Westernport Economic Roundtable with Treasurer Tim Pallas
The Committee was pleased to join a Westernport Economic Roundtable discussion with Treasurer Tim Pallas, Hastings MP Paul Mercurio and local business leaders at Chief's Son Distillery in Somerville.
CFMP Members including Searoad Ferries, Esso, Hart Marine, SPX, Cohort Nursery, Gazzola Farms, Pt Leo Estate led the conversation around increasing economic activity in Westernport, utilising available land, cutting red tape, and developing skills and expertise to create and retain jobs in our region.
We were also pleased to reiterate our support for the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal in Hastings, and were pleased that the Port of Hastings were part of the conversation with the Treasurer and our local Hastings MP.
Other issues that were raised by members included:
- Support for the visitor economy and the impact the State Budget has on this important industry for the Mornington Peninsula
- The growth and potential of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal
- Utilising SUZ-1 land for broader industrial and commercial uses
- Inequity and inaccessibility to regional Victorian funding despite regional challenges
- Workforce issues including skills, expertise, qualifications, housing, and retention of workers
- Cutting regulation, red and green tape, and working with local government to encourage businesses to take risks
The future of Westernport is very bright, and the Committee will continue to work with its members to advocate for positive policy outcomes and significant investment for the often 'forgotten' side of the Mornington Peninsula.
Thank you to Paul Mercurio for facilitating this important conversation, and thank you to Treasurer Tim Pallas for being so generous with his time.
