Working collaboratively to co-design the future of advanced air mobility (AAM) was the focus of a partnership between Latrobe City Council and Swinburne University of Technology.

The partnership will explore how advanced air mobility can be established at the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct to drive economic growth in the region.

Researchers from Swinburne’s Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) will work with Latrobe City Council, local research and industry partners, and certification organisations such as CASA, to pioneer new technologies in AAM for the region and develop green aviation solutions to address real-world problems.

Latrobe City Council and Swinburne have a shared vision to position and develop Victoria as a national and global leader of advanced air mobility, creating innovative new economic, social and environmental opportunities for Australia.

The partnership supports future economic growth through the creation of new industry as the local economy transitions from a reliance on energy and manufacturing industries.

The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct is located at Latrobe Regional Airport in Morwell. The partnership will re-energise the established capabilities, facilities, and space to enable advanced air mobility technologies and craft.

Swinburne’s AIR Hub is one of Australia’s largest and most active industry-research collaborations, driving the future of air mobility and developing the next generation of aerostructures in Australia.

Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan said advanced air mobility is at the forefront of innovation.

“Through this collaborative arrangement, with one of Australia’s leading education and research institutions in Swinburne University of Technology, we can create a pathway to design the new technologies of the future in the Latrobe City region,” said the Mayor.

 “As our region transitions from the traditional industries that have underpinned our economy, we need to look towards new industry and be innovative in our thinking of what the jobs of the future look like.

“The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct presents an opportunity to position Latrobe Regional Airport at the forefront of the emerging aviation sector.”

Latrobe City Council were fortunate enough to receive vital funding under the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program. This program was implemented to substantially improve 47 dangerous crash sites on Victorian roads in 2022–23.

The Black Spot Program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where serious crashes are known to have occurred or are at risk of occurring. T

The funding for Gippsland represented 41% of the total funding provided across Regional Victoria. Latrobe City had a total of four project sites nominated and approved with a funding value of just over $1.59 million.

The four sites that received upgrades were:

• Quarry Road, Yallourn North Install safety barriers at two bends. Improve delineation, including curve warning, road markings, raised pavement markers, advisory speed signs and install safety barriers. Australian government contribution: $265,000
• Monash Road and Shanahan Parade, Newborough Traffic calming, signage, wombat crossings and street lighting. Australian government contribution: $605,850
• Vary Street and Churchill Road, Morwell Reduce speed from 60 km/h to 50 km/h. Install speed cushions and delineation. Australian government contribution: $349,650
• Hannah Street and Old Melbourne Road, Morwell Upgrade Intersection at Old Melbourne Road and Hannah Street. Australian government contribution: $369,600

These projects have now all been completed except for Monash Road. This is currently in detailed design phase with construction due to begin next financial year.

Mayor of Latrobe City Cr Kellie O'Callaghan said that the funding has played an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on local roads.

“Road safety is a responsibility we take seriously at Council. It is our priority to create a road network that mitigates risk and aims to provide residents and visitors with a safe experience while driving in our region.”

“The safety measures that have been added to these dangerous sites will make a positive difference in that were of a high concern."

Black Spot Consultative Panels provide the opportunity for stakeholders to have a say in the project selection process to ensure that nominations of the highest priority and importance to the local community.

With funding available annually and a commitment to community road safety, Council will apply again in the next financial year.

In August 2022, Latrobe City Council held the week-long Small Business Festival to celebrate the important role that small businesses play in our local economy and our broader community.

The festival provided a range of events to prospective and current business owners within Latrobe City. Over 300 people took the opportunity to hear from experts in their fields, while also enjoying the opportunity to network with other small business owners.

Mayor of Latrobe City, Councillor Kellie O'Callaghan, said these types of events can be a valuable source of ideas to aid business owners in enhancing and growing their businesses.

“Our City has more than 4,500 small businesses, from the traditional bricks and mortar shop front, to Ecommerce and those run from individuals’ homes. These businesses play an important role in the fabric of our broader community, and are the engine room of our economy,” Cr O’Callaghan said.

“Small business is an important contributor to our local economy and provides significant employment.”

The festival hosted special guest speakers such as Matt Jones, Four Pillars Gin Co-Founder and Brand Director, who served up a tantalising gin taster before encouraging those in attendance to build a brand story. There was also an event with the leader of Business Chicks (Australia’s largest networking organisation for women) and author of two books, Emma Isaacs, who provided an insight as to how small businesses can grow and improve their customer base and service.

The Festival also saw the launch of the Latrobe City Business Chamber at a networking breakfast with Dr Keith Suter, one of Australia’s most influential global futurists and media commentators in national and foreign affairs.

The Small Business Festival was organised and delivered by Latrobe City Council Business Development Team and was made possible through the support of the Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund.

Last year, Latrobe City Council completed an extension of the Hyland Highway Landfill Gas Project. The Gas Project extension increases power generation of the biogas generator from enough electricity to power an average of 1134 households to 1482 households.

The Sustainability and Environment team are focused on reducing emissions, and with utility costs rising, they have been looking into increasing generation of Council’s own power.

Increasing power generation will save Council $252,000 a year in retail costs. Council will also receive further revenue from carbon credits, secured through the Clean Energy Regulator. In 2022, the Loy Yang Landfill Gas Generator and small solar exports saved Council $746,000 in retail electricity costs, not including the savings of electricity used at the landfill. This reduced Council’s emissions by an estimated 13,000 tonnes of CO2e a year.

This ties in with the sustainable aspect of the Council Plan. Council is working towards net zero energy emissions through the delivery of new energy initiatives, efficiencies and offsets.

Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan said she is proud that Council is a leader in the space of renewable energy.

“We have received requests from private consultancies, State departments and other Councils to visit our Hyland Highway Landfill Gas Project, to witness what can be achieved and learned from the project,” said the Mayor.

“The Gas Project has generated clean, low emission energy though utilising captured landfill gas, offsetting over 80 percent of Council’s electricity needs.

“Harnessing gas and converting it to energy has the added benefit of providing a new localised energy source that can be placed back into the electricity grid.”

Latrobe City Council is committed to providing employment and training opportunities in the Gippsland region.

In partnership with Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the ‘Steps to the Future’ Program was developed to improve indigenous employment opportunities in Gippsland.

The program is not limited to any industry or region in Gippsland and both private and public sector employers participate.

The program offers: pre-employment training, wage assistance, cross-cultural training and mentor and support.

The program has achieved and exceeded employment and training outcomes continues to meet the overall program milestones.

Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan said the program has also strengthened partnerships.

“Some participants of the program were involved with major infrastructure projects for the Gippsland Line Upgrade Line upgrade and were provided with pre-employments packages and relevant training,” said the Mayor.

“The program continues to provide extensive support to a vast range of business across the region, including health organisations, local indigenous businesses and Gippsland environmental agencies.

“Participants of the program also work closely with workforce providers and the local Gippsland Tafe and other training providers in the region. This project plays an integral role in providing pathways for participants and has led to many success stories.”

For more information about the Steps to the Future Program, visit Council’s website: latrobe.vic.gov.au/Community/ Indigenous_Services/Indigenous_Employment

Latrobe City Council is close to completing Stage Two of the Moe Revitalisation Project. The project includes a new youth precinct that is currently under construction and due to be finalised and ready for public use later this year.

The new space will include a skate park catered for beginners to intermediate skaters, play space, barbeque and picnic areas along with green spaces and associated amenities.

The project is being constructed by Multipro Civil.

Mayor of Latrobe City, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan has been very excited to see this long-awaited project for the local community making progress.

“Stage Two of the Moe Revitalisation Project will reinvigorate Moe’s Central Business District and bring to life the considerable input provided by our community,” said the Mayor.

“We appreciate the patience shown by the community during construction and want to reassure our residents that it will be well worth the wait.”

“With only the final touches to go, this is a very exciting time for our community and we look forward to opening the space for them very soon.”

Stroll and Roll program In Latrobe City, we want children and young people to feel safe and confident to walk, ride, skate or scoot in their local neighbourhood.

That is why Council started the Stroll & Roll Active Travel to School program, which was co-designed with the community and aims to increase the number of children and young people actively travelling to school.

Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan said after its first year, the program reached over 800 children and families across Latrobe City.

“Council saw an increase in active travel rates of the participating schools by 44% which also resulted in 120 less cars dropping children off at the front gate,” said the Mayor.

“The program also looks at creating individual behaviour change, using incentives, to get more students walking, riding, scooting or skating to and from school.”

The program was designed to address the barriers reported by students, parents and teachers that currently prevent students from actively travelling to school.

 Schools that join the Stroll & Roll program are supported by Council over a school year to implement sustainable changes. The program included road safety education, access to free bike ed facilitator training and the use of ‘My Active Travel Passports’ to offer some extra encouragement to stay consistent.

The program is funded by Latrobe City Council and VicHealth.