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New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovationA new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland. By news@gippsland - 16th September 2026 - Back to News The new Flight Test Range Command Centre is now operational at Latrobe Regional Airport. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today visited Latrobe Regional Airport to open the centre, which forms part of a broader precinct upgrade. This was supported by $205,000 from the Carroll Labor Government and $107,000 from Latrobe City Council. 
The new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting Gippsland’s growing advanced aviation sector, jobs and investment Aerospace command centreThe new Command Centre positions Gippsland to attract jobs and investment from Australia’s growing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, which uses emerging aircraft technologies to move people and goods. The Command Centre is part of the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct and will support a range of businesses and industries. This includes commercial drone manufacturers, defence companies, aerospace start-ups, and renewable energy and hydrogen-powered aviation businesses. The facility will support the research, testing and evaluation of Advanced Air Mobility, drone and electric aviation solutions, while helping establish Latrobe City Council as a national partner for advanced aviation innovation. The project is part of the Latrobe City Local Development Strategy, helping strengthen local businesses, drive innovation and create new jobs and opportunities across the region. More than $50 billion has been delivered through the Carroll Labor Government over the past decade to make our regions even better places to live, work, visit and study. Labor is delivering the infrastructure Victoria needs, while Jess Wilson's One Nation-Liberal Coalition are planning $40 billion in cuts. Gippsland aviation leadershipMinister for Rural and Regional Development Michaela Settle said, "We’re investing in the Latrobe Valley to make it the destination of choice for companies and investors looking to develop this exciting new sector - creating more opportunities for local workers and businesses. This is an example of how we are making rural and regional Victoria future-ready and well-positioned to capture emerging economic opportunities - showing once again that it’s a great place to do business." Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "Gippsland has the skills, workforce and ambition to be a leader in the next generation of aviation - and this new Command Centre will help turn that potential into local jobs and investment. This facility will create opportunities for local businesses and workers while putting Latrobe Valley at the forefront of a rapidly growing industry." Flight test opportunitiesLatrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said, "The opening of the Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport is a great step forward for our region. It creates opportunities for new jobs, new skills and new industries right here in Latrobe City, giving local people more reasons to live and work in our community." "This new facility will help support the testing of new aviation technology and strengthen Latrobe Regional Airport’s reputation as a place for innovation. It shows that regional communities like ours can play an important role in supporting industries of the future." said Cr Gibson. Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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