Findings from a report by WoMEDA (West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance) have shone a spotlight on strategies to propel plans for Sunshine to become Melbourne’s second CBD by 2050.
The report was presented as part of a summit on 22 and 23 October, which offered analysis and recommendations on how to progress economic and social growth in Melbourne’s west.
WoMEDA stated “the development of the Sunshine superhub and the Airport Rail Link (ARL) make Sunshine the natural hub around which to build Melbourne’s second CBD”.
The $4 billion Sunshine superhub project, which the state government said is the first step of Melton electrification and the ARL, is expected to be completed by 2030.
WoMEDA welcomed funding announced by both levels of government earlier this year for the ARL and the superhub, but expressed concern “the ambition is not as great as it was” for the project.
It highlighted problems with key elements of the project it said were “up in the air”, such as the timing of the ARL.
The report recommended the state and federal governments work together to fully fund the ARL and that work on the superhub and the ARL be “prioritised and hastened.”
Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang is confident Sunshine is the right choice for Melbourne’s second CBD.
“We are perfectly situated in the heart of Melbourne’s booming west and have always been a diverse and welcoming community,” Cr Dang said.
“The people of Brimbank and the west have waited patiently for a long time, as we’ve seen investment flow to other regions.”
She said developing Sunshine into Melbourne’s second CBD by 2025 will take coordinated effort from all levels of government, business, and the community.
“Delivering the full Sunshine Masterplan as promised by Premier Jacinta Allan ahead of the 2022 State Election is critical to capturing this momentum and transforming the Sunshine into a world class destination,” Cr Dang said.
“The Sunshine Masterplan has always been a key pillar of the Sunshine superhub project.”
According to the state government, the Sunshine Station Masterplan consists of a series of proposals to transform Sunshine Station’s surrounds into a vibrant place, with the superhub at its heart, and a focus on how the area can develop and support the community, employment opportunities, housing and population growth.
The state government said it will confirm further details and timeframes on the final scope of the Sunshine superhub in the coming months.
“Work is underway to coordinate the Sunshine superhub and Sunshine Masterplan projects to deliver the best outcomes for the precinct,” the spokesperson said.
