Boosting aviation and economic innovation in Gippsland
21/09/2026A new Flight Test Range Command Centre is now operational at Latrobe Regional Airport – enhancing Victoria’s drone and aerospace industries and supporting local economic diversification.
Our funding of $205,000 – alongside $107,000 from Latrobe City Council – has helped to establish this new and essential part of the broader Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct.
The Command Centre puts Gippsland in a strong position to attract innovative investment and jobs from Australia’s growing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. This sector uses emerging aircraft technologies, such as drones, to transport people and goods.
A range of businesses and industries are set to benefit from this project, including:
- commercial drone manufacturers
- defence companies
- aerospace start-ups
- renewable energy and hydrogen powered aviation companies.
The facility will support the research, testing and evaluation of advanced air mobility, drone and electric aviation solutions. It will help establish Latrobe City Council as a national partner for advanced aviation innovation.
Our support for this project is part of our Latrobe City Local Development Strategy, which aims to boost:
- business capability
- digital inclusion
- local procurement
- innovation
- diversification and community collaboration.
It also aligns with the Victorian Government’s 2022 Advanced Air Mobility Industry Vision Statement. The statement outlines our vision to position Victoria as a world-leading hub for zero-emission electric aviation, drones, and future AAM operations.
Our support of the Latrobe Valley is part of our ongoing work to making rural and regional Victoria even better places to live, work, stay experience, invest and study.