Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan - a missed opportunity

The release of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan highlights the important work already underway in transitioning our region.

Committee for Gippsland CEO Tony Cantwell said while the Committee for Gippsland appreciates the extensive engagement involved in developing the plan, unfortunately it was a missed opportunity with no new funded recommendations adopted to support the region’s transition.

“Transitioning our region cannot be done alone. It will require collaboration across community, government, and industry. We all must play our part if we are to succeed. As part of this collaborative effort, State government has an essential role to play in facilitating and implementing practical actions supported by specific funding to enable our regional economy to diversify,” Tony said.  

“Without targeted funding, the region is at risk of not enabling new local sustainable employment opportunities to emerge, detrimental socio-economic outcomes, and ultimately an increase in cost to taxpayers through higher social security payments.”

In August, a Committee for Gippsland delegation comprising industry, business and government leaders visited the Hunter Valley and established a collaborative alliance to ensure positive transitions that secure public and private investment in Australia’s key power generation regions.

The Committee for Gippsland will continue to work with our regional counterparts and advocate for practical actions that can support our economy to diversify, attract new investment, help our supply chains pivot to a new industries and create sustainable job opportunities, especially for our young people.