Premier

Jobs, Investment And A Way Forward For Gippsland

07 July 2017

The Andrews Labor Government’s pipeline of investments and job-creating projects across Gippsland have been celebrated at the Committee for Gippsland Jobs and Innovation Showcase.

Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan launched the showcase today, which outlines the Labor Government’s unprecedented program to grow jobs and businesses, drive investment, and transition Latrobe Valley and Gippsland communities.

Projects across the region are expected to create more than 850 direct jobs and 1,650 construction jobs, including:

  • the $435 million Gippsland Rail Upgrade, creating more than 400 jobs and a local project office
  • a Latrobe Valley GovHub to support 300 public sector staff, and create 100 new construction jobs
  • $85 million in sport and recreation infrastructure upgrades, creating 300 construction jobs
  • the $17 million Morwell Hi-Tech Precinct, creating 80 construction jobs and
  • a program of school upgrades from Warragul to Sale to give students, teachers and families the facilities they deserve.

The landmark Worker Transfer Scheme will help around 150 retrenched Hazelwood workers transition to other power generators. AGL Loy Yang has so far received about 140 expressions for early retirement.

The Latrobe Valley Authority is also offering worker transition services, business support and counselling for local families.

The Labor Government continues to roll out a $266 million transition package for the Latrobe Valley to create jobs and grow local businesses.

More businesses are growing thanks to the $10 million Latrobe Valley Economic Facilitation Fund, with Mawarra in Warragul the latest organisation to receive funding to create an additional seven jobs.

Mawarra is an employer of people with disabilities, and runs three businesses including Country Kitchen Catering, Jigsaw Industries and Waratah Grounds Maintenance.

Compared to a year ago, employment in the Latrobe-Gippsland region has improved dramatically with an additional 16,600 jobs created since May 2016, and a 1.7 per cent drop in unemployment to 6.0 per cent.

The Labor Government will continue working hard to create jobs, drive investment and set this proud region up for a bright future.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan

“From its highly-skilled workforce, to its quality education and abundant natural resources – the Gippsland region has so much to be proud of.”

“We are harnessing every bit of potential these communities have – that’s why jobs and investment across the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland are gathering pace.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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