Thursday 31st May 2018

Local businesses and workers will play a critical role in the development of an education and innovation hub in the Latrobe Valley.

Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today announced that the $17 million Gippsland Hi-Tech Precinct will have a local content requirement of 91 per cent and will maximise the use of local steel.

The precinct – which will position the Latrobe Valley as a leader in innovation – will be a centre for research, business incubation, new product development, start up support, and education and training.

It will support the growth of local industry and play an important role in supporting the expansion of the region’s growth sectors – including health, food and fibre, advanced manufacturing and new energy.

It will also create jobs by accelerating technology adoption and attracting new investment in the region, and centralise and connect the research and innovation already taking place.

The project is a partnership between the Latrobe Valley Authority, Regional Development Victoria, Federation University, Federation Training, and Latrobe City Council.

The precinct forms part of the Latrobe Valley Transition Program, which also includes the Latrobe Valley Economic Facilitation Fund, which has already created 836 new jobs and is driving $86.9 million of private investment.

This builds on the Labor Government’s $266 million support package for the Latrobe Valley, which is delivering economic growth and creating new jobs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll:

“We said we’d deliver for the Latrobe Valley and that’s what we’re doing – by creating jobs, supporting local businesses and driving economic growth.”

“The Gippsland Hi-Tech Precinct will not only bring innovation and education to the region but it will harness the skills and expertise of local businesses and workers.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“This Hi-Tech Precinct will benefit the whole community – giving locals the best opportunities to study, work and live in Gippsland.

“The Hi-Tech Precinct will provide jobs for local workers and local businesses – I’d encourage as many local suppliers as possible to get involved.”