Latrobe City Council has welcomed new national research that highlights the growing appeal of regional centres for businesses, investors and skilled workers, with Traralgon-Morwell recognised as one of Australia’s most affordable places to live and do business.
The Startup Cities 2026 Report by Reckon ranked Traralgon-Morwell third in Australia for affordability and found regional cities continue to offer strong advantages, including lower business costs, good infrastructure and better digital connections.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, said the report confirmed what many local businesses and residents already knew.
“Latrobe City is a great place to live, work and do business,” Cr Gibson said.
“Being affordable gives us a real advantage. It helps businesses keep costs down, attract workers and invest in future growth.”
Cr Gibson said affordability was one of the reasons more businesses were looking at regional areas and why Latrobe City was well placed to attract new investment.
“We have a strong mix of industries, a skilled workforce and a great location. Combined with our affordability, that puts us in a strong position for future growth,” she said.
“We’re seeing opportunities across a range of sectors, including new energy, advanced manufacturing, logistics, aerospace and professional services.”
Latrobe remains Gippsland’s largest business centre, with 4753 businesses contributing around 31 per cent of the region’s Gross Regional Product.
The municipality is also home to major projects and investment activity, including the Gippsland Logistics and Manufacturing Precinct (GLaMP), the Keppel Data Centre, the State Electricity Commission’s proposed Energy Innovation Precinct at Hazelwood North, EnergyAustralia’s Energy Precinct, Marinus Link and the Delburn Wind Farm.
Cr Gibson said the report also highlighted the growing importance of reliable digital infrastructure.
“Fast and reliable internet is now essential for many businesses when deciding where to invest and grow,” she said.
“Last week Rural Fibre Co announced its 90 Mile Loop project, a major internet infrastructure project that will connect communities and businesses across Gippsland.
“This project will improve digital connectivity across Gippsland and help support future business and investment opportunities.”
While welcoming the positive findings of the Reckon report, Cr Gibson said there was still more work to do, particularly as the region prepares for the closure of Yallourn Power Station.
“The report shows we’re doing well in a number of areas, but it also highlights the need to keep improving workforce attraction, digital connectivity and support for business growth,” she said.
“Council will continue working with governments, industry and education providers to build on our strengths and create more opportunities for local businesses and workers.
“We also know community safety remains a major concern for local businesses and continues to be one of Council’s strongest advocacy priorities.”
Cr Gibson said Council remained focused on supporting local jobs, attracting investment and helping businesses succeed.
“This report confirms Latrobe City has strong foundations for the future. We’ll continue building on those strengths while focusing on the issues that matter most to our business community.”
