At its most recent Council meeting, Latrobe City Council gave the green light endorsing growth driving initiatives including the continuation of Economic Development Memberships for the 2025/26 financial year.
Council has been long-standing members of several industry-specific organisations to support economic development advocacy activities including Rail Freight Alliance, Timber Towns Victoria, Southeast Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance, Southeast Australian Transport Strategy and National Timber Council Australia.
Council will also begin a new membership with Australia Japan Business Council of Victoria (AJBCV).
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Dale Harriman said economic development is important to our region's growth, as outlined in our Council Plan - Strategic Direction 1, Our Economy.
"The continuation of these important economic development partnerships strengthens our advocacy efforts with key organisations and stakeholders. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities attract investment and drive sustainable growth across our region," said the Mayor.
"A key focus of the Council Plan is investment - to actively pursue investment in emerging industries and industries that diversify our local economy to create jobs and increase economic growth.
"These Memberships enable Council to foster important relationships and to advocate for our priorities to support our economy."
Council also endorsed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Economic Development Advisory Committee at its Council meeting.
Council is currently developing a new Economic Development Strategy and there is a desire for the Committee to be less operational in nature and more strategic, focusing on business attraction and economic growth.
The revised ToR has an amended focus for the Committee, to provide advice on the opportunities to facilitate economic growth and diversification of the Latrobe City economy in line with the new Economic Development Strategy, once endorsed.
"Along with a refreshed Terms of Reference for the Economic Development Advisory Committee, these initiatives will help guide our efforts and ensure we're taking the right steps to support the economic growth and diversification of our region," said the Mayor.
"Committee members will be selected through a public Expression of Interest process, with a strong focus on identifying individuals who bring industry expertise, wide reaching networks and a genuine commitment to helping shape a more diverse Latrobe City economy."
