We’ve worked with local businesses, industry groups, schools, training providers, and the community in the Latrobe Valley to help navigate economic changes, starting with our support when the Hazelwood Power Station closed in 2017.
For over 100 years, the Latrobe Valley has powered Victoria through coal fired power generation. As the remaining three power stations begin their phased closures, the region is shifting towards a more sustainable and diverse economy.
Since 2017, we've invested more than $1.6 billion in programs and major infrastructure projects that have created jobs and improved local services to help people thrive. Through our investments and growth in the region, there are thousands more workers in Gippsland than a decade ago.
Initial response
The Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA) was formed in 2016 to focus on an immediate response to closure of the Hazelwood Power Station - to support impacted businesses, workers and their families and to deliver local economic stimulus and boost liveability.
Through an investment of $266 million, the LVA delivered projects and programs that created hundreds of jobs through the construction of around $750 million worth of new major projects, including the Gippsland Hi-Tech Precinct and the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre.
The investments and work of the LVA has delivered a lasting legacy in the region, with outcomes including:
- The establishment of the Worker Transition Service to support Hazelwood workers and their families with career navigation, training and health and wellbeing.
- An economic growth reimbursement scheme that provided funding for 374 businesses, resulting in 1,156 jobs.
- The delivery of the $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative which created state-of-the-art inclusive facilities and 500 jobs across the region.
- Led the Business Support Service in partnership with Gippsland’s six local governments, which provides a tailored concierge service that makes it easier for businesses to access support services and relevant networks.
- Delivered more than $20 million grants funding program for local community infrastructure coupled with focussed support for community organisations enabling them to be more robust, sustainable and inclusive.
Future focus
As the region continues to navigate long-term economic transition, our approach is evolving. The time is right to take the knowledge of the LVA and combine it with our future focussed agency responsible for economic development, Regional Development Victoria (RDV).
Our focus includes:
- Helping businesses grow, expand and attracting new industries.
- Connecting workers to jobs in new areas including offshore wind and renewable energy.
- Connecting young people with local jobs and education.
- Building on the region’s strengths in areas like new energy, food production, advanced manufacturing, health, and tourism.
While the region will continue to navigate economic transition, it is now working towards a long-term approach to economic prosperity, guided by the Gippsland and Latrobe Valley Transition Plan, which includes a wide range of activity and investment across Victorian Government departments. The long-term vision for the region is also guided by the Gippsland Regional Plan, it provides a blueprint for how the region remains an ideal place to live, work, stay and play.
Gippsland 2035
The Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan provides a roadmap for a long-term vision for the region as it navigates economic change.
The Plan was shaped by the views of over 1,000 local people and through collaboration with Traditional Owners, businesses and industry, local governments and community organisations. It ensures local people are at the centre of decision making and are supported through the transition to sustainable industries.
The Plan makes 52 recommendations focusing on the transition, and includes education and training pathways to local employment, quality jobs, a thriving economy built on industries with a long-term future and a sustainable environment.
Transition Plan
- Gippsland 2035 Transition Plan (PDF 2613.18 KB)
- Gippsland 2035 Transition Plan - accessible (DOCX 987.4 KB)
Implementation Plan
- Gippsland 2035 Implementation Plan (PDF 424.34 KB)
- Gippsland 2035 Implementation Plan - accessible (DOCX 127.29 KB)