By Tate Papworth
Former Victorian premier Steve Bracks has met with Brimbank councillors to discuss strategies to address poor health, education and employment outcomes across Melbourne’s west.
Mr Bracks, chair of the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) discussed the group’s recently released strategy, which calls for urgent investment in “catch-up” programs for the west.
The strategy also recommended major job clusters be developed around Sunshine, Footscray and Werribee.
Both Sunshine and Werribee are areas which Plan Melbourne identified as National Employment and Innovation Clusters.
Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said local investment was vital.
“Demand for jobs in Melbourne’s west is expected to increase – by 2030, it’s estimated 100,000 more people will be looking for jobs in the west, than there are jobs available,” she said.
“By investing in local employment clusters we not only create more jobs for our local communities – but we reduce traffic congestion.
“Council has a strong focus on advocating for investment to address significant, health, wellbeing and social challenges facing our community – the WoMEDA strategy recommendations support council’s calls for investment,” Cr Giudice said.
The council has written to the major political parties for commitments to fund “catch-up” programs.
“It is time for our state and federal governments to invest in the west,” Cr Giudice said.
