About the Transition Plan

How is the plan being developed?

Change is already underway across Gippsland within key sectors, including energy, forestry, and agriculture. ​

The Latrobe Valley Authority has been asked by the Victorian Government to lead the development of a transition plan that describes future opportunities for the region as it undergoes this change. ​

The transition plan will set out a high-level vision for Gippsland in 2035, along with goals and guiding principles.​

Community aspirations and priorities will be at the heart of the transition plan and a wide range of engagement is being undertaken to capture the voices of Gippsland's communities. Engagement includes face-to-face meetings, interviews, surveys and focus groups.​

The Plan will be informed by the stories, knowledge and expertise of individuals, community groups, peak organisations, employers, industry groups, unions, Traditional Owners, professional bodies, education and training providers and local governments.

To set up a community engagement opportunity on the transition plan, please contact Jules Cole at jules.cole@lva.vic.gov.au or phone 0428499587.​

Guiding principles for transition

Workers and communities are at the heart of the transition process

A shared future for the region by the region with the community empowered to shape their desired futures.

Equity and inclusion

A just transition that shares benefits, leaves no-one behind, promotes sustainable development and creates opportunities for participation and meaningful work.

A sustainably developed future that enhances the environment, health, wellbeing and human rights of the community

Ensuring a balance between environmental, climate, social and economic priorities including genuine and ongoing consultation with the region’s Traditional Owners, landowners and communities affected by development and infrastructure.

Build on identified strengths and advantages

Gippsland has a skilled workforce, quality infrastructure and natural assets that underpin the potential for future growth in existing and emerging industries of specialisation.

Evidence informed

A best-practice approach to transition that complements existing plans and strategies supporting economic and community development and adaptive capacity; and subject to monitoring, evaluation and iterative refinement as circumstances change.  A key factor to support success is understanding the current workforce requirements, future projections, skills gaps, workforce shortfalls and training needs to inform decision making and drive innovation.

A coordinated approach across government, industry, education and communities

Harnessing the power of joined up communities, industry, education and whole of government action.

Project partners

A Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan Project Control Group has been established to provide strategic direction and authorisation for the transition plan.​

The Project Control Group is supported by an Implementation Working Group. The Implementation Working Group provides expertise and advice on actions and assists with coordination and engagement with stakeholders to support development of the transition plan. ​

Membership of the Implementation Working Group consists of representatives from Traditional Owners, a range of sectors such as business and industry, community services and health, education and employment, as well as non-government organisations, unions, local councils and government agencies.​

The members of the Implementation Working Group are:

Project Control GroupImplementation Working Group
  • Chris Buckingham – Latrobe Valley Authority, Chief Executive Officer
  • Cr Kellie O’Callaghan – One Gippsland, Chair
  • Sara Rhodes-Ward – Regional Development Victoria, Regional Director Gippsland
  • Steven Piasente – Latrobe City Council, Chief Executive Officer
  • Therese Tierney – Gippsland Regional Partnership, Chair
  • Chris Buckingham - Latrobe Valley Authority
  • Craig Bosch – Australian Paper
  • Daniel Mainville – Loy Yang B
  • Daniel Miller - Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
  • Darren McCubbin – Gippsland Climate Change Network
  • David Morcom – Wellington Shire
  • David Burt – Energy Australia
  • Dr. Jennifer Brereton/Rosemary Joiner - Mine Land Rehabilitation Authority
  • Elise Erwin – Regional Development Victoria Gippsland
  • Erin Coldham – Star of the South
  • Farhat Firdous - Victorian Skills Authority
  • Hayley Sestokas – Environment Victoria
  • Jane Anderson - Latrobe Health Advocate
  • Jenny Bailey – East Gippsland Shire
  • Jules Cole – Latrobe Valley Authority
  • Katrina Langdon – Star of the South
  • Kellie O'Callaghan – One Gippsland
  • Laura Melville – Environment Victoria
  • Leigh Kennedy - Federation University
  • Lesia Clark – Gippsland Forestry Hub
  • Linda Austin – TAFE Gippsland
  • Lisa Gooding – Energy Australia
  • Lisa Price – Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN
  • Lorisse Dart – AGL
  • Martin Fuller - West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority
  • Michelle Dowsett – Regional Development Australia Gippsland Committee
  • Melissa Langstaff – Baw Baw Shire
  • Nicola Pero – Food & Fibre Gippsland
  • Peter Ceeney - Latrobe City Business Chamber
  • Peter Mooney – ETU
  • Phil Jones – Latrobe Valley Authority
  • Renee Kurowski – AusNet Services
  • Sarah Cumming – Gippsland Water
  • Sharon Raguse – East Gippsland Shire
  • Simon Aquilina – Gippsland Water
  • Steve Dodd - AMWU
  • Tanya Rong - Latrobe Health Assembly
  • Terry Robinson – Destination Gippsland
  • Tim Ellis - Latrobe City Council
  • Tony Cantwell – Committee for Gippsland
  • Wendy Farmer - Voices of the Valley