Good morning folks. Premier Daniel Andrews is headed to the Latrobe Valley this morning and expected to make an announcement about Hazelwood.
With Sports Minister John Eren also travelling to the region and expected to make announcements we’ll be keeping you up to date with all the day’s happenings through this live blog.
Check back periodically as we update this blog.
3.16: That’s all for today, folks. Thanks for following. We’ll have detailed coverage in Monday’s paper. Here’s a summary of today’s State Government announcements:
– The Hazelwood Worker Transfer Scheme Partnership Agreement is signed off on, to help about 150 Hazelwood workers remain in the power industry by transferring to other generators, initially Loy Yang A. In-principle support for the scheme has been secured from Loy Yang B operator Engie and Yallourn owner Energy Australia.
– Elite-level pre-season sporting matches will be played in Latrobe Valley.
– $46M to build the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre.
– $17M to redevelop the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex in Traralgon.
– $4M upgrade for Morwell Recreation Reserve.
– $1.7M to upgrade the Latrobe Sports and Entertainment Complex in Morwell.
– $3M to upgrade Moe’s Ted Summerton Reserve.
– $1.4M for Sale and Traralgon tennis centres.
– $5M for local reserve upgrades.
– $6.9M over five years for a major events and sporting program.
2.15pm: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed the State government’s $85 million sporting spend.
“These announcements will be welcomed by the community. Local Nationals MP Russell Northe has been a strong advocate for these projects, over many years,” Mr Chester said.
“Investments in community sport and liveability are an important part of reimagining the Latrobe Valley. Projects like these provide extra reasons to live, work and invest in our region, and be confident about our future.
“I’m especially pleased the State Government backed my support for the Morwell Recreation Reserve, which will receive $5 million from the Federal Government. This will enable the entire Master plan to be completed.”
1.45pm: Express journalist Jarrod Whittaker was at this morning’s worker transfer scheme announcement. Here’s the story: Hazelwood worker transfer deal signed off
1pm: In response to today’s announcements, Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan said council advocacy had translated into action with the State Government’s $85 million spend for sporting infrastructure.
“I am very please the worker transfer scheme is secure,” Cr O’Callaghan said of the partnership to help about 150 Hazelwood workers remain in the power industry by transferring to other generators, initially Loy Yang A.
“I am excited for our community that they will also be supported with such significant sport, health and wellbeing opportunities, infrastructure and pathways.
“We have been steadfast in putting the needs and desires of our community forward at every table, hallway and Twitter feed and it’s heartening to see that we have been successful in achieving the government’s attention.
“The cumulative impact of the massive boost in regional sporting infrastructure is designed to underpin Latrobe City’s position as a destination of choice for elite sports and serving as an inspiration for community members to pursue all the benefits that flow from sporting clubs and team involvement.
“Our strategy has been to leverage our community’s strengths as a path to prosperity and of course, sports are a feature of Latrobe City life.”
12.21pm: Collingwood Football and Netball Clubs, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne United and Swimming Australia will become regular visitors to the region, the State Government has announced.
The government announced an $85 million sports package including:
-$46 million for Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre.
-$17 million to redevelop the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex in Traralgon.
-$4 million upgrade to Morwell Recreation Reserve.
-$1.7 million to upgrade the Latrobe Sports and Entertainment Complex in Morwell.
-$3 million to upgrade Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe.
-$1.4 million for Sale and Traralgon tennis centres.
-$5 million for local reserves to be upgraded
It will include $6.9 million over five years for a major events and sporting program, including regular pre-season games in elite sports.
12.04pm: The State Government announces an $85 million sports infrastructure package including the long awaited Gippsland Aquatic Centre. Details to come.
11.56am: Member for Morwell Russell Northe has welcomed the Premier’s announcement of a worker transfer scheme but said more needs to be done.
“This is what we’ve been calling for for some time,” Mr Northe said.
“So whilst I think it’s a welcome outcome for some of the workers, the reality is we still need to find new jobs and new employment for all those other impacted workers and contractors.”
11.04am: Sport Minister John Eren announces $100,000 to build an all-weather synthetic grass bowling green for the Moe Bowling Club.
10.40am: The State Government has signed the Latrobe Valley Worker Transfer Scheme Partnership Agreement with Long Yang A operator AGL.
The State Government has also secured an in-principle agreement with Hazelwood owner Engie to allow its workers to move to the Loy Yang B station, which the company also operates.
The scheme will help about 150 Hazelwood workers remain in the power industry by transferring to other generators, initially Loy Yang A.
Under the agreement, early retirement packages will be offered to AGL workers to create vacancies for workers displaced by Hazelwood’s closure.
Participating employers will get funding from the scheme to support the packages and facilitate the re-deployment.
10.30am: Premier Daniel Andrews arrives at Morwell Bowls Club.
10.20am: Media gathers at Morwell Bowls Club for the press conference.
10am: Daniel Andrews will appear at Morwell Bowls Club at 10.15am where he’s expected to make an announcement about Hazelwood workers.
We’ll have an update about that shortly after.
John Eren is travelling to the Moe Bowling Club, where we’re expecting some good news for the town’s bowls fraternity.
Mr Eren is making a series of appearances across the region today and we should have more about some scheduled appearances in Traralgon later in the day.
