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Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth

Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities.

By news@gippsland - 19th December 2025 - Back to News

In July, Council considered a new Economic Development Advisory Committee which will support the ongoing economic transformation, diversification and growth required for our community to thrive through the closure process of the region's coal fired power stations and thereafter. In the December Council meeting, revisions to the Term of Reference were endorsed to ensure a diverse membership and leadership.

Community members, partners, and councillors joined a ribbon-cutting and tree planting, learning from staff how the new wetland improves stormwater and biodiversity

Committee membership sought

Membership for the committee will be sought through an Expressions of Interest process to identify and recommend suitable candidates with significant experience in their industry sector and established professional networks. Council is keen to seek industry leaders to support Council's economic development and investment activities.

An independent chair is to be directly appointed by Council from within the membership group to lead the committee in advising Council on issues and opportunities for growth and diversification of the region's economy.

Councillors have requested a further report to be presented for the consideration and appointment of committee members and Chair, noting the importance of having a balanced representative group of industry leaders.

Diverse committee initiative

Council have adopted a set of selection criteria to ensure a diverse membership with particular consideration to be taken on ways to enable women to participate, such as mentoring, appropriate promotion and flexible meetings.

"For the highest level of success and strategic focus we want industry leaders from diverse backgrounds to play a main role in the Economic Development Advisory Committee. It is important that we support women in leadership roles to have a more balanced committee, as such we look forward to having a strong and fair committee advising us on opportunities to expand our economy," said Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson.

The committee will consist of a maximum of eight external members, including the allocation of an external Committee Chair. The Expressions of Interest process will be promoted widely to encourage a diverse membership.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Raymond Island Ferry portable passes with vehicle stickers by 2026/27, introducing fairer allocations for residents and tenants, with interim free pass improvements effective immediately.
• East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
  East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service.
• 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.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control.
• Darren Chester tears down Albanese government's 'lazy' plan to cut regional speed limits, urges investment in safer roads
  Darren Chester has criticised the Albanese government's plan to lower regional speed limits, labelling it "lazy" and urging greater investment in repairing and upgrading unsafe roads to reduce fatalities.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• Darren Chester congratulates Infusa Distillery founders for showcasing Gippsland's produce, driving growth in local food and beverage industry
  Darren Chester congratulated Infusa Distillery founders Stu and Jo Taylor for their award-winning spirits, local partnerships, and contribution to Gippsland's food and beverage industry, praising their innovation, growth, and regional pride.