Latrobe City Council recently hosted a visit from Mr Peter McGauran Australia’s Consul-General and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to Houston, Texas and former Federal Member for Gippsland and Mr Leigh Kennedy Manager of the Energy Sector at Austrade. Both were treated to tours of Gippsland Tech School, Australian Paper’s Energy from Waste Project Office, Safetech and a presentation by J-power on the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain Project.
Following these proceedings Mr McGauran discussed the several challenges Latrobe City faces in terms of industry and employment with Latrobe City Mayor Cr Graeme Middlemiss and Deputy Mayor Darren Howe. Latrobe City used this opportunity to promote the region’s engineering capabilities and the efforts to explore capabilities of diversifying our economy. Mr Kennedy acknowledged the potential for Latrobe City businesses to participate in Austrade programs and the opportunities for connecting into foreign trade offices.
“Although a short visit I believe Mr McGauran and Mr Kennedy got plenty of information about Latrobe City industries and our potential to diversify our economy especially in the defence and clean energy sectors” – Latrobe City Mayor Cr Graeme Middlemiss
“Latrobe City has a strong outward looking focus and is keen to export the region’s skills and services both nationally and internationally. The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) will work with Council to identify opportunities in international markets. Austrade has 93 posts around the world so can draw on a unique network of advisers. I think there’s significant potential to capitalize on the region’s extensive engineering and technical skills base.” – Peter McGauran Australia’s Consul-General and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to Houston, Texas and former Federal Member for Gippsland between 1983 to 2008
