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Government agencies need to have the same goalsLatrobe City Council has raised concerns over a lack of a coordinated effort to secure jobs in the Latrobe Valley and the greater Gippsland region. By Portal Admin - 23rd January 2017 - Back to News Latrobe City Council mayor, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan said the recent declaration of the Economic Growth Zone in Latrobe City, Wellington and Baw Baw shires appeared to be experiencing its first interagency turf fight.
"The Economic Growth Zone and the Latrobe Valley Authority – these are significant initiatives and investments which have been made by the Premier to shore up investment and grow jobs," Cr O’Callaghan said.
"For VicForests to offer a short term contract at half the volume diminishes the sustainability of our timber industry, as well as undermines the intent of the Economic Growth Zone.
"On one hand we have hundreds of millions of dollars of government money being invested into our region; on the other hand we have a state-owned business potentially restricting economic growth.
"This behaviour suggests that VicForests is not fully invested in the whole-of-government approach.
"On behalf of Australian Sustainable Hardwoods we would ask that the Premier and his newly-established authority, the LVA, intervene to resolve this issue and secure a long-term supply deal immediately.
"Should a long-term supply deal not be secured, we would then immediately move our concerns to the relationship between Australian Paper Maryvale and Australian Sustainable Hardwoods.
"Australian Paper Maryvale currently sources five per cent of its fibre requirements from Australian Sustainable Hardwoods," Cr O’Callaghan said.
"In an era of reduced supply deals, this five per cent is quite significant. It will add pressure on the business.
"The Latrobe City community is already facing a significant impact by losing major employer Hazelwood Power Station. The community doesn’t need more uncertainty, it needs security.
"With the deadline of the Hazelwood closure looming fast, we recognise the need for action and to mobilise quickly to secure jobs and a bright future for our community.
"Our community is united and the best possible outcomes depend upon all tiers of government remaining so too."
Media Enquiries:
Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, Latrobe City Mayor
Telephone: 0400 696 324
Cr Graeme Middlemiss, Latrobe City Deputy Mayor
Telephone: 0417 379 059
Media Relations Office
Telephone: 5128 5458
For general enquiries, contact Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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