Boost for Latrobe Valley Business
Thu 7 April 2011
The Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan has today announced a $10 million stimulus package for the Latrobe Valley region to help promote jobs and economic growth.
Mr Ryan said the $10 million stimulus package to be administered by Regional Development Victoria (RDV) would be brought forward to attract strategic investment that would lead to sustainable jobs growth in the Latrobe Valley.
The recent announcement that Telstra will make 114 workers redundant, due to a decision to relocate from their Moe site to Docklands and overseas call centers, has caused significant concern for many local workers.
“Telstra’s decision came on top of several other local companies also cutting local jobs and fears within the community about job security or opportunities” Mr Ryan said
Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government had moved quickly to assist workers affected to seek additional skills through training and support programs, but a significant stimulus package was needed to provide further assistance which could be supported by local government and the business community.
“The region is fortunate in that it has many natural advantages. The stimulus package represents a strong government commitment to helping the local region capitalise on its advantages to secure long term jobs and security.”
Mr Ryan said he had established a Latrobe Valley Working Group that would oversee the application of the $10 million package.
“The Working Group will be chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development Damian Drum MLC and include the Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business, Russell Northe MLA, and Parliamentary Secretary for Forestry and Fisheries, Gary Blackwood MLA,” Mr Ryan said.
“The Working Group will consult widely with business, unions and the community and will report directly to me as Minister for Regional and Rural Development.
“The Coalition Government is committed to creating new prosperity, more opportunities and better quality of life for regional the Latrobe Valley region.”
The stimulus package will be funded by bringing forward components of funding earmarked for attracting investment to the Latrobe Valley.
