The Andrews Labor Government is backing more Latrobe Valley businesses to create new jobs and drive economic growth.
In his first visit to the region, Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today announced grants for two local Morwell businesses under the Latrobe Valley Economic Facilitation Fund.
Onsite Machining and Pipeline Services and Dynamic Industries Gippsland will receive funding to create a total of 34 new jobs and support about $1.5 million in investment.
Onsite Machining manufactures components for the power, mining, oil and gas industries. Its workforce will grow by 20 full-time staff in the next three to five years as it builds a new valve maintenance workshop and renovates existing premises.
Dynamic Industries is a small manufacturing business with eight employees that provides powder coating services to 60 local businesses across the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland. It will use the grant to build a new facility and create 14 new jobs.
Many of these new jobs will be suitable for former Hazelwood workers.
The $10 million Latrobe Valley Economic Facilitation Fund is helping businesses grow, attract and facilitate new private investment and boost their export potential. Grants have so far supported 16 projects that are expected to create nearly 300 jobs in the Latrobe Valley.
The fund is in addition to the Government’s overall $266 million transition package for the region.
Minister Carroll has convened a roundtable of the Latrobe Valley Authority and local councils in Morwell to discuss regional employment issues.
He will also meet workers and management at the Heyfield Timber Mill after the Government finalised its purchase of the business last month, saving hundreds of local jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“Every day we are working hard to create jobs, drive investment and generate economic opportunities for this proud region.”
“The Latrobe Valley’s best days are ahead of it. We will continue to fight for local jobs and stand by local businesses.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“We are seeing an increasing number of businesses across the Latrobe Valley region adapting and growing, and we are determined to help them succeed.”
“Nearly six months on from the closure of Hazelwood, our investments are helping innovative local businesses create new jobs and write their next chapter.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020