The federal government has announced a $43 million assistance package for the Latrobe Valley after it was announced the Hazelwood power station will shut in March.
Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg on Thursday said the package would include $20 million for new infrastructure projects in the region and $20 million for the Latrobe Valley to become the country's 10th regional jobs and investment project.
There'll also be $3 million for job assistance, retraining and financial services support for affected workers.
"Our sympathies go out to the workers and to their families," Mr Frydenberg told reporters in Melbourne.
He welcomed a commitment by co-owners Engie and Mitsui to "meet the entitlements of their workers in full".
A joint federal and state government task force has been established to support the Latrobe Valley community.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spoke with Premier Daniel Andrews on Thursday.
The Commonwealth's $43 million package is on top of $42 million in support funds from the state Labor government.
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