its first draft Events Strategy, open on Baw Baw Connect from August 27 to September 16, helping shape future event planning across the Shire.
• Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
  Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
• Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
  The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record.
• Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
  Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost.
• Productivity Commission backs Peri Urban Councils' call for infrastructure before housing targets across Victoria
  The Productivity Commission has backed Peri Urban Councils Victoria's call to link housing targets with funded infrastructure, supporting development, coordinated planning and financing for 85,450 new homes across five Victorian growth councils.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges vigilance as Phillip Island penguins face H5N1 bird flu threat
  Bass Coast is urging vigilance after H5N1 avian influenza was detected on Phillip Island, advising people to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Little penguins will be vaccinated as agencies coordinate efforts to protect wildlife and monitor the outbreak.
• Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• Nicholson Street Mall safety works begin as council plans longer-term redevelopment and community consultation for future improvements
  Works at Nicholson Street Mall will improve safety and amenity, including relocating the taxi rank and removing outdated infrastructure, while Council develops longer-term redevelopment plans and community consultation.