At the August Council Meeting, Latrobe City Council moved to endorse a range of submissions to government inquiries as part of its ongoing advocacy activities. Among those endorsed was Council's submission to the Australian Government's Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability.
The submission highlighted the financial challenges and opportunities faced by the region, focusing on key areas such as industry closures, and sought to secure investment and policy changes that will enhance community outcomes and support the region's transition to a sustainable future.
As Latrobe City navigates this period of significant change, driven by the transition from traditional industries such as coal-fired power generation and native timber harvesting, Council remains focused on attracting investment, upskilling the workforce, and ensuring that the region continues to be a vibrant and resilient community.
Latrobe City is uniquely positioned to leverage its industrial heritage and natural resources to lead in the renewable energy sector. Council is committed to attracting investment in renewable energy projects that will not only provide sustainable and reliable energy sources but also create new job opportunities in emerging sectors.
"As Gippsland's Regional City, we play a critical leadership role in advocating for both public and private investment to support our community's aspirations," said Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Darren Howe.
"We see the renewable energy transition as an opportunity to build on our strengths and our 100-year legacy of powering Victoria. Our goal is to position Latrobe City at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions and as a hub for renewable energy innovation and development."
Council continues to actively explore alternative energy solutions, including geothermal and hydrogen, to support Latrobe's ongoing transition. The region's abundant natural resources make it a key player in decarbonising Australia's economy and supporting the global energy transition.
The Japanese Government's announcement of a $2.35 billion AUD investment to establish an international large-scale liquefied hydrogen supply chain to Japan demonstrates confidence in the HESC pilot project, which successfully proved that Latrobe Valley brown coal can be used to produce clean liquid hydrogen.
"Our city is well-positioned for hydrogen production given our history of energy generation, industrial capacity, and existing infrastructure," said the Mayor.
"This large-scale investment supports our region's future economic growth by creating new industries and high-value skilled jobs, positioning Latrobe City as a leader in the emerging hydrogen economy.
"The HESC project acknowledges the region's highly skilled workforce and provides new career pathways for the community. The investment will be pivotal in ensuring a smooth and equitable transition for Latrobe City as it moves away from traditional energy industries.
"A Council led delegation to Japan in 2023 supported the region's transition to new industries, gaining a greater understanding of the HESC trial, which is the only successful case of hydrogen production and export. The Japan delegation, along with multiple meetings with the HESC consortium and Japanese delegations to Victoria, are just part of the advocacy work Council has been undertaking."
Council continues to lead the development of hydrogen technology in the municipality, engaging in a range of activities to support the transition to renewable energy.
Council welcomed the establishment of the Dovetail Electric Aviation Development Centre, in partnership with Dovetail and Invest Victoria, in April. The Centre focuses on hydrogen technology, fitting regional aircraft with batteries and hydrogen propulsion for zero emission flights. This initiative addresses the environmental impact of air travel while boosting the clean energy sector.
Latrobe City Council is also focused on positioning Latrobe Regional Airport as the Victorian Centre for Advanced Air Mobility. The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct presents a unique opportunity to place the region at the forefront of the emerging aviation sector.
"The diversification of Latrobe Regional Airport will create new industries and enable investment and employment opportunities," said the Mayor.
"Advanced air mobility is at the cutting edge of innovation, and our region is well placed to lead in this space.
"We are committed to fostering economic diversification, supporting local entrepreneurship, and promoting innovation in Latrobe City.
"Our Transition Plan highlights opportunities in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, tourism, and creative industries. We believe that with the right investment and support, Latrobe City can continue to thrive and contribute to Australia's broader goals of achieving a clean energy transition and economic sustainability."
Council will continue to champion the region's transition towards a sustainable future, maintaining a steadfast focus on fostering innovation, attracting investment, and creating opportunities that secure the long-term prosperity. With ongoing projects in renewable energy, advanced air mobility, and industry diversification, Latrobe City is poised to lead in the new energy economy, ensuring that the region not only adapts to change but thrives.
