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Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow

Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth.

By news@gippsland - 8th January 2026 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council is taking steps to make it easier for businesses to establish and operate locally, following an extensive review of Council fees, processes and communications. The red/green tape and fee reviews looked closely at Council's regulatory fees and charges, how they are set, and how information is communicated to businesses. The aim of the reviews was to identify any barriers facing businesses and to improve Council's approach to being a supportive, business-friendly regulator.

Latrobe City Council is simplifying fees, processes, and communications to reduce barriers and make it easier for local businesses to operate and grow effectively

Simplifying council processes

The review found that the main challenges for businesses relate to complex systems, fragmented processes and unclear communication, rather than the cost of Council fees themselves. These findings were reinforced through Council's participation in the Business-Friendly Council Program, which highlighted opportunities to simplify internal processes, improve coordination between Council departments and provide clearer, more accessible information for businesses. The program also identified that some unexpected costs faced by businesses sit outside Council's direct control.

As a result, improvement actions from both initiatives have been brought together into a single Action Plan. The Plan sets out a clear and coordinated roadmap to simplify fees, charges and processes, and to drive ongoing organisational improvement.

Easier business processes

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, said she was pleased to say that it will now be even easier to do business in Latrobe City. "Council completed an extensive review and found ways to make processes more straightforward so it's even easier for businesses to flag when an unexpected cost comes up."

"I'm very pleased with this new review and how the Council can work together with businesses to ensure they are helped from start to finish. The Action Plan to simplify our processes in Latrobe City will make it easier for businesses, especially small businesses, and ensure that we continue to grow our economy. We've changed what we can and we're now advocating to the State and Federal Government to get business going and create new jobs in Latrobe City," said the Mayor.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring.
• Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
  Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture.
• East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025.
• Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
  Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland.
• Omeo gains new modular worker accommodation, supporting healthcare staff and strengthening regional community
  Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers.
• Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650M Delburn wind farm investment ignoring local community concerns
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650 million Delburn wind farm investment, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money that ignores local community concerns about fire, noise, and visual impact.
• East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
  East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges.
• SEC acquires Delburn Wind Farm, Gippsland’s first public wind project, creating jobs and boosting local energy and economy by 2028
  The SEC’s acquisition of Delburn Wind Farm will deliver Gippsland’s first public wind project by 2028, creating 300 construction jobs, long-term careers, and $22 million in community benefits.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.