Federal Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean

Victoria Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan

AGREEMENT HERALDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR GIPPSLAND

Victor P Taffa

The Australian and Victorian governments have today signed an Agreement for Cooperative Arrangements for the Gippsland Region to support the transition of the Latrobe Valley economy.

The Federal Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean and the Victorian Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan signed off on the arrangements whilst meeting in Morwell.

Under the Agreement, a Joint Ministerial Forum led by Mr. Crean and Mr. Ryan will be established to provide high-level oversight for the planning approach across the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region.

At the signing of the Agreement, Mr. Crean said this partnership will help to facilitate the development of regionally coordinated and strategic responses – developed by the community – which contribute to the sustained economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region.

“Gippsland is an energy region and will continue to be, but community leaders accept that energy will increasingly come from cleaner options.” Mr. Crean said.

“They understand the need for economic diversification and have made it clear they want to see a bipartisan approach to facing up to the challenge of change.”

“Community leaders want to see cooperation between the federal and state governments – and that’s what they’ll get.”

Federal Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean

“A Mayoral Reference Group, which includes the Mayors from Baw Baw Shire, Latrobe City and Wellington Shire Councils, will provide the Joint Ministerial Forum with advice and local information through first-hand knowledge of social and economic issues.” Mr. Crean said.

Mr. Ryan said the Agreement between the two governments was an important win for the long-term prosperity of the region.

“The Gippsland region has made an enormous contribution to the prosperity of Victoria and Australia and the Gippsland community can reasonably expect support during the challenging times ahead.” Mr. Ryan said.

“The Latrobe Valley has numerous competitive advantages, including a highly skilled and technical workforce and significant natural resources.”

“There’s also a tremendous will among all stakeholders to develop a long-term plan that will allow this region to grow and prosper.”

“I’m delighted with the spirit of co-operation and the constructive discussions we’ve had today and am confident we can minimise disruptions to the Latrobe Valley economy.” Mr. Ryan said.

A Latrobe Valley Transition Committee co-chaired by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government and the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development will guide work on identifying future impacts on the communities and assist in developing proposals to build on opportunities in the Latrobe Valley.

“Importantly, the Committee will include representatives from the Latrobe Valley local councils, Regional Development Australia Gippsland committee, industry, unions, education and the community services sector.” Mr. Crean said.

“It will build on a large amount of activity already undertaken by the Regional Development Australia Gippsland Committee, the Gippsland Local Government Network, regional educational institutions and business and community organisations to position the region to transition to a more diversified and low carbon economy.”

“I congratulate the community on the work done to date and encourage them to continue to work together to ensure the region is well positioned to harness emerging opportunities.” Mr. Crean said.