Latrobe Valley’s manufacturing capabilities and freight transport potential was on the agenda for Victorian Ports and Manufacturing Minister David Hodgett, in a visit to the region last week.
Mr Hodgett’s visit took in dairy processor Lion Diary in Morwell, Australian Paper’s Maryvale Mill, Morwell Shopfitters and Victorian American Imports.
The minister also addressed the South East Australian Transport Strategy’s dinner on Thursday night in Traralgon, after the release of the State Government’s freight and logistics plan ‘Victoria – The Freight State’ earlier in the week.
The report highlighted the prominent role of the Port of Hastings in Gippsland’s future freight logistic opportunities, committed to preserve a rail corridor along the Dandenong line to facilitate a future connection to the port, and the possible establishment of a direct rail freight connection to Gippsland.
Regional lobby group Committee for Gippsland welcomed the report, particularly its recognition of Gippsland as a potential location for the establishment of the state’s third major airport.
