Latrobe City Council has met with the Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Solar Homes, Lily D’Ambrosio, to discuss next steps following the announcement that the Loy Yang A power station will be closed by 2035.
In the meeting, Council outlined the importance of local support following the closure announcement and the need for a considered transition, with a focus on transforming the economy and moving towards new industries.
Ms D’Ambrosio was presented with opportunities to support the region as highlighted in Council’s State Advocacy Campaign. This included Latrobe City’s New Energy Future program, aiming to harness opportunities in renewable energy and hydrogen, and the Gippsland Material Recovery Facility, which aims to create new jobs.
Both parties also discussed the possibility of working collaboratively with all levels of government as partners in transition.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Kellie O’Callaghan, said, “Latrobe City Council was grateful to host Minister D’Ambrosio today and have discussions following the announcement that AGL Loy Yang A will close by 2035 and other local power stations across the region are forecast to close two to three times sooner than expected.
“Our community is committed to our Strength Led Transition and support is necessary now to ensure that our region continues to transform as we transition toward new opportunities for power generation.
“We look forward to collaborating with the State Government to ensure our region continues to be front of mind. We look forward to the opportunities that exist, particularly with renewable energy that would harness the existing infrastructure and skilled workforce we have right here in Latrobe City.”
