Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green today launched the Portland Industrial Land Strategy with a $150,000 contribution from the Victorian Government.
The strategy has identified land for future industrial development in the Portland region to 2050, providing significant investment and employment opportunities.
Development of the strategy follows years of industrial zoning issues in Portland, with substantial amounts of industrially zoned land unable to be used because of proximity to sensitive areas, such as housing and schools.
The strategy has now clearly defined and analysed appropriate sites for industrial use, which will give investment and jobs growth in Portland a much needed boost.
It recommends action to deal with inappropriately zoned, industrial areas and has produced an investment prospectus for the zones identified as ready for development.
The document provides certainty to a regional city which has been restrained by concerns over the potential closure of Alcoa – a significant issue in Portland over the last half of 2016.
Those fears will now be alleviated by the Andrews Labor Government and Commonwealth’s Alcoa rescue package.
Development of the Industrial Land Strategy has now presented an opportunity for new businesses to be established in Portland, particularly around servicing the Port along the supply chain, including freight, timber, mineral sands and truck maintenance.
The Port is critical to the local economy, and many businesses supporting the Port will be able to establish or expand now that the zoning issues have been addressed.
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green
“Uncertainty surrounding land zoning issues have seen business and investment opportunities lost to Portland which has meant a loss of potential jobs to the region.”
“The Portland Industrial Land Strategy has now clarified and resolved those issues, providing direction and guidance for the future growth of industry within the city.”
“There is now a way forward to attract new manufacturers and service industries to Portland which will accelerate the growth and employment opportunities of the city.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020