By LIAM DURKIN
LATROBE City Mayor, Dale Harriman, deputy mayor, Sharon Gibson and Latrobe City Chief Executive, Steve Piasente took the region’s priorities to Canberra last week.
The two-day trip included meetings with federal opposition leader Peter Dutton and Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Ted O’Brien.
Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester and Member for Monash, Russell Broadbent were also in on meetings, as was Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie, and Labor senators Raff Ciccone and Tim Ayres.
Among issues discussed was economic diversification, flood recovery, commitment to action, and how to guarantee jobs for the region.
More specifically, Latrobe City representatives highlighted the Traralgon Bypass, Stage 3 of the Moe Revitalisation Project, and Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct as critical projects.
Energy was also high on the agenda, with time dedicated to HESC and CarbonNet proposals.
Pertinently, the visit included talks with Labor MP Dan Repacholi, who is chair of the House of Representatives Select Nuclear Committee and a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
The Valley’s possible nuclear future and Commonwealth Games legacy projects remain hot topics among locals.
The region was set to host the 2026 Games, before the state government was forced to withdraw due to budget blowouts.
As a trade-off, facilities slated to host events will receive upgrades. Latrobe City Stadium (Falcons Park), Morwell is one such, along with Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe.
It is understood the new ‘main’ pitch at Falcons Park will be located behind the current Don Di Fabrizio Stand, which will be torn down to make way for a new pavilion.
A major upgrade to the former National Soccer League complex is sure to be welcomed, especially given one Falcons player labelled it “15 years overdue” when speaking to this masthead.
Morwell MP, Harriet Shing was Minister for Commonwealth Games and Legacy from December 2022 to July 2023.
Ms Shing’s main portfolio is now the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) – the longest rail tunnel in the country and most expensive project in the state’s history.
However, much like the Commonwealth Games, the race could be on to find all required dollars and cents.
The Age reported last week the federal and state governments have been at odds over funding for the SRL, which has a $35 billion price tag for its first stage alone.
The federal government has released $2.2b, which was welcomed by Ms Shing.
“Australia’s largest housing project, our Suburban Rail Loop, has just received $2.2 billion in good news from the Albanese government. This means more homes and more opportunities, closer to where people want to live,” she said.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese pledged $2.2b for the SRL in the lead-up to the 2022 federal election, and funds were included in his government’s first budget. A total of $400 million is available this financial year, $1b in 2025/26 and $800m in 2026/27, although that funding schedule was delayed by 12 months in December 2023.
Pressure is mounting on Mr Albanese to call an election, after the latest YouGov poll indicated favouritism for Mr Dutton. A federal election must be held by May 17 this year.
Mr Dutton has said he would use former Prime Minister, John Howard as a role model if elected, dismissing any misconceptions after comparisons were made between him and US President Donald Trump (still feels weird to write that title even second time around).
Mr Howard famously (or infamously) wore a bullet proof vest while addressing a pro-gun rally at Sale in the wake of the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, the same year he came to power.
Former Latrobe City Mayor, Kellie O’Callaghan was also in Canberra the week before, in her role as chair of Regional Development Australia.
Ms O’Callaghan met with Mr Chester, although the Express understands communication between her and her former colleagues was minimal given the timing and logistics. A full review from the Canberra delegation is expected to be presented at next Monday’s (February 24) council meeting.
ROAD and freight route upgrades, tourism, digital connectivity, energy security and affordability, disaster resilience, skills, employment and education, were at the forefront of discussions with One Gippsland and Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester in Parliament.
Mr Chester met with delegates from the peak regional advocacy body to discuss priority areas for investment to support community growth across the region as part of the One Gippsland 2025-26 Federal Pre-Budget Submission.
“It was a pleasure to meet with representatives from One Gippsland, who do important work to promote the region and its people,” Mr Chester said.
“One Gippsland brings together all six Gippsland councils, industry leaders, and education providers, including Food and Fibre Gippsland, TAFE Gippsland, Destination Gippsland, Federation University, and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.
“The body’s shared aim is to support collaboration between government, business, and community while collectively advocating the interests of Gippsland and its people.
“We need to see a fairer share of government funding invested in regional areas like Gippsland after three years of neglect by the Albanese government.”
