Tate Papworth
A 20-year city deal proposing key projects and significant investment in Melbourne’s western and northern regions has the potential to offer “once in a lifetime opportunities” for the area, according to Brimbank mayor Georgina Papafotiou.
Brimbank council has joined 13 regional councils in welcoming the announcement of the North West Melbourne City Deal Plan 2020-2040, which was released last week by former Victorian premiers Steve Bracks and John Brumby, and current senator Scott Ryan.
The plan aims to kickstart economic recovery in one of the fastest growing regions of Australia, reboot business, boost social and economic inclusion, and leverage existing strengths in health, food production, manufacturing and logistics.
“Brimbank has always been particularly vulnerable to a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, with our pre-existing socio-economic challenges, and some of the highest unemployment rates in Victoria,” Cr Papafotiou said.
“These regions have been hardest hit by the pandemic, and we need this plan now more than ever to improve liveability, create long-term jobs and drive investment in the west.
“The 20-year forward plan provides an unprecedented opportunity to unlock Brimbank’s potential, provide pathways to jobs, health and education, transport and connectivity and facilitate further investment and economic growth.”
At the heart of the plan is the Melbourne Airport Rail project and Sunshine Super Hub, which would create up to 15,000 jobs and transform Sunshine to become an economic powerhouse of Melbourne’s west.
But another key area of the plan is Energy Park.
Energy Park comprises 44 hectares of vacant land including former quarry and closed landfill activities.
Once soil capping works are completed and site stabilisation occurs over the next 15-20 years, there is an opportunity for the site to become a major regional sport venue and facility, serving the north and western regions.
“Energy Park in Sunshine has the potential to become one of the western region’s premium parks with sport, recreation and entertainment opportunities, and demonstrating environmental excellence,” Cr Papafotiou said.
“First, a concept plan would need to be developed and environmental land management works progressed to ensure Energy Park is fit-for-purpose and designed to meet community needs.
“There are also opportunities for short-term projects on the site, while environmental land management works are being addressed, which may include local energy production to assist reaching council’s commitment of zero net emissions by 2040.”
