Premier Tony Wakeham says addressing the concerns raised by the mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay are among the goals of a strategic plan government is developing in anticipation of expanded hydro development in Labrador.

Government has struck a team, lead by Labrador and Indigenous Affairs Minister Lela Evans, to help identify needs and issues in the region.

Mayor Bert Pomeroy issued a warning last week that his town won’t support Churchill Falls or Gull Island without a comprehensive plan to meet infrastructure and socio-economic needs in his municipality.

Pomeroy says his town is “traumatized” by government’s failure to address the same issues before the Muskrat Falls project got underway.

The premier says he’s already been speaking with Pomeroy and the town council about their concerns.

He says government needs to make sure that infrastructure is developed in the communities affected by the development. That includes housing and other social economic conditions. “We’re going to make sure we consult with all the stakeholders in Labrador.”