The Victorian Government has unveiled its long-term strategy to help guide the Latrobe Valley through future changes and challenges being imposed by the Federal Government’s carbon tax.

 

"The Roadmap, which delivers on a key election commitment, showcases the region's competitive strengths and advantages and provides a long term plan for industry and employment growth in the Latrobe Valley," State Minister for Regional and Rural Development Pater Ryan said.

 

The Roadmap outlines the following initiatives:

  • An expanded Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund (LVIIF) - An extra $5 million is being provided to expand the LVIIF to $15 million to support business and deliver greater employment outcomes. The Fund will also be redesigned to be more flexible and responsive to business needs;
  • Industry Planning – Funding is being provided to develop growth plans for energy, food, aviation and tourism in the Latrobe Valley. This includes $80,000 towards a new Gippsland aviation industry plan and $80,000 provided to Destination Gippsland Inc to develop a new tourism industry plan;
  • Investment prospectus - $400,000 has been allocated to support the development of a marketing and investment prospectus highlighting key competitive attributes and opportunities and attract new investors to the Latrobe Valley
  • Accelerated business growth program – $300,000 is being allocated to target high performing firms to expand their potential and look at strengthening supply chains across the region;
  • Small business support – An additional $225,000 will be provided to the region's local governments to provide business advice, broker support and unlock further potential in the small business sector;
  • Competitive advantages from brown coal - The Victorian Government believes that brown coal can, and should play a key role in our energy future. The Victorian Government is encouraging companies developing low emission coal upgrading technologies in the Latrobe Valley and is progressing a new coal allocation framework to open up new reserves of coal.

 

"The Roadmap will guide future development in the Latrobe Valley by providing an immediate and co-ordinated set of actions and, importantly, leverage Commonwealth Government assistance and funding opportunities," Mr Ryan said.

 

The Roadmap is attached and also available at 
http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry-programs/latrobe-valley-industry-and-employment-roadmap