Premier

Latrobe Valley At The Regional Heart Of Our Creative State

19 April 2016

A new performing arts building will be constructed, and the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre will be refurbished as part of a $10 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford joined Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing in Traralgon to make the funding announcement for the Latrobe Valley to develop a new creative precinct, with state of the art performing spaces and new educational facilities.

Funding from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF) will support the creative hub.

The upcoming 2016/2017 Victorian Budget will also provide $152 million to deliver a strong program of support to the creative and cultural sector.

The Latrobe Valley project will create more than 200 jobs and inject $59 million into the regional economy during the construction phase.

Over the longer term, the precinct is expected to grow the regional economy by $5.4 million, and see more than 30 new jobs created.

The project includes the construction of a new performing arts building, refurbishment works to the existing Latrobe Performing Arts Centre (LPAC) and the establishment of accredited arts and cultural training courses for tertiary, secondary, primary and private sector students.

The project will repurpose existing facilities for education and community use and create a new contemporary performance space to meet current standards and attract more touring shows.

It follows a $4 million to upgrade the West Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in Warragul, creating an important link between the two cultural hubs.

This project will allow the Valley to build its creative industries and provide more diverse education and employment opportunities to the entire community.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“We want the Latrobe Valley to be at the regional heart of our creative state. Our investment in the Latrobe Creative Precinct will ensure people living in the Valley have ongoing opportunities for jobs, culture, education and community connections.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley

"This is an investment that will deliver economic, social and cultural benefits for all Gippsland residents, whether they work in, or enjoy our creative industries."

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Traralgon's new Creative Precinct will attract the best and brightest creative talent to the Valley and provide a community venue that draws in audiences, exhibitors and performers from all over Gippsland.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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