Latrobe City Council is calling on all political parties and candidates contesting the upcoming Victorian State election to help secure the City's future as it undergoes one of Australia's most significant economic transformations.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson said Latrobe City is at a turning point.
"Our region is undergoing its most significant economic transformation in a century and we're not sitting back waiting for the future to happen. We're helping shape it," Cr Gibson said.
"We're delivering major infrastructure, attracting investment and delivering practical projects to create jobs, strengthen our economy and improve the places we call home.
"But we can't do it alone.
"As we approach the Victorian State Election, we want to remind all political parties and candidates that Latrobe Vally has powered Victoria for more than a century. Our community deserves Victorian Government support to make sure workers, families and businesses can continue to thrive."
As the local government area most impacted by Australia's change to a net zero economy, Latrobe City continues to face significant economic and social challenges as major industry changes reshape the region.
With Yallourn Power Station expected to close in 2028, Council is focused on ensuring new jobs, investment and opportunities are created before existing employment is lost.
Cr Gibson said Council was already acting locally while continuing to advocate for the support needed to unlock larger opportunities.
"We're not coming to government with a problem and asking them to solve it for us," Cr Gibson said.
"We're already doing the work. We're investing in our future, planning for growth and creating opportunities. What we're looking for is a genuine partnership that helps build on the momentum already underway.
"This is about a hand up, not a handout."
Council has been proactively shaping Latrobe's future through a range of economic development, infrastructure and community projects.
This includes the development of the Gippsland Logistics and Manufacturing Precinct (GLaMP), the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct, planning for new residential growth areas and activity centres, major sport and recreation facility upgrades, and a commitment to reinvest 50 percent of budget surpluses into economic activation and infrastructure projects.
"These projects demonstrate that Latrobe is ready for growth," Cr Gibson said.
"We have available land, a skilled workforce, strong transport connections and projects ready to attract investment and create jobs."
As part of its ongoing advocacy agenda, Council is seeking government support across four priority areas.
The first is a Latrobe Regional Economic Support Package to help protect and create jobs, support local businesses and attract new investment through measures such as tax relief, workforce incentives, streamlined approvals and reinvestment incentives.
The second priority is a $100 million Infrastructure Activation Fund to unlock residential and industrial land currently constrained by a lack of roads, sewer, water and utility infrastructure. Council estimates the initiative could unlock more than 3000 residential and industrial lots while creating thousands of construction and ongoing employment opportunities.
Council is also seeking $15 million for an Advanced Air Mobility Launch Pad at Latrobe Regional Airport to build on the region's emerging aerospace and aviation industry, create skilled jobs and establish regional Victoria as a leader in advanced aviation technologies.
The project is expected to create around 770 direct jobs and contribute about $236 million annually to the local economy by 2040.
Community safety remains another priority, with Council continuing to advocate for increased police and Protective Services Officer presence alongside investment in prevention and early intervention programs, including the successful Community Connectors model.
Cr Gibson said a strong government partnership is critical to maximising opportunities for the community and securing a strong economic future.
"Council welcomes the Coalition's commitments to Protective Services Officers at Moe and Morwell stations, mobile CCTV and restoring 24-hour operation at Moe Police Station," Cr Gibson said.
"These commitments respond to priorities Council has consistently advocated for. We also urge the Coalition to balance enforcement with investment in prevention and early intervention, including outreach services that connect vulnerable people with support before problems escalate.
"We expect more from the Labor Government, with clear commitments to improve community safety in Latrobe City and deliver the targeted economic support our workers, businesses and families need.
"I also urge One Nation, the Greens, other minor parties and independent candidates to back the priorities set out in Council's Advocacy Agenda and make clear commitments to Latrobe City's future."
"Whichever party forms government, our community needs funded commitments that deliver safer town centres, new jobs and investment before Yallourn closes in 2028."
Published 10 November 2026
