Latrobe community workshops: a vision for the future

Over 2 productive days in November, stakeholders from across the Latrobe and broader Gippsland region gathered for collaborative workshops in Morwell.  

The workshops, held by the Net Zero Economy Authority (the Authority) and Regional Development Victoria, brought together over 100 businesses, local councils, unions, and industry and community members to explore the region’s long-term opportunities and challenges. 

Setting the scene  

The workshops built on previous engagement and provided an opportunity for deeper exploration of issues raised by community, industry, researchers and unions.  

Discussions across the 2 days centred on 4 key themes:

• future generations
• enabling conditions
• the future economy
• supply chain and growth opportunities.  

The objectives were people-focused and community-led. The workshops responded to calls for greater clarity on the roles of each level of government and their respective roles in Latrobe and Gippsland. We heard about the necessity of coordinated action across all levels of government and the broader community, with acknowledgement of the effort and commitment to bring the right people together. 

There was a shared resolve to prioritise opportunities in a practical and forward-thinking way. Diverse participants, who are actively involved in providing economic value, jobs and community benefits. guided conversations. 

A number of key challenges for the region set the scene for discussions, such as the upcoming closures of Yallourn and Loy Yang power stations and what this means for workers. There was also acknowledgment that the region is facing an economic transition that goes beyond coal closures, with uncertainty around jobs, investment and economic opportunities.  

Future-focused conversations 

The opportunities for economic diversification in emerging key sectors served as a reminder for a pathway forward. There was agreement that the transition to renewable energy offered hope through economic benefits and future jobs.  

Stakeholders highlighted the existing assets of the region, including access to water, power, transmission infrastructure and land, and a highly skilled workforce. 

Participants shared insights on what young people will need to thrive and sustain meaningful futures in the region. This highlighted the importance of adaptable skills, pathways and stronger links between education, industry and community.  

Looking forward  

Participants also joined 2 information sessions about key initiatives the Authority and the Government are delivering.  

The Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) session provided an overview of how the EIJP is designed to ensure workers impacted by power station closures are supported by their employers to prepare for and transition into their next job. The Authority has commenced a consultation process to assess whether an EIJP is needed to support workers impacted by the scheduled closure of Yallourn Power Station in July 2028. 

The funding and grants session brought specialist investment vehicles including Export Finance Australia, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation to the region for the first time as a group. This session made available critical information on financial support, advice and investment pathways.  

The Authority will continue to lead a cross-cutting approach to articulate a vision for the region's future net zero economy. Recognising the unique opportunities and challenges in Latrobe and Gippsland, the Authority is working across Commonwealth, state and local governments to identify economic opportunities, investment priorities, workforce supports and community needs and benefits.  

More information 

To learn more about our work in Latrobe-Gippsland, please visit our Latrobe Valley page.