Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean has called on local leaders to work cooperatively in the Latrobe Valley to help identify new opportunities to assist the area transitioning to a clean energy future.

 

Mr Crean’s calls come after he joined Victorian Regional and Rural Development Minister Peter Ryan and regional leaders at a roundtable discussion to hear industry perspectives about the future challenges and opportunities in the Latrobe Valley.

 

The meeting was the final in a series of forums jointly hosted by Regional Development Australia Gippsland, Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Australian Industry Group.

 

Mr Crean emphasised the Federal Government remains committed to assisting the area in dealing with its transition.

 

"Despite political differences over carbon pricing, we are taking a bipartisan approach to building jobs and skills for the Latrobe Valley as it moves to a clean energy future," Mr Crean said.

 

"Gippsland will continue as an energy region, but community and business leaders agree that the region must move to a cleaner form of energy generation, value-add traditional industries and diversify its economic base.

 

"Today local leaders have presented practical solutions to support the region through this economic transition, including in the areas of infrastructure investment, workforce development and innovation.