Thursday, 2 June, 2016

Victoria’s new Minister for Industry and Employment and Minister for Resources, Wade Noonan, visited the Latrobe Valley today as his first regional destination.

Joining the Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing, Mr Noonan met with major employers, local government and community group representatives to hear firsthand from the community about the economic development opportunities and aspirations for the region.

As part of the visit, Mr Noonan met with representatives from the operators of the Latrobe Valley’s three brown coal mines and power stations to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including rehabilitation and the transition to a low-emissions environment.

The Andrews Labor Government recognises the significant contribution of the mining and power generation sector not only to the local Latrobe Valley economy but to the entire state.

Today’s visit will be the first of many visits and Mr Noonan looks forward to returning and consulting widely on a range of programs in the Latrobe Valley as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $40 million transition program to help grow future industries, building the long-term skills and jobs for the years ahead.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment, Minister for Resources, Wade Noonan:

“I’ve heard loud and clear that communities, workers and businesses in the Latrobe Valley want to create and realise their own positive futures.”

“I’m here today to hear from the community about how we can best support jobs and economic growth in the Valley.”

“It is incredibly important that in my new portfolio I build a sophisticated understanding not only of the challenges, but also the local community’s aspirations to build jobs and industries.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“We’ve come a long way since 2014, and it’s essential that families, workers and businesses in the Valley continue to shape crucial decisions about the region’s future.”