Latrobe City Council says the Federal Government has heard its call for support of the region’s community-led energy workforce transition following its attendance at the National General Assembly (NGA) in Canberra last week.
The Council says a local delegation led by Mayor, Kellie O’Callaghan and supported by Deputy Mayor, Dan Clancey, Councillor Dale Harriman and members from Council’s Executive Team leveraged opportunities for further engagement with Government representatives in the coming months.
Mayor O’Callaghan met with Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese to highlight the challenges of the region’s changing economic landscape, the strengths of the Latrobe community and opportunities for all levels of government to partner and work together on the region’s transition.
“Events such as these serve as crucial platforms for engaging with federal representatives and addressing key issues that affect our community. My colleagues and I were able to raise awareness of our community’s priorities and foster meaningful discussions on matters of critical importance to the Latrobe region,” said the Mayor.
“Council recognises the importance of strong relationships with Federal Government decision-makers to secure support for significant regional initiatives that will aid in our community’s transition and transformation.”
She said meetings held with Members of Parliament from both sides of government were an opportunity for Latrobe City representatives to further advocate for a considered transition of the timber and energy sectors for Gippsland communities, while garnering support for a range of key actions within Council’s community informed, Our Transition plan.
“Through a range of meetings and forums, I was able to highlight the unique challenges and opportunities that exist within our municipality and emphasise the need for targeted investment and policy interventions that can drive sustainable growth and development,” said Mayor O’Callaghan.
“The delegation provided the opportunity to highlight Council’s Our Transition plan noting the importance of strategic investment for the liveability and prosperity of our City and the broader Gippsland region.
“By actively participating in these events with my fellow Councillors, we were able to effectively represent the interests and aspirations of the Latrobe community on the national stage.
“It was particularly beneficial that individual Councillors explored additional meeting opportunities during their time in Canberra, this led to a broader advocacy approach and assisted in informing the collaborative work by our Councillor and Executive Leadership team. I am grateful to our delegation team for their support,” she said.
The Council has expressed its unwavering support for the timber industry, timber workers and communities impacted by the Victorian Government’s recent decision to bring forward the closure of the native timber industry to 1 January next year.
“Council has been calling on the Federal and Victorian Governments to support a considered transition for the region given pending coal-fired power generators closures and uncertainty linked to timber supply impacting production at the Maryvale Mill,” it said in a statement.
“The timber industry has been an integral part of our community for generations, with the Maryvale Mill a cornerstone of Latrobe City’s economic landscape for over 85 years.
“The Mill and wider timber industry have provided employment opportunities and contributed to the economic growth and sustainability of our region, with the Mill’s reduced operating capacity expected to be felt far and wide.”
It says while the Victorian Government has outlined its support packages, more can be done to create security for local workers.
The Council has called upon the Victorian Government to work collaboratively with the timber industry and affected communities to find viable and sustainable solutions that prioritise both environmental conservation and the welfare of timber industry workers including those employed at the Maryvale Mill.
“It is essential to ensure a just transition for those impacted by this decision, offering support, retraining and alternative employment opportunities,” Council said.
“This is the time we must work in conjunction with Our Transition plan to ensure strategic investment is made for the liveability and prosperity of our City.
“We remain shoulder to shoulder with timber workers, their families, and communities. We will continue to fight for their voices to be heard, and for the creation of a sustainable and prosperous future for our City.”
