A Federal Government funding program aimed at boosting jobs in the Latrobe Valley has attracted a large number of applications according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
A total of 56 applications were received under the $20 million Latrobe Valley Regional Jobs and Investment Package, which closed on November 17.
The fund was part of the Federal Government’s response to the closure of Hazelwood Power Station.
Mr Chester recently hosted a gathering of the RJIP local planning committee to thank them for their work in determining the priority investment plan for the Latrobe Valley.
“The Regional Jobs and Investment Package enables the Federal Government to provide assistance to local businesses looking to expand and create more jobs,” Mr Chester said.
“The priority industries for the Latrobe Valley are advanced manufacturing, education and training, energy and resources, food and fibre, health and social assistance, professional services and the visitor economy.
“The response was overwhelming; a total of 56 applications were received for the project, indicating there is a lot of confidence among local businesses in the future of the Latrobe Valley.”
The Latrobe investment area included the Baw Baw, Latrobe City and Wellington shire areas, in line with similar Victorian Government funding programs.
The Federal Government will announce successful projects in early 2018.
