Latrobe City Council endorsed their draft 2024/25 Commonwealth and State Budget submissions at its most recent Council meeting.
The draft Budget focuses on addressing key issues that seek to further advance the economic transition and enhance the liveability of the region.
Priorities outlined by Latrobe City in the draft Budget align with the Council Plan 2021-2025, Community Vision, and Our Transition Plan, reinforcing Council's consistent approach to supporting the community and furthering economic growth.
Key projects within the Budget submissions include the Traralgon Recreation Reserve Flood Recovery and Resilience project and ongoing advocacy for new energy projects, including the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project. These projects are crucial for community development, with the latter aligning to Latrobe City's pursuit of new energy opportunities and economic transition.
Other featured projects include the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct at Latrobe Regional Airport, which is ideally positioned as a Victorian Centre for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and will bring significant employment and industry investment to the region. Council also continues to advocate for an enabling infrastructure fund to support residential and industrial development in greenfield sites at Lake Narracan, Morwell North West and Traralgon North.
Mayor of Latrobe City, Councillor Darren Howe said the 2024/25 Budget harnesses opportunities detailed in Council's Our Transition advocacy plan, aimed at shifting towards a more sustainable and diverse economy to support our community's transformation.
"This draft Budget reflects our dedication to the economic transition of Latrobe City," said the Mayor.
"As Gippsland's Regional City, Council plays a critical leadership role in advocating for both public and private investment to support community aspirations, and we are committed to securing projects that create job opportunities, foster innovation and sustainability, and attract new industries and investments.
"We acknowledge the support already received from the Commonwealth and State Governments and have together celebrated key projects and community facility upgrades coming to life across the region. We continue to advocate for further assistance to enable the vital projects proposed in the Budget submissions."
The draft Latrobe City 2024/2025 State and Commonwealth Budget submissions can be viewed online at: www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Council/Advocacy_and_Transition/Advocating_for_our_Community
