Latrobe City Council has written to new Victorian Premier, Ben Carroll, seeking an urgent meeting to discuss economic diversification, investment opportunities and long-term job creation in the Latrobe Valley.
The request comes amid ongoing changes across the energy and manufacturing sectors, including last week’s announcement of 84 job losses at Opal Australian Paper’s Maryvale Mill and the impending closure of Yallourn Power Station in 2028.
“These changes did not occur overnight. They are the result of decisions, policies and economic conditions that have evolved over many years at the direction of State and Federal Governments,” said Mayor, Sharon Gibson.
“While there has been significant discussion about transition, there has been less focus on what comes next and the practical conditions required to support new industries, attract private investment and create replacement jobs at scale.”
With the appointment of Premier Carroll, Mayor Gibson said the Council believes now is the time to shift the conversation beyond transition and focus on supporting new industries, attracting investment and delivering sustainable employment opportunities for local workers.
Council’s Advocacy Agenda outlines a range of initiatives designed to support economic diversification and long-term prosperity, including the Latrobe Regional Economic Support Package, the Gippsland Logistics and Manufacturing Precinct (GLAMP), unlocking industrial land and supporting major employment-generating projects such as the proposed Energy from Waste facility at Maryvale along with the opportunity to produce hydrogen and urea locally combined with Carbon Capture and Storage.
“Council is seeking a constructive partnership with the Victorian Government to identify and address barriers to investment and to accelerate opportunities in industries such as advanced manufacturing, energy, logistics and emerging technologies,” the Mayor said.
“For generations, Latrobe City has contributed to Victoria’s prosperity through energy production, manufacturing and industry. Council believes Latrobe City is well placed to support Victoria’s future economic growth, but that strong government partnership and timely action will be critical to securing new jobs and investment.
“With less than two years until the closure of Yallourn Power Station, Council is calling for urgent discussions about the practical measures needed to diversify the local economy and provide confidence to workers, businesses and the broader community.”
Mayor Gibson said the Council looks forward to working with Premier Carroll and the Victorian Government to ensure Latrobe City remains a place “where businesses can invest, industries can grow and local people can access meaningful employment opportunities close to home”.
