By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON families may soon be able to spend more time at home and less time travelling to work after the Gillard Government announced one of the largest investments in local infrastructure in Melbourne’s West.
Federal MP Brendan O’Connor said the City of Melton would receive $14.6 million towards the establishment of the $21 million business precinct, the Western Business Accelerator and Centre for Excellence.
“The hub will have a particular focus on supporting the construction sector given the importance of this industry in providing new homes for the growing population of Toolern,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Fifteen new housing developments are under way in the municipality and more than 34 per cent of all new businesses registered in the Shire are part of this industry.”
He said the Western BACE received funding under the Suburban Jobs program, an initiative aimed to create local jobs, help reduce traffic congestion and build more sustainable cities.
Sustainability Minister Tony Burke said Melton Shire’s population was expected to double by 2031, with 83 per cent of its workers already forced to leave the area for employment.
“This project will help create local jobs and take cars off the road, allowing Melton residents to spend more time with family and friends,” Mr Burke said.
Melton City Council Mayor Justin Mammarella said the project would make a real difference to the lives of local residents.
“The Western BACE is an innovative approach linking training, support and research to deliver diverse and enduring employment opportunities and will ultimately contribute to a more sustainable community,” Cr Mammarella said.
“This project will enable us to redress the current imbalance between the number of residents and the number of local jobs and provide more opportunities for residents to work locally.”
The sustainably designed hub will provide office space and support for new and growing local businesses. The centre will also offer training for construction businesses on issues like environmentally sustainable building design and construction.
The centre is expected to be operational by mid 2015.
