Andrews Labor Government ministers will join business leaders and community representatives at a special forum in Werribee on Thursday to develop ideas and strategies to continue strong jobs growth in Melbourne's West.
Minister for Suburban Development and Member for Kororoit Marlene Kairouz said Melbourne’s West was experiencing significant change as traditional industry transitions and adapts, new businesses and opportunities develop and local communities continue to grow at a rate amongst the fastest in the metropolitan area.
Since November 2014, the number of jobs in the West has grown by 20 per cent, to more than 433,000.
With the population projected to increase from just under 820,000 to more than 1 million by 2026, ongoing business growth is vital to ensure local people can continue to work close to home.
West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance chair and former premier Steve Bracks will deliver the keynote address on Thursday and will be joined by Minister Kairouz and Minister for Public Transport, Ports and Freight and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne.
Fellow Labor Government MPs including Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly and Cesar Melhem, Kaushaliya Vaghela and Ingrid Stitt (all Western Metropolitan) will also participate in the forum.
The Werribee event has been organised by the Western Metropolitan Partnership.
The Western Metropolitan Partnership is one of six metropolitan partnerships established by the Labor Government to provide a way for local communities to connect with decision-makers on the priorities and issues that matter most in their region.
Melbourne's Western Metropolitan Region extends from the inner suburbs of Moonee Ponds, Footscray and Williamstown through middle-ring suburbs of Essendon, Maribyrnong, Sunshine and Altona to the growth area suburbs surrounding Werribee and Melton.
The Western Metropolitan Partnership will use feedback from Thursday’s session to prepare its annual independent advice to the government later this year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Development Marlene Kairouz
“We are building a strong economic future for Melbourne’s west and the work of the Western Metropolitan Partnership is vital in identifying issues and opportunities in the region.”
“We’re working together in the west to continue to build a strong economy and community with growing job opportunities for workers and the lifestyle that our families enjoy so much.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020