Premier

Putting The People Of The Valley First

24 September 2016

The Andrews Labor Government will continue standing side-by-side with the communities of the Latrobe Valley, if any decision is taken to close the Hazelwood power plant.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio, who travelled to the Latrobe Valley today to meet community leaders, has been advised by the operator of Hazelwood that no final decision has been made on the future of the plant.

If the company does decide to stop operating, the Labor Government will put the people of the Latrobe Valley first, ensuring they get the support they need.

Labor stood with the Latrobe Valley during the Hazelwood Mine fire in 2014 and will keep standing with them.

Additional support will include encouraging future investment and helping attract emerging industries to help grow the economy, create jobs, and manage any transition.

The Labor Government is already supporting Valley communities with around $220 million in new investments, including:

  • $40 million Latrobe Valley Economic Development Program to help grow and diversify the local economy
  • $51 million to respond to the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry, re-opened by the Labor Government
  • $130 million to upgrade schools, hospitals, roads and other infrastructure

A new dedicated Latrobe Valley economic development team is being established to work alongside the community to deliver new jobs and create a strong economic future.

Quotes attributable to Acting Premier Jacinta Allan

"We will always put the people of Latrobe Valley first.”

"Whatever happens in the future, Valley communities can be assured that this Government is with them every step of the way."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

"If the company decides to stop operating, we will do all we can to ensure workers and their families get the support they need.”

“Malcolm Turnbull should follow Victoria’s lead and join us in providing the support and services the community is calling out for.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“I know that the Valley's potential is above the ground and not below it.”

"The former Coalition government was missing in action while Hazelwood burned, we're making serious investments in the Valley and we're determined to see them through."

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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