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State Budget to Boost Existing Strengths in our City

Continuing support to build on Latrobe City’s community strengths as a most liveable regional city

By Portal Admin - 27th May 2018 - Back to News

Mayor Councilor Darrell White today welcomed the State Government’s continuing support to build on Latrobe City’s community strengths as a most liveable regional city.

Cr White said at Council’s recent Community Conversation events to develop the next phase of our Strength-Led Transition advocacy plan, our community rated as its highest priority the need for a drug treatment and rehabilitation facility.

"As a consequence, we welcome the State Government’s announcement for three such facilities in Victoria and will be strongly advocating to have our community’s voice heard in the hope of securing the "Gippsland" facility for Latrobe City.

"Last week the Gippsland Tech School in Morwell was opened with the inclusion of facilities designed to develop the region’s prowess in food and fibre innovation—and so we welcome the addition of $700,000 for the Driving Gippsland Food and Fibre Agenda Taskforce in yesterday’s Budget. The taskforce has the potential to build our reputation and strengthen our capacity to capitalise on this key industry in our economic mix.

"In addition to continued funding for the Gippsland Tech School, further investment in Federation Training Morwell (TAFE) will boost options for education pathways tailored to real world needs, improving the likelihood of successful employment outcomes. From 2019, many of the courses will be free to enroll and will therefore be more accessible for all sectors of our community," Cr White said.

Cr White added that those in our region wanting to train or retrain would benefit from the broad options, the breadth of abilities being catered for and the sheer range of interests that could be satisfied by our local educational institutions.

"It really is a time in our history when we will look back with pride at the opportunities Latrobe City Council has advocated for during this phase of economic transition, particularly the provision of these enhanced education and training opportunities for our youth and families.

"As the level of government closest to the community, at Council we notice the small things and it is pleasing to see that the State Budget supports many aspects that contribute towards making all of our daily lives easier and more rewarding—such as the increased contribution towards the School Crossing Supervisors program and improving early learning facilities.

"Latrobe City continues to be open for business and is focused on attracting business and industry development. By reducing payroll tax rate for regional businesses, from 3.65 per cent to 2.45 per cent, those businesses considering regional geographical options we become a more attractive destination than our urban and metropolitan competition," Cr White concluded.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com