New ‘capital’ set for growth corridor
A new suburb with 50,000 jobs across a number of industries is being created to become the 'capital' of a major growth corridor.
The Victorian suburb on the 770-hectare East Werribee Employment Precinct will also have ‘crucial transport and infrastructure services’, according to premier Ted Baillieu and planning minister Matthew Guy, who said it would hold 7,000 properties.
"The East Werribee Employment Precinct will be the largest integrated business and residential development of government-owned land in Victoria since Docklands," Mr Baillieu said.
The new development, outlined in the draft Precinct Structure Plan for the site, demonstrates confidence in Melbourne’s west and lays the foundation for a residential heart of the western growth corridor, Mr Guy added.
"East Werribee is in the heart of one of Australia's fastest growing urban areas and is a prime location for increased residential and commercial activity," he said.
The suburb is 25km from Melbourne and 40km from Geelong's city centre. It is also close to Tullamarine airport and Avalon airport.
The area will be a new ‘capital’ for Melbourne’s west, according to Growth Areas Authority chief executive officer Peter Seamer.
"The vision we have for the future is one where people living in our newest suburbs have access to local jobs, town centres and the services they need, without spending two hours in the car or train each day travelling to where they need to be," Mr Seamer said.
"East Werribee will deliver this vision and, together with the Werribee City Centre, will create a vibrant capital of Melbourne's west."
A draft of the master plan will be available from Tuesday 27 November, with submissions from the public accepted up to 11 February 2013.