Friday 23 June 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is getting the planning right in Gippsland to create local jobs and build sustainable communities.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing today announced a $2.5 million suite of measures and investments, all about creating employment opportunities closer to home, clearing planning backlogs and helping local communities reach their potential.

A key component of the Labor Government’s measures is a $65,000 investment for planning for the Latrobe Valley Regional City Growth Corridor Employment Precinct, developing an economic cluster around the Latrobe Regional Hospital and the Latrobe Regional Airport.

The existing precinct already employs more than 1300 locals, and with the right planning that figure could rise to more than 2000.

We’ll be developing a master plan that will allow the precinct to be rezoned so that businesses can flock to the region. A number of prospective investors have already indicated their interest in starting up, or expanding business locally.

And we’re taking action to streamline planning processes, protect neighbourhood character and give councils the resources they need to boost jobs and investment.

Our initiatives include:

• $90,000 for councils to fast-track development in new residential precincts
• $60,000 to prepare a Traralgon Activity Centre Plan for the town centre
• $40,000 to help clear Baw Baw Council’s planning permit application backlog
• $35,000 for the Sale Wurruk Industrial Land Strategy
• $40,000 for a traffic impact assessment and infrastructure costings to establish what contributions developers will make to the North Sale residential precinct
• New senior planning ‘Flying Squad’ positions to work with councils and the Latrobe Valley Authority to slash red tape

The Labor Government has already announced a $16.4 million Streamlining for Growth program to provide much needed planning resources to outer-metropolitan and regional Councils.

It’s all about planning and delivering the projects that create jobs and investment and reinforce the strength of our regions as great places to live and work.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“The Latrobe Valley has a great future as a jobs and innovation hot spot. We’re getting the planning right to attract more businesses and more investment.”

“This is all about ensuring the Latrobe Valley remains a great place to work, live and invest.”