Three years on from its establishment, the Andrews Labor Government’s Latrobe Valley Authority is leading the way in helping the Gippsland community through industry transition and keeping the region thriving.
The launch of the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Transitioning to a strong future report outlines its work to bring economic investment to the Valley, grow jobs for Gippslanders and build the social infrastructure that makes the region a great place to live.
The new report demonstrates the LVA’s collaborative approach to working with businesses, providing local training opportunities and engaging with the needs of the community is the key to long lasting growth that benefits everyone.
On the ground, the results speak for themselves through a dramatic reduction in the region’s unemployment rate and an additional 10,600 people employed in the Valley since the LVA’s inception.
From its initial focus providing immediate support to affected workers and businesses as Hazelwood closed, the LVA has evolved its approach to identifying opportunities for Gippslanders in growing industries, building workers’ and businesses’ skills and increasing investment in Gippsland to create quality, long-term local jobs.
The report is testament to the Latrobe Valley’s strength, resilience and pride through periods of transition, with passionate locals working together and coming to Government with enthusiastic ideas to benefit the community.
The Latrobe Valley’s transition is attracting global interest as the first region in Australia to adopt the European Union’s progressive Smart Specialisation process, which has helped places like France, Germany and the United Kingdom adapt to changing manufacturing sectors and build innovative new industries with a long-term future.
In Gippsland, the work brings industry, community and education providers together to build on the Latrobe Valley’s strengths – with new partnerships and innovative projects already being established in the renewable technology and food and fibre sectors in Gippsland.
To see a copy of the report, visit lva.vic.gov.au.
As noted by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
“This report shows that when government, communities and industry work together, we can deliver meaningful outcomes for communities facing transition.”
“The LVA has done a fantastic job of capitalising on the strengths of the region, attracting investment, creating thousands of jobs and helping to keep Gippsland thriving.”
As noted by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“The LVA was established for Gippslanders to access local resources, knowledge and support as part of our record funding for transition and development across the region.”
“It’s incredibly disappointing that the Commonwealth has failed to match this investment, but we are determined to continue our commitments to workers, industry, education, small businesses, arts and culture and local sports and recreation clubs, as the economy diversifies, new jobs are created and new industries continue to develop.”