November 25, 2016
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has told Latrobe City Council leaders the Latrobe Valley will be closely supported through the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station.
The Prime Minister had a discussion with senior leadership of Latrobe City Council last Thursday in a meeting arranged by Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan, CEO Gary Van Driel, General Manager Corporate Services, Sarah Cumming, and General Manager Community Services, Sara Rhodes-Ward were in Canberra to present their policy document “A Strength Led Transition”.
The document outlines a series of projects to diversify and strengthen the Latrobe Valley economy, following the decision by French company Engie Group to close Hazelwood Power Station in March 2017.
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester arranged meetings with the Prime Minister, Minister for Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg, Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash, and Assistant Minister for Cities Angus Taylor.
“I appreciate the effort from the Latrobe City Council delegation to brief the Prime Minister and other Ministers on the constructive and positive approach Council is taking to secure funding for projects that will deliver jobs in our region,” Mr Chester said.
“There are plenty of good ideas to work on. The Hazelwood closure will obviously have an impact on our community but we need to remain optimistic and work together.”
McMillan MP Russell Broadbent also attended the meeting with the Prime Minister.
The Federal Government has announced a $43 million investment package for the Latrobe Valley in the wake of the decision by Engie Group to close Hazelwood.
The package will focus on jobs, infrastructure and assisting Hazelwood workers made redundant.
CAPTION: In the Prime Minister’s Office were from left) Latrobe City Council CEO Gary Van Driel, McMillan MP Russell Broadbent, Mayor Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull, Gippsland MP Darren Chester, General Manager Community Services Sara Rhodes-Ward, General Manager Corporate Services Sarah Cumming.
