THE South-East is one of the fastest growing population centres in Melbourne and the Victorian Coalition Government is committed to generating jobs in the region.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week announced three new precinct structure plans for Clyde North, including new town centres, commercial space and an innovative new health precinct, which will create as many as 16,000 new jobs.
The Premier and Transport Minister this week announced a $2-$2.5 billion investment in rail on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines, which will create 3000 new jobs.
The investment includes a new train maintenance depot in Pakenham East, which will create permanent local jobs.
The Port of Hastings project will create thousands of jobs for the South-East. The Coalition will provide $110 million over four years to complete the work required to start building the world-class container port with land-side transport connections.
The Victorian Coalition stands alone in committing to the Port of Hastings development. Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews has failed to support this or any other infrastructure project that will create jobs in Casey and Cardinia.
The Coalition is also investigating the development of a third airport in Melbourne’s South-East.
This airport would complement the new Port of Hastings and would be a key part of a planned integrated economic triangle, which will link transport and economic infrastructure in the South-East to transport hubs in Melbourne’s north and west.
The Victorian Coalition also stands alone on the South-East airport, with Opposition Planning Minister Brian Tee dismissing the option as a ‘thought bubble’ and an ‘issue that is decades away.’
By 2050, Melbourne’s population is predicted to reach between 5.6 and 6.4 million. The time to invest in infrastructure for future jobs is now.
Brad Battin MP,
Member for Gembrook.
Brian Paynter,
Liberal Candidate for Bass.
