Gippsland takes centre stage in European Union research partnership
One Gippsland Chair Cr Nathan Hersey at the Melbourne launch of the second phase of the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC).
Gippsland has been selected to take part in a European Union research initiative, shining an international spotlight on the region’s energy diversification, tourism and high quality agriculture.
Gippsland joins Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Greater Hobart and South West Western Australia as participants in the global cooperation on sustainable urban development and regional innovation.
One Gippsland Chair Cr Nathan Hersey showcased Gippsland’s strengths and ambitions at the Melbourne launch of the second phase of the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC).
Next month, Cr Hersey and Latrobe City Council Mayor Cr Dale Harriman will represent One Gippsland at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2025 in Barcelona as guests of the IURC. They will participate in meetings and discussions with regional and city leaders from across the world.
Cr Hersey said Gippsland’s inclusion in the IURC acknowledged our region as diverse and ambitious with global relevance.
“We’re proud Gippsland is being recognised internationally for our role in Australia’s clean energy future, our thriving visitor economy and our world-class food and fibre sector,” Cr Hersey said.
“Participation in the program can work towards helping our region attract investment, create new jobs and strengthen skills training so our community can make the most of future opportunities,” he said.
The IURC promotes multi-city cooperation and builds partnerships between EU and non-EU cities. Participants will be able to work with European and international partners over three years on pilot projects in areas including energy, circular economy, industrial modernisation, urban food systems, culture, education and tourism.
Cr Hersey said One Gippsland would work to deliver lasting benefits for the Gippsland region.
“We want Gippsland to be known as Australia’s most liveable region by 2040. That means securing investment in freight, digital connectivity, education and skills, renewables, agriculture and tourism,” Cr Hersey said.
“This program and potential future partnerships are another opportunity to prepare for the future by strengthening links between local industry, education and government, and demonstrate how regional Australia can contribute to global challenges such as food security, energy security and disaster resilience,” he said.
Gippsland is home to Australia’s first offshore wind zone, a $2.4 billion visitor economy built on iconic attractions including Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade, Wilsons Promontory and the Gippsland Lakes, and a strong $7 billion agricultural and fisheries sector that feeds Melbourne, contributes to Australia’s food supply and exports around the world.
Cr Hersey said the region generated $14 billion in gross regional product annually - a figure One Gippsland wanted to grow to $23.2 billion by 2040.
“Gippsland’s story is one of resilience and ambition - and now it will be shared on the world stage,” Cr Hersey said.
“I look forward to learning from other cities and regions across the world, to bring back ideas to help strengthen our local economy, employment opportunities and the liveability of Gippsland.
“One Gippsland will have a particular focus on the areas of agri-food and energy production during its IURC participation,” he said.
At the Barcelona congress, One Gippsland will participate in discussions on industrial modernisation, agri-food, clean energy and the sustainable use of ocean resources, known as the blue economy.
Cr Hersey’s and Cr Harriman’s flights, accommodation, some meals and transport, and costs associated with their attendance at the congress will be covered by the IURC.