Latrobe City Council has endorsed a final list of advocacy priorities that will inform its 2026/27 Advocacy Agenda.

Guided by Council’s Advocacy Framework, initiatives have been categorised into three tiers based on their strategic importance and the level of advocacy effort required.

• Tier 1 (high priority) initiatives will be supported by a dedicated advocacy plan, including targeted political engagement, strategic communications and coordinated campaign activity.
• Tier 2 (medium priority) initiatives will be integrated into Council’s broader advocacy efforts and consistently referenced through budget submissions, delegations and government engagement.
• Tier 3 (lower priority) initiatives will not be proactively campaigned but will remain part of Council’s advocacy materials and raised where appropriate in meetings and briefings.

Council has endorsed a focused set of priorities including the Economic Support Package, Advanced Air Mobility, Infrastructure Activation Fund, Community Safety – Place-Based Activation, Removal of Redundant Coal Overlays, Inter-Township Trail Network, Moe Revitalisation Project – Stage 3, Traralgon Activity Centre Master Plan, Traralgon Bypass, and Traralgon Flood Recovery Project.

A targeted group of economic development and community safety initiatives will receive the most concentrated advocacy effort, reflecting strong feedback from the community and local businesses. These priorities respond directly to the need to improve public safety, attract investment and support economic diversification, while infrastructure projects will continue to be progressed and advocated for as opportunities arise. 

Councillor feedback has played a key role in shaping the final Advocacy Agenda ahead of the upcoming State Election, ensuring it is aligned to needs of the community, evidence based and supporter by clear communications and engagement materials.

Recently, Latrobe City Mayor Councillor Sharon Gibson, Deputy Mayor Councillor Dale Harriman, and Chief Executive Officer Steven Piasente travelled to Canberra for the annual delegation meeting with the Prime Minister, Ministers, and federal representatives to advance these priorities at a national level.

Mayor Sharon Gibson said the endorsed Advocacy Agenda provides a clear and unified platform to support Latrobe City’s push for diversification to bring prosperity and future growth to our region.

“It’s important to keep focusing on diversifying the economy, by attracting investment and building on our existing strengths,” she said.

“Targeted investment will enable us to attract new industries and support local businesses”

“With the State Election approaching, it is vital that our priorities are clearly communicated so the needs of Latrobe City are well understood and strongly represented.”

The next step to finalise and design the 2026/27 Advocacy Agenda, alongside the development of tailored advocacy materials to drive engagement and secure investment in these priority areas.