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Summit to help local business benefit from major projects

The first ‘Eastern Victoria Major Projects and Opportunities Summit’ will be taking place in Morwell later this month.

By Latrobe City - 8th February 2006 - Back to News

Designed and coordinated by the Latrobe Investment Facilitation Committee; the summit is an initiative that will enable local businesses and the wider community to capitalise on potential opportunities created through upcoming major projects in eastern Victoria.

A spokesperson for the Latrobe Investment Facilitation Committee and manager of Latrobe City’s economic development unit, Allison Jones, said that major projects offered numerous opportunities for local businesses.

"By hosting this summit and providing information about what these projects are about, and identifying potential opportunities; we believe local industry will be empowered to benefit from the major investments being made in this region," Ms Jones said.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Lisa Price, said that suppliers, sub-contractors and other interested parties are being encouraged to attend the summit.

"This is an initiative that provides local businesses with an excellent opportunity to realise the significance of major investment being planned for eastern Victoria and benefit from it," Cr Price said.

"With over $1 billion of new investment being proposed for the Gippsland region, some of which is already underway, we believe everyone should understand what all this means and how they can take advantage of it. A dedicated summit has proven to be the answer to effectively spell out the details to maximise opportunities for local industry in terms of economic gains."

Ms Jones said that recent investment announcements included expenditure by Australian Paper in a new chlorine free bleaching plant and upgrading of pulp facilities and ancillary works to a value of $258 million. "The Hazelwood Mine Extension including road and river relocation work is valued at $400 million; and at an estimated cost of $140 million, the new, exciting Gippsland Water Factory (stage one) is generating lots of interest; as well as the RAAF Training College facilities relocation from Point Cook to Sale valued at $133 million," Ms Jones explained.

The summit will feature a list of high profile speakers led by the Honourable John Brumby, Minister for State Regional Development; and the Honourable Peter McGauran, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Other speakers will include Julian Mathers, General Manager Projects Australian Paper (Pulp Mill Expansion), Scott Hargraves, Executive Manager External Affairs Monash Energy (Geo Sequestration Initiative), David Evans General Manager Planning and Development Gippsland Water, Bill Stevens, CEO Latrobe Lignite Developments, Rob McQuillen General Manager Clubs, Memberships and Resorts – RACV (Inverloch Resort) and Wing Commander John Tooth who will detail the RAAF College Relocation Project.

"With high calibre speakers detailing high profile investments planned for Gippsland, this summit will undoubtedly put our region on Australia’s investment map. Moreover, we will present first hand opportunities for everyone to actually learn all the necessary and pertinent details", Ms Jones added.

The summit, to be held at Kernot Hall in Morwell, will commence at 10am on Friday 24 February and conclude about 3.30pm. Numbers are limited so bookings are essential. RSVP by Friday 17 February 2006 to Pat Coles (email pacoles@bigpond.com, mobile 0428 746 207)

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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