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Melina Bath support Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct at Latrobe Regional Airport, citing regional advantages and economic growth potential

The Nationals support the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct at Latrobe Regional Airport, highlighting job creation, economic growth, and regional development opportunities for aviation, research, and manufacturing.

By news@gippsland - 16th April 2025 - Back to News

The Nationals have expressed support for the proposed Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct development at Latrobe Regional Airport. Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath and Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron recently received a comprehensive onsite briefing of the proposed precinct at Latrobe Regional Airport.

Melina Bath said the precinct offers strategic benefits - ideal location, low costs, available land, and manufacturing links - with space for R&D, testing, and aviation facilities at the well-zoned airport

Launching Latrobe Precinct

Ms Bath then advocated for the proposed development in state parliament. Ms Bath said the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct has identified strategic advantages including location, cost, land availability and manufacturing synergies.

"Latrobe Regional Airport is correctly zoned and has ample room to construct large working spaces and hangars for research and development, testing and manufacturing. Moorabbin Airport is at capacity, so looking at a regional location to develop the expanding aviation industry is sensible."

"Activating the council owned, commercially zoned land through an extension of the taxiway would facilitate development and provide access to land for the niche aviation market. This project has potential to generate hundreds of jobs in drones, aviation maintenance, general and recreation aviation operations, adding value to Gippsland's regional economy," said Ms Bath.

Invest in Latrobe

Ms Bath added, "This is where Labor's investment should be value-adding into Latrobe Valley, businesses must be encouraged to move to the regions where there is space, improved security, less cost, and more long-term viability."

Mr Cameron said Latrobe Regional Airport currently offers a range of commercial and light aircraft aviation operations, which includes emergency response services. "There is an existing skilled workforce supporting Australia's only commercial aircraft manufacturer established at the airport, while Federation and Swinburne universities are both engaged onsite.

"Rather than closing industry down in our region, the Allan government should be looking to invest in expanding the precinct, supporting small-scale manufacturing, research, and development, and creating a 'launchpad' for startups," said Mr Caeron.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com