April 20, 2016
I strongly support the community’s push to build a new Latrobe Creative Precinct in Traralgon and I am working to secure Federal Government funding for this exciting project.
I welcome today’s commitment by the Victorian Government to pledge $10 million towards the proposal. This pledge is in addition to the $10 million allocated by Latrobe City Council.
Latrobe City Council has made an application for $10 million in Federal Government funding under the National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF).
The council’s application was submitted in early March.
The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development is now considering all applications under Round Three of the NSRF.
The program is always over-subscribed and bids are assessed on a competitive basis. Today’s announcement by the Victorian Government will strengthen our case to attract Commonwealth funding.
I met with the Minister for Regional Development, Fiona Nash, this week and advised her that the project has a robust business case and wide-spread community support.
I will continue to lobby the Minister to stress the case that this project will create jobs and provide a vibrant community hub for the Latrobe Valley.
Today’s announcement is a credit to the grassroots ‘Get It Built’ community campaign led by Dan Clancey, who has worked with Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe and Latrobe City Council to secure funding for this important project.
CAPTION: Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash yesterday in Canberra.
