It’s unlikely that Sunshine would become home to more state government agencies if Labor returns to power in November.
At a recent meeting with LeadWest representatives and western suburbs councillors in Footscray, Premier Denis Napthine said new government offices could be placed in Sunshine as it emerges as a national employment cluster.
“That’s a distinct possibility,” Dr Napthine said.
“Sunshine would be ideally placed, given the development of the Sunshine station and the airport rail link.”
However, in an exclusive interview with Star Weekly, Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said the relocation of government offices to Brimbank was unlikely.
“It does cost quite a lot of money to move an agency from one part of the city to another,’’ he said.
‘‘I know there is strong support for this, but it’s about priorities and it’s about choices and you can’t do everything.’’
Mr Andrews said a Labor government would concentrate on attracting new private sector employers to Melbourne’s west.
“It’s a great place to set up a business … that doesn’t always have to involve a state government agency at considerable expense to taxpayers,” he said.
Dr Napthine also promised the government would work closely with Brimbank council in the development of the western section of the East West Link.
Labor is opposed to the project, which will join the Tullamarine Freeway to the Western Ring Road, having previously supported a second river crossing to ease congestion on the West Gate Bridge.
